Call the Midwife: BTS footage of new Christmas Special and Series 14
Fans of Call the Midwife are accustomed to seeing the cast in period attire for the iconic BBC drama, set in the 1950s and 60s.
However, in reality, the ensemble actors appear entirely different and significantly more glamorous. Since its inception in 2012, Call the Midwife has propelled stars such as Laura Main, Helen George and Jessica Raine into the limelight.
It's astonishing to recall that the original cast included comedy legend Miranda Hart, who departed in 2015.
Recently, a cast member resigned from the show after a six-year stint. Miriam Margolyes has said her goodbyes to her role as Mother Mildred, a character she's unfortunately been absent from since 2021.
She has now declared her permanent departure, reports the Mirror.
An insider informed the Daily Star, "Miriam loved being part of the show because she absolutely adores it. But she is too busy to play Mother Mildred now so there are no plans for her to go back."
While Miriam may be quite occupied, what do the remaining cast members do in their real lives away from the show?
Helen George - Nurse Trixie Aylward
Recognised for her blonde perm and distinctive fashion style, Nurse Trixie has experienced her share of highs and lows on the show including the potential dissolution of her marriage to Matthew after he left Poplar for New York.
In reality, actress Helen George is a far cry from her on-screen persona. She's a brunette, boasting long, elegant waves that cascade past her shoulders.
Her fashion sense is decidedly glamorous, and recent Instagram posts show her enjoying life in Italy and Paris, donning dazzling dresses that barely graze her thighs.
Helen was previously married to Oliver Boot from 2011 until 2015, but the couple sadly drifted apart. Following this, Helen entered into a relationship with her former co-star Jack Ashton, father of her daughters Wren Ivy and Lark, but they separated in 2023.
Laura Main - Shelagh Turner
Laura Main, who plays Shelagh Turner, is known for her straightforward character. On Call the Midwife, Shelagh often sports a modest look, frequently seen in coats and gloves, and wearing her signature glasses.
However, Laura Main's off-screen style is quite the opposite, as she enjoys dressing up in sparkling gowns. She doesn't usually wear glasses in real life, and has short brunette hair, often accentuating her natural beauty with a dark smokey eye and pink lip gloss.
Laura was reportedly in a relationship with theatre star Stephen McGlynn for five years between 2012 and 2017, but they eventually split. Nowadays, she keeps her personal life under wraps.
Jenny Agutter – Sister Julienne
While Sister Julienne's character in Call the Midwife is defined by her wimple-covered hair, off-screen, Jenny Agutter lets her cropped bob with fringe flow freely. The renowned actress, who has appeared in classics like An American Werewolf in London and The Railway Children, embraces a more casual style in real life.
Jenny was snapped oozing glam in a fiery red turtleneck sweater, but she isn't afraid to shake things up with leather trousers from time to time.
Married to Johan Tham since 1990 and a mother to Jonathan, Jenny Agutter hasn't had an easy journey, as her family has been struck by cystic fibrosis tragedies. She's worked tirelessly to increase awareness after the condition took two of her siblings too soon, and it now affects her niece.
Stephen McGann – Dr Patrick Turner
Stephen McGann, who plays Dr. Patrick Turner, indeed matches his Call the Midwife character's elegance with his own signature style. While he ditches Dr. Turner's waistcoat for public appearances, Stephen maintains sophistication with smart trousers and blazers, complemented by a generally looser tie.
McGann's love life is intertwined with the show's history as well; having met its creator Heidi Thomas during a script reading in Liverpool back in the 80s, their bond quickly blossomed, leading him to fall "madly in love". Now, they continue their journey together, both professionally and personally.
He revealed to The Sunday Times: "I thought the writer [of the play] was probably about 48 and prematurely grey, but I walked into the audition and there was this young girl talking five hundred to the dozen. We started chatting about the character and by the time I left the room I was madly in love."
Megan Cusack – Nancy Corrigan
Off-screen, Megan Cusack is a world away from the prim and proper Nancy Corrigan of the BBC show; when she's not in her nurse attire and signature burgundy cap, she is virtually unrecognisable.
She boasts a daring sense of fashion, often gracing red carpets in sequinned gowns for award ceremonies. Megan has a penchant for retro '70s styles, yet she's just as comfortable flaunting her physique in a bikini for sizzling beach photoshoots.
Beyond her on-screen endeavours, Megan hails from a renowned theatrical lineage. Having been born in Cork in 1996, the 28 year old actress is the daughter of theatre producer Padraig Cusack and counts actors Cyril and Maureen Cusack as grandparents.
Her aunties Sinead, Sorcha, Niamh, and Catherine are also in the acting trade, with Sinead Cusack notable for her role in V for Vendetta.
Georgie Glen – Miss Higgins
While viewers of Call the Midwife would recognise her in tweed blazers and vibrant headwear as Miss Higgins, Georgie Glen's personal style errs towards easy-going chic.
In her personal life, she mirrors her TV hairstyle sporting curly locks, coupled with her beloved floral blouses and cardigans, diverging from her on-set persona. Mother to twins, Holly and Eleanor, she maintains a low profile regarding her family life, adding an element of mystery to her off-camera existence.
Georgie, who didn't set her sights on acting from the start, earned a degree in graphic design from the Glasgow School of Art with plans to chase a career in design. She confessed: "Painting and drawing were always my passions, but I had no real idea what it was I was going to do with them."
