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The Call the Midwife cast and their real-life children

Take a peek into the Call the Midwife cast's family life

Francesca Shillcock
Senior Features Writer
Updated: October 7, 2023
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If there's one thing the Call The Midwife cast is well versed in, it's babies. Yes, the actresses not only act out birth scenes and infant aftercare but they actually have to undergo some midwifery training before they start filming.

In addition to being baby experts on the show, some of the main cast even have adorable families of their own. From former star Jessica Raine to Helen George, Jenny Agutter to Vanessa Redgrave, here are some of the main cast who have families of their own...

WATCH: Helen George reveals how daughter Wren copes with her absence

Helen George

One of the longest standing actresses on the show, Helen George has played Trixie since the series began in 2012 and is a firm favourite with fans. She's also the first to give birth to a Call The Midwife baby after finding love with her co-star, Jack Ashton, who plays Tom Hereward, in 2016. They welcomed their first child in September 2017 and named her Wren Ivy.

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In 2021, the star shared the lovely news that they were expecting their second child on Instagram with a photo showing her baby bump, writing: "Baking number 2. Due in December," and added a baby emoji. Cute. In November, the couple welcomed their second daughter, Lark. 

While Helen and Jack have since announced their split, the duo will now be co-parents to their two children. 

Helen eating an ice cream with her daughter Wren© Instagram
Helen enjoying a precious moment with her daughter Wren

Jessica Raine

If you're a there-from-day-one fan of Call The Midwife you'll remember Jessica Raine as the lead character, Jenny Lee, in series one to three. The actress welcomed her first child, a son, with husband Tom Goodman-Hill in early 2018. The couple started dating in 2010 after they met while co-starring in a play and married on 1 September 2015.

Jessica Raine and her husband Tom Goodman-Hill arrive at the BAFTAs© Getty
Jessica Raine and her husband Tom Goodman-Hill

Stephen McGann

Heidi Thomas, who created and wrote the BBC period drama, and Stephen have been a real-life couple for more than 30 years. They have one son together named Dominic.

stephen son
Stephen McGann and Heidi Thomas are proud parents to son Dominic

MORE: Call the Midwife star Helen George reveals health update following leg injury setback

READ: Call the Midwife's Helen George causes a stir with ultra-rare photos of daughters

Jenny Agutter

Another there-since-the-beginning actress, Jenny Agutter has been playing Sister Julienne for almost eight years. Married in real life to Johan Tham, a Swedish hotelier, the couple share one son, Jonathan Tham, born on Christmas day 1990.

Jenny Agutter pictured alongside her son Jonathan in 2003© Getty
Jenny Agutter pictured alongside her son Jonathan in 2003

Dorothy Atkinson

Dorothy Atkinson played the character of Jane Sutton from 2012 to 2013. She has one son with her husband, Martin Savage.

Dorothy Atkinson on the red carpet with Martin Savage© Getty
Dorothy Atkinson has one son with her husband Martin Savage

Vanessa Redgrave

The legendary Vanessa Redgrave has narrated Call The Midwife since 2012. The English actress is a mum-of-three: she had daughters Natasha Richardson and Joely Richardson with her first husband, filmmaker, Tony Richardson and later welcomed a son, Carlo Gabriel Redgrave Sparanero with Italian actor, Franco Nero. Tragically, Natasha, who was married to Liam Neeson, died in a skiing accident in 2009.

Vanessa Redgrave and her daughter Natasha Richardson© Getty
Vanessa Redgrave with her daughter, the late Natasha Richardson

Judy Parfitt

The beloved Sister Monica Joan, played by Judy Parfitt, has also featured in the series since 2012. Judy, 83, has one child in real life, David Steedman, with her husband Tony Steedman who sadly passed away in 2001.

Judy Parfitt and her husband Tony Steedman © Getty
Judy Parfitt with her late husband Tony Steedman

Fenella Woolgar

Fenella Woolgar joined Call The Midwife in 2018 as the character, Sister Hilda. In real life she is a mum-of-three but little else is known about her kids.

Fenella Woolgar at the NTA's in 2020© Getty
Fenella Woolgar is a doting mum of three

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