Call The Midwife viewers have heaped praise on the show's 'unsung hero' Laura Main after a challenging episode for her character Shelagh.
Laura's popular on screen faced the most challenging moment of her career during Sunday night's instalment of the much loved BBC drama after Matthew discovered one of his warehouses was being used by squatters, including a heavily pregnant young girl.
The 16-year-old called Clover went into labour, but fortunately Shelagh was at hand to not only deliver the child but also be a huge source of encouragement to the teenager.
READ MORE: Channel 5 confirm Neighbours axe as fans battle to save show
Shelagh was left concerned when, on delivering the baby, she realised all that was not well and the newborn had a condition called gastroschisis where the intestines are on the outside of the body, something she'd never dealt with in her career to date.
Remaining a tower of strength, after the birth, Shelagh was at the girl's side as she and her new baby went to hospital.
And then, in a heartwarming turn of events, as Sunday's episode of Call The Midwife drew to a close, it was Shelagh who thanked her patient rather than the other way round.
Did you see the episode? Tell us what you think in the comments section.
Handing her a bunch of flowers, she said: "You tested me to the limit tonight. It helped me to remind me why I'm so lucky to be doing what I do."
Earlier on in the show, viewers had seen Shelagh admit that she was finding it tough being back on the ward and, as credits rolled on the sixth episode of series 11, viewers flocked to Twitter to praise Laura.
In the hours leading up to it starting, Laura tweeted: "It’s Call the Midwife night again!! Episode 6 is on @BBCOne tonight, Sunday 6th of February at 8pm. And it’s a big one for me!"
Underneath her post, one fan commented: "Fabulous episode, so SO good to see Shelagh with a work storyline of her own. About time! You knocked it out of the park as usual.
For the latest What's On news, announcements and reviews direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
A second reacted: "It was fantastic!! I just wanted to jump through the tv and give Shelagh a massive hug! I still haven’t got through an episode without crying," and a third told Laura: "Finally you get a big scene! It's been a little too focused on one character this series so far, I'm glad there's a change now."
