Clare Grogan
Kochanski number one is played by Clare Grogan, who had a fairytale entry into showbiz.
Look up “perky” in the dictionary and there’s a good chance a picture of the first Kristine Kochanski will be found there. Well, only if the dictionary in question belongs to Dave Lister, who is completely obsessed with his ever-grinning crewmate. It was originally implied that it was all an unrequited infatuation on Lister’s part, but much later on it was suggested that - inexplicably enough - the slobbish slacker did indeed manage to bed the luscious lass. Whether he did or not, we really don’t want that picture in our head.
Kochanski number one is played by Clare Grogan, who had a fairytale entry into showbiz: she was talent-spotted by director Bill Forsyth while working as a waitress in Glasgow. He cast her in his classic feelgood comedy Gregory’s Girl, and she’s acted steadily ever since - even turning up in EastEnders as one of Ian Beale’s love interests (bet she was delighted to land that part). And let’s not forget that the talented Ms Grogan was also the 80s popstress who gave us the immortal track Happy Birthday.
