…By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media.
Production has commenced on the highly anticipated 13th series of the beloved period drama, Call The Midwife.
The upcoming series, including a 90-minute Christmas special for 2023, will introduce new student midwives to the iconic Nonnatus House.
Set in 1969, the series will consist of eight hour-long episodes scheduled to air in 2024.
Return of Main Cast and Introduction of New Characters
Fans can look forward to the return of the show’s main cast, including Jenny Agutter, Stephen McGann, and Helen George.
Joining them at Nonnatus House are two new pupil midwives portrayed by Renee Bailey and Natalie Quarry.
Bailey will take on the role of Joyce Highland, a determined aspiring matron from Trinidad, who possesses a diligent work ethic, intelligence, and kindness, all while harboring a traumatic past.
Quarry will portray Rosalind Clifford, a youthful, warm-hearted, passionate, and humorous character, whose seemingly naïve nature conceals a strong inner resolve that leads her to make life-altering choices.
Exploring Complex Medical and Personal Stories
The 13th series of Call The Midwife will continue to delve into intricate medical and personal situations encountered during midwifery and district nursing rounds.
The stories will explore the experiences of the Sylheti and Nigerian communities, as well as those connected to the local docks.
The series will address various issues, including cerebral palsy, congenital hip dysplasia, tetanus, porphyria, and tuberculosis.
Heidi Thomas and Pippa Harris Share Excitement for the New Series
Creator and writer of the show, Heidi Thomas, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming series, emphasizing the special bond viewers have formed with the beloved characters.
Thomas highlighted that series 13 will be filled with poignant moments celebrating the connections between the young and old.
She acknowledged that despite the tight-knit Nonnatus House community, life in Poplar is far from a fairy tale, and the changing times of 1969 will present challenges for the nuns, nurses, medics, and midwives.
Thomas also praised the addition of newcomers Joyce and Rosalind, who arrive with their own journeys of growth and contribution.
Executive producer Dame Pippa Harris echoed the excitement, sharing her anticipation for the audience to meet the new characters and follow their experiences in the streets of Poplar.
Harris commended Heidi Thomas for her exceptional storytelling, which artfully weaves together themes of joy, despair, love, history, and medicine, all against the backdrop of a beautifully diverse array of newborn babies.
The 13th series of Call The Midwife promises to captivate viewers with its heartfelt narratives and enduring characters, as it continues to explore the complexities of life and the unwavering dedication of those who serve the community.