| Sam Ryan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Vital statistics | |
| Portrayed by | Amanda Burton |
| Status | Alive |
| Occupation | Forensic pathologist |
| First Seen | Buried Lies |
| Last Seen | History |
| Relatives | Jomo Mashaba (husband)
William Ryan (father) (deceased) Unnamed mother (deceased) Wyn Ryan (sister) Ricky Ryan (maternal nephew) Joe Galvin (son) |
| Marital Status | Married |
Professor Samantha 'Sam' Ryan (originally titled Dr) was a forensic pathologist.
Biography[]
Early life[]
Sam was born in Northern Ireland and lived with her family, which consisted of her parents and sister Wyn.
While Sam was still growing up, she witness her father be killed in a car explosion. As he was a police officer and it was during the Troubles, Sam initially believed that her father was killed by a bomb planted by the IRA. However, she later discovers that it was actually planted by Walter Shanley.
At some point while still an adult in Ireland, Sam has an unexpected pregnancy. As she result, she gives the child up after it's born.
Life in Cambridge[]
Sam originally lived and worked in Cambridge, running a private morgue with Trevor Stewart. Though she also had a role with Cambridge University, giving both lectures and seminars.
Wyn also lived in Cambridge, along with her and Sam's mother and her son Ricky. However, after their mother's death, Wyn moved in with Sam. This would not be for long though as Wyn would eventually move back to Ireland.
Living in London[]
Sam moved to London after she was offered the job of professor at a university, becoming the head of the newly formed Lyell Centre.
Initially, Sam worked alone but would eventually work alongside two other pathologists: Leo Dalton and Harry Cunningham.
Personality[]
Sam is a highly skilled and diligent pathologist. She tries to remain neutral and detached, but sometimes becomes emotionally involved in her cases and will occasionally bend the rules or overstep her duties as a pathologist to find the truth. She is committed to delivering justice wherever she can.
Sam can come across as being somewhat blunt or cold, but is warm and considerate towards her loved ones. She can also be too independent for her own good. This is pointed out by Trevor, who tells her that she needs to learn to cooperate with the police and work as a team.
Sam is a brave, rarely showing fear even when threatened by dangerous criminals. When her home is broken into by Gary Phillips, Sam is more concerned for others than her own safety. She rarely becomes flustered and usually remains calm and level-headed in a crisis.
Trivia[]
- Sam Ryan has appeared in a total of 54 episodes, giving her the fourth highest episode count out of all the main cast.