Anna Karen played one of the most popular characters of 70s sitcom in Britain - the hilarious accident prone but sex mad 'Olive' in On the Buses. The series began in 1969 and became a favourite throughout the next decade with more than 70 episodes plus 3 feature films - On The Buses, Mutiny On the Buses and Holiday On The Buses. Here Anna remembers how she created Olive and recalls working with a cast which included Reg Varney, Doris Hare, Bob Grant and Stephen Lewis. She also talks about playing the caustic Aunt Sal, Peggy's sister in EastEnders.
Photo of Anna Karen - Courtesy of Caroline Webster.
Also in this series - interviews with Sally Thomsett who played Jo in Man About The House and Judy Cornwell who played Daisy in Keeping Up Appearances.
Meanwhile you can also find other interviews with 'Funny Women' in our archive - including Felicity Kendal, Wendy Craig, Lesley Joseph and former Carry On stars Sherrie Hewson and Amanda Barrie.
The Distinct Nostalgia Theme is composed by Rebecca Applin and Chris Warner.