Actress Laura Main has been a jewel in the crown since the period drama debuted in 2012. The 43-year-old was introduced to the popular show as Sister Bernadette before questioning her chosen vocation during season two.
Fans of the period drama will recall Sister Bernadette made the intrepid decision to leave the order of St. Raymond Nonnatus to marry Dr. Patrick Turner (played by Stephen McGann) in very heartwarming scenes.
Now known as Shelagh Turner, the nurse is also a dedicated mum to Timothy, Angela, May, and Teddy. The adored family live in a cosy house helping Poplar locals who are in need of medical care.
But away from the 1970s gritty East End, much-loved actress Laura has also been a hit on stage and starred in other popular television shows.
While she Laura is open about her professional life as an actress, the Scottish star tends to keep her private life away from the glitz and glam of the showbiz world. Here’s what we know about her life off-screen.
Shelagh was originally a nun before leaving the order to marry Patrick Turner (Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Sally Mais)
Laura was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and has two older sisters. She studied history at the University of Aberdeen before pursuing her passion for drama at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
The TV beauty started acting at the age of 14 when she played the title role of Annie at the Phoenix Youth Theatre before starring in The Sound of Music aged 15. Laura has also performed on stage in several performances with The Royal Shakespeare Company.
In 2017, she was cast as Princess Fiona in the second UK tour of Shrek The Musical. Last year, she played a leading role in Steel Magnolias alongside former star Lucy Speed and current Queen Vic landlady Harriet Thorpe who plays Elaine Peacock in the show.
Laura Main is also a start on Cbeebies (Image: Getty)
On the small screen, Laura’s first credited role is in The Forsyte Saga in 2003 and a year later she played Jaynie Cresswell in the series Monarch of the Glen.
In 2007, Laura portrayed Julia Mason in the medical drama Holby City before playing Deirdre Hunter in 2011. She has also starred in other medical dramas including ‘s Doctors as Kate Wilkinson in 2016, as well as Amanda Luckhurst in 2011.
In 2012, Laura appeared in Call the Midwife for the first time as a nun, and fans have adored watching her character evolve over the past 13 years.
Along with starring in Call the Midwife, Laura also voices the character of Pak Choi in the CBeebies series Roots and Fruits, a role she has played since 2022.
Laura Main has played Shelagh in Call the Midwife since 2012 (Image: BBC / Neal Street Productions / Sally Mais)
Away from the limelight, Laura tends to keep her life very private. However, it’s been reported that the star is not married – but previously had a relationship with theatre actor Stephen McGlynn between 2012 and 2017.
They reportedly met while they were appearing in a production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musical, State Fair. Sadly, the couple parted ways after five years of romance and she is yet to confirm another relationship.
At the time she told the: “If anyone were to look on the internet, they would think I was still in a relationship, but let’s just say I am now single.”
Shelagh Turner was originally known as Sister Bernadette in Call the Midwife (Image: BBC/Neal Street/Laurence Cendrowicz)
Laura appears to have a solid family unit as she gave fans a rare insight into her life away from Shelagh Turner with snaps shared to .
In October 2021, she took part in the Archie’s Hill Challenge alongside her sister, nephew and niece and shared a proud selfie as they completed the event.
Laura is currently portraying Shelagh Turner in Call the Midwife season 14 which currently airs every Sunday at 8pm on One.