Susan Jameson: Legendary British Actress from New Tricks to Doctor Who Audio

Introduction

Susan Jameson is one of Britain’s most reputed actresses, having an incredibly long and fruitful career of over six decades. She was born on 13 August 1941 in Barnt Green, Worcestershire, and has made a number of appearances in the most popular television dramas, radio shows, audiobooks, and stage shows in the UK. At 84, Susan Jameson is still a ubiquitous presence in British entertainment in 2026, having appeared in numerous roles including Doctor Who audio adventures’s Mrs Wibbsey and BBC’s New Tricks as Esther Lane, and My Pocket’s Grandpa in My Pocket.

Early Life and Acting Beginnings: Susan Jameson

Her love of acting began at the age of 10 when she was at a speech and drama school in Birmingham, her birthplace, under the name Susan I. M. Jameson. She had an extensive experience in repertory theatre in Birmingham, Glasgow, Coventry and Cheltenham, laying the groundwork of a career as a professional actor.

She made her television debut in 1962 playing a part in the long-running police show, Dixon of Dock Green. In 1963, she was cast as Myra Booth for the Coronation Street serial, her first big break, in 52 episodes a year later in 1964. She was very popular in the show, but still, she is a famous woman who refused a two-year contract for her to play in a wider range of roles.

From Coronation Street to Classic British Television.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Susan Jameson was a familiar face on British television. She acted in many popular dramas and cult classics, demonstrating her range as an actress.

Notable appearances included:

• The Likely Lads
• Z-Cars
• Strange Report
• UFO
• The Doctors
• Softly Softly: Task Force
• Space: 1999

The shows cemented her status as one of the most reliable and talented character actress in the UK.

New Tricks: 10 Years with Esther Lane

It was Susan Jameson’s performance as Esther Lane in the popular BBC crime show New Tricks that resonated the most with many of those who have watched her films.

She played the wife of the retired detective Jack Halford (played by her husband in real life, James Bolam) as Esther from 2003 to 2013. They also played a major role in the longevity and popularity of the show, through their natural chemistry.

In 1971, Susan Bolam married James Bolam and their family consists of two children. The list of films and TV shows where the two have appeared together since then are as follows:

• New Tricks
• When The Boat Comes In
• Heartbeat
• Grandpa in My Pocket

They are one of the longest running couples in British TV.

Find the right balance of acting and singing for Doctor Who Audio and Voice Acting Success.

Susan Jameson has also made a name for herself among Doctor Who fans for her extensive audio work. She is best remembered for the role of Mrs Wibbsey with Fourth Doctor in Big Finish audio books.

In recent years, they have appeared as voice and narrating artists in:

• The series Doctor Who: Beyond the Doctor (2022) features the voice of a narrator.
• Doctor Who: Classic Series Audio Originals (2018–2019) – Narrator
• Amelia is a 2019 Lovecraft Investigation.Amelia is a Lovecraft Investigation 2019.

She is one of Britain’s most respected audio performers, with a warm and expressive voice.

Highlighting TV, Podcasts and Filmography

Susan Jameson has over 101 acting credits to her name, spanning television, film, radio, podcasts and children’s television and film.

Famous contemporary jobs are:

Other staples are To Serve Them All My Days, The Secret World of Polly Flint and UFO.

Audiobooks, Theatre and Literary Work,

Outside of TV, Susan Jameson’s career as a narrator and stage actor has been outstanding.

She has read all 52 of Catherine Cookson’s novels, making her one of the most prolific audiobook players in Britain. Her work has also been published with Pan Macmillan including:

• Chaff Upon the Wind
• The Fisher Lass

She has been in shows such as Pride and Prejudice, and has guest starred in shows associated with popular TV series like Heartbeat, Band of Gold, The Bill and Boon.

Susan Jameson’s Legacy in 2026

Susan Jameson is still revered, at 84 years, for her contribution to British entertainment. Her versatility with television, radio, audiobooks, podcasts and theatre has resulted in one of the most varied careers in the field.

She has remained one of the most esteemed performers in Britain with her long career as James Bolam’s wife, her memorable appearances in New Tricks and her many appearances playing Doctor Who and audiobooks.

Final Thoughts

Susan Jameson 2026 is the epitome of British acting talent. She has an incredible career, having worked in Coronation Street and New Tricks for 10 years, been recorded for Doctor Who and also narrated 52 Catherine Cookson books. Now over 60 years after her first television appearance, Susan Jameson is still a popular and iconic figure in UK entertainment.