Importance Score: 5 / 100 🟠
Stephen McGann, widely recognized for his enduring role as Dr. Patrick Turner in the esteemed series Callt the Midwife, is actually espoused to the individual who scripted and executive produced the historical drama. Heidi Thomas, a screenwriter with BAFTA TV and Primetime Emmy nominations, has had her works presented on Broadway. She was also appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2022 New Year Honours.
The enduring vintage medical series Call the Midwife premiered on the BBC in late 2011. The saga follows the hurdles encountered by midwives practicing in London’s East End. Produced over 13 series, the production features notable names such as Helen George and has previously showcased comedienne Miranda Hart.
Stephen McGann’s Iconic Role
Among the cast is Stephen, who embodies Dr. Patrick Turner, a physician based in Poplar. He is the spouse of Shelagh Turner, formerly Sister Bernadette, portrayed by Laura Main. With over one hundred episodes under his belt, the Liverpool native has become a cornerstone of the series. Throughout the seasons, Dr. Turner’s character has been instrumental in deliveries and has supported the midwives and nurses who care for East London’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods. Cherished for his compassionate bedside demeanor, Dr. Turner remains a beloved character among viewers. However, his journey has not been without challenges. In mid-1940s, Dr. Turner endured a mental collapse, necessitating a five-month stay in a psychiatric facility. Years post his introduction, the character is now contentedly married and parenting four offspring with Shelagh.
Professional and Personal Synergy
Collaboration on Set
Stephen and Heidi, united in matrimony since 1990, have collaborated on the series since its inception. They are also parents to a son, Dominic, born in the mid-1990s. Ahead of the 14th series’ broadcast on the BBC earlier this year, it was disclosed that Stephen and the playwright’s only son had finally exchanged vows.
The series’ official Instagram page revealed some heartwarming news last September, sharing:
“We’ve since returned to filming series 14 after our customary summer hiatus. It was our seasonal respite for the Call the Midwife crew midway through the year’s production, to reconnect with family and friends, plan vacations, and generally unwind.”
The Wedding Bell Celebration
The post added:
“For Stephen McGann (Dr Turner), however, there was no leisure time. He and his partner Heidi Thomas (Writer & Executive Producer) had something far more special to attend to: their son Dominic’s wedding!”
“From reports, it was a joyous event, and our Call the Midwife team celebrated long into the night after the ceremony!”
The update also included an image of Stephen and Dominic standing alongside Max Macmillan, who portrays Stephen’s on-screen progeny, Timothy.
14 years in the making
The account added:
“It was amusing to receive this particular snapshot from Stephen following the reception, because – for those acquainted with our previous Call the Midwife posts – it signifies a moment that has been 14 years in the making! It is the moment when Stephen’s real-life son FINALLY met Max Macmillan, the actor who plays his screen son Timothy!”
Details on the Writer’s Life
Heidi, whose staging of the musical Gigi debuted at the Kennedy Center in early 2015 then transferred to Broadway, usually keeps her relationship with Stephen private. Nonetheless, the actor has previously shared that his spouse once faced a life-threatening health struggle. Recalling the ordeal in a 2023 Saga Magazine interview, Stephen detailed how Heidi was suddenly afflicted with an obstructed bowel and severe sepsis.
“My beloved was almost taken from me, and much like Scrooge witnessing Marley’s apparition, I was shown a different world,” he recounted.” “I experienced the path of a potential widower with a young child, and then she returned to me.”
The hit series is available for streaming on the BBC iPlayer.