Call the Midwife: Fans react as Trixie and Matthew's 'heartbreaking' storyline threatens whole show

Virgin Radio

12 Feb 2024, 11:48

Call the Midwife fans were left shocked and upset on Sunday night when Trixie and Matthew’s storyline left the much-loved couple - and Nonnatus House itself - in dire straits.

The long-running character’s relationship troubles came to a head in the 11th February episode as Matthew (Olly Rix) was forced to admit to Trixie (Helen George) the secret he’d been hiding from her - that he was essentially bankrupt after a series of calamitous business decisions. 

Yesterday’s episode saw Matthew called to an Aylward Estate Board meeting during which he was fired after it was revealed he had landed them in over £250,000 of debt. With his salary immediately terminated, Matthew had to head home to Trixie to deliver the bad news, and made matters worse when he turned on her for her spending habits and created a nasty altercation between the two.

Another issue that comes from Matthew’s financial woes is the risk that Nonnatus House - which he once saved - could now be seized as one of his assets, and this had fans concerned not only for the future of their favourite couple, but for all the programme’s characters.

“This episode owes me compensation at this stage,” said one fan, who couldn’t cope with the programme’s devastating twists and turns.

Series 13 episode six also focused on several other emotional storylines with its guest cast, including one about two young children being abandoned in a church, another revolving around mesotheliomas and asbestosis, and a third focusing on domestic abuse.

“Goodness, this is heartbreaking,” said one viewer on X (formerly Twitter). “Domestic abuse, child abandonment, cancer, bankruptcy. Yet, done with so much sensitivity and truth and kindness.”

When it comes to the future of the show’s main characters, it seems certain a solution for Nonnatus House’s future is likely to be found, seeing as the show has been renewed for two more seasons already. However, Trixie and Matthew’s future appears far less secure than it once was - especially in the light of rumours the actors may not be returning next series.

Fans wanting to know what will happen next in the storyline will have a little longer to wait for answers as well, as next Sunday (18th February)’s EE BAFTA Film Awards means the series’ penultimate episode won’t air until 25th February.

Call the Midwife will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday, 25th February at 8pm.