The BBC period drama welcomed a very familiar face (Image: BBC/Neal Street Productions/ Olly Courtney)
Call the Midwife viewers were left open-mouthed on Sunday (January 26) as an star made a surprise appearance on the period drama.
The latest episode saw Nonnatus House gearing up for the early arrival of Sister Catherine (Molly Vevers).
Meanwhile, Peggy Wrigley (Rachel Tucker) turned up at Dr Turner’s (Stephen McGann) clinic, pleading for an abortion. Already a mother to seven children, the 46-year-old was adamant she didn’t want another child and her husband was unaware of her pregnancy.
Dr Turner informed Peggy that while abortion was legal, it required approval from multiple doctors. She was then referred to St Cuthbert’s where sterilisation was also considered.
Peggy also visited the mother and baby clinic with her eldest daughter, Gail (Louise O’Dowd), who is pregnant and suffering from high blood pressure. Upon returning home, Peggy was seen preparing dinner for her family, including her husband Jimmy Wrigley, portrayed by Joel Beckett, a docker.
Jimmy and Peggy Wrigley at home with their children before she dies in Call the Midwife (Image: BBC)
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Tragically, later in the episode, Peggy suffered a miscarriage and died during surgery due to complications, leaving her children and Jimmy heartbroken, reports .
Despite initially appearing cold and bitter, Jimmy proved himself a dedicated family man. In a touching scene, he supported Gail through her labour in place of her late mother, bringing some much-needed happiness to the family.
Joel Beckett, 51, played the role of Jimmy in Call the Midwife but fans will know him as Jake Moon in the soap. The character arrived in Walford at the end of 2004 as the cousin to Alfie Moon (Shane Richie).
The Wrigley family mourn the death of Peggy in Call the Midwife (Image: BBC)
After two years, his character Jake exited the Square due to entanglements with local mobsters and a relationship with Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman).
Last year, Jake returned to Walford following Chrissie’s release from prison for the murder of Den Watts (Leslie Grantham). Joel is also recognised for his role as Lee in the sitcom The Office, and has had roles in The Bill, Casualty, , Holby City, among others.
Joel Beckett first arrived in EastEnders as Jake Moon in 2004 (Image: BBC)
Fans took to social media to express their delight at seeing Joel in Call the Midwife, with one exclaiming: “It’s Jake Moon from “.
Others echoed this sentiment, with comments such as “Jake Moon from and Shelley from Tracy Beaker! #callthemidwie,” and “#CallTheMidwife it’s Jake Moon!”
Another added: “# Jake Moon (Joel Beckett) in tonight’s #CallTheMidwife.”
Call the Midwife currently airs every Sunday at 8pm on One and iPlayer