The BBC has ordered two further series of Call The Midwife, ensuring that the drama will remain on air until at least 2026.

The show - following London-based midwives in the 1950s and '60s - is one of the BBC's biggest ratings draws, with the recent Christmas special pulling in over 8.5 million viewers.

The 12th series is currently on air and a 13th series is about to be filmed, but the BBC has now given the greenlight to series 14 and 15 - to air in 2025 and 2026 respectively.

"I'm delighted that the BBC has commissioned another two series of Call the Midwife, taking us into the early '70s," said exec producer Dame Pippa Harris.

"15 series is a tremendous achievement and it's a testament to the passion and dedication of our cast and crew, of whom I'm very proud.

"But the show wouldn't be the phenomenal success it is without the formidable presence of our creator and writer Heidi Thomas. Her continued devotion to the characters and determination to tell the untold stories of women is truly inspiring.

"I can't wait to see what she has in store for us and our extremely loyal audience in the future!"

Thomas added: "I'm overjoyed by the news that the doors of Nonnatus House will be open for a few more years!

"Call the Midwife is the pride and joy of all who work on it, but it's our fantastic, loyal audience that matters most.

"We are a family behind the scenes, on the screen, and in front of the telly, and I'm thrilled that we're all heading into the 1970's together."

The final episode of the current series will air on Sunday, February 26 at 8pm on BBC One.