Janet Davies

Janet Kathleen Davies (14 September 1927 – 22 September 1986)

She died on 22 September 1986, aged 59, from breast cancer which had metastasised to her lungs.

Early life Davies was born 14 September 1927, in Wakefield, West Riding of Yorkshire. She was married to the actor Ian Gardiner, who was best known for having played Reginald Molehusband in a Central Office of Information public information film in the 1960s.

Dad's Army Davies was a client of the theatrical agent, Ann Callender, and also worked as a secretary for Callender whenever she was short of work. Callender was the wife of TV producer David Croft, the director, co-writer and producer of Dad's Army. Croft said that Davies "hastened to suggest herself for the part. After all, being in the office where the script first saw the light of day, she knew the requirements well." Davies went to see Croft in order to read for the part. Croft recalled that "She seemed to be just the right age and type to play the role."

Davies played the doting mother of Private Frank Pike (Ian Lavender), Mrs Pike, in 30 episodes of the sitcom, with her storylines mainly involving her relationship with Sergeant Wilson (John Le Mesurier) and her "mollycoddling" of her son, much to the annoyance of Captain Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe).

For the film version of Dad's Army (1971), Liz Fraser was cast as Mrs Pike. This decision was made by the director, Norman Cohen, who wanted a less "homely" actress for the role. The recasting was very controversial and one of the changes imposed by backers Columbia Pictures that added to the unhappiness of the cast. Co-writer of the television series, Jimmy Perry, has said "It was a mistake...not to cast Janet in the role because the viewing public has come to recognise her as Mrs. Pike. But that was a decision made by Columbia".

Illness and death Davies died on 22 September 1986 from breast cancer, which had metastasized to her lungs. Her Dad's Army co-star Bill Pertwee said that she "spent her last days in a hospice and died peacefully" adding that she was a "lovely woman".

ATV Miss Tiddy Episode 6: The Curse of the Bellfoots

ABC Weekend Television Welsh Woman Episode 3: Lag on the Run

– 30 November 1960 Associated-Rediffusion Television Neighbour TV mini-series- Series 1: Episodes 1 and 2

Anne French Series 1, Episode 420

Joyce Naylor Series 1: Episode 5

ITV Pearl Series 2: Episode 6: Marcia

ITV Nurse Series 1: Episode 16: Fall High, Fall Hard. (Uncredited)

BBC One Nurse Series 5: Episode 9

Anne Series 1: Episode 11: Tycoon of the Year

Miss Jennings Series 2: Episode 8 : Pilot Error

Mrs. Goodison Series 1: Episode 5: It's All Happening!

– 15 January 1972 BBC Television Mrs. WaltersMrs. WhiteMrs. ThomasMay NelsonMrs. PerrymanMrs. Baker Six episodes

Mrs. Price TV mini-series, Four episodes

Perkins Series 2: Episode 3: Cell 13

BBC Television The Oversize Dress Series 1: Episode 5: Diamonds Are a Man's Best Friend

Series 1: Episode 6

Solicitor's Secretary Series 1: Episode 2

Man opposite's Wife Series 1: Episode 5

BBC Television Frau Garian TV mini-series, Series 1: Episode 6: The Spring Sonata

Thames Television Gwyneth Morgan Two episodes: Series 1: Episodes 21 and 22

Gertie 'Possessions'

BBC Television NurseRose Two episodes: Song at Twilight and Breath

BBC Television Miss Jones Two episodes: Series 2: Episodes 2 and 4

Receptionist Series 1: Episode 3

First Woman Series 1: Episode 4: Kath's Family

BBC Television Mrs Pike Recurring Character- 30 episodes.

BBC Television Mrs. Dalby Three episodes, Series 1: Episodes 6, 7 and 8.

Liz ThomasSaleswoman Two episodes, Series 3:Episode 5 and Season 4:Episode 1

BBC Television Mary RussellValerie JolliffeMrs. GarrettMrs. PagettMolly Six episodes.

BBC Television Ethel Merman Series 3: Episode 4: Communal Social Evenings

Violet Series: Episode 4: Happy Birthday, Mr Chizzlehurst.

Sarah TV mini-series Season 1: Episode 2: Buxton 1914

BBC Television Mrs. Hill TV mini-series, Season 1, Episode 5

Neighbour Series 1: Episode 4: Kill the Fatted Hen

BBC Television Mrs. Blake Series 3: Episode 5: The Man from Down Under

Mrs. Green Three episodes, Series 1 : Episodes 2,6 and 4

London Weekend Television Roz Hatch Series 5: Episode 3: You'll Be Alright

BBC Television Mrs. Watkins TV mini-series, Part 1 and 2

Anglia Television Mrs. Winifred Swaffield TV mini-series, Season 1: Episode 3

Customer (as Jan Davies) Series 8: Episode 4: New Doors for Old

BBC Television Florrie Two Episodes, Series 1:Episode 3, and Season 3: Episode 7

Mrs. Lacey Two episodes, Series 4, Episode 5, and Series 5, Episode 5.

BBC Television D.H.S.S Claimant Season 1: Episode 1, (final television appearance)

Filmography + Janet Davies' Film Appearances Film Year Role Notes The Love Match Motorist The Ghost Goes Gear Cockney Wife Interlude Nanny Under Milk Wood What Next? Mother In this House of Brede Mrs. Scanlon TV movie The Hiding Place Mrs. Beukers Uncredited Love Story: Mr Right Waitress TV movie Terry on the Fence Usher