Carol Drinkwater: ‘I blew my All Creatures Great and Small money on travelling the world and designer clothes'
Carol Drinkwater is an author, actor and filmmaker who became a household name for her portrayal of Helen Herriot in the BBC series All Creatures Great and Small.
Carol was born in London to an Irish mother and was raised for a time on a small farm in Co Laois.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
42 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Original Grange Hill cast now from devastating death, ditching fame and addiction battle
The original cast of Grange Hill marked the childhoods of many kids around the country. Now, they all lead vastly different lives. It was the school where detention wasn't just a threat, and important social issues were brought to light. Grange Hill, the groundbreaking BBC drama that first aired in 1978, offered a realistic and honest look at the lives of secondary school pupils - tackling everything from racism and bullying, to drug addiction and teenage pregnancy. The show ran for three decades, amassing a vast alumni of child actors, many of whom became household names. But for every one who stayed in the limelight, others faded from view or faced difficult personal battles. Here's a look at where some of the most memorable stars are now. Lee MacDonald (Zammo McGuire) Zammo's harrowing heroin addiction storyline in the mid-1980s became one of the most talked-about plots in British television history. Played by Lee MacDonald, Zammo was a bright student whose descent into addiction shocked viewers and sparked a nationwide campaign: the now-iconic Just Say No anti-drugs initiative, supported by Nancy Reagan herself. After leaving Grange Hill, Lee struggled to find acting roles, later admitting that the association with drug addiction – albeit fictional – resulted in prejudice in casting offices. A keen amateur boxer, his sporting ambitions were dashed by a car accident, and he eventually opened a locksmith business in Wallington, Surrey. But Lee's TV career wasn't entirely over. He popped up in The Bill, Celebrity Scissorhands, and even EastEnders, playing Terry in 2019. In 2020, he proposed to his long-time partner Jess, and the pair married in 2022. More recently, in June 2024, Lee revealed he had been diagnosed with a form of skin cancer, but reassured fans that he was undergoing treatment after spotting it early. Todd Carty (Tucker Jenkins) Tucker Jenkins wasn't just a character – he was a phenomenon. Played by Todd Carty, Tucker was a rebel with a heart, whose popularity led to the successful spin-off Tucker's Luck. Todd's career soared post-Grange Hill, particularly when he joined EastEnders as Mark Fowler in 1990. Mark's HIV diagnosis broke new ground for soap storylines and earned Todd critical acclaim. He later flipped the script entirely, playing sinister PC Gabriel Kent in The Bill, a storyline that veered into dark and disturbing territory. Todd also found unexpected fame on Dancing on Ice in 2009, when a botched move saw him accidentally skate off the rink mid-routine – a moment that's lived on in viral clips ever since. Now 60, Todd lives in Muswell Hill with his long-term partner Dina Clarkin, a writer and producer. They have two sons and run their own production company. Susan Tully (Suzanne Ross) Susan Tully starred as headstrong Suzanne Ross in the early '80s before becoming a TV legend as Michelle Fowler in EastEnders. Her portrayal of a teenage mum, pregnant by none other than 'Dirty' Den Watts, made her one of the soap's most compelling characters. But it's behind the camera where Susan has truly flourished. She turned to directing in the 1990s, later leading high-profile shows like Line of Duty, Tin Star, Silent Witness, and Too Close. Known for her tight, character-driven style, she's now one of the most respected directors working in British TV. John Alford (Robbie Wright) John Alford had a promising career post-Grange Hill, finding further success in London's Burning and launching a brief pop career. But last year he was charged with four counts of sexual activity with a child, as well as two - relating to a second female - of sexual assault and assault by penetration. He is due to face trial in August. Terry Sue-Patt (Benny Green) Terry Sue-Patt played Benny Green, Grange Hill's first black character and a fan favourite. A talented footballer discovered in a London park, he also starred in the gritty Gary Oldman film The Firm. Sadly, Terry died in 2015, aged 50. His body was found in his Walthamstow flat, having reportedly been undiscovered for a month. He had battled alcoholism in his later years, and a number of fellow cast members paid tribute to him on social media. Erkan Mustafa (Roland Browning) Bullied for his weight, Roland – or 'Roly' – became a sympathetic figure for many viewers. Erkan Mustafa played the role with heart, though he later admitted acting wasn't something he initially pursued. He continued acting in low-key roles and later focused on writing. In interviews, Erkan has spoken fondly about his time on Grange Hill, saying he's grateful for the lifelong friendships it gave him. He also starred in The All-Nighter, a short film, in 2018. Donald Waugh (Joseph 'Hughesy' Hughes) Donald Waugh played Hughesy in the late '70s and then went on to work with theatre and launched a successful career - but endured a period of homelessness and alcohol addiction after leaving acting. He later turned his life around and now helps others struggling with similar issues, attending fan reunions and speaking openly about recovery. James Jebbia (Tommy Watson, series one) A little-known fact: the original Tommy Watson from series one was played by James Jebbia – who went on to found streetwear empire Supreme. The role in later series was taken over by Paul McCarthy. After leaving Grange Hill, James moved to New York and began working in fashion. By 1994, he'd launched Supreme, a cult brand now valued at over $1 billion. James keeps a famously low profile, but Vanity Fair reported that as of 2017, Supreme was generating more than $500 million annually. Simone Nylander (Janet St Clair) Janet was the sweet and loyal friend of Roly, and was played by Simone Nylander from 1982 to 1986. After the show, she dipped into production work and worked with Simon Fuller's 19 Management. In 2020, she launched SN Voices, a voiceover agency for diverse talent, combining her passion for performance and representation in media. Alison Bettles (Fay Lucas) Fay Lucas was a fan favourite, and Alison Bettles was part of the influential Just Say No campaign. She continued acting into the '90s, with appearances in The Bill, No Strings, and an EastEnders wartime special, making her last appearance in 2001. Now a mother of four, Alison works as a beauty therapist and reportedly runs a freight business. Two of her sons have followed in her footsteps, landing roles in Doctor Who and EastEnders. Paula-Ann Bland (Claire Scott) Claire Scott made headlines when her diary fantasy about a teacher prompted chaos. Off-screen, Paula-Ann Bland released a cover of The Loco-Motion and continued acting - and even shook audiences by posing topless for men's magazine Mayfair - before taking a step back from the industry. In the 1990s, she ran boutique shoe shops in London and launched a PR firm. Now a mum of two, she has survived breast cancer and is also an ambassador for The Good Grief Trust.
Glasgow Times
an hour ago
- Glasgow Times
Meet the Glaswegian stars of I Kissed A Boy season two
This is the first thing that hospital pharmacist Jack D says as he recounts his time on the hit BBC dating show, I Kissed A Boy. Image of Jack, supplied. Speaking to the Glasgow Times, Jack described the experience as surreal, before adding: 'I'll never get to do something like that ever again. I've made lifelong friends.' And one of those friends is fellow Glaswegian and finance analyst, Jas. Image of Jas, supplied. The two Glasgow-born boys entered the Italy cottage, known as the Masseria, with eight other men for a summer of love. Matched on what they are looking for in a partner, each contestant must skip the chat and niceties when they meet on the Masseria grounds for the first time and go straight in for a kiss before entering the Masseria with their partner to explore their relationship and possible connections with the other men. READ NEXT: Two Glaswegians star in hit BBC reality show I Kissed A Boy Hosted by pop icon Dannii Minogue and narrated by Strictly Come Dancing finalist Layton Williams, this season of the show — which aired on May 11 — threw Jack and Jas into some wild experiences and left them with plenty of incredible memories, including meeting Dannii Minogue, of course. Jas, 27, said: 'This experience is something that I will never forget in my entire life. 'It was the most beautiful celebration of what it means to be queer. To have my name attached to that is such a pinch-me moment. I genuinely would do it a million times over.' (Image: Images provided) 'When I first saw Dannii across the pool on that first day, I went non-verbal,' Jack said. He continued: 'I have loved her music since I was younger and loved watching her on The X Factor. They say never meet your heroes, but I've met mine and it was everything I thought it would be in the best way.' Speaking on Dannii's unwavering support for the queer community, Jack added: 'She's such an ally. Behind the scenes, she really does care about all of us and wants us to do well. She's not just there to do a job, she loves the show. She's been so outspoken – especially about trans inclusivity, I'm just in awe of her.' Jas agreed, saying: 'She cares about the community, and she champions it. She is a textbook ally, through and through.' (Image: Images provided) The show – which is the UK's first dating show exclusively for gay men – is not just about kissing and meeting your pop heroes though. From Lars being the show's first transgender contestant and Adam revealing his journey with HIV to Jas talking about what it means to be queer and Punjabi, the show is all about breaking down barriers and opening space for important conversations. Through this, so many viewers have seen themselves represented on TV for the first time ever. Jas said: 'The number of messages I've had from Punjabi, queer and even Scottish people who have seen themselves represented in this show because of me is so special and beautiful. 'I want to be the best role model that I possibly can be. I will not let this platform go to waste. I want to make an impact and help the community by spreading as much love and positivity as I possibly can. So that way, when I'm old and wrinkly in about a year's time, I can look back and be like, I did that.' (Image: Images provided) Jack, 26, added: 'I don't ever remember watching a queer dating show that had a trans person in it. I remember when Lars told me and I thought, 'He's literally going to change the world'." READ NEXT: 'People are travelling for our food': India takeaway go viral for 'tangy' treat When they aren't on national TV kissing boys, one of Jack's favourite places to go is Café Buena Vida in the Southside of Glasgow, where he is a resident DJ and Jas loves Loch Lomond. He explained: 'It's my favourite place in the world. When I learned how to drive that was like my thing. I would drive there with a speaker and listen to music. Then I started to make friends, and we'd go and make a whole evening of it. It became my outlet and source of freedom. 'I love that you can literally be in Glasgow city centre and within an hour you can be surrounded by so much nature and peace. I am so proud to be Scottish. I'm so proud to be from Glasgow. It's one of the most incredible places full of people that are so friendly and there's a real sense of community just by being Glaswegian.' (Image: Images provided) Catch up with the full series of I Kissed a Boy on BBC iPlayer. The reunion is set to air on Saturday, June 15 at 9pm on BBC Three.
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Hugo Duncan: BBC presenter receives MBE from Prince William
Radio presenter and singer Hugo Duncan has described receiving his MBE from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle as "a real honour".The BBC Radio Ulster presenter was awarded the accolade as part of the New Year Honours list, for his contributions to entertainment and the community in Northern 75, is known to his legions of fans of his long-running afternoon show on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle as the "wee man from Strabane".Speaking after the ceremony at Windsor on Wednesday, Duncan said it had been a "great occasion". "Prince William was the man," he said, adding the pair had talked about Duncan's career as a broadcaster as well as a "bit of general chat"."It really was a special day, a great occasion. I even got dressed up, I had a tuxedo on, I was a dead ringer for the Penguin out of Batman".Duncan said there were three reasons he was thankful to receive the honour"Firstly for the community, then for the music and thirdly for my mum," he he was named among the New Year Honours list recipients in January, Duncan dedicated his award to his late mother Susie, who raised him as a single parent. At that time, he also acknowledged that in Northern Ireland some people do not support the honours on Wednesday, he reiterated that his decision to accept the award was not a political year, the BBC presenter was added to the Radio Awards Hall of Fame by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (Imro).
