In British television, there are certain performers who leave a lasting impression not only because of the characters they portray but also because of the versatility and depth they bring to each role. Lesley Vickerage is one such actress. With a career spanning stage, film, and television, she has portrayed a wide range of characters, from soldiers and detectives to quirky girlfriends in comedy dramas. For many fans, three central questions arise again and again: “What is Lesley Vickerage doing now?”, “Who is Liz in Friday Night Dinner?”, and “Who played Kate Butler in Soldier Soldier?”
This article takes a detailed look at her career, her most famous roles, and her current professional focus.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Lesley Vickerage was born on 1 July 1961 in Woolwich, London. From an early age she demonstrated an interest in performance, storytelling, and the psychological depth behind characters. After pursuing training in theatre and acting, she began to establish herself within the British television industry during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
While some actors find themselves typecast, Vickerage carved out a career by balancing drama, crime series, comedy, and stage productions. This variety allowed her to build a reputation as a dependable and talented actress who could move seamlessly between roles.
Breakthrough with Soldier Soldier – Who Played Kate Butler?
One of the roles that first brought Lesley Vickerage to mainstream attention was Kate Butler in the ITV drama Soldier Soldier (1993–1994). The show, set around the fictional King’s Fusiliers regiment, became one of the defining British military dramas of the 1990s.
Vickerage played Lieutenant, later Captain, Kate Butler, a strong, intelligent, and principled officer. Her portrayal stood out in a series that primarily focused on male soldiers and their camaraderie. Kate Butler brought balance to the show—displaying resilience, leadership, and vulnerability in a male-dominated environment.
Her performance not only gave visibility to the experiences of women in the armed forces but also showcased her ability to bring nuance to a uniformed role. For many viewers, the question “Who played Kate Butler in Soldier Soldier?” will always be answered with admiration: it was Lesley Vickerage.
Expanding Television Success – Between the Lines and The Inspector Lynley Mysteries
After Soldier Soldier, Vickerage continued to build her television profile.
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In the BBC police drama Between the Lines (1992–1994), she portrayed WPC Jenny Dean, appearing alongside actors like Neil Pearson. The series tackled corruption and integrity within the police force, and Vickerage’s performance grounded the narrative in humanity and realism.
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She later played Helen Lynley in The Inspector Lynley Mysteries (2002–2004). This role placed her within the world of crime fiction, portraying the wife of Inspector Thomas Lynley, played by Nathaniel Parker. As Helen Lynley, she brought warmth and emotional weight to a crime series otherwise dominated by murder investigations and detective work.
These roles cemented her as a respected figure in British drama, capable of both leading and supporting performances.
A Lighter Turn – Who Is Liz in Friday Night Dinner?
Though widely known for her work in serious dramas, Lesley Vickerage surprised fans with her appearance in the beloved Channel 4 sitcom Friday Night Dinner. The series, created by Robert Popper, revolved around the Goodman family’s weekly Shabbat dinners and their often absurd situations.
In Series 2, Vickerage appeared as Liz, Jonny Goodman’s boss and older girlfriend. Liz’s character is memorable because of the awkward comedic dynamic she creates: Jonny, typically the cheeky prankster, suddenly finds himself in a relationship that unsettles the family—especially as Liz is both his superior at work and notably older.
The episodes “The New Car” (S2E4) and “The Yoghurts” (S2E5) showcased her comic timing and ability to fit seamlessly into a very different style of show than her earlier drama-heavy credits. Fans still ask, “Who is Liz in Friday Night Dinner?” and the answer is clear: it was another versatile role brought to life by Lesley Vickerage.
Other Notable Roles and Stage Work
While television formed the backbone of her career, Lesley Vickerage also made significant contributions to stage productions.
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In 2016, she was announced as part of the cast of Deathtrap at Salisbury Playhouse, reaffirming her stage credentials.
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She also appeared in adaptations of classics, such as Moonfleet, playing Aunt Jane in Sky’s period drama.
This balance of screen and stage highlights her commitment to diverse forms of storytelling.
What Is Lesley Vickerage Doing Now?
In recent years, fans have often wondered what became of this talented actress after her high-profile television roles. The answer is both surprising and inspiring.
Transition into Coaching and Training
Today, Lesley Vickerage works as a communication and leadership trainer, combining her acting background with her academic training in psychology. She collaborates with Impact Factory, a London-based training organization, where she delivers sessions on public speaking, assertiveness, and leadership development.
Her role involves helping individuals and organizations improve soft skills—drawing upon her decades of experience in embodying characters and engaging audiences. She is recognized as an actress, coach, and facilitator, blending performance with psychology to empower professionals.
Other Professional Ventures
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She has partnered with Hormones on the Blink, supporting training on topics such as menopause awareness, underlining her interest in holistic workplace wellbeing.
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She also appears in professional directories such as House of Talents, which highlight her dual role as performer and coach.
This shift demonstrates how creative skills can be transformed into practical, real-world applications beyond the stage and screen. Instead of disappearing from view, Vickerage reinvented herself, continuing to inspire—just in a different context.
Legacy and Impact
Lesley Vickerage’s career offers a case study in versatility. Few performers can claim to have convincingly played a military officer, a police constable, a detective’s wife, and a sitcom girlfriend—all while later excelling as a coach and trainer in communication.
Her work resonates with multiple generations of TV audiences:
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1990s fans remember her strength as Kate Butler in Soldier Soldier.
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2000s viewers associate her with the emotional core of The Inspector Lynley Mysteries.
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Comedy lovers cherish her quirky guest appearance as Liz in Friday Night Dinner.
And now, corporate professionals and trainees benefit from her expertise in communication and leadership.
Conclusion – From Soldier to Coach
Lesley Vickerage’s story reminds us that careers in the arts can take unexpected, fulfilling turns. She has moved gracefully from screen performances into a role where she uplifts and trains others—continuing to communicate, inspire, and lead. Whether you remember her as Kate Butler in Soldier Soldier, Liz in Friday Night Dinner, or Helen Lynley, her legacy in British television remains secure.
For those still asking, “What is Lesley Vickerage doing now?”—the answer is that she is helping people find their voices, strengthen their presence, and perform their best in life’s many stages.
This article is published by News Zio
