Di Botcher facts for kids

Diane F. Botcher (born on June 2, 1959) is a talented actress from Wales. You might have seen her in popular British TV shows. She's famous for her roles in the comedy-drama Stella and the comedy show Little Britain.

She also appeared in the historical drama Downton Abbey. Since 2018, she has played the character Jan Jenning in the long-running medical drama Casualty.

Early Life and Education

Di Botcher was born in Taibach, a part of Port Talbot in Wales. She grew up with her parents, Bernard and Glenys Botcher, and one sibling.

From a young age, she was interested in acting. She studied English and drama at Warwick University. After finishing her degree, she moved to London to train at a famous acting school, the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. In the 1980s, she earned her Equity card, which is like a professional license for actors.

A Career on Stage and Screen

Di Botcher has had a long and successful career as an actress. She has performed in theaters and appeared in many movies and TV shows. Critics have often praised her performances.

For example, when she starred in the musical Blood Brothers in 1986, one reviewer said her role as a "warm-hearted mum" was a highlight of the show. In a 2003 play called Black Milk, a critic wrote, "In a strong cast, Di Botcher is a beacon." Her work is consistently seen as wonderful and magical.

In 2018, she joined the cast of the BBC medical show Casualty as paramedic Jan Jennings. In the same year, she also took on the role of Nana Margie in the series In My Skin.

Famous Roles

Di Botcher has played many different characters throughout her career. Here are some of her most well-known roles in movies, television, and theater.

On Television

Di Botcher is a familiar face on British television. She has appeared in comedies, dramas, and even a famous detective show.

• Little Britain (2003–2005): She played Marion and the Meals on Wheels Lady in this popular sketch comedy show.
• Stella (2013–2017): She had a main role as Aunty Brenda in this comedy-drama set in Wales.
• Downton Abbey (2013): She appeared as Nanny West in an episode of this world-famous period drama.
• Sherlock (2010): She played Connie Prince in the episode "The Great Game".
• Coronation Street (2015): She had a guest role as Debbie Allinson in the classic soap opera.
• Casualty (2018–present): She plays the main role of Jan Jenning, a tough but caring paramedic.
• In My Skin (2018–2021): She played Nana Margie in this award-winning series.

She has also appeared in many other shows, including Doctors, The Bill, and ...bangbang.

In the Movies

Di has also acted in several films. Her movie roles show her ability to play both funny and serious characters.

• Twin Town (1997): She played Jean Lewis in this Welsh dark comedy.
• All or Nothing (2002): She had a small role as a supervisor.
• The Gospel of Us (2012): She played The Mother in this film, which was set in her hometown of Port Talbot.
• Svengali (2013): She appeared as Mrs Cooper.
• One Chance (2013): She had a cameo role as a nurse in this movie about the singer Paul Potts.
• Under Milk Wood (2015): She was part of the cast for this film based on the famous Welsh play.
• Dream Horse (2020): She played Nerys, a member of the group that buys a racehorse.

On Stage

Before becoming famous on screen, Di Botcher had a successful career in the theater. She has performed in musicals and plays in London and around the world.

• Blood Brothers (1986): She played the mother in this famous musical.
• A Midsummer Night's Dream: She performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company as Titania, the queen of the fairies.
• Cats: She played the iconic role of Grizabella in the London production.
• Les Misérables: She played Madame Thenardier in a production in Copenhagen.
• Chicago: She took on the role of Matron "Mama" Morton.
• Follies (2017-2018): She played Hattie Walker at the National Theatre in London, and her performance was highly praised.

External links