Dame Of Thrones

Diana Rigg on why she quit The Avengers, her joy at being  a Bond girl and shooting scenes in the biggest show in the world

- Kara Warner

Dame Diana Rigg changed television.

In the 1960s almost all women on TV were either happy housewives or damsels in distress, until the actor broke the mould as Emma Peel, a catsuit-wearing secret agent who karate-chopped bad guys in cult series The Avengers.

‘What I remember most is the extraordinary effect she had on the viewing public because she was the prototype of the independent woman,’ says Diana fondly of the role that shot her to fame. ‘Every bit as intelligent as any man.’

At 79, Diana still has the husky voice, wicked smile and razor-sharp wit that made her so popular. And now she has won new fans – and Emmy award nominations – as scheming dowager Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones, which continues on Sky Atlantic this week. ‘She’s brilliantly written,’ smiles Diana. ‘She’s a joy to play.’