
Call The Midwife Cast – Full List for Season 15 and Beyond
Since its debut in 2012, Call the Midwife has become one of British television’s most enduring period dramas. Set in London’s East End and adapted from Jennifer Worth’s memoirs, the series follows the midwives and nuns of Nonnatus House through the 1950s and 1960s. As of 2026, the show has aired 15 seasons, with season 15 premiering in early January 2026. Over the years, the cast has seen significant changes while retaining a core group of actors who have been with the series from its very first episode. For a complete overview, check out the Call the Midwife: Comprehensive Cast Guide Across All Seasons.
Here is a detailed overview of the Call the Midwife cast, covering current actors, season 15 specifics, historical cast changes, and character information across all seasons. Details have been drawn from BBC announcements, Wikipedia, IMDb, and press coverage from outlets such as Cosmopolitan and Radio Times.
Who is currently in the Call the Midwife cast?
The current main cast of Call the Midwife includes a blend of actors who have been with the series since 2012 and newer faces who joined in recent seasons. Below is a snapshot of the core ensemble as of season 15.
Jenny Agutter (Sister Julienne), Laura Main (Shelagh Turner), Stephen McGann (Dr. Patrick Turner), Helen George (Trixie Franklin), Cliff Parisi (Fred Buckle), Linda Bassett (Nurse Phyllis Crane), Annabelle Apsion (Violet Buckle), Molly Vevers (Sister Catherine), Rebecca Gethings (Sister Veronica), Georgie Glen (Miss Millicent Higgins), and others.
Miriam Margolyes (Sister Mildred) left after season 13. Leonie Elliott (Lucille Anderson) exited in season 12. Fenella Woolgar (Sister Hilda) appears as a guest in season 15 after a recurring role in earlier seasons.
15 seasons (2012–2026) plus multiple Christmas specials. Season 15 is airing in 2026.
Cliff Parisi (since 2012), Jenny Agutter (since 2012), Laura Main (since 2012), Stephen McGann (since 2012), and Helen George (since 2012) have all appeared in every season.
Key insights about the cast:
- The core cast has remained remarkably stable over 15 seasons, with Jenny Agutter, Laura Main, Stephen McGann, Helen George, and Cliff Parisi appearing since season 1.
- Recent seasons have introduced younger midwives like Molly Vevers as Sister Catherine and Rebecca Gethings as Sister Veronica, reflecting the show’s ongoing generational refresh.
- Major departures such as Miriam Margolyes (Sister Mildred) and Leonie Elliott (Lucille Anderson) were built into the storylines and were well received by fans.
- Vanessa Redgrave provides the narration as the older Jennifer Worth and has remained consistent throughout the series, offering continuity across all 15 seasons.
- Pam Ferris, who played Sister Evangelina in seasons 1 through 5, returned for a guest appearance in season 15, marking a notable cameo.
- Megan Cusack’s role as Nurse Nancy Corrigan, present since season 10, may have been reduced in season 15, though her exact status is not fully confirmed.
- The show has consistently balanced a steady core cast with gradual introductions of new characters, keeping the ensemble fresh while maintaining audience familiarity.
| Actor | Character | Seasons | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jenny Agutter | Sister Julienne | 1 – 15 | Active |
| Laura Main | Shelagh Turner | 1 – 15 | Active |
| Stephen McGann | Dr. Patrick Turner | 1 – 15 | Active |
| Helen George | Trixie Franklin | 1 – 15 | Active |
| Cliff Parisi | Fred Buckle | 1 – 15 | Active |
| Linda Bassett | Nurse Phyllis Crane | 2 – 15 | Active |
| Molly Vevers | Sister Catherine | 14 – 15 | Active |
| Rebecca Gethings | Sister Veronica | 14 – 15 | Active |
| Leonie Elliott | Lucille Anderson | 6 – 12 | Departed |
| Miriam Margolyes | Sister Mildred | 11 – 13 | Departed |
| Vanessa Redgrave | Narrator (older Jennifer) | 1 – 15 | Active |
What is the Call the Midwife cast for season 15 (2026)?
Season 15 of Call the Midwife, which began airing in January 2026, brings back most of the familiar faces from previous seasons. The storylines continue to explore the integration of the NHS and personal challenges such as Trixie’s recovery from alcoholism. No major main cast departures have been confirmed for season 15, though some historical exits are noted.
The core cast from earlier seasons remains largely intact for season 15. Jenny Agutter, Helen George, Laura Main, Stephen McGann, and Cliff Parisi have all appeared in every season since the show began in 2012. Their continued presence provides stability as new guest characters are introduced.
Returning main cast for season 15
According to reports from Cosmopolitan and Radio Times, the following actors are confirmed for season 15: Jenny Agutter as Sister Julienne, Helen George as Trixie Franklin, Linda Bassett as Nurse Phyllis Crane, Judy Parfitt as Sister Monica Joan, Laura Main as Shelagh Turner, Stephen McGann as Dr. Patrick Turner, Cliff Parisi as Fred Buckle, Annabelle Apsion as Violet Buckle, Zephryn Taitte as Cyril Robinson, Georgie Glen as Miss Millicent Higgins, Rebecca Gethings as Sister Veronica, Natalie Quarry as Nurse Rosalind Clifford, Renee Bailey as Nurse Joyce Highland, Molly Vevers as Sister Catherine, and Daniel Laurie as Reggie Jackson.
Guest and additional cast for season 15
Fenella Woolgar appears as Sister Hilda in a guest role. Pam Ferris makes a guest return as Sister Evangelina, a character she originally played in seasons 1 through 5. Linda Hargreaves appears as Mrs. Wallace. Additional guest characters are expected, as noted by Radio Times. Vanessa Redgrave continues as the narrator.
Uncertainties about season 15 cast
The status of Megan Cusack as Nurse Nancy Corrigan is not fully clear for season 15. Some sources list her among the crew, but her role may be reduced. Similarly, Olly Rix as Matthew Aylward may appear only in a recurring capacity after being a regular in seasons 10 through 13.
Who has left or joined the Call the Midwife cast over the years?
The cast of Call the Midwife has evolved significantly since its first season. While a handful of actors have remained constant, many have come and gone. Understanding these changes offers insight into how the show has refreshed its storytelling.
While major departures such as Leonie Elliott and Miriam Margolyes are confirmed through storylines, some actor exits have not been officially explained. Exact reasons for leaving the show are often not disclosed publicly, and only in-story departures are stated by the BBC.
Notable departures
Jessica Raine, who played the original lead Jenny Lee, left after season 3 when her character departed for nursing training. Miranda Hart, who played Chummy, reduced her role after season 4 and eventually left. Pam Ferris as Sister Evangelina departed after season 5 but returned as a guest in season 15. Bryony Hannah left after season 7 as Cynthia Miller. Charlotte Ritchie’s character Nurse Barbara Gilbert died in the storyline in season 7. Leonie Elliott exited after season 12, and Miriam Margolyes left after season 13.
Notable arrivals
Linda Bassett joined as Nurse Phyllis Crane in season 4 and has remained ever since. Other key additions include Jennifer Kirby as Nurse Valerie Dyer (seasons 6–9), Leonie Elliott as Lucille Anderson (seasons 7–12), Ella Bruccoleri as Sister Frances (seasons 8–12), and Fenella Woolgar as Sister Hilda (seasons 8–11, with guest appearances in seasons 14 and 15). More recently, Molly Vevers joined as Sister Catherine in season 14, and Rebecca Gethings joined as Sister Veronica in season 12.
Who played the midwives in earlier seasons of Call the Midwife?
For viewers who want to revisit earlier seasons or understand the show’s full cast history, here is a breakdown of who played the midwives in key earlier seasons.
Of the nine original main cast members from season 1, five remain active as of season 15: Jenny Agutter, Judy Parfitt, Helen George, Laura Main, and Cliff Parisi. This high retention rate is unusual for long-running television dramas and speaks to the ensemble’s chemistry.
Season 2 cast
Season 2 (2013) featured Jessica Raine as Jenny Lee, Jenny Agutter as Sister Julienne, Pam Ferris as Sister Evangelina, Miranda Hart as Chummy, Judy Parfitt as Sister Monica Joan, Helen George as Trixie Franklin, Bryony Hannah as Cynthia Miller, and Laura Main as Sister Bernadette. Linda Bassett joined the cast as Nurse Phyllis Crane in this season.
Season 4 cast
By season 4 (2015), the cast had expanded to include Charlotte Ritchie as Nurse Barbara Gilbert and Jack Ashton as Rev. Tom Hereward. The core of Agutter, Main, McGann, George, and Parisi remained in place.
Season 6 and 12 cast
Season 6 (2017) introduced Jennifer Kirby as Nurse Valerie Dyer. Season 12 (2022) saw the introduction of Rebecca Gethings as Sister Veronica and the departure of Leonie Elliott as Lucille Anderson. These seasons marked significant transitions in the show’s ensemble.
How has the Call the Midwife cast changed over the years?
The cast of Call the Midwife has undergone a steady evolution since 2012. Below is a chronological timeline of key cast changes. A full seasonal breakdown is available in the Call the Midwife: Comprehensive Cast Guide Across All Seasons.
- 2012: Series 1 launches with Jenny Agutter, Laura Main, Stephen McGann, Helen George, Cliff Parisi, Jessica Raine (as Jenny Lee), Miranda Hart (as Chummy), Pam Ferris (as Sister Evangelina), Judy Parfitt (as Sister Monica Joan), and Bryony Hannah (as Cynthia Miller).
- 2013: Jessica Raine leaves after season 1. Linda Bassett joins as Nurse Phyllis Crane in season 2.
- 2016: Miranda Hart reduces her role and eventually leaves. New characters arrive to fill the gap.
- 2019: Leonie Elliott joins as Lucille Anderson in season 8.
- 2022: Miriam Margolyes joins as Sister Mildred in season 11.
- 2023: Leonie Elliott departs after season 12.
- 2024–2025: Molly Vevers and Rebecca Gethings join as new midwives in seasons 13 and 14.
- 2026: Season 15 cast is confirmed. Miriam Margolyes does not return. Pam Ferris makes a guest appearance. The older core cast remains active.
What is confirmed and what remains uncertain about the Call the Midwife cast?
In looking at the cast of Call the Midwife, it is helpful to distinguish between information that is well established and details that remain unclear.
Established information
- Season 15 cast is confirmed as per official BBC and PBS announcements.
- Main cast from seasons 1 through 14 is well documented on IMDb and Wikipedia.
- Vanessa Redgrave is confirmed as narrator for all 15 seasons.
- Cast changes such as the departures of Leonie Elliott and Miriam Margolyes are publicly recorded and verified by reliable sources.
Information that remains unclear
- Future seasons beyond season 15 have not been officially confirmed; cast for season 16 is unknown.
- Returning guests or cameos from earlier seasons are not guaranteed.
- Some actor departure reasons remain unconfirmed; only storyline exits are stated.
- Exact filming schedules and contract details are not publicly available.
Why has the Call the Midwife cast remained so stable?
Call the Midwife has balanced a steady core cast with gradual introductions of new midwives, mirroring the show’s historical timeline across decades. The departure of original lead Jessica Raine after season 1 allowed the ensemble to grow rather than collapse. Recent seasons have focused on younger nuns and district nurses, aligning with the 1960s setting. The consistency of actors like Jenny Agutter and Laura Main provides continuity while newer faces bring fresh energy. The show’s high retention rate is unusual for long-running dramas, indicating strong ensemble chemistry and audience loyalty, as reflected in Rotten Tomatoes aggregation.
What do official sources say about the Call the Midwife cast?
Several reputable sources provide cast information for the series. Below are direct quotes from some of them.
“Jenny Agutter returns as Sister Julienne, while Laura Main is back as Sister Shelagh.”
— Cosmopolitan, season 15 cast article (8 February 2026)
“Call the Midwife chronicles the lives of a group of midwives working in the East End of London from the 1950s to the present.”
— IMDb synopsis
“Current cast includes Jenny Agutter, Helen George, Laura Main, Stephen McGann, Cliff Parisi, Linda Bassett, Annabelle Apsion.”
— Wikipedia, ‘Call the Midwife’
These citations can be verified through the BBC Call the Midwife page, the PBS Call the Midwife page, Wikipedia, IMDb, Cosmopolitan, and Rotten Tomatoes.
Who is in the Call the Midwife cast overall?
In summary, the Call the Midwife cast includes a mix of long-standing actors such as Jenny Agutter, Helen George, Laura Main, Stephen McGann, and Cliff Parisi, alongside newer additions like Molly Vevers and Rebecca Gethings. Season 15 continues this tradition with a stable ensemble and a few guest returns. For a complete seasonal breakdown, see the Call the Midwife: Comprehensive Cast Guide Across All Seasons.
Frequently asked questions about the Call the Midwife cast
Who is the narrator of Call the Midwife?
Vanessa Redgrave narrates the series as the older version of Jennifer Worth (Jenny Lee).
Is Vanessa Redgrave in the cast as a character or just the narrator?
She only appears as a narrator through voiceover and is not seen on screen.
How many seasons of Call the Midwife are there?
As of 2026, there are 15 seasons plus multiple Christmas specials.
Who played the midwives in season 2?
The main cast in season 2 included Jessica Raine, Jenny Agutter, Pam Ferris, Miranda Hart, and Linda Bassett as Nurse Crane, who joined that season.
Has the Call the Midwife cast changed significantly over the years?
Yes, but the core of Jenny Agutter, Laura Main, Stephen McGann, Helen George, and Cliff Parisi have remained since season 1.
Who left Call the Midwife recently?
Leonie Elliott left after season 12 (2022) and Miriam Margolyes departed after season 13 (2024).
Who plays Sister Julienne in Call the Midwife?
Jenny Agutter has played Sister Julienne since season 1.
Is Miriam Margolyes in Call the Midwife?
Miriam Margolyes played Sister Mildred in seasons 11 through 13 and did not return for season 15.
Who played the midwives in season 14?
Season 14 featured the same core cast as season 15, including Molly Vevers as Sister Catherine and Rebecca Gethings as Sister Veronica.
What is the Call the Midwife cast for 2026?
The 2026 cast for season 15 includes all the main returning actors listed above, with guest appearances from Pam Ferris and Fenella Woolgar.