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Bad Girls series 7

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Bad Girls
Season 7
Re-release Region 2 DVD
Starring
No. of episodes13
Release
Original networkITV
Original release10 May (2005-05-10) –
19 December 2005 (2005-12-19)
Series chronology
← Previous
Series 6
Next →
Series 8
List of episodes

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.

This series sees the departure of several of its regular cast, including Tristan Sturrock, Philip McGough, Tracey Wilkinson, and Jack Ellis. The sixth series was intended to be Ellis' last, however he agreed to return for one last series. It also marks the final series for James Gaddas as a regular cast member, as he returned at the beginning of the eighth series in a guest role.

The seventh series also sees the introduction of Nicola Stapleton (Janine Nebeski), Rebecca Hazlewood (Arun Palmer), Liz May Brice (Pat Kerrigan), Laura Rogers (Sheena Williams), Andrew Scarborough (Kevin Spiers) and Ellie Haddington (Joy Masterton) respectively.

Storylines

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The series picks up several weeks following the revelation that Fenner had framed Karen Betts in the hit-and-run. Fenner, now convicted for his crime, is struggling to come to terms with his new surroundings and is targeted by the other prisoners as they know that he is an ex-screw. Following an attack in the shower block, Fenner requests to be moved to segregation for his protection. Meanwhile at Larkhall, It is revealed that Frances Myers has become the new governing governor of Whitehouse Prison; Neil announces that he will be taking on full responsibility of G-wing as they are short staffed and offers Colin the position of senior office in Fenner's absence. Tina, having been recently released, finds it difficult to adjust to life on the outside, and is upset that Ben was not waiting for her and that she is not pregnant; she makes a desperate attempt to be sent back to Larkhall and successfully gets whats she wants after setting fire to a clothes shop. The Two Julies are eager to make contact with Tina and are told by Ben that Tina wants nothing to do with her past and subsequently discover that he is having an affair with Buxton. Neil, with the help of the Julies, make the discovery that Ben works in different jobs under two different names within the prison and upon finding Ben with Natalie, Ben is arrested and placed in the same prison as Fenner. Fenner sees this an opportunity to frame Ben for his crime. Two new prisoners, Janine Nabeski and Arun Parmar arrive on G-wing and Janine is determined to make Arun suffer for confessing their crimes in court. Fenner, having revealed to Di that he did, in fact steal Karen's car on the night of the hit-and-run tries to convince her that he loves her and wants to start a family. Di, in two minds, decides to help him and they frame Ben for Fenner's crime. Fenner is eventually released and reinstated as G-wing governor. Now that Fenner has become governor, he sets new ground rules for the inmates. Natalie, having intimidated the other women, now holds the position of top dog and has set her own rules. With the help of Darlene, Natalie forces the other inmates to pay tax by handing all their possessions over to her in order to receive her 'protection'. Janine, in fear, is keen to get on Natalie's good side after Natalie stabs her in the eye with a pin. As Fenner and Natalie's illicit affair continues, he moves her up to enhanced and gives her a job in the library in order to keep her sweet so that she doesn't reveal their affair to Di. However, Di and Natalie soon come to blows when Di becomes suspicious. Sylvia receives some good news when she discovers that her recently deceased Aunt Margaret has left her a house and a large sum of money which gives Malcolm the perfect opportunity to get his hands on it by proposing to her. When Sylvia becomes aware that in order to receive the money, she must stay single, she finds it difficult to reveal the news to Malcolm.

When new prisoner, Laura Canning arrives G-wing, she is met with hatred by the other inmates as she has been convicted of stabbing her mother 27 times to death, while the whereabouts of her older sister are unknown. Colin tries to understand why Laura has committed the crime and it is revealed that Laura was bullied by both her sister and mother. Colin finally gets Laura to open up about her sisters whereabouts. Laura's sister is found alive and Laura commits suicide. An elderly nun, Sister Thomas arrives on G-wing convicted of fraud. While trying to convince everyone that she did not intend to keep the stolen charity money for herself, she does win the hearts of the other inmates, except Natalie, who attacks her. The women become convinced that they have found God through Sister Thomas and together they work on completing a charity blanket which is to be donated to The Little Sisters of The Poor to raise money for aids victims in Africa. Arun reveals to Sister Thomas that she used to be a man when Arun's visitor is caught trying to smuggle in hormone medication and she is put on cellular confinement when she refused to divulge what the medication is. When new prisoner, Pat Kerrigan, convicted of murdering her abusive boyfriend, arrives at Larkhall, she takes Sister Thomas hostage. And it is soon revealed that Sister Thomas used to work at a home for young girls, including Pat and her friend, Lucy and that they were abused by Sister Thomas and a priest, Father Kelly. When Father Kelly is forced to go to Larkhall, the truth comes out that they are both guilty. While Pat becomes a hero to the victims who suffered at the hands of Sister Thomas and Father Kelly, she makes several friends when she is met with a warm reception from the other inmates once she has returned from cellular confinement. When it is discovered by the women that Arun was once a man, Neil takes it into consideration whether or not to send her to a man's prison with protests from the inmates. While the women continue to bully Arun, Pat threatens Natalie to back off and the pair get into a brutal fight. When Pat beats Natalie down, not only does Arun get to remain at Larkhall, Pat becomes top dog in the process.

Cast

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Episodes

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Main article: List of Bad Girls episodes
No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateUK viewers
(millions)
841"Episode One"Julian HolmesPhil Ford10 May 2005 (2005-05-10)6.21

Fenner discovers that life behind bars is no picnic for a former PO when he finds himself on the receiving end of some very rough justice from his fellow inmates. Natalie takes over as Top Dog and starts a protection racket with the help of Darlene. New arrivals, Janine Nebeski and Arun Parmar, arrive on G-Wing and suffer at the hands of Natalie. The Julies give Bev a makeover. Sylvia falls victim to voodoo.

Note: first appearance of Janine Nebeski (Nicola Stapleton); first appearance of Arun Parmar (Rebecca Hazlewood)
852"Episode Two"Julian HolmesLiz Lake17 May 2005 (2005-05-17)6.05
Fenner returns to Larkhall as the new Governor of G-Wing. Sylvia receives some unexpected and fortuitous news that soon has her jumping for joy. On overhearing the rumours of her windfall, greedy Dr. Malcolm Nicholson suddenly finds her irresistible. The Julies are sacked from the servary and replaced by Phyl and Bev.
863"Episode Three"Lance KneeshawPolly Eden24 May 2005 (2005-05-24)5.64
Fenner reveals the truth about an attack on him in prison. Natalie is ruling the roost on G-Wing and it seems that everyone is in her debt. She even has a cushy job working in the library, which serves as the perfect place to set up a trap for Arun. Di slaps Natalie, following a set up by Janine.
874"Episode Four"Lance KneeshawPhil Ford31 May 2005 (2005-05-31)5.05
Outside the gates of Larkhall, a swarm of press await the arrival of 18-year-old Laura Canning, who's been convicted of brutally stabbing her mother to death. Fenner has a vesectomy, telling Di he is having counseling after being raped. Di returns to Larkhall and warns Natalie to watch her back. Darlene pays the price for making thoughtless remarks about Julie S's breast cancer.
885"Episode Five"Laurence MoodyLiz Lake7 June 2005 (2005-06-07)4.84

When an elderly nun called Sister Thomas Moore arrives at Larkhall, Natalie takes it upon herself to show her that the habit offers no protection from the evil on G-Wing and beats her up. A solicitor reveals the condition to Sylvia on her aunt's will. Di plants scissors in Natalie's cell. Arun hides away from the wing to keep her secret hidden.

Note: first appearance of Pat Kerrigan (Liz May Brice)
896"Episode Six"Laurence MoodyLiz Lake14 June 2005 (2005-06-14)5.56

A new tough inmate, Pat Kerrigan is transferred to Larkhall from another prison and she's more than a match for Natalie. However, the focus of Pat's attention is the saintly Sister Thomas Moore. Sylvia fears that she could lose Malcolm if she doesn't tell him the truth about her aunt's will, they go ahead with the wedding. Neil has sex with Sylvia's son Bobby Darren. Natalie reveals Arun's secret.

Note: final appearance of Colin Hedges (Tristan Sturrock)
907"Episode Seven"S.J. ClarksonPaul Mousley21 June 2005 (2005-06-21)5.18

Arun is suicidal. The thought of being transferred to a men's prison is intolerable. Pat is furious that Natalie's taunts have driven Arun to despair and steps in to defend her. Di visits the MBU and convinces a mother, Sheena Williams, to give her baby to her. The salon is closed and the Julies return to the servary.

Note: first appearance of Kevin Spiers (Andrew Scarborough)
918"Episode Eight"S.J. ClarksonJane Marlow28 June 2005 (2005-06-28)4.80
Arun's transfer is cancelled following Pat and Natalie's fight. Tina discovers Phyl and Bev's deceit. Di's marriage is in meltdown. Fenner can't believe that his wife has taken baby Dylan from his mother, especially as she doesn't even know the first thing about looking after a baby.
929"Episode Nine"Lance KneeshawPaul Mousley5 July 2005 (2005-07-05)5.51
Di and Fenner's marriage is over when he discovers her deceit. Bev is quick to the rescue when sleazy delivery man, Frank, attempts to rape Phyl. Her daring actions prove doubly fortunate when they suddenly realise that they are staring freedom in the face. They kidnap Tina and tie her in the back of the delivery van as she witnessed Bev hit Frank. They also face Sylvia and Malcolm when they arrive in Spain. They find Malcolm getting ready to inject Sylvia with a deadly substance, so Phyl shoots Malcolm with a gun she found, killing him.
9310"Episode Ten"Laurence MoodyPolly Eden12 July 2005 (2005-07-12)5.78
It looks like Fenner is about to get his comeuppance. He's the only PO present in the hanging cell when the girls of G-Wing go to lay flowers in memory of Yvonne - will a prisoner or a fellow screw get their revenge on evil Fenner? Bev returns to Larkhall and is attacked by Natalie, while Phyl remains on the run.
9411"Episode Eleven"Declan O'DwyerPhil Ford19 July 2005 (2005-07-19)5.58

The atmosphere at Larkhall is euphoric - Jim Fenner is dead. However the arrival of new Governor of Larkhall, Joy Masterton, soon spoils the mood. She's ex-army, hard as nails, and set on a big shake up. Phyl is returned to Larkhall and faces the wrath of Joy. Natalie impresses Joy and could finally get her weekend release. The entire wing own up to Fenner's murder, though the police are convinced it's Di.

Note: first appearance of Joy Masterton (Ellie Haddington)
9512"Episode Twelve"Jim LoachPaul Mousley26 July 2005 (2005-07-26)5.49
Having been charged with Fenner's murder, Di requests to be sent to Larkhall when she cannot afford the bail settlement and learns the true identity of the killer. Natalie attempts to escape while out for the day but is stopped by a mob, organised by Pat. To get over the heartache of Sheena's release, Pat leads Natalie into a trap that could jeopardise her appeal but Sheena's release is short lived. Julie J begins to crack when she attacks both Joy and Julie S and then starts seeing Fenner...
9613"Episode Thirteen"Martin HutchingsPaul Mousley19 December 2005 (2005-12-19)7.16

Julie S is thrilled that Julie J has been allowed to return to Larkhall. But Julie J is still haunted by the memory of Fenner and is convinced that she can see him lurking around the landings and stabs herself in the stomach. New inmate, Miranda Miles, worsens the atmosphere when prison Chaplain, Christy Mackay is convinced she is possessed and pleads with Joy to let her perform an exorcism. Sylvia suffers a panic attack while down in the cellar with Phyl and falls down the steps, blocking the door and leaving Phyl trapped. Natalie manipulates Miranda into murdering Christy.

Note: final appearance of Jim Fenner (Jack Ellis); Di Barker (Tracey Wilkinson); Arun Parmar (Rebecca Hazlewood); Kevin Spiers (Andrew Scarborough); Sheena Williams (Laura Rogers)

Reception

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Ratings

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No. Title Air date Timeslot Weekly ratings Consolidated ratings Total
viewers 		Ref(s)
Viewers Rank Viewers Rank
1 Episode 1 10 May 2005 Tuesday 9:00 pm 5,706,000 17 504,000 6,210,000 [1]
2 Episode 2 17 May 2005 Tuesday 9:00 pm 5,546,000 19 504,000 6,050,000 [1]
3 Episode 2 24 May 2005 Tuesday 9:00 pm 5,143,000 17 497,000 5,640,000 [1]
4 Episode 4 31 May 2005 Tuesday 9:00 pm 4,445,000 22 605,000 5,050,000 [1]
5 Episode 5 7 June 2005 Tuesday 9:00 pm 4,340,000 23 500,000 4,840,000 [1]
6 Episode 6 14 June 2005 Tuesday 9:00 pm 5,064,000 16 496,000 5,560,000 [1]
7 Episode 7 21 June 2005 Tuesday 9:00 pm 4,682,000 17 498,000 5,180,000 [1]
8 Episode 8 28 June 2005 Tuesday 9:00 pm 4,295,000 20 505,000 4,800,000 [1]
9 Episode 9 5 July 2005 Tuesday 9:00 pm 5,006,000 18 504,000 5,510,000 [1]
10 Episode 10 12 July 2005 Tuesday 9:00 pm 5,280,000 18 500,000 5,780,000 [1]
11 Episode 11 19 July 2005 Tuesday 9:00 pm 5,080,000 17 500,000 5,580,000 [1]
12 Episode 12 26 July 2005 Tuesday 9:00 pm 4,990,000 17 500,000 5,490,000 [1]
13 Episode 13 19 December 2005 Monday 9:00 pm 6,660,000 17 500,000 7,160,000 [1]

Awards and nominations

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Home media

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The original 'Series Seven' DVD on Region 4 Australia from Shock Records continuing its own unique cover art which differs from the UK cover art as Shock has used the same art as the UK for the previous series'
Original UK release

United Kingdom

  • "Series Seven" – 7 August 2006 (4-DVD set distributed by 2 Entertain)[2]
    • "The Complete Series Seven" re-release – 20 February 2012 (3-DVD set distributed by Acorn Media)[3]
    • As part of "The Complete Collection" – 2 July 2012 (28-DVD set distributed by Acorn Media)[4]

Australia

  • "Series Seven" – 18 September 2006 (4-DVD set distributed by Shock Records)[5]
    • As part of "The Complete Collection" – 10 November 2010 (32-DVD set distributed by Shock Records)
    • "Series Seven" re-release (individual from "The Complete Collection") – 11 May 2011 (3-DVD set distributed by Shock Records)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Weekly top 30 programmes on TV sets (July 1998 – Sept 2018)". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  2. ^ "Bad Girls - Series 7 Box Set [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  3. ^ "Bad Girls Series Seven [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  4. ^ "Bad Girls: The Complete Series [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  5. ^ "Bad Girls - Series Seven - 4-DVD Box Set ( Bad Girls - Entire Series 7 )". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
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