Laura Main on Call the Midwife, and going green for Shrek

Find out everything you need to know about Laura Main

Laura Main call the midwife

by Yours |
Updated on

Laura Main is a Scottish actress best known for her role as Sister Bernadette or Shelagh Turner in Call the Midwife.

As well as being a talented actress, Laura also has an impressive voice and has starred in Annie, The Sound of Music and Shrek the Musical.

Here's everything you need to know about Laura...

How old is Laura Main?

Laura was born 8 March 1981 in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Laura as Shelagh Turner in Call the Midwife

Laura joined the series in 2011 as Sister Bernadette (who became Shelagh Turner after marrying Dr Turner played by Stephen McGann) and was an instant hit with viewers.

"I think I would like Shelagh in real life," says Laura. "I certainly admire her. She struggles with a lot, and she’s incredibly giving of her time.

"She’s got a huge family, and she’s amazingly dedicated to her work as well. She’s actually the only one of these women who has both of those things in her life. She’s got a very full, very busy life, and for the main part she copes with that really well. So I’m impressed with her energy and her can-do attitude.

"The main thing I’ve learned from playing a nurse and midwife is thinking of others. When you play a character, it is infectious. It does rub off on you. It’s taught me to think more about putting other people’s needs ahead of your own."

BBC-14604810-high_res-call-the-midwife-s7

What else has Laura Main been in?

Laura has starred in many TV programmes including Murder City, Doctors, Father Brown and Holby City as well as Call the Midwife.

She cut her teeth in the industry at the tender age of 14, when she appeared in Annie. She went on to do other musical theatre roles and Shakespeare plays.

Was Laura Main in Strictly?

Laura actually won the Strictly Come Dancing Children in Need special back in 2015 with dancing partner, Brendan Cole.

Is Laura Main married?

Although her character, Shelagh, is now loved-up and married to Dr Turner, Laura parted ways with her boyfriend of five years, actor Stephen McGlynn in 2017.

Where is Laura Main from?

Laura is from Aberdeen in Scotland.

How tall is Laura Main?

Laura is 5.2 tall.

Laura Main as Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical

Laura Main
©Shrek the Musical

Laura appeared on stage as Princess Fiona in Shrek the musical's UK and Ireland tour. She shared the role with singer Amelia Lily, who filled in for Laura when she was busy filming Call the Midwife.

Laura joked that the time she spent in make-up dramatically increased for the green-tinged role!

Your complete guide to Call The Midwife - latest news and cast details

Jenny Agutter chats to Yours about Call the Midwife

30 things you need to know about Helen George

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us