When a beloved period drama starts feeling like a Hollywood action blockbuster, you know something special is coming. Fans of Call the Midwife might be expecting tender moments and nostalgic warmth this Christmas, but what’s ahead sounds strikingly more like Mission: Impossible than a quiet night at Nonnatus House.
According to Molly Vevers, who plays Sister Catherine, parts of filming this year’s festive special took on an unexpectedly thrilling twist. Speaking through the show’s official Instagram page, she shared that one of the biggest sequences takes place during Poplar’s Christmas parade—a scene described as a massive logistical challenge involving elaborate floats, dazzling costumes, and even a flurry of fake snow. But here’s where it gets truly unexpected: a stunt coordinator was brought in to manage some rather tricky elements.
“I absolutely loved shooting the parade,” Vevers revealed, laughing as she explained that she and her co-stars Renee Bailey and Natalie Quarry played angels riding on one of the floats. “It was technically considered a stunt! We were actually harnessed with invisible ropes so we could do our ‘angel moves’ safely. Honestly, it felt like Mission: Impossible!”
And this is the part most fans might not see coming—the show that usually centers around heartfelt human stories is pulling off cinematic stunts this time around. Could this signal a bolder, more visually ambitious chapter for Call the Midwife?
Meanwhile, Helen George, known for her role as Trixie, couldn’t stop gushing about her favorite part of the experience: the costumes. Designed by Justine Luxton, the show’s head of costume, her angelic outfit seems to have left quite an impression. “I think it might be my favorite costume ever,” George admitted. “It’s got a lovely 1970s feel—a white coat trimmed with fur, wings sprouting from the back, and glittering stars throughout.” She added with a laugh, “It’s easily the most festive we’ve ever been!”
The show’s Instagram post also gave fans a sneak peek at behind-the-scenes moments, filled with sparkle, laughter, and what looks like one of the most spectacular Christmas episodes yet.
And if that weren’t enough, other cast members have been teasing even more intrigue. Jenny Agutter hinted that this year’s Christmas installments might feature both joy and darker, more emotional themes, while Zephryn Taitte mentioned a mysterious “visitor” for his character Cyril. Helen George, in another interview, revealed that things seem more settled than ever between Trixie and Matthew—but could that peace last?
This year, viewers will be treated to not one but two new Call the Midwife Christmas specials. Back in September, the cast confirmed that the story would take them into “completely new territory,” with Laura Main (Shelagh Turner) describing it as “absolutely new ground.” Stephen McGann (Dr. Patrick Turner) added that while the specials balance emotional drama as always, one episode in particular had him laughing out loud during filming. “There’s this wonderful thing that happens,” he teased, “but I’m not saying what—it’s brilliant.”
One thing’s certain: fans are in for an emotional rollercoaster wrapped in tinsel and snow. The festive episodes will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Christmas, promising laughter, tears, and—apparently—stunts worthy of Tom Cruise.
But here’s the real question: should a gentle, heartwarming show like Call the Midwife dip into action-movie territory? Or is it exactly the kind of creative twist that keeps long-running series fresh? Share your thoughts below—do you love this stunt-filled surprise, or do you prefer your Poplar stories grounded in tradition?
