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Call the Midwife: fans left 'heartbroken' after episode five

Spoilers ahead!

Nicky Morris
TV and film writer
January 31, 2022
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Call the Midwife fans were left heartbroken following Sunday night's episode, which proved to be a "tough watch" for many viewers. 

MORE: Call the Midwife stars discuss responsibilty of being asked to tackle taboo storylines

The fifth episode of the latest series saw Nurse Lucille Anderson (Leonie Elliott) suffer a miscarriage while the Nonnatus House staff encountered a case of domestic abuse. 

WATCH: What did you think of the latest episode?

Fans took to Twitter to comment on the "heartbreaking" episode. One particularly sad moment was when a distraught Lucille miscarried while Nurse Phyllis Crane (Linda Bassett) tearfully supported her. One person tweeted: "Phyllis and Lucille both crying has broken me. And if this means that Lucille can’t have more kids I will riot," while another person added: "This is actually heartbreaking."

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A third person commented: "I never want to see Phyllis cry again," while another added: "Wow #CallTheMidwife that's been a tough watch tonight."

call the midwife s11 anderson© Photo: BBC

Viewers were left "heartbroken" following Lucille's miscarriage

Many viewers also praised the performances from Leonie Elliott and Linda Bassett, with one person tweeting: "@Leonie_Elliott has the nation crying with her. A beautifully sensitive portrait of miscarriage and loss and Linda Bassett knocks it out of the park with another stellar performance. This show deserves every award," while another person agreed, writing: "Linda Bassett deserves a BAFTA for her role as Nurse Crane. Far too underrated. The way she breaks when empathising with her colleagues."

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Other viewers praised the show's ability to address important social issues in a sensitive way while also including light-hearted moments of humour. One person wrote: "Oh #CallTheMidwife does it again. The issues of child abuse and the sadness of miscarriage are all treated with such poignancy, very touching," while another added: "An emotional roller coaster as always... and as always brilliant writing, acting and production world-class drama and humour."

call the midwife s11© Photo: BBC

Fans praised the show for its balance of tragedy and humour

A third person commented: "#CallTheMidwife has to be the best drama on TV. Always beautifully acted. Mixes joy and tragedy and handles difficult subjects sensitively. It never fails to leave me in tears either."

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