Jenny Agutter, renowned for her enduring role as Sister Julienne on BBC’s beloved period drama Call the Midwife, recently shared a throwback photograph that left fans stunned by her transformed appearance.
At 73, this Somerset-born actress has been the heart of the series since it began in 2012, playing the compassionate Sister-in-Charge at Nonnatus House. Over the years, Sister Julienne has guided viewers through the challenges faced by the community and the shifting social landscape of post-war London.
This current series, concluding this weekend, sees Sister Julienne wrestle with difficult decisions as Nonnatus House navigates the transformative 1970s. Pressures from the council to replace traditional habits with uniforms and a dramatic baby abduction storyline have added emotional depth to the narrative, with Sister Julienne at the helm of the order’s missionary efforts.
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Ahead of the anticipated season finale airing March 8, an Instagram account named Jenny Agutter News posted a captivating vintage photo of the actress. In the image, Jenny sports brunette shoulder-length hair, a peach vest top under a floral-patterned white caftan, and a white skirt—highlighting a side of her unseen on screen. Fans were quick to comment, with one wittily asking, “Oh Sister Julienne what would the mother house say?” while others admired her timeless beauty.
Unfortunately for fans anticipating the show’s Christmas special this year, Call the Midwife will take a hiatus. Creator Heidi Thomas explained in Radio Times that after 15 series in 15 years, the production needs a break for set repairs and costume updates. She also confirmed that the upcoming Series 16 will bring major changes, with Nonnatus House being replaced by a community hospital.
In addition to the hiatus, exciting developments are underway: a prequel spin-off set in the 1940s featuring familiar characters like Sister Julienne and Sister Monica Joan, as well as a film set in 1972 starring the regular cast, are both in the pipeline.
Fans can catch the final episode of Series 15 this Sunday, March 8, at 8 pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer—marking the end of an era but promising fresh storytelling on the horizon.