1 9 9 5 – 1 9 9 8 (UK)
53 x 15 minute episodes
This children’s comedy series from the BBC revolved around schoolgirl Julia Jekyll (Olivia Hallinan), who made an ancient elixir for a science project at her school, Rocket Academy.
School bullies Nicola (Tiffany Griffiths) and Sharon (Karen Salt) Blister – known as “The Blister Sisters” – add all kinds of other things to the drink (including a hair restoring formula) and when Julia sips the elixir during a demonstration, she turns into a huge hairy monster – the frightening Harriet Hyde (John Asquith).
Episodes followed her escapades through school as she tried to keep Harriet away from her classmates and teachers.
Harriet was actually harmless and friendly and Julia’s parents (Victoria Williams and Bill Fellows) – who thought she was Julia’s friend – were fond of her.
Julia’s next-door neighbours, Jason (John Elmes) and Mona (Susie Brann) Jitter – a neurotic couple who spent most of their time with their therapist – were terrified of Harriet and had numerous unfortunate encounters with her.
The Blister Sisters constantly plotted to get rid of Harriet but usually ended up on the receiving end of her wrath – usually being flung headfirst across the room.
Julia’s best friend and fellow student at Rocket Academy, Edward Knickers (Guy Edwards initially and, later, Steven Webb) was the only one who knew her secret.
Other regular characters included the jolly hippie headmaster Memphis Rocket (Simon Green), his doting elderly mother (Ann Emery) who was a horrendous cook, and Lester Blister (Dale Rapley), the Blister Sisters’ uncle, a cruel and scheming teacher who wanted to take over the school.
Julia Jekyll
Olivia Hallinan
Harriet Hyde
John Asquith
Moira Jekyll
Victoria Williams
Jerry Jekyll
Bill Fellows (1)
Ian Keith (3)
Edward Knickers
Guy Edwards (1)
Steven Webb (2)
Nicola Blister
Tiffany Griffiths
Sharon Blister
Karen Salt
Lester Blister
Dale Rapley
Memphis Rocket
Simon Green
Mrs Rocket
Ann Emery
Mona Jitter
Susie Brann
Jason Jitter
John Elmes









