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Drama following the lives of a group of midwives working in the poverty-stricken East End of London during the 1950s, based on the best-selling memoirs of Jennifer Worth.
“In 1950's London, they delivered hope for all.”
Vanessa Redgrave
Jennifer Worth (voice)
Helen George
Trixie Franklin
Jenny Agutter
Sister Julienne
Judy Parfitt
Sister Monica Joan
Cliff Parisi
Fred Burkle
Stephen McGann
Patrick Turner
2012
Jenny Lee start her midwife career at Nonnatus House in London. She is surprised to find that it is a nursing convent and not a hospital. Her first case is a woman pregnant for the 25th time!
A new girl arrives Nonnatus House and finds it hard to earn the respect of Sister Evangelina. Jenny sees an unfamiliar darker side of life following an encounter with a runaway.
Jenny does some district nursing to extend her community practice experience and befriends an old soldier with awful leg ulcers. Trixie and Cynthia enrol Winnie Lawson as a new patient.
A baby girl is snatched from her pram and the local community unites for the search. Cynthia sees another sort of loss as she tends to soon-to-be parents David and Margaret.
When Peggy’s brother is diagnosed with cancer, Jenny and the nuns are called upon to care for him. Jenny gets to know the siblings better. The Nonnatus House residents get involved in Fred’s latest money-making scheme which involves a pig called Evie.
When Chummy's imperious mother visits and disapproves of Peter Noakes, Chummy defies her mother and has her wedding on her own terms. Senile Sister Monica Joan is arrested for shoplifting.
2016
When a baby is born with severe deformities of the kind later identified as caused by the drug thalidomide, the midwives find it difficult to handle the situation, and the baby's father rejects her completely, to his wife's dismay. Trixie's new sideline as a keep fit instructor brings her into conflict with Sister Julienne, and she also becomes suspicious of the relationship between Barbara and Tom. Rather than return to Wales as her mother wishes, Delia moves into Nonnatus House.
Barbara treats a pregnant woman whose dockworker husband is struggling to support her as opportunities for work dry up. She is forced into a difficult decision that leaves Barbara facing the biggest test of her career. Nurse Crane meets a kindred spirit when she learns to speak Spanish, and Sister Evangelina helps a woman with breastfeeding, leading to unforeseen consequences.
A outbreak of typhoid erupts, and suspicion over who the carrier could be threatens to break apart a closely knit family. Sister Winfred faces a personal dilemma when a local teacher is revealed to be pregnant by a married man. When the woman takes matters into her own hands, Sister Winifred is forced to consider the role her own prejudices may have played. Meanwhile, Barbara inadvertently agrees to go to dinner with Tom, but is wracked with worry about how Trixie will react.
Sister Julienne is seconded to a maternity ward, and is impressed by how modern technology is being used to help the mothers - but is left with a moral dilemma after assisting on a traumatic birth. A young man from Poplar is delighted to be accepted into university, but his mother is less than happy. His dreams are jeopardised when his girlfriend gets pregnant, a development that puts pressure on the whole family.
Turner and Shelagh are at the forefront of the advances in medical technology, and begin a campaign to ensure better respiratory health for their patients. However, Timothy fears their own lifestyle is not good for them and tries to encourage his parents to give up smoking. Violet injures her back and is forced to leave the shop in Fred's hands, a decision that strengthens their relationship but which proves to have other, unforeseen consequences. A new mother's past comes to light, with devastating repercussions for her family. Nurse Crane draws on her own experiences to help her.
Poplar is rocked by a series of violent attacks on women, and a prostitute is too ashamed to report what she knows - but her actions lead to a dangerous man roaming the streets, with devastating consequences for the residents of Nonnatus House. A mother tries to keep her daughter's pregnancy a secret to avoid gossip, putting her life in danger. The Turners go on a long overdue holiday, but the weather ruins their plans.
The introduction of the contraceptive pill is welcomed by Dr Turner, but some of his colleagues are less keen on the idea. Patsy tries to help a bargee who wants to give birth among her own community rather than in a maternity ward. Nurse Crane deals with an emergency during a storm, and a familiar face returns to Nonnatus House - but has been changed by her time away.
Dr Turner is horrified to realise he may be partly to blame as the cause of the recent rise in birth deformities comes to light, and tries to prevent further cases. Sister Evangelina returns to work, but has clearly been affected badly by her stroke, and her health continues to deteriorate. A pregnant bride goes into labour during her wedding reception, while her mother is forced to come to terms with her grandchild being conceived out of wedlock.
2013
Jenny celebrates her birthday with Chummy and the girls, but soon after finds herself taking care of a patient in an abusive marriage.
Chummy makes an important decision, Jenny reconnects with Jimmy, and Cynthia's conduct is called into question after the death of a baby she delivered.
Jenny is seconded to a short-staffed hospital in London, but grows increasingly reluctant to carry out her duties when she finds out she is working under intimidating surgeon Mr Tracey. Back in Poplar, the midwives are introduced to newcomer Jane and outspoken twins Meg and Mave Carter. The sisters are identical in every way, except one of them is now pregnant - forcing them to come to terms with the impact a baby will have on them.
A friend of Chummy's, Reverend Applebee-Thornton, comes to stay at Nonnatus House and soon gets on everyone's nerves. Meanwhile, Jenny and Sister Evangelina deliver a baby with spina bifida, and Sister Bernadette plays matchmaker.
Nonnatus House prepares for the annual summer fête, but when a baby show is announced, the girls must find a host for the proceedings. Meanwhile, a patient of Jenny's puts her life at risk, and Sister Bernadette remains troubled.
Doctor Turner is concerned by the spread of tuberculosis in the community, Jenny tries to repair a father and daughter's fractured relationship, and Sister Bernadette receives devastating news.
Cynthia has to administer daily insulin injections to diabetic John Lacey, a bully who consistently belittles his wife Annie. When Annie’s beloved son Bob pays a visit, Annie gains the confidence to start to turn her life around. Jenny looks after a black mother to be, Monique, who is subjected to racial prejudice from her neighbours.
The convent comes under threat of demolition. Fred's pregnant daughter and her young son come and stay with him. Jenny is wooed by a new love interest. Chummy and PC Noakes prepare for the arrival of their baby.
2014
After the closure of Nonnatus House, the nuns and midwives finally move into their new premises. Sister Winifred arrives from the Mother House. Jenny is worried about new mother Merle’s mental state and the welfare of her baby who isn't feeding properly. Dr Turner is worried that it could be something more serious.
Trixie's feathers are ruffled when Jenny is promoted, but the new Acting Sister has more to worry about after a mother-to-be reveals the baby she is carrying doesn't belong to her husband - and to complicate matters, the real father is black. Cynthia is inspired by a lecture on natural childbirth, convinced it will help an overly anxious patient, while Alec and his friends try to persuade Jenny to join them on a CND march.
Sister Julienne receives an SOS from Holloway Prison, whose usual maternity workers have been struck down by illness, and when she and Trixie step in to help, the nun puts her reputation on the line to prevent a heavily pregnant convict having her unborn baby taken away by social services. Shelagh faces heartache when a routine pregnancy check reveals something far more serious, Alec has a confession for Jenny and Fred takes the gang to the theatre to celebrate Chummy's birthday - only for the trip to end in disaster.
Jenny has an eventful few days, starting with a patient who as well as having herself to worry about, is also struggling to cope with her mother, an agoraphobic who hasn't been outside for at least 12 years. On top of that, Alec asks the midwife to accompany him to Brighton for the weekend, leaving her wondering if his intentions are strictly honourable. However, things soon take a tragic turn. Meanwhile, Shelagh joins the local choir to take her mind off her problems.
The nuns and midwives are busy preparing for Sister Evangelina's surprise jubilee celebrations, marking 50 years since she took her vows, but a face from the past threatens to ruin the party for the guest of honour. It's back to business when a young woman with Down's syndrome is brought in feeling unwell. To everyone's surprise, they discover she is six months pregnant, causing some of them to think the worst, and the staff are joined by new nurse Patsy, whose sense of humour and no-nonsense attitude make her an instant hit.
Tom, the local curate, asks Trixie to join him for a day of cricket. She accepts, but the date is disastrous. Shelagh decides to talk to Dr. Turner about adopting a baby. Patsy, struggling to adapt to the unpredictable and chaotic life that midwifery brings, upsets a young mother in the clinic.
Sister Julienne calms an anxious new mother who has put her baby in danger. Jenny, seconded to The London, is impressed with the facilities, but soon begins to see cracks in the establishment. Chummy is upset to learn that her mother has walked out on her father, leaving Lady Browne penniless. As Dr. Turner and Shelagh continue the adoption process, they uncover a devastating secret.
Jenny is assigned to first-time mother Jeanette, who requires frequent visits during a protracted labour, and when she meets her patient's cousin, Philip, a new friendship begins to grow for the midwife. Meanwhile, Chummy worries about her mother's illness when she discovers Lady Browne has discharged herself from hospital.
2017
The team reunite but all is not well when a change of management shakes up Nonnatus House.
An explosion at the docks brings heartache to the people of Poplar, whilst Sister Ursula continues to ruffle feathers with her unpopular decisions.
The winds of change are blowing through Poplar, as a new government paper calls for the eradication of small hospitals in favour of large general hospitals. Dr Turner and Shelagh are informed that an inspection of the maternity home will decide its fate.
An expectant mother with financial struggles enters into a painful arrangement with her cousin. As Tom provides pastoral care, he reveals why this case touched him more than most.
Nonnatus House welcomes a new recruit, Nurse Valerie Dyer. A vulnerable young man captures Fred and Violet's hearts, whilst the whereabouts of Sister Mary Cynthia is a concern.
Valerie Dyer cares for a pregnant Somali woman and is shocked by aspects of this unfamiliar culture. The nuns and midwives try to provide the best care for Sister Mary Cynthia.
Dr Turner helps the Mullucks cope with the stresses of caring for a disabled child as the terrible legacy of thalidomide becomes apparent and Nurse Crane faces an unexpected crisis.
An unexpected turn of events leads to a wedding being hastily arranged. Shelagh finally goes into labour. The arrival of the pill leads to unforeseen consequences.
2019
Nonnatus House welcomes two new nuns. Valerie deals with a shocking case that arrives unexpectedly, and the other midwives must handle a complicated multiple birth.
Lucille helps elderly hoarder Clarice Millgrove who is struggling to keep her independence; Sister Hilda and the team work hard to help a Ghanaian family with an undiagnosed illness; Violet puts herself forward in the upcoming elections.
Valerie helps a struggling mother accept her son's birth defect. The Turners oversee a measles vaccination trial at the clinic as the team prepare for the Whitsun bank holiday.
The team tries to unite an estranged mother and daughter who are both pregnant. Trixie's friend is devastated to discover she is pregnant.
Poplar welcomes a brand new cervical cancer-screening clinic to the Institute and Dr Turner, Shelagh and Trixie are pleased to be part of the exciting new venture.
Mother Mildred returns and helps a docker family tackle end-stage pneumoconiosis. Lucille cares for an unmarried teenage mother who wants to keep her baby.
Mother Mildred decides it’s time for Sister Frances to attend her first solo birth. Trixie consoles a patient who discovers she has gonorrhea.
Sister Hilda digs deep to give her terminally-ill patient her final wish whilst the Turners must prepare to say goodbye to May. Fred and Reggie are keeping secrets from each other.
2015
A chance encounter with an impoverished child forces Trixie to see an unfamiliar darker side of life. As Nonnatus House welcomes a new resident, Nurse Barbara Gilbert, Tom Hereward has a surprise romantic gesture in store for Trixie.
Barbara faces her most challenging case to date when she treats first-time mother Abigail Bissette and the birth does not go according to plan. As Sister Julienne struggles with the increasing financial pressure on Nonnatus House, a mystery benefactor comes to the rescue. Elsewhere Sister Evangelina is unimpressed by newly arrived nurse Phyllis Crane.
2018
The winter continues, and the team at Nonnatus House welcome their newest midwife, Lucille Anderson. Nurse Crane and Dr Turner care for an elderly cancer patient facing eviction.
Lucille faces racism and prejudice when a new mother falls ill. Sister Winifred is keen to have fathers be more involved in the care of their babies.
The Nonnatus team rallies to support first-time parents Marie and Tony Amos when Tony is arrested for gross indecency with another male. Elsewhere, as Poplar is gripped by an outbreak of dysentery, Trixie undertakes her first official church duty since her engagement to Tom.
The midwives face one of their busiest nights to date, whilst Sister Winifred concentrates her efforts on the prostitutes of Poplar. Elsewhere, cracks start to appear in Trixie and Tom Hereward's relationship.
Sister Julienne's faith is challenged when a mother refuses medicine for her newborn baby. Dr Turner's involvement in the case forces him to face his own demons. Meanwhile, Barbara must work out a way to communicate with a pregnant Sylheti woman.
Phyllis deals with a diabetic teenager who has fallen pregnant, Sister Mary Cynthia comes into contact with a group of Irish Travellers, and Patsy organizes a square dance to raise money for the Cubs' trip to Norfolk.
A pair of school friends are unexpectedly reunited in the delivery room, and a mix up results in complications for both. Meanwhile, Barbara helps a couple in need of assistance, and Patsy's secret relationship with Delia pains them both.
Trixie and Sister Mary Cynthia help a deaf-and-dumb woman, and Barbara has a baffling case. Meanwhile, Fred's daughter arrives from Birmingham and interferes with his and Violet's engagement, and Delia has a proposal for Patsy.
A pregnant mother hears a devastating diagnosis. Fred and Violet organise a beauty contest. Trixie and Christopher's relationship feels the strain.
Sister Julienne is drawn into the heart of a different culture when she is called upon to help a Pakistani family. Having come to terms with her own childlessness, Mumtaz Gani is heartbroken when her husband Saddiq brings home a second wife who is eight months pregnant. Sister Julienne must help Mumtaz come to terms with this new addition to her family.
Lucille must win the trust of a mother who is terrified of giving birth. Nurse Crane and Dr Turner are anxious to find a possible smallpox sufferer.
Barbara gets involved with a recently widowed pregnant woman, and Sister Monica Joan has her cataract surgery.
Dr Turner gets involved with a troubled young man, and Lucille makes new friends. Meanwhile, Barbara lies ill in hospital.
The team must rally to prepare for Sister Monica Joan's birthday. Meanwhile, the closing of a nearby maternity home brings an influx of expectant mothers to the Nonnatus midwives.
2021
Sister Julienne and Dr Turner clash over whether to provide a private care service, and a distressing birth raises fears of another Thalidomide case.
Sister Frances finds herself in a tricky situation when a pregnant woman confides in her. Sister Julienne’s new venture hits a stumbling block.
Sister Hilda and Dr Turner are involved with a young woman whose health presents a series of challenges. A complicated pregnancy leads the Nonnatus team on a path of discovery.
It’s July 1966, and Britain is in the grip of World Cup fever. New pupil midwife Nancy makes quite an impact.
With sister Hilda away on a refresher course, sister Julienne steps in to carry out home visits. The new pupil midwives are settling in well, and there is a sense of hope in the air. While examining expectant mother Vera Sands during a routine visit, sister Julienne is concerned by her toddler daughter who is displaying troubling symptoms. Determined to find out what’s wrong, sister Julienne and doctor Turner are on the case. Meanwhile, an overly protective mother struggles to cope with her daughter’s teenage pregnancy and is insistent on keeping it low key, much to the frustration of new pupil midwife Nancy Corrigan.
It’s September 1966, and at clinic Trixie is tasked with examining a desperate woman who is pregnant with her fifth child. Trixie learns that her patient’s personal life is far from stable, compelling her to speak out publicly. However, the results garner mixed reactions from Nonnatus House and the community. Dr Turner and Sister Frances are entrusted to help a mother-to-be who refuses medical care through her final weeks of pregnancy, and Nancy Corrigan reveals a secret about her background that could threaten her relationship with Sister Julienne and Nonnatus House.
Nonnatus House struggles to come to terms with Nancy’s revelation. With Sister Julienne taking her annual leave at the Mother House, Sister Hilda relishes the chance to cover and impress with her leadership. While attending an expectant mother, Sister Frances and Trixie are appalled to learn that Poplar’s housing crisis is worsening, leaving the Nonnatus team vowing to fight for change. It’s a poignant time for the Turner family as Timothy readies to leave for medical school in Edinburgh and Cyril receives news from home, prompting him and Lucille to consider their own future. Meanwhile, a very special baby is born, who causes a rift in a close-knit family and leads many people to count their blessings.
2022
Demolition work in Poplar uncovers a long-buried secret that leads to a testing and emotional case for the team. Sister Julienne takes on a sensitive delivery.
At the monthly cytology clinic, Sister Frances comforts a young woman who is struggling with a life-changing diagnosis. Lucille supports a difficult mother.
Shelagh organises a special celebration to mark 100 years since the Order first arrived in Poplar - although Sister Hilda feels that she should have been in charge of the festivities. Nancy tackles the plight of meths drinkers living rough in Poplar, and Nurse Crane treats a young singer who is torn between two very different futures.
Sister Hilda and Dr Turner support a young father with a lung condition whose wife is planning a home birth, and discover he is also coping with the repercussions of a past trauma. Cyril looks for a job that will put his qualifications to good use, a first-time mother struggles to bond with her daughter, and Fred comes up with a way to keep the wards cool during a summer heatwave.
Trixie has been assigned to a complicated case involving a crane driver who was injured in a workplace accident and is now paraplegic. Meanwhile, Nancy and Sister Frances give a talk on the facts of life at a primary school, and Lucille's attendance at a straightforward delivery takes a distressing turn. Shelagh decides to organise a jumble sale to raise money to fix some broken playground equipment in the park. When Sister Julienne finds a suspicious item, chaos ensue
Sister Monica Joan seeks advice from a clairvoyant. Matthew is shocked to discover squatters in one of his warehouses, and Shelagh faces the most challenging delivery of her career.
Nonnatus House suffers its biggest threat yet. But this time it’s not the bricks and mortar that are in danger, it’s the people.
Nonnatus House faces its darkest day after a tragic incident in the heart of Poplar. As the community rallies together, the team must overcome personal anguish to help the injured.
2024
Sister Julienne cares for an expectant mother who has cerebral palsy. Nonnatus House kicks off its new midwifery training scheme with the arrival of four new pupil midwives.
The team help a single mother whose flat is riddled with damp whilst Nancy and Dr Turner care for a Sylheti woman with an undiagnosed illness, and Matthew teaches Trixie how to drive.
Nurse Crane helps a struggling first-time mother accept her baby’s birth defect, and Violet’s bid to be mayor is thrown into turmoil by unforeseen circumstances.
Trixie makes a serious mistake at work, whilst the team work hard to help a Biafran family. Nancy delves into her family’s past as the world celebrates the moon landings.
A fun day at the seaside proves traumatic for the Turners and puts May’s future with them in jeopardy. Nurse Crane helps a young couple cope with a rare cancer diagnosis.
In his new role, Cyril faces his toughest challenge yet, whilst Matthew is summoned to a board meeting with his mother. Elsewhere, the pupil midwives prepare for their final exams.
Rosalind oversees the care of a teenage mum and uncovers a disturbing truth. Trixie and Matthew struggle with their change in fortune whilst Joyce receives an unexpected visitor.
Miss Higgins receives an unexpected visitor, and Sister Monica ruffles feathers. Poplar votes for its Mother of the Year.
2023
April 1968. Racial tensions cast a shadow over Poplar, Nancy’s eyes are opened when she supports a dying woman, and Nonnatus House welcomes a new sister.
Sister Julienne helps care for a first-time mother who is going through a challenging diagnosis. Lucille struggles with her own health, and Poplar celebrates the Whitsun Maypole.
Sister Veronica is shaken when a mother reveals a terrible truth about her marriage, whilst Shelagh cares for a baby with a life-threatening condition and Nancy harbours a secret.
The maternity home is thrown into chaos by an outbreak of gastroenteritis, and Nurse Crane fights to save her career. Meanwhile, Cyril encourages Reggie to seek help.
A pregnant mother with a chronic heart condition falls unwell, Nancy grows suspicious of a young father’s erratic behaviour, and Matthew prepares for a visit from his father.
Trixie supports an underage mother through a difficult time, Monica Joan welcomes an unusual guest to Nonnatus House, and Sister Veronica spearheads a new council initiative.
Poplar’s housing crisis deepens, bringing a sad case to the attention of the team, whilst a worrying disease outbreak directly impacts the residents of Nonnatus House.
Dr Turner experiences the biggest test of his career, while Trixie’s approaching nuptials cause stress levels to escalate. Sister Julienne hatches a plan to save Nonnatus House.
2020
Dr Turner and Nurse Crane must deal with an alarming outbreak of diphtheria. Fred finds an abandoned baby in a dustbin, and the team must help locate its mother.
Sister Julienne cares for a pregnant prostitute, while Dr Turner puzzles over a mysterious string of symptoms.
Lucille is seconded to St Cuthbert's when a ward sister is off sick, but a lift malfunction sees her spend the evening with mother-to- be Connie instead of her planned rendezvous with Cyril.
Sister Julienne volunteers to put up four trainee doctors at Nonnatus House while they undertake the practical aspect of their obstetrics diploma, hoping the exercise will remind the council how vital the home is to the community and help remove the threat of demolition.
Sister Frances is at a loss when she cares for diabetic and recovering cancer patient Albert Calthorpe whose fiercely independent wife Grace refuses to accept further help, despite caring for her husband, her elderly mother and her pregnant daughter.
At the Turners, Shelagh receives a phone call from the Hong Kong adoption agency, which has the alarming news that someone from May's past has arrived in the UK and wants to see the little girl.
Trixie helps a blind mother, Marion, care for her new baby, but trouble starts when Marion’s sister calls Social Services to intervene.
Sister Julienne decides it is time to take matters in hand when a letter arrives from the council saying that it will cut funding to Nonnatus House and no longer pay for the accommodation, and goes to see Violet at one of her open sessions as a local councillor.
2025
It's March 1970. The team support a pregnant teenage girl whose parents believe in an immaculate conception. Demonstrations cause havoc for the Nonnatus team, whilst Nancy’s relationship blossoms.
It’s April 1970. Rising rates of gonorrhoea in the district cause alarm, and Trixie cares for an unmarried first-time mother recently diagnosed with a mental health condition.
Rosalind requires all her skills as a midwife when a disabled baby is delivered at the maternity home, whilst a gas explosion in an old tenement building shocks the community.
The Sisters welcome new postulant, Sister Catherine, to Nonnatus House, whilst a bold intervention boosts numbers for the measles vaccination clinic.
A solo delivery puts Sister Julienne’s skills to the utmost test. The Nonnatus team oversee the care of a man living inside an iron lung, and Cyril returns from Jamaica.
Joyce faces a difficult situation when a mother suffers postnatal complications, a council strike leads to an outbreak of Weil’s disease, and Cyril’s life is turned upside down.
The midwives help a family with a history of drug addiction. Dr Turner and Shelagh take the final steps in May’s adoption, whilst Joyce faces the disciplinary board.
November, 1970. The challenges of midwifery hit close to home when a mother and baby home is evacuated. Nancy’s wedding plans take a surprising turn, and Sister Catherine takes her first vows.
2026
The Nonnatus team grow increasingly concerned for the welfare of four young children. Sister Catherine faces her first solo delivery, and the midwives attend a women’s lib meeting.
A new medical technique threatens to change the face of obstetrics forever, whilst a potential rabies outbreak has Poplar in a state of fear. Cyril meets Rosalind’s parents.
Rosalind’s skills are tested when she is drawn into an unusual domestic case. Joyce is seconded to the hospital and befriends a single mother with a rare blood group.
Sister Catherine is distraught when a newborn baby is snatched from the maternity home, and the Turners grow increasingly concerned for Christopher's well-being.
Tragedy strikes a local family, and Dr Turner’s actions come under scrutiny. Sister Julienne must make a decision.
The Nonnatus team help a young father come to terms with a life-threatening diagnosis, and Trixie uncovers a mystery illness in a female wrestler.
A cohort of junior doctors join the midwives on their district rounds, including Timothy Turner, while Violet turns her hand to midwifery.
Sister Veronica must decide her future as the maternity home prepares to close its doors. The Mullucks fight for the rights of all thalidomide victims.
