BBC and ITV announce three huge shows to return - but not everyone is happy

15 December 2023 , 10:37

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BBC and ITV return of three shows ahead of Christmas as fans rage over scheduling clash (Image: Getty Images)

The BBC and ITV have announced the return of three popular shows over the next few weeks, but not everyone is delighted after noticing a clash in scheduling.

The broadcaster has unveiled its New Year listing, which will see much-loved programs back on our screens after a long hiatus. First up is the hit show Call The Midwife, which returns on Sunday 7th January at 8pm on BBC One.

The thirteenth season of the period drama will have a cast shakeup with the addition of newcomers Joyce Highland and Rosalind Clifford, who will be played by Renee Bailey and Natalie Quarry respectively. Call The Midwife creator Heidi Thomas told Radio Times that the student midwife duo "arrive with much to learn" before adding, "As 1969 unfolds, we’ll see change and challenge rock the world of our beloved nuns, nurses, medics and midwives." Its Christmas special will also air on Christmas Day.

Call The Midwife will return in January for its 13th season after its Christmas special (PA)

Stephen McGann, who portrays Dr Patrick Turner on the popular show, has revealed that the children in his TV family getting older is set to make the year’s Yuletide episode even more “wonderful”.

If that wasn't exciting enough, the ITV crime drama, Vera, will also be hitting screens at the same time Call The Midwife returns. The show, which is based on the novels by Ann Cleeves, will see the squad reunite for the final time as they solve their last murder during its first ever Christmas episode.

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Brenda Blethyn, who plays protaganist Det. Vera Stanhope, recently hinted that the special would have heartbreaking scenes bidding farewell to a beloved star. Kenny Doughty announced he'd be leaving the show in March, calling the decision to quit "difficult."

BBC's Silent Witness will also return on Monday 8th & Tuesday 9th January at 9pm, with it's 27th season. A series of changes will be made to the popular show too, with executive producer Jayne Chard telling fans they'd developed a "different vision" for the its look after discontentment with The Lyle's interior. Chard said that the fictional forensic pathology centre had appeared "inconsistent" and therefore its wall and corridors had to undergo a colour change.

Fans weren't too happy with some of the beloved dramas clashing, and took to X/Twitter to share their thoughts. "Why clash good dramas at the same time. ITV plus one it is then!" on person raged on X, formerly known as Twitter, while a second wrote: "Not too thrilled that two amazing dramas are clashing!" These negative sentiments were echoed by a third disgruntled viewer, who posted, "Same old every year."

Emma Dooney