June Spencer: Long-serving star of BBC Radio 4's The Archers dies aged 105

June Spencer reflects on her long and memorable journey with The Archers.

June Spencer, known for her role as the motherly figure Peggy Woolley in BBC Radio 4's enduring series The Archers, passed away at the age of 105. She was a part of the show from its inception in 1951 until she retired in 2022.

Spencer was one of the first members of the cast, and Jeremy Howe, the current editor of the show, described collaborating with her as being like working alongside a legend.

He remarked, "Peggy Woolley, played by June, was and will forever be the reigning figure of Ambridge. Her passing means that The Archers has lost its connection to its origins from over 70 years ago. This is a moment that brings a sense of humility for everyone involved."

According to a family announcement, she passed away calmly during the night on Friday.

June Spencer, seen in a photo from 2003, made her last appearance on The Archers in 2022.

Peggy Woolley, who used to be called Archer, was frequently seen as a classic, conservative figure in the soap opera that explores the challenges and triumphs of life in the made-up village of Ambridge.

In paying homage, Radio 4 controller Mohit Bakaya remarked, "June Spencer has long been a familiar voice and friend to Radio 4 audiences throughout her remarkable tenure on The Archers."

Many have followed June as Peggy throughout her life, experiencing her highs and lows. In her later years, her depiction of a loving wife looking after her husband who had dementia, particularly their touching final farewell, was incredibly emotional and impactful on the radio.

"We extend our heartfelt sympathies to June's family and to everyone whose life she impacted."

In June 2019, Spencer marked her 100th birthday by celebrating alongside fellow cast members from The Archers in the recording studio.

Howe remarked that collaborating with the actress has been "one of the greatest honors during my time at the BBC."

"June Spencer was not only an exceptional Peggy Woolley, the quintessential matriarch of Ambridge, but also an outstanding actress," he remarked.

I’ve only collaborated with her in radio, but her skills, attention to detail, and way of presenting were impeccable.

A member of the cast once mentioned that throughout her entire time on the show, he only ever heard her mess up her lines once.

She was an actress who truly enjoyed her art, capable of delivering a perfectly timed, mildly sarcastic cough that hit the mark like a clever remark from Oscar Wilde.

She was an amazing colleague—humorous, quick-witted, and friendly. She never engaged in gossip but had plenty of fascinating stories about the early days of radio drama. Her self-deprecating nature made her an enjoyable person to be around.

Spencer's family expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation for the staff at Liberham Lodge, who provided her with such compassionate care over the past two years.

The Queen marked the 70th anniversary of The Archers alongside Spencer and enjoyed a cake shaped like a tractor.

In 2019, Spencer, the only original member of the cast, remarked, "I never imagined I would reach the age of 100, let alone still be active in my career!"

"It's been wonderful, and I hope to continue this for a while. Maybe I can inspire some older folks who have stopped trying," she remarked.

Three years later, when she finally chose to step away from the show, she remarked, "In 1950, I played a role in planting an acorn. It grew and was officially launched in January 1951, and we named it The Archers."

She mentioned that "throughout the years, it has flourished into a magnificent tree with numerous branches. However, one of those branches, called Peggy, has grown weak and unstable, so I thought it was the right moment to cut her down. Therefore, I have carefully removed her."

June Spencer portrayed the character Peggy Archer, as shown in a photo from 1969.

The current Queen was one of Spencer's numerous admirers. While serving as the Duchess of Cornwall, she hosted a gathering at Clarence House in 2021 for the actress and her fellow cast members to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the show.

Last year, the Queen marked the milestone of the show's 20,000th episode by toasting to the "happiness, tears, and laughter" it brings to its viewers.

The Queen honored Spencer in a social media message, describing her as "an adored figure in the lives of many, skillfully blending the roles of a comforting matriarch and 'gangsta granny' in her character Peggy Woolley."

She expressed, "Her absence will be deeply felt, and I extend my sincere sympathies to her family."

In the mid-1950s, Spencer stepped away from her role as Peggy, which was then assumed by Thelma Rogers. Spencer came back to portray Peggy again in the early 1960s after Rogers left the role.

Spencer was awarded both the OBE and CBE, and in June 2010, she was granted the Freedom of the City of London.

Spencer, who marked her 105th birthday in June, had been residing at Liberham Lodge care facility in Surrey.