BBC One’s Call the Midwife is welcoming a talented array of guest stars in series 15 episode one
Olivia Wheeler Content Editor Screen Time
15:30, 11 Jan 2026
Jenny Agutter, who plays Sister Julienne, hinted that the forthcoming series 15 will take a darker turn(Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Olly Courtney)
The beloved BBC One drama, Call the Midwife, is set to welcome a host of talented guest stars in the first episode of series 15.
The popular show will return on Sunday 11 January with eight fresh hour-long episodes for viewers to delve into. The upcoming series promises to address a range of topics including the Women’s Liberation Movement, premature birth, placenta previa, kidney cancer, tuberculosis and slavery.
This follows hints from Jenny Agutter, who portrays Sister Julienne, that the forthcoming series 15 may take a more sombre tone compared to previous seasons.
Returning characters include fan favourites such as Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt), Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter), Shelagh Turner (Laura Main), Trixie Aylward (Helen George), Fred Buckle (Cliff Parisi), Dr Turner (Stephen McGann), Nurse Crane (Linda Bassett), Violet Buckle (Annabelle Apsion), Miss Higgins (Georgie Glen), Cyril Robinson (Zephryn Taitte), Sister Veronica (Rebecca Gethings), Reggie Jackson (Daniel Laurie), Joyce Highland (Renee Bailey), Rosalind Clifford (Natalie Quarry), Sister Catherine (Molly Vevers), Timothy Turner (Max Macmillan), Angela Turner (Alice Brown), May Tang (April Rae Hoang) and Teddy Turner (Edward Shaw).
Call the Midwife returns on Sunday 11 January for series 15 of the hit BBC One drama series (Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Olly Courtney)
The synopsis for the first episode of series 15 suggests that the Nonnatus team will become increasingly worried about the wellbeing of four young children. In addition, Sister Catherine faces her first solo delivery, and the midwives attend a Women’s Liberation meeting, reports the Mirror.
Ahead of series 15, episode one, we delve into the new guest stars joining Call the Midwife, from a prominent Killing Eve actor to a Hollywood actress, viewers are in for a treat this season…
Izzy Meikle-Small – Thelma Cutler
In a first look photo, it sees a pregnant Thelma in bed being tended to by Sister Catherine(Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Luke Ross)
Izzy Meikle-Small is set to join the cast as Thelma Cutler. A sneak peek photo shows a pregnant Thelma in bed being cared for by Sister Catherine.
Viewers will undoubtedly recognise actress Izzy, 29, from her role in Outlander as Rachel Hunter, which she has portrayed since 2023.
Other roles include the Hollywood film Snow White and the Huntsman in 2012, Great Expectations in 2011, and Ripper Street in 2016.
Turlough Convery – Ian Kingsley
In a first look photo, it sees an angry Ian, standing next to a woman called Edna, appearing to confront Nurse Crane(Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Olly Courtney)
Turlough Convery is also joining the cast as Ian Kingsley. In a preview photo, an irate Ian can be seen standing next to a woman named Edna, played by Larner Wallace-Taylor, seemingly confronting Nurse Crane.
Turlough, 34, boasts a range of acting credits. Viewers will recognise him from the 2020 series of Killing Eve, where he played Bear for seven episodes.
Other roles include Liam in My Mad Fat Diary from 2014 to 2015, Tom Harry in Poldark from 2016 to 2018, Grantaire in Les Misérables in 2019, Arthur Parker in Sanditon from 2019 to 2023, Lord Mooton in House of the Dragon in 2024, and Dancer Blaine in Slow Horses in 2024.
Sophie Reid – Maxine Drummond
In a first look photo, it sees Maxine at a Women’s Liberation Movement meeting with Rosalind Clifford and other new character Rebecca(Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Olly Courtney)
Sophie Reid is set to join the cast as Maxine Drummond. A first look photo reveals Maxine at a Women’s Liberation Movement meeting with Rosalind Clifford and another new character, Rebecca, portrayed by Jenna Augen.
Sophie is most recognised for her role as Ruby in Count Abdulla in 2023. Her other roles include Tyrell Lady in Game of Thrones in 2013, the Hollywood Disney film Beauty and the Beast in 2017, and Doc Martin in 2015.
Carla Freeman – Bernice
In a first look photo, it sees Bernice holding a baby while talking to Sister Catherine(Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Luke Ross)
Carla Freeman will also be joining the cast as Bernice. In a sneak peek photo, Bernice is seen holding a baby while conversing with Sister Catherine, as well as new characters Thelma and Kevin, played by Gordon Millar.
Carla is a comedy and mum influencer boasting an impressive 224K followers on Instagram. The actress trained at Guildford School of Acting and has appeared in The Royal Mob in 2022.
She has listed a recurring role in a yet-to-be-announced BBC Comedy Series on her Spotlight page, as well as Call the Midwife.
Gordon Millar – Kevin Cutler
In a first look photo, it sees Kevin alongside new character Thelma and Sister Catherine in a hospital ward(Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Luke Ross)
Gordon Millar will be portraying Kevin Cutler. Kevin will appear alongside new character Thelma and Sister Catherine.
Gordon has had an impressive theatre career, having played alternate Scorpius Malfoy in Harry Potter and The Cursed Child in Melbourne and Understudy and Assistant Movement Captain in Harry Potter and The Cursed Child in the West End.
The actor has also voiced Neville Longbottom and Fred Weasley in A Journey To Hogwarts (Pottermore).
Who else stars in episode one?
Other guest stars in series 15 episode one include Jenna Augen as Rebecca(Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Olly Courtney)
Larner Wallace-Taylor is taking on the role of Edna, Jenna Augen is portraying Rebecca, Omar Austin is cast as Stevenson Drummond, Nicholas Tizzard is playing Dr Ashton and Oliver Rednall is stepping into the shoes of PC Hayward.
Call the Midwife returns on Sunday 11 January at 8pm on BBC One.
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