Joan Ferguson is a fictional character portrayed by Pamela Rabe in the TV series Wentworth.
In the first episode they appeared in, titled Born Again (season 2), they were 55 years old.
They appear in 70 episodes out of a total of 100 aired and have accumulated 3482 positive votes.
The character of Joan Ferguson is mainly associated with Vera Bennett, Franky Doyle and Bea Smith.
Episodes70
Born Again
episode S2.E1 may 2014Three months after Jacs death, new arrival Joan Ferguson makes an enemy of Franky, while Bea discovers a new purpose.
Whatever It Takes
episode S2.E2 may 2014Bea attempts to get revenge on Brayden by goading Harry into an act of violence, whilst Franky's determination to maintain power pushes her to extreme lengths.
Boys in the Yard
episode S2.E3 june 2014Following the failure of Harry to avenge their daughter's death, Bea hatches a daring plot to lure Brayden Holt to the jail.
The Danger Within
episode S2.E4 june 2014Bea faces down an assassination attempt from the Holt clan. While new inmates enter the compound.
Twist the Knife
episode S2.E5 june 2014Bea discovers Simmo has a weakness she can exploit for her own ends. Meanwhile Fletch and Will face off in a confrontation that will end their friendship for good.
The Pink Dragon
episode S2.E6 june 2014Simmo's attempt to kill Bea ends in tragedy, while Liz faces her greatest dilemma: to snitch or not to snitch.
Metamorphosis
episode S2.E7 july 2014When Ferguson psychologically manipulates Vera she crosses a point of no return whilst Maxine orchestrates a desperate bid to see her spurned lover.
Sins of the Mother
episode S2.E8 july 2014An isolated and paranoid Franky tries to uncover which inmate is leaking vital information to Ferguson.
The Fixer
episode S2.E9 july 2014When Ferguson discovers Doreen is the pregnant prisoner, the Governor threatens to have Nash's parole revoked unless she lies about the father. Will is publicly accused of an inappropriate relationship with Bea.
Jail Birds
episode S2.E10 july 2014Liz struggles to adjust to life on the outside and tries to reconnect with her estranged children. Meanwhile, Derek Channing tries to build his case against Ferguson.
Into the Night
episode S2.E11 july 2014As Bea and Franky go to war for control of the prison, Bea puts her daring plan in motion. Meanwhile, Fletch is on a downward spiral of self-destructive behaviour as his final day at Wentworth looms.
Fear Her
episode S2.E12 august 2014The extent of Bea's plan is revealed as she makes the final moves to avenge Debbie's death. Meanwhile Franky realises she is losing the support of the women and is forced to consider a deal.
The Governor's Pleasure
episode S3.E1 april 2015Bea returns to Wentworth with a heavy charge over the murder of Braydon Holt, while Ferguson makes it clear that she owns Bea. Battle begins over the control of the prison.
Failing Upwards
episode S3.E2 april 2015Liz makes a tough decision about her and her family. Franky loses someone close to her, while Bea asserts her dominance as top dog. While Fletch continues his rehab after being struck by a van.
Knives Out
episode S3.E3 april 2015Franky's in trouble with her supply cut and her power base decimated, she's on her own when prisoners come after her to claim what they're owed.
Righteous Acts
episode S3.E4 april 2015Liz's world is rocked with the arrival of a new prisoner. Franky commences her sessions with Bridget, and admits to a desire for revenge against Bea.
Mercy
episode S3.E5 may 2015As Fletch readjusts to work life, Bea must forgo closely held morals as she engages in a secret plan to bring down Ferguson. Bea agrees to a visit with Kaz Proctor to demand she and her group stop committing violence in her name.
Evidence
episode S3.E6 may 2015Ferguson is blindsided by Jodie's complaint to the ombudsman. Channing attempts damage control, but Jodie's accusations of brutality promise to be very damaging for the Governor.
The Long Game
episode S3.E7 may 2015Bea is held in the psych unit and struggles to accept she had a psychotic episode. Franky is pushed to reveal her biggest secret.
Goldfish
episode S3.E8 may 2015When Bea encourages Doreen to uncover the truth behind Ferguson's obsession with "Jianna", Ferguson's renewed interest in Doreen brings on labour.
Freak Show
episode S3.E9 june 2015Bea's war with Ferguson comes to a head after Doreen returns from the hospital and tensions between Bea and those closest to her reach boiling point, as Vera finally learns the truth behind Jodie's injury after Bridget is forced to resign.
A Higher Court
episode S3.E10 june 2015Franky's parole hearing is brought forward but it's not all smooth sailing as Franky deals with a jealous Kim. As Will finally learns the truth about who killed his wife and Ferguson's plan to set up several inmates falters.
The Living and the Dead
episode S3.E11 june 2015When Bea uses her alliance with Fletch to drive a wedge between Vera and Ferguson, her actions set in motion an unstoppable chain of events.
Blood and Fire
episode S3.E12 june 2015The walls are closing in on Ferguson - who will survive the final showdown?
First Blood
episode S4.E1 may 2016The women of H Block return to Wentworth after the fire to find a new dynamic in play - Vera is now governor, Will is deputy and Kaz Proctor has established a power base, and 'The Freak' returns to Wentworth.
Poking Spiders
episode S4.E2 may 2016Ferguson launches a campaign to be released into the general prison population regardless of her peril and Kaz organises for the inmates to protest for conjugal visits.
Prisoner
episode S4.E3 may 2016Against Vera's wishes, Ferguson is released into general population. The women are out for blood but Vera confines Ferguson to her cell for safety reasons. As always, Ferguson has an end game but will she live to accomplish it?
Screw Lover
episode S4.E4 may 2016Ferguson strengthens her alliance with Kaz by painting Will as an abuser and Bea as a 'screw-lover', while Maxine receives a devastating diagnosis.
Love and Hate
episode S4.E5 june 2016With Bea in the slot, Ferguson seeks to strengthen her hold over Kaz by manipulating acting top dog, Maxine into an act of extreme violence. Bea and Allie bond while in neighbouring slots.
Divide and Conquer
episode S4.E6 june 2016When a young Koori inmate Tasha is subjected to 'prison justice' for pushing the panic button, Doreen shocks everyone by turning her back on Bea.
Panic Button
episode S4.E7 june 2016Bea holds a vote among the inmates to determine if there should be a top dog in the prison. Ferguson finds out that there is a surprise witness for Jesper.
Plan Bea
episode S4.E8 june 2016A clandestine affair heats up, but neither party knows their every move is being watched. Maxine undergoes a procedure away from the prison.
Afterlife
episode S4.E9 july 2016Bea has trouble recovering after her attack. Ferguson returns from hospital and is immediately placed under supervision in a medical hold.
Smitten
episode S4.E10 july 2016Bea discovers Allie has fallen back into drug addiction. Franky pursues Shayne in the hope of exposing Ferguson's plan to undermine her trial and secure her release from Wentworth.
Eleventh Hour
episode S4.E11 july 2016Jake is nervous after a $90k payment is missed, as Bea tries to protect Allie from her decision to lag on Tina as Bea is forced to step down, while Shayne confronts a drug effected Will Jackson at a nightclub.
Seeing Red
episode S4.E12 july 2016Bea scrambles to get a step ahead of Ferguson, who's scheming as the trial approaches. Maxine continues chemotherapy. Liz believes Sonia is innocent.
Scars
episode S5.E1 april 2017The women and staff of Wentworth are reeling in the aftermath of Bea Smith's murder in a new era for the prison. While Vera has to set up a member of staff to take the heat away from herself.
The Bitch Is Back
episode S5.E2 april 2017Franky's trapped by her past, Vera takes desperate measures to foil Ferguson's self defence plea, Liz starts to regret her decision to testify against Sonia.
Nothing But the Truth
episode S5.E3 april 2017Liz goes to Court to give her statement against Sonia and her defence is torn to shreds by Sonia's defence team and Franky continues her mission to find Mike's killer.
Loose Ends
episode S5.E4 april 2017While Liz languishes back in Wentworth waiting for Don to come to her rescue, Sonia is a free woman, and Franky plans her escape.
Belly of the Beast
episode S5.E5 may 2017Franky's escape plan could have fatal consequences and Liz is forced to take drastic measures to protect herself.
Happy Birthday, Vera
episode S5.E6 may 2017The women become frustrated with the Top Dog's lack of action against Lucy, and Vera receives a birthday present she will never forget.
The Pact
episode S5.E7 may 2017Will tries to set up a trap to end the drug supply in the prison with help from Kaz and Allie. While Doreen receives a happy ending when she gets her parole.
Think Inside the Box
episode S5.E8 may 2017Franky's escape plan derails her relationship with Bridget, Sonia unleashes on Liz, and Will makes a shocking discovery.
Snakehead
episode S5.E9 may 2017Will sets out to expose Jake, forcing Vera to make a choice; Franky engages help from the outside, while the net tightens around Liz.
Mere Anarchy
episode S5.E10 june 2017Franky faces danger from an unexpected source, Ferguson pulls strings to sideline Vera, and Liz goes to extreme lengths to try to get a confession from Sonia.
Coup de Grace
episode S5.E11 june 2017Ferguson delivers Vera her coup de grace, unleashing unforeseen consequences; Franky's escape plans are waylaid when Kaz persuades her to join forces to bring down the Freak.
Hell Bent
episode S5.E12 june 2017Franky and Allie put their escape plan into action, Liz takes desperate measures to protect herself, and Ferguson suspects she's living on borrowed time.
The Edge
episode S6.E7 july 2018When Sonia is refused entry into Protection, she goes on the attack, setting up a plan to discredit Kaz's position as Top Dog. With Marie onside, they set a scheme in motion, which may have drastic repercussions for Allie.
Shallow Grave
episode S6.E9 august 2018Will unburdens his problem to Vera, but still loses it. Boomer decides to fight in a boxing match. Rita plays a dangerous game over her cover with Marie. Jake, Will and Vera make a decision.
Under Siege Pt 2
episode S7.E10 july 2019The lives of officers and prisoners remain in the balance as the siege comes to a violent and bloody end. Lives are changed forever Wentworth will never be the same, ever again.
Resurrection
episode S8.E1 july 2020After the siege many of the prisoners and officers struggle to rebuild their lives with the horror they endured, as the new General Manager deals with the fallout of the siege, an old Top Dog reenters the compound, the legendary Lou Kelly.
Ends and Means
episode S8.E2 august 2020With Marie being made the scapegoat for the siege she makes a desperate attempt to get into general, as Ruby fights for her innocence when an allegation is lodged against her, while Boomer continues her collision course with Lou.
Enemy of the State
episode S8.E3 august 2020With a new arrival Judy Bryant entering the prison, she shakes things up for the inmates and staff alike. While Marie confronts her demons with a session with Dr Miller.
Revenant
episode S8.E4 august 2020News of Ferguson's survival makes waves through the entire prison as the police piece together how she survived as the protection unit is forced to close Allie refuses to guarantee the safety of those inmates.
Fugitive
episode S8.E6 september 2020Rita makes the ultimate sacrifice for Ruby, while Will clashes with Ann over day-to-day management of the prison, as Ferguson returns to Wentworth much to the dismay of inmates and staff.
Battle Lines
episode S8.E7 september 2020On the edge of breaking point Allie finally faces Ferguson in an intense confrontation that brings back memories from years past. As Judy's father rejects her, she snaps with dangerous consequences.
Goldfish, Part 2
episode S8.E8 september 2020The Prison remains on lockdown after Ann's attack, Joan continues treatment with Dr Miller, and the inmates are at breaking point resulting in a riot, as Linda suffers a flashback to the siege.
Monster
episode S8.E9 september 2020Reb and Lou are rocked by a blast from the past with cult leader Sheila coming into the compound. Ferguson awaits news of her committal hearing as Vera enlists Allie to help her with devastating consequences.
The Enemy Within
episode S8.E10 september 2020Vera makes a dangerous plan to bring down Ferguson, while Lou is on the warpath and is out for blood, as Allie realises her time as Top Dog is running out and Linda threatens to sue the department.
Rogue
episode S9.E1 august 2021Allie returns to Wentworth.Marie enlists the help of Sheila to help take out Lou with tragic unforeseen circumstances. Boomer is asked to step up as top dog, while Sheila's case is closed when Reb and Lou lie to the police.
Requiem
episode S9.E2 august 2021Marie and Lou become allies to bring down a monster with retribution coming at a deadly price. Rita and Ruby say an emotional goodbye to their father.
The Ties That Bind
episode S9.E3 september 2021A furious Ann calls a meeting about the 'systemic mismanagement' under Will Jackson's governorship. Rita returns to Wentworth a broken woman, while Marie lies for Will about their affair to a committee.
Judas Kiss
episode S9.E4 september 2021Judy crosses Ann yet again when a cruel prank backfires on her, while Eve Wilder makes an entrance with waves when she recognises Joan from her time at Blackmoore almost a decade ago.
The Unknown Terrorist
episode S9.E5 september 2021Ann is furious to learn that salacious content is being filmed in the prison and orders strip searches as a result. Judy is finally exposed as Allie's attacker and faces the wrath of the inmates. Ferguson fuels Eve's Jake obsession.
One Eye Open
episode S9.E6 september 2021With a dangerous plan that could bring down the prison Lou and Judy team up as Eve's obsession over Jake ends with Linda Miles making one of the most shocking discoveries of her career.
Collateral
episode S9.E7 october 2021The staff are put on notice after a Rita lags to Will about Lou's threat to the officers. Gavin and Boomer's camera plan finally unravels when Gavin is caught out by Linda. Rita fears Marie may tell everyone about her past.
The Abyss
episode S9.E8 october 2021Evidence comes back to haunt Joan when the passports in her plan are found by the police. While tensions with the inmates reach an all time high when Rita's past is finally exposed to all the women
The Reckoning
episode S9.E9 october 2021Joan surprises everyone when she pleads guilty in court to all her crimes. Marie's redemption comes in a horrific way. As Judy learns she was set up by the NSO, she wants the plan cancelled, but Lou has other plans.
Legacy
episode S9.E10 october 2021In Wentworth's final hours the survivors of the prison explosion try and make their way to safety as Lou's plan comes to a head. Wentworth's staff and inmates look to their futures as the prison lays in ruins before them.
- Born Again
- Whatever It Takes
- Boys in the Yard
- The Danger Within
- Twist the Knife
- The Pink Dragon
- Metamorphosis
- Sins of the Mother
- The Fixer
- Jail Birds
- Into the Night
- Fear Her
- The Governor's Pleasure
- Failing Upwards
- Knives Out
- Righteous Acts
- Mercy
- Evidence
- The Long Game
- Goldfish
- Freak Show
- A Higher Court
- The Living and the Dead
- Blood and Fire
- First Blood
- Poking Spiders
- Prisoner
- Screw Lover
- Love and Hate
- Divide and Conquer
- Panic Button
- Plan Bea
- Afterlife
- Smitten
- Eleventh Hour
- Seeing Red
- Scars
- The Bitch Is Back
- Nothing But the Truth
- Loose Ends
- Belly of the Beast
- Happy Birthday, Vera
- The Pact
- Think Inside the Box
- Snakehead
- Mere Anarchy
- Coup de Grace
- Hell Bent
- The Edge
- Shallow Grave
- Under Siege Pt 2
- Resurrection
- Ends and Means
- Enemy of the State
- Revenant
- Fugitive
- Battle Lines
- Goldfish, Part 2
- Monster
- The Enemy Within
- Rogue
- Requiem
- The Ties That Bind
- Judas Kiss
- The Unknown Terrorist
- One Eye Open
- Collateral
- The Abyss
- The Reckoning
- Legacy
Best moments10
- Reb and Lou are rocked by a blast from the past with cult leader Sheila coming into the compound. Ferguson awaits news of her committal hearing as Vera enlists Allie to help her with devastating consequences.
- In Wentworth's final hours the survivors of the prison explosion try and make their way to safety as Lou's plan comes to a head. Wentworth's staff and inmates look to their futures as the prison lays in ruins before them.
- With a dangerous plan that could bring down the prison Lou and Judy team up as Eve's obsession over Jake ends with Linda Miles making one of the most shocking discoveries of her career.
- Against Vera's wishes, Ferguson is released into general population. The women are out for blood but Vera confines Ferguson to her cell for safety reasons. As always, Ferguson has an end game but will she live to accomplish it?
- When Bea encourages Doreen to uncover the truth behind Ferguson's obsession with "Jianna", Ferguson's renewed interest in Doreen brings on labour.
- The women become frustrated with the Top Dog's lack of action against Lucy, and Vera receives a birthday present she will never forget.
- Simmo's attempt to kill Bea ends in tragedy, while Liz faces her greatest dilemma: to snitch or not to snitch.
- Vera makes a dangerous plan to bring down Ferguson, while Lou is on the warpath and is out for blood, as Allie realises her time as Top Dog is running out and Linda threatens to sue the department.
- Three months after Jacs death, new arrival Joan Ferguson makes an enemy of Franky, while Bea discovers a new purpose.
- The Prison remains on lockdown after Ann's attack, Joan continues treatment with Dr Miller, and the inmates are at breaking point resulting in a riot, as Linda suffers a flashback to the siege.
- Monster
- Legacy
- One Eye Open
- Prisoner
- Goldfish
- Happy Birthday, Vera
- The Pink Dragon
- The Enemy Within
- Born Again
- Goldfish, Part 2