Just days after Call the Midwife announced they had resumed filming, Jennifer Kirby announced she would be stepping down as Nurse Valerie Dyer. After four years on the BBC show, the actress revealed it was time to say goodbye but noted she was looking forward to becoming a viewer.
Jennifer took to Twitter on Friday to reveal she’d be saying goodbye to Poplar.
She tweeted: “An announcement. XX #callthemidwife @CallTheMidwife1.”
The statement read: “After four joyful years spent with Call the Midwife I have decided to say goodbye to Nonnatus, Val and the wonderful cast, crew and production team.
“The programme is truly a national treasure, and it will always be a huge honour for me to have been a part of something so wonderful.
Read more: Jack Ashton hints Tom Hereward ‘might come back’ to Call The Midwife
Call the Midwife fans were devastated by the news and took to Twitter to wish the actress well.
One said: “As sad as this makes me Vals journey has been so amazing to watch. I’m so sorry to see her go but she truly had an incredible part and you are incredible for making it happen. So much love and best of luck in your next journey. I’ll miss Val and her never-ending list of family xo.”
Another wrote: “So sorry to hear this your character was truly a blessing to the family at Nonnatus and to all the fans who watch continuously. Val will be sadly missed good luck for the future Jen we can’t wait to see where it takes you xx.”
“Oh no!!!!!! I love you in the show x I understand your reasons and look forward to seeing you in your new projects x thankyou for being so brilliant and giving us so much pleasure x good luck for your future x lots of love xxxx,” a third added.
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While a fourth said: “Oh Jennifer, beautiful ‘Val’ will be missed dearly. You will forever be a huge part of the #DNA of #CallTheMidwife. Thank You for giving us such joy, for the tears of happiness each episode. Good luck with future plans. Take care x.”
Someone else tweeted: “Oh my goodness. You will be sorely missed. We fans do not like when a chick leaves the nest. Your story arc has been really inspirational. Please CTM give Val a happy ending! All the very best to you.”
Jennifer joined the BBC drama in 2017 as an army nurse who came to Shelagh Turner’s (Laura Main) aid after an explosion.
Soon after, she joined the Nonnatus team as a midwife and became a firm fan favourite.