Call the Midwife’s Sister Monica Joan confronts painful fear – but a heartwarming moment follows

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I was so surprised when a stranger asked to rent Cyril’s flat in the Call the Midwife Christmas special! It turned out he had more than just money to offer – things definitely got interesting for everyone involved, and it wasn’t just his wallet that was getting fuller, if you know what I mean!

Mr. Fisher’s presence always brought joy, not just to him, but to anyone who met him – he was a truly remarkable man.

Initially, the new character was a mystery, except for his strong wish to live with Cyril. However, over the course of the two episodes, we discovered that Mr. Fischer was actually a famous actor named Maurice Templemore, and that he is Jewish.

Knowing he didn’t have much time left, he desperately wanted to return to the place where he grew up – the same apartment Cyril lives in now. He also wished to be known by his birth name, Fischer, once again.

After getting settled in, he explained to Rosalind that his reason for coming was simply to return home. However, once he was back, he realized something upsetting.

After losing her own family, Rosalind dedicated herself to comforting Mr. Fischer in his last days, and she began by asking Sister Monica Joan to visit him – a surprisingly fitting choice that brought them both joy.

When they met, he discovered she was the midwife who helped deliver his brother back in 1903, and that realization was very comforting to him.

After a night of conversation about their faiths, Mr. Fischer had a thought that would bring him peace of mind before he died.

As Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, approached, Rosalind found a rabbi to visit Mr. Fischer, who was becoming very ill. A small group, including Cyril and Sister Monica Joan, gathered around his bed while the rabbi lit the Hanukkah menorah and said a prayer.

Though death was close, Mr. Fischer felt calm and grateful. He took Sister Monica Joan’s hand and expressed his thanks to everyone for their friendship and support.

He passed away peacefully a short time later, looking serene. Though his family wasn’t there, the staff and residents of Nonnatus House provided the comfort he needed in his final moments.

I’ve witnessed death before, being present when Mr. Fischer passed away, and also with Miss Higgins’s grandson, Harry. He said something that really stuck with me – that it’s awful, of course, but there can be a strange beauty to it, and he felt that was true today.

After the silence, Sister Monica Joan seemed deeply saddened, lost in thought about her life and what might happen after death—if anything at all, or if anyone would be there.

She spoke sadly, recalling how she’d watched people rush to the bedsides of those they loved, and mothers arriving to be with their children. But she added that she herself had never known that kind of love or had children of her own, and her parents had rejected her. Lately, she’d been thinking more and more about who, if anyone, would be there for her when she died.

Thankfully, her friends were there to comfort her, assuring her that she will not be alone.

Sister Catherine reminded me that I won’t be alone. She said so many of my sisters – the ones I’ve known and loved throughout my life, those who guided me when I first joined, and those who prayed with me and comforted those we served – will be there for me. It’s a huge comfort knowing they’ll all come and support me.

“God can’t have you yet – we can’t spare you,” added Rosalind.

That’s absolutely right. Although Sister Monica Joan isn’t out and about as much these days, she’s still deeply appreciated by everyone. When the time comes, many people will be there to support her.

Call the Midwife season 15 arrives on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in early 2026.

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Authors

Abby RobinsonDrama Editor

Abby Robinson is the Drama Editor at TopMob, where she writes about TV dramas and comedies. Before joining TopMob, she worked as a TV writer for Digital Spy and as a content writer for Mumsnet. She has a degree and a postgraduate diploma in English Studies.

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2025-12-27 01:35