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Call the Midwife: Christmas special

ABC1 fast-tracks the 75 minute BBC Christmas special on Boxing Day.

2013-12-22_1616ABC1 fast-tracks the BBC Christmas special Call the Midwife on Boxing Day, following Doctor Who.

This 75 minute special promises a heartwarming cobbled-together Christmas after an unexploded bomb forces an evacuation of the building. And some baby births.

In Poplar, Christmas 1958 is not just about the opening of presents, but also the closing of deep wounds. Wartime trials are relived – and a new enemy confronted – before peace and love are restored to centre stage. Fairy lights festoon the streets as Jenny’s relationship with Alec continues to blossom and Shelagh prepares for her quiet wedding to Dr Turner. Suddenly, Nonnatus House is awoken by a hammering on the door.

But this time, it’s not a panicking father, it’s the police. Just around the corner, an unexploded bomb has been uncovered and the district has to be evacuated. Electrical power in the immediate vicinity has been cut off, and it is dark as the nuns and nurses scramble out of the door to join the crowds of evacuated residents scurrying down the pitch-black street.

As the community struggles to stop Christmas being reduced to ashes, the Nonnatus House staff reach out to those in need and keep spirits high, rekindling the spirit of the Blitz. Jenny is played by Jessica Raine, Alec by Leo Staar, Shelagh by Laura Main and Dr Turner by Stephen McGann. Guest stars include Sandy Toksvig as Sister Gibbs, Raymond Coulthard as Captain Goodacre and Simon Armstrong as Major Fawcett.

Thursday December 26 at 8.30pm, ABC1.

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