Actress and singer June Marlow, known for roles in BBC and ITV programmes including Doc Martin, has died at the age of 95. She passed away on 22 February at her home in Plymouth, just weeks after celebrating her birthday, with her daughter Kate Van Dike by her side.
Born Jean Dike on 15 January 1931 in Plymouth's Barbican neighbourhood, she began performing at a young age, entertaining classmates with impersonations of Hollywood stars. Her television career included appearances in BBC productions such as The Pickwick Papers and Jamaica Inn, as well as the children's drama MI High alongside June Whitfield.
She became a familiar face on ITV through multiple roles in Doc Martin, starring opposite Martin Clunes. Her final television appearance came at age 87, playing Ethel, a casualty patient who had fallen and injured her hand on a rusty nail.
Her daughter Kate praised the care provided by St Luke's Hospice Plymouth, which allowed Marlow to remain at home in her final days. 'They treated Mum with such tenderness and acknowledged her as the most important person,' Kate said. 'Mum didn't want to focus on her illness. She kept looking forward and was always pragmatic and driven.'
Kate added: 'Even at the end she was still able to flash her beautiful smile.' Marlow is remembered by her family as a devoted mother and grandmother whose life embodied 'dignity, elegance and grace.'
