Neal Street to make hour-long episodes set in 1969
Call the Midwife is set for a Christmas special that will be the first two-parter in the series’ 12-year history.
Co-produced by Neal Street Productions and PBS, the BBC1 series has traditionally had a 90-minute festive special. This year’s will consist of two 60-minute episodes.
The drama has repeatedly been one of the most popular over the festive period, with last year’s episode watched by 4.3m (29%) in the 8.15pm slot, rising to 7.5m (38%) after seven days and 8.9m over 28 days. A total of 13 Christmas specials have aired since the series started in 2012.
This year’s special will be set at Christmas in 1969, where the midwives are dealing with an anxious community where an escaped prisoner is on the run.
Meanwhile production is underway on the 14th series, which will comprise the two Christmas specials and eight new episodes launching next year on BBC1 in the UK and PBS in North America.
A 15th series has been commissioned by director of BBC drama Lindsay Salt and commissioning editor Gaynor Holmes.
Call the Midwife is created, written and executive produced by Heidi Thomas, executive produced by Pippa Harris for All3Media label Neal Street Productions, and Ann Tricklebank who also serves as producer. Holmes is the executive producer for the BBC.
Harris said: “For the first time, viewers can luxuriate in a two-part festive treat this Christmas. Heidi has created a spellbinding special which I know will delight our loyal fans.”
Salt said: “Call the Midwife has become one of UK television’s most popular festive traditions, and this year we wanted to go even better with Call the Midwife’s biggest Christmas ever. Heidi and the team have lined up an absolute treat, with two irresistible episodes packed full of everything fans will love about this very special series at Christmas time.”
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