In a career spanning more than six decades, Susan Jameson has left an indelible mark on British television, radio, and stage. Known to millions for her roles in shows like New Tricks, Coronation Street, and Grandpa in My Pocket, Jameson is more than just a familiar face—she is a consummate professional whose nuanced performances have consistently earned admiration across generations.
Yet, behind her dignified performances and career achievements lies a deeply personal and sometimes difficult journey. From her early struggles as a young actress to the heart-wrenching decision to give up her firstborn son for adoption, Susan Jameson’s life has been shaped by resilience, privacy, and authenticity.
In this article, we explore the remarkable life of Susan Jameson—her career milestones, her enduring relationship with fellow actor James Bolam, and her rarely discussed personal decisions that underscore her strength of character.
Early Life and Education
Born on 13 August 1941 in Barnt Green, Worcestershire, Susan I. M. Jameson grew up with a love for language and storytelling. Her early interest in acting led her to the Birmingham School of Speech and Drama, a decision that would chart the course of her life.
After completing her studies, she gained experience in repertory theatres across the UK—Cheltenham, Glasgow, and Coventry—honing her skills in stagecraft and classical performance. Like many actors of her generation, Susan worked her way up, embracing the grit and grind of small productions before earning her breakthrough television roles.
Breaking Into Television: Coronation Street and Beyond
Susan’s early career included appearances in Z-Cars, Doctor Who (1969’s “The Time Monster”), and The Dick Emery Show, but she rose to national prominence in 1963 when she joined Coronation Street. Her character Myra Booth (later Myra Dickinson) was part of one of the most popular storylines of the time and helped cement her presence in British pop culture.
Coronation Street, which had already become a British institution, allowed Susan to display her emotional depth and everyday realism—qualities that would define her acting style for decades.
Career Highlights Across Decades
When the Boat Comes In (1976–1981)
Susan played Jessie Seaton, later Jessie Ashton, in this post-WWI period drama. Her performance as the strong, grounded wife of a working-class man showcased her ability to portray complex female characters with authenticity and subtlety.
To Serve Them All My Days (1980–1981)
As Christine Forster, Susan once again showed her talent for bringing literary and historical characters to life in this acclaimed BBC drama set in a 1920s British boys’ school.
New Tricks (2003–2013)
Arguably one of her most recognized roles, Susan played Esther Lane, the perceptive and supportive wife of Brian Lane (played by real-life husband James Bolam). Their on-screen chemistry was enriched by decades of real-life partnership, making their performances heartfelt and believable.
Grandpa in My Pocket (2009–2014)
Loved by a younger audience, Susan starred as Great Aunt Loretta, a quirky and fun character whose comedic timing showed yet another facet of her acting range.
Voice Acting and Literary Contributions
Beyond the screen, Susan Jameson has had an illustrious voice career. She has narrated over 60 Catherine Cookson novels for BBC Radio, drawing praise for her clear, emotionally rich narration.
Additionally, she lent her voice to various Doctor Who audio dramas, most notably as Mrs. Wibbsey opposite Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor. These audio works further extended her legacy and introduced her talents to new generations of fans.
In 2017, she authored her first children’s book titled Pony Tails, inspired by her experiences rescuing horses and her deep love of animals. The book was well-received and hinted at a possible new direction in her creative journey.
Personal Life: Partnership with James Bolam
Susan Jameson has been married to James Bolam, another icon of British acting, since the early 1970s. Bolam is best known for his roles in The Likely Lads, When the Boat Comes In, and New Tricks. Unlike many high-profile couples, Jameson and Bolam have kept their relationship almost entirely out of the public eye.
The couple shares a daughter, Lucy Bolam, born in 1977, who has chosen a life away from the entertainment industry. Despite her parents’ fame, Lucy has lived privately and does not appear in the public domain or media.
Susan and James have often worked together onscreen, a testament to their personal and professional compatibility. Their ability to maintain a private, scandal-free relationship in the often-public world of entertainment is both rare and commendable.
A Painful Choice: The Adoption of Her First Son
One of the most personal and lesser-known aspects of Susan Jameson’s life is her decision to give up her first son, Nigel Williams, for adoption. Born in 1960, Nigel was adopted by Ken and Betty Williams, a couple from the West Midlands. He grew up unaware of his biological roots until later in life.
Nigel went on to study music and theology and eventually discovered his birth mother’s identity. While he reached out to connect with Susan as an adult, reports suggest that Susan felt no maternal bond and declined to maintain contact. This revelation came as a surprise to many but speaks to the complexity and emotional weight of such life decisions.
Susan has not publicly commented in detail about the adoption, but the decision appears to have been made early in her career, possibly influenced by her professional ambitions and societal pressures at the time.
While the story is deeply personal, it serves as a poignant reminder of the difficult choices many women face, especially during a time when unwed motherhood carried significant stigma.
A Life Rooted in Principle and Integrity
Susan Jameson’s life choices reflect a pattern of personal integrity, professional dedication, and a desire for control over her narrative. Whether it’s her selective acceptance of roles, her long-term marriage, or the decision to maintain privacy around her family, Jameson has repeatedly chosen dignity over spectacle.
Even in a career that spans over six decades, she remains a grounded figure. Her ability to move between genres—comedy, drama, children’s TV, voice work—reflects her versatility and her refusal to be typecast.
Legacy and Influence
Susan Jameson is more than a recognizable face on British TV; she is a trailblazer in how to sustain a meaningful, long-term career in entertainment without succumbing to the industry’s more toxic tendencies. Young actors, especially women, can learn from her example: choose quality over quantity, keep your personal life sacred, and never lose your authentic self in the pursuit of fame.
Conclusion
In the ever-changing landscape of entertainment, Susan Jameson has remained a symbol of poise, grace, and grounded artistry. Her performances continue to inspire admiration, her voice echoes in radio dramas and audiobooks, and her personal journey offers lessons in complexity, sacrifice, and strength.
Whether portraying a doting grandmother, a wise wife, or a voice from the past, Jameson commands attention not through flamboyance but through authenticity and depth.
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