Meet Jan Jenning – Iain and Sam’s new boss in Casualty!

Jan may not suffer fools, but we've got a feeling she'll help them if she can (Image credit: BBC)

5 things you need to know about new Casualty paramedic boss Jan Jenning, played by Di Botcher

Talented Welsh actor Di Botcher joins Casualty this Saturday as new paramedic boss, Jan Jenning. And we’re happy to report Jan fits the emergency department like a hand fits a surgical glove.

Di, who stars in Stella as Aunty Brenda, has also had roles in dozens of acclaimed shows including Green Wing, The Thick of It, Little Britain, Pulling, Sherlock and Coronation Street. In 2002 Di also had a guest part in Casualty!

Here’s everything you need to know about Jan’s arrival in Holby this week

First Impressions

Is it the end of an era for fun-loving paramedics Sam and Iain? (Image credit: BBC)

Jan Jenning doesn’t seem to care that first impressions count. Within minutes of arriving at work she gives paramedics Iain Dean (Michael Stevenson) and Sam Nicholls (Charlotte Salt) short shrift! To be fair, they are horsing around in her office… How on earth will Jan react when Sam amputates a patient’s foot without his consent?

Chuffy connections

Holby ED’s mum and dad, married nurses Charlie and Duffy Fairhead, are both well-acquainted with Jan and her methods. But what role will Jan fill when she makes herself at home in Holby? We’re thinking grouchy aunt with a soft side…

Top marks for homework

Sam and Iain have some explaining to do (Image credit: BBC / Alistair Heap)

Jan seems to have done her homework. She’s instantly got the measure of ex-army colleagues Iain and Sam and let’s them know she’s heard about their reckless daring-do – which won’t be tolerated on her watch! Will Jan have Iain and Sam’s back after their traumatic rescue of a teenager from a storm drain this week?

End of #Chuffy/beginning of #Juffy?

Charlie and Duffy share a kiss in happier times — Will three prove a crowd for Charlie and Duffy when Jan makes her grand entrance? (Image credit: BBC / Alistair Heap)

With Charlie (Derek Thompson) fully occupied by his new nursing management role his wife Duffy (Cathy Shipton) finds herself in need of company. Will plain-speaking Jan become best friends with fun-loving Duffy? We certainly hope so!

Full of surprises

Popular or not, new paramedic Jan makes a lasting impression on her colleagues (Image credit: BBC / Alistair Heap)

Just when you think you’ve figured Jan Jenning out she turns around and astounds. In a video on BBC Casualty's Twitter account Di Botcher explains: “She’s not a sentimental person at all but she’s got a lot of compassion.” She’s also hilarious and delivers excellent one-liners. Sounds like Jan’s going to fit right in to the Casualty family…

Catch Di Botcher’s first appearance as Jan Jenning in Casualty this Saturday on BBC1

CATEGORIES

With twenty years of experience as an entertainment journalist, Elaine writes for What’s on TV, TV Times, TV & Satellite Week and www.whattowatch.com covering a variety of programs from gardening and wildlife to documentaries and drama.

As well as active involvement in the WTW family’s social media accounts, she has been known to get chatty on the red carpet and wander into the odd podcast.

After a day of previewing TV, writing about TV and interviewing TV stars, Elaine likes nothing than to relax… by watching TV.