‘Call the Midwife’ recap: What happened in this year’s Christmas special?

This year’s festive Call the Midwife episode aired in the UK tonight.

The BBC’s hit period drama series about a group of nurse midwives working in the East End of London returned with a new feature-length Christmas special ahead of its ninth season next year.

Here’s a plot recap for the episode, which aired at 7pm on Wednesday 25th December 2019 on BBC One:

As Christmas approaches, a bout of influenza sweeps through Nonnatus House.

When Mother Mildred (Miriam Margolyes) declares that God is calling her to set up a branch house in the Outer Hebrides, it seems an ideal opportunity for some of the team to convalesce in the fresh Scottish air.

As they recover, they will be able to help the island where there is a nursing and doctor shortage.

Much to Violet’s (Annabelle Apsion) frustration, Fred (Cliff Parisi) is enlisted to drive them all.

Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt) associates the Outer Hebrides with St Eustace’s White Stag, a symbol of Christ, and is thrilled at the idea. However, she soon discovers to her annoyance that she is being left behind.

They quickly set off on their journey where they are to stay in a freezing cold, converted church.

As the team set about establishing an antenatal clinic and treating the local population, they must battle not only the weather and bleak terrain, but the suspicions of some of the islanders.

Meanwhile, in Poplar, Reggie (Daniel Laurie) has come home for Christmas and finds a hidden present: The Guinness Book Of World Records.

Inspired by the triumphs of others, Reggie decides that he too will try to break a world record.

Season 8 is available on DVD on Amazon.