Call The Midwife viewers blast BBC for 'worst episode ever' as they're left sobbing by two 'intense and heartbreaking' scenes

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Call The Midwife fans hit out at the BBC for the 'worst episode ever' following a string of 'heartbreaking' scenes.

Beginning this month, viewers returned to Nonnatus House once again for the show's 15th series.

The latest outing follows the midwives and nuns in 1971, as they grapple with difficulties of the NHS and Women's Liberation Movement.

During the second episode, a pair of heavily pregnant sisters-in-law made their way to Nonnatus House ahead of their due dates.

One of them, Hope, (Mimi Joffroy) informed Dr. Patrick Turner (Stephen McGann) that this baby would be her last if a girl.

Hope discovered the baby's head was 'definitely engaged' - indicative that things were progressing.

Taking to social media, Call The Midwife viewers reacted to 'heartbreaking' scenes on the BBC show

The episode saw a woman named Hope (Mimi Joffroy) give birth - but the process was far from straightforward

Elsewhere, Dr. Patrick Turner (Stephen McGann) went to investigate a distressed dog foaming at the mouth

After arriving at the maternity home, the birth encountered some difficulties with the baby's shoulder becoming lodged while Hope was in labour.

A panicked Hope was instructed to continue pushing, Trixie Franklin (Helen George) called for Dr. Turner.

Meanwhile, Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) became aware of the danger that the baby boy was in and hurried to deliver him - although breaking the child's collarbone in the process.

At first, the baby was worryingly silent but eventually began to cry.

Sister Julienne was left worried about having broken the baby's collarbone, with Dr. Turner reminding her that she saved the boy's life.

Taking to social media, many viewers shared their distressed reactions to the harrowing scene.

One penned: 'Good grief, I'm exhausted watching Hope give birth. This is intense.'

They added: 'My god, I hate it when the babies don't cry. I know they have shown still babies on #callthemidwife but it's so intense and heartbreaking to watch.'

Another commented: 'I found that ep of #CallTheMidwife so distressing. Very sad.'

While a third added: 'I don't blame her being traumatised after witnessing that birth.'

Viewers were quick to share their distress at the upsetting scenes on social media

Elsewhere in the episode, the local schoolchildren in Poplar took part in an Easter Egg hunt - but things took a sombre turn.

Namely, a distressed dog - which was foaming at the mouth - was discovered behind a dustbin.

Concerns soon rose over a potential rabies outbreak - with Dr. Turner heading out to inspect the canine.

But by the time Dr. Turner arrived, he discovered the dog had tragically already passed away.

One viewer wrote: 'The poor dog omg', accompanied by a crying face emoji.

Another shared: 'NOT A SICK DOG PLEASE'.

A third concurred: 'I get more upset when an animal dies than a human. I'm so sad for that poor dog.'

Some viewers were also left disappointed with the episode as a whole - and didn't hold back in expressing this.

One opined: 'This might be the worst Call the Midwife episode ever. And that breaks my heart to say. Time for a break. #CallTheMidwife.'

Another agreed: 'To be honest, aside from Sister Monica Joan, avoiding shuffling off the mortal coil every series, and the issues with the Board of Health, it's getting pretty boring.'

In the previous episode, viewers were left appalled by a 'distressing' new storyline that showed scenes of child abuse

Others, however, took the opposite view with one person saying: 'mazing ctm ep tonight as always.'

A second gushed: '#CallTheMidwife continuing to be a staple on a Sunday night.'

Previously, Call The Midwife fans were left appalled by a 'distressing' new storyline that showed scenes of child abuse, as a father wreaked havoc on his family. 

Viewers at home were left in shock by the scenes, and took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to complain about the 'distressing' scenes shown on screen.

One penned: 'A distressing episode of Call The Midwife! That father is a horrible bully and a thug, he's not fit to be a parent. Sister Monica Joan meanwhile is so nice and calm. It's a pity she couldn't fight him away with her walking stick.'

Another added: 'Child poverty. Child neglect. Nothing has changed,' as a third wrote: 'It's troubling that this family doesn't appear to be making an effort.'

'What an absolutely vile and disgusting bloke,' a fourth penned, while someone else opened up: 'Having worked in childcare for many years, including the 70's, tonight's episode hit a nerve.'

Call The Midwife airs Sundays on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.