Miriam Margolyes, known for her role as Mother Mildred in the BBC period drama Call the Midwife, has decided to leave the show after six years. The 83-year-old actress first joined the cast in 2018 but is now reportedly too busy to continue her role.
Although Miriam appeared in the show as recently as 2021, she has expressed her love for Call the Midwife and her character. However, due to her busy schedule, there are no current plans for her return to the series.
In an interview with the Mirror last year, Miriam praised the show for its portrayal of decent people doing decent things, highlighting the wholesome yet gripping nature of the drama. She also noted the similarities between herself and Mother Mildred, stating that playing the character required “no acting” on her part.
While Miriam has stepped away from acting to focus on her documentary A New Australian Adventure, her departure from Call the Midwife raises questions about the future of the long-running series. Fellow star Helen George has admitted uncertainty about the show’s continuation, considering the historical context of the narrative.
Call the Midwife, which premiered in 2012 based on Jennifer Worth’s books, has attracted audiences worldwide and has been renewed until at least 2026. The departure of Miriam Margolyes marks a significant change for the beloved series, leaving fans eager to see how the story will unfold without Mother Mildred.
