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Judy Parfitt as Sister Monica Joan in Call the Midwife© Miya Mizuno

Call the Midwife star reveals expletive-filled disruption on set of series 12 finale

Judy Parfitt plays Sister Monica Joan in the BBC drama

Francesca Shillcock
Senior Features Writer
April 12, 2023
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Call the Midwife star Judy Parfitt has revealed her frustrated reaction to an on-set disruption while filming for the BBC show. 

The actress, who is adored for her role as Sister Monica Joan in the midwifery drama, appeared on a recent episode of ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh when she recalled the moment she was interrupted by photographers on set while filming the final episode of series 12. 

Check out the video below to see what she had to say…

WATCH: Judy Parfitt recalls moment she was disrupted on set

The 87-year-old explained how the disruption was caused by paparazzi and that she was forced to go and confront them for interrupting her filming. 

While explaining the story, Judy stopped herself from saying certain words, implying that she used some fruity language in her rant. 

MORE: Former Call the Midwife actress to appear in upcoming film with Night Agent star 

MORE: Call the Midwife star’s beloved BBC show to end after 5 seasons 

Judy Parfitt plays Sister Monica Joan© Olly Courtney
Judy Parfitt plays Sister Monica Joan

Meanwhile, Call the Midwife’s series finale was an emotional episode as it saw Helen George’s character Trixie Franklin finally tie the knot with her fiancé Matthew Aylward, played by Olly Rix. 

Although the twelfth series might be over, there’s good news for fans of the show because the creator, Heidi Thomas, and bosses at the BBC confirmed that the series will return at the end of the year for a Christmas special as well as a new series in 2024. 

Trixie wed Matthew in the Call the Midwife finale© Laurence Cendrowicz
Trixie wed Matthew in the Call the Midwife finale

The statement read: "Call the Midwife is the pride and joy of all who work on it, but it's our fantastic, loyal audience that matters most.

"We are a family behind the scenes, on the screen, and in front of the telly, and I'm thrilled that we're all heading into the 1970's together."

Fans will no doubt be thrilled that the drama, which doesn't shy away from covering difficult topics, will be on our screens for more years to come – but it's bittersweet for some after Leonie Elliott, who plays Lucille Anderson, announced her departure. 

Leonie Elliott will not be returning to Call the Midwife© Matt Towers

She shared a touching statement with fans to announce the news: "Thank you all for embracing Lucille and rocking with me on this journey, it is with a heart full of love and appreciation that I embark on pastures new.

"Having spent 6 years on a truly wonderful show, with a fantastic team I have fallen deeper and deeper in love with Lucille. I feel honoured to have represented the pioneering Windrush generation and their incredible impact on British society."

Leonie continued: "I would like to say a MASSIVE thank you to the brilliant cast and our uber talented creative team: Heidi Thomas, Pippa Harris, and Annie Tricklebank. Thank you again for all your support, it is hugely appreciated. Super excited for what's coming next! Xxx."

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