Call The Midwife star Stephen McGann opened up about a personal tragedy in the aftermath of Sunday's tense series finale as he revealed why the episode meant a lot to him.
Stephen's character Doctor Turner was at the heart of the action as series 11 drew to a gripping conclusion, after his popular character, alongside Jenny Agutter's Sister Julienne, was involved in a horrifying train crash.
The closing moments of the penultimate episode on February 13, saw the key protagonists look on in terror as their service back to Poplar careered out of control after the driver, Mr Corbett, suffered a sudden medical emergency.
With their lives hanging in the balance as credits rolled, Call The Midwife viewers were left fearing the worst.
READ MORE: Call The Midwife's future confirmed as viewers left emotional
At various points during Sunday's finale it was very much touch and go as to whether Dr Turner and Sister Julienne would survive, with him obtaining a head injury and her suffering a suspected heart attack, as the doctor's son Timothy boarded the wreckage to come to their aid.
But, much to the relief of millions watching at home, both survived, although there was a really traumatic scene, when the train driver's wife was told of his death as she gave birth to the couple's child.
And, after a warning of scenes of 'birth trauma' at the start of the episode, viewers also saw teenage mum Carol lose her baby after going into premature labour.
As fans of the much loved BBC drama were buoyed by the news that there will be two more series at least, Stephen took to Twitter to share why the final episode hit so close to home.
The former Emmerdale actor wrote: "Some personal context to tonight's #CallTheMidwife ep. I've been in a deadly disaster myself. It's cruel, but ordinary in its cruel lottery. Absolutely part of life.
"Also, my mum lost twins like Carol. My brothers. They were placed in a coffin with a stranger."
Stephen's personal post sparked quite a reaction, with one fan replying: "I hadn’t even heard of that happening with still borns before. This is what separates #CallTheMidwife from other shows.
"It can break your heart, entertain you and educate you , all in one episode. Massive respect to cast & crew for a phenomenal (as always) series"
A second posted: "Broke my heart last night again but only because I've been there. 34 years ago next month."
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