As three more years of Call The Midwife are confirmed, actress Laura Main talks to Gabrielle Fagan about life on and off screen.

Shelagh Turner, Laura Main’s character in Call The Midwife, has certainly had her share of challenges and tear-jerking storylines – renouncing her vows as a nun after falling in love with Dr Turner, followed by fertility struggles and the journey to adoption.

The hit BBC series’ sensitive and emotion-loaded plots have been immensely rewarding for Main however, who’s been on the show from its outset in 2012.

The 38-year-old actress from Aberdeen – who, in real life, is softly-spoken, self-effacing and down-to-earth in much the same way as her character – admits she “never dreamt” Call The Midwife would be such a “huge success” and would run for so long.

Due to it’s huge popularity, it was recently confirmed that the show will run until 2022, covering up until 1967 (it was 1957 when it started).

Here, Main talks about what being part of the series means to her, what she’s learned along the way, and how running and meditation apps are an important part of her wellness regime…

What’s it like being on such a successful long-running show?
“It’s made with such love and care and we all get on so well, it actually doesn’t feel like making a TV show. It’s become like a way of life and like a family. We’re all very supportive of each other and socialise outside of work, so it’s brought me a whole bunch of new friends as well.

“I never dreamt when I first auditioned in 2011 that we’d be filming series nine now, and with series 10 and 11 planned, we’ll be on screen until 2022.

“[Call The Midwife] seems to resonate with all generations. For some, it takes them down memory lane, while for others it’s educational. It also taps into some real big core human values and desires, so an episode can touch people, be cathartic and also funny. And I think one part of its appeal is it’s so refreshing to see women supporting each other and collaborating. Another strength is the way it tackles tough, difficult issues with such care, and there’s incredibly thorough research so every detail is correct.”

What does your character Shelagh mean to you?
“If she was a real person, I think I’d like her in real life. I can see little bits of her which are like me – she’s quite precise, careful and thoughtful – but I think she’s calmer than me. Although she copes way better than I ever would with her incredibly busy life, working and bringing up a family.

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