Fans of the beloved series Call the Midwife are left pondering the sudden exit of Barbara Gilbert, portrayed by Charlotte Ritchie. Introduced in Season 4, Barbara quickly became a fan favorite, captivating audiences with her warm and compassionate nature. Her departure at the end of Season 7 took viewers by surprise, leaving many shocked and saddened.
So, what led to Barbara Gilbert’s exit from the series? Here’s what happened.
The Reason Behind Barbara Gilbert’s Departure from Call the Midwife
Charlotte Ritchie made the decision to leave Call the Midwife to pursue new acting opportunities, believing it was the right time to conclude her character’s storyline.
Barbara’s exit was poignant, marked by her tragic demise due to septicemia at the close of Season 7, which left many fans in tears.
Ritchie expressed her thoughts, stating, “They ask you to commit quite early on in the year to the show. I always wanted to do it, but after three different series over the last five years, I felt it might be time to branch out and explore new challenges.”
Importantly, Ritchie noted that she played a significant role in Barbara’s story ending, choosing to “properly shut the door” on the character rather than leaving it ajar for a possible return. She mentioned that the show’s creator shared a similar sentiment, though she acknowledged that keeping the character alive could have also been an appealing option.
Since her departure, Charlotte Ritchie has been thriving in various notable projects, including acclaimed series like Ghosts, You, and Feel Good, further enhancing her acting portfolio.
The first 13 seasons of Call the Midwife are currently available for streaming.
