Call the Midwife fans 'demand' return of 'best character' five years after exit

Call the Midwife enthusiasts are clamouring for the comeback of a beloved character following their departure in 2020.

Actress Jennifer Kirby first appeared in Call the Midwife as nurse Valerie Dyer during the programme's sixth series in 2017.

Viewers of the BBC drama will warmly recall the compassionate ex-Army nurse Valerie, who consistently offered a listening ear to those struggling within the impoverished Poplar community in East London.

Unfortunately, in 2020, Jennifer announced she would be stepping away from her nursing uniform and departing her role as Valerie after four years on the show.

The reasoning behind Nurse Valerie Dyer's departure is revealed within the opening moments of the 2020 Christmas special, as Nurse Trixie Franklin (Helen George) tends to Nurse Lucille Anderson's (Leonie Elliott) hair, reports The Mirror.

When Trixie reaches for Val's teasing comb, she discovers that Val's portion of the dressing table has been entirely emptied. "Where are Valerie's things?" she enquired, looking puzzled.

"She's only gone to the maternity home. Why on Earth would she take her heated rollers there?"

The truth emerged during dinner, when Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) revealed that Val had departed for good.

The sister disclosed: "Miss Dyer begged for my discretion, and indeed my silence. She came to me in considerable distress soon after her grandmother had passed away, asking to hand in her resignation."

Val endured a challenging period during her time as a midwife. In series eight (2019), she was forced to report her cherished grandmother, Elsie Dyer, portrayed by Ann Mitchell, to authorities for operating as an illegal abortionist.

In series nine (2020), her grandmother fell ill whilst incarcerated. She was discharged into Val's custody and succumbed to cancer in the series finale, leaving Val devastated and grappling with remorse.

More than five years after Val's departure from Nonnatus House was revealed, actress Jennifer Kirby has hinted at a Call the Midwife return after posting a scene from an episode featuring former EastEnders star Ann Mitchell as Elsie.

"'Call the Midwife' BBC," she simply captioned the post, immediately triggering a response from fans who urged the character to return to the BBC programme.

In the comments section, one viewer wrote: "Absolutely loved Valerie, you were amazing!! Wish she would make a comeback!"

A second declared: "Please can Val come back! My favourite character ever," whilst a third added: "Girl, I miss youuu in CTM. Love you, you're awesome!"

"Valerie brought so much to Nonnatus House! She was by far one of my favorite midwives," wrote one fan, whilst another commented: "You were one of my favourite midwives. Val was my favourite."

Since departing Call the Midwife, Jennifer has appeared as Dr. Gillian Nicholls in Endeavour (2021), Alberta Casey in Vampire Academy (2022), and Sarah in The Gold (2025). In July, Jennifer revealed that she and her husband, Killing Eve actor Robert Gilbert, had welcomed their first child.

In a touching Instagram post, Jennifer posted an intimate photograph displaying her post-surgical scar, accompanied by a heartfelt message showing appreciation for her body's strength and her partner's unwavering support throughout her journey into motherhood.

She wrote: "One emergency caesarean, many crying sessions, a few panic attacks, infinite love, one glorious little baby, and one whole year.

"Thank you @r.g.bert, and thank you little body for all you've endured and all you've done. I won't take you for granted again."

The disclosure that their precious arrival came around Christmas 2024 proved a wonderful shock to her fans, who had previously been left completely unaware.

Call the Midwife airs Sunday at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer