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 man-eating 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 wobbly-kneed 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.”
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.”
