Jennifer Kirby: Find out more about Call the Midwife actress

Want the latest Call the Midwife news and behind-the-scenes updates? Click here to keep our stories at the top of your Google feed.

Although Jennifer Kirby is most famous for playing Valerie Dyer in Call the Midwife, she has also starred in many other shows and is even a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company!

The actress announced her departure from Call the Midwife in 2020 and sadly, she hasn't been in any episodes since series 9.

In a tweet, she said, 'After four joyful years spent with Call the Midwife I have decided to say goodbye to Nonnatus, Val and the wonderful cast, crew and production team. The programme is truly a national treasure, and it will always be a huge honour for me to have been a part of something so wonderful. I can't wait to keep watching our beloved Nonnatus from the other side of the screen. Long live Call the Midwife. So long chicks. X'

Why did Jennifer Kirby leave Call The Midwife?

At the time she was quoted as saying the following: "I like playing lots of different characters. So as much as I loved being part of Call the Midwife, I had to push myself to leave and make that break."

What happened to Valerie Dyer on Call the Midwife?

Jennifer starred as Nurse Valerie Dyer in Call the Midwife since series six in 2017. Nurse Valerie is an ex-army nurse who takes up a role assisting the nuns at Nonnatus House.

After Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) secured the funds to engage a new District Midwife, she and Phyllis Crane (Linda Basett) interviewed several potential candidates, however none of them were really suitable for the job.

Then Sister Julienne remembered Valerie, and how she had helped Shelagh (Laura Main) that day on the docks. Valerie didn't take much persuading to apply for the job - she applied for it straight away, got it and moved to Nonnatus House. Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt) recognised Valerie and told her that she and Sister Evangelina (Pam Ferris) both assisted in her birth.

In the 2020 Christmas Special, Sister Julienne shares that after her Grandmother Elsie (Ann Mitchell) passed away, Valerie was deeply upset and tried to resign. However, Sister Julienne didn’t accept her resignation, and instead, Valerie decided to take a position at the Hope Clinic in South Africa, which had been featured in the 2016 Christmas Special.

Did Jennifer Kirby wear a wig in Call the Midwife?

No. After landing the role as Valerie Dyer, Jennifer was asked if she would be happy to have her long locks cut off for the role. She did, whilst donating her hair to The Little Princess Trust to be made into a wig for a child going through cancer treatment.

Will Jennifer Kirby be returning to Call The Midwife?

Well, no official announcement has been made but we know that there are a number of Call The Midwife spin-offs in the works. We know that this year filming will be begin on a Call The Midwife film, set in the 1970s. Perhaps Valerie could make a surprise appearance in that. There's also a Call The Midwife prequel in the works, set in 1940s during World War II, so there's another opportunity for Valerie's character to resurface in some form. Watch this space!

What has Jennifer Kirby been in before?

As well as portraying famous roles such as Lady Percy and Juliet, she has also been in Holby City and of course, Call the Midwife.

Her first major acting role was as Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre in London. Following her performance, she was nominated for Outstanding Newcomer at the 2013 Evening Standard Theatre Awards and was longlisted for London Newcomer of the Year at the 2014 WhatsOnStage Awards.

How old is Jennifer Kirby?

The young actress was born August 18, 1988 and is currently 38-years old.

Who is Jennifer Kirby's partner?

Jennifer Kirby is living in London with her actor husband, Robert Gilbert (best known for Killing Eve, Big Boys, Bergerac and Big Mood). The pair regularly post photos of one another over on their Instagram accounts.

Does Jennifer Kirby have children?

Back in July 2025, Jennifer revealed that she and her husband, Killing Eve star Robert Gilbert, had welcomed their first child.

Through a sweet Instagram post, Jennifer posted an intimate photograph displaying her post-surgical scar, accompanied by a touching message celebrating her body's strength and her partner's unwavering support throughout her journey into motherhood.

She wrote: "One emergency caesarean, many crying sessions, a few panic attacks, infinite love, one glorious little baby, and one whole year.

"Thank you @r.g.bert, and thank you little body for all you've endured and all you've done. I won't take you for granted again."

Where is Jennifer Kirby from?

Jennifer grew up in the village of Longdon, Worcestershire, and attended Malvern St James Girls School in Malvern Hills.

Where did Jennifer Kirby train to be an actress?

After studying English Literature at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, she was accepted at the prestigious London academy of music and dramatic art (LAMDA) where famous actors such as Benedict Cumberbatch and Jim Broadbent also attended. Jennifer then began landing roles from there.

Is Jennifer Kirby on Instagram or X?

Yes - you can follow Jennifer on Instagram @furkirbs.

Does Jennifer Kirby play golf?

No, but Jennifer does share her name with a famous Canadian golfer also named Jennifer Kirby.

Lorna White is a Senior Digital Writer at Yours.co.uk. She was previously a writer at Yours Magazine writing features and news stories before joining the digital team. Lorna loves the great British countryside and likes to spend her spare time out and about in her home of Nottinghamshire walking her dog, Pippin.