Talking Prisoner Cell Block H EP 28 - Part 2 Interview with Maggie Kirkpatrick (Joan Ferguson)

Talking Prisoner Cell Block H EP 28 - Part 2 Interview with Maggie Kirkpatrick (Joan “The Freak” Ferguson)
Welcome to Episode 28 - Part 2 of Talking Prisoner. Hosts Ken Mulholland and Matt Batten sat down with Maggie Kirkpatrick who played officer Joan “The Freak” Ferguson. In part 2 Maggie answered all fan questions. Maggie answered questions such as what it was like to work on stage in the west end, working on Prisoner Cell Block H the musical with Lilly Savage (Paul O’Grady), her close relationship with Elspeth Ballantyne, Judith McGrath and Carole Skinner who played Nola McKenzie, Maggie discussed what it was like working with the different top dogs of Wentworth, questions about her book The Gloves are off, her work with the Aids events and helping raise money for these organisations that help people with Aids, the scene with Joy Westmore and the laughing gas balloons, and what she thought about being crowned one of the nastiest villains on TV. Talking Prisoner also launched the official Maggie Kirkpatrick Memorabilia collection which is exclusive to Talking Prisoner.
#cellblockh #prisoner #maggiekirkpatrick #joanferguson

[@philcalvert2231]

I loved joan, she frightened the living daylights out of me, best actress ❤, loved her facial expressions,ther just said a million words.

[@aivalistavro]

I had the honour of meeting Maggie at a Prisoner reunion event in Melbourne in February 2020. It was great to hear her talk about Prisoner and the famous character she created, Joan Ferguson . Joan 'The Freak ' is possibly the best known character to come out of Prisoner (with the exception of Bea Smith).

[@Paul_John_Paul]

I absolutely adore Maggie. What an iconic character and actress. ❤

[@TalkingPrisoner]

What did you think of Joans ending in Prisoner ?

[@Paul_John_Paul]

@TalkingPrisoner So, when I watched Prisoner here in the UK, I was still at School (and it was the absolute talk of the school - because we all watched it and couldn't wait to chat/gossip about it!) and I had to watch it late at night on a black & white portable TV with my headphones on, so that my Parents wouldn't find out and bollock the crap out of me! All I can say is that it was just the greatest ending ever! On one hand it felt (SO) satisfying to see the bitch get her just desserts, but, on the other, really quite sad. We had all seen the times when Joan displayed a vaguely warm-ish/vulnerable and 'human-esque' side to her personality, and, I remember always hoping that at some point she would see the light and become a reformed 'vinegar tits-esque' type... But NO! As for the finale, it was great to see her finally go down. However, it was unnerving to see her unravel in the way that she did (chanting her own name - "Ferguson, Ferguson, FERGUSOOOON...") but the line that got me was when she said to Rita (as she brings in the dinner tray) "I trusted you..." That's when I really felt sorry for poor old Joany!

[@burleskboston]

How can you not love her. What a good soul she is x

[@TalkingPrisoner]

We all love Maggie 🙂

[@Leevan75]

Hahaha!! Sorry I didn't praise you in my comment that Ken read out Maggie, I didn't expect it to be mentioned. It was just a drunken message I left after a drunken night out in Cardiff, Wales. :) You are a complete legend Maggie, the beating heart of Prisoner and one of the all time greats in the Australian acting industry.

[@richardmacken8169]

Absolutely brilliant. What a fantastic Lady Maggie is.Such a comic since of humor.

[@richardmacken8169]

How great to hear Maggie talk of Elsbeth and Carole Skinner and of course Judith McGrath. I can just imagine the two of them having great laughs together.

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Thanks Richard. What was your favourite Joan Ferguson Moment?

[@richardmacken9410]

@@TalkingPrisoner So many Moments,One of my main Favourites was when Ann slapped Joan and Joan and Joyce with the balloons in the staff canteen.

[@bdchiaccio]

Maggie totally deserves parts 2, 3 etc... Ty all for all the hard work

[@TalkingPrisoner]

We woukld love to have Maggie back for Part 3 and 4 haha

[@childrensorg856]

Yes please!!!!!!!

[@branthonysparodiesandmore5921]

What a wonderful lady. I never knew she used to visit aids victims in hospital. Much respect to her. I also saw her at the musical in the 90s!

[@TalkingPrisoner]

I love hearing stories like this also, I am sure many celebrities do things like this that we don't know about.

[@branthonysparodiesandmore5921]

@@TalkingPrisoner I always wanted to meet her. Seems extremely unlikely to ever happen now but these types of interviews give us a feel for these peoples personalities 💞

[@josephd.2725]

I thought "The Freak" was going to forget her beloved Dad, Major Ferguson for a minute! But she came good! 🤣🤣👍

[@josephd.2725]

You'll have to excuse me for referring to Maggie by her Prisoner character... All in good fun! But to be fair, it doesn't do her justice for how nice she seems in real life!

[@josephd.2725]

By the way, I always thought that Major Ferguson was the nicest character on Prisoner. What a lovely character he was. It was nice the way the writers contrasted the character with his evil daughter, Joan Ferguson. But I always wondered what The Major would have said to Joan if he actually found out about all of what she got up to behind the scenes at Wentworth. He'd be like.... "Jooooooaan??" lol

[@jamesmurphy1632]

Thanks for asking my question guys. Great to know Maggie thought Ruth Ballinger was one the ultimate baddies :-)

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Thanks for watching James, Happy to hear you enjoyed the interview.

[@needsumluv]

Love Maggie so much respect for her ,The Freak my Fave Character in cell block h

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Thanks Andi, Glad you enjoyed.

[@josephd.2725]

It was great to hear that Maggie and Carole Skinner were big friends off set. Those two were so brutal together. What a combination! Their voices also sounded alike in their scenes together haha. Nola McKenzie was the only true maximum security inmate in Wentworth for me. She was an absolutely brutal and evil character. She made Lou Kelly look like a girl scout, and even Ruth Ballinger I don't think was as bad. Such good acting all around.

[@TalkingPrisoner]

They were so amazing together and i was also happy to hear they are friends also. Matt.

[@chrisw9643]

Wonderful lady and a great actress. My favourite

[@josephd.2725]

Good stuff. It's always good to hear how much respect and admiration the actors have for one another personally and professionally.

[@TalkingPrisoner]

So much love and respect between them all.

[@josephd.2725]

@@TalkingPrisoner It was great to see the two interviews with Maggie Kirkpatrick, although she was such a huge icon of the series that it seems even 5 episodes of interviews with her would be conceivable! But great job in bringing her to the fans.

[@fabpcbhfan9592]

I'm just about to play this interview now!! I didnt get around to it before🙄 Though I played part 1 the moment it started☺️

[@josephd.2725]

@@fabpcbhfan9592 Hey, now you're here lol. Enjoy the interview. These are gold! Especially at a time when we're re-watching the whole series. I have no idea why I decided to look for them all again in 2020 (maybe lockdowns?), but it seems that Prisoner has ramped up again to soaring heights like back in the day! It's great.

[@francistreml148]

Thank you Maggie for doing what you did to help the gay men with the HIV Aids virus in the early days xx

[@booth2710]

i've always been a big fan of Maggie's after seeing this I am now a HUGE fan of Maggie ... more of a wonderful person than I ever imagined

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Hi Bobby, So happy to hear you enjoyed the interview.

[@booth2710]

@@TalkingPrisoner Loved it - so much so watching it again

[@Savannah005]

Thank you for this interview with a legend. What a wonderful lady.

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Thank you so much, Glad you enjoyed.

[@bucksby]

Brilliant interview. I agree with a Maggie regarding Ruth Ballinger as most evil villain. Brilliantly portrayed by Lindy Davies (who would be a great guest on here) sorry to hear about Maggie’s loss of her dog. We went through the same situation last year with our Rosie who was about the same age and had the same problems. Our Cat Jessie is 18 this year and is very frail too. It sucks when your pets get old and pass on. 😢

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Thanks for your kind words and sorry to hear about the loss of your Rosie.

[@Mark-zx9gg]

Great interview from you all. Thank you.

[@GaryGazza77]

Brilliant again. Really enjoyed that. Loved listening to Maggie such a lovely lady. Thanks Ken and Matt for these interviews

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Thanks so much Gary. Do you remember your all-time favourite Joan Fergus storyline ?

[@michaelbailey2883]

Absolutely loving this channel and all these interviews, thank you so much for them all. I am sure many people have already asked you to get her on this channel, but please get Elsbeth Ballaytne on for an interview. PLEASE!!!!!

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Hi Michael, Thanks for your kind words. We have a huge list of Cast and Crew coming on :-)

[@chrisw9643]

Hoping we can see Elspeth 😍

[@waynerainbow]

Love Maggie well done guys wish there part 3 and 4

[@TalkingPrisoner]

You never know, Maggie might be back, Stay tuned.

[@tigerlilly5232]

@@TalkingPrisoner I would love to hear Maggie talk about other things apart from Prisoner as she has had an amazing work life and I bet she has some wicked stories to tell, I have read her book and that was a fab read.

[@jacquelinehabgood-painter8867]

What a wonderful interview.Lovely lady.I have only just started to watch "Prisoner" binge watching infact.Have reached episode 124 I am looking forward to meeting this Joan Fergusson. Really enjoyed listening to Maggie.

[@liambehan6940]

Awesome interview Maggie played Joan ferguson brilliantly

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Thanks Liam.

[@francistreml148]

Enjoying these interviews ☺ thank you for these. Watching from Spain. I remember watching PCBH in the 1980s

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Thank you so much for your kind words…have you seen them all yet ?

[@francistreml148]

​@@TalkingPrisonerI finished episode 692 on Easter Saturday on KZbin and now I'm working through Talking Prisoner interviews ❤

[@chrismitchell2952]

I'm loving these interviews Maggie is so humble she's worked so hard

[@ap5824]

Fantastic Ken and Matt, loved both Vlogs....Maggie is a treasure. Ken needs to write a book on prisoner "man behind the camera"

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Ken should write a book about being behind the camera, He has written several books. Thanks for the support (Matt)

[@TheMartinDuggan]

How sad 😔 how guys with aids where treated 😢 Thank goodness we have more understanding of this horrid virus now

[@michellelouiseparker7722]

Love Maggie seems like a lovely lady brilliant actress loved her in prisoner cell block h and in other roles ❤✨✨🇬🇧🇦🇺 thanks for using your profile to bring awareness and providing comfort to those who needed it so desperately. I love the theatre aswell haven't seen her on stage but im sure it would be a amazing privilege to watch such a gifted actress thankyou for all the pleasure . Your have brought to us😊💖✨🙏thanks for posting this

[@123billydog]

Matt and Ken, 28 wonderful episodes and so many wonderful actors and crew members from this iconic show and Maggie was as amazing as ever. Thank you for again asking my question for such a legend of the show and how well does Maggie look. What a wonderful woman with such a lovely sense of humour. As a fan of the show, I am pleased Maggie was able to recall so many little nunances of playing Joan Fergusson for four and a half years in her lifetime and once again, as has been evident in all these episodes, it comes accross what a special time that must have been for the cast and crew working as a team that created one of the greatest Australian shows ever. Thanks guys for all the time and hardwork you must be putting into Talking prisoner.

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Thanks so much for your kind words Billy and your support for our show.

[@childrensorg856]

I thoroughly enjoyed this Two part Maggie Kirkpatrick interview. Like one commenter said, this channel is more informative than any books made on film and t.v. Thank you for your time Maggie and Matt for accepting my Facebook statement yet again.

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Thanks so much, Oliver. Thank you for your support and keep the statements/questions coming - Matt

[@childrensorg856]

@@TalkingPrisoner legends. Happy to support you guys!!

[@funkytune2006]

Another fabulous interview guys with the wonderful Maggie. Thank you for asking my 2 part question :) One of the true legends of Prisoner.

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Thanks so much Adam, We are happy you enjoyed. Do you have a favourite episode with Maggie ?

[@tigerlilly5232]

I missed out on a chance to meet Maggie when she did the Birmingham memorabilia with Glenda Linscott due to anxiety and a basic lack of funds but I finally got my chance in Dec 2019 when she came to Birmingham and I am so glad I plucked up the courage and got to meet the legend herself, I have always admired her, not just in Prisoner but other things as well. These interviews have been a real treat so thank you. Do you know when Maggie`s items will be up for sale?

[@TalkingPrisoner]

So happy to hear that you were able to meet Maggie. The memorabilia will be up on the website in the coming days www.talkingprisoner.com please keep an eye out on our FaceBook page

[@sjjb2]

Thks for this second GREAT interview A STAR LADY thankyou again hugs from BRIGHTON UK

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Thanks for watching Steven. Do you have a favourite Joan Ferguson storyline ?

[@shaneguerin8234]

What an amazing interview 👏 🙌 Love This lady ✨️❤ Thank You ! 😊

[@Irishgui83]

She hit the ground running on this one, even though part I was also amazing. Really really enjoyed Maggie's episodes. Such a huge part of my early teen years. Had many a conversation with my granny (who actually got me on to PCBH) about Ferguson 😁 we used to call my granny Lizzie because she was her double, even the same haircut lol

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Maggie is amazing to speak with. So happy that you could enjoy this interview. What is your favourite Joan Ferguson storyline ?

[@KIEV7385]

Really Good Episode, Enjoyed it very much ...Keep up the Good Work

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@richardhale9234]

Haven't really seen maggie in much other stuff in fact nothing!But got Hooked on cellH and it did brighten my adolesent years up impeccably! Thanks Maggie and guys for giving this to us and what a laugh- the laughing gas O MY DAY!!!!

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Thank so much for your kind comment Richard. Have you watched any other shows Maggie has been in ?

[@richardhale9234]

@@TalkingPrisoner Thanks guys Beautiful women through n through,Im not into dramas but I didnt see Prisoner as one for some strange reason Hands on nity grity duck and dive in the action. Saw her once in another Australian drama for a few minutes a few years ago she did after prisoner as I wanted to see her perform another Character Definitely wasnt Joan totally different couldn't separate her from Joan as she brought Joan to life truly amazing and believable and so wicked! Lol Not sure if I saw her on stage version of Prisoner I veiwed welcome to woop woop which you both mentioned in the interview yesterday that looked great and always amazing to see Maggie bring to life! Same as the other cast But id watch it because shes in it Believable women .Have not seen her in anything else I shall change that soon PS Not RECOMMENDED but I had to watch that laughing gas balloon Scene with some laughing gas and the results were lets say I havent laughed so much ever and took the scene to different levels! Thanks guys let you continue the amazing work and productivity you are unleashing 🙂

[@leemalcolmson7852]

Thanks guys and thank you Maggie

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Thanks so much Lee.

[@seancrocker7691]

Loved both parts of this interview, maggie was a great actor,loved her in prisoner

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Thanks Sean. What is your favourite Maggie Episode ?

[@seancrocker7691]

@@TalkingPrisoner oh now thats a great question, but i have to send the ending, joan got what she deserved, but the acting from 689 to 692 was amazing

[@ianpage2765]

Beautiful. Absolutely awesome interview such a talented lady . Matt and Ken excellent facilitators

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Hi Ian, Thank you so much for your kind words. Matt

[@ianpage2765]

@@TalkingPrisoner your welcome man. Spent a couple of hours last night watching till the early hours of this morning!

[@maggiechandler8319]

Great interview, with Maggie, Ken and Matt, keep up the fab work,

[@BlueEthan1]

what a fantastic idea talking prisoner is! good on ya guys!

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Thank you so much, we hope you can subscribe to our channel and enjoy our other interviews. Matt

[@gareth3152]

Very special to have the actors account working on the show.

[@toddbeaton1512]

great interview with maggie

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Thanks so much Todd.

[@breeeanmunns1967]

Thank you for reading my comment made my day after I haven't had a phone for 6 weeks so going through interviews !!!!

[@TalkingPrisoner]

No problem at all Samson, hope you are catching up on all the episodes haha

[@adamhowarth9305]

Wheres the merchandise please? I can't see it on the website.

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Hi Adam, Will be up on the website in the coming days.

[@DistantCousin]

The comment at 16.28 I think sums it all up!

[@Sylviatough]

When is the memorabilia available to buy?

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Hi Liam, The memorabilia will be up on the website in the coming days. Matt

[@chrisw9643]

Will you be doing any further interviews with Maggie?

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Hi Chris, not at this stage.

[@teralmiles]

Guys thank you so much for reading my question about Maggie’s scar. Glad she told us about it and wasn’t offended Even though she laughed and thought it was strange. Ha ha.

[@TalkingPrisoner]

It was an interesting question. Thanks for the support Teral.

[@spikeyroberto]

The scar came from the fight with Rita in the laundry and slowly fades but still seen in the last ep

[@teralmiles]

@@spikeyroberto Not according to Maggie herself. Also it was visible a lot earlier in the show after the scene where Margo and her gang attacked Joan on the stairs.

[@spikeyroberto]

@@teralmiles the cut is on her right after that attack - the one with Rita in the laundry is then on her left - have a look yourself

[@teralmiles]

@@spikeyroberto Ok I’ll be sure to look when I get to that episode again.

[@gregshanley7742]

Met Maggie twice ,nice lady .

[@garethprigg1448]

Think all the launched maggie memorabilia has sold out. Can't see any on the website. Thanks. Gareth

[@TalkingPrisoner]

It will be all up on the website over the weekend.

[@garethprigg1448]

@@TalkingPrisoner thank you, Gareth

[@garethprigg1448]

Still can't see any? Thanks again Gareth

[@BlueEthan1]

OMG i love maggie lol

[@TheMartinDuggan]

We love you Maggie Kirkpatrick ❤ Fantastic actress and so much more to Maggie than Joan Ferguson

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Thanks for your support Martin.

[@TheMartinDuggan]

@@TalkingPrisoner Always 🙏🏻

[@tigerlilly5232]

Did I miss the memorabilia? I have checked the website daily but obviously with the time difference I may have missed out

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Hi Tigerlilly, can you email me please [e-mail]

[@tigerlilly5232]

@@TalkingPrisoner sent :)

[@Callithenicsking]

Carole skinner played the best villain on pcbh and she had the funniest lines what a shame she left us the same year you suggest to have her on the podcast. Rip Carole Skinner also thanks to Ken, matt and maggie 🙏🏼

[@Legion-of-James]

@talkingprisoner I missed the preorder for maggies book here in the uk and now its impossible to find... do you guys have a link to where i can get it that will send International?

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Can you send me an email please [e-mail]

[@shaunbain4108]

​@@TalkingPrisonerHi guys....any plans for a UK TP event?

[@ashtonrichardson3825]

The comments don't really need to be read out, it wastes time, The questions are enough?

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Hi Ashton, We feel the comments are good, all the cast have seemed to have enjoyed hearing them :-) Matt

[@johnwalters4792]

It's a psychedelic freak out 😁

[@pagliacci2942]

Quite odd to read off a litany of fan comments in adoration to Maggie. They seemed banal and appeared to make her feel uncomfortable. They also seemed in lieu of some unique questions submitted on Facebook which were passed over. Furthermore, I can understand why Prisoner might now seem like a regret to Maggie, but it seemed all to apparent in the interview and one wonders why she then granted it. Her performance and character remain true despite.

[@TalkingPrisoner]

Hi Pagliacci, Thank you for your feedback. We have been reading fan comments and questions since the start, and the cast have been positive with it, we just saw it as a way for fans to say thanks to the cast. I don't think Prisoner was a regret to Maggie but as she said at the start of part 1, it was a very small part of her life which is why we like to ask other questions also that are non Prisoner related. We try to fit in all fan questions, sometimes we already have the question on our sheet before the fan ones come in but if we missed yours for any reason please email me and I will put the question to the cast member for you on your behalf, [e-mail]

[@kevinmcneillie6217]

When will they be available

[@TalkingPrisoner]

They will be up on the Talking Prisoner website soon. Did you enjoy the interview ?

[@kevinmcneillie6217]

@@TalkingPrisoner I've loved all the interviews

[@kevinmcneillie6217]

@@TalkingPrisoner I was hoping to attend the anniversary thing but obviously when COVID hit it was a no go I still intend to come to one (depending on money) as I've not as yet to meet any cast as of yet

[@kathysamuels1465]

I have met Maggie after pcbh on stage with lily savage I have pics

[@scswp6945]

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