Call the Midwife will mark a first by debuting two 60-minute Christmas specials later this year.
In a press release, speaking on their decision to extend the festive episodes beyond the usual 90-minute format, creator and writer Heidi Thomas said: "Who doesn't love finding an extra, unexpected present underneath the Christmas tree?
"When I was asked to write a two-part Christmas special for 2024, I couldn't resist!"
The show's executive producer Dame Pippa Harris added: "For the first time viewers can luxuriate in a two-part festive treat this Christmas. Heidi has created a spellbinding special which I know will delight our loyal fans."
The Christmas specials will also mark another first in the show's history by ending on a cliffhanger.
The announcement came with first-look pictures of this year's special showing the expected cheer including Fred dressed up in his usual Santa get-up and Sister Monica Joan with the Turners' daughter Angela standing over a Nativity model.
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Call the Midwife's festive episodes will pick up in Poplar 1969 and will centre around the funfair coming to town. The synopsis teased trouble among the merriment in the form of "influenza and the Hong Kong flu", and more.
It went on to read: "As Poplar also prepares for a carol concert, the neighbourhood is gripped by the news of an escaped prisoner and fears grow that he may be in the local area after a spate of break-ins."
The synopsis does not address the ongoing rumours surrounding Olly Rix's future as Matthew on the show and only makes reference to Trixie making "a fleeting visit to Nonnatus House… to see her brother Geoffrey".
Director of BBC Drama Lindsay Salt commented on this year's bumper-pack special, stating: "Call the Midwife has become one of UK television's most popular festive traditions, and this year we wanted to go even better with Call the Midwife's biggest Christmas ever!
"Heidi and the team have lined up an absolute treat, with two irresistible episodes packed full of everything fans will love about this very special series at Christmas time."
Call the Midwife airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.
Read more Call the Midwife news on our dedicated homepage
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TV writer, Digital Spy Janet completed her Masters degree in Magazine Journalism in 2013 and has continued to grow professionally within the industry ever since. For six years she honed her analytical reviewing skills at the Good Housekeeping institute eventually becoming Acting Head of Food testing. She also freelanced in the field of film and TV journalism from 2013-2020, when she interviewed A-List stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. In 2021 she joined Digital Spy as TV writer where she gets to delve into more of what she loves, watching copious amounts of telly all in the name of work. Since taking on the role she has conducted red carpet interviews with the cast of Bridgerton, covered the BAFTAs and been interviewed by BBC Radio and London Live. In her spare time she also moonlights as a published author, the book Gothic Angel.
