Last year, it was confirmed that a prequel spin-off series of Call the Midwife would be coming, and the BBC has now announced that the series will be named Sisters in Arms.
Set in 1939, the show will explore the founding of the East London convent that has entertained fans for 15 seasons, and it's set amid the backdrop of World War II and the London Blitz.
It was also confirmed that the show would be a three-part series, but fans will have to wait until Christmas for the show to hit our screens.
On the new series, Dame Pippa Harris, an executive producer, said: "It's thrilling to watch Heidi Thomas create a series which I know will delight our loyal Call the Midwife audience, as well as drawing in new viewers.
"It echoes the original through its blend of engrossing medical stories, wit, and pathos, while the backdrop of World War Two adds a completely fresh layer of tension and jeopardy to the drama. Heidi's extraordinary skill with character and story means viewers are in for a real treat this Christmas."
Show creator Heidi Thomas continued: "Having loved and lived with the sisters of Nonnatus House for so many years, I found myself longing to turn the clock back and tell the story of their finest hour – the Blitz. Who were Sister Monica Joan, Sister Julienne, and Sister Evangelina, when they were young? What did they do, how did they survive, and how did the conflict change them?
"Above all else, Call the Midwife: Sisters in Arms is about what happens when women go to war. It is about love and birth, separation and courage, lipstick and nylons (or the lack thereof). But it is also a medical drama, set in a devastating landscape where even the nurses cannot know if they will live till morning."
Who will star in Sisters in Arms?
The BBC has also confirmed who will be starring in the spin-off of the beloved series, with Jenny Agutter set to voice the series as her beloved character Sister Julienne, while stage actress Helena Wilson will be playing a younger version of the character.
Helen Schlesinger (Casualty) will be playing a younger version of Sister Monica Joan, played in the series by Judy Parfitt, and Amy Booth-Steel (Silent Witness) will be playing the younger version of Sister Evangelina, who is portrayed by Pam Ferris in Call the Midwife.
© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Two Cities TelevisionBen Rose (This Town) has been cast as a "juvenile" Dr Patrick Turner, while stage actor Ciaran Bowling and Sister Boniface Mysteries actress Ami Metcalf will be playing Fred Buckle and his ill-fated wife, Betty, respectively.
Rounding out the cast are Julie Hesmondhalgh (Broadchurch), Bally Gill (Slow Horses), Martin McCann (Blue Lights), Rachel O'Connell (The Young Offenders), Liv Andrusier (Pennywort), Lizzie Back (Grantchester) and Ellie McKay (Hijack).
