Call The Midwife

[Perdita]

The BBC has announced that new drama Call The Midwife will return for a second series.

The show - which has only aired two episodes - stars Miranda Hart as one of a community of nursing nuns.

The first episode pulled in a total of 9.8m viewers on January 15, making it BBC One's highest launch episode of a new drama on record.

Last night's episode also drew impressive figures, with overnight figures averaging 8.6 million.

"Call The Midwife has had a huge impact with audiences," said BBC One controller Danny Cohen. "It's a very high-quality drama series from a brilliant team.

"It manages to be both hard-hitting and emotional, gritty and warm. I am already looking forward to the second series."

Ben Stephenson, controller of BBC Drama Commissioning, added: "Call The Midwife is a totally original mix of comedy, tears, babies and nuns and it is fantastic to see this distinctive piece of British drama win such high praise and ratings.

"We can't wait for the team to return next year and are very grateful to the vision of [original author] Jennifer Worth and [adaptation writer] Heidi Thomas."

Call The Midwife continues this Sunday at 8pm on BBC One.

[alan45]

What a wonderful performance by Miranda Hart last night. he showed how well she can play a serious part as well as a comedy one. She is totally believable in the part of Chumley. Well done

[Katy]

She certainly did. She was great. I enjoyed last nights more than the first episode.

[Perdita]

12 February 2012

When Frank, the brother of Peggy the cleaner at Nonnatus House, is diagnosed with cancer Jenny and the nuns are called upon to provide him with care.
In doing so Jenny comes to know the siblings better, learning of their upbringing in a workhouse and the profound effect it has had on their relationship.

Meanwhile the other residents of Nonnatus House find themselves involved in Fred’s latest money-making venture – a pig called Evie. Fred’s plan had been to make his fortune from bacon but this is scuppered when it’s realised the pig is pregnant. The nuns and nurses help Fred and Evie in the manner they know best.

[Perdita]

19 February 2012

Sister Monica Joan is found wandering near the docks and returned to Nonnatus House by the police.
Her adventure takes its toll and she succumbs to pneumonia. Eventually she recovers, only to find herself in trouble with the law when she is accused of theft. As the case progresses to trial, everyone fears that Sister Monica Joan could go to jail.

Chummy has further worries when her mother makes a trip to inspect her new 'beau'. The visit isn’t a success and Chummy suffers a crisis of confidence, breaking off her relationship with PC Noakes. Jenny and the other midwives pull together to convince her she's making a mistake.

[Perdita]

Call the Midwife's final episode will be broadcast half an hour later than usual on Sunday, February 19.

The BBC has shifted the popular period drama from 8pm to 8.30pm after ITV scheduled a half-hour episode of Coronation Street at 8pm.

"Call the Midwife has been the standout hit of the year and it's both surprising and disappointing for viewers that ITV1 were prepared to sacrifice an episode of Coronation Street just to damage its audience," a corporation insider told PA.

However, an ITV spokesman disputed the BBC's claims, saying: "We've moved it to Sunday because that's the next available similar time slot and it's for one night only."

Coronation Street will not air its usual 8.30pm edition on Thursday, February 16 due to ITV's broadcast of Manchester City's UEFA Cup game versus Porto.

Call the Midwife has soared in popularity since its premiere last month, achieving over 9 million viewers last Sunday for its most recent instalment.

[Perdita]

Former Coronation Street star Tina O'Brien has revealed playing teen mum Sarah Platt in the soap prepared her for childbirth.
The 28-year-old actress is mother to three-year-old daughter Scarlett with ex-boyfriend and Corrie star Ryan Thomas, and is currently starring as an expectant mum in hit BBC show Call The Midwife.
Tina told Inside Soap magazine: "When Sara had baby Bethany in Corrie, everyone made sure I was well prepped - I was given a lot of videos to watch!
"But it's very different doing birthing scenes when you've actually been through it in real life.
"We had a real midwife advising us during filming on Call The Midwife, and she could tell I'd had a baby of my own."
In Corrie Sarah has moved to Italy to work in Milan, but her family still live on the street.
Tina said: "It would be tempting if I was asked to go back, but it would depend on the situation at the time.
"I'd be incredibly flattered if they did ask, though, because I really enjoyed my time on Corrie."

PA

[JustJodi]

Going with the topic,, has any one read the books ???? OMG they are so good !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!