Call the Midwife is approaching the finale of series 15, with one of its stars announcing a fresh project beyond the BBC drama.

Linda Bassett, known for portraying Nurse Phyllis Crane in the beloved programme, is making the transition from television to theatre as she prepares to star in Alexander Zeldin's family drama CARE at the Young Vic in London.

The 76-year-old, originally from Pluckley in Kent, has come full circle: she previously worked as an usher at the Old Vic Theatre during her school years, before going on to study English at the University of Leeds.

Nevertheless, Linda is understood to have left university after just one year and to have become active in a local drama group, staging productions at community centres and schools.

She subsequently made her stage debut aged 32 before featuring on television in numerous popular programmes, including Heartbeat, Midsomer Murders, East is East, and Lark Rise to Candleford, reports the Mirror.

Linda joined Call the Midwife in its fourth series as Nurse Crane, initially serving as temporary cover for Sister Evangelina (portrayed by Pam Ferris).

With the character proving immensely popular with viewers, Linda's involvement in the programme was extended, and she has been a regular presence ever since.

The period drama is currently airing its 15th series, which concludes on Sunday, 8 March. After the series wraps, audiences can look forward to a Call the Midwife film, a prequel, and a further series of the programme.

Away from the BBC drama, Linda is set to portray Joan in a new production, CARE, which centres on a single mother, her two young children, and their grandmother, offering an insightful exploration of family life.

The synopsis reads: "When Grandmother takes a fall, she is hastily moved to a care home she doesn't want to be in, surrounded by other elderly people longing for comfort and missing home.

"But as time passes, she comes to see what really matters in life and between loss and loneliness, we glimpse the unexpected joy in life's everyday moments."

The Young Vic Theatre recently posted a photo on Instagram from the upcoming play, featuring Linda as the family's matriarch. The Call the Midwife actress also shared the image on her official social media page.

Alongside the picture, the theatre announced: "New family portrait just dropped. CARE begins performances on 11 May".

Former EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite responded to the post with several clapping hand emojis, whilst I Hate Suzie star Leila Farzad wrote: "Aaah @willlawlorr (loveheart)".

Joining Linda is a stellar cast, including Hayley Carmichael of Tale of Tales and Silent Witness fame, who also appeared as Sadie Bulmer in Call the Midwife in 2016.

Actress Rosie Cavaliero, known for her roles in Code 404, Gentleman Jack, Worzel Gummidge, Nativity, Unforgotten, and Little Dorrit, will also feature in CARE. In 2016, she starred in Call the Midwife as Tessie Anself.

Other members of the cast include Richard Durden (Bridgerton), Aoife Gaston (Doctor Who), Llewella Gideon (Mr Loverman), and William Lawlor (Arcadia).

Call the Midwife continues Sunday at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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