Call the Midwife has just bought themselves more time with the Matthew debacle

The popular Christmas special of Call the Midwife is back, bringing back familiar characters. While the episode is full of holiday cheer and touching stories, one person is missing from the usual cast.

Trixie’s other half Matthew is nowhere to be seen.

It wasn’t unexpected that Olly Rix’s departure caused issues, but Matthew’s unexplained absence from the show is becoming increasingly noticeable, despite the efforts of Call the Midwife to downplay it.

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Around the dining room table at Nonnatus House, nurse Phyllis Crane expressed her happiness that Trixie was returning to London. Trixie, who often works internationally, offered a slight smile and then let everyone know how her husband was doing.

Matthew will be staying in New York until fall,” she explained to the group, then hinted at why she’d returned without him. “Jonty starts his new school after Easter, and I needed to get him settled in at home first.”

The show doesn’t revisit what happened with Matthew or the couple’s marriage, and the story moves forward without further explanation.

Mr. and Mrs. Aylward won’t be sharing any Christmas mistletoe kisses, but they’re doing well and are happy together.

Trixie’s quick comment doesn’t just explain why Matthew won’t be putting up Christmas lights; it strongly suggests he’s been written out of the entire fifteenth season of Call the Midwife.

It’s easy to overlook, but Call the Midwife generally follows a season-by-season timeline. With so much focus on the characters’ eventful lives and babies being born, even dedicated viewers might not notice this pattern.

The show typically starts new episodes in the spring, finishes them in the fall, and then returns with a special Christmas episode.

Since Matthew won’t be back until fall, the show could finish its storyline even if they don’t need to film any new scenes with his character.

So far, the couple has maintained their relationship with Trixie traveling frequently between Poplar and New York, and occasional updates on Matthew’s new business. It appears season 15 will continue this pattern, but it’s unclear if this arrangement can realistically continue long-term.

The creators of Call the Midwife have skillfully navigated the situation surrounding the character Matthew, but they can’t avoid making a final decision about his future on the show. Ultimately, they need to decide whether he will stay or leave.

Wow, it’s been almost two years since Rix suddenly left the show back in March 2024! I know he’s doing great on Casualty now as Dr. Flynn Byron, but honestly, a lot of us who loved the period drama are still hoping he’ll come back. We really miss him!

In the Christmas special, Trixie wins a coveted prize – the first mince pie and a wish – by correctly identifying a missing ingredient in Sister Veronica’s chutney. While she’ll definitely use her wish for a new patient to deliver, viewers are also hoping some good fortune comes Trixie’s way regarding Matthew’s return.

Call the Midwife airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.

Read more Call the Midwife news on our dedicated homepage

Enjoy the holidays with the Good Housekeeping Christmas TV Guide! It’s packed with 14 days of listings to help you plan your festive viewing, and it’s available now for just £4.75 at Morrisons, TG Jones, and other magazine shops.

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2025-12-26 00:19