Air aates: According to my trusty "Fantastic Television"--which isn't
detailed on British shows--Diana Rigg started as Emma Peel in 1965 and
continued nn the role for 3 years.  She was preceded by Honor Blackman for
perhaps a year or less, and John Steed (Patrick MacNee) 's first partners
were two males ("soon replaced").  Rigg was replaced by Linda Thorson as
Tara King (IMHO terrible) and lasted for perhaps another season.  The series
was revived in 1976 (= "The New Avengers"?) with Patrick MacNee again and
Joanna Lumley.  Honor Blackman's episodes appeared on A&E (?) about a
year ago.
 
Jesse Kalin, Vassar