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BBC’s biggest drama ‘set to be rested’ and replaced with a potential spin-off series
THE creator of Call the Midwife has suggested the show could soon take a break after 13 years on our TV screens.
It remains the BBC’s most watched drama so talk of any end to the medical show is sure to send shockwaves through the industry.
But, talking to the Radio Times, creator Heidi Thomas also hinted that any resting of the show might lead to some form of spin off.
She said: “Those of us who are most invested with the show, cast and producers alike, who have been there since the beginning, it is our lives.
“I don’t believe Call the Midwife will ever end. But I do think we might take a break at some point.”
She continued: “I’m not in a position to talk about things really.
“There is a sort of a rolling, ongoing conversation that we always have at this point every year, which is: is there an end point?
“What are we working towards?
“Increasingly, we do see opportunities to expand our storytelling world.
“So if we do take a break, it will be with a view to looking at other aspects of Call the Midwife.”
Asked if that might mean there was some kind of spin-off series from the show she simply replied: “Watch this space.”
Meanwhile cast member Megan Cusack also confirmed that she was leaving the programme, in a move that will shock devotees of Call the Midwife.
The actress, who plays Nancy Corrigan on the Sunday night drama, said: “Sometimes, you’ve got to step out of your comfort zone to grow.
“I’ve learnt so much, but I’m at the start of my career and I need to take a leap of faith.
“It’s bittersweet, really.
“I’ve made lifelong friendships there and I get to take those with me.”
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Horse racing tips: ‘Exciting young jockey can make the difference’ – Templegate’s NAP can back up brilliant form
TEMPLEGATE tackles Tuesday’s action hungry for success.
Back a horse by clicking their odds below.
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HARLINGTON (5.30 Wolverhampton, nap)
Saves his best for the course and distance with a win and two places from his past three visits. This looks a drop in class from last time out when he was beaten less than a length in a blanket finish. The handicapper has been fair in leaving his mark alone and solid young jockey Taylor Fisher takes a handy 3lb off which can make all the difference today.
ASA (5.00 Catterick, nb)
Won by a distance at Southwell eight days ago and looks hard to stop under a 7lb penalty. She relishes every yard of this three-mile trip and has been thriving over fences and hurdles. This track suits and there’s even more to come from Philip Kirby’s flying mare.
CHARLATAN (7.30 Wolverhampton, treble)
Was a bit unlucky not to strike here seven days ago. He blasted home with a real rattle but the line but the finishing line came a few strides too soon. He has lots of good form over this course and distance and the handicapper has given him a chance off the same mark.
MY BROTHER MIKE (4.55 Wolverhampton, Lucky 15)
He has dropped to his last winning mark, which came here in November. He was just a length off the pace last time and this slightly longer trip is ideal under Rossa Ryan.
Templegate’s tips
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Horoscope today, February 25 2025: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg
OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column is being kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.
Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.
ARIES
March 21 to April 20
Not everyone in your life may match up to your expectations, but the moon encourages understanding – so hold back on taking final steps.
A few words today can make such a difference.
Your Venus self is pro-passion and willing to go deeper and faster, than you think.
Single? The One reminds you of yourself.
TAURUS
April 21 to May 21
Hard-to-handle feelings are part and parcel of Pluto’s chart position for you – but when you keep believing the best, of yourself and others, you can push through.
There’s an exciting sense that anything can happen today.
Your most steadfast friend or family member may shock you with a decision, but let it sink in.
Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
GEMINI
May 22 to June 21
Your day is centred on where you are going, not where you are coming from, so keep your ambitions fixed on the future.
You have a strong learning strand, too, that ensures you won’t repeat recent mistakes.
As for love, accepting what you can’t change frees your heart to try new things and approach new names.
Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
CANCER
June 22 to July 22
Admitting you feel let down, by certain people or circumstances, is your key to unlocking that part of you that struggles to trust.
You have the words today to talk through difficult things, so a time of feeling less than 100 per cent free can end.
Transformation is a strong chart strand.
That new look is so close now.
Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
LEO
July 23 to August 23
Your ability to tune in to anyone puts you ahead where teams are being selected – but make sure you pursue a position based on real desire, not just pride.
Looking good matters to you, but feeling good is more important today.
A set of numbers or dates linked to your community holds significant meaning for you.
Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
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VIRGO
August 24 to September 22
Waiting for a set of papers or people to be perfect could mean missing a crucial chance – so work with what you have today.
This can include a job application, or health undertaking.
Mercury and Saturn bring staying power to your co-operation zone, and it’s important to say what you truly mean, at all times.
Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
LIBRA
September 23 to October 23
Leaving space in your day for leaps of imagination can be a rich source of surprise.
One idea from the past you had given up on can now happen.
You may see or hear something today that changes your mind.
Your fitness sector blends curiosity with stamina, and an unusual sport could suit you well.
Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
List of 12 star signs
The traditional dates used by Mystic Meg for each sign are below.
- Capricorn: December 22 – January 20
- Aquarius: January 21 – February 18
- Pisces: February 19 – March 20
- Aries: March 21 – April 20
- Taurus: April 21 – May 21
- Gemini: May 22 – June 21
- Cancer: June 22 – July 22
- Leo: July 23 – August 23
- Virgo: August 24 – September 22
- Libra: September 23 – October 23
- Scorpio: October 24 – November 22
- Sagittarius: November 23 – December 21
SCORPIO
October 24 to November 22
The more the moon tries to establish a secure base, the more disrupter Pluto may sabotage plans.
The key is to stay flexible, at least for one day.
At home and at work, this leaves space for unexpected solutions to show themselves.
As a friend, you are so supportive, but beware of stepping over a line.
Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
SAGITTARIUS
November 23 to December 21
This is a day for communication – even if it’s hard to start a conversation, you know there are things that need to be said.
This can include an honest chat with yourself.
The new direction of Mars is so positive for new roles and relationships – even if a work leap seems unlikely, you could make it happen.
Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
CAPRICORN
December 22 to January 20
Who and what you truly value in your life has Pluto’s attention right now.
If you sense that you need to get more from, or give less to, certain situations, this can happen.
But it’s also important to show loyalty in what you do, and say.
A cash race linked to “P” could be closer to the finish line than you think.
Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
AQUARIUS
January 21 to February 18
Your sign is the home of planet surprises all day today – and part of this can be a sudden sense of knowing exactly what you need.
Yes, this may not be what you expect – but the moment the thought comes, you can accept it and action it.
By tonight, your love life’s future can feel invigorated and exciting.
Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
PISCES
February 19 to March 20
If you have always gone for the safe or familiar option, this can be your day to try a more risky love route.
You may assume a partner will resist your ideas, but you won’t know until you ask.
Single? The introduction that seems opposite to right, could reward you in many wonderful ways.
Luck reverses four numbers.
Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
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Emmerdale cast hunky star as Dales new bad boy as he’s set to spell trouble for Moira
EMMERDALE looks set to introduce a brand new character that could be about to spell a whole lot of trouble for Moira and the Dingle clan.
The ITV soap opera has cast a hunky new star to shake up the Dales with his outlandish antics and inherent charm.
Actor Shebz Miah will be playing the show’s brand new bad boy Kammy.
Kammy will make his debut screen appearance next month and will certainly make his presence known when he steals a quad bike from Moira’s farm.
With the bike missing, all fingers point toward Ross Barton but little do the residents know, there is a new bad boy stirring up trouble.
Kammy will soon find himself coming face-to-face with Sarah Sugden, played by Katie Hill, and it is clear there is a spark brewing between the pair.
As Kammy and Sarah grow closer, it becomes apparent that under his influence, she is ready to adopt the wild child Dingle lifestyle she has always longed for.
Kammy will introduce an element of danger, romance, excitement and above all else, his inherent charm, to both Sarah and the wider Dales.
Speaking of signing up for the show, actor Shebz revealed: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the cast of Emmerdale.
“Everyone has been so welcoming and I already feel like a part of the family.
“I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better job – the character is such an exciting one to play and Kammy will definitely ruffle a few feathers, but he does have the gift of the gab so although he causes a lot of mischief, I think it will be hard not to like him!”
Sarah Sugden star Katie added: “I can’t wait for the audience to meet Kammy – he’s a really fun character and a great addition to the village.
“We might even see him and Sarah get up to a bit of mischief together… It has been great having Shebz join the cast and he’s been brilliant to work with!”
Emmerdale’s Executive Producer Laura Shaw went on to say: “We are delighted to be welcoming Shebz to Emmerdale as cheeky charmer Kammy.
“Charismatic, with a very playful spirit, but ultimately kind at heart, Yorkshire lad Kammy promises to bring both excitement and danger to the village.”
Most devastating soap deaths
SOAP viewers are frequently left heartbroken after watching some of their favourite characters bite the dust.
Here is a list of the most devastating deaths that have taken place in soapland over the years.
EASTENDERS
Barry Evans – Evil Janine (Charlie Brooks) lured her trusting fiance to Scotland for a quickie marriage after learning he was dying.
Her plan to inherit Barry’s fortune was thwarted when Barry told her that the doctors had mixed up his medical files.
Furious that she was no longer set for a windfall, she pushed Barry off a cliff after telling him their love was “fake”.
Bradley Branning – Bradley was accused of killing Stacey Slater’s rapist Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb) after he punched him twice on the night he died.
He was spotted in the Square by a police woman who chased him up a fire escape.
Bradley lost his balance and tragically plunged to his death.
CORONATION STREET
Tina McIntyre – Tina was getting it on with Peter Barlow – despite him being married to Carla Connor.
When she threatened to reveal the truth, Carla’s brother Rob got into a physical altercation with her.
Tina lost her footing and fell off a balcony – then warned Rob she was going to tell the cops he pushed her.
In a panic, Rob brutally clobbered her over the head with a metal pipe.
Molly Dobbs – Molly was one of the victims in Corrie’s 2010 tram crash, alongside Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold).
Married to Tyrone (Alan Halsall), Molly had been having an affair with Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell) in the months before her death.
This resulted in the birth of their son, Jack (Kyran Bowes), who was named after Jack Duckworth.
As fate would have it, Kevin’s wife Sally (Sally Dynevor) was by Molly’s side in her final moments.
Sally was stunned as Molly confessed Kevin was Jack’s father, before dying of her injuries.
Vera Duckworth – Having appeared regularly in Corrie since the 1970s, there was no denying Vera Duckworth was an iconic character.
Alongside her husband Jack, the pair formed one of the soap’s most beloved couples.
Viewers were heartbroken when Vera was killed off in 2008, being discovered having passed away peacefully in her chair.
Liz Dawn, who played Vera, made a brief return two years later for Bill Tarmey’s exit as Jack.
Paul Foreman – Fans were heartbroken when Paul Foreman succumbed to his illness after battling motor neurone disease.
Introduced in 2018 as David Platt’s (Jack P. Shepherd) cellmate, he later embarked on a romance – and marriage – with vicar Billy Mayhew.
The MND storyline was announced in 2023 – with the expectation it would result in the character’s death.
EMMERDALE
Sarah Sugden – After the family got into financial problems, Sarah’s son Andy (Kelvin Fletcher) decided to make some quick cash from an insurance company by setting fire to the Sugden barn.
He didn’t realise his mum was inside the building, and she got trapped in the blaze.
Nine villagers – The shocking 1993 plane crash episode brought in 18 million viewers for Emmerdale.
Mark Hughes was killed by a falling wall, Archie Brooks was burned by jet fuel, Elizabeth Pollard was killed by debris and newcomer Leonard Kempinski died in a car crash caused by the crash.
Five other non-recurring characters from the village also died.
HOLLYOAKS
Carmel McQueen – The talented singer died in shocking scenes when a train crashed into a her family’s car.
Carmel managed to free her cousin Theresa from the rubble – but got stuck in it herself.
Moments later the train exploded and Carmel died in the arms of her family members, promising to be their guardian angel.
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They may live in the spotlight, but these stars have no problem doing every day tasks
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