| Bad Girls | |
|---|---|
| Season 4 | |
 Re-release Region 2 DVD | |
| Starring | |
| No. of episodes | 16 |
| Release | |
| Original network | ITV |
| Original release | 28 February – 13 June 2002 |
| Series chronology | |
The fourth series of Bad Girls was broadcast on ITV from 28 February 2002, concluded on 13 June 2002 and featured 16 episodes.
Yvonne Atkins (Linda Henry) is being framed for Virginia O'Kane's (Kate O'Mara) murder, there is a game of cat and mouse between her and Jim Fenner (Jack Ellis) while the real culprits - Maxi Purvis (Kerry Norton) and Al McKenzie (Pauline Campbell) continue their reign over G-Wing. But it's not long before Yvonne is ruling the roost again, when Denny Blood (Alicya Eyo) returns and tricks Al into confessing to Virginia's murder.
New inmates Roisin Connor and Cassie Tyler are imprisoned for fraud and in a relationship, complicated, not only by their being behind bars, but by Roisin being a married mother-of-two. The stress of G-Wing mounts for Karen Betts (Claire King), especially when she and Fenner split, but the stress is no longer her problem when she is demoted to basic officer and he is promoted to Wing Governor by Neil Grayling (James Gaddas), the new Governing Governor of Larkhall, who develops an attraction to Fenner. Grayling is trying to keep his sexuality a secret, so he and desperate Di Barker (Tracey Wilkinson) participate in a sham marriage, although Di believes she can change his sexuality, which pushes Grayling away.
The bitter hatred between Maxi and Shaz Wiley (Lindsey Fawcett) grows and ends in tragedy following a brutal fight. Crystal Gordon (Sharon Duncan Brewster) gives birth in the four bed dorm to a daughter but soon loses her faith in religion when another baby in the prison dies. Rhiannon Dawson, Julie Johnston's (Kika Mirylees) daughter arrives on the wing and the Julies are soon facing an additional sentence when the truth about Rhiannon's relationship with her boyfriend, Damion, is revealed. The series tackled domestic violence within the relationship of Di and Barry Pearce and also sees teenage junkie Buki Lester (Kim Oliver) attempt to turn her life around when she enters into a battle for the right to see her disabled son, Lennox.
Yvonne and Karen find themselves at war when Yvonne's son, Ritchie, is revealed to be having a relationship with Karen. This is later revealed as a decoy, as his real girlfriend is new devious inmate, Snowball Merriman (Nicole Faraday), whom Ritchie is helping to escape from Larkhall. The fourth series ended with the prison library being obliterated as part of an escape plan by Snowball, resulting in a fire that left several inmates trapped and fighting for their lives.
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | UK viewers (millions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 1 | "Fight or Flight" | Jo Johnson | Jaden Clark | 28 February 2002 | 7.56 | |
Virginia is dead - but who is responsible? Yvonne masterminds a plot to escape a life sentence. Jim is forced to explain himself to Karen. Josh reveals that he is the father of Crystal's baby and resigns. Al and Maxi continue to take over. | |||||||
| 41 | 2 | "Unholy Alliances" | Jo Johnson | Phil Ford | 7 March 2002 | 6.83 | |
Yvonne's escape attempt is thwarted by Karen. New Governor Neil Grayling arrives at Larkhall and is determined to make his mark. He is unimpressed with Karen and starts to look for a new Wing Governor – surely not Fenner? Di meets new officer Barry Pearce but he is not so nice while Fenner and Karen split up. Note: first appearance of Neil Grayling (James Gaddas) | |||||||
| 42 | 3 | "Behind Closed Doors" | Jo Johnson | Nick Malmholt & Miranda Wilson | 14 March 2002 | 7.30 | |
Fenner is Governor again and Karen is just a PO. Fenner is horrified to learn that Yvonne didn't murder Virginia and realising the real culprit forces him and Yvonne into an uneasy alliance. Barry and Di's wedding is cancelled with help from the women but Barry reacts and Di ends up with a broken hand. | |||||||
| 43 | 4 | "Fait Accompli" | David Holroyd | Maureen Chadwick | 21 March 2002 | 7.33 | |
Denny arrives back on G-Wing, with two new inmates, Cassie Tyler and Roisin Connor. Not only is Shaz blanking her, but also she's disappointed to learn that she still has her old enemy Sylvia to contend with. But Denny undergoes a makeover to get close to Al, just to help Yvonne catch Virginia's murderer. Barry turns very nasty when the women interfere with his relationship with Di again but this time Di will not back him up. Note: first appearance of Cassie Tyler (Kellie Bright) and Roison Connor (Siobhán McCarthy) | |||||||
| 44 | 5 | "Only the Lonely" | David Holroyd | Martin Allen | 28 March 2002 | 6.82 | |
Yvonne and Maxi fight and Tina helps Yvonne when Virginia's killer is revealed. Denny and Shaz are back together and true to form. Neil continues to make himself unpopular – does he really have the prisoners' interests at heart or is this a personal vendetta against Karen? Roisin finds it hard to deal with prison life, but Cassie is living the life. Neil sets his sights on Fenner. Buki muscles in on Shaz and Denny's escape plan but she is left in the tunnel and it later collapses on her. | |||||||
| 45 | 6 | "Sweet Sixteen" | Craig Lines | Jaden Clark | 4 April 2002 | 6.99 | |
Julie J is distraught to find her daughter on G-Wing. Buki is rescued from the escape tunnel at the last minute but has to face the wrath of Shaz and Denny. Neil's sexuality is revealed. Buki reveals the truth about Rhiannon's "boyfriend" leading the Julies to make the biggest mistake ever. | |||||||
| 46 | 7 | "Pillow Talk" | Craig Lines | Phil Ford | 11 April 2002 | 6.92 | |
Fenner finally realises that his boss's interest in him extends far beyond the professional. Shaz and Denny find another opportunity to humiliate Buki but begin to push too far. Karen and Mark Waddle grow closer. Tina and Noreen take over the servery from the Julies. | |||||||
| 47 | 8 | "Prison Issue" | Brett Fallis | Jayne Hollinson | 18 April 2002 | 7.10 | |
Buki can no longer cope with the bullying and harms herself, although more seriously than she intended. Outraged, Yvonne wants to see that justice is done. Di and Neil grow closer. The women are not happy with Tina and Noreen's service. Roisin begins to take drugs to block out the pain of prison. Shaz and Denny fall out and Maxi is there to help Shaz, but she really wants to frame Shaz for Virginia's murder. | |||||||
| 48 | 9 | "Baby On Board" | Brett Fallis | Martin Allen | 25 April 2002 | 7.12 | |
Yvonne and Maxi come to blows resulting in drastic consequences. G-Wing's tiniest inmate arrives when Crystal gives birth to baby Zandra on the floor of her cell. Fenner breaks down when the officers do not co-operate with him. Di sets her sights on Neil, despite Fenner's warnings. Buki wants to be on the MBU with Crystal and Zandra but when a baby goes missing, Buki reveals the truth, as to why she wants to be with babies, to Mark. Karen goes to see Fenner and he gets heavy with her. | |||||||
| 49 | 10 | "Family Matters" | Brett Fallis | Tim Hyndman | 2 May 2002 | 6.90 | |
Karen struggles to cope following Fenner's assault on her but realises that involving the police will be futile when the whole story comes out. On a day out, Crystal makes a desperate bid to get Zandra away from Larkhall. Buki grows closer to Baxter but his illness claims his life. | |||||||
| 50 | 11 | "Battle Lines" | David Holroyd | Jamie Caruana | 9 May 2002 | 7.43 | |
Fenner is back in uniform and Neil is in dire need of a new governor. Karen turns down the job, which means that there is only one candidate left – Sylvia. Emotions flare following Baxter's funeral. Shaz and Al plan to fight but Maxi wants to finish Shaz. The fight goes ahead with brutal, ultimately, tragic consequences. | |||||||
| 51 | 12 | "Appearances Sake" | David Holroyd | Jaden Clark | 16 May 2002 | 7.12 | |
Sylvia now has a dead body on her hands but an inspection team are also visiting the prison. Tina decides to clear the air with Maxi, who is nowhere to be found. Cassie and Roisin's relationship deteriorates further especially when Cassie has her eyes on Yvonne. Roisin begins to use drugs as a way of relieving her pain. Yvonne is delighted when her estranged son visits her. Plus, Babs and Henry grow closer, but Henry grasses on the women. Note: final appearance of Maxi Purvis (Kerry Norton) | |||||||
| 52 | 13 | "True Colours" | Di Patrick | Jamie Caruana | 23 May 2002 | 7.35 | |
The departure of Shaz has left a vacant cell on G-Wing, though it is immediately filled by a mystery American blonde, Snowball Merriman, who catches Fenner's eye. But Yvonne recognises her as does Karen recognise Yvonne's son. Denny spends her birthday down the block when she attacks Sylvia, upon discovering Shaz is gone. Neil orders Sylvia to find Jesse, for Denny's sake. Di attempts to seduce Neil. The Julies go to court following their assault on Damien, with Rhiannon having no intention of helping her mother or aunty. Note: first appearance of Snowball Merriman (Nicole Faraday) | |||||||
| 53 | 14 | "Hard Knock Life" | Di Patrick | Jaden Clark | 30 May 2002 | 6.59 | |
Rhiannon tries to make amends with her mother and aunty when they are sentenced to 8 years. Denny is thrilled when her mother is found, but her excitement is short-lived. Di has a suggestion for Neil, giving her companionship she craves and Neil an ideal means of staying in the closet. Roisin goes back on the drugs. Crystal is released and Mark is transferred to another prison, but Mark has a word with Fenner before leaving. Note: final appearance of Crystal Gordon (Sharon Duncan Brewster); final appearance of Mark Waddle (Paul Opacic) | |||||||
| 54 | 15 | "Marriage of Inconvenience" | Jim O'Hanlon | Liz Lake | 6 June 2002 | 6.33 | |
Yvonne and Fenner both have different reasons to be concerned about Karen's new relationship. Snowball continues to wrap everyone on G-Wing around her little finger and goes ahead with her escape plan. Di and Neil go on their hen and stag nights but Neil only invites Fenner and slips something into his drink. | |||||||
| 55 | 16 | "Curtain Call" | Jim O'Hanlon | Ann McManus & Maureen Chadwick | 13 June 2002 | 7.13 | |
G-Wing's open day goes ahead – but not according to plan. Shaz and Denny have their interprison visit and Shaz has brought some mushrooms with her. Yvonne gets a male escort to visit her during the open day and finds out about Snowball's escape plan. Neil and the inmates' lives hang in the balance when Snowball's escape plan finally detonates. Note: final appearance of Shaz Wiley (Lindsey Fawcett); final appearance of Cassie Tyler (Kellie Bright); final appearance of Roison Connor (Siobhán McCarthy) | |||||||
| No. | Title | Air date | Timeslot | Weekly ratings | Ref(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viewers | Rank | |||||
| 1 | Fight or Flight | 28 February 2002 | Thursday 9:00 pm | 7,560,000 | 13 | [1] |
| 2 | Unholy Alliances | 7 March 2002 | Thursday 9:00 pm | 6,830,000 | 17 | [1] |
| 3 | Behind Closed Doors | 14 March 2002 | Thursday 9:00 pm | 7,300,000 | 15 | [1] |
| 4 | Fait Accompli | 21 March 2002 | Thursday 9:00 pm | 7,330,000 | 12 | [1] |
| 5 | Only the Lonely | 28 March 2002 | Thursday 9:00 pm | 6,820,000 | 15 | [1] |
| 6 | Sweet Sixteen | 4 April 2002 | Thursday 9:00 pm | 6,990,000 | 16 | [1] |
| 7 | Pillow Talk | 11 April 2002 | Thursday 9:00 pm | 6,920,000 | 17 | [1] |
| 8 | Prison Issue | 18 April 2002 | Thursday 9:00 pm | 7,100,000 | 18 | [1] |
| 9 | Baby on Board | 25 April 2002 | Thursday 9:00 pm | 7,120,000 | 14 | [1] |
| 10 | Family Matters | 2 May 2002 | Thursday 9:00 pm | 6,900,000 | 11 | [1] |
| 11 | Battle Lines | 9 May 2002 | Thursday 9:00 pm | 7,430,000 | 11 | [1] |
| 12 | Appearances Sake | 16 May 2002 | Thursday 9:00 pm | 7,120,000 | 12 | [1] |
| 13 | True Colours | 23 May 2002 | Thursday 9:00 pm | 7,350,000 | 12 | [1] |
| 14 | Hard Knock Life | 30 May 2002 | Thursday 9:00 pm | 6,590,000 | 14 | [1] |
| 15 | Marriage of Inconvenience | 6 June 2002 | Thursday 9:00 pm | 6,330,000 | 13 | [1] |
| 16 | Curtain Call | 13 June 2002 | Thursday 9:00 pm | 7,130,000 | 13 | [1] |
Bad Girls is a British television drama series that was broadcast on ITV from 1 June 1999 until 20 December 2006. It was created by Maureen Chadwick and Ann McManus of Shed Productions, who initiated the idea of developing a series primarily focusing on the inmates and staff of the fictional women's prison, Larkhall, located in the South London region. Following the success of previous series Within These Walls and the Australian-imported Prisoner: Cell Block H, both of which screened on ITV, Bad Girls was commissioned by the network and was viewed as a realistic, modern portrayal of life in a women's prison. The series featured a large ensemble cast, including Linda Henry, Claire King, Simone Lahbib, Mandana Jones, Debra Stephenson, Jack Ellis, Alicya Eyo, Helen Fraser, Kika Mirylees, Victoria Alcock, James Gaddas, Victoria Bush, Dannielle Brent and Liz May Brice.
Alicya Eyo is an English actress, best known for her roles as Denny Blood in the ITV prison drama series Bad Girls and Ruby Haswell in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale.
Jayne Claire King is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Kim Tate in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale since 1989, and as Karen Betts in Bad Girls from 2000 until 2004. She has appeared in the fourth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2006, Safari School in 2007, and Celebrity Big Brother 14 in 2014. She also played Erica Holroyd in Coronation Street from 2014 until 2017.
Nicole Faraday, is a TMA Award-winning actress, best known for her leading roles on British television series Bad Girls, Casualty and Emmerdale.
Tracey Wilkinson is an English actress primarily known for her role as Di Barker in the series Bad Girls. She joined the prison drama in Series 2 as a caring prison officer new to G-Wing, but by the end of her time on the programme in Series 7 Di was herself behind bars in the prison in which she had served as an officer, accused of murdering her second husband, corrupt Wing Governor, Jim Fenner - though she was in fact innocent of the crime.
James Graham "Jim" Fenner is a fictional character in the British television series Bad Girls, portrayed by Jack Ellis. The character was a prominent feature on the show for seven series, and played the role of a prison officer, temporary prison governor and a villainous figure who schemed and made life for inmates difficult. He was at one point imprisoned for death by dangerous driving but was released when his wife, Di Barker, falsified evidence to clear his name. He returned to his job at Larkhall as G-Wing Governor, and shortly before his death was promoted to Acting Governing Governor. Ellis left Bad Girls at the end of the seventh series when his character was murdered by inmate Julie Johnston.
Bad Girls: The Musical is a stage musical based on the ITV prison drama series Bad Girls, with a book by Maureen Chadwick and Ann McManus, and music and lyrics by Kath Gotts.
Michelle "Shell" Dockley is a fictional character from the award-winning prison drama series Bad Girls. She is portrayed by British actress Debra Stephenson. Shell was one of the lead characters in the series. Shell appeared from the first episode in Series 1 until the last episode of Series 3, and returned for the first four episodes of Series 5. Dockley is the most feared inmate of the prison's ‘G Wing’, and commits several crimes, including smuggling drugs into the prison, stabbing prison officer Jim Fenner, and planning for Denny to set Snowball Merriman's hair on fire.
Sylvia Violet Hollamby is one of the longest-running characters in the award-winning prison drama series Bad Girls. Portrayed by Helen Fraser from the first episode in 1999 until the last in 2006, Hollamby was the longest-serving prison officer on the show with convicts Julie Johnston and Julie Saunders being the only other characters to remain for all eight series.
Yvonne Atkins is a fictional character from the award-winning prison drama series Bad Girls. Portrayed by Linda Henry, Yvonne first appeared in the finale episode of Series 1. She played a prominent role in Series 2, 3, 4 and 5 as Top Dog of G-Wing, until she was murdered by Jim Fenner in the last episode of Series 5.
Natalie Buxton is a fictional character in the prison drama series, Bad Girls, portrayed by Dannielle Brent during the last three series. She mainly featured in an antagonistic role and was killed off towards the end of the final series. She subsequently returned as a ghost in the 2006 Christmas Special, which was also the series finale. The role was originally offered to Danniella Westbrook.
The first series of Bad Girls premiered on ITV on 1 June 1999, and ended on 3 August 1999. It consists of ten episodes. The show was produced by Shed Productions as part of Shed Media. After the first episode aired, the show became an instant hit in the United Kingdom. The show also became successful in several countries including the United States, Australia and Republic of Ireland.
The second series of Bad Girls began on ITV on 4 April 2000. The first episode, "Tug of Love", opened with 9.44 million viewers. The ninth episode of series two, "The Leaving", was the highest-rated episode of the entire run of the series between 1999 and 2006, with 9.49 million viewers. The second series ended on 4 July 2000; it consists of 13 episodes.
Bad Girls returned to ITV with its third series on 20 March 2001 and ended on 3 July 2001. It consists of 16 episodes.
The fifth series of Bad Girls was broadcast on ITV from 8 May 2003 and concluded on 21 August 2003, it was the third and final series to feature 16 episodes.
The sixth series of British drama series Bad Girls premiered on 14 April 2004. It consists of twelve episodes. The first four episodes were broadcast on Wednesday nights, with episode five moved to Monday and episodes six to eight broadcast over consecutive nights beginning the following Monday. After a 12-week hiatus, due to UEFA Euro 2004, the remaining four episodes of the series were screened Monday nights and concluded on 23 August 2004.
The seventh series of British drama series Bad Girls premiered on ITV on 10 May 2005. The series concluded on 19 December 2005 with a Christmas Special. Series Seven consists of thirteen episodes.