Main content

Timothy West, Sir John Nott, June Spencer, Nadia Cattouse

Matthew Bannister on actor Timothy West, politician Sir John Nott, The Archers鈥 June Spencer and singer Nadia Cattouse.

Matthew Bannister on the versatile actor Timothy West whose roles ranged from Shakespeare to soap operas. Sir Ian McKellen pays tribute.

Sir John Nott, the Conservative politician who was Defence Secretary at the time of the Falklands War.

June Spencer who played the matriarch of Ambridge, Peggy Wooley. She was the last original cast member.

Nadia Cattouse, who was born in what is now Belize. She signed up to serve Britain during the second world war and became a singer and advocate for the Windrush generation.

Interviewee: Sir Ian McKellen
Interviewee: Jeremy Howe
Interviewee: Sunny Ormonde
Interviewee: Sir Michael Heseltine
Interviewee: Sir Hugo Swire
Interviewee: Mike Lindup

Producer: Catherine Powell

Archive used:
Arena 鈥 Theatre The Prospect Before Us鈥 麻豆社 Two 20th April 1977; 鈥淭he Tragedy of King Richard II鈥 30th July 1970; 鈥淕reat Canal Journeys, Bristol and North Devon鈥
Channel 4 Director Mike Taylor October 23rd 2016; 鈥淓astEnders鈥 麻豆社 One 17th November 2014; 鈥淐hurchill & The General鈥 麻豆社 Two 23rd September 1979; The Archers 麻豆社 Radio 4 3rd November 2008/ 31st July 2022; Desert Island Discs 28th February 2022; Pick of the Week 14th August 2022; American Masters Digital Archive: 鈥淣adia Cattouse Paul Robeson Here I stand鈥. 27th July 1998. American Archive of Public Broadcasting; 麻豆社 Radio: 鈥淭wo of a Kind: Amid The Alien Corn. 鈥 26th November 1963;
鈥淎ngels鈥 麻豆社 TV 24th November 1975

Available now

28 minutes

Featured

  • .

Timothy West


One of Britain's most distinguished and versatile actors. He made his name on stage and screen, in roles including Richard II and Edward II as well as starring in sitcoms, Coronation Street and Eastenders.

Born 20 October 1934 died 12 November 2024

Sir John Nott


He served as Conservative defence secretary during the Falklands War, and offered to resign twice following the invasion.

During a political career that spanned almost two decades, he also worked in the Treasury and trade department.

Born 1 February 1932 died 6 November 2024


June Spencer


She played matriarch Peggy Woolley in 麻豆社 Radio 4's long-running drama The Archers from 1951 until her retirement in 2022.

She was one of the programme's original cast members.

Born 14 June 1919 died 8 November 2024


Nadia Cattouse


She was born in what is now Belize and volunteered to serve Britain in the second world war. She had a distinguished career as a folk singer, helped establish the Notting Hill Carnival and supported people arriving in Britain as part of the 鈥淲indrush Generation鈥.

Born 2 November 1924 died 29 October 2024

Broadcasts

  • Fri 15 Nov 2024 16:00
  • Sun 17 Nov 2024 20:30

Podcast