THE WOMEN OF CELL BLOCK H

VAL AND MAGGIE REFLECT ON THEIR LATE CO-STARS AND DEAR FRIENDS

SHEILA FLORANCE AS LIZZIE BIRDSWORTH

Val recalls Sheila as an “absolute darling”, but she could also be deliciously wicked. “She was a naughty old trout. She loved a drink, loved entertaining and was so beautifully spoken out of her Lizzie guise.”

JUDITH MCGRATH AS OFFICER COLLEEN POWELL

Both Maggie and Val agree Judith had one of the driest wits, and was a close friend. Says Maggie: “I’ll be forever grateful to Judith, who pulled me aside one day and gave me a reality check about my overinflated ego. Her words were wise and heartfelt.”

BETTY BOBBITT AS JUDY BRYANT

Maggie recalls Betty as the most wonderful entertainer. “She threw fabulous dinner parties, and then we’d all sing merrily around the piano.” Val also remembers Betty having a heart of gold that was bigger than Texas.

ANNE PHELAN AS MYRA DESMOND

“She was salt of the earth. Warm, witty, so learned and such a good friend to so many. I loved Annie, who’d often up stumps and travel around Australia in her Kombi van with her beloved dog,” says Maggie. Val adds: “Anyone who loves dogs has me at hello. I adored Anne.”

CAROL BURNS AS FRANKY DOYLE

“I loved working with Carol, who was a legend of the theatre in Queensland. Her character was only in the series for 19 episodes, but Franky became an icon among Prisoner fans. She was a really great person. I got to see her for lunch shortly before she died,” says Val.

JOY WESTMORE AS OFFICER JOYCE BARRY

“Who didn’t love Joy. She and her darling husband, Brian, threw fabulous lunch parties, always culminating in a wild sing-along. She was a trouper with a delicious wit,” recalls Maggie to a rousing chorus of “hear, hear” from Val.