Kathy Barnes - Character Creation

Character Creation

Actress Sarah Jane Buckley auditioned for the role of Kathy, and went on to secure the role. Buckley was originally signed to an eighteen month contract, but stayed on after. In 2007, however, it was announced that the character would leave after only two years. Speaking entertainment and media website Digital Spy about Buckley's impending departure, series producer Bryan Kirkwood said: "Sarah Jane Buckley will also be leaving the show in the coming months. There's a lot happening in with the Barmy Barnes and it's really exciting to give them ever-increasing bonkers storylines. So Kathy will be leaving in a bit of a bonkers story at the beginning of next year, too." A Channel 4 spokesperson added: "Kathy's departure knocks Mike for six, but it's not long before he strikes up a relationship with one of the younger birds in the village."

In 2009, Buckley admitted she would like to see her character return. Speaking to Holy Soap, Buckley explained: "I suggested, and I haven't heard anything back yet, that I should come back, demand to have the babies from Amy and have a young toyboy, which would throw Mike Barnes into a right tizz. I think it would be an amazing storyline for her to come back and cause loads of trouble in the village with this younger man." She continued: "I wish they'd bring back. I had so much more to go with her. I was sad to leave. I didn't want to leave at all. I loved doing the show." When asked whether she thought viewers would be happy to see the character, Buckley said: "I always thought they'd say, 'We're glad you're gone'. But people say they wish she was there because she was that kind of antagonistic element you need sometimes in a soap. Get the campaign going! Get Kathy back. I'd go back tomorrow."