Emma Peel

Emma Peel was a fictional British secret agent and spy, portrayed by actresses Elizabeth Shepherd (initially) and subsequently Diana Rigg, in the 1960s television series The Avengers. She is considered one of the most iconic female characters in television history, renowned for her intelligence, martial arts skills, and stylish attire.

Emma Peel joined John Steed (played by Patrick Macnee) as his partner after the departure of Cathy Gale (Honor Blackman). Her character was known for her quick wit, independence, and proficiency in hand-to-hand combat, often outsmarting and overpowering male adversaries. Unlike her predecessors, Emma Peel possessed a PhD in chemistry and displayed a wide range of intellectual and practical skills.

Her fashion sense was equally influential. Emma Peel's wardrobe, designed by Alun Hughes, frequently featured leather catsuits (nicknamed "Emmapeelers"), mod-inspired dresses, and other contemporary styles, making her a fashion icon of the era. These outfits not only reflected her agility but also contributed to her image as a modern and empowered woman.

Diana Rigg's portrayal of Emma Peel lasted for two seasons (1965-1968) before the character was written out, ostensibly to rejoin her presumed-dead husband. The character's impact on television and popular culture remains significant, inspiring numerous subsequent female action heroes and spy characters. Her name, "Emma Peel," was reputedly derived from an internal memo at ABC Television stating they wanted "M (Man) Appeal" in the character, hence "M. Appeal" or "Emma Peel."