Call The Midwife stars unrecognisable and shock fans of show in real life transformations

Call The Midwife cast
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images for the NTA's)


Call the Midwife enthusiasts have been glued to their TVs, watching iconic characters charmed with vintage vibes, yet off-screen transformations are causing quite the stir. Set in the nostalgic backdrop of 1950s and 60s East London, our favourite midwives swap their on-duty outfits for off-camera glam, leaving them barely recognisable.

Since it first graced our screens back in 2012, Call the Midwife has catapulted names like Laura Main, Helen George, and Jessica Raine to fame. Let's not forget, comedy powerhouse Miranda Hart also graced the series until her exit in 2015. In recent news, after entertaining us for six years, fan-favourite Miriam Margolyes has bid adieu to the beloved Mother Mildred. Despite being MIA since 2021 from her character duties, she's now confirmed that her departure is set in stone, as per Mirror reports.

A Daily Star source spilled the tea, saying: "Miriam loved being part of the show because she absolutely adores it. But she is too busy to play Mother Mildred now so there are no plans for her to go back."

READ MORE:Inside Strictly star Sam Quek’s huge jungle Christening: ‘It was like a second wedding’

READ MORE:EastEnders reunion! Stars of Albert Square past and present hit the red carpet at swanky charity gala

With Miriam wrapped up in other projects, fans are left curious about the real lives of these stars when the cameras stop rolling, reports Devon Live.

Helen George - Nurse Trixie Aylward

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Helen George attends the National Television Awards 2024 at The O2 Arena on September 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage
Helen George plays Nurse Trixie Aylward -Credit:WireImage

Nurse Trixie, known for her iconic blonde curls and unique style, has had quite the journey on the show, including recent upheaval in her marriage to Matthew, who left Poplar for New York.

However, in real life, actress Helen George is a world away from her character. She's a brunette with long, elegant waves that tumble past her shoulders.

Helen has embraced a glamorous fashion sense, and her recent Instagram posts reveal her living it up in Italy and Paris, wearing stunning dresses that barely skim her thighs.

Helen was married to Oliver Boot from 2011 until 2015, but sadly they grew apart. She then dated her former co-star Jack Ashton, father of her daughters Wren Ivy and Lark, but they split in 2023.

Laura Main - Shelagh Turner

Known for her no-nonsense personality, Shelagh maintains a humble appearance on Call the Midwife, often seen bundled up in coats and gloves, and sporting her signature glasses.

But off-screen, actress Laura Main's fashion sense is far from modest. She loves dressing up in glittering gowns.

She doesn't usually wear glasses in real life either, and sports short brunette hair, often highlighting her natural beauty with a dark smokey eye and pink lip gloss.

Laura was in a relationship with theatre star Stephen McGlynn for five years between 2012 and 2017, but they eventually parted ways. Now, she keeps her personal life private.

Jenny Agutter - Sister Julienne

OAKWORTH, ENGLAND - JULY 03: Jenny Agutter attends the World Premiere of The Railway Children Return at Oakworth Station on July 03, 2022 in Oakworth, England. (Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images)
OAKWORTH, ENGLAND - JULY 03: Jenny Agutter attends the World Premiere of The Railway Children Return at Oakworth Station on July 03, 2022 in Oakworth, England. (Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images)

When she's not in her Sister Julienne costume for Call the Midwife, Jenny Agutter trades her wimple for a stylish cropped bob with a full fringe. The versatile actress, who has starred in classics like An American Werewolf in London and The Railway Children, prefers a more laid-back style when she's off duty.

She was recently spotted wearing a bright red turtleneck jumper, and isn't shy about slipping into leather trousers for a daring look.

Jenny has been happily wedded to Johan Tham since 1990, and they share a son named Jonathan. However, life hasn't been without its challenges; Jenny is an active advocate for cystic fibrosis awareness, a cause that holds personal significance due to the impact of the disease on her family.

Stephen McGann - Dr Patrick Turner

Away from the cameras, Stephen McGann, who portrays the charming Dr Patrick Turner, keeps up his polished look. Although he might lose the waistcoat and loosen his tie compared to his character, he still looks sharp in public with his preference for tailored trousers and blazers.

Stephen's personal life is also linked to the show; he's been with Heidi Thomas, the creator of Call the Midwife, since the '80s after they met at a script reading in Liverpool, where he remembers falling "madly in love" with her at first sight.

The Sunday Times heard a romantic throwback from the star: "I thought the writer [of the play] was probably about 48 and prematurely grey, but I walked into the audition and there was this young girl talking five hundred to the dozen. We started chatting about the character and by the time I left the room I was madly in love."

Megan Cusack - Nancy Corrigan

When you see Nancy Corrigan in her signature nursing uniform and burgundy cap on Call The Midwife, you might not imagine how different actress Megan Cusack looks away from the set. In real life, she dazzles with her bold fashion sense, often lighting up award shows in glittering sequined numbers and sizzling vintage '70s-inspired bikinis during beach photoshoots.

Born into a family rich in theatrical history, Megan Cusack, coming straight out of Dublin in 1996 (which makes her 28 now) is no stranger to the arts. Her father is theatre producer Padraig Cusack while her grandparents are well-known actors Cyril and Maureen Cusack.

Acting prowess definitely runs in the family, with her aunts Sinead (who starred in 'V for Vendetta'), Sorcha, Niamh, and Catherine also gracing the acting scene.

Georgie Glen - Miss Higgins

Georgie Glen may be recognisable as Miss Higgins all suited up in distinctive tweed blazers and statement hats on screen, but off-screen, her style leans towards a more relaxed vibe.

Stepping out with her iconic permed hair, Georgie has a penchant for floral tops and cosy cardigans when she's off the clock. Despite not delving into aspects of her private life, it's a public fact that Georgie is a proud mum to her twin girls, Holly and Eleanor.

Georgie, whose path wasn't always predestined for the world of drama, is actually a graduate in graphic design from Glasgow School of Art and had originally envisaged a journey into the design industry. She shared: "Painting and drawing were always my passions, but I had no real idea what it was I was going to do with them."