Local Celebs

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Linda Regan

Linda's latest book release, The Terror Within

From Birds of a Feather and The Bill, to On The Buses and Hi-de-Hi!, local lass Linda Regan has graced our screens for the best part of 50 years. Here we grab Linda for a Q&A to find out what she’s been up to, who inspires her and what she’s planning next… Hi Linda – thanks for joining us. First up, what roles you have most enjoyed playing?

Ah goodness - so many to choose from. I suppose playing Marilyn Monroe was a dream role. The play, The Legend, written by David Butler, told the story of the end of the screen goddesses’ life and her struggle with drug addiction, with flashbacks to her magical moments. I got to wear the long gold dress (well a replica of), and sing Happy Birthday to Bobby Kennedy, (the actor playing him). And also to wear the famous white dress that the wind blew around her making the iconic picture. I also loved playing Lady Macbeth; I think she is the best of all Shakespeare’s women and a gift of a role. TV wise, I did a series for Channel five called Harry and Cosh where I played Harry’s mum, which was a gift of a role.

Who do you admire in the industry?

Mostly everyone; it is a hard career and takes tenacity. I love Kathy Ryan, and I adore Judy Dench in everything she does. I am a big fan of Richard Curtis’ writing, and I strongly admire all soap actors; they work around the clock, learning lines and making their character changes work.

Any close calls?

Many. Here’s one I’ll never forget: When I played the lead in the West End in Dirty Linen, the Tom Stoppard play, one Saturday evening performance with a full house, one of the actors I was playing a scene with dropped his top teeth. Instead of coughing or turning away and removing them tactfully, he chose to carry on speaking with his top teeth slowly slipping, so they protruded from his lips. He would then suck them back into his mouth as the dialogue continued, only to have them slowly slide through his lips again. This carried on through the whole performance, and ashamedly, neither myself nor any of the other actors in the show could contain our giggling. I actually nearly wet myself. We all got a very strong telling off after the play had finished.

What are your favourite things to watch?

I love EastEnders. I think the acting is superb, and the story lines well researched. I am an obsessive Strictly fan. I get withdrawal symptoms after Christmas when I know I have to wait a year. I love Would I Lie To You, and I am always up for challenging myself in Pointless and The Chase.

As a published author (Linda’s latest thriller – The Terror Within – is out now), what books do you enjoy reading yourself?

I read widely but I love police procedural thrillers and psychological thrillers. I adore chic-lit, and I reread the classics. My favourite author is Jilly Cooper.

When you’re not writing or learning lines, what do you enjoy doing?

My favourite pastime is walking my much-loved Tibetan terrier in Farnborough Village. There’s so much open space and it’s so peaceful behind that beautiful church. I also love yoga; I try to do three classes a week.

Do you have any other hobbies?

Only reading and cooking for my husband (actor Brian Murphy) who never stops eating and never puts on weight!

What’s your advice for anyone who wants to get into acting and writing?

Work hard and don’t get disheartened. If you get rejected, don’t take it personally. Keep trying until someone says yes.

What’s your next project?

I have a new book coming out this year. Acting wise, it is very quiet and a lot is on hold, due to Covid. I have plenty in the pipeline, but nothing solid at this moment.

What do I like about Life in Orpington magazine?

I love all the adverts. If I am looking for someone to do a job, or a restaurant, I know I will find the information in there. I love the What’s On pages. The magazine is concise too, no waste in it and all about the borough.

What do you enjoy about living in the borough?

I’ve lived in the borough since childhood. When I am away working, sometimes for months on end, I always look forward to coming home. There are great shopping centres here - The Glades, The Walnuts Centre - plus a fabulous choice of restaurants. I particularly love having lunch or breakfast in The Drawing Room in Locksbottom. We are also very lucky to have such a top-class hospital, The Princess Royal University Hospital, with top surgeons and doctors. There are country pubs a plenty nearby, and so many green spaces, all so near excellent transport links to London. Who could wish for more? I love Kent and would never want to be anywhere else in the world.

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