Paddington Green

Lion Television's docu- drama Paddington Green was first aired on BBC1 on 28 December 1998. It rapidly became a controversial subject, mainly because of the frank and uncompromising tale of Jackie, giving an all too human face to desperate people we usually pass by on the streets. People seems to either hate her or love her, depending on whether prejudice or compassion was their main character trait. Others were sympathetic to the characters, but critical to this type of reportage, exposing what they felt should be kept in private.

Other characters include Jason the locksmith and Mr. Gilbert, the wig maker They both have had their businesses improve dramatically after the show, Jason apparently taking up web design for a hobby (although being even more lethargic than myself, his Paddington Green website has been inactive for a year). On the other hand nothing is known of the fortunes of Claudia's scooter shop or singing career, neither if entrepreneur Dave has managed to turn a profit of his wheelbarrow filled with upper dentures. But at least bus conductor Danny avoided being sacked for going AWOL in the most public fasion imaginable.

The series was conceived by ex-BBC producer Jeremy Mills when his daughter was in hospital in the Paddington area. Wandering around the neighborhood he found it fascinating and an excellent subject for a docu-soap. BBC Online has a transcript of a chat with Jeremy Mills, which reveals a lot of the background to the series and the team.

The catchy title tune was written by Guy Dagul, who has also made the themes for London's Burning, Extreme Machines and several other series. He is also co-composer of the soundtrack to the movie Last of the Mohicans, starring Daniel Day-Lewis. Many of these tunes can be downloaded in MP3 format from his homepage.

After three series aired in 1999, there was pause for nine months before it came back on screen. While some of the people are still in the show, Jackie will sadly not be returning. Also, Ross Kemp was replaced by Todd Carty as the narrator. Apparently a total of 24 new episodes have been made as per end of 2000.

BBC America blurb

Take a peek behind the curtains of inner city London. Discover London's West End through the eyes of models, prostitutes, safe-crackers and con-artists, entrepeneurs and mothers living in low-income housing. The neighbors include Jackie, a 28 year-old transsexual prostitute, wigmaker Mr. Gilbert and Jason, the workaholic locksmith.

MEET THE CHARACTERS...

Jackie, a 28 year-old transsexual prostitute (formerly known as Jason), comes across a number of interesting characters as part of her work in and around Paddington Green. Having run the risk of heavy fines by the police for soliciting on the streets, Jackie begins working from home. When she decides to have plastic surgery on her nose and chin, the finishing touches in her long journey to become a woman – she must have an AIDS test. The hazards of her profession make the risks of contracting AIDS much higher, so the wait for the result is an anxious time. Despite her fears Jackie needs money, so she continues working the streets.