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Call the Midwife gives major season 14 update with brand new backstage snap as cast film church scenes

CALL the Midwife has given fans a behind-the-scenes update from the eagerly anticipated season 14 – which is set to hit our screens next year.

The beloved BBC period drama shared a photo from the show’s set revealing that only a few weeks of filming remain.

a group of people are standing in front of a camera
BBC
Call the Midwife sneak peak at Season 14[/caption]
a woman holding a child in front of a christmas tree
BBC
Call The Midwife Christmas Special[/caption]
a woman wearing yellow gloves is driving a car
BBC
Trixie returns in Season 14 without her husband[/caption]
a group of nurses are standing next to each other
BBC
The much loved show returns soon[/caption]

The image sees Nurse Crane (Linda Bassett), Shelagh Turner (Laura Main) and Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt) filming a scene in a London church.

Nurse Crane is gesturing with her little finger and it looks like she may be about to make a pinky promise but for what?

The caption read: “The Autumn nights are closing in here at Call the Midwife, and that means there are just a few weeks of filming left on Series 14 before we start the engines on our countdown to the new Christmas Special!!

“The team have been filming in our much-loved church location in London, and they’ve sent us this intriguing behind-scenes shot.

“What is Nurse Crane up to with that little finger of hers? Does she have a promise to make with her co-stars Laura Main and Judy Parfitt? And will it involve cake?”

The caption continues: “There’s very much a feeling of approaching the finishing line on set, and then comes the best part – showing you what we’ve been up to!

“The year is now 1970 – the world has changed in many ways, but the babies keep coming, and the need for the Nonnatuns is still all too obvious.”

It concludes: “1970 in Poplar will be bringing you all the joy, tears, warmth, humour and heartache you’d expect from our community. Pinky promise!”

Call the Midwife remains one of the BBC’s most popular shows and it is always top of the ratings on Christmas Day, so viewers are excited to see what’s in store for this year’s festive episode.

Fans will also be pleased to know that it has already been renewed for season 15 which will air in 2026.

At the end of series 13, Trixie, played by Helen George, revealed that she’d be leaving Poplar to join her husband Matthew in New York.

Fans were left concerned about the actor’s future in the drama. 

However, recently, she revealed that she was returning for another season, and expressed intrigue in what the next set of episodes hold in store for her character.

Helen teased: “It’s quite a return for Trixie, because she’s coming back sans-husband, so that’s an interesting twist.”

Call The Midwife: A breakdown

Call The Midwife first came onto the airwaves in 2012 and has been seen by millions. But what is it about?

Series one: Set in early 1957 and it explored the ‘Baby Boom generation, which included themes of poverty and post-war immigration.

Series two: Set in 1958 and it showed gas and air being introduced for pain relief for the first time. It ended with the Nonnatus House building being condemned.

Series three: Set in 1959 and it depicted gruesome conditions such as cystic fibrosis, polio and it showed the midwives in the context on prisons.

Series four: Set in 1960 under the threat of nuclear warfare and the emergency response guidelines issued by the local Civil Defence Corp. Other themes included LGBT rights, and syphilis.

Series five: Set in 1961 and it shows the care of patients with conditions such as Typhoid and strokes. We also saw the effects of thalidomide, the introduction of the contraceptive pill.

Series six: Set in 1962 and domestic violence was at the centre of the season. Other themes included FGM (female genital mutilation), mental health issues and interracial marriage. It was also notable for the introduction of Reggie, a recurring character with Down Syndrome.

Series seven: Set in 1963 and we see Nurse Lucille Anderson for the first time. We also see the show address conditions such as dementia, huntington’s disease, leprosy and meningitis

Series eight: Set in 1964 and it bravely covered the issue of abortion, which was not legal for another three years in 1967. Sickle cell disease, cleft lip, cleft palate and intersex people also featured.

Series nine: Diptheria was at the centre of the ninth instalment in 1965, and it was notable for featuring a blind expectant mother. But the role of Nonnatus House within the community also came into question.

Series ten: Set in 1966, Nonnatus House has a rival in the form of the private Lady Emily Clinic in Mayfair. PKU, diabetes and the controversy surrounding abortion were central themes.

Series eleven: Set in 1967 amid the housing crisis and a scabies epidemic. The show was rocked by a train crash right next to Nonnatus House.

The Sun previously told how producers have been working on an ‘odd’ storyline for Miss Miggins (Georgie Glen) and introduced a new character to the show for the forthcoming episodes.

Young actress Myla Park, nine, has joined the show in a important new role and will feature in this years Christmas episode.

The young star is no stranger to the spotlight, as she already has substantial drama experience on the West End.

Her addition to the cast comes amid a “poignant turning point” within the series.

Call the Midwife returns to BBC One and iPlayer this Christmas.

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Hezbollah names NEW boss as ageing terrorist who gave chilling TV speech replaces blown-up Nasrallah – but for how long?

TERROR group Hezbollah has named its new leader as Naim Qassem – an ageing boss who gave a chilling speech earlier this month vowing to fight on.

Qassem, the former deputy leader, is replacing Hassan Nasrallah – who was killed by Israel last month in massive airstrikes.

a man with a beard wearing a white turban
Reuters
Lebanon’s Hezbollah deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem has been elected as its new leader[/caption]

His succession to the top of Hezbollah will make him the chief target for ruthlessly efficient Israeli assassins who have already killed dozens of terror chiefs in Lebanon and Gaza.

Unlike Nasrallah who ruled Hezbollah for three decades, Qassem’s leadership may be short lived.

He has been a senior figure in the Iran-backed movement for more than 30 years.

Reports claim he is currently living in Tehran, having fled Lebanon after Israel began its invasion.

In a statement, Hezbollah said: “God Almighty has spoken the truth.

“…the Hezbollah Shura agreed to elect His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem as Secretary-General of Hezbollah, carrying the blessed banner in this march, asking God Almighty.”

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

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Amy Dowden’s Strictly replacement Lauren Oakley breaks silence and makes JB Gill heartfelt promise

AMY Dowden’s Strictly replacement Lauren Oakley has broken her silence – and her made JB Gill a heartfelt promise.

It comes after Amy, 37 – who was recently given the all clear from breast cancer – was rushed to hospital on Saturday night after collapsing backstage following the main show.

a woman in a blue and pink dress is standing on one leg
BBC
Lauren Oakley has spoken out since it was revealed she is Amy Dowden’s replacement[/caption]
a woman in a blue and pink dress is standing on one leg
Splash
Amy has recently been given the all clear from breast cancer[/caption]
a man and woman in overalls are dancing on a stage
BBC
Amy was rushed to hospital after her performance with JB Gill on Saturday night[/caption]

This meant that Amy did not appear in the pre-recorded results show that airs on Sunday night.

Yesterday The Sun exclusively revealed that this week Amy will be replaced by Strictly pro Lauren Oakley.

Last night Lauren took to her social media to send Amy her best wishes as she dances with her celebrity partner JB Gill this weekend.

Resharing the BBC‘s statement about her replacement, Lauren added: “Sending you so much love and well wishes @amy_dowden.

“Hope you’re back on the dance floor as soon as possible!

“I will look after @jbgill for you this week, I hope we make you proud!”

Lauren – who joined the show in 2022 – doesn’t have a partner this year.

We exclusively reported how the JLS hitmaker will dance with Lauren and start training together, as Amy recovers.

A source was first to tell us: “Lauren will be stepping in today to train with JB.

“It’s unclear when Amy will be back but everyone just wants her to rest and get better.”

Last night a major health update was revealed.

She was said to be “doing much better” but will be unable to return this week. 

Strictly Come Dancing spokesperson said: “Amy Dowden MBE is doing much better and the Strictly family send her love and wish her well. 

“She is delighted that fellow professional dancer, Lauren Oakley, is able to step in for rehearsals and to perform in Saturday’s show for JB Gill’s Couple’s Choice dance. 

“We are all hopeful that Amy will be back to dance with JB next week.”

Strictly Amy's cancer 'nightmare'

The Sun's Jamie Downham takes a look at the beloved Strictly star's ups and downs...

AS Strictly Come Dancing viewers know, you’ll struggle to catch Amy Dowden without a huge smile on her face.

But recently the Welsh star – one the best-rated Ballroom and Latin American professional dancers the UK has ever produced – has suffered a string of “nightmare” blows to her health.

She was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May last year and underwent a full mastectomy, before having chemotherapy towards the end of 2023.

However, she later reported docs had found a clot on her lung, telling fans sadly: “Unfortunately I’ve had another nightmare this week.”

Nonetheless, brave Amy, seen here dancing with James Bye, made an epic return to Strictly the following month with an appearance that left many viewers in floods tears.

As 2024 dawned, she admitted: “I feel I was robbed of the year I had planned and reflecting for me makes me upset and angry.”

However, she was soon smiling again. Amy, her hair starting to grow back after her cancer treatment, was seen messing around with her co-stars Dianne Buswell and Vito Coppola on the Strictly tour earlier this month.

And despite another spell in hospital in February, she still mustered a cheeriness many would struggle for, telling fans: “The sun is shining – and I certainly can’t wait for Spring.”

And we certainly can’t wait to see you dancing again, Amy…

Fans of the programme feared for ‘tired’ Amy a WEEK before her shock collapse.

Amy could be forced to quit the contest after her collapse and she was seen by paramedics at Elstree Studios.

Strictly insider said: “Amy was obviously in huge distress. “Everyone around her was equally upset because they felt so helpless.

“JB had to be given a hug.

“Even the medic who first attended to Amy needed support and consolation.

“The only thing they could do was try to get her to hospital as quickly and safely as possible.”

As a result, her celebrity partner JB was left standing alone as Claudia and Tess revealed he was through to next week’s competition.

Following the news, Claudia told him: “I know you’re here without Amy, but on behalf of both of you, how happy are you that you’re not in the bottom two?”

The JLS singer replied: “Honestly, I’m beside myself, and Amy, of course, is going to be so happy that we’re through to icons.”

He added how Amy and him will perform a Bruno Mars medley during next week’s show.

A spokesperson for Amy said: “Amy was feeling unwell and so an ambulance was called as a precaution.

“She is feeling much better and would like to thank the Strictly family for their love and concern.

“We request Amy’s privacy in matters of health is kindly respected.”

Amy, who joined Strictly in 2017, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in May 2023.

The past year has seen the star undergo a mastectomy, numerous rounds of chemotherapy and fertility treatment.

a woman in a scarecrow costume stands next to a man in overalls
JB and Amy were scored 32 after this dance on Saturday
Instagram
a man and woman are dancing in front of a brooklyn pizza shop
PA
Amy has been a pro on the show since 2022[/caption]

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‘He’s making excuses now,’ says Married At First Sight fans as they slam groom for shock U-turn

MARRIED At First viewers have let rip at a popular groom for “making excuses” amid a shock romance U-Turn.

The E4 star – a firm favourite when the matchmaking series began this season – irked those tuning in on Monday, leaving them branding him a “bloody liar.”

a poster for married at first sight showing a bride and groom
Channel 9
Married at First Sight fans have accused one groom of checking out after he made a major U-Turn[/caption]
a man with a beard is wearing glasses and a light blue jacket
E4
Kieran Chapman stunned fans as he admitted he feared he was ‘wasting time’ with his wife[/caption]
a woman sitting on a red couch with the letter e above her head
E4
He told how he did not feel like being ‘intimate’ with his spouse[/caption]
a man in a suit and a woman in a white dress hugging each other
Instagram
Fans had high hopes for the pair following their loved-up wedding[/caption]

Newcastle-born Kieran Chapman was matched with East Sussex based Kristina Goodsell in the opening episode of Married At First Sight‘s 2024 season.

They quickly warmed the hearts of fans – kicking off with Kieran donning fake teeth at the altar before enjoying a romantic Honeymoon.

During their lavish trip away, Kieran was also praised as Kristina opened up on her battle with PMDD.

Yet after they moved into their apartment together cracks started to show – with Kieran kissing another wife in a game and then admitting on Monday’s commitment ceremony episode he did not want to be “intimate” with his bride.

He also heartbreakingly admitted his fears he was “wasting time” with his spouse.

Yet amid the shock change, fans were quick to suspect a different motive.

One took to X to remark: “Kieran is making excuses now. Why did he apply to be on the show if he’s backing off because he doesn’t want to be hurt?”

Another put: “I can’t believe Kieran’s 180. Where has this come from?!”

A third noted: “Kieran should stop the BS and just say he’s not feeling it anymore.”

One then added: “Kieran absolute bulls****ing.

“He’s a bloody liar and Kristina deserves so much more than this. Sod off back to Hugo.”

Yet others were quick to back the star, who works as a mechanic.

One argued: “Feel for Kieran because he seems genuinely lovely and clearly doesn’t want to hurt Kristina, but you can see he just knows it’s not right and feels he’s settling.”

Married at First Sight UK 2024

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Another mused: I admire Kieran so much.

“It’s heartbreaking for Kristina. She’s a doll but honesty is the best way forwards… he really does possess emotional maturity and integrity… Such a decent man!”

RAW REVEAL

Kieran’s candid admissions sent shockwaves around his MAFS co-stars as well as among fans watching at home.

In his frank remarks, he said: “At the last commitment ceremony, I explained how the PMDD was affecting me.

“But I’ve since realised that there’s underlying areas where we’re not similar that are important to me.”

MAFS expert Mel Schilling then asked: “What made you say that?”

Turning to his wife Kristina, he said: “I asked you the other day, didn’t I?

“What’s more important; finding a husband or pursuing something that you’re really passionate about?”

He then told Mel: “She said finding a husband and I went, ‘This is why we’re very different’.”

Having her say, Kristina then added: “Coming in here from day one, I wanted to build a new life wherever that took me.”

a man with a beard is wearing a light blue jacket
E4
Fans were left raging ‘where has this come from?’[/caption]
a woman in an orange feathered outfit is crying
Channel 4
Kristina was left emotional last week after the mechanic kissed another bride[/caption]

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Who is Gisele Bundshen’s boyfriend Joaquim Valente and when is she expecting a child with the jiu jitsu instructor?

GISELE Bündchen revealed that she is expecting her first child with her boyfriend Joaquim Valente.

The model has been dating the jiu-jitsu instructor since June last year after the breakdown of her marriage with quarterback Tom Brady.

a man in a white karate uniform has a blue belt with the word jiu-jitsu on it
Instagram/ valentebrothers
Gisele Bündchen’s new boyfriend Joaquim Valente[/caption]
a man in a blue shirt and a woman in a white tank top walk down a street
Mega
The couple are expecting their first child together[/caption]

This will be her third child and Joaquim’s first – but who exactly is Joaquim and how did the pair meet?

Joaquim, 37, and Gisele first met in December 2021 when she hired him to teach her son the martial art.

Taken by the non-violent training and perhaps the teacher, she decided to take classes too.

By July the pair were more than just teacher and student, they were spotted in Costa Rica on holiday together with her two children.

“Initially, I wasn’t even considering it for myself. But when I brought [her son Ben] to the first class and started talking to Joaquim, I realized that it was much more than self defense,” she told Dust Magazine.

She explained that she fell in love with jiu-jitsu : “It felt very much in line with what I believe in and look for in my life, and how I have a path to develop and become the best version of myself.”

Who is Joaquim?

Joaquim owns the Miami-based self-defence studio with his brothers Pedro and Gui.

The martial art runs in their blood, three generations of his family were trained in the sport.

Joaquim and his brothers were taught by their dad before they had even started walking.

By the time they were two, he and his brothers were then trained by Grandmaster Hélio Gracie – who created Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

But Gisele’s beau isn’t just a one-trick pony, he also has a degree in criminology from Barry University in Florida.

Gisele and Joaquim caused a stir when they were seen together in Costa Rica and the model initially denied that they were more than friends.

The holiday came just two weeks after her divorce from Tom was finalised.

The pair both have a lot in common, including them moving from their home country Brazil at a young age.

What happened with Gisele and Tom Brady?

The couple were together for 13 years and share Benjamin Rein Brady, 14 and Vivian, 11.

Speaking to Vanity Fair at the time, she said that the split was the “death of her dream”.

“It’s tough because you imagine your life was going to be a certain way, and you did everything you could, you know?” she said.

“I believed in fairy tales when I was a kid. I think it’s beautiful to believe in that. I mean, I’m so grateful I did.”

At the time she said that the reason for their split was because the pair had “grown apart”.

The couple met when she was 26 and he was 29, but the model said that as they got older their priorities changed.

There were rumours that they broke up over Tom’s refusal to retire from the NFL – which Gisele called “very hurtful”.

Gisele and Joaquim’s romance rumours

Gisele was accused of cheating on Tom, which she strongly denied when she was quizzed by The New York Times.

She said the rumours of her infidelity were “lies”.

“This is something that happens to a lot of women who get blamed when they have the courage to leave an unhealthy relationship and are labeled as being unfaithful,” she told the publication.

She added that she “doesn’t want to make her life a tabloid”.

Without naming Joaquim, she said: “‘This is the first time I am seeing someone that was a friend of mine first.”

“It’s very different. It is very honest, and it’s very transparent,” she added.

On Valentine’s Day this year the pair made it official after they were spotted kissing in Miami.

A source revealed to People that they had been “dating since June” and added that they were “taking it slow.”

When is Gisele due?

Gisele is about five to six months pregnant, according to TMZ.

It’s unclear when Bündchen’s due to give birth.

A source confirmed to People that the Brazilian fashion model, 44, and Valente, 35, are excited about the new chapter in their life.

“Gisele and Joaquim are happy for this new chapter in their life, and they’re looking forward to creating a peaceful and loving environment for the whole family,” the source told the magazine in a statement.

a little girl wearing a jersey that says brady on it
Getty
Gisele Bundchen with ex-husband and daughter Vivian Brady[/caption]
a man and woman posing for a picture on a pink carpet
Getty
The couple split after 13 years together[/caption]

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