Call the Midwife’s Turner Family Faces Heartbreaking Crisis

The beloved television series, Call the Midwife, is set to delve into a dramatic storyline involving the Turner family, as revealed ahead of its Christmas special. This two-part episode, spanning locations from Poplar to Hong Kong, promises “very disturbing” moments, according to Jenny Agutter, who portrays Sister Julienne. While the series often offers warmth and compassion, it does not shy away from the more harrowing aspects of life, a theme that is especially prominent in the latest narrative.

The plot focuses on Esther Turner, the biological mother of May, and her young son, Christopher Turner. After losing contact for over a year, Shelagh Turner, portrayed by Laura Main, takes the initiative to reconnect with Esther while she visits Hong Kong. Alarmingly, Esther has disappeared, having lost her job as a nanny for a British family, leaving the Turners concerned for her wellbeing. Despite warnings from Esther’s frightened friends, who hint at a dangerous situation involving her husband, a gangster known as The Cormorant, Shelagh and her husband persist in their search.

Their determination leads them to discover that Esther lives in dire conditions, having gone into hiding to escape her husband, who has fathered multiple children with various women. Sister Edith, played by the actress who is not named in the original report, helps reveal Esther’s location and the gravity of her circumstances. Esther fears for Christopher’s future, knowing his father intends to claim him.

In a shocking twist, Dr. Turner examines Christopher and discovers he has Wilms tumour, a type of kidney cancer that primarily affects children. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Dr. Turner plans to take Christopher to London for an experimental chemotherapy treatment, described as “brutal but spectacular.” He expresses concern that time is running out and that action is necessary to save the young boy’s life.

The situation escalates when The Cormorant learns of the plan to take Christopher overseas. He confronts Dr. Turner, demanding a gambling match to allow his son’s departure. Dr. Turner, however, appeals to The Cormorant’s ego, emphasizing the importance of his heir and the legacy at stake.

As the drama unfolds, armed police raid the location, prompting The Cormorant to relent and permit Christopher to travel to England for treatment. Dr. Turner assures him that they have no intentions of adopting the boy, aiming solely to provide medical care.

According to research from the Institute of Cancer Research, the five-year survival rate for Wilms tumour has improved significantly from 59% in the early 1970s to over 90% today. Nevertheless, Christopher’s path to recovery will be challenging, especially if the disease recurs.

The upcoming season 15 of Call the Midwife is set to premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in early 2026. As viewers await the new episodes, the emotional journey of the Turner family promises to resonate deeply, highlighting themes of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.