A beloved telly icon celebrated for her “beautiful smile” has died just days after marking her 95th birthday. Actress and vocalist Jean Dike – professionally known as June Marlow – died on February 22 at her home overlooking Sutton Harbour in Plymouth, with loved ones by her side.
Jean’s final weeks were spent in the flat she’d called home for 35 years, cared for by staff from St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth alongside her daughter Kate Van Dike, who relocated to provide round-the-clock care.
The glamorous performer – a recognisable presence on both BBC and ITV screens – was quickly mourned by admirers, whilst her family remembered a devoted mum and grandmother whose life embodied “dignity, elegance and grace.”
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June Marlow)
Kate expressed gratitude for the hospice staff who made it possible for Jean to stay at home during her last days. She remarked: “They treated Mum with such tenderness and acknowledged her as the most important person. We could never have cared for her at home without their help.”
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She noted that the nurses’ visits frequently felt like ‘the cavalry arriving’ as her mother’s condition worsened, reports the Express. Though growing progressively weaker, Jean remained steadfast in refusing to fixate on her illness. “Mum didn’t want to focus on that,” Kate said. “She kept looking forward and was always pragmatic and driven.”
Those close to her say this determination characterised the entertainer, who dedicated decades to delighting audiences whilst maintaining deep ties to her native Plymouth. Even during her final moments, the warmth that admirers and family cherished remained undimmed.
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Google)
Kate shared: “Even at the end she was still able to flash her beautiful smile.” She leaves behind her family, who find solace in knowing she spent her last days in her most treasured place, encircled by those dearest to her.
Born on 15 January 1931, Jean was raised in Plymouth’s tight-knit Barbican neighbourhood, where her talent for performance shone through from an early age. Teachers were reportedly mesmerised by her displays in school nativity productions, where she not only sang but entertained fellow pupils with impersonations of Hollywood legends such as Mae West.
That initial enthusiasm paved the way for an extensive and diverse career in television. Jean featured in numerous BBC programmes throughout the years, including versions of The Pickwick Papers and Jamaica Inn, alongside the children’s drama MI High, where she appeared with comedy favourite June Whitfield.
She subsequently became a recognisable presence to ITV viewers through several appearances in Doc Martin, performing alongside Martin Clunes, establishing herself as a reliable character actress with an endearing screen presence.
Impressively, Jean remained professionally active well into her twilight years. Her final television appearance came at 87, when she portrayed Ethel – a casualty patient who had tumbled and pierced her hand on a corroded nail.
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