Wentworth Bea Smith Casting Rumour
 

Just heard a rumour that kicking about on twitter. Apparently Lucy Lawless of Xena fame has been cast as Bea Smith. I assumed they would cast an unknown in the role to be honest. I think when an actor is so identified with a role, as Val Lehman is to Bea, a well known actor wouldn't work. I'm rather disappointed I think :(

It sounds like a misstep on the part of the show's producers to me.

However, Val Lehman is so identified with the character of Bea and made that role so much her own that it's difficult to envisage any other actress in that part (known or unknown).

There is and only ever will be ONE Bea Smith.

Agreed! No matter who plays Bea, Val will always be rememebered as the true Queen of Wentworth regardless of how good the new one will be. Having said that, I do think picking a nobody would have been a much wiser choice. But it's still very early - perhaps the Xena-star will be incredible in the role. We'll only know until we see it for ourselves.