138-590: Felix Scott is a British actor who has played the role of Charlie Thomas in the BBC Radio 4 soap The Archers since 2014. He has also appeared in the television series Holby City , Doc Martin , Wolf Hall , No Offence , and Missing , as well as in the 2010 film Inception . In 2017 he starred along Ayesha Antoine in the play "Dirty Great Love Story" at the Arts Theatre in London. From
276-476: A gamekeeper , which was seen as a class transgression, even though her uncle, Tom Forrest was also a gamekeeper, and colleague of her future husband. Her marriage to George lasted over 25 years and was happy, but latterly they experienced difficult times as their house burned down due to an arson attack by Clive Horrobin . George died peacefully whilst they were waiting for the house to be re-built. Christine lived with Peggy Woolley for some years but in 2018 suffered
414-476: A British actor is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . List of The Archers characters#Charlie Thomas This is a list of many of the characters from the long-running British radio soap The Archers . Jill Archer née Patterson (born 3 October 1930) ( Patricia Greene ) is the widow of Phil Archer and matriarch of the family. She was his second wife, and with him had four children: twins Shula and Kenton, and David and Elizabeth. She
552-531: A baby boy, Henry Ian Archer, through AI , a decision of which Tony initially disapproved. Tom runs a sausage business and makes pork ready meals under the Tom Archer brand. Tony suffered a heart attack in late February 2012, and a serious farmyard accident in autumn 2014. Having recovered from both, he now takes more of a back seat in the family business. Pat Archer née Lewis (born Patricia Lewis, 10 January 1952) (Patricia Gallimore) Tony's wife since 1974
690-459: A boy she met at her YFC (Young Farmers Club), and began an affair with a much older man, a mature student at Borchester College called Jude Simpson. Her parents did not approve. Jude eventually left the country without her after leading Pip to believe that they were going on a round-the-world backpacking trip together. After a work placement in Yorkshire, she became more focused on her future and
828-732: A burglary at Glebe Cottage she was asked by David and Ruth to return to Brookfield which subsequently became permanent. In 2019, she surprised her family by announcing that she had met a new man – Leonard Berry, a widower whom she met while visiting the Laurels. Since then, Jill and Leonard have enjoyed a cosy companionship, complicated slightly when Leonard thought Jill wanted them to get married – when she made it clear that she had no desire to have another husband, they happily resumed their relationship. Christine Barford née Archer , formerly Johnson (born 21 December 1931) ( Lesley Saweard , formerly played by Pamela Mant and briefly Joyce Gibbs),
966-528: A business partnership with Kenton which was dissolved when Kenton moved to the Bull. Currently Alistair is living in Jim's house, where Jazzer McCreary was also co-resident until he moved in with Tracy. In 2019 Alistair's sister Fiona Lloyd ( Adjoa Andoh ) visited Ambridge to celebrate her father Jim's birthday. Kenton Archer (born Kenton Edward Archer, 8 August 1958) (Richard Attlee, formerly played by Graeme Kirk)
1104-651: A career in music appear to have been permanently dashed. He has a history of involving himself in numerous dubious money-making schemes and at one point stood trial for unwittingly selling condemned meat. He mainly makes his living by raising turkeys for Christmas, laying patios and selling novelty garden gnomes . He makes cider and kept a pig called Barbarella. Joe participated in some of Eddie's money-making schemes; at other times he scolded his son: legality never dictates his response. Clarrie Grundy née Larkin (born 12 May 1954) (Heather Bell, part created by Bell and also formerly played by Fiona Mathieson and Rosalind Adams)
1242-434: A career in publicity in London. She returned to Ambridge but endured a disastrous relationship with local businessman Cameron Fraser (which led to Elizabeth having an abortion) before finally marrying Nigel Pargetter after a relationship some years before. Elizabeth and Nigel developed their stately home, Lower Loxley, as a conference venue. Elizabeth, born with a heart defect, became pregnant and had twins, Lily and Freddie, but
1380-800: A career move which traditionally leads to expanded roles. 1 January 2012 saw Will and Nic get married at the local Grey Gables Hotel followed by a honeymoon in Cape Verde which on their return led to the renaming of their cottage to Greenwood . Will's dog is called Meg. Will and Nic have a daughter Poppy. Nic died unexpectedly of sepsis in February 2018. Despite being severely affected by her death, Will's pride and stubbornness prevented him from seeking counselling for his grief, and his worsened temper and aggression led to him driving away both Jake and Mia, leaving him with only his biological daughter, Poppy. Ed Grundy (born 28 September 1984) (Barry Farrimond)
1518-420: A cottage on Brookfield Farm with Ed and George as a family together. New daughter Keira was born in 2011 and following financial problems, they returned to live with Emma's parents in 2012. In late 2019, Emma and Ed briefly separated, though they have since reconciled. Mia Grundy (born 20 January 2006) (Molly Pipe) is Will's step-daughter: his late wife Nic's child by her former partner Andrew. As of 2021 she
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#17327987373261656-534: A country park, offered Peggy the job as his assistant. Burglars attacked Jack a year later, leaving Peggy in-charge of the venue until he was back on his feet. Jack would later suffer a heart attack moments after his wife Valerie asked for a divorce. With the divorce out of the way the next year, he began courting Peggy. But she turned him down because she "wasn't ready to marry again". In 1996, three local church parishes were merged in Ambridge. The move bought about
1794-476: A day centre. The cricket pavilion was named in Jack's honour. By 2008, he could not recognise Peggy. In 2008, Peggy suffers a stroke due to the stress of caring for an ailing Jack. The family attempted to look after Jack while Peggy was in hospital, but after weeks of frustration, her family put Jack into The Willows care home. Furious with her family, Peggy discharged Jack upon her own leaving hospital. At home, she
1932-399: A fall and went into The Laurels initially for respite but is intending to take up a place in an assisted living flat. She lost her capital in a fraud perpetuated by associates of Matt Crawford. Since 2019, Christine has become a silent character. Peggy Woolley , née Perkins , formerly Archer (born Margaret Perkins, 13 November 1924) ( June Spencer , briefly played by Thelma Rogers) is
2070-503: A female vicar, she disapproved to such an extent she wouldn't go to church. I wouldn't say no to a woman vicar. A good woman vicar is better than a bad male one. When Spencer was interviewed for the BBC radio show Desert Island Discs in 2010, she said listeners who met her often described how she looked exactly as they had imagined. "However, we don't have all that much in common," she told Kirsty Young. "I love my garden, although I can't do
2208-504: A fight in which Will nearly killed Ed, and Will moved temporarily to another gamekeeping job in Gloucestershire. Christmas 2008 saw Will reunite with ex-girlfriend Nic, whom he originally split from when he saw her hit George. After returning to Ambridge in February 2009, Will pushed for Nic and her 2 children (Jake (then 4) and Mia (then 2)), to move back in with him: they did, and in 2010 Nic started occasional bar work at The Bull,
2346-586: A former partnership in Tom Archer's sausage business. Brian has had several extramarital affairs during his marriage to Jennifer, including at least one with (the then) Caroline Bone (1985) and more recently with the Irish-born translator Siobhán Hathaway (Caroline Lennon), which produced his only son, Rúairi. He has an uncomfortable relationship with his stepson, Adam, which was the source of some friction with his wife. Brian's somewhat cavalier attitude to regulations came back to haunt him, when it transpired that in
2484-423: A fully organic establishment at Bridge Farm. Despite owning an MG sports car , bought with a windfall from his mother, he is generally considered to be a rather dull man. His brother-in-law Brian Aldridge enjoys winding him up over farming matters, and dinner parties involving the two couples usually ended in tears. Pat and Tony had three children, John, Helen and Tom. John was killed in a tractor accident. Helen had
2622-416: A great embarrassment to her. A single mother to Brad and Chelsea, she was a long running silent character before finding a voice. After bouncing between dead end jobs for years she convinced Oliver Sterling that she would be a breath of fresh air at Grey Gables, where worked with Lynda Snell as a receptionist before being made redundant when the hotel was shut down; she then worked at a chicken factory until she
2760-682: A hammering when daughter Emma married into the Grundy family in 2004, but in 2006 she was approved by the Royal Mail for the position of sub-postmistress despite her criminal record. She had previously worked for several years at the village shop and post office, and as Tom Archer's assistant in his sausage-making business. Clive Horrobin returned to the village to visit their dying mother in October 2011. Christopher Carter (born 22 June 1988) ( Wilf Scolding , formerly played by Will Sanderson-Thwaite)
2898-501: A junior partner in the business. In the process, the sausage business lost its organic status, which created further tension between the families. In February 2006 he started dating Brenda Tucker, having provided support to her when her mother died suddenly two months earlier. Later the same year, Tom expanded his business and set up a new independent business, Gourmet Grills , essentially a burger van albeit specialising in high-quality meat products. When Helen ran over Mike Tucker, Tom took
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#17327987373263036-448: A lot in it these days and Peggy loves her garden and of course both have husbands with dementia. But I don't think Peggy has a sense of humour and I think I have. Sometimes funny things happen to Peggy and she doesn't always see the funny side of things, I'm afraid." The programme's official website lists Peggy's 'likes' as going to church on Sunday, cats, and her garden; she dislikes mobile phones, loud music and "slack standards". "Peggy
3174-468: A magician. The Daily Telegraph praised Spencer's portrayal of Peggy during episodes leading up to her on-air husband's death from Alzheimer's disease in 2014. Cole Morton of the Telegraph wrote that Spencer's portrayal "made me cry" as she "moved around the living room, with only the cat for company". "You may not like the show – it is a bit like marmite – but you have to admire the longevity of
3312-518: A man who could hold down with ease a top job, yet who always carried with him Hamlet's sense of failure." Neil Carter (born 22 May 1957) (Brian Hewlett) is another business failure. Susan wanted him to be a white collar worker but he decided that he was a pigman at heart. He used to be Tom's partner in a piggery. The family lived in a caravan, after selling their house, until he finished a self-build house on his own land. He dislikes all Grundys but especially Ed, who, until his disappearance, lived in
3450-628: A master's degree and worked as an aeronautical engineer before being fired over her drinking. While pregnant she finally started receiving treatment for alcoholism . On 9 March 2021 she gave birth to a baby girl, Martha. Phoebe Aldridge (Lucy Morris) was born on 28 June 1998 in a tipi in the former Tipi Field at Glastonbury Festival, and lived with her father Roy Tucker and his wife Hayley until their relationship broke up in 2014. She lived with Brian and Jennifer until she became exasperated with her mother Kate's thoughtlessness during her A-levels and moved back in with Roy. She studied at Oxford University and
3588-468: A non-stipendiary minister. He was widowed before moving to Ambridge and is the father of Amy, a midwife. In late 2005, his blossoming relationship with Usha Gupta, a Hindu , caused some unease to some of his parishioners, including Shula Hebden Lloyd. In March 2008, Alan and Usha became engaged, to the opposition of his former mother-in-law Mabel ( Mona Hammond ) and Usha's Aunt Satya, and her parents. They married in summer 2008 and Usha's family have warmed to
3726-625: A part of the pub into a "playbar", complete with jukebox and espresso machine. However, soon a riot by the young people who were his target market landed Peggy with a charge of breaching the peace. Jack's destructive drinking eventually saw him carted off to a rehabilitation clinic in Scotland after collapsing with liver damage. In 1972, Jack died, leaving Peggy behind the taps at 'The Bull'. As stoic as ever, she continued on until her temporary manager, Dick Corbey, stole money from her. Jack Woolley, who had just turned 100 acres near Grey Gables into
3864-479: A passenger in the car, took the blame. The shock of this event made her re-evaluate her life and she has since helped develop a new type of cheese with Oliver Sterling, named Sterling Gold. After another failed relationship she decided that she wanted a child more than she wanted a partner and became pregnant by artificial insemination – a decision which caused friction within the family, particularly alienating Tony. Father and daughter were reconciled, however, after
4002-418: A piece of land to Joe Grundy to allow him to keep the barn he had erected without planning permission. Brookfield has suffered in recent years from bovine TB , but David is enthusiastic about his herd of Herefords . His cowman 's heavy-handed advice (which he and Ruth reluctantly accepted) that they should dispense with the services of Shula's husband as vet for their dairy herd in favour of a specialist caused
4140-541: A police investigation into his disappearance, until July 2006 when he was admitted to hospital after being beaten up while sleeping rough in Borchester. Whilst living as a vagrant , he had become addicted to alcohol and crack cocaine . Ed had a history of drug use and petty crime including joyriding. On returning to the village, Ed at first sought refuge with mentor and past employer, Oliver Sterling, who did his best to help him face his demons and abandon his vices. With
4278-563: A previous Nuffield Scholar and then mentor, Natasha. After a long period of pining, Tom discovered that she was similarly attracted and they married after a whirlwind romance. They lived for a while in the flat above the village shop before moving back in with Tony and Pat. After learning that Natasha was expecting twins, they moved into April Cottage. Twin daughters Nova and Seren were born in July 2022. Pip Archer (born Philippa Rose Archer, 17 February 1993) (Daisy Badger; previously Helen Monks )
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4416-499: A result Pip became pregnant, leading to the birth of Rosie Ruth Grace Archer, her third forename recognising the Fairbrother heritage. Pip's relationship with Toby fell apart, and since September 2023 Pip has found romance with Stella Pryor, who manages Home Farm. Josh Archer , played by Angus Imrie , made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 13 September 1997. He was originally played by Cian Cheesbrough. Josh
4554-555: A serious family rift, and was followed by his near-affair with Sophie Barlow. Recently, he bought an old tractor , dubbed "Rufus", which he has restored . Ruth Archer , née Pritchard (born 16 June 1968) ( Felicity Finch ) is the wife of David Archer. Unusually the character comes from a real rather than fictional place, Prudhoe in Northumberland . She came to Ambridge as a Harper Adams student looking for agricultural work experience in 1987, and promptly met David, who
4692-465: A son, Sipho ( Xhosa for 'gift'). In 2015, she returned to Ambridge, supposedly to enrol in another course at Felpersham University, but Phoebe subsequently discovered that Lucas, upon learning that Kate had been having yet another affair, had ended their marriage and thrown her out. In 2011, previous voice actor Susie Riddell returned to the show, this time playing Tracey Horrobin. Alice Carter , née Aldridge (born 29 September 1988) ( Hollie Chapman ),
4830-690: A stroll through the Country Park, and Peggy accepted. The pair were married in 1991 at St Stephen's church, and honeymooned in St Lucia. The newlyweds moved from Grey Gables into The Lodge later that year. Things got a little steamy in the marriage when Peggy's wartime sweetheart, Conn Kortchmar turned up in the village in 1992 to try and woo her back, unsuccessfully. Peggy sold The Bull the following year to Sid and his business partner, Guy Pemberton. Peggy then tried to talk her husband – unsuccessfully – out of buying Daphne's Cafe in Borchester in 2003. In
4968-664: A thick accent. "When The Archers started, there were only seven of us in that pilot episode," Spencer told the BBC in a 2012 interview. "In the very first few weeks, those of us who could were doubling parts and my other major part was as the Irish Rita Flynn and she had a very different voice". She says Peggy's voice was "very light and high in those days" while Rita's was "much darker and lower". The original cast were put on 13-week contracts. Experienced actors such as Spencer, were paid £12 for five episodes, while other actors were paid between £8 and £10. Spencer recalled in
5106-503: A torch for Fallon Rogers, who normally insisted that they should remain friends. Occasionally Jazzer manages to surprise everyone with a sensitive side, such as when he wowed the audience of Ambridge's Got Talent with his heartfelt rendition of a Scottish folk song (" Roses of Prince Charlie "). He has begun a caring relationship with Tracy Horrobin, sister of Susan Carter, and the couple were married in September 2023. (The actor Ryan Kelly
5244-440: A voice they have taken a huge interest in off-road driving and Ben helped Jill in the kitchen at Christmas. Ben debuted on 28 October 2018. As a reward for his misdemeanours and to get him interested in farming Ben is now training the new sheepdog, Bess. He is training to be a nurse but after a mental health crisis took a break from his studies. The Grundys were minor characters until the early 1980s, when they were developed to be
5382-470: A waiting list for a hip replacement. Terrified of going back home, Christine opts to stay at The Laurels. Peggy insists on paying for her stint in respite, but keeps on at Christine about moving back in. She even considers getting rid of Hilda, much to Christine's dismay. Peggy is revealed as the mystery cast member in Lynda Snell's production of The Canterbury Tales at the end of 2018. Peggy plays
5520-524: A week" until her mid-90s, but is now granted a company vehicle: "I have degeneration of my spine, which makes me very bent, so it's difficult to stand at the microphone, though the studio manager really looks after me and there's always a chair for me while we're waiting. Sometimes, if Peggy has to stand at the end of a scene, I fake the sound of making the effort to get up." On 8 August 2022, Spencer confirmed that she had retired from The Archers after playing Peggy for more than 70 years. Her final appearance
5658-522: A widow twice, first to Jack Archer, and later Jack Woolley, suffered a stroke, raised children and run a pub. In 2018, Spencer said one of her goals was to celebrate her 100th birthday in June 2019, while still performing in The Archers , a feat which she achieved. In December 2021, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall marked the 70th anniversary of The Archers , and helped Spencer, then 102 years old, cut
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5796-501: A working-class foil to the Archer family. Alf Grundy (born 13 November 1944), Joe's elder son and a rogue. Appears intermittently in the series and is usually up to no good. Eddie Grundy (born 15 March 1951) ( Trevor Harrison ) is Joe's younger son and Clarrie's husband. During their marriage he was unrequitedly enamoured of Jolene Rogers (later Perks, now Archer), his partner in a country and western double act. Eddie's hopes of
5934-407: Is David and Ruth Archer's younger son and Pip and Josh's brother, having been born on 15 March 2002, delivered by his father on the kitchen floor. He has had a remarkably quiet childhood as Brookfield has been less important in the village with Bridge Farm elbowing other farms out of the spotlight. He has spent much time playing computer games with Rúairi Donovan (Brian Aldridge’s son) and since gaining
6072-514: Is Eddie Grundy's long-suffering wife, having married him in 1982. She became involved with him after her father, Jethro, employed him to remove the range in their home. Clarrie spends much of her time sorting out problems created by her husband and sons. She works at the dairy at Bridge Farm, where Pat Archer is a good friend, and formerly worked behind the bar at the Bull. In 2011 she was responsible for an outbreak of E-Coli at Bridge Farm . William "Will" Grundy (born 9 February 1983) (Philip Molloy)
6210-404: Is Ruth and David Archer's elder son, and Pip and Ben's brother. Growing up, Josh helped his parents out around the farm. He also took part in a spate of graffiti around the village, for which he was grounded. Josh later partnered with Neil Carter in a free-range egg business, before launching his own business buying, renovating, and selling farm vehicles. Ben Archer , played by Ben Norris . Ben
6348-486: Is a member of the local police force. Although based in Borchester he lives in Woodbine Cottage, Ambridge, with his wife, Fallon. Prior to their marriage the relationship hit a rocky patch when Burns arrested Fallon's father for drug dealing but they managed to get past this major obstacle. Ian Craig , played by Stephen Kennedy, is the husband of Adam Macy. A confidant and comforter of many a troubled resident,
6486-412: Is a pigman (working for Tom Archer) and milkman (working for Mike Tucker). Jazzer started out as a general ne'er-do-well, engaging in burglary and drug abuse, before settling down a little and holding down two jobs. While still a heavy drinker, with a profound dislike of either healthy food or housework, he then evolved into the village lothario, seducing several women on his milk round. Despite this he held
6624-439: Is a strong-minded woman, reflecting the character of her late mother, 'Mrs P'"; the website attributes Spencer as saying: "she also has a softer side, loving and loyal. She doesn't have a great sense of humour and has very strong principles." The show's editor Jeremy Howe, described Peggy as "utterly charming, utterly ruthless, sharp as a knife and witty in spades." Peggy Perkins is introduced as Jack Archer's " Londoner " wife in
6762-438: Is a vegetarian, climate change activist and opponent of hunting. Brian Aldridge (born Brian Jeremy Aldridge, 20 November 1943) ( Charles Collingwood ), considered by some to be the villain of the serial, is sometimes seen as one of the most interesting and subtle characters. Widower of Jack and Peggy Archer's daughter Jennifer, he is primarily a farmer, but has interests in a number of businesses, including Borchester Land. and
6900-531: Is busily involved in village life and supports her children by taking on child-minding duties. Jill is an active member of the Women's Institute , opened up a holiday cottage business, and is teaching her grandson, Josh, how to keep bees . Jill has a less traditional outlook on life than her late husband, who had been a Justice of the Peace , reflected in her opposition to both foxhunting and private education. Following
7038-575: Is of Welsh descent. Much taken with studying feminism in the mid-1980s, she came close to having an affair with her lecturer, Roger, just before Bridge Farm entered the process of becoming organic. Affected by severe depression at the time of John's death, she discovered at the end of 2011 that he had fathered a child. Filled with remorse, Pat had strongly disapproved of Sharon, John's girlfriend, and this discovery turned into an obsession which caused problems for her family. She also had problems with her daughter Helen's new boyfriend Rob in 2014, especially given
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#17327987373267176-529: Is portrayed as the wastrel of the Archer family. Having turned his back on the family farm to join the Merchant Navy , Kenton tried his hand at a number of ventures, including selling antiques and running a wine bar. He disappeared to Australia and New Zealand for several years and was married (originally to gain a visa, though they subsequently fell in love), had a daughter (Meriel), and divorced before returning home. Kenton's former partner, Kathy Perks,
7314-470: Is the daughter of Jennifer and Roger Travers-Macy, but chooses to use the surname of her stepfather Brian. After a spell at the University of Exeter she returned home to get away from a relationship with Canadian lecturer Simon Gerrard ( Garrick Hagon ); years later Debbie got involved with Simon again and in spite of Brian's forebodings they were married. However, Debbie subsequently discovered that Simon
7452-429: Is the daughter of Susan and Neil Carter, who were horrified when their daughter announced she was marrying into the Grundy family. When Will discovered her infidelity with his brother, she moved with Ed and baby George to a caravan outside her parents' home. A parental testing showed that despite Emma's certainty to the contrary, George was Will's son. She returned to live with her parents in 2006, but moved out to live at
7590-525: Is the elder daughter of Brian and Jennifer. Kate inherited her mother's hippie tendencies, but her narcissistic personality was unique to her. She gave birth to her daughter Phoebe in a tipi at the Glastonbury Festival . Roy Tucker is the father, with whom Phoebe lives in Ambridge. Kate emigrated to Johannesburg , South Africa where she married Lucas Madikane (Connie M'Gadzah). She had another daughter, Noluthando ("Nolly") and, born July 2007,
7728-440: Is the elder son of Eddie and Clarrie. Formerly a gamekeeper for Borchester Land where his boss was Brian Aldridge. In August 2004 he married Emma Carter and they had a son, George, but she harboured a dark secret: while engaged to Will she enjoyed two one-night stands with his brother, Ed, one on her hen night , leading her to believe that Ed was George's father. Eventually she left Will for Ed, taking George with her, although George
7866-498: Is the ex-wife of Sid Perks, the late landlord of The Bull. His current wife is Sid's widow, Jolene, whom he married in autumn 2013 at Lower Loxley. Together they run The Bull. Jolene Archer , formerly Perks , previously Tuson , originally Rogers (Buffy Davis), widow of Sid Perks, whose third wife she was, and landlady of the Bull. When younger she was a stalwart of the Borsetshire Country and Western scene (under
8004-458: Is the first child of Jennifer Aldridge, his father being former Brookfield farmhand Paddy Redmond (only confirmed by Jennifer herself in 2015.) Adam was adopted by Roger Travers-Macy, Jennifer's first husband. Adam lived abroad for many years, mainly in Kenya, helping breed goats, but came back to the family farm when a major relationship broke up. After a year or so, he fell in love with Ian Craig,
8142-586: Is the widowed lady of Lower Loxley. Following her marriage to Nigel Pargetter, she took to her role enthusiastically and her quick mind and sound business sense ensured that the Hall ran like a well-oiled machine. Her practical side was the perfect grounding for her eccentric and slightly scatty husband, who died in a fall from the roof on 2 January 2011. As the family rallied round, devastated Elizabeth drew her precious twins close to her. After David admitted to her that it had been he who had persuaded her husband to go onto
8280-467: Is the younger offspring of the Carter family. His mother had some difficulty bonding with him when he was born with a cleft lip . Now a farrier by occupation, a few years ago he had a brief relationship with Venetia, the daughter of a prominent Borsetshire family. His mother rather desperately encouraged this, to Neil's disapproval, but the couple soon found themselves incompatible, and Christopher finished
8418-496: Is the younger sister of Phil. A skilled horsewoman, she ran the local riding stables for many years. In the early 1950s she was a close friend of Grace Fairbrother who later married her brother Phil. Christine married Paul Johnson; it was discovered she was infertile, and they adopted a son, Peter. In the mid-1970s Paul deserted the family and he was later killed in a motorway crash in Germany. In 1979 Christine married George Barford,
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#17327987373268556-535: Is the younger son of Eddie and Clarrie. Ed took up his father's interest in music and aspired to be in a band. A farm labourer, Ed secured a job in France and planned to move there secretly with Emma and George, but they were thwarted in November 2005 by Will. In May 2006, Ed vanished after Emma left the caravan and moved into her parents' home, saying it was for the sake of her baby's health. He remained missing, despite
8694-481: Is visually impaired, unlike his character.) Peggy Woolley Margaret " Peggy " Woolley (also Perkins and Archer ), is a fictional character from the BBC Radio 4 soap opera The Archers . Portrayed by June Spencer for over 60 years, Peggy has served as the core family's – and by extension, the village's – matriarch. Until July 2022 Spencer was the only remaining member of the original cast. The Independent newspaper has called Woolley "a fixture in
8832-629: The Channel Islands ; she has by him a grown-up son James, who lives in London with Robert Snell's daughter Leonie and their son Mungo. Bellamy senior died in 1980, but Lilian unaccountably returned to Ambridge in 2003 and took up with Matt Crawford (then a married man); her exploits caused much gnashing of teeth from her respectable sister Jennifer Aldridge. Lilian was elected to the parish council in January 2006. Lilian took dancing lessons from Mike Tucker after she discovered that Crawford's ex-wife
8970-512: The Chelsea Flower Show . Spencer originally spent three years in the role, starting in 1950, until quitting the serial in 1953, and being replaced by Thelma Rogers . Spencer twice returned to The Archers in the following years to play another character, Rita Flynn, and was part of the cast when Rogers vacated the role of Peggy in 1962. Spencer swiftly resumed the role of Peggy and has played her ever since. The character has been
9108-548: The 1970s he had taken money to allow the dumping of toxic chemicals on Home Farm land, which by the late 2010s had started to leak into the Am. Brian was prosecuted by the Environment Agency and forced to retire from active management of the farm. To pay his fines he and Jenny were forced to sell the farmhouse and move into rented accommodation. Jenny died on 22 January 2023. Adam Macy (born 22 June 1967) (Andrew Wincott)
9246-696: The 6 September 2022 to 8 January 2023 at the Criterion Theatre, Felix starred as Sam in the West End show 2:22 A Ghost Story . He also portrayed Buzz Aldrin in The Crown . He currently embodies the ever charming Patrick Nash in Season 2,3, 4 and 5 of Miss Scarlet and the Duke . He is also set to appear as Rev Fulwar Craven Fowle in the upcoming series Miss Austen . This article about
9384-486: The ability to appear in the show from time to time). She occasionally visits home; and the installation of a new webcam also allows Debbie to talk and appear to everyone via computer. Debbie briefly returned to Ambridge again in 2011 with a proposal, now implemented, to build a super intensive dairy farm, which would go on to be run by Rob Titchener. Kate Madikane , née Aldridge (born 30 September 1977) (Perdita Avery, formerly played by Kellie Bright and Susie Riddell),
9522-468: The additional help of family support and counselling Ed has made major steps towards recovery, demonstrated by his increased dedication to Oliver Sterling's dairy farm. In April 2011 their daughter, Keira Susan, was born. In late 2012, financial troubles reflecting earlier reductions in milk prices forced the couple to move back in with Emma's parents. Emma Grundy , née Carter (born 7 August 1984) ( Emerald O'Hanrahan , formerly played by Felicity Jones )
9660-539: The affair and the breakdown of a marriage within which they were brought together. Although she came to accept him after Helen made a drastic move and left her family home and moved in with Rob in February, she had questioned whether Rob had played a part in Helen quitting her long-running job at the Ambridge Organics store. Her deceased son John's teenage son Johnny took up residence at Bridge Farm when he came to
9798-563: The birth of her son Henry Ian Archer, who was delivered by emergency caesarean section the day after New Year's Day 2011, Helen having been diagnosed by the vicar’s midwife daughter with pre-eclampsia . In 2013 she was attracted to the recently arrived dairy-unit manager, Rob Titchener. Intimacy ensued, although Rob was still married to Jess, who remained in Hampshire caring for her sick father. Helen and Henry moved in with Rob in early 2014, and Helen and Rob married in summer 2015. During 2015,
9936-511: The blame and, unaware that it had been Helen driving, Mike turned against him, opposing his relationship with Brenda. Mike subsequently discovered the truth, Helen paid for the driving course that Tom was sentenced to attend, and Tom and Brenda moved into one of the holiday cottages at Home Farm. After Will Grundy bought No. 1 The Green, Tom and Brenda rented the house from Will. After a brief split from Brenda, they got back together and became engaged on 29 May 2009. In April 2013 Brenda decided to end
10074-525: The briefest of stays with his Irish grandmother, educated for several years since then in England – was criticised in the BBC's Feedback programme as implausible , since young children rapidly adapt their accent to their surroundings. He no longer has an Irish accent, following a change of actor in 2012. Elizabeth Pargetter , née Archer (Alison Dowling) is Phil and Jill's younger daughter and, along with Kenton, at first rejected village life, attempting
10212-495: The brink of an affair with farm employee Sam Batton in the autumn of 2006. Many listeners considered Ruth's behaviour during this storyline to be entirely out of character, and therefore unbelievable. Others thought her immature self-centred vacillation was entirely in character, and that it was the largely off-air rehabilitation of the marriage and the family's 'blind eye' that was unbelievable. She has since undergone breast reconstruction surgery, and coped rather better than David with
10350-469: The cake. Spencer got her first radio role at the age of 18 playing a child in a programme about the railways. Spencer said she did not need to audition for the role, because she was already contracted to the BBC to star in a string of other radio plays. "My work was well-known", she said. When she started on The Archers , she initially played two roles – Peggy Archer and Rita Flynn, a local Irish baker with
10488-576: The caravan with Emma and George. Susan Carter , née Horrobin (born 10 October 1963) (Charlotte Martin), the village gossip, briefly became the most notorious Archers character ever when her imprisonment at Christmas 1993 for shielding her armed-robber brother Clive Horrobin led to the launch of the "Free the Ambridge One" campaign. Questions were asked in the House of Commons of then– Home Secretary Michael Howard . Her aspirational tendencies took
10626-540: The chef at Grey Gables. Ian and Adam's relationship has elicited little moral outrage or criticism in the village, with the exception of Sid Perks, the late landlord of the pub, and Adam's grandmother Peggy Woolley, who was distinctly uncomfortable. Adam and Ian considered embarking on parenthood; Ian had plans to artificially inseminate his old friend, Madds, and share responsibility for the child they hoped to produce, but Madds then fell in love with another man and changed her mind. The producers of The Archers maintain this
10764-571: The couple grew closer and ran property investment start-up Amside Holdings together – until Matt deserted her to live with another woman in Costa Rica. Since then she has formed a relationship with Justin Elliott, a wealthy businessman. Tony Archer (b. Anthony William Daniel Archer, dob. 16 February 1951) (played by Colin Skipp & David Troughton ) is the step-son of Jack Woolley being
10902-477: The debts and Alistair attended Gamblers Anonymous meetings. Daniel was expected to go to university to read Law in his father's footsteps, but upset his mother by joining the Royal Tank Regiment , though later she accepted his choice of career. In 2018, Shula stunned Alistair when she told him their marriage was over. Now divorced, they are still good friends and probably closer than they had been in
11040-449: The destruction of a field of genetically modified crops on Brian Aldridge's land, but neither was convicted. Tom is highly ambitious for his sausage-making business, but his contract with a supermarket chain nearly bankrupted him, despite his disastrous affair with their buyer, Tamsin. Tom was engaged to Brenda Tucker between May 2009 and April 2013. Tom decided to throw in his lot with Brian Aldridge, husband of his aunt Jennifer, becoming
11178-565: The disease. Jack's first signs were picked up in 2003, when he became confused about receiving a party invitation. A year later, he was found dazed and confused in the newly-renovated Grey Gables corridors, and his memory worsened over the year. Peggy was forced to accept Jack had to see a doctor in 2005. Jack performed poorly in the memory tests at the Felpersham clinic and was given medication, leading to Peggy asking him to reduce his business interests. The family looked after Jack while Peggy
11316-525: The early 2000s, producers for the show approached Spencer about shining a light on Alzheimer's disease by having her on-air husband Jack showing the symptoms and eventually being diagnosed. Spencer says – to this date – it is the best storyline she has worked on. "When they were thinking of doing the Alzheimer's story, I was asked how I would feel, because my husband had Alzheimer's", Spencer says. "And I said, 'I'm all in favour of it, let's bring it out into
11454-514: The end of his marriage. Pepperell died on 22 December 2023. Paying tribute to him, editor Jeremy Howe stated: "Ian had a lot more gas in the tank and was desperate to return to Ambridge once his health permitted... We will miss him dearly and our hearts go out to his family and friends and everyone who knew him. Ambridge loved Roy – The Archers and our millions of listeners loved Ian's Roy Tucker." Howe said Pepperell played Roy as "genial and anxious, funny and sad, easy-going and permanently stressed –
11592-543: The engagement and the couple separated. Tom later got back together with Kirsty, with whom he got engaged at Christmas 2013, the ring being in the last Christmas cracker, but after a crisis of confidence, Tom broke up with Kirsty in the vestry moments before their planned wedding. Subsequently, Tom sold his business and moved to Canada. He returned to Ambridge as soon as he heard about his father's accident. After his sister Helen's trial and acquittal, Tom and Kirsty got back together for one evening and she later discovered that she
11730-437: The entire cast of The Archers , like Kipling 's Himalayan she-bear who rends the peasant tooth and nail". "It is remarkable that country folk, who can browbeat a bull, seem completely at a loss with a cat. Possibly Hilda Ogden misses the bright lights of Felpersham. Perhaps she just doesn't like peasants." Christine is living with Peggy at The Lodge when Hilda gets under her feet and trips her up, leaving her in hospital and on
11868-480: The episode broadcast on 8 August, the character's son and daughter-in-law reflect on Peggy's life and agree that she is "an extraordinary woman." In a 2010 interview with Chris Irvine of The Daily Telegraph , Peggy is described as a "matriarchal figure". Spencer gave a much more brutal assessment, saying her character was "a nice old thing" who didn't always "see the funny side of things". "Peggy's quite narrow-minded in some things," Spencer says. "When Ambridge had
12006-441: The farm dairy and runs the organic farm shop, Ambridge Organics, in Borchester. After the suicide of her gamekeeper partner Greg Turner in 2004, she suffered from anorexia nervosa , but recovered after a time at a specialist clinic. In 2006 she dated a journalist who quickly rejected her; this subsequently threatened a return to her earlier problems. On New Year's Day 2007, while driving drunk, she knocked down Mike Tucker but Tom,
12144-518: The first episodes broadcast in 1951 at a New Year's party held at the Archers' home. That same year, Peggy would give birth to her third child, Tony. The next year, Jack threw in the towel at the small goods shop and went into business in Cornwall with wartime pal, Barney Lee. However, Barney took a shine to Peggy, and they returned to Ambridge. 'The Bull' was firmly in Jack's sights, and he took over
12282-487: The first female vicar in the village, Janet Fisher. Peggy disapproved, and began worshiping in Borchester. After turning down Jack Woolley's marriage proposal in the 1970s, the businessman tried again in 1990 when he asked Peggy to the Grey Gables Valentine Ball. In the episode broadcast on 12 October, Jack hesitantly asked Peggy to marry him while she was in the kitchen at Grey Gables. The pair took
12420-534: The former Grey Gables chef is socially easy-going and affable. However, Ian can be outspoken with his husband when he thinks Adam has overstepped the mark. His untiring support for Adam's grandmother Peggy while she cared for Jack revealed him to be not only a rock of sense but genuinely caring. Alan Franks , played by John Telfer , is the latest in a series of eccentric village vicars, was appointed to Ambridge and neighbouring parishes in 2003, moving from Nottingham where he had previously worked as an accountant and
12558-454: The future of the farm. She finished her degree in the summer of 2015 and accepted a post with an international agri-business with which she could gain experience of farming around the world. But during the initial orientation, she changed her mind and decided to return home to Ambridge and work with her parents at Brookfield. She became involved with Toby Fairbrother, a son of Robin Fairbrother (who had briefly romanced Elizabeth many years ago). As
12696-453: The gang, Spanner Bridges (so called because he used a spanner (wrench) as a weapon) and Craven, were charged, and while Craven pleaded guilty and got a lesser sentence, Spanner was convicted and sentenced, his bike being sold and the proceeds given to Usha. Much later, when she discovered that Locke had slept with her best friend Shula Hebden (on an occasion when Shula was vulnerable and he took advantage of his position as family doctor) she ended
12834-494: The home. Arnold Peters, who had played Jack Woolley, died in May 2013 aged 88. Peters' last recording was two years earlier for the character's birthday. The actor had also been a victim of the disease. Spencer recalls his last appearance, describing it as a "perfect" performance. "We went to see him in his retirement home. He could still turn in a good performance. He read it perfectly. We worked together just as we'd always done, up to
12972-541: The idea and attended the wedding, though Mabel did not. Usha Franks (née Gupta ), played by Souad Faress and formerly by Sudha Bhuchar , works as a solicitor in Felpersham and is one of very few ethnic minority characters in the series. On moving into the village, Usha was the subject of a harassment campaign by a racist gang which included Roy Tucker. To offer support and protection, the local GP, Richard Locke ( William Gaminara ), then her lover, moved into her house, Blossom Hill Cottage, shortly afterwards. Two members of
13110-496: The increasing indications that Rob was coercively controlling and emotionally abusing Helen became a major plot line. In April 2016, after meeting Jess in secret, Helen stabbed Rob after he refused to let her and Henry leave (placing a knife in her hands, goading her to end her own life, then lashing out at Henry when the child interrupted the confrontation). Subsequently she was arrested and charged with attempted murder . In an hour-long special broadcast on Sunday 11 September 2016, she
13248-502: The kitchens and sitting rooms of middle England since Clement Attlee was prime minister" and has a voice that is the "epitome of reassurance'. BBC Radio 4 calls the character a "traditionalist" who makes her "opinions known to her children if she felt they were contravening her strict moral code". Other commentators have labelled her as a "gangsta granny" and a "wealthy widow who lives in a grand house and controls family members using her money". Spencer also recorded episodes as Peggy at
13386-729: The last few years of their marriage. In 2019, Shula surprised her family when she announced her intention to take the initial steps to becoming a Church of England vicar. She moved to Sunderland in 2022 for work, when the actor retired. Alistair Lloyd (born 1962) (Michael Lumsden), Shula's ex-husband, is a vet. His father Professor Jim Lloyd ( John Rowe ) stayed with them at Christmas and New Year 2007–8 while his broken leg healed. A committed atheist he riled Shula and antagonised his son, but indulged Daniel and contrived to get along with everyone else, except for Phil who saw through him. Alistair mentored Ryan at Gamblers Anonymous. Jim later relocated, bought his own property in Ambridge and went into
13524-567: The last." Producers decided Peters' character would die off-screen the following year. In the episode broadcast on 2 January 2014, Peggy brings Jack home to spend his final days. She puts the record player on, and plays " Love Is The Sweetest Thing ", sung by Al Bowlly . The song was significant because it was the same one they danced to at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool , shortly after they began dating. Jack dies, with Peggy uttering
13662-513: The liaison. He began seeing Alice to the barely concealed delight of his social-climbing mother and the scarcely concealed horror of Alice's mother, Jennifer Aldridge. The couple married unexpectedly in Las Vegas during a 2010 summer holiday. Their first child, Martha Carter , was born prematurely in March 2021. Tracy Horrobin (Susie Riddell) is the younger sister of Susan Carter and frequently
13800-545: The licence. Peggy became the publican in 1953 after authorities caught Jack serving drinks after hours. In 1959, Aunt Laura loaned the couple the money to buy 'The Bull'. Peggy would be worried in 1961 by eldest daughter Jennifer's sudden return from a ski trip with a boyfriend called Max. Peggy and Jack extended the pub in 1964, once again with a loan from Aunt Laura, and built a new dining room and small flat for Laura. As her father's drinking worsened, Jennifer returned to work at 'The Bull' to support Peggy. Jack would later turn
13938-417: The marriage to Usha Gupta, a Hindu, of the vicar, to whom Shula had been 'right-hand woman' for the parish. Coping with the childhood arthritis of her son, Daniel, did not help, nor did her husband's gambling addiction , which nearly destroyed their marriage before he finally admitted to owing huge sums to Matt Crawford and others. The couple resolved to stay together; they remortgaged the business to pay off
14076-651: The name The Lily of Layton Cross), and object of Eddie Grundy's affections, much to Clarrie's distress. Following Sid's untimely death she formed a relationship with Kenton Archer, and they were married in 2013. David Archer (born David Thomas Archer, 18 September 1959) ( Timothy Bentinck , formerly played by Nigel Carrivick) is the second son of Phil and Jill and, as the only child of the four to show any interest in, or aptitude for, farming, has assumed responsibility for Brookfield Farm. Over recent years he has become increasingly caring, for example driving up to Northumberland to bring his widowed mother-in-law to stay, and renting
14214-454: The open, it needs to be done.' It was a rare moment when an actor could influence a storyline. I was called to a script conference, which was unprecedented. The writers and directors sat around the big table and asked me to talk about it – what was it like, when did you first discover it. So I just talked. When I finished, they gave me a round of applause. Prof Simon Lovestone (a specialist in the condition at King's College London ) wrote that it
14352-455: The programme, I was literally mobbed." Spencer said in a 2010 interview with The Independent that it was "very little pay" in the early days of the show. "There was plenty of time to do other things. I was doing a lot of radio at the time. There were only about 10 or 12 of us, now there are over 60." Spencer has also criticised The Archers creator Godfrey Baseley as being a "very abrupt man" who "could be very dictatorial" and "thought he
14490-476: The receiving end of 'helpful' advice about her unmarried status by her Aunty Satya ( Jamila Massey ), an occasional visitor to Ambridge from Usha's home town of Wolverhampton who attempted to match-make for her on numerous occasions, with cousins from home. The character of Usha is said to be based on Kamlesh Bahl, former Vice President of the Law Society . Jack "Jazzer" McCreary , played by Ryan Kelly ,
14628-416: The relationship and threw him out, also ending her friendship with Shula (whom she told off with relish, they are now arch-enemies). More recently, some local parishioners made complaints to the bishop when Alan, the vicar, began a relationship with Usha (who is Hindu). These two threads are linked by Shula's possible involvement in this disapproval and her resignation as churchwarden. Usha was also regularly on
14766-424: The roof in the first place, Elizabeth exploded in a violent rage and swore she would never forgive him. After 18 months Elizabeth realised the feud had gone on for too long, and family relations returned to normal. Helen Titchener , née Archer (born 16 April 1979) ( Louiza Patikas , formerly played by Frances Graham and Bonnie Engstrom), Tony and Pat Archer's daughter, makes a cheese called Borsetshire Blue in
14904-411: The same interview "barely having a free weekend" due to the demand of public appearances to promote the serial. "I can remember on one occasion being flown down to Cornwall in a rather ancient plane which had been very loosely adapted for civilian use," she told the BBC. "When we got there, there was a very large gathering of the Women's Institute for women all over Cornwall. Such was the popularity of
15042-472: The strain of the pregnancy on her heart meant that she soon afterwards had to undergo a heart valve replacement operation. Elizabeth is highly critical of the way David manages the Brookfield estate, and is very concerned to ensure that her family receives its due portion of the estate. Elizabeth's mother-in-law Julia lived in the family pile until her demise in 2005. She was highly critical of Elizabeth, who
15180-580: The sudden transformation of priggish daughter Pip into a very stroppy seventeen-year-old with a much older boyfriend, Jude, who eventually dropped her. More recently, Ruth has suffered a miscarriage and championed a potential move from Brookfield to Prudhoe should "Route B" be constructed, breaking the farm in two. Although David went along with this at first, he had doubts and confessed he could never leave Ambridge. Elizabeth Pargetter , née Archer (born Elizabeth Ann Archer, 21 April 1967) (Alison Dowling). The youngest child of Phil and Jill Archer, Elizabeth
15318-400: The village but when Helen and her children returned both Tom and Johnny moved to Number 1, The Green owned by Will Grundy. (See also Former principal characters .) Shula Hebden Lloyd , née Archer , previously Hebden (born Shula Mary Archer, 8 August 1958) ( Judy Bennett ) is the elder daughter of Phil and Jill and twin sister of Kenton. Her first husband, Mark Hebden, a solicitor,
15456-432: The widow of Phil's elder brother, Jack Archer (d. 1972), and of Jack Woolley (d. 2014). When married to Jack Archer, they managed (and later owned) the Bull. After many years of close friendship, Peggy married Jack Woolley. Peggy had two daughters, Jennifer and Lilian, and a son, Tony, by her first husband. She is indulgent of her grandchildren and has provided several of them with significant financial support. Although she
15594-560: The words: "Goodbye, Jack. Goodbye, my darling". A few years later, Peggy comes home from a hairdressing appointment at Fabrice of Felpersham with a new cat, Hilda, to replace Bill. The latter, a greatly overweight cat, died after being run over by her son-in-law, Brian Aldridge ( Charles Collingwood ). The new cat is named after Hilda Ogden , a character in the television soap opera Coronation Street . Journalist Nancy Banks-Smith wrote in The Guardian that "she has also taken against
15732-525: The younger daughter of Brian and Jennifer, studied engineering at Southampton University. Her best friend is the vicar's daughter, Amy Franks. She likes horses and has a horse, Spearmint. She is friends with both Adam and Debbie. In considering joining the RAF, who ultimately rejected her application, she came into conflict with Amy's pacifist views. In 2010 she married Chris Carter (below), the farrier son of Neil and Susan. She graduated from Felpersham University with
15870-399: The youngest child and only son of Jack and Peggy Archer. In his younger days he romanced a string of girlfriends. In 1972 Jane Petrie , an attractive young art teacher from the fictional Borchester , was running the summer school at Arkwright Hall . The distraction would get Tony the sack from Ralph Bellamy's dairy enterprise. In 1974 he settled down to marry Pat, with whom he now runs
16008-432: Was God". She added, "I can't say he was greatly loved". According to Spencer, "He wasn't very popular but he knew what he was doing when he invented The Archers ." In many interviews given around the time of the show's 60th anniversary in 2010, Spencer admitted that she did not see herself playing the part of Peggy Perkins as a long-term acting job. In an interview with Radio Times journalist David Brown, she says it
16146-487: Was a "tuppenny-ha'penny thing" and "very badly paid". "I want to continue for as long as I can turn in a decent performance — I wouldn't want to go downhill", she told Brown. "But I'd like to turn 100 [in June 2019] and still be in The Archers . I'm afraid I can't wait to retire until Peggy's 100 because she's five years younger than me. Spencer drove to the studio in Birmingham to record her lines up "a couple of times
16284-406: Was a much better dancer than she. In 2008 she and Crawford were briefly separated, and Lilian was an unwelcome guest at The Bull, but with the connivance of Sid and Jolene they were reunited. Crawford has since served a prison term for fraud. Their relationship was further tested when his long-lost brother Paul Morgan sought out, befriended, and ultimately fell in love with Lilian. After Matt's release
16422-512: Was a very popular plot nationwide. Ian proposed to Adam and the pair entered a civil partnership on 14 December 2006. In mid-2012, Adam suffered a blow to the head while attempting to stop a robbery, but has since recovered. Once again, Adam and Ian contemplated parenthood; in 2019, surrogate and friend Lexi gave birth to Alexander Macy-Craig (Xander). Debbie Aldridge , formerly Gerrard , née Travers-Macy (born 24 December 1970) ( Tamsin Greig )
16560-473: Was being unfaithful, and they divorced. When Adam returned from Africa, a bout of sibling rivalry erupted: to a certain extent, this remains ongoing, although there are indications that Adam and Debbie are reaching an understanding. Debbie is currently based in Hungary, where she runs the estate owned by a consortium to which Brian belongs (this gives the actress, Tamsin Greig, who has moved on to other projects,
16698-407: Was broadcast on 31 July. Of her decision, Spencer stated: "In 1950, I helped to plant an acorn. It took root and in January 1951 it was planted out and called The Archers . Over the years it has thrived and become a splendid great tree with many branches. But now this old branch, known as Peggy, has become weak and unsafe so I decided it was high time she 'boughed' out, so I have duly lopped her." In
16836-405: Was christened Philippa in homage to David's father and Rose after Ruth's aunt: the eldest Brookfield child is known in the family as Pip, and at college as Phiz. She inherited some of grandfather Phil's interest in music, learning to play the piano and singing solos at carol concerts. Pip has a clear interest in farming and also caring for the environment. Pip split from her first boyfriend, Jonathan,
16974-416: Was eventually offered a permanent job there. He had an on/off relationship with Kate Aldridge, which resulted in their daughter Phoebe being born in 1998, but then married Hayley. Roy, Hayley and Phoebe lived with Mike Tucker at Willow Farm. Attempts to find an affordable home for his family met with failure until Mike split Willow Farm in two. Roy had an affair with Elizabeth in 2014 which, though brief, led to
17112-436: Was fired, and now works at the Bull. When the village cricket team opened itself to female players she joined the team, eventually winning an election to become team captain. She is an erratic bowler, who often has to be stopped from excessive sledging . Susie Riddell had previously voiced Kate Aldridge but left the series to pursue other projects before returning as Tracy. Sergeant Harrison Burns , played by James Cartwright,
17250-403: Was formerly part of a teenage gang which perpetrated a series of racist attacks on Usha Gupta; he gave them her address. Realising the error of his ways, he went on to gain a degree in business studies at Felpersham University. He worked at Grey Gables, and was promoted to deputy manager. After Nigel Pargetter's death, he began working at Lower Loxley, initially just to assist Elizabeth. However, he
17388-542: Was in the context of Shula's devout Christianity and membership of the local Parish Council . She owns and runs the riding stables which formerly belonged to Christine Barford, her aunt. She used once to have great fun with her best friend, Caroline, but later Caroline became engrossed in her relationship with her husband Oliver Sterling and their business activities. After her marriage to Alistair, Shula lost her lightheartedness and became rather dour, self-centred and even, at times, sanctimonious, as evidenced by her attitude to
17526-417: Was keen to settle down: the couple married within two years. They have three children: Philippa (Pip), Josh and Ben. Ruth survived breast cancer which struck in 2000, undergoing a mastectomy operation. Ruth's utterance "Oh noooooo", spoken in her Northumberland accent, was frequently parodied on the BBC Radio 4 comedy programme Dead Ringers . In an unpopular and heavily criticised plotline Ruth teetered on
17664-481: Was killed in a road accident in 1994 that also involved her best friend Caroline Bone (later Sterling). Shula and Mark's son Daniel was born after the death of his father as a result of IVF treatment after a long struggle with infertility. Some years after Mark's death, Shula had an affair with the village doctor (who was himself living with Shula's hitherto good friend Usha Gupta), thus two-timing her boyfriend Alistair (the local vet) whom she subsequently married. This
17802-473: Was later shown by DNA paternity testing to be Will's child. Will's existing rivalry with Ed became even more intense: to Clarrie's despair the brothers engaged in physical tussles and bitter arguments over Emma and George. In 2008 he was left £120,000 by a relative, and bought the Carters' former home from Matt Crawford, a property his friend Roy Tucker had been interested in. Will and Ed's rivalry culminated in
17940-415: Was leader of a rewilding scheme aiming at improving the natural life around Ambridge along with Pip Archer and Rex Fairbrother until moving to Scotland for a new job. Rúairi Donovan (born 14 November 2002 ) ( Arthur Hughes since 2018) is the son of Brian Aldridge and Siobhán Hathaway. His persistent Irish accent – despite his having been born and raised during his earliest years in Germany and, after only
18078-419: Was married to her son Nigel until his death from a fall in January 2011. Lily Rosalind and Frederick Hugo "Freddie" Pargetter ( Katie Redford and Toby Laurence, formerly played by Georgie Feller and Jack Firth) are Elizabeth and Nigel's twins. They were both born on 12 December 1999 via Caesarean section because of Elizabeth's heart condition. Freddie had to stay in a special care unit for several days as he
18216-465: Was pregnant. While preparing for the birth of the child Tom gained a Nuffield Scholarship , which he hoped would enable him to set up an organic baby -food business. Kirsty miscarried and Tom lost all enthusiasm for baby food, returning from his travels instead with a passion for fermented food, something not widely shared in the family nor the village. While on the Nuffield Scheme, Tom fell for
18354-622: Was something of a left wing firebrand in her youth she is now very conservative, living in The Lodge which was the gatehouse for Grey Gables. She has been a silent character since 2022, when the actor retired at the age of 103. Lilian Bellamy , née Archer (born 8 July 1947) (Sunny Ormonde, formerly played by Elizabeth Marlowe) is the twice-widowed, gin-soaked, chain-smoking second daughter of Peggy Archer (and step-daughter of Jack Woolley). After acquiring her second husband Ralph Bellamy in 1971, she left Ambridge to live with him in tax exile in
18492-455: Was struggling along with some help from Grey Gables chef Ian Craig, before eventually admitting her husband needed professional care. Despite the live-in carer, Peggy still found Jack incredibly demanding. Peggy came to the reluctant and painful realisation in 2009 that she could no longer care for Jack at home. It was time to let go, and Jack went to live at The Laurels. Jack celebrated his 92nd birthday in 2011, surrounded by friends and family at
18630-444: Was the truest depiction of Alzheimer's he had ever come across." Jack would suffer from the disease for about 11 years, until his off-air death in 2014. Then editor of the show, Vanessa Whitburn, said: "We felt that we could do the story properly because we can do it over such a long period in real time." "And we've been keen to show that he has good days as well as bad." The programme won a Mental Health Media award for its portrayal of
18768-427: Was ultimately acquitted after the jury decided that she had acted in self-defence. Tom Archer (born Thomas Archer, 25 February 1981) ( William Troughton ; previously Tom Graham) is the younger son of Tony and Pat. He took over his elder brother's pig herd after John was killed in a tractor accident, going on to produce organic sausages . Tom and his then girlfriend, Kirsty Miller, faced criminal charges in 1999 for
18906-498: Was underweight. Before his death Nigel wanted his children to take the exams for the Felpersham Cathedral School. Lily is the more easily angered, sarcastic and pretentious twin while Freddie is more sweet-natured and very sensitive, though also more cocky and moody at times. In October 2018 Freddie was given a 12-month youth detention order for dealing in narcotics. Roy Tucker , played by Ian Pepperell,
19044-576: Was visiting a friend, and realised the extent of Jack's memory problems. They encouraged Peggy to take Enduring Power of Attorney over Jack's affairs. Jack was resistant but accepted the idea after an unhappy visit from his gold-digging daughter Hazel. In 2006, Jack sold Grey Gables. When Jack's friend Sir Sidney Goodman died he planned to speak at the funeral, but in the end Peggy had to stand in for him. Jack became occasionally aggressive towards Peggy or would wander off. The family offered more practical help and Rev Alan Franks persuaded Peggy to enlist Jack in
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