Call the Midwife leaves door open for Olly Rix return after season 13

It has also recently been reported that Trixie would be leaving at the end of season 13, but RadioTimes.com now understands that this is not the case, and that she could still be sticking around.

While it seems there could be less departures from Poplar than was once thought in this upcoming season, there will still be multiple arrivals, with two new midwives joining the show.

Renee Bailey will be playing Joyce Highland, a Trinidadian pupil midwife described as "hardworking, fiercely bright and deeply kind". Meanwhile, Natalie Quarry will be playing fellow pupil Rosalind Clifford, described as "naive at times, but with an inner steeliness".

Heidi Thomas previously said of the new characters: "Newcomers Joyce and Rosalind arrive with much to learn. As 1969 unfolds, we’ll see change and challenge rock the world of our beloved nuns, nurses, medics and midwives.

"Even as man prepares to walk on the Moon, we see them grappling with life’s eternal questions. Who are we?What is love? And where do we belong?"

Read more:

• Call the Midwife gives update on season 13 with behind-the-scenes pics
• Call the Midwife newcomer "blown away" by welcoming cast

Before the new season arrives, fans will first get a chance to return to Nonnatus House for this year's Christmas special, which star Stephen McGann said would have a different feel to the regular seasons, as with previous festive specials.

"It has a different feel; it’s a different audience, people are staying home with their families and so it's a different vibe," he said. "It's also the thing that brings us into a new season. It has all those elements and over the years, we've all gotten used to that rhythm."

All 12 seasons of Call the Midwife are available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight.

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