Call the Midwife star teases the return of past characters for Christmas special

Call the Midwife cast wave goodbye to Trixie and Phyllis
(Image credit: BBC / Nealstreet Productions / Sally Mais)

Call the Midwife actor Stephen McGann, who plays Dr. Patrick Turner on the hit period drama, has revealed that some familiar faces will be returning to the upcoming Christmas special.

Although he didn’t mention who will be returning specifically, he guaranteed that the special will be emotional.

Talking to the Radio Times, Stephen said: "Starting with the Christmas special, what I can say is that there is a return of some familiar characters from the past, in a very moving way.

"I think it draws on its own history again, but there's a lot of joy at Christmas as usual. But there's also a great story there too, and it's been really enjoyable to do."

Call the Midwife season 12 is also set to make its highly anticipated return, which Stephen touched upon in the same interview.

Stephen McGann as Dr Patrick Turner.

Stephen has promised that the Christmas special will be moving. (Image credit: BBC)

"For the next series, I think it feels very open after the pandemic," he commented.

"There's a good vibe at the moment on set. So I'm really looking forward to the dynamic of the new series — although we don't get told a great deal, so we don't know any big secrets!"

This news comes after Call the Midwife confirmed that Helen George, who plays fan-favourite Trixie Franklin, would return after sharing a behind-the-scenes photo of the cast filming the 2022 Christmas special.

Captioning the photo, which shows Helen getting glammed up by the hair and makeup team, the official Call the Midwife page wrote: Behind the scenes on the Call The Midwife Christmas Special 2022: Trixie prepares... @helenrgeorge #callthemidwife #helengeorge"

This teaser image is exciting news for fans, as it means she'll not only be returning for Call the Midwife season 12, but also for the 2022 Christmas special of the series. 

In Call the Midwife season 11, Trixie Franklin jetted off to Italy to take care of her dying godmother, while Helen George was on maternity leave. She has since welcomed her second child into the world and is now ready to return to set.

Past series of Call the Midwife are available on BBC iPlayer in the UK and PBS in the US.

Grace Morris
Staff Writer

Grace is a digital writer with WhatToWatch.com, where she writes series guides, recaps and features for must-watch shows and delivers all the latest soap news and reactions. She graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020 with a degree in Writing and Film Studies, which only made her love for creative writing, film and TV grow stronger.


You'll usually find her watching the drama unfold in the latest reality series or much-loved UK soaps (usually with chocolate by her side!). She's an expert in EastEnders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and everything reality-related from Selling Sunset and Married At First Sight UK to 90 Day Fiancé UK. Plus Netflix megahit Virgin River!


Grace also likes to explore new places with her friends and family and, of course, watch and read about the latest films and TV series.