Call The Midwife enthusiasts are facing disappointing news as series creator Heidi Thomas has announced that there will not be a Christmas special in 2026. Over the past 15 years, the show’s holiday episode has become a beloved fixture of the BBC’s Christmas Day line-up. While the 2025 special was uniquely split into two parts, airing on December 25 and 26, viewers will find it absent from next year’s schedule.

In an exclusive conversation with Express.co.uk and other media at the launch event for the upcoming 15th season, Heidi Thomas, who is married to Stephen McGann, the actor portraying Dr. Patrick Turner, confirmed the hiatus. “No, there won’t be a Christmas special next Christmas, not in the traditional mold, so all of us get to enjoy Christmas Day, which is very nice,” she remarked with humor. She shared that her family traditionally watches the show together since they haven’t seen it beforehand. Heidi, who often cooks for a large family gathering, described how she, like many mothers, finds a moment of peace watching the show after the festive meal preparations.

The decision for this break is to make way for a feature film based on the series, which was announced this past June. Amid various speculations regarding the show’s continuity, the BBC has released an official statement.

“The BBC would like to reassure fans that Call The Midwife will remain at the heart of the BBC for years to come,” the statement assured.

“As previously announced, there are two Christmas specials, a new series, a film, and a prequel series before a sixteenth series in due course. Call the Midwife isn’t going anywhere,” it stated.

While Heidi confirmed the film is going ahead, she admitted they are still finalising certain details, so they won’t be “making any official announcements” just yet.

Heidi had previously opened up about the film saying: “As the classic Call the Midwife series moves further into the 1970s, it also seems the perfect time for our much-loved regulars to take a short break from Poplar and test themselves in an unfamiliar landscape.

“The rise in hospital births, and changes in the NHS have clipped their wings, and this is their chance to take flight and work out what really matters.

“Whilst the location of the film remains top-secret, I can say it is going to look absolutely fantastic on the big screen!”

While fans wait for the big screen outing the eagerly anticipated 15th season is set hit BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Janauary 11.