Joan Le Mesurier

The story of Joan Le Mesurier's love triangle

Married to one of television's best-known actors - John Le Mesurier, the beloved Sergeant Wilson of Dad's Army - Joan caused a scandal when she plunged into an affair with her husband's closest friend and Britain's most famous comic, Tony Hancock.

Christopher Stevens, Daily Mail, 20th July 2021

Joan Le Mesurier obituary

To the wider public Joan Le Mesurier, who has died aged 90, was known for her marriage to the actor John Le Mesurier and her affair with his friend the comedian Tony Hancock. Those relationships were the subject of TV films, books and endless newspaper articles, but they never defined her. Far from being the femme fatale depicted by those who didn't know her, Joan was a woman of limitless wit, generosity and humour.

Mark Olden, The Guardian, 20th July 2021

Iconic film and TV star Barbara Windsor celebrates three female comic actresses, continuing with Carry On co-star Hattie Jacques (1922-80), who appeared in 14 features in the parody/slapstick film series, most famously as the no-nonsense Matron. Jacques did time as a nurse and a welder prior to her theatrical debut at London's Player's Theatre. Radio appearances included the 1950s comedies Educating Archie and Hancock's Half-Hour, and in the 60s and 70s she starred with Eric Sykes in two of his major TV projects. The programme explores the turbulent private life of a woman considered warm, kind and endearing by her peers, and does not ignore the fact that Jacques was never happy that the subject of her weight problem was considered acceptable comic material. Contributors include her son Robin Le Mesurier, friend Joan Le Mesurier (her husband's third wife), biographer Andy Merriman and Carry On co-star Anita Harris.

Radio Times, 12th July 2011