Jessica Raine

In Poplar, Christmas 1958 is not just about the opening of presents, but also about the closing of deep wounds. Wartime trials are relived and a new enemy confronted before peace and love are restored.

As Jenny struggles to care for exhausted mother Merle Vickers and her two sickly sons, it is Sister Monica Joan who holds the key to the diagnosis of their mystery illness. Meanwhile, Chummy calls on her royal connections for the official opening of the new prenatal and baby clinic, and Nonnatus House welcomes a new resident, Sister Winifred.

Cynthia is concerned during a visit as she feels new mother Pamela is overly anxious. Dr. Turner arranges for a psychiatrist to visit but on their return, Pamela and the baby are missing. Dr. Turner and Shelagh continue with the adoption process but one of his references from a man he served with during the war leads to the uncovering of a devastating secret.

Sister Julienne and Cynthia are busy packaging up donated clothing for charity. Dr Turner suggests that Shelagh takes over the running of Nonnatus House so that an exhausted Sister Julienne can recuperate. Nonnatus House also sees the arrival of new nurse, Patsy. Her no nonsense, hard-working attitude and sense of humor means she's an immediate hit with the nuns and midwives.

The Nonnatus community is rocked when the Kelly family's newborn son dies tragically in unexplained circumstances. Cynthia, who had attended the birth, comes under intense scrutiny from the police, and the pregnant women of Poplar.

Cynthia's district nursing rounds find her administering daily insulin injections to diabetic John Lacey, a deplorable bully who consistently belittles his wife Annie. A visit from Annie's beloved son Bob, and moral support from Cynthia, see Annie gaining confidence and start to turn her life around.

Jenny finds herself for once not involved in the beginning of life, but at its end. When Frank, the brother of Peggy the cleaner at Nonnatus House, is diagnosed with cancer, Jenny and the nuns are called upon to provide him with care. In doing so, Jenny c

Christmas is coming, and in Poplar the midwives of Nonnatus House are busier than ever. When an abandoned baby is discovered on the steps of the convent, the whole community rallies to provide food and clothing, and to try and find his mother.

A baby girl, recently delivered by Jenny, is snatched from her carriage, causing great anguish to her family and uniting the local community as they search for the missing child. Meanwhile Cynthia witnesses another type of loss as she assists in the case

In the spring of 1957 newly qualified midwife, Jenny Lee arrives in the East End of London to begin her career. After overcoming the initial shock that her new home, Nonnatus House, is a convent rather than a private hospital, she quickly becomes immersed