‘It's a journey of discovery'

Jenny Agutter on the changes and challenges ahead at Nonnatus House

- CAREN CLARK

CALL THE MIDWIFE

NEW SUNDAY / BBC1 / 8PM / EP 1 of 8 / DRAMA

There may be a chill in the air as we welcome in 2022, but spring is already in full swing in Poplar when Call the Midwife returns this week.

The eight-part 11th run of the BBC1 period drama begins at Easter 1967 and, while a parade puts smiles on everyone’s faces, two emotional cases require the care and dedication we’ve come to expect from our favorite nuns and midwives at Nonnatus House.

Thankfully, as usual, devoted head nun Sister Julienne, played by Jenny Agutter, is on hand to steer her staff through any crises with her usual compassion, and here, in an exclusive interview, Jenny, 69, tells TV Times about the tears and triumphs that await...

The opening episode follows parents-to-be who are dealing with a past trauma. How does Sister Julienne cope?

It’s a lovely, interesting story and she has to take care of this particular couple because of their backstory. It brings up old concerns and an element of our history.

A grim discovery is also made by some builders. Is that a harrowing storyline, too?

Yes, the whole episode is to do with buried secrets that have been pushed aside for decades. It’s shocking and there are questions about what has gone on.

But it’s touching, too, because it reveals the difficult circumstances through which people lived. It’s sensitively handled, showing the emotional effect of what happened.

There are lighter moments as well. What was it like filming the Easter parade with babies and children in cute outfits?