Lydia Simmonds

Lydia Simmonds
Heather Chasen as Lydia Simmonds
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Margaret Tyzack (2011) Heather Chasen (2011)
First appearance	Episode 4189 5 April 2011
Last appearance	Episode 4228 13 June 2011 (appearance) Episode 4229 14 June 2011 (voiceover)
Introduced by	Bryan Kirkwood
Classification	Former; recurring
Profile
Occupation	Retired
Margaret Tyzack as Lydia Simmonds
Sons Norman Simmonds Daughters June Butcher Grandsons Ricky Butcher Granddaughters Clare Butcher Diane Butcher Janine Butcher Other relatives Liam Butcher Tiffany Butcher Scarlett Moon

Lydia Simmonds is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, initially played by Margaret Tyzack and then by Heather Chasen. She is the maternal grandmother of Ricky (Sid Owen) and Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks). She made her first appearance on 5 April 2011. The character was killed off and Chasen made her last appearance on 13 June 2011, and, though not credited for it, did a voice-over for the 14 June episode. Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood later said that Lydia's storyline was perfect and that Chasen made the part of Lydia her own. Tyzack pulled out on 13 April 2011, but three more episodes of her were broadcast before Chasen took over.

Described as "brilliantly funny" and a "cantankerous, rich old bag of a grannie", ex- EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy praised the introduction of Lydia, whilst a writer for the Daily Mirror said the bond between Lydia and Janine was the "most touching and entertaining in Soapland." Kirkwood later stated that he had a "soft spot" for Lydia's last episode and Metro's Rachel Tarley deemed Lydia "brilliantly funny."

Lydia's backstory states that she never wanted a son, Norman Simmonds (George Layton) and doted on her daughter June. Although Lydia loved June, she hated the man her daughter was married to, Frank Butcher (Mike Reid). When June died of cancer in 1987, Lydia grew old alone and lived a life of solitude.

Lydia is first seen when Janine visits her in hospital and realises that Lydia needs somewhere to stay. Lydia says she will sell her house and go into care, then sends Janine to her house to take photos, knowing that Janine will see how valuable the house is. Janine then invites Lydia to stay with her, and Lydia refuses, so Janine says that it is what Janine's mother and Lydia's daughter, June, would have wanted, so Lydia agrees. Although Janine believes she has manipulated Lydia, Lydia reveals to her nurse that she had in fact manipulated Janine. Lydia moves in and receives a letter that Janine tries to look at. Lydia tells Janine that she knows she is only interested in her money and wants her dead, but says Janine will have a long wait. On the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton she attends Dot Branning's (June Brown) street party but insults her great-granddaughter Tiffany Butcher (Maisie Smith) so Dot wheels her to The Queen Victoria where she watches the wedding. She is seated in front of the television, blocking everyone's view, so Winston (Ulric Browne) wheels her out of the way, pulling the cable out of the television, which causes it to lose picture. Lydia then manages to sell her house and so moves her belongings into Janine's flat and removes a canvas picture of Frank from Janine's living room. Janine disapproves but is forced to let her stay permanently. Later, Lydia then patronises everyone including Pat Evans (Pam St. Clement), Frank's mistress when he was still married to June. After moving in some furniture, Lydia struggles to stand, insisting she does not need help from Janine and slaps her when she tries to. While Janine is out, Lydia tries to reach her pills but falls out of her wheelchair. Janine is shocked to find her on the floor when she returns, and then helps her up. Lydia is unable to have an operation and is just put on stronger medicine. Lydia tells Janine that she will be fine, but Janine finds out from doctor Yusef Khan (Ace Bhatti) that she is worse than she says. Lydia bonds with Tiffany whilst she and Janine are looking after her. Janine tells Lydia that she likes having her around and wants her to stay. However, she wakes up one night saying she has seen June. She talks to Janine about her funeral and will, but Janine says she would rather have Lydia's photos of June than her money. Lydia asks to see the sun rise and hear the dawn chorus, and Janine opens the window for her. After this, Lydia quietly dies in her wheelchair and Janine is left in a state of shock. It's later revealed that Lydia altered her will before her death and left her entire estate to Janine. Lydia's son Norman (George Layton) later warns that he is going to contest Lydia's will but later decides not to.