Call the Midwife confirms popular character returns as BBC show shares new behind-the-scenes snaps

Call the Midwife has delighted fans after sharing a series of behind-the-scenes snaps from filming the show's annual Christmas special. Taking to Instagram on Thursday, May 2, the BBC period confirmed that a travelling funfair will take centre stage in Poplar this festive season.

The show confirmed that a travelling funfair will take centre stage in Poplar this festive season. But fans also noticed that actor Christopher Harper was pictured in the snaps meaning his character Geoffrey Franklin is returning to the show.

The character first arrived during series 12 for Trixie Franklin's (played by Helen George) wedding to Matthew Aylward (Olly Rix). Geoffrey then returned for the 2023 Christmas special before making a number of appearances in season 13 which aired earlier this year, as his sister Trixie struggled in her new marriage.

READ MORE: Call the Midwife shares first look photo as the BBC series moves into a new era

In other behind-the-scenes photos, Stephen McGann is seen as Dr Turner along with Francesca Fullilove as Colette, Megan Cusack as her mum Nancy, Renée Bailey as Joyce, Natalie Quarry as Rosalind and Laura Main as Shelagh, plus the show's director Sarah Esdaile. Alongside the sweet photos, Call the Midwife wrote: "Behind the scenes on Call the Midwife Christmas Special 2024: The funfair comes to Poplar!

"Well, what a way to start our Christmas filming! When the cast arrived at the studio to start shooting the latest Christmas Special this week, they were treated to a sight from their childhood dreams... a whole funfair had been built on the Call the Midwife set!

"It's all part of our latest festive story, in which the travelling funfair visits Poplar! Several of our cast are involved with this story - and so our poor, utterly serious and professional team have had to suffer free helter-skelter rides, rifle shooting games, dodgem cars and carousels - not to mention copious amounts of candy floss and fresh popcorn - oh, the pain of it all!!

"As you might imagine, our team have been having a WHALE of a time! More on this thankless toil as we get it...! Call the Midwife returns with a new Christmas Special, and Series 14 in 2025 xx."

Fans wasted no time in commenting on the post with one person writing: "Love that Geoffrey is still around!". While a second added: "I love Geoffrey hope they keep him in and please bring back Matthew."

A third chimed in with: "Absolutely cannot wait", while another stated: "Oh amazing to see it starting to come together". "I hope they keep Geoffrey" pleaded one fan as another added: "Super excited already."

Call the Midwife returns to screens on December 25. You can keep up to date with the show on Instagram here.

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