Is Call the Midwife ending? Series 16 on hold with no traditional Christmas special in 2026 - here's why
The BBC has confirmed the future of the much-loved show
Call the Midwife series 15 is finally here but, following news that series 16 is currently on hold, fans are worried about the future of the show.
As the world of Nonnatus House expands with a prequel series and a movie in development, rumours have been doing the rounds that the main series will be axed to make way for the spin-offs. However, the BBC has been quick to reject the claims, promising that season 16 would arrive ‘in due course’.
This is welcome news for viewers of the show, which has been on our screens since 2012. Although series 16 is currently on pause, the BBC has given it the green light and plans to move forward with production.
The upcoming movie featuring all our beloved characters from Nonnatus House is about to go into production. The prequel, which will air first, explores life in Poplar during the Second World War as the Blitz impacts London.
Is Call the Midwife ending?
No, thankfully not!
The BBC announced that the main show we know and love will continue to be a huge part of the channel’s programming. A statement said: “We would like to reassure fans that Call the Midwife will remain at the heart of the BBC for years to come.
“As previously announced, there will be a new series, a film and a prequel series. A 16th series will arrive in due course. Call the Midwife isn’t going anywhere.”
Series 14 attracted 7.8 million viewers, establishing it as one of the UK’s biggest dramas still. The series also enjoys massive popularity worldwide, especially in America, where it airs on PBS.
When will Call the Midwife series 16 air?
The BBC has confirmed that it will produce series 16 in due course, even though filming for the main series is currently on hold.
Once again, a formidable all-female team will write, create and produce the new series. Show-runner Heidi Thomas and executive producers Pippa Harris and Ann Tricklebank will helm the next instalment of the main show.
Speaking of the Call the Midwife franchise, Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: “Call the Midwife has been a jewel in the BBC’s crown for well over a decade.
“This feels like the perfect time to further expand the perfectly realised world that Heidi, Pippa, and Annie have created.
“Whether you’ve been watching from the very start or joined us for one of the more recent series, this is an incredibly exciting time to be a Call the Midwife fan.”
A Christmas special with a difference in 2026
Heidi Thomas opened up about the changes coming to Call the Midwife at a recent press event. She said, “There won’t be a Christmas special in 2026. Not in the traditional mould, anyway.
“It is a very temporary halt in the usual pattern. I don’t think any other show has produced a Christmas special for as many years as we have. This is a lovely opportunity to press pause and come back with even more exciting things.
Heidi also hinted that the prequel will have a Christmas special to replace the traditional Call the Midwife festive episodes. She added: “We are going to make the prequel next. There will be more news about that in the spring.
“The film is already in preparation for preproduction, but in production terms, that would come after the prequel.
“Viewers will watch the prequel set in 1939 first, followed by the film set in 1972, and starring the current cast. Series 16 will then take place in 1973.”
Addressing the rumours that the upcoming Call the Midwife movie will be set in Australia, Heidi said: “The show isn’t going anywhere… except maybe to Australia!”
Read more: Top-tier dramas returning in 2026: From Doctor Foster to Sherwood and The Night Manager
