Helen is "thrilled that in this series the writing shows even more sides to Sylvia. She is evil and no-one could be more sadistic than Sylvia but they are also showing the comic side, which, for me is lovely - so at least the audience might not hate me completely".

Helen was very much cast against type when offered the role of Sylvia. "I had just done Coronation Street, which at the time was being produced by Brian and written by Maureen (Bad Girls producer and series deviser). I had played Magenta, a hypno-therapist, who was helping Jack Duckworth to give up smoking. Three months later they asked me to play this Prison Officer from hell!"

"The prisoners call Sylvia 'Bodybag' and she's forever saying 'I'll put you on report'. She is the first baddy I've ever played, which is fun, as I've usually been cast as the house-wife or the girl next door before. I'm very fond of her but I don't think I've ever played anyone quite so un-attractive. I have to put on my heavy shoes which help me to find my Sylvia character!"

Helen laughs "There is a lot of Sylvia in me - the impatience and the bad temper, and I'm getting more and more like her every day! Every now and then Sylvia gives this world weary sigh and I'm getting very good at that at home now too!"

"The whole team on Bad Girls is great and as I'm the oldest member of the cast they all call me 'The Dame'!"