When does ‘Call the Midwife’ Season 8 start?

The BBC has confirmed when the new season of Call the Midwife will premiere in the UK.

Following last month’s feature-length Christmas special, the hit period drama series is back with eight brand new episodes.

Set in 1964, the show’s eighth season introduces two new sisters; Sister Hilda, played by Fenella Woolgar (War & Peace), and Sister Frances, played by Ella Bruccoleri (The Last Kingdom). They’re joined by Harry Potter actress Miriam Margolyes as Sister Mildred.

Call the Midwife returns at 8pm on Sunday nights from 13th January on BBC One.

The official synopsis for the first episode reads: “It’s springtime, and with extra help needed in Poplar Mother Mildred decides to send Sister Frances and Sister Hilda to Nonnatus House, where they will live and work.

“Everyone is excited for the impending arrival of the Queen’s baby. Violet is holding a Teddy Bears’ Picnic and raising funds through a sweepstake on whether the Queen will have a boy or a girl. The midwives are introduced to their new midwifery bags but Sister Monica Joan is distressed when she sees Fred burning the old leather ones.

“Lucille is caring for heavily pregnant Lesley White, whose sister Cath, an aspiring model, has been feeling extremely unwell. Back at the maternity home, Shelagh has to step in to help Trixie with a birth that takes a surprise turn.”

Jenny Agutter, who plays Sister Julienne, updated fans recently on the possibility of a Call the Midwife movie.

Season 8 will air in the USA this spring on Masterpiece on PBS.

The seventh season of Call the Midwife is available now on DVD on Amazon.