Call the Midwife season 15 returns with a brand new episode that’ll leave some members of Nonatus House questioning their futures.
Hayley Anderson TV Reporter
16:30, 08 Feb 2026
Call the Midwife star teases return of character in series finale
Call the Midwife made its comeback last month for season 15, bringing with it a stellar line-up of guest performers for the fifth episode.
The beloved BBC drama has returned with eight fresh hour-long episodes, exploring themes such as NHS evolution, the legacy of slavery, and the Women’s Liberation Movement.
In episode five, a local family faces heartbreak whilst Dr Turner’s (Stephen McGann) professional judgement faces examination.
At the same time, Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) must contemplate her nursing career as the staff grapple with the challenges of a changing health service.
Before the episode airs, here’s a rundown of the guest cast appearing in Call the Midwife series 15, episode five.
Call the Midwife series 15 episode 5 guest starsIvan Barrowman – Lee Ross
Call the Midwife season 15 episode 5 cast: Ivan Barrowman is played by actor Lee Ross.(Image: BBC)
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Viewers may remember Lee Ross from his role as Kenny Phillips in the beloved 1980s children’s programme Press Gang, where he appeared alongside Lucy Benjamin, who later became known for playing Lisa Fowler in EastEnders.
His recent credits include portraying prison officer Jon Steddon in Professor T and Kloris in the Star Wars series Andor.
A promotional photograph from the episode depicts Ivan in conversation with Dr Patrick Turner.
Paul Barrowman – Jack Alldridge
Call the Midwife season 15 episode 5 cast: Paul Barrowman is played by actor Jack Alldridge.(Image: BBC)
The character of Paul Barrowman, thought to be Ivan’s son, is brought to life by Jack Alldridge.
Though relatively new to acting, Alldridge appeared last year as Harry Garfield in Netflix’s period piece Death By Lightning, which featured Succession star Matthew Macfadyen.
It appears Paul will forge a friendship with Dr Turner’s son Timothy (Max MacMillan), as photographs show the pair seated together, beaming at the rear of a van.
Hilda Barrowman – Penny Ryder
Call the Midwife season 15 episode 5 cast: Actress Penny Ryder as Hilda Barrowman (far right).(Image: BBC)
Hilda represents another important figure within the Barrowman household, captured in scenes around a table alongside Nurse Crane (Linda Bassett), Patrick and Paul.
Actress Penny Ryder takes on the role of Hilda, bringing with her extensive experience from brief appearances in popular programmes such as Coronation Street, The Bill, EastEnders, Casualty and Motherland.
Lana – Milly Zero
Call the Midwife season 15 episode 5 cast: Actress Milly Zero as Dotty Cotton in EastEnders.(Image: BBC)
Viewers of EastEnders will recognise a beloved face from Walford making an appearance in Call the Midwife this week.
Milly Zero, best known for her portrayal of Dotty Cotton, the wayward daughter of villain Nick Cotton, joins the programme as a character named Lana.
Madge Barrowman – Barbara D’Alterio
Completing the Barrowman family is Madge, played by Barbara D’Alterio, whose credits include Top Boy, Doctors, Father Brown, Disney+’s factual drama Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes and, more recently, The Bombing of Pan Am 103.
Released photographs show her in conversation with Dr Turner, surrounded by her on-screen relatives.
Mrs Russell – Joanne Howarth
Another recognisable addition to this week’s instalment is Grange Hill star Joanne Howarth, who portrayed Sue Hargreaves in the beloved school series.
Her television work has also featured roles in Holby City, EastEnders, Wallander and Channel 4’s critically acclaimed It’s A Sin.
Ruth Khan – Annie Kingsnorth
Call the Midwife season 15 episode 5 cast: Actress Annie Kingsnorth as Ruth Khan.(Image: BBC)
Completing the cast as the expectant mother of episode five, Ruth Khan, is actress Annie Kingsnorth, with Call the Midwife marking her major television debut.
A photo has been unveiled prior to the episode, depicting Ruth enjoying a cuppa in bed alongside her husband Dilwar Khan (Akib Ahmed).
Call the Midwife season 15 continues every Sunday at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.