Call the Midwife boss and OG Dr Turner actor don't agree on one character detail in new prequel

Call the Midwife prequel Sisters in Arms is set to hit our screens this Christmas, taking viewers back to Nonnatus House in 1939. The series will centre around younger versions of Sister Evangelina, Sister Monica Joan and Sister Julienne as they navigate various challenges during the Second World War.

The show will introduce some new characters, including Sister Alice, local GP Dr Kit Malhotra and three young secular midwives named Sybil, Olive and Marianne. Meanwhile, a younger version of Dr Turner will also make an appearance, played by This Town's Ben Rose.

In an interview with Radio Times, creator Heidi Thomas addressed the casting, claiming Rose is "the image" of her husband Stephen McGann, who plays Dr Turner in the original series.

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But while their son also shares the same view, McGann apparently isn't so sure.

"I think he's the image of Steve," Thomas said. "Steve can't see any resemblance, so the audience are going to have to draw their own conclusions."

McGann added: "Do you know what happened? I'm in my house, and when the final casting was confirmed, my good lady wife and my son were conferring, going, 'Oh, he looks like Dad, doesn't he? Doesn't he look like Dad?'"

"He does, he does. But you can't see it, can you, love?" Thomas laughed, with her husband confirming: "I can't see it, at all."

Related: Everything true Call the Midwife fans need to know about the prequel Sisters in Arms

Rose won't be the only newcomer playing a fan-favourite character from the original series, as Ciaran Bowling will portray a younger version of Fred Buckle. Ami Metcalf will appear as Fred's first wife Betty, while Slow Horses star Bally Gill debuts as Dr Kit.

Martin McCann and Rachel O'Connell will play married couple Tommy and Mary Moffat, with Julie Hesmondhalgh starring as Sister Alice. The cast will be led by Amy Booth-Steel, Helen Schlesinger and Helena Wilson, who play Sister Evangelina, Sister Monica Joan and Sister Julienne.

Call the Midwife's prequel series Sisters in Arms will debut Christmas 2026 on BBC One. Call the Midwife season 1-15 is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.

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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a "telly addict" since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.