Annette Badland

Annette Badland (born 26 August 1950) is an English actress known for a wide range of roles on television, radio, stage, and film. She is best known for her roles as Margaret Blaine in the BBC science fiction series Doctor Who, Mrs. Glenna Fitzgibbons in the first season of Outlander, and Babe Smith in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She was nominated for the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in 1993 for her performance in Jim Cartwright’s play The Rise and Fall of Little Voice.

Badland was born on 26 August 1950 in Edgbaston, Birmingham. Her mother, originally from Loanhead, Scotland, relocated to Birmingham during World War II to work as a munitions and aircraft worker in the factories, where she met Badland’s father.[2] Her family often returned to Scotland for holidays and to visit family, or sometimes they holidayed in Wales.[3][2] Badland trained in acting at East 15 Acting School in Loughton, Essex, working in “rep” at Southwold Summer Theatre during her time there. Her performance as the maid in Private Lives for the Summer 1970 season earned her an Equity Card and the right to work in the professional theatre.