Casualty Jan’s bumpy arrival
Di Botcher reveals all about the newcomer…
There’s a new boss in charge of Holby City ED’S paramedics this week – and she’s not someone Sam or Iain want to mess with! We catch up with Casualty’s Di Botcher to find out more about her fearsome alter ego Jan…
What can you tell us about Jan?
The first words that come to mind are human bulldog! She’s determined, tenacious and singleminded – but she’s loyal as well. She doesn’t suffer fools gladly. She’s not sentimental, she’s too practical for that, but she’s got a big heart. I like her very much.
What is she like as a boss?
She’s there to come down hard on her team, but it’s like a family. You can criticise your own family, but if anybody else does, you’ll fight to the death for them. She quickly realises that Sam and Iain are good people – as long as they remember that there’s a pecking order and she’s top dog!
And she already knows Charlie and Duffy…
Jan’s been around the block a few times, so she knows them from the past. She has a lovehate relationship with Charlie, but Duffy just laughs at her – she thinks Jan is outrageous! My first scene was with Cathy [Shipton, aka Duffy] and she was gorgeous.
Are you settling in at Casualty?
There are wonderful people here. I didn’t really know what I was going into, but I was bowled over by how friendly everyone is. I’ve had people knocking on my dressing room door who I’ve not even filmed scenes with, introducing themselves and giving me a hug. It’s lovely.
How is it playing a paramedic?
I love it! We have the best of both worlds because we’re often in the hospital, but we also get to go out and about to different places, which keeps the job fresh. It’s made me want to do a first aid course – just think how many lives could be saved if we all knew what to do.
What else is coming up for Jan?
There will be more focus on the paramedics, and what it’s like to be the first responder on the scene. Playing a paramedic is not something I would have ever thought of for myself, so I’m thrilled that someone else thought of it for me!