‘Make Archers star June, 100, a Dame’
Radio soap’s cast hail ‘ultimate professional’
ARCHERS actress June Spencer turns 100 on Friday and fellow cast members say she deserves a damehood after more than 60 years of playing Peggy Woolley. Charles Collingwood, who has voiced her son-in-law Brian Aldridge on the Radio 4 drama since 1975, said: “She’s the ultimate professional.
“I can’t believe there’s anyone else in entertainment working at the age of 100. She’s unique.”
He added: “Even though she lost her husband to Alzheimer’s and her son died when he was in his 50s, she’s shone through without complaint.”
Sunny Ormonde, who plays maneating daughter Lilian Bellamy, said: “She’s a phenomenon. She has her OBE and CBE, but I’m hoping she might be made a dame. If anyone deserves it, it’s June.” Sunny told Radio Times that Lilian and her radio siblings Jennifer Aldridge and Tony Archer remain a little fearful of Peggy. Calling her the “Mafia Mother of Ambridge”, Sunny said: “We do get wobblykneed when she commands us to her house.” June, who is the world’s longest-serving soap actor, joined the cast in 1951. She took a break from playing Peggy to have her family in 1954, but has been a regular since 1961. Patricia Greene, who voices Jill Archer, said June was “as strong as an ox”. Tim Bentinck, who plays David Archer, said: “We’ll still be seeing her in the studio when she’s 110.” Charles
And Patricia Gallimore, who plays Pat Archer, said June dominates Friday’s programme. Patricia said: “It’s wonderful to see her in charge of an episode.”