I would say that Honor Blackman worked out just fine as Steed's companion prior to the introduction of Diana Rigg's Mrs. Peel.
Ms. Blackman left the TV series for the "broader horizons" of film, for a little film called Goldfinger I believe, where she played a character with a very naughty name. "You're joking" was Bond's reply upon being introduced.
By the way, Diana Rigg just turned 69 on July 20.
Arrrggggggggghhhhhh!!!!!!!!
