Viewers of Call the Midwife were left in tears after a heartbreaking death occurred within the opening moments of the latest episode. The beloved BBC period drama returned to television on Sunday evening, continuing its journey in its 15th series, which began last week. The show continues to follow the midwives and nuns of Nonnatus House as they confront the challenges of the NHS and the Women’s Liberation Movement during 1971.

In the latest instalment, the local community organized an Easter egg hunt for schoolchildren. However, the mood shifted dramatically when a dog was found collapsed behind a bin, foaming at the mouth. Alarm quickly spread through the community, raising concerns about a potential rabies outbreak. Tragically, when Dr. Patrick Turner (Stephen McGann) arrived to examine the animal, the dog had already died.

Viewers of Call the Midwife took to social media to express their distress over the dog’s demise. One viewer posted on X: “I get more upset when an animal dies than a human. I’m so sad for that poor dog,” reports the Mirror. Another commented: “The poor dog omg [crying face emoji].” A third person said: “NOT A SICK DOG PLEASE.” Someone else simply posted: “Poor dog.”

Meanwhile, in another storyline, Cyril Robinson (portrayed by Zephryn Taitte) was introduced to Rosalind Clifford’s (Natalie Quarry) parents for the first time, marking a significant milestone in their relationship as he sought their blessing. Cyril’s relationship with Rosalind developed while he was grieving the death of his wife, Lucille, who departed the series after prioritizing her mental health following a traumatic miscarriage.

Lucille’s exit during series 12 was attributed to various factors, including struggles with mental health, homesickness, and Britain’s increasingly hostile climate towards immigrants at that time. Leonie Elliott confirmed her departure from the beloved drama in a heartfelt social media statement, writing to devastated supporters: “Having spent six years on a truly wonderful show, with a fantastic team, I have fallen deeper and deeper in love with Lucille.”