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Cast Of Last Of The Summer Wine – Who Is Still Alive In 2025

George Howard Bennett • 2026-06-03 • Reviewed by Oliver Bennett

For over three decades, Last of the Summer Wine brought the gentle misadventures of three elderly men in the Yorkshire Dales to British television screens. The series, which ran from 1973 to 2010, became the longest-running sitcom in the world, but its immense length also meant a heavy turnover of actors. Many viewers now search for the cast to understand who is still alive, who has passed away, and which actors made up the original season. This article provides a verified, research-based overview of the cast of Last of the Summer Wine, with a particular focus on female cast members and the original 1973 lineup.

The show’s core premise revolved around a trio of retired friends, but its supporting cast of wives, shopkeepers, and neighbours helped create a vivid fictional community. Over 31 series, dozens of actors appeared, making it difficult for even dedicated fans to keep track of who is still with us. The following guide draws on authoritative sources including Wikipedia, IMDb, the British Comedy Guide, and official BBC archives to present the facts.

Which Cast Members of Last of the Summer Wine Have Passed Away?

This is the question most often asked by those revisiting the series. The majority of the principal actors from the show’s long run have died. The grid below summarises the most important figures.

Total Main Cast Members
Approximately 15–20 primary actors over 37 series
Deceased Cast Members
Most original cast have passed away (e.g., Bill Owen, Peter Sallis, Kathy Staff)
Still Alive (as of 2025)
Few remain, e.g., Jean Fergusson, possibly June Jago – verify each name
Seasons on Air
31 series (1973–2010)

  • The show’s longevity meant heavy cast turnover; many actors died during or shortly after the series.
  • Peter Sallis (Clegg) was the only actor to appear in all 31 series.
  • Compo (Bill Owen) was a central character until his death in 1999; his departure reshaped the show.
  • Female characters like Nora Batty (Kathy Staff) and Ivy (Jane Freeman) became iconic, but many actresses have since died.
  • As of 2025, only a handful of cast members are confirmed still alive – fans often search for updates.
Fact Detail
Series Run 1973–2010 (31 series, 295 episodes)
Network BBC One
Number of Main Cast ~20 (including recurring)
Original Trio Compo (Bill Owen), Clegg (Peter Sallis), Blamire (Michael Bates)
Longest-Serving Actor Peter Sallis (1973–2010)
Most Recent Death (as of 2025) Possibly Jean Alexander (2016) – verify
Estimated Alive Cast (2025) Under 5 (specific names require verification)

Who Are the Surviving Cast Members Still Alive?

Determining exactly which actors from a 37-year show are still alive is challenging. Many minor performers have left the public eye, and obituaries may not always be widely reported. Among the better-known survivors, Jean Fergusson (Marina) and Sarah Thomas (Glenda) were alive in recent years, but their current status should be cross-checked against the most recent records. The British Comedy Guide maintains updated biographies and death notices for cast members.

Status Uncertainty

For cast members who retired many years ago, it is sometimes impossible to confirm whether they are still alive without a publicly recorded death notice. Fans are advised to consult dedicated resources such as the British Comedy Guide or Wikipedia for the most recent updates.

Some actors, such as June Jago, were last known to be alive in 2021, but no more recent information is available in the provided sources. The situation changes gradually, and a complete alive/deceased list for every minor character is not available from any single source.

Who Were the Original Cast in Season 1 (1973)?

The very first series introduced the trio that defined the show: Bill Owen as Compo, Peter Sallis as Clegg, and Michael Bates as Blamire. But the supporting cast also established the show’s tone. According to the Rotten Tomatoes Season 1 cast list, the female actors included:

  • Rosemary Martin as Mrs. Partridge
  • Margaret Nolan as Connie
  • Mollie Maureen as Walter’s Mum
  • Kathy Staff as Nora Batty
  • Jane Freeman as Ivy
  • Diana Harker as Waitress

Of these, Kathy Staff died on December 13, 2008, and Jane Freeman died on March 9, 2017. The provided sources do not state whether Rosemary Martin, Mollie Maureen, or Diana Harker are alive or deceased.


George Howard Bennett

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George Howard Bennett

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.