BBC Call the Midwife fans ‘in tears’ minutes into Christmas special as it ends on cliffhanger: ‘I will riot!’
Call the Midwife viewers were left emotional during the first part of the BBC’s Christmas special as beloved character Reggie became stranded at a coach station.
The festive episode, which aired on Christmas Day, saw fans taking to social media within minutes of the show starting to express their distress over Reggie’s predicament.
The drama unfolded as Reggie, played by Daniel Laurie, found himself alone at the station after Fred Buckle was delayed in picking him up.
“Reggie has me going already and it’s only been four minutes,” wrote one viewer on X, formerly Twitter, accompanied by a crying emoji.
Another fan posted: “Six minutes in and they already have me terrified for Teddy and crying over Reggie.”
The episode saw Fred Buckle, portrayed by Cliff Parisi, delayed by a police road blockade due to an escaped convict while on his way to collect Reggie.
After waiting with no sign of Fred, Reggie decided to take matters into his own hands and boarded a bus to Penge.
The situation worsened when Reggie alighted from the bus, only to be informed by a group of Christmas revellers that he was “miles away” from Poplar.
Meanwhile, Fred had been playing Santa at the hospital, distributing gifts to children during the festive period.
The episode was part of a special double bill, featuring the return of Helen George as Trixie Aylward, who was helping with the Nonnatus House festivities.
Viewers grew increasingly concerned for Reggie’s safety as the episode progressed, taking to social media to express their worry.
“If anything, yes, anything happens to Reggie. There will be hell to pay,” wrote one fan.
Another viewer stated: “If any harm comes to Reggie I will be fuming.”
Some fans even threatened to protest, with another posting: “Why is Teddy in hospital? If something happens to him, I will RIOT! Same for Reggie.”
The distress was palpable in viewers’ reactions, with one more exclaiming: “REGGIE IS LOST NO SHUT UP.”
The emotional response highlighted the audience’s attachment to Reggie’s character, who is usually sheltered by Vi and Fred but has recently been granted more independence.
The episode reached a tense climax when Fred finally arrived at the coach station, only to find Reggie missing.
In a heart-wrenching moment, Fred discovered Reggie’s bag underneath a bench at the station.
Inside the bag was a carefully wrapped Christmas present that Reggie had bought for Fred.
The scene ended with Fred desperately calling out “Reggie!” with fear and panic visible on his face, met only with silence.
Actor Cliff Parisi, who plays Fred, explained to RadioTimes: “Normally, Reggie’s really sheltered by Vi and Fred, but they’ve kind of started to try and grant him a little bit more independence as he’s got older.”
“Things are all right when they go right, but if they go wrong, Reggie doesn’t have another option. He doesn’t know what to do,” Parisi added.
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The story is set to continue on Boxing Day at 7.30pm on BBC One.
The upcoming episode will feature the People of Poplar Choir performance bringing festive cheer, alongside a romantic storyline for Nancy.
Nancy’s date with Roger Noble at the funfair comes to an unexpected end following a sudden accident, before she can discuss being a single mother.
As the search for Reggie intensifies, the residents of Poplar unite to find him.
The episode will also reveal more about escaped prisoner Jock McKechnie, who has personal reasons for being in Poplar, with events taking a turn when he injures his hand.
Viewers will have to wait until Boxing Day evening to discover if Reggie is found safe and well.