Allie Novak

Allie Novak is a fictional character from the Australian drama series Wentworth, played by Kate Jenkinson. She made her first appearance during the fourth season episode titled, "First Blood", broadcast on 10 May 2016. The character was introduced as a new prison inmate and friend of Kaz Proctor (Tammy Macintosh), participating in their vigilante group, which has a vested interest in protecting women. One story writers developed for Allie was a romance with then-central character Bea Smith (Danielle Cormack), a pairing that television critic Elaine Atwell has praised. Casting Kate Jenkinson had wanted a role in Wentworth since she had started watching the show while sick with the flu. Jenkinson recalled that when her agent contacted her informing her of the role in Wentworth, she replied "well it's mine". The actress has stated that "playing a character so “damaged and broken and colourful” is a responsibility she takes seriously." Jenkinson decided to research her role by seeking out women similar to her character. Her search led her to women's outreach centers, where residents shared her own experiences and advice. Development The sentence is Allie's second prison term. She had previously been incarcerated for assault. Despite this charge, the character is not "flustered" and actually brings "a warm and disarming wit" to the show. Jenkinson told David Knox of TV Tonight that "what really attracted me to her as a person and character was this endless positivity and optimistic outlook on life. Perhaps that comes from having experienced the worst that life has to offer. She has the attitude that things can only get better." Additionally, Allie was billed as "an ice-addicted prostitute with a warm and engaging wit."