Hazel Woolley (Annette Badland)
Find out more about Hazel – and Annette Badland who plays her – in our Who’s Who.
Misunderstood? Unloved as a child? Or just plain selfish and greedy? Hazel has always made out that she loved her ‘Daddy’ Jack dearly, but step-mother Peggy can spot when the scheming madam is up to something. What does Hazel have up her sleeve this time?...
Hazel has form and her rivalry with Peggy goes back many years. In 2005, Hazel worked her charm on her father, trying to persuade him to let her share the responsibility of Power of Attorney with Peggy - but when she realised she wasn't getting her own way, Hazel soon changed her friendly tune - and scarpered.
Hazel Woolley's scheming (2005)
Once Hazel had left, Peggy told Jack the truth about her – she was only after money. However, Jack felt that he hadn’t been a good father and he had now come to a decision. He wasn’t going to change his will. Hazel would receive just as much as she was ever going to...
Here's a recap on Hazel’s recent returns to Ambridge:
January 2014: Following the passing of Jack Woolley, Hazel is at the solicitor’s, eager to know who gets what from her father’s will. Jack leaves Peggy the Lodge and a minority of his other investments. Hazel is the main beneficiary who receives the majority of the estate. But she’s not satisfied and challenges the figures, suggesting Jack’s estate has been mismanaged - she thought the investments were worth a lot more.
Early 2015: Hazel pays a research visit to the village shop. Peggy makes it clear that it was Jack’s decision to appoint Peggy as Executor. He took no persuading. Hazel wants things tied up soon, or she’ll find a way to speed things up.
Hazel Woolley’s back in town again and wastes no time in grilling Peggy for more information about Jack’s will. Hazel’s fishing to find out about her supposed right to take part in the shoot – assuming that Jack must have agreed something for her. Peggy stands her ground, as she did with the headstone. Hazel leaves, disappointed. "Good riddance", says Peggy to herself.
Ah yes, the Headstone...
Hazel insists on some carefully chosen words of her own to pay tribute to Jack - but they are, frankly, tacky and wrong. However, under pressure from Hazel and to keep the peace, Peggy gives in. That is until another newly arrived character – Carol Tregorran – gives Peggy a much needed pep talk. Finding her resolve, Peggy secretly goes with her own wording - after all, Hazel will never be around to visit the grave, surely.....?
"I wanted attention! I wanted... love."
Whatever Hazel has planned, she's certainly guaranteed plenty of the former - not least from Lynda (sniff)...
