Born Josephine Edwina Jaques, Hattie made her theatrical debut at London's Player's Theatre where she gained her nickname and was spotted by producer Ted Kavanagh. He invited her to join the cast of the radio comedy series It's That Man Again, playing greedy schoolgirl Sophie Tuckshop. Before long she was a regular in Educating Archie and then Hancock's Half Hour.

Barbara helps listeners understand Hattie's turbulent private life and her fruitless search for lasting happiness, and also covers Hattie's time in the Carry On films. Hattie appeared in 14 films in the long-running series and became famous as the no-nonsense matron in four of them.