Look who’s back? return makes her
Adecade ago she walked out of River City for what she was sure was the last time.
Now Barbara Rafferty is making a dramatic return to Shieldinch – as literally a new woman.
Barbara spent more than two years playing Shirley Henderson but she steps back this week as feisty, no-nonsense Bernie O’hara.
She’s a character Barbara describes as a “cross between Wyatt Earp and Calamity Jane with a Glaswegian accent” and one that reminds her of her mum Betty Brown.
“It was a thrill to be asked to come back,” says Barbara, 68. “Shirley wasn’t killed off or anything, she just went back to Spain, but I never expected to come back.
“It’s glorious to get another chance.” Bernie, one of the O’hara clan, arrives in the lead-up to little sister Theresa’s funeral. Scarlett’s plans for a low-key affair are scuppered when Bernie gets her heavies to steal the coffin and ensure that it becomes a much grander send-off. “She comes back looking to avenge her wee sister’s death in the fire,” says Barbara, known for spending years as Ella Cotter in Rab C Nesbitt.
“She’s a tough character but I think she’s a real knock-out. I know some people might say, ‘Where’s Shirley?’ but I’ve been in many guises and I hope the audience just ease into it, accept it’s a different person.
“Shirley was mild mannered and always looking after people while Bernie’s cheeky and full of swagger. I don’t see her as the baddie, just a strong, older female who doesn’t suffer fools gladly.
“She says and does what she likes and the stuff they’ve got me saying is a joy.”
Barbara says her dad David, who is 93 and a big River City fan, was delighted when she announced her latest screen role.
THE DOUBLE TAKE COMEBACKS
And she’s sure he would spot little glimpses of late wife Betty in Bernie’s portrayal. “There’s been something of my mother in every character I’ve ever played on stage or television.
“She passed away years ago but a bit of her always comes out. It might be a turn of phrase or just the way the lines are delivered.
“It’s lovely to feel that connection. I did
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