There used to be quite a few of us on board Champdogs - not sure how many of us still survive - and the Addicts will already have heard the sad news that Norman Painting - Phil Archer to us Archer Addicts - died today at the age of 85.

He was in the first edition of the pilot series of The Archers (an everyday story of countryfolk) way back in 1950 - when he was a young man of 26.   He recorded his last programme just two weeks ago.  Although he's not appeared in many storylines lately because of his ill-health he has always been one of the main characters and will be sadly missed.   Ambridge won't be the same without him :(

My condolences to both his families - in real-life and on radio.

I heard about this earlier at work from one his neighbours; very sad. He was still going to the studio even last week.

I heard this earlier too.  I don't listen to the Archers very often - just pick it up now and again.  I can't remember a time without the Archers on the radio - have grown up with it and all the characters.  A sad day to loose another member of cast.