Fans of classic British TV are rejoicing as the beloved ITV drama Fat Friends finds new life on Netflix. Originally airing for four seasons between 2000 and 2005, the show served as a launchpad for several household names, including James Corden and Ruth Jones, who later co-created the iconic sitcom Gavin & Stacey. Fat Friends is centered around a slimming club situated in the Headingley district of Leeds. The club is overseen by the formidable Carol (portrayed by Janet Dibley), who tirelessly endeavors to convince the group members to adhere to the Super Slimmers diet plan, albeit with little success. Now you can get Netflix, Sky Stream and Sky TV for a month for free, via this deal here. Virgin is also offering a range of TV deals at the moment. So where are the cast of Fat Friends now? Let’s take a look at where they’ve been since bidding farewell to the fictional town of Headingley. Alison Steadman (Betty Simpson)
Alison Steadman played Betty Simpson
(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
After her stint as Betty, Alison continued to shine in various series and films, most notably in her role as Pam Shipman in Gavin & Stacey. Her credits also include a diverse range of projects such as Dad’s Army, Orphan Black, and The King’s Man. Gaynor Faye (Lauren Harris)
Actress Gaynor Faye on her last day on Coronation Street – September 1999
Gaynor went on to win Dancing on Ice
Gaynor, who portrayed Lauren Harris, made appearances in series including Emmerdale and The Syndicate. She even dazzled audiences by winning the inaugural season of Dancing on Ice in 2006. Ruth Jones (Kelly Chadwick)
Ruth Jones played Kelly Chadwick
(Image: PA)
Apart from her triumphs with Gavin & Stacey, where she played the formidable Nessa, Ruth starred in her own creation Stella, which ran until 2017. Her repertoire also includes appearances in Little Britain, Torchwood, and Little Dorrit. Jonathan Ryland (Kevin Chadwick)
Jonathan Ryland played Kevin Chadwick
Jonathan, who played Kevin Chadwick, appeared in various films and series like The Dark Knight, You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger and The IT Crowd following his Fat Friends days. James Corden (Jamie Rymer)
James Corden played Jamie Rymer
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
James went on to huge success in Hollywood
(Image: Mark Thomas/REX/Shutterstock)
James’ career skyrocketed post-Fat Friends, with his most notable achievements being the co-creation and starring role in Gavin & Stacey as Smithy. He later delved into presenting, hosting shows like The Late Late Show with James Corden. Janet Dibley (Carol McGary)
Janet Dibley played Carol McGary
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Janet also starred in a number of other notable series
(Image: Piers Allardyce/REX/Shutterstock)
Following Fat Friends, Janet found success in soap opera Doctors, taking on the role of Elaine Cassidy. Her credits also span across series such as Broadchurch and Unforgotten. Richard Ridings (Alan Ashburn)
Richard Ridings played Alan Ashburn
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Richard, who portrayed Alan Ashburn, lent his voice to the beloved character Daddy Pig in Peppa Pig and appeared in series like Endeavour and Coronation Street. Kathryn Hunt (Val Lorrimer)
Kathryn Hunt played Val Lorrimer
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Kathryn also appeared in series like Waterloo Road and Holby City
(Image: Getty Images)
Kathryn, known for her role as Val Lorrimer, appeared in series like Waterloo Road and Holby City, but is best recognised as Angela in Coronation Street. Lisa Riley (Rebecca Patterson)
Lisa Riley played Rebecca Patterson
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Lisa is best known as Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale
(Image: Getty Images)
Lisa, who played Rebecca Patterson, is best known as Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale, making appearances in various other series like Waterloo Road. Lynda Baron (Norma)
Lynda Baron played Norma
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Lynda also appeared in Doctor Who and EastEnders
(Image: Getty Images)
After her role as Norma in Fat Friends, Lynda continued her career with appearances in Doctor Who and EastEnders. But she perhaps remains best known for her role as Nurse Gladys Emmanuel in BBC sitcom Open All Hours. Lynda sadly passed away in 2022, aged 82.Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnBroadchurchCoronation StreetDoctor WhoEastEndersEmmerdaleNetflixDramaSitcomJames CordenLisa Riley
