BBC One commissions fifth series of Call The Midwife

BBC One has commissioned a fifth series of Call The Midwife from Neal Street Productions.

The order will see a fourth Christmas special air in 2015, preceding a run of eight episodes.

“We’re delighted that the BBC have commissioned a fifth series of Call the Midwife. The international success of the show is testament to the passion, dedication and skill of Heidi Thomas and the wonderfully talented cast and crew who have created a truly brilliant fourth series for our loyal viewers to enjoy on screen very soon.” – Pippa Harris, Executive Producer for Neal Street Productions

The acclaimed period drama was created by Heidi Thomas and focuses on a group of midwives living and working in London’s East End. Originally set in the 1950s, its upcoming fourth series will see the action move into the early 1960s.

A third Christmas special will air later this year with the fourth series continuing from January 2015.  Joining the regular cast are Linda Bassett (East is East, Lark Rise to Candleford) as Nurse Phyllis Crane and Charlotte Ritchie (Life Of Riley, Fresh Meat) as Nurse Barbara Gilbert. Vanessa Redgrave will appear for the first time as Jennifer Worth in the Christmas special episode.

Series five was commissioned by Charlotte Moore, Controller, BBC One; and Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama Commissioning.

“Call the Midwife is one of UK’s most popular dramas and in series four Heidi Thomas’ writing meets new heights. I’m delighted to be commissioning a new series from Pippa Harris and Neal St Productions.” – Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama commissioning

Call The Midwife is one of the BBC’s biggest drama successes of recent times with its three series to date averaging in excess of 10 million viewers. The show and its talent have also won numerous accolades across the industry including the 2013 BAFTA Craft award for director Philippa Lowthorpe, the first woman ever to receive the direction award.