Fans of the much-loved BBC saga Call The Midwife fear the end is coming - with some admitting that they will be devastated to see it fade off screen.
Laura Main - who stars as Sister Shelagh Turner - has previously said that the show will be back for a 13th season in 2024. However, it's future beyond that remains in doubt.
And Keen viewers were left gutted on Sunday night (January 29) when the nuns of Nonnatus House were dealt a crushing blow in a plot twist no-one wanted to happen, prompting a wave of concern among the show's many followers.
ChronicleLive reported that Jenny Agutter's onscreen alias Sister Julienne voiced serious concerns for the fictional convent's future, with the board of health due to make a decision on its fate. In a teaser seen by millions of viewers last week, she told her colleagues: "I've been worried about the council's attitude to Nonnatus House for some time, but things have taken a marked turn for the worse."
The Board's findings were revealed to the nuns as the new series of the BBC drama continued last night, with board member Dr Threapwood revealing that Nonnatus House had become "too financially dependent" on Dr Turner's practice, with another concern being the use "dangerous unskilled labour for maintenance."
It was ultimately decided that Nonnatus House would lose its agency status and autonomy, with the nuns having to come to terms with the bad news. that it could be shut down as and when the board 'deems it appropriate'.
Viewers were left livid with the health board for the decision and were quick to voice their disapproval on Twitter, while others spoke of their fear for the future of the show.
One reacted: "A life without Nonatus house is dreadful !!! I must protest @CallTheMidwife1 must never end !!!!" Another upset Call The Midwife fan responded: "Nonatus house is finished," with a third tweeting: "Come for Nonatus House if you dare Council!"
@julianhilaire said: "I feel we are being drawn to the end of #CallTheMidwife closing down nonatis house…now its health inspector…ominous feeling." @xowildflowerxo added: "Ooh I'm not liking this board of health man. Feels like the beginning of the end #callthemidwife."
Just the thought of losing the programme had @KittylovesaLark admitting: I'm not sure how I will cope if #CallTheMidwife ever ends."
Offering a more optimist note to their fellow fans, another Twitter user later posted: "I believe that the real Nonatus House survived in that form till 1971. The health board got them in the end I believe. That pleased Jeannie Johnston, who said on Facebook: "It is a brilliant series. I’d love for it to continue into the end stages of the 1970’s."
For now, we'll just have to wait and see what the future holds for the much loved show.
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