Call the Midwife fans were left in tears as they tuned into the new episode and took to social media to share their thoughts on the latest instalment of the BBC series

Call the Midwife fans were united in their reactions as they watched the latest instalment of the beloved BBC drama (Image: BBC)

Call the Midwife fans were united in their reactions as they watched the latest instalment of the beloved BBC drama.

The show, which premiered its 14th series on BBC One on Sunday (January 5), followed the midwives as they rallied around a young expectant mother, Paula Cunningham, portrayed by Kitty Anderson.

Her parents, played by Paul Thornley and Caroline Faber, are convinced of her immaculate conception. When Paula confided the truth about her pregnancy to Joyce Highland, acted by Renee Bailey, viewers were deeply moved, flooding social media with their thoughts.

On X, previously known as Twitter, one viewer wrote: “Very, very difficult to watch. Brave Paula. #CallTheMidwife.”

Another chimed in with: “I’ve missed shedding tears on a Sunday.” A third shared: “First episode of the new season and I’m already in tears!”, reports Wales Online.

Joyce Highland supported pregnant teen Paula Cunningham (Image: BBC)

The emotional response comes on the heels of Helen George’s confirmation that she would be returning for series 14, amidst speculation she might leave the show.

The finale of series 13 had left her character, Nurse Trixie Aylward, at a crossroads after she considered moving to New York to be with her husband Matthew, who had gone there to revive his fortunes.

In a recent chat with Virginradio.co.uk, Helen revealed her intentions, saying she was “always planning to come back” and teased an “It’s bigger than ever and I guess it’s quite a return for Trixie because she’s coming back sans-husband, so that’s an interesting twist.”

Helen George has confirmed her future on the BBC show (Image: BBC)

On reprising her role for the new series, Helen said: “It’s really nice being back with the girls and being back with the ladies at Nonnatus House. Trixie has been brought back into the fold, which is really fun and where she kind of sits best, I think.”

Meanwhile, production for the latest season recommenced after a summer pause, an update shared by the show’s Instagram account, which also mentioned Stephen McGann, who portrays Dr Turner, and writer Heidi Thomas, enjoyed their son’s wedding during the break.