Call the Midwife has just aired on BBC One with Trixie Aylward (played by Helen George) taking over Nurse Phyllis Crane's (Linda Bassett) duties. The nuns and midwives at Nonnatus House were kept on their toes during a strike by the local bin men. With a pile of unsanitary waste forming outside the building, it attracted rats and caused an outbreak of Weil's Disease. The disease took hold of some fan-favourite characters including Nigel the cat and Rosalind Clifford (Natalie Quarry).
Nurse Crane's absence has not gone unnoticed as she is usually the beating heart of Nonnatus House and is responsible for organising the midwives and their daily duties. Trixie explained briefly that she was away on a "Devonshire break". While some fans may be worried following her absence, it would appear she is simply taking a well-earned holiday and will be back on duty in one of the upcoming episodes.
This is not the first time fans have shown concern for Nurse Crane, as many believe she could be developing an irreversible health condition. They spotted potential signs of dementia in one particular episode where she could not seem to remember the word for 'radiator'. Taking to X, Just Me asked: "Ermm...is Phyllis developing dementia?" They later added: "I told you...Phyllis has got early onset dementia.".
Debbie Blackman said: "What's wrong with Phyllis?" As Charlotte observed: "Something is wrong with Phyllis - Forgetting a word and the shaking.". Sam begged: "Phyllis better not be ill!!". Nurse Crane has had her fair share of ups and downs in the series, notably when she took an extended vacation in season 11. She went off on the adventure of a lifetime after her number came up in the Premium Bonds and she won £5,000.
The character went off on a motor-coach tour around continental Europe. She also had a challenging time when she had to attend refresher courses to continue working past retirement age. After fears she would be kicked out due to her age, Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) reassured her that she won't be left behind and out of work. Call the Midwife airs on BBC One on Sundays at 8pm. Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox.
