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Christmas Special 2019

Mother Mildred and the Nonnatus House team head to the Outer Hebrides in response to a nursing shortage.

As Christmas approaches, a bout of influenza sweeps through both Nonnatus House and the Turner family. When Mother Mildred declares that God is calling her to set up a branch house in the Outer Hebrides, it seems an ideal opportunity for the nuns and midwives to convalesce in the bracing Scottish air. As they recover, they will also be able to help the island, where there is a nursing and doctor shortage.

Sister Monica Joan associates the Outer Hebrides with St Eustace's White Stag, a symbol of Christ, and is thrilled at the idea of travelling there. However, she soon discovers to her annoyance that she is being left behind with Sister Hilda and Sister Frances.

Within a week, Dr Turner, Shelagh, Mother Mildred, Trixie, Sister Julienne, Valerie and Lucille set off on their journey to the Outer Hebrides, where they are to stay in a freezing cold converted church. As the team set about establishing an antenatal clinic and treating the local population, they must battle not only the weather and bleak terrain but also the suspicions of some of the islanders.

Meanwhile, in Poplar, Reggie has come home for Christmas and finds one of Violet's presents for him: the Book of Guinness World Records. Inspired by the triumphs of others, Reggie decides that he too will try to break a world record.

Available now

1 hour, 28 minutes

Audio described

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:09

    The Ronettes

    Sleigh Ride

  • 00:15

    Elaine Paige

    Memory

  • 00:22

    Shirley Bassey

    I Love You Now

  • 00:31

    The Swinging Blue Jeans

    Hippy Hippy Shake

  • 00:54

    Loreen

    Euphoria

  • 01:18

    Hildegard Knef, Orchester Herbert Rehbein

    Solange Du Bei Mir Bist

  • 01:27

    Wildling

    This Year (If We Fall In Love)

  • 01:27

    Chris de Burgh

    The Grace of A Dancer

  • 01:27

    Adoro

    Nessaja

Credits

Role Contributor
Sister Julienne Jenny Agutter
Nurse Phyllis Crane Linda Bassett
Sister Monica Joan Judy Parfitt
Nurse Trixie Franklin Helen George
Nurse Shelagh Turner Laura Main
Violet Buckle Annabelle Apsion
Nurse Lucille Anderson Leonie Elliott
Dr Patrick Turner Stephen McGann
Fred Buckle Cliff Parisi
Voice of Jennifer Worth Vanessa Redgrave
Writer Heidi Thomas
Director Syd Macartney
Producer Ann Tricklebank
Production Company Neal Street Productions

Broadcast

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