Di Botcher

Diane F. Botcher (born 2 June 1959) is a Welsh actress. She has starred in several British television sitcoms and dramas, including the Sky comedy drama Stella, BBC comedies Little Britain and Tittybangbang and the ITV period drama Downton Abbey. In 2018, she joined Casualty as Jan Jenning.

Early life Botcher was born on 2 June 1959 in Taibach, Port Talbot, Glamorgan, in Wales, one of the two children of parents Bernard and Glenys Botcher. She read English and drama at Warwick University, then obtained an Equity card in the 1980s.

Career Throughout her long career on stage and screen, Botcher has been receiving warm reviews. In a performance of the musical Blood Brothers with the Sherman Theatre Company in 1986, Botcher's performance as the "warm-hearted mum" was singled out by a reviewer as one of the good points in a production which needed "beefing up". Of Black Milk (2003), a reviewer wrote, "In a strong cast, Di Botcher is a beacon." Her performance in the 2017/18 revival of Follies was universally appreciated - "magical"; a "stunner of a set piece"; "wonderful".

In 2018, she began appearing in the BBC medical drama Casualty as Jan Jennings. Later that year, she also began portraying the role of Nana Margie in the BBC Three series In My Skin. 2022 BBC Radio 4 The Archers as Caitlin Thomas.

Filmography Film

Television Year Title Role Notes 1986 Screen Two Officer Kyle Series 2, Episode 2 1987 The District Nurse Eirlys Prosser Series 3, Episode 6 1993, 1997 The Bill Mrs. Oakes/Mrs. Edwards 2 episodes 1997 Harpur and Iles Jane Mellick Television film 1999 Sunburn Wendy's mum Series 1, Episode 31999 Kavanagh QC Tilly Burgess Series 5, Episode 21999Rhinoceros Megan Jones Television film 2001 Fun at the Funeral Parlour Edith Series 1, Episode 42001 People Like Us Frances Churchfield Series 2, Episode 62001 The Armando Iannucci Shows Tinaturnerogram 2 episodes2001 'Orrible Di Clark Recurring character 2002 Casualty Louise Templeton Series 16, Episode 262002 Tipping the Velvet Woman with Cigar 2 episodes 2002 Cruise of the Gods Mrs. Hatcher Television film 2002–2008 High Hopes Mrs. Coles Recurring character; 20 episodes 2003–2005 Little Britain Marion/Meals on Wheels Lady 6 episodes 2003–2009 Belonging Vanessa Recurring character 2004 Green Wing Catering Manager Series 1, Episode 3 2005 All About George Dorothy Mickens Episode 1 2005 The Thick of It Pauline McKendrick, Piss Woman Series 2, Episode 12005 Bleak House Mrs. Woodcourt 2 episodes 2006–2007 Tittybangbang Various characters 5 episodes 2006–2008 Pulling Margaret Recurring character 2007 Ideal Nicki's mum Voice only 2007 Hotel Babylon Myra Walmesley Series 2, Episode 82007 Murphy's Law Brothel Madam 2 episodes 2007 After You've Gone Sheila Series 2, Episode 5 2008 Coming of Age Ollie's mum Series 1, Episode 52008 Dustbin Baby Pat Television film 2008–2009 Katy Brand's Big Ass Show Various characters 5 episodes 2008, 2010, 2012 Doctors Sharon Bretherton/Linda Bolton/Dorit Simpson 3 episodes 2009 No Signal! Various characters Series 1, Episode 92009 Collision Mrs. Whitfield 2 episodes 2010 Lennon Naked Dot Television film2010 Sherlock Connie Prince Episode: "The Great Game"2010 Coming Up Bernadette Series 8, Episode 4 2011 Come Fly with Me Mrs. Talbot Episode 22011Shirley Mrs. Morrison Television film about Dame Shirley Bassey2011 DCI Banks Grace Series 2, Episode 3 2012 Mr Stink A woman with a question Television film 2013 Downton Abbey Nanny West Series 4, Episode 1 2013–2017Stella Aunty Brenda Main role 2014 Inside No. 9 Jean Episode: "The Understudy"2014Under Milk Wood Mrs. Dai Bread One Television film 2015 Coronation Street Debbie Allinson 2 episodes2015 Top Coppers Sandra 2015 High Hopes Mrs Coles 2018–present Casualty Jan Jenning Main role 2018–2021 In My Skin Nana Margie Main role

Selected stage performances

Year Title Theatre Role 1986 Blood Brothers Royal Shakespeare Company at the Adelaide Festival Theatre Lady of the court 1986–1987 A Midsummer Night's Dream 1987 Speculators 1990 Sunday in the Park with George Vera, Marge and Dolly's friend 1999 Card Boys 2000 Flesh and Blood 2003 Terrorism Royal Court Old biddy Black Milk 2004 Les Misérables 2009 A History Of Falling Things 2010 If So, Then Yes 2010–2011 A Flea in Her Ear 2017–2018 Follies National Theatre Hattie Walker