Call the Midwife fans have been left devastated after the period drama was abruptly yanked off air by the BBC. Tonight's episode (February 22) will not air as is usually scheduled due to the BAFTA Film Awards airing in its usual slot of 8pm. The BAFTAs will run from 7pm until 9pm on BBC One, while BBC Two will be showing the Winter Olympics closing ceremony.

Airing directly after will be the new TV adaptation of Lord of the Flies at 9pm, while Countryfile precedes the awards show at 6pm. The official Call the Midwife Instagram account confirmed the news as it warned fans not to panic, writing: "Hello all! Just to remind you all that Call the Midwife WON'T be on this evening due to the BAFTA Awards.

"But series 15 will continue as normal next Sunday! See you then."

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It added: "Don't panic! We're just taking a week's break for the BAFTA Film Awards!"

Devastated fans headed straight for the comments section regardless, with one posting: "Oh bugger I was so looking forward to tonight's episode."

Another echoed: "Damn it. I really wanted to watch it this evening!"

While a third said: "BAFTAs should go on a different channel!"

It comes after rumours that series 15 could be the show's last - but the BBC has confirmed a 16th series will come in "due course".

Scott Mills read a statement from the broadcaster on his radio show, which said: "The BBC would like to reassure fans that Call the Midwife will remain at the heart of the BBC for years to come.

"As previously announced, there are two Christmas specials, a new series, a film and prequel series, before a sixteenth series in due course. Call the Midwife isn't going anywhere!"