niki wade

niki wade

From 1999 until 2001 Mandana was known as Larkhall lifer Nikki Wade. In those 3 years the character went from a woman who had been imprisoned for life to a woman who fell in love, found hope and was finally freed!

Nikki and Helen became one of the greatest love stories of all time on modern television, Some would argue that it is the greatest! Their love broke so many rules but also broke down so many stereotypical images of lesbians and gays in todays society. For some they were an inspiration, making some fans lives change forever, for others it was just a beautiful love story... And yes we finally did get our happy ending! But not without the pain and heart ache that true love can bring first.

Nikki was sent to prison on the 6th May 1997 for killing a policeman who was attempting to rape her girlfriend Trisha. Nikki had turned up to take Trisha home one night (at the club she owned with Trisha - called Diva's Nightclub - according to a file in series 2) to find DC Gossard assaulting her girlfriend. Nikki saw red and hit him over the head with a bottle. When this didn't stop him and he laughed at her and she stuck what was left of the broken bottle in his neck. They sent for an ambulance but he died, leaving Nikki with a murder conviction. She was sentenced to life with parole only after having served at least 10 years.

When new Governor Helen Stewart joins Larkhall Nikki's life is changed forever. Their growing friendship quickly developed into love and Helen helps Nikki change her ways as a difficult prisoner. Although Helen soon realises that Nikki hates injustice and that is was spurs her on. Nikki is encouraged to take an open university course in English Literature and to form an appeal. Helen works around the clock to find evidence that would help win Nikki her appeal. 3 years later she is freed, having had her sentence reduced to manslaughter, she was given 3 years which she had already done.

*Nikki Wade was born in 1967
*Her parents are middle class and disowned her when they discovered she was a lesbian. She as no contact with them.
*She was expelled from boarding school for lesbian activities.
*She had a commited relationship with Trisha. It lasted 9 years. Trisha ended it 2 years after Nikki had been in prison. Trisha found someone else.
*Nikki is a keen gardener while in prison.
*She also enjoys the Gym and keeps in good shape.
*She is a bit of a loner in Larkhall but is respected by most of the women.
*She loves to read to escape into her own world while in prison.
*Her best friends inside are generally the older ladies like Monica and Barbara. People she can talk too.
*Her partner is Helen Stewart and once released from prison they can finally make a life together.
*On her release from prison Nikki looks for forward to becoming normal again, listening to music and watching movies. (and being with Helen of course)