Soap legend dead as tributes paid to 'ultimate matriarch' who captivated audiences

ok.co.uk:

June Spencer has passed away at the grand age of 105, her family announced.The beloved actress brought Peggy Woolley to life on BBC Radio 4's The Archers right since the show's inception in 1951.

Upon her retirement in 2022 at 103, she was celebrated as the longest-serving character in the history of the programme.The BBC released a heartfelt statement, saying: "June Spencer, aged 105, best known for playing Peggy in BBC Radio 4 The Archers, died peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of this morning." They added, "Her family would like to pay particular tribute and thanks to the staff team at Liberham Lodge, who so lovingly cared for her in the last two years." Her journey with The Archers began with a pilot episode back in 1950, and over the years, her character navigated through some of the most compelling storylines on air.

In the series, Peggy often represented traditional values and conservatism, facing challenges such as alcoholism, gambling, and loss.

Jeremy Howe, editor of The Archers, said working with her was “one of the great privileges of my time at the BBC”, and added that aside from performing as “the ultimate matriarch of Ambridge”, she was a “brilliant actress”.