CALL The Midwife bosses may have confirmed a new series for next year, but that hasn’t stopped speculation over the show’s future.
After creator Heidi Thomas suggested the BBC One hit may be paused and replaced by a spin-off, I can exclusively reveal that it could take the form of a “casebook” featuring doctor Patrick Turner.
The spin-off could be in the form of a ‘casebook’ featuring doctor Patrick Turner, played by Stephen McGann[/caption]
Sources reckon there is plenty scope to expand the much-loved medic, played by Stephen McGann.
A TV insider said: “The GP is an important character, but ultimately is a supporting character to the nuns and midwives of Nonnatus House.
There’s the feeling that his day-to-day work in the East End of London has huge potential to be adapted into a spin-off, because he will deal with a vast array of problems and ailments beyond delivering babies.
“So it would be linked to the heritage of Call The Midwife, but also be sufficiently different to make it worth exploring.”
The 14th series of the period drama drew to a close on Sunday night and the show’s official account posted on social media: “See you again soon! x #CallTheMidwife will return with a brand new Christmas Special, and Series 15 in 2026!”
Filming is due to start soon, but if the show was rested after that, I previously revealed that another option could be a spin-off about the early life of Trixie Franklin, played by Helen George.
Heidi didn’t give much away when she recently told the Radio Times: “I don’t believe Call The Midwife will ever end. But I do think we might take a break at some point.
“There is a sort of an ongoing conversation we have at this point every year, which is, ‘Is there an end point? What are we working towards?’.
“Increasingly, we do see opportunities to expand our storytelling world. So if we do take a break, it will be with a view to looking at other aspects of Call The Midwife.”
When asked if that might lead to a spin-off being created, she teased: “Watch this space.”
I’d say a show centred on Patrick Turner could be just what the doctor ordered.
SOAP JOY FOR JANE
ITV has confirmed Jane McDonald will reprise her role as host of the British Soap Awards when it returns later this year.
We were the first to tell you last week that Jane would be returning to the show, which she first hosted in 2023 before it was mysteriously cancelled last year.
She said: “I’m beyond excited to be hosting again, as I had such a ball last time.
“You all know I love my soaps, so to be giving recognition to the wonderful actors and their fantastic hard work is joyous.
“I can’t wait to get my glittery frock on and celebrate with everyone.”
SUE PERKINS wants viewers to know her new series Chess Masters: Endgame, can be surprisingly attractive.
Ahead of next Monday’s debut on BBC Two at 8pm, Sue said: “It’s gone from being a beloved board game to an online phenomenon, and it’s also become sexy.”
JAMES ACASTER has revealed Channel 4 will not be commissioning another round of his late-night game show People Person after a disastrous pilot episode.
He told the Always Be Comedy podcast: “Everything that went wrong could have gone wrong, and I absolutely loved it.”
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