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 LIZZIE BIRDSWORTH
Played by Sheila Florance
Old Lag Lizzie is one of Wentworth's longest serving inmates. In her 70's, Lizzie has already served 20 years for poisoning four sheep shearers during her time working as a cook - for some reason she is still allowed to work in the prison kitchen though! It turns out that Lizzie is infact innocent and didn't poison anyone, even though she believes she did. Lizzie is released immediately in episode 88 with the promise of a huge amount of compensation to see her on her way.
Everyone inside Wentworth loves Lizzie. She is seen as the comic relief of the prison, during her time in the series. With her addiction to booze and cigarettes she often gets herself in trouble whether it be making her own alcohol or stealing some of the Governor's sherry when she's not looking! Lizzie proves invaluable on a number of occasions as she plays on her weak heart and uses this when a diversion is needed for the other women.
When Lizzie is released to the care of the halfway house she meets up with best mate Doreen but again the booze becomes her downfall - and Doreen's too. They both go shoplifting and are caught - only to return back to Wentworth (although Lizzie is first released on bail but tries her best to be sent to prison which ends up working!).
Lizzie is involved in a number of very important storylines during her time inside. She finds out that she has a long lost daughter - only to find out that they are not related at all (episode 118). The 'daughter' and 'grand daughter' are actually fakes and persuade Lizzie to use her compensation money to pay for a much needed operation for the grand daughter. Of course, Lizzie agrees to this but when she finds out that they are not her family she pretends that she knew all along. For a lonely old lady, two strangers who needed her were as good as a real family.
She does find some happiness with prison handyman Sid Humpries. Sid is an old man who comes to work at the prison and they both start a very touching relationship. They find that they both enjoy the same things, such as gardening and decide that they want to spend the rest of their life together. However Sid's son doesn't approve of Lizzie, and when Sid dies he decides that Lizzie shouldn't be allowed to live in his house (although Sid wanted Lizzie to). Lizzie is so upset that ends up burning down the house, and most of her belongings, so nobody can have it. A photograph and happy memories is all that she takes away with her - back to Wentworth.
Perhaps something which Lizzie is best known for is her classic one-liners which she brings out during the series. "Bugger Me Gently" is a favourite of most fans! Her infectious laugh also manages to bring a smile to everyone's face.
Lizzie is finally released for good in episode 418 to live with her real family. Her son Arthur tracks her down and manages to convince her to stay with them. Although we don't really hear from Lizzie again we later find out that she has travelled the world, and Myra Desmond mentions that she's even visited London. Many fans think that Wentworth just isn't the same without Lizzie.
© 2004 Scott Anderson. Not to be reproduced without permission.
Thanks to "Who's Who in Wentworth" for episode numbers & precise details.
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