Four TV Bad Girls hit town
Bianca Coleman
Source : Cape Argus
Date : 31 May 2001

We have our own fair share of bad girls - and boys - but yesterday that number increased with the arrival of four of the cast from M-Net’s British prison drama series, Bad Girls. Simone Lahbib (Helen Stewart), Mandana Jones (Nikki Wade), Lara Cazalet (Zandra Plackett) and Joe Shaw (Dominic McAllister) touched down at Cape Town International yesterday morning and hit the ground running with a hectic tour schedule that began with lunch at Gorgeous in Loop Street. They’ve already spent some time in Gauteng, relaxing at Sabi Sabi and apparently partying up a storm the night before they got here. “We’re feeling a bit fragile today,” confessed Joe, who was having a close relationship with a 1,5-litre bottle of water at lunch. Simone Lahbib opted for the hair of the dog, drinking gin and tonic and smoking. “I haven’t managed to read a page of my book since I got here, have you?” Joe asked Simone. No, she hadn’t either and it’s unlikely they will. “My grandmother always said she’d sleep when she was dead,” added Simone, a phrase for which Bon Jovi will always pay her royalties. If you’ve been following the series (screened on M-Net on Tuesdays at 8.05pm), you’ll be familiar with the characters. The real people behind them prove themselves to be accomplished actors.

Lara Cazalet is a bundle of fun, Simone Lahbib looks completely different (sporting blonde hair), Mandana Jones is quick with a humourous comment and Joe Shaw radiates intelligence behind his good looks. All of them are friendly, approachable and delighted to be in South Africa. Simone proudly carries a copy of Nelson Mandela’s inaugural speech in her diary and would dearly love to meet the man himself. Otherwise they plan to see as much of the Cape as they can ... so keep your eyes open.