'Call the Midwife' is set to lose three beloved characters.
Ben Caplan
Viewers have been patiently waiting for the new series of the period drama to arrive on the BBC, but it looks like they could be in for a shock when it returns to screens in a few months' time without fan favourites Emerald Fennel and Katy Lamb, who played lesbian lovers Patsy Mount and Delia Busby in the show, as well as Bryony Hannah, who portrayed Sister Mary Cynthia, after they were written out of the script.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Comings and goings are part of life in Call the Midwife and we wish Emerald, Kate and Bryony luck.
"We are always sad when actors move on, but time and again it has proved hugely exciting to bring new faces and personalities into the mix."
Although their time on the show has come to an end, bosses are adamant they're not being killed off and the door will always be left open for them to make a return.
The trio's exit comes just weeks after Ben Caplan announced he was also walking away from the show in order to explore other things for the time being.
The 42-year-old actor has portrayed PC Peter Noakes, who is married to Miranda Hart's Chummy Fortescue-Cholmeley-Browne, since the show's first episode in 2012.
He said: "I'm taking a break to concentrate on other things ...
"It's been lovely to have been there since the beginning, an amazing roller coaster ride, and I'm honoured to have been part of the whole journey, but there comes a point six years down the line that, as an actor, it's good to keep my foot in with the theatre world and exploring other roles.
"Much as I love playing Peter Noakes, it's great to go off and play some more edgy characters and show a little bit more diversity."
However, he teased that bosses have left the door open for him to return and he's almost certain that he and Miranda will make an appearance later on down the line.
He explained at the time: "The door is very much open for both myself and Miranda and I'm sure we'll make an appearance again."
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