BBC Call The Midwife's Laura Main shares 'dread' over being cut from show after 13 years

After wrapping up another heart-wrenching series as Nurse Shelagh Turner in Call The Midwife, actress Laura Main is eager to spend Christmas in her native Aberdeen. The BBC star also spoke about her "dread" over only getting to celebrate the holiday once when her character finally departs the show.

After all, one cherished tradition her family enjoys is gathering to watch the festive episode of Call The Midwife. Laura reflected: "It's heartwarming to enjoy it with my family. My parents, sisters and their children have been incredibly supportive of my career, but Call The Midwife holds a special place in our hearts."

This year's Christmas edition of Call The Midwife is doubly exciting as it unfolds over two episodes. Regular cast members Stephen McGann, Jenny Agutter and Helen George filmed the holiday specials in April, as per tradition, allowing them to bask in the Christmas spirit twice yearly.

The actress went on to hint about how she would feel if she ever had to exit the beloved show. Laura admitted: "I relish filming the Christmas episodes. I dread the years when I'll only celebrate one Christmas."

With filming for the new series concluding in November and a festive lunch with the cast and crew already under her belt, Laura is primed for a Scottish Christmas with her loved ones, reports the Mirror.

"I reside in London but I'll be heading north to spend Christmas with my mum in Aberdeen. It's just my mum now, since my dad sadly passed away about three years ago, so it'll be a special time with her," the 43-year-old told the publication.

She shared: "I've got two sisters there, along with two nephews and a niece, so it will be filled with family time and precious moments with my mum. It's going to be truly wonderful."

Laura's mother Lorna continues to live in the house where Laura spent her childhood, a place filled with fond memories of past Christmases including one year when a change of location caused a young Laura some concern.

"We used to summer at a cottage near Ballater on the River Dee, and one year when I was eight, they rented it for Christmas," she reminisced. "I remember worrying, 'How will Santa know where I am?' I woke up early and was astounded to find a bicycle at the foot of my bed. So, Santa did manage to find me," explained the actress.

Nowadays, the festive season for Laura and her mum officially kicks off with the timeless Chris Rea hit, Driving Home For Christmas.

The BBC star explained: "We both adore that song as it encapsulates the essence of returning home for Christmas."

She chuckled: "I seldom drive home, typically opting for a train or plane, but we annually notify each other upon hearing it in stores for the first time. My mum even has the CD primed to play as I step through the door."

Meanwhile Call the Midwife, set in the 1950s and 1960s, features traditional Christmas trees on set, devoid of modern LED lights, as Laura points out.

The set often sees artificial snow, and with numerous children present including those portraying Shelagh and Dr Turner's children, there's an infectious anticipation for the festive season, even in April.

Sharing an adorable insight about the children on set, Laura added: "Their reaction to the fake snow and things like that is really sweet.

Laura recalled how as youngsters, they were mystified by the ornate but empty gift boxes placed under the Christmas tree for scenes, but added: "I think their chaperones do spoil them a little on those days, though."

As fans anticipate the Christmas special, plans for not only the forthcoming 14th series but also a 15th are underway. Laura, having been with the show from its inception, reflected on her personal connection with her character over the past 13 years, stating: "I think actually that Shelagh has had an effect on me."

She feels emboldened by her role, claiming: "I feel like I can step up in a way that Shelagh can, and that I'm not afraid to. I care, and help others when called upon.

"I don't know if I would have shied away from that had I not been playing Shelagh. Maybe I've grown up, but being there for others, that's something Shelagh has taught me."

Call The Midwife is set to air on Christmas Day on BBC One from 8pm.