Nikki's an out lipstick lesbian who has the respect of all the other inmates on G Wing - except Shell - who constantly tries to get one over on her. Nikki despises the prison regime and all who work in it - including the new Wing Governor, Helen Stewart and he "do-gooding" ways. Eventually Helen wins Nikki's respect which, in time, tuns into deep love and affection.

Mandana has thought long and hard about the type of character Nikki Wade is. "I think she is very mercurial, fiery and passionate, but very cool on the surface. She knows that the fire inside her can get her into trouble when it boils over - and that has happened all her life - so she tries to control herself, but ultimately doesn't always succeed."

On the inside, Nikki always knows what's going on. "She is someone that holds the mirror up to what is going on. She can assess the situation and she can see through all the bullshit of the staff - which is where we find her at the
beginning."

Throughout the series it is her relationship with the Wing Governor, Helen Stewart, played by Simone Lahbib, that is so often the focus of Nikki's life. "Nikki thinks she knows what's what. But she is surprised by Helen. She dismisses her as just another do-gooder, looking after herself rather than the inmates.

But Nikki has to face the fact that she might be wrong - and that Helen may not be the person she initially thinks she is. You can definately see a connection on some level."

And after five months inside a prison, what does the former London Bridge actress want to do next?

"After so long on the inside, I want to relax. I want to get my life back in order and do nesting things, paint and buy tables and chairs. Just be dead normal ­ like a free person."