Call the Midwife Series/Episode Guide
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Series One - 2012
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The opening episode sees newly qualified midwife Jenny Lee arriving at Nonnatus House. Believing she has been sent to a small private hospital, Jenny is initially surprised to find herself at a convent.
As the nuns and nurses go about their duties, Nonnatus House gains a new resident, Chummy, a welcome pair of hands to help with the busy caseload. Sister Evangelina, in a case of inverted snobbery, has littlepatience with her or with her passionate and somewhat lofty desire to become a missionary.
Jenny is placed on the district nursing roster for a few weeks, to extend her experience of community practice. Her first patient is a gentle old soldier, Joe, who is suffering from appalling leg ulcers. In his eighties and almost blind, Joe is effectively confined to his one-roomed tenement flat and enjoys Jenny's visits. Although not naturally chatty, Jenny appreciates his stories, and a tentative friendship forms
When Frank, the brother of Peggy, the cleaner at Nonnatus House, is diagnosed with cancer, Jenny and the nuns are called upon to provide him with care. In doing so, Jenny comes to know the siblings better, learning of their upbringing in a workhouse and the profound effect it has had on their relationship.
Jenny who has now been working in the East End for some time, feels privileged to share such a precious part of these Poplar residents lives.
In the final episode of Series 1 Sister Monica Joan is found wandering near the docks, and returned to Nonnatus House by the police. Her adventure takes its toll on her health and she succumbs to pneumonia. When she eventually recovers, she sails forth back into the community, only to find herself in trouble with the law when she is accused of theft.
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Series Two - 2013
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It's 1958 and, returning from a long day of duties, Nurse Jenny Lee finds the Nonnatus House community gathered to wish her a happy birthday,
The Nonnatus community is rocked when the Kelly family's new born son dies tragically in unexplained circumstances. Cynthia, who had attended the birth, comes under intense scrutiny from the police and thepregnant women of Poplar.
Jenny is seconded to the short-staffed London Hospital to work on the male surgical ward. Initially hesitant about her temporary assignment, she becomes increasingly reluctant about her new duties when she finds herself working under an intimidating surgeon, Mr Tracey.
Returning from her stint at the London Hospital, Jenny needs all her skill as a midwife when she and Sister Evangelina assist at the birth of the Roberts' baby, who is born with spina bifida.
In Episode 6 Dr Turner manages to get Poplar included in the mass X-ray screening programme for TB. Meanwhile, Jenny's district nursing rounds introduce her to a family who have been devastated by the disease.
Cynthia's district nursing rounds find her administering daily insulin injections to diabetic John Lacey, a deplorable bully who consistently belittles his wife Annie. A visit from Annie's beloved son Bob, and moral support from Cynthia, see Annie gaining confidence and start to turn her life around.
In the final episode of the series Chummy and Peter prepare to become parents, Fred has a visit from his daughter Dolly, who also has a baby on the way. Meanwhile, Sister Bernadette faces her own difficult crossroads; to the delight of herfriends, particularly Dr Turner, her health crisis has passed and she will soon be free to leave the sanatorium. She must now decide whether her future lies within or outside the walls of Nonnatus House.
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Series Three - 2014
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As Jenny struggles to care for exhausted mother Merle Vickers and her two sickly sons, it is Sister Monica Joan who holds the key to the diagnosis of their mystery illness.
Jenny is delighted to be promoted to acting sister, but she soon finds herself dealing with her most challenging case yet. Elsewhere, Cynthia spearheads a new birthing practice for the expectant mothers of Poplar, Sister Winifred puts her green-fingered skills to good use, and Chummy continues to juggle her work and home lives.
Sister Julienne and Trixie brace themselves for prison life when they are rostered to work at Holloway Prison.
In Episode 3 Jenny's life is turned upside down when Alec has a terrible accident. Sister Winifred helps a holocaust survivor bury the past and Shelagh decides to join the local choir.
When a young woman with Down's syndrome is discovered pregnant, sinister circumstances are assumed. Meanwhile, as the nuns organise celebrations for Sister Evangelina's jubilee, Nonnatus House greets new midwife Patsy. Elsewhere, Timothy Turner takes his first steps without his callipers after catching Polio.
Patsy's brusque manner lands her in trouble with the nuns and she is removed from midwifery duties.
As Jenny returns to Nonnatus House, her encounter with nervous expectant mum Faye forces her to break the rules. Chummy throws herself into preparations for her mother's visit, whilst Sister Julienne and Cynthia deal with acute mental illness in a newly delivered mother.
In the final episode of Series 3 preparations are made for Chummy to nurse her dying mother at home, Jenny finds herself drawn to help. Whilst Shelagh and Dr Turner await news from the Adoption Society,
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Series Four - 2015
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A chance encounter with an impoverished child forces Trixie to see an unfamiliar darker side of life. As Nonnatus House welcomes a new resident, Nurse Barbara Gilbert, Tom Hereward has a surprise romantic gesture in store for Trixie.
Barbara faces her most challenging case to date when she treats first-time mother Abigail Bissette and the birth does not go according to plan. As Sister Julienne struggles with the increasing financial pressure on Nonnatus House, a mystery benefactor comes to the rescue. Elsewhere Sister Evangelina is unimpressed by newly arrived nurse Phyllis Crane.
Trixie undertakes her first official church duty since her engagement to Tom.
The midwives face one of their busiest nights to date, whilst Sister Winifred concentrates her efforts on the prostitutes of Poplar. Elsewhere, cracks start to appear in Trixie and Tom Hereward's relationship.
Dr Turner's involvement in the case forces him to face his own demons.
A young diabetic girl faces heartbreak when she falls pregnant as a result of a clandestine romance. Elsewhere, the midwives become involved with a settlement of Irish Travellers and Sister Mary Cynthia delivers her first baby since becoming a nun.
In the final episode of the series Trixie and Sister Mary Cynthia team up to support a deaf mother-to-be, while a case of morning sickness proves more serious than initially suspected. Elsewhere, Fred's daughter is less than delighted about his forthcoming wedding to Violet.
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Series Five - 2016
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Easter approaches, and for the nuns and midwives of Nonnatus House it's as busy as ever as babies are born to myriad families across the borough. One such delivery brings with it its own set of shocks, as Patsyhelps experienced mother Rhoda Mullucks give birth to a baby with severe deformities, with no clear explanation.
Barbara experiences the biggest test of her career when a struggling dockworker's wife is forced into a difficult decision about her impending delivery.
Nurse Crane meets a new friend who promises great adventure but conceals a secret.
As the modern world begins to encroach on traditional Poplar life, everyone is starting to notice the changes. On secondment at a busy local hospital, Sister Julienne is impressed by the medical advances thatare saving the lives of mothers and babies. But a traumatic birth raises moral questions for her which she struggles to answer.
With modern advances starting to change things for the better, even medical professionals like Dr Turner and Shelagh are forced to consider their own lifestyles. As they fight for better respiratory health for their patients, Timothy realises the risks his parents are running by continuing to smoke.
Meanwhile, a back injury forces Violet to put her beloved shop in Fred's care, with unforeseen consequences.
Shelagh and Timothy secretly organise to take Dr Turner on a long-overdue family camping holiday, but a freak summer thunderstorm threatens to dampen their enthusiasm. Despite their best efforts, the holiday is cut short when Dr Turner realises his patients are at risk from the locum GP working in his absence.
With autumn on its way, the appetite for change is rife across Poplar. As Dr Turner shares his excitement about the impending release of the contraceptive pill, not all of his counterparts at Nonnatus House are as keen for the social change it may bring.
In the final episode of the series Nonnatus House is thrown into disarray by a tragedy even closer to home. Although Sister Evangelina is back at work, it is clear that her recent stroke has affected her badly, and that her health problems are not over.
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Series Six - 2017
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The midwives receive a rapturous and warm welcome home from their South African adventure but all is not well at Nonnatus House. In their absence, Sister Ursula has been running a very tight ship and it isquickly announced that she will remain in charge at Nonnatus House, above Sister Julienne.
Barmaid Valerie Dyer's quick thinking catches Shelagh's attention when they are first on hand to deal with the casualties at the dock fire. Shelagh is appalled by the general lack of basic health and safety in the docks and strives to make a difference to the men that work there. Dr Turner and Shelagh also share the happy news of Shelagh's pregnancy with their children.
Sister Ursula has her own anxieties about the efficiency of Nonnatus House, so she introduces a new 20-minute rule for all antenatal and postnatal house visits. Meanwhile, Sister Monica Joan has started disappearing for long periods of time and there are growing concerns for Sister Mary Cynthia's whereabouts.
Nonnatus House welcomes a new recruit, Nurse Valerie Dyer. A vulnerable young man captures Fred and Violet's hearts.
Dr Turner helps the Mullucks cope with the stresses of caring for a disabled child as the terrible legacy of thalidomide becomes apparent and Nurse Crane faces an unexpected crisis.
In the final episode of the series An unexpected turn of events leads to a wedding being hastily arranged. Shelagh finally goes into labour. The arrival of the pill leads to unforeseen consequences.
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Series Seven 2018
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The winter continues, and the team at Nonnatus House welcome their newest midwife, Lucille Anderson. Nurse Crane and Dr Turner care for an elderly cancer patient facing eviction.
Lucille is on duty when Valerie’s family friend Marjory goes into labour. Marjory’s mother Mae is sceptical about Lucille’s ability, but is proved wrong when she competently delivers the baby. However, when Marjory’s health takes an unexpected turn for the worse, Mae’s prejudice and racism causes her to blame Lucille. Shelagh gets a little more than she bargained for when their glamorous Hungarian Au Pair arrives.
There was more heartbreak for Nurse Trixie as she pleaded with Christopher to return to his wife. An emotional Trixie was seen returning to alcohol to cope with yet another painful break-up.
Sister Julienne and Dr Turner are convinced Sister Monica Joan needs cataract surgery, but before having the first consultation she must acknowledge that her vision is impaired. At clinic, Lucille meets a woman with pica - but this is no ordinary craving, as Mrs Campbell cannot stop eating coal.
Trixie goes to stay with her godmother, Violet and Fred organise a picnic for the parish, and Tom and Barbara return home.
Episode 7 sees heart breaking scenes, Nurse Barbara was seen contracting meningitis, which soon developed into fatal sepsis - leaving her bed bound, pale and covered in a harsh rash.
Lying lifelessly in her bed, just two weeks after her return to Poplar, her reverend husband Tom is seen giving her one last kiss, while her best friend Phyllis Crane looks on, through tears as Barbara passes away.
In the Final Episode of Series 7 birthday girl Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt) watches with delight and surprise (and sometimes with sorrow), images from her long life are projected up on the cinema screen.
Crowded in to the auditorium are Sister Winifred, Val, Phyllis, Sister Julienne, Violet, Tom, Fred, Dr Turner, Shelagh, Lucille and the elderly nun’s many friends and neighbours, all in one place to celebrate together. But – through the power of projection! They are also joined by Chummy, Barbara and even Trixie.
The slideshow features photographs of everyone’s favourite Barbara (Charlotte Ritchie), whose recent death is deeply felt at Nonnatus House.
Lucille is on duty when Valerie’s family friend Marjory goes into labour. Marjory’s mother Mae is sceptical about Lucille’s ability, but is proved wrong when she competently delivers the baby. However, when Marjory’s health takes an unexpected turn for the worse, Mae’s prejudice and racism causes her to blame Lucille. Shelagh gets a little more than she bargained for when their glamorous Hungarian Au Pair arrives.
There was more heartbreak for Nurse Trixie as she pleaded with Christopher to return to his wife. An emotional Trixie was seen returning to alcohol to cope with yet another painful break-up.
Sister Julienne and Dr Turner are convinced Sister Monica Joan needs cataract surgery, but before having the first consultation she must acknowledge that her vision is impaired. At clinic, Lucille meets a woman with pica - but this is no ordinary craving, as Mrs Campbell cannot stop eating coal.
Trixie goes to stay with her godmother, Violet and Fred organise a picnic for the parish, and Tom and Barbara return home.
Episode 7 sees heart breaking scenes, Nurse Barbara was seen contracting meningitis, which soon developed into fatal sepsis - leaving her bed bound, pale and covered in a harsh rash.
Lying lifelessly in her bed, just two weeks after her return to Poplar, her reverend husband Tom is seen giving her one last kiss, while her best friend Phyllis Crane looks on, through tears as Barbara passes away.
In the Final Episode of Series 7 birthday girl Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt) watches with delight and surprise (and sometimes with sorrow), images from her long life are projected up on the cinema screen.
Crowded in to the auditorium are Sister Winifred, Val, Phyllis, Sister Julienne, Violet, Tom, Fred, Dr Turner, Shelagh, Lucille and the elderly nun’s many friends and neighbours, all in one place to celebrate together. But – through the power of projection! They are also joined by Chummy, Barbara and even Trixie.
The slideshow features photographs of everyone’s favourite Barbara (Charlotte Ritchie), whose recent death is deeply felt at Nonnatus House.
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Series Eight - 2019
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As two new nuns join Nonnatus House, a shocking case exposes the seedier side of Poplar, while a complicated birth tests Trixie and Phyllis.
Violet runs for election as a councillor, Lucille befriends an elderly woman facing eviction, and Sister Hilda supports a Ghanaian family suffering from a mysterious illness.
A troubled mother receives support from Shelagh and an unexpected source, Valerie helps a woman whose child is born with a cleft palate, and Phyllis has ambitious plans for the Whitsun bank holiday.
A friend of Trixie's finds herself in an impossible situation, while Sister Julienne endeavors to mend a fractured mother daughter relationship.
A young bride-to-be suffers an identity crisis after the diagnosis of a hidden condition, an expectant father is diagnosed with a rare condition himself, and romance is in the air for Lucille.
Infidelity leads to a painful diagnosis for a pregnant wife. Sister Frances faces her first solo delivery. The Turners prepare to say goodbye to May.
Mother Mildred returns and helps a docker family tackle end-stage pneumoconiosis. Lucille cares for an unmarried teenage mother who wants to keep her baby.
Nurse Dyer uncovers a dark secret about her grandmother.
Nurse Dyer's grandmother faces legal consequences for performing abortions. A couple deal with a baby on the way and a daughter with Hodgkin's. The Turners get welcome news about May.
Violet runs for election as a councillor, Lucille befriends an elderly woman facing eviction, and Sister Hilda supports a Ghanaian family suffering from a mysterious illness.
A troubled mother receives support from Shelagh and an unexpected source, Valerie helps a woman whose child is born with a cleft palate, and Phyllis has ambitious plans for the Whitsun bank holiday.
A friend of Trixie's finds herself in an impossible situation, while Sister Julienne endeavors to mend a fractured mother daughter relationship.
A young bride-to-be suffers an identity crisis after the diagnosis of a hidden condition, an expectant father is diagnosed with a rare condition himself, and romance is in the air for Lucille.
Infidelity leads to a painful diagnosis for a pregnant wife. Sister Frances faces her first solo delivery. The Turners prepare to say goodbye to May.
Mother Mildred returns and helps a docker family tackle end-stage pneumoconiosis. Lucille cares for an unmarried teenage mother who wants to keep her baby.
Nurse Dyer uncovers a dark secret about her grandmother.
Nurse Dyer's grandmother faces legal consequences for performing abortions. A couple deal with a baby on the way and a daughter with Hodgkin's. The Turners get welcome news about May.
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Series Nine - 2020
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Series eight focused heavily on the issue of women turning to back street abortions because they were unable to receive a termination legally provided by the NHS. Expect to see this continue in series nine, with the midwives campaigning for women’s rights to safe and legal abortion.
As well as tackling sensitive social issues, expect to see more twists and turns in the personal lives of our Nonnatus House favourites, from Valerie coming to terms with her grandmother’s imprisonment to Lucille finding romance with Cyril.
Opening with the funeral of Winston Churchill in January 1965, series nine then continues with Nonnatus House entering a bold and innovative era. As the tower blocks multiply, and a new East End rises from the ashes of the old, society becomes more prosperous, but more complex. Our familiar team of medics and midwives face unexpected challenges as the population shifts, rules change, and old diseases come back to haunt them. Alongside the joy and optimism of birth, they must cope with cases including diphtheria, drug abuse, cancer, tuberculosis, and fistula. Meanwhile, their own experiences are fuelled by love, loss, and doubt - and the very fabric of their lives is jeopardised when Nonnatus itself comes under threat of demolition,
As well as tackling sensitive social issues, expect to see more twists and turns in the personal lives of our Nonnatus House favourites, from Valerie coming to terms with her grandmother’s imprisonment to Lucille finding romance with Cyril.
Opening with the funeral of Winston Churchill in January 1965, series nine then continues with Nonnatus House entering a bold and innovative era. As the tower blocks multiply, and a new East End rises from the ashes of the old, society becomes more prosperous, but more complex. Our familiar team of medics and midwives face unexpected challenges as the population shifts, rules change, and old diseases come back to haunt them. Alongside the joy and optimism of birth, they must cope with cases including diphtheria, drug abuse, cancer, tuberculosis, and fistula. Meanwhile, their own experiences are fuelled by love, loss, and doubt - and the very fabric of their lives is jeopardised when Nonnatus itself comes under threat of demolition,
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Series Ten - 2021
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Series 10 of Call the Midwife takes place in 1966, and much of the overarching plot revolves around Sister Julienne’s attempts to secure the financial future of Nonnatus House. Season 10 also sees Lucille and Cyril’s relationship progress, and Trixie bond with a widower.
The drama also covers England’s World Cup win – though it wasn’t such good news for Fred Buckle, who’d placed an unfortunate bet. And in season 10 we’ve seen explorations of medical conditions including PKU, gestational diabetes, pilonidal cyst, and acute myeloid leukaemia. Plus, episode one had a storyline around Operation Grapple and the long-term health effects of exposure to nuclear radiation.
Later in the series, we wonder if Call the Midwife will cover the Aberfan disaster. One morning in October, a mountain of coal waste collapsed onto Pantglas Junior School in Aberfan, Wales, killing 116 children and 28 adults. The tragedy is sure to touch a few hearts at Nonnatus House.
The drama also covers England’s World Cup win – though it wasn’t such good news for Fred Buckle, who’d placed an unfortunate bet. And in season 10 we’ve seen explorations of medical conditions including PKU, gestational diabetes, pilonidal cyst, and acute myeloid leukaemia. Plus, episode one had a storyline around Operation Grapple and the long-term health effects of exposure to nuclear radiation.
Later in the series, we wonder if Call the Midwife will cover the Aberfan disaster. One morning in October, a mountain of coal waste collapsed onto Pantglas Junior School in Aberfan, Wales, killing 116 children and 28 adults. The tragedy is sure to touch a few hearts at Nonnatus House.
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Series Eleven - 2022
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Demolition works in Poplar in a tenement block reveal a long-buried secret at Easter 1967. Sister Frances joins Dr Turner in operating a cervical smear clinic, and helps to support a recently married young woman who has received a life-changing diagnosis.
Shelagh organises a special celebration to mark 100 years since the Order first arrived in Poplar - although Sister Hilda feels that she should have been in charge of the festivities. Nancy tackles the plight of meths drinkers living rough in Poplar,
Cyril looks for a job that will put his qualifications to good use, a first-time mother struggles to bond with her daughter, and Fred comes up with a way to keep the wards cool during a summer heatwave.
Nancy and Sister Frances are asked to give a talk to a class of primary school girls after several of them start their periods early. A black raven is found in the parlour. Sister Monica Joan fears it is a bad omen, and consults a clairvoyant for advice on what its appearance means for Nonnatus House.
An unforeseen event leaves Nonnatus House facing its biggest threat yet. Sister Frances supports a teenage mother who is facing moving out of foster care and living alone for the first time in her life.
The team rushes to the aid of the injured in the wake of a terrible tragedy that has devastated the Poplar community - but there is no news of whether Sister Julienne or Dr Turner have survived. A guilt-stricken Timothy goes in search of his father, while an oblivious Sister Higgins learns what of the catastrophic events occurring nearby while she is in the middle of a delivery
Shelagh organises a special celebration to mark 100 years since the Order first arrived in Poplar - although Sister Hilda feels that she should have been in charge of the festivities. Nancy tackles the plight of meths drinkers living rough in Poplar,
Cyril looks for a job that will put his qualifications to good use, a first-time mother struggles to bond with her daughter, and Fred comes up with a way to keep the wards cool during a summer heatwave.
Nancy and Sister Frances are asked to give a talk to a class of primary school girls after several of them start their periods early. A black raven is found in the parlour. Sister Monica Joan fears it is a bad omen, and consults a clairvoyant for advice on what its appearance means for Nonnatus House.
An unforeseen event leaves Nonnatus House facing its biggest threat yet. Sister Frances supports a teenage mother who is facing moving out of foster care and living alone for the first time in her life.
The team rushes to the aid of the injured in the wake of a terrible tragedy that has devastated the Poplar community - but there is no news of whether Sister Julienne or Dr Turner have survived. A guilt-stricken Timothy goes in search of his father, while an oblivious Sister Higgins learns what of the catastrophic events occurring nearby while she is in the middle of a delivery
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Series Twelve - 2023
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It's April 1968 and change is coming to Nonnatus House. Racial tensions cast a shadow over Poplar, and the sisters welcome a new recruit. Miss Higgins is involved in an unexpected delivery, and the community stages a talent show and the Nonnatus team are faced with challenging cases, one of which is much closer to home as Lucille struggles with her own health. Sister Veronica is shaken when a mother reveals a terrible truth about her marriage. Shelagh cares for a baby with a life-threatening condition, and Nancy harbours a secret. The maternity home is thrown into chaos by an outbreak of gastroenteritis, and Nurse Crane fights to save her career. Meanwhile, Cyril encourages Reggie to seek help. Matthew prepares for a visit from his father and Trixie supports an underage mother through a difficult time, Monica Joan welcomes an unusual guest to Nonnatus House and in the Season Finale Trixie and Mathew finaly tie the knot.