A FIRST look into Call the Midwife spin-off’s Christmas special which will star a Corrie Legend.
The beloved loved drama will air a winter special which is set to be a prequel titled Sisters In Arms.
First look at Call the Midwife spin-off’s Christmas special starring Corrie legend Julie Hesmondhalgh and Helena Wilson Credit: PA
Five new faces will be hitting screens including Ellie Mckay, Liv Andrusier and Lizzie Back for three-part special Credit: PA
The festive three-part show will take place in Poplar in September 1939 during the Second World War.
Sisters In Arms will follow the nurse-midwives and nuns as they serve their community through difficult times and explore the beginnings of Nonnatus House.
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The prequel shows the earlier years of fan-favourite characters Sister Julienne, Sister Monica Joan (played by Helen Schlesinger), and Sister Evangelina (Amy Booth-Steel).
Five new faces will be hitting screens including Corrie star Julie Hesmondhalgh, 56, who is best known for playing Hayley Cropper on the cobbles.
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Joining her is Helena Wilson, Ellie McKay, Liv Andrusier, and Lizzie Back.
A first look at the BBC show, sees Julie pose with a clapperboard confirming that filming has now wrapped.
The TV star was dressed as nun Sister Alice and posed alongside young Sister Julienne (Wilson).
It was revealed earlier this year by show bosses that the series would not be getting its usual festive episode on Christmas day.
Writer Heidi Thomas revealed: “No, there won’t be a Christmas special this Christmas, not in the traditional mould”.
She added: “This is really just a very temporary pause in the usual pattern”.
Viewers were left heartbroken as Sister Monica Joan died during Call The Midwife’s series 15 finale Credit: BBC
The beloved show now won’t be back on our screens for a few years while creator Heidi also works on a movie version Credit: BBC
The prequel will still launch during the Christmas period – meaning viewers will still be able to get their Call The Midwife fix.
Speaking to BBC about the retelling, Creator Heidi said: “’Having loved and lived with the Sisters of Nonnatus House for so many years, I found myself longing to turn the clock back and tell the story of their finest hour – the Blitz.
“Who were Sister Monica Joan, Sister Julienne and Sister Evangelina when they were young? What did they do, how did they survive and how did the conflict change them?
“Above all else, Call the Midwife: Sisters in Arms is about what happens when women go to war.
“It is about love and birth, separation and courage, lipstick and nylons (or the lack thereof). But it is also a medical drama, set in a devastating landscape where even the nurses cannot know if they will live till morning.”
Call The Midwife’s series 15 finale wrapped with an emotional twist.
While there were happy moments like Cyril and Rosalind’s wedding and Joyce Highland getting a new job, viewers were left heartbroken as Sister Monica Joan died.
The character – played by 90-year-old Judy Parfitt – has been a key part of the show since it began in 2012.
The show now won’t be back on our screens for a few years while Heidi also works on a movie version.
