Meet the new stars of BBC's Call the Midwife in series 13

After an emotional Christmas Day special, viewers of the drama have been eagerly awaiting the return of Nonnatus House. 

Call the Midwife has been on the BBC since 2012 and was originally based on the books by Jennifer Worth and her time as a midwife in the East End of London during the 1950s.

It has since grabbed the attention of global audiences as fans of the show continue to watch the drama unfold and await series 13 of Call the Midwife to start.

The new series will see many familiar faces return along with some new ones, including the likes of two major characters.

Who are the new characters on Call the Midwife?

Joyce Highland (RENEE BAILEY) (Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Andrea Southam)

Season 13 will see Trinidadian pupil midwife Joyce Highland, played by Renee Bailey and fellow pupil Rosalind Clifford, played by Natalie Quarry join Nonnatus House.

Midwife Joyce Higland is described by Call the Midwife creators as "hardworking, fiercely bright and deeply kind", however, the young pupil is also hiding a traumatic past of her own.

Played by Renee Bailey, the actor is best known for starring in the Netflix and BBC series, Rebel Cheer Squad- A Get Even Series and the BBC show Mood.

Bailey described her character of Joyce as: "a force" telling the Radio Times: "She is driven and knows what she wants. She’s come to England from Trinidad and was training in Birmingham before London.

"I’ve tried to bring in a little more softness as well as qualities that I love in Black women generally. I don’t want her to just be this stereotypical idea of what a strong black woman looks like. She has a lot of tenderness."

Joining Joyce is Rosalind Clifford, who is said to be "naive at times, but with an inner steeliness."

Rosalind Clifford (NATALIE QUARRY) (Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Andrea Southam)

Rosalind is played by Natalie Quarry who has previously starred in the BBC long time running drama Doctors, as well as the award-winning show Atlanta and a short film called The Silent Canary.

Speaking of her role in Call the Midwife, Quarry said to the Radio Times: "She’s honest, loyal, open and kind, emotionally invested in other people – perhaps too much – and excited and grateful to be part of Nonnatus House.

"She has had quite a closeted upbringing, but has the attitude of 'just got to get on with it' – which is quite British, and probably good for her job."

Nurse Lucille Robinson to not return in season 13 of Call the Midwife

Call the Midwife's new cast mates come as one popular face will not be returning to screens - Nurse Lucille played by Leonie Elliott previously announced she would not be back on the BBC show.

The star confirmed back in 2023 that she would not be returning after sharing a picture of a clipboard saying "farewell" and captioning the Instagram post "Over and out."

Although Nurse Robinson has left the show, Call the Midwife will be returning for two more series taking it to 2026 and will see the drama be set in 1971.

Call the Midwife Season 13 starts on Sunday, January 7 at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.