Veteran actress Miriam Margolyes has officially stepped away from the beloved BBC period drama Call the Midwife, where she portrayed the no-nonsense character of Mother Mildred for six years. The 83-year-old star, known for her candidness and versatile performances, has reportedly left the series due to her increasingly busy schedule.
Margolyes first joined the show in 2018, bringing her unique charm to the role of the outspoken Mother Mildred. While her last appearance was in 2021, the actress has remained vocal about her fondness for the series, often praising the show’s heartwarming depiction of life in the East End during the 1950s.
A source revealed to the Daily Star that Margolyes “loved being part of the show because she absolutely adores it” but confirmed that her packed schedule has left her unable to continue in the role. “There are no plans for her to go back,” the source added.
Reflecting on her time as Mother Mildred, Margolyes once remarked, “There are considerable similarities. The directness Mother Mildred has is mine. I’m very like that.” She also expressed her admiration for Call the Midwife, calling it a rare show about “decent people doing decent things.”
In addition to her work on the beloved drama, Margolyes recently returned to the BBC with her documentary A New Australian Adventure, where she steps away from acting to explore real stories, further highlighting her wide-ranging career.
Meanwhile, the future of Call the Midwife remains bright, with the series renewed until at least 2026. Although the departure of key characters like Mother Mildred raises questions, the show continues to evolve. Helen George, who plays Trixie, recently spoke about the show’s longevity, noting that while the original inspiration based on Jennifer Worth’s memoirs is rooted in the 1950s and 60s, it remains unclear how long the show will continue. However, the global success of the series assures its ongoing relevance.
Margolyes’ exit marks the end of an era for Call the Midwife, but fans can still look forward to the upcoming seasons, packed with the drama and warmth the series is known for.
