Patrick Macnee, who has died aged 93, was cast to perfection as the imperturbable secret agent John Steed in the 1960s television series The Avengers. He also starred as host for "The Royal Doulton Story", a program I produced featuring the famous fine china manufacturer. It was filmed in London, Stoke-on-Trent, and in Hollywood, California.

The Avengers TV series began as unremarkable detective fare, with the raincoated Macnee playing second fiddle to Ian Hendry’s forensic surgeon. When Hendry left after the first season, Steed was pushed to the fore and Macnee threatened with the sack unless he breathed life into the character. Steed re-emerged as a lethal dandy, sporting boutonnière, sword-cane and curly-brimmed bowler. He was indubitably a gentleman and Macnee imbued the part with plenty of his own Etonian nonchalance and jaunty eccentricity. He was a joy to work with, being both professional and jovial in his manner. RIP Patrick Macnee!

свернуть