Bad Girls
Season 1
Re-release DVD
Starring
Country of originUnited Kingdom
No. of episodes10
Release
Original networkITV
Original release1 June (1999-06-01) –
3 August 1999 (1999-08-03)
Series chronology

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.

Storylines

The first series focuses on the growing relationship between new G-Wing governor Helen Stewart and prisoner Nikki Wade. Helen tries to show the prisoners that she on their side by taking matters such as miscarriage, bullying and drugs seriously, whereas the other officers, like Sylvia Hollamby, don't take any interest in the prisoners' problems. Helen doesn't get the support she needs from her officers and tries to convince Nikki that she needs her help in running an orderly wing. This is when Nikki's attraction for Helen begins to grow. Other major storylines in the first series is top dog, Shell Dockley's bullying against new prisoner Rachel Hicks, her drug dealing and her affair with senior officer Jim Fenner who also begins an affair with Rachel, as they become involved in a love triangle, Shell and her sidekick Denny Blood torture Rachel to the point where she commits suicide. New prisoner Zandra Plackett struggles to kick her drug habit, and things get worse when she discovers she's pregnant. Monica Lindsey, another new prisoner on G-Wing, finds it hard to cope when she worries about how her son, Spencer, who has Down's syndrome, will deal with his mother's wrongful imprisonment.

Cast

Episodes

No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateUK viewers
(millions)
11"Them and Us"Mike AdamsMaureen Chadwick1 June 1999 (1999-06-01)7.99

As the inmates rehearse for a fashion show, a miscarrying inmate almost dies in her cell. Helen is forced into an alliance with difficult prisoner Nikki Wade. A smelly inmate returns and upsets everyone with her nasty habits and Fenner plays dangerous games with Shell and Rachel.

Note: first appearance of Helen Stewart (Simone Lahbib), Nikki Wade (Mandana Jones), Shell Dockley (Debra Stephenson), Jim Fenner (Jack Ellis), Denny Blood (Alicya Eyo), Lorna Rose (Luisa Bradshaw-White), Dominic McAllister (Joe Shaw), Sylvia Hollamby (Helen Fraser), Julie Saunders (Victoria Alcock), Julie Johnston (Kika Mirylees) and Rachel Hicks (Joanne Froggatt).
22"Drug Wars"Mike AdamsMaureen Chadwick8 June 1999 (1999-06-08)7.39

Helen takes a tough stance on drugs. New inmate Monica Lindsey is in for a complete culture shock but quickly proves that she's no pushover. An old inmate returns to the wrath of Denny and Shell.

Note: first appearance of Zandra Plackett (Lara Cazalet) and Monica Lindsay (Jane Lowe).
33"Love Rival"Laurence MoodyPhil Ford15 June 1999 (1999-06-15)6.36

Jim takes advantage of his authority and begins to regret it when Shell bullies Rachel. A new religious inmate, Crystal Gordon, arrives and she ruffles feathers. Zandra is heartbroken when she is dumped by her fiancé while she is organising her wedding.

Note: first appearance of Crystal Gordon (Sharon Duncan Brewster).
44"The Victim"Laurence MoodyMartin Allen22 June 1999 (1999-06-22)6.86

Rachel's troubles increase when her mother gives her daughter to foster care, causing Rachel to completely break down and commit suicide on the wing. Nikki is left heartbroken when Tricia confesses she has met someone else. Zandra makes a bid for freedom.

Note: final appearance of Rachel Hicks (Joanne Froggatt).
55"Tangled Web"Laurence MoodyLouise Page29 June 1999 (1999-06-29)7.05
Nikki and Shell finally come to blows following Rachel's death. Helen investigates Rachel's death and all the evidence points to a cover-up involving Principal Officer Fenner. Nikki struggles to come to terms with her growing feelings for Helen. Dominic announces his desire to leave Larkhall.
66"A Big Mistake"Jim O'HanlonTom Higgins6 July 1999 (1999-07-06)7.02
New prisoner, Jessie Devlin arrives at Larkhall and uncovers a past she thought closed forever. Zandra blackmails Officer Lorna Rose into bringing drugs into Larkhall.
77"Playing with Fire"Jim O'HanlonAnn McManus13 July 1999 (1999-07-13)7.67
Nikki makes a desperate bid to show Helen how much she loves her. Shell is stripped of her privileges when drugs are found in her cell and someone's going to pay.
88"Falling Apart"Mike AdamsSally Wainwright20 July 1999 (1999-07-20)7.60
Monica's thoughts turn suicidal when she learns some terrible news about her son. The Julies hatch a plan to bring some good cheer to Larkhall, in the form of wine.
99"Pay Back Time"Mike AdamsMartin Allen27 July 1999 (1999-07-27)7.32

Shell teams up with Crystal, who believes Shell has changed for good. Shell takes her full revenge on Lorna and nearly ruins Helen's career in the process. Helen struggles unsuccessfully to resist Nikki's charms.

Note: first appearance of Yvonne Atkins (Linda Henry); final appearance of Lorna Rose (Luisa Bradshaw-White).
1010"Love Hurts"Mike AdamsMaureen Chadwick3 August 1999 (1999-08-03)7.66
Helen has to tell Sean a few home truths while they organise their wedding. Sean later turns up at Larkhall with a lighter and white spirit. Monica hears some good news about her appeal. Shell spills the beans about her affair with Fenner - to his wife.

Reception

Ratings

No. Title Air date Timeslot Weekly ratings Ref(s)
Viewers Rank
1 "Them and Us" 1 June 1999 Tuesday 9:00 pm 7,990,000 17 [1]
2 "Drug Wars" 8 June 1999 Tuesday 9:00 pm 7,390,000 16 [1]
3 "Love Rival" 15 June 1999 Tuesday 9:00 pm 6,360,000 18 [1]
4 "The Victim" 22 June 1999 Tuesday 9:00 pm 6,860,000 17 [1]
5 "Tangled Web" 29 June 1999 Tuesday 9:00 pm 7,050,000 19 [1]
6 "A Big Mistake" 6 July 1999 Tuesday 9:00 pm 7,020,000 14 [1]
7 "Playing with Fire" 13 July 1999 Tuesday 9:00 pm 7,670,000 12 [1]
8 "Falling Apart" 20 July 1999 Tuesday 9:00 pm 7,600,000 15 [1]
9 "Payback Time" 27 July 1999 Tuesday 9:00 pm 7,320,000 12 [1]
10 "Love Hurts" 3 August 1999 Tuesday 9:00 pm 7,660,000 14 [1]

Release

Original UK DVD

In the UK, series one was originally released in VHS format in three volumes. The DVD was released in the UK on 18 June 2001. It was re-released in the UK on 7 February 2011 by Acorn Media UK, with brand new packaging.[2] The re-release was also released in a boxset along with series two on 7 February 2011.[3] Series one was also released as part of a series one-four boxset on 9 October 2006.

In Australia, series one has been released three times on DVD, the first being on 24 March 2003 containing the same packaging as the first UK DVD release. The second release was part of the complete boxset consisting of all eight series which was released on 10 November 2010.[4] The third was released on 12 January 2011, as a separate edition from the complete boxset.[5]

The DVD was released in America on 7 June 2011 containing its own style of cover packaging. It was released as "The Complete First Season", and was the only series of Bad Girls to be released in America.

Bad Girls: Series One
Set Details Special Features
  • 10 episodes
  • 4-disc set
  • 3-disc set (re-release)
  • 4:3/1.33:1 aspect ratio (cropped VHS transfer)
  • 16:9/1.78:1 original aspect ratio (re-release)
  • Subtitles: no
  • Language: English (stereo)
  • Documentary: Bad Girls in Oxford*
  • Commentary Track: Episode 10*
  • Cast Interviews:
    • Simone Lahbib (Helen)
    • Mandana Jones (Nikki)
    • Debra Stephenson (Shell)
    • Jack Ellis (Jim)
    • Alicya Eyo (Denny)
    • Helen Fraser (Sylvia)
    • Victoria Alcock (Julie S)
    • Kika Mirylees (Julie J)
  • Outtakes
  • Fan Featurette: Bad Girls Book Signing*
  • Photo Library*
Release dates
United States United Kingdom Australia
7 June 2005 18 June 2001 (Contender)

7 February 2011 (Acorn)

 24 March 2003 (Shock)

12 January 2011 (Shock re-release)

Note: Special features marked * are not available on the re-release DVD

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Weekly top 30 programmes on TV sets (July 1998 – Sept 2018)". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
  2. ↑ "Bad Girls Series 1". acornmediauk.com. Archived from the original on 27 July 2011. Retrieved 31 March 2011.
  3. ↑ "Bad Girls: Series 1 & 2: Box Set: Hmv Exclusive". hmv.com. Retrieved 31 March 2011.
  4. ↑ "Bad Girls (1999) - The Complete Collection: Uncut (32 Disc Box Set)". ezydvd.com.au. Archived from the original on 11 April 2011. Retrieved 31 March 2011.
  5. ↑ "Bad Girls (1999) - Series 1: Uncut (4 Disc Set)". ezydvd.com.au. Archived from the original on 11 December 2010. Retrieved 31 March 2011.
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