LOUISE Jameson is one of those rare and lucky actors whose popularity and profile have not waned over the decades.

She caught the eye of adolescent lads (and their dads) as well as feisty young girls in her role as the tousled-haired ‘savage’ Leela in the era of Tom Baker’s Dr Who.

She then swapped her animal skins for the sweaty rags of the hugely popular Second World War prison camp drama Tenko, which was partly filmed in Dorset, where she played brash, plucky Cockney Blanche Simmons.

From here she moved seamlessly to the more genteel, Jersey-based detective series Bergerac before taking on the role that brought her to the attention of a whole new generation of soap stars –Rosa di Marco, matriarch of EastEnders’ short-lived and somewhat ineffectual family of Italian restaurateurs.

In the years since, she has turned her hand to writing, directing and stage work and can next be seen in Women on the Verge of HRT at Lighthouse in Poole.

“The wonderful thing about the play is you do find out what women want,” said Louise, who stars with her friend Janet Dibley.

“It is like two different plays. The first half is a rip-roaring comedy, but the second half is a lot more pensive and sad.”

Women on the Verge of HRT is the tale of Vera and Anna, friends on the ‘wrong’ side of 40 making their annual trip to see their singing hero Daniel O’Donnell.

Back in their hotel room after the concert, they are forced to come face-to-face with the realities of their life, the disappointments, the less-than-glittering marriages, the fear of the menopause.

But inevitably they realise that actually, life doesn’t have to ‘end’ here and that there is a lot out there still waiting to happen.

“Janet and I are of that age and this has been great fun to do,” laughed Louise. “She is an extraordinary actress and great fun to be with.”

Luckily, the versatility that served her well when she went for the parts in Dr Who, Tenko and EastEnders still stands her in good stead today.

As well as her performing talents, Louise is also part of a writing co-operative – Lou’s Crew – which recently pitched for a new television series. There is also talk of a film to be made later this year.

Then there is also the Sunday Drama College, which is for mixed ability writers aged between 14 and 21 and which staged a play, I Got Here First, earlier this year.

“I have two groups, one in Kent, where I live, and one in Brighton,” said Louise. “They are fun and very satisfying.”

So successful have these groups been that Louise is even toying with the idea of starting up a third class for adults – if time allows.

Now in her mid-50s but still sporting a tangle of red curls and piercing blue eyes, Louise has so far managed to side-step the pitfalls of reality TV.

Women on the Verge of HRT is at Lighthouse in Poole from Monday to Saturday, June 8 to 13 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £17.50 from 0844 406 8666.