Brenda Fricker stars in Holding – and the ex-Casualty star is just one of the superb acting standouts in the ITV drama‘s stellar cast.
The Oscar-winning actress plays Lizzie Meany in the four-part series, adapted from Graham Norton‘s debut novel.
The plot sees ineffective Irish police officer Sergeant PJ Collins take on the biggest case of his undistinguished career.
But as he is compelled to investigate a death on his patch, secrets are revealed and lives are upturned.
Brenda has described her character as “a bit of a dark horse”.
“She has had a dreadful life but has retained her values, her friendships and most of all her sense of humour,” Brenda adds.
“Keep a sharp eye on her.”
Here’s more information about Brenda you may wish to know…
Who did Brenda Fricker play in Casualty? When was she in the BBC series?
Brenda Fricker played State Enrolled Nurse Megan Roach in Casualty, first appearing in 1986.
It wasn’t the first time she played a nurse on screen. Brenda actually played a midwife in Coronation Street in 1977 when Tracy Barlow was born!
Read more: Holding on ITV1: How many episodes, is it based on a book, and where is it filmed?
One of the most experienced nurses in the department, Megan appeared in episodes until 1990. During that time the character was diagnosed with cervical cancer and underwent a hysterectomy.
Her marriage broke down and the resulting stress led to her becoming addicted to valium. Megan even raided medical supplies to get her fix but was caught by Charlie Fairhead.
Why and how did she leave?
Megan moved on in her love life but discovered her suitor Tony was already married. The character eventually departed the series after she and Charlie were taken hostage by an armed man.
Megan did return for episodes in 1998, 2007 (a Red Nose Day special) and 2010. Her return for Charlie’s wedding saw her managing a health farm.
However, Megan’s final appearances saw the character diagnosed with terminal cancer. She asked Charlie to help her take her own life – and eventually he agreed to assist her.
How old is Brenda Fricker?
Brenda was born in Dublin, Ireland, on February 17, 1945.
That means she recently turned 77.
Is Brenda Fricker married?
Brenda was married to director Barry Davies between 1979 and 1988. He passed away in 1990.
In 2015, Brenda admitted she was still “madly in love” when they divorced, due to his alcoholism.
Brenda said in an interview she hoped their split might ‘frighten’ him, with the implication it may assist his recovery.
Sadly, however, she recalled he died after falling down stairs.
Furthermore, Brenda revealed she was unable to attend his funeral as she was filming Brides of Christ in Australia at the time.
She told The Irish Independent: “While there I got a phone call to say that he was dead. I went a bit mad and hysterical and started packing my bags.
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