Actress Jenny Agutter, beloved for her role as Sister Julienne in the hit BBC series Call The Midwife, has given a candid update on a long-term health condition that continues to affect her five years after diagnosis.
Living with the Aftermath of Shingles
Speaking to Woman's Weekly Magazine, the 73-year-old star revealed she is still experiencing discomfort from a shingles infection she contracted in 2020. While the painful rash typically clears within four weeks, Agutter described a persistent "itchy, bruised feeling" on one side of her face, specifically around her eyebrow and forehead.
She previously told ITV's Lorraine Kelly that the initial outbreak was a "painful and horrible" time. The infection attacked nerves in her neck, causing a rash, head pain, and photophobia (light intolerance) that lasted for a month. Agutter suggested the stress of lockdown may have been a contributing factor.
Gratitude and Resilience Amid Discomfort
Despite the ongoing symptoms, the actress, who also starred in The Railway Children and Red Dwarf, emphasised her overall good health. "I am very lucky and thankful that I can enjoy a walk, that my body's functioning and working properly, that I have an appetite and can enjoy food," she stated.
She acknowledged the natural effects of ageing with humour, noting, "Of course, things get creakier as you get out of bed in the morning and you find yourself grunting as you get up from a low chair."
No Retirement in Sight for the Beloved Nun
Having just celebrated her birthday in December and wrapped filming for the new series, Agutter firmly dismissed any notion of stepping back from acting. "I enjoy the stimulus of work," she declared. "I love going to work and seeing people. There's something really good about working on projects in a collaborative way and I love being on set."
Her character returns as Call The Midwife launches its fifteenth series, moving into 1971 with storylines embracing Women's Lib. The first episode airs tonight at 8pm on BBC One.
According to the NHS, key signs of shingles include:
- A tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin.
- A headache or feeling generally unwell.
- A rash that usually appears a few days later, often on one side of the body.
Anyone who believes they may have shingles is advised to seek advice from a pharmacist or contact NHS 111.
