Based on a series of picaresque novels by Jonathan Gash, Lovejoy first appeared o our television screens in 1986 starring Ian McShane in the title role as the enigmatic and lovable rogue Lovejoy, a character of questionable scruples. Filmed in and around the sleepy Essex village of Great Dunmow, the series begins with Lovejoy’s release from prison thus establishing that his abilities to beat the system as a con artist are somewhat less successful than those of his exceptional skills as an antiques dealer in recognising priceless rare items and collectables of fine art as well as distinguishing fakes and forgeries.  Thus the scene is set for Lovejoy and his team of carefully chosen ‘experts’ to solve the surprisingly high number of mysteries involving the local antiques market.

Appearing in the episode One Born Every Minute from series 5, Judy portrays the role of Deborah Wyler, an elegant, sophisticated and somewhat neglected wife of a successful businessman, whose frequent trips overseas force her to seek amusement from other sources. Thus she joins the ever growing list of conquests in the life of Ashley Wilkes, a travelling artist whose painting talents are surpassed only by his prowess in the bedroom. Not surprisingly therefore, Judy’s portrayal of Deborah provides eloquence, poise and measured flirtation in which her ability to tease, exudes just the right level of seductiveness. It is Lovejoy’s role to track down the vagabond in order to avoid a potential international incident but with so many beautiful women to question in the search, why hurry?

Lovejoy is one of several popular drama series in which Judy made a guest appearance. Also starring in One Born Every Minute were; Dudley Sutton, Tom Wilkinson, Jeremy Child, Jennie Linden, Maggie Steed and John D Collins.