<P> The Avengers is an espionage British television series created in 1961 . The Avengers initially focused on Dr. David Keel ( Ian Hendry ) aided by John Steed ( Patrick Macnee ) . Ian Hendry left after the first series , and Patrick Macnee 's John Steed became the main character , partnered with a succession of assistants . Steed 's most famous assistants were intelligent , stylish and assertive women : Cathy Gale ( Honor Blackman ) , Emma Peel ( Diana Rigg ) , and Tara King ( Linda Thorson ) . The Avengers ran from 1961 until 1969 , screening as one - hour episodes its entire run . The pilot episode , `` Hot Snow , '' aired on 7 January 1961 . The final episode , `` Bizarre , '' aired on 21 April 1969 in the United States , and on 21 May 1969 in London , England . </P>
<P> The Avengers is an espionage British television series created in 1961 . The Avengers initially focused on Dr. David Keel ( Ian Hendry ) aided by John Steed ( Patrick Macnee ) . Ian Hendry left after the first series , and Patrick Macnee 's John Steed became the main character , partnered with a succession of assistants . Steed 's most famous assistants were intelligent , stylish and assertive women : Cathy Gale ( Honor Blackman ) , Emma Peel ( Diana Rigg ) , and Tara King ( Linda Thorson ) . The Avengers ran from 1961 until 1969 , screening as one - hour episodes its entire run . The pilot episode , `` Hot Snow , '' aired on 7 January 1961 . The final episode , `` Bizarre , '' aired on 21 April 1969 in the United States , and on 21 May 1969 in London , England . </P>
who played the female lead in the avengers
who played the female lead in the avengers
Cathy Gale ( Honor Blackman ) Emma Peel ( Diana Rigg ) Tara King ( Linda Thorson )
Cathy Gale ( Honor Blackman ) Emma Peel ( Diana Rigg ) Tara King ( Linda Thorson )