Tamsin Greig

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Description

Tamsin Greig plays Debbie Aldridge (formerly Gerrard, née Travers-Macy).

She was born in Kent in 1966 and describes herself as having been the temperamental and noisy middle child of an expressive mother and a much older father. She took part in numerous school plays so it seemed logical to continue her interest in drama by studying the subject at the University of Birmingham - which was just across the road from the BBC studios where The Archers was recorded.

Upon graduating, Tamsin's first job was for the Family Planning Association - "I used to know everything about contraception!" She then worked at the Midland Art Centre's Children's Theatre and, after 115 performances of the same show, got her Equity Card and consequently more offers of work.

Tamsin describes her offer of the role as Debbie in The Archers as "coming completely out of the blue" in 1991. She is still amazed by her good fortune, especially as the Archers production team has been so flexible and created the 'Hungary' option.

Tamsin has undertaken theatre roles, voice-over, television and film work. Television includes BBC productions "Happiness" (with Paul Whitehouse), "People Like Us" and "The World Of Pub"; Channel 4's comedy series "Black Books"; HTV's "Wycliffe" and LWT's "Blind Men". She has filmed "Miranda" and "Pure" and has narrated for the National Geographic, History and BBC Natural History channels.

Other TV work includes: "Green Wing" (Channel 4); "The Lenny Henry Show"; "Love Soup"; "When I'm 64" (a television film for the BBC); and films include: "Shaun Of The Dead"; and "Cheese Makes You Dream".

Tamsin lives in London with her husband and actor Rick Leaf, whom she met while working on a television series, Neverwhere, for the BBC. They have three children and enjoy going to the park.

Archers highlight(s)

Debbie being the one to find out first about Brian and Siobhan and then confronting Brian. They were great scenes to play - beautifully written, well directed and great fun to shout with such abandon at Charles Collingwood.

Other career highlights

Working with Dylan Moran and Bill Bailey on "Black Books" - it was like being paid to have a laugh. Working on "Green Wing" - it was like being paid to have a strange walk and cut people up. Working at the RSC on "Much Ado" - an absolute privilege.

Actor's view of their character

Debbie Aldridge is the sharp-witted, independent, farmer business-woman, step-daughter of a wealthy capitalist farmer philanderer. She likes to ride her horse, her life and her family with expert control.