When The Avengers began in March 1961 it bore little resemblance to the flippant show we came to know and love – The quintessential British spy series set in a picture postcard Britain of castles, stately homes, village pubs and cricket greens.
The title is attributed to creator Sydney Newman, who said, “Call it The Avengers – I don’t know what the **** it means, but it’s a hell of a good title!”
The series starred a sophisticated spy who even out-Bonded James Bond. Immaculately turned out in a three-piece suit, he drove a vintage Bentley, played polo, archery and fenced and fought baddies while wearing a bowler hat and carrying a furled brolly.