Jean Dike, the Plymouth-born singing star and actress known to many as June Marlow, has died at the age of 95.
Her remarkable life was marked by a successful performing career, deep devotion to her family, and a graceful final chapter supported by compassionate hospice care at home.
A glamorous singer, beloved television character actress, devoted mother, and proud grandmother and great-grandmother, Jean lived an extraordinary life filled with dignity, warmth, and elegance.
One of Plymouth’s most cherished entertainers and the matriarch of a large and artistic family, she carried many identities throughout her life. Some knew her as June Marlow, her professional stage name, while grandchildren and close friends affectionately called her “Jeanie.”
She was born Jean Moulder on January 15, 1931, and grew up in the close-knit Barbican community of Plymouth during a time when the area was poor but deeply supportive.
Jean spent her final days in the apartment at Sutton Harbour that she had called home for 35 years, surrounded by family and cared for by the dedicated team at St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth. She passed away on February 22, just weeks after celebrating her 95th birthday.
Early Life and Childhood
Jean’s mother died when she was only six years old, leaving her to be raised by her grandmother. One piece of advice from her grandmother stayed with her throughout life: “Always remember you’m as good as any man.”
Those words shaped Jean’s confidence and determination as she pursued a career in show business.
Her childhood home in the Barbican was filled with music and laughter. From a young age, Jean loved to sing and entertain, even impersonating famous voices such as Mae West.
Teachers at Castle Street Infants School quickly noticed her talent. During the 1930s she was chosen to play Mary in the Christmas nativity play two years in a row, singing Sleep Holy Babe. The following year another child was given the role, but Jean still stood behind the stage singing while the new Mary mimed.
First Performances During the War
Jean’s first public performance came during the Second World War when she was about nine or ten years old. A group of military musicians performing on Plymouth Hoe heard her singing along and invited her to step forward and sing into the microphone.
The story reached Lady Astor, Plymouth Sutton’s pioneering first female MP. Lady Astor invited Jean to tea at her home on Elliott Terrace and arranged for her to meet the musical director at the Palace Theatre.
Although the director felt she was still too young to train formally, it was there that a talent scout first heard Jean sing—an encounter that helped set her future career in motion.
At just 13 years old, Jean made her first professional recording with the BBC Concert Orchestra. She travelled alone by train to London for the session and earned 15 guineas—enough to buy a gabardine raincoat for school.
Rise to Fame in Show Business
Three years later, Jean appeared on Opportunity Knocks with Hughie Green, which led to a touring opportunity with Eddie Mendoza and his comedy dance band.
During that tour she met musician and photographer Peter Van Dike, the band’s double bass player. The couple quickly fell in love and married while on tour. Their marriage lasted 40 happy years until Peter’s death in 1988.
Jean became a mother at just 19 when her son Greg was born in 1950, soon followed by daughter Julie.
The family settled in London, where Jean’s singing career flourished. She joined the Eric Winstone Band and adopted the stage name June Marlow. Throughout the 1950s she performed as both a solo artist and as part of the popular vocal group The Stargazers.
The group became a major pop success, making frequent radio and television appearances, performing at a Royal Command Performance, and recording numerous jingles and songs for television advertisements.
One of her most memorable recordings was the theme for the original 1960 Fry’s Turkish Delight advert, featuring Jean’s distinctive and melodic voice.
Family Life and Return to Plymouth
Despite her success, Jean chose not to tour extensively after becoming a mother. Instead, she focused on family life while continuing her broadcasting and recording work.
Peter happily took on the role of househusband—long before the term became common.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s Jean appeared regularly on radio and television alongside well-known performers and music directors including Bernard Braden, Steve Race, Ronnie Hazelhurst, Norrie Paramour, Bob Monkhouse, Alma Cogan and Kenneth Connor.
She was a regular guest on major entertainment programmes and appeared as a panellist on shows like Juke Box Jury. She also performed duets with her friend and favourite British singer, Matt Monro.
As the entertainment industry began changing rapidly, Jean and Peter briefly moved to the Bahamas to be closer to the United States. However, after welcoming three more children—Angie, Jeff and Kate—the family returned to Plymouth, settling in Tamerton Foliot where Peter built two family homes.
The Van Dike Club and a Musical Legacy
Peter later opened the famous Van Dike Club in Exmouth Road, which quickly became a major live music venue during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The club hosted performances by many artists who would go on to become global stars, including Pink Floyd, Free, T Rex, Genesis, Roxy Music, Status Quo, Cat Stevens and Eric Clapton.
Jean’s daughter Kate later reflected on her mother’s dedication to family.
“At that time Mum was largely a homemaker. She gave us nothing but stability and tender maternal love. She loved performing, but she was also a devoted mother and grandmother.
“She and my dad created quite a dynasty—five children, ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and counting. She was immensely proud of us all.”
Acting Career on Television
When Kate was five, Jean began a second career as a television actress. She often played characters with an authentic Westcountry accent and was sometimes hired as a dialect coach to help other actors perfect their regional speech.
During the 1980s she also appeared on BBC Radio 2’s popular programme Acker’s ’Alf ’Our with Acker Bilk and on the nostalgic television show The Good Old Days.
Over the years Jean appeared in numerous television series including A Horseman Riding By, Penmarric, Diana, Jamaica Inn, Badgergirl, The Pickwick Papers, and Cats Eyes.
Later roles included appearances in MI High alongside June Whitfield and several series of the hugely popular Doc Martin.
Her final television role came at age 87 in Doc Martin, where she shared a scene with Martin Clunes. Playing the character Ethel, who had injured her hand, she jokingly told him, “If this is my swansong, then I’m more than happy it’s with you, Martin.”
A Final Creative Contribution
Even in later life Jean continued to contribute to local culture.
At age 90, she recorded the voice narration for the Elizabethan House on New Street—her birthplace—after being invited by The Box museum and gallery.
Visitors can still hear her voice guiding them through the building’s history, delivered in the warm Plymouth tones she inherited from her grandmother.
A Family of Artists
Jean and Peter’s children all followed creative paths.
Greg, who died in 2007, was a singer-songwriter, DJ and music promoter. Julia became a respected watercolour artist. Angelina co-founded the Club Fandango music and comedy venue in Plymouth. Jefferson, who died in 2023, worked as a dance music DJ.
Kate pursued a career as a comedy actress and now co-owns an entertainment production company.
Music and creativity remain central to the family across generations.
Compassionate Care in Her Final Weeks
Kate Van Dike praised the support provided by St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, which allowed her mother to spend her final weeks at home.
“St Luke’s ensured Mum could live her final days her own way,” Kate said. “They supported the whole family, not just her.”
Although Jean had enjoyed strong health for most of her life, she became increasingly frail during her final year. Kate moved in to care for her full time.
Jean’s wish was to remain in the comfort of her own home, though doctors eventually explained she was likely entering the final year of life.
Kate recalled her mother’s gentle response.
“She said, ‘There was so much more I wanted to do. But thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I could not have asked for more.’”
“It Was Like the Cavalry Arrived”
When St Luke’s specialist community healthcare assistant Lynn Collins visited the family, the support network quickly took shape.
“It felt like the cavalry arrived,” Kate said. “A huge weight lifted from our shoulders.”
The hospice team coordinated care alongside district nurses, care agencies and Marie Curie night sitters, ensuring Jean remained comfortable and supported.
Kate believes frailty in old age deserves the same compassionate care often provided for terminal illness.
A Life Lived With Grace
With that support, Kate could focus not only on caregiving but on being a daughter.
“The team came in with kindness and reassurance. They reminded us we were doing well looking after Mum, which meant so much to us.”
She added, “St Luke’s gave me the strength to care for Mum the way she deserved after a lifetime of unconditional love.
“She never dwelled on the end of life. She kept looking forward, staying pragmatic and strong.
“And even at the end, she could still flash that beautiful smile.”