Call the Midwife star Chris Harper is married to another soap star, and fans will be floored when they discover who his wife is.
Who is Chris Harper?
The 48-year-old actor first appeared as Geoffrey Franklin in season 12 of the BBC One period drama. He arrived in Poplar from Malta to attend his sister Trixie (Helen George) and Matthew Aylward's (Olly Rix) wedding. The character was an instant hit with viewers, who adored him within minutes of his arrival on screen. Geoffrey has been a series regular ever since. He last appeared in season 15 of Call the Midwife, which aired earlier this year, and fans hope Geoffrey will appear in the movie adaptation and season 16.
Coronation Street fans will recognize Chris Harper as Nathan Curtis on the ITV soap between 2016 and 2018. He arrived on Christmas Day as Shona's (Julia Goulding) ex-boyfriend and proved to be a very nasty character. He befriended 16-year-old Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon), gained her trust, and took advantage of her. He was eventually jailed for harrowing crimes against Bethany but reappeared seven years later. Chris briefly reprised his role as bad boy Nathan in 2024 when the character was released from prison. He was accused of kidnapping Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton) by Bethany before the real culprit was revealed as Joel Deering (Calum Lill).
This was the end of Christopher's run on the Manchester soap, but he has also starred in Upstairs, Downstairs, Life on Mars, and the BAFTA-winning Housewife 49.
Who is Chris Harper's wife?
Chris has been married to fellow television star Emily Bowker since 2013. She also appeared in one episode of Call the Midwife. In 2017, she played the role of expectant mother Dot Spenlow, who was experiencing financial struggles, leading her to make a painful arrangement with her cousin. EastEnders fans will recognize the actress as Jemima Benjamin, a busybody consultant tasked with interviewing Dot Cotton (June Brown) for a job at the newly refurbished launderette. The scenes aired in 2016 and left fans livid when Dot didn't get her beloved job back because of Jemima's constant use of business jargon that left the icon confused.
Emily has also enjoyed short stints in rival soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Among her many credits are roles in Aussie soap Neighbours, a role alongside her now-husband in Upstairs Downstairs, and a number of classic British shows, from The Bill to Holby City and Torchwood. Most recently, Emily portrayed Maddie in Whitstable Pearl (2022) and Lady Fallon in Miss Scarlet (2024).
Call the Midwife is available to stream on BBC iPlayer, while Coronation Street airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX.
