Emma Peel (Excerpts from “Emma Peel - feminist icon” by Elizabeth Eggleston)

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It is amazing to think that the development and strength of Emma Peel stemmed from Diana Rigg’s own independent personality, and Patrick Macnee’s unerring and loyal respect for women as strong independent individuals. In fact, the creators and producers behind “The Avengers” were patronizing and sexist towards Diana Rigg. It is perhaps one of the less inspiring aspects of the character that, in amongst the high intelligence, athletic superiority and independence, her character was based around the concept of sex appeal. Emma was obviously conceived as a strong, mature character from the start, but even her name owes much to the desire for man-appeal and glamour. Marie Donaldson, the production’s press officer, decided that the Emma Peel character had to have man appeal, and as she played around with the phrase in her head she could help thinking Man Appeal, M appeal – Emma Peel.