Kirsty Young

The Archers then has this unique place in British life, June, and the idea is a really beguiling one, that we somehow have an ear against the radio hearing a slice of real British rural life.

Given that you've played the part for so long...

A lot of people must confuse you with Peggy, do they?

Indeed, I have to say, I mean, it is slightly rude to mention your age in the introduction, but I would put you at 70.

I mean, you are in very, very good shape for a woman of 90.

Well, thank you very much.

You mentioned the similarities.

What are the differences between you and Peggy?

It is 60 years then since the programme was launched.

Do you remember, you were originally engaged for how many episodes?

Did you think when you heard the idea and saw the script that it had the flavour of a long-running series to it?

Although you say there are differences and significant ones between you and Peggy Woolley, one of the main ones being that you've got a sense of humour and hers seems suspiciously absent, you both seem to share a sort of steely determination.

I mean, still to be doing what you're doing at 90 and to sustain a career in acting, the most precarious of professions, means that you must have quite a core of steel, I reckon.

Fred Astaire and Let's Face the Music and Dance.

So, June Spencer, as we know, you've enjoyed this very long and successful career, but your first forays into show business were really as a sort of comedy entertainer.

I'm thinking more in the sort of Joyce Grenfell or even Victoria Wood mould, to bring it bang up to date, where you would construct these comedy monologues and things.

Tell me more about that.

It sounds terrifying, the idea of stepping out in front of a bunch of, I'm presuming if it was Masonic lodges, just men, who were saying, go on, then make us laugh.

So have you continued writing throughout your career?

Is it always something that you felt the need to do?