Bob

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Bob is a pseudonym used by two characters in the sitcom Blackadder, both female and played by Gabrielle Glaister.

Blackadder II

Bob (Kate)
Blackadder character
First appearance	Bells
Last appearance	Bells
Portrayed by	Gabrielle Glaister
Episode count	1
Information
Occupation	Blackadder's servant
Nationality	English

Bob (or rather, Kate) is one of the first characters to appear in Blackadder II. She is a somewhat naive young woman who insists on believing her mother is dead, despite her father's insistence that she ran off with his brother.

Her ageing father informs her that due to his imminent dotage he must look to his daughter to sustain him, and suggests that the best way is for her to become a prostitute.

Upon arrival in London, she disguises herself as a man and is hired by Lord Blackadder while his manservant; he casually kicks Baldrick out onto the streets. However, when Blackadder points out that "Kate" is a girl's name, she quickly claims it is short for "Bob". Blackadder becomes increasingly concerned about the attraction he feels for the boy. Eventually, after being prescribed a course of leeches by a doctor and an attempt to throw Bob out, he learns the truth (after Kate opens her bodice in front of him), and several minutes later they become engaged. This is reminiscent of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, in which the lead character, Viola, is forced to disguise herself as a man after a shipwreck. She, however, is hired by a Duke with whom she falls in love. The Shakespearean connection is further exploited by Lord Blackadder saying "kiss me Kate" upon discovering Bob is in reality a woman called Kate - this being the name of a theatrical (and film) adaptation of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew.

The wedding is due to be officiated by Lord Melchett, with Baldrick acting as bridesmaid (Kate doesn't have any girl-chums, as her family is too poor to afford friends). Blackadder pays Kate's father £10 to go away, much to her dismay. Blackadder's promise to have Baldrick beat him up and retrieve the money does little to comfort her. Unfortunately Blackadder asks Lord Flashheart to be the best man. Shortly afterwards, Flash and Kate decide to run off together (although, as Kate has discovered she prefers wearing boys' clothes, and Flash feels more comfy in a dress, they swap outfits first), leaving Blackadder jilted at the altar.

Blackadder Goes Forth

Bob Parkhurst
Blackadder character
First appearance	Major Star
Last appearance	Private Plane
Portrayed by	Gabrielle Glaister
Episode count	2
Information
Occupation	General Melchett's driver
Nationality	British

The Blackadder Goes Forth episode "Major Star" introduces General Melchett's driver, Bob Parkhurst. Captain Blackadder recognises Bob's gender immediately:

She begs Blackadder not to give her away, explaining that all her brothers have signed up, and she wants to see how a war is fought "so badly".

While Blackadder isn't fooled, Lieutenant George is, failing to spot the truth even when she emerges from the shower wearing only a towel. So is Melchett, who, while attracted to the singer Gorgeous Georgina (utterly failing to recognise Lieutenant George), is outraged when she is replaced by what he perceives as a drag act involving Bob.

Driver Parkhurst also appears in the following episode, "Private Plane", once more involved with Lord Flashheart. Apparently she has become more open about her gender, and is now calling herself by the unisex "Bobbie" as well as wearing a woman's uniform.