Viewers of the BBC were left emotionally overwhelmed on Sunday evening as the prognosis for Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt) was finally disclosed.

This comes after the programme confirmed it would be taking a small break. As the episode came to a close, a voiceover announced: "Call the Midwife is back in a couple of weeks on the 1st of March."

In recent episodes of Call the Midwife, audiences discovered the cherished character was suffering from kidney failure, with Dr Patrick Turner (Stephen McGann) indicating that further examinations would reveal more details.

Heartbreakingly, those findings came to light in Sunday's episode.

During a discussion between Dr Turner, Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) and Nurse Phyllis Crane (Linda Bassett) about the test outcomes, Dr Turner remarked: "I was hoping it was something that could be treated, but chronic kidney disease is just-".

Interrupting, Sister Julienne observed: "Something that takes old people gently, but kindly."

As Dr Turner stressed that the condition ultimately still 'takes' individuals regardless, Nurse Phyllis enquired about the duration of Sister Monica Joan's affliction, reports the Mirror.

He responded: "I suspect not long."

When pressed on her remaining time, he admitted: "The same, unless we can persuade her to accept what treatment there is, she'll progress to end-stage renal failure fairly quickly."

Whilst everyone appeared devastated by the seriousness of her condition, Nurse Phyllis said: "Till that day comes, we'll just have to love her as we always have, but a bit more carefully."

Fans quickly took to social media to express their dismay at the potential demise of Sister Monica Joan. One viewer lamented: "Are they actually going to kill of sister Monica Joan? Just end Call The Midwife there!"

Another remarked: "No, Sister Monica Joan is immortal...she can't die."

Whilst a third confessed: "SISTER MONICA JOAN. Sobbing."

One fan shared their devastation: "Absolutely devastated hearing the news that Sister Monica Joan has kidney failure and may not have long left, if we lose her, it will be like losing a much-loved family member. I'd be completely heartbroken."

One person pleaded: "Don't you dare let anything happen to Sister Monica Joan."

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Another queried: "#callthemidwife Oh no, surely it can't be the demise,of Sister Monica Joan? On the other hand could it be the end on Nonnatus? What a fantastic drama this is @CallTheMidwife1 #SundayMood."

Sister Monica Joan has been a cherished character in the period drama since its inception in 2012.

As the show celebrates its 15th series, reports suggest the finale will feature a birth, a wedding and a funeral.

Call the Midwife continues Sundays on BBC One from 8pm