New Avengers girl to succeed Diana Rigg. A press reception was held at the Savoy Hotel for Canadian girl, Linda Thorson who succeeds Diana Rigg in the Avengers. She is 20 years old, and was chosen from 200 actresses who were considered for the part. She is pictured with Patrick MacNee who has been playing "John Steed" since the programme started in 1961. October 1967