Jeremy Howe: Last News

Tributes were paid today to much-loved soap star Ysanne Churchman as her death at the age of 99 was revealed by the BBC following a career that spanned five decades in radio, TV and film.The actress is best known for having playing Grace Archer in Radio 4 soap opera The Archers, with her exit - which drew 20million listeners - proving so controversial that listeners bombarded the BBC and filled newspaper letters pages with complaints for days. It saw Grace running into a burning stable to rescue her best friend’s horses, but was trapped by a falling beam and said her final words on the way to hospital, telling her husband of six months Phil Archer that she loved him before she died.The dramatic death was initially rumoured to be a spoiler tactic to draw audiences away from the launch of the BBC's new commercial rival ITV, which took place on the same day in 1955.The Archers’ current editor Jeremy Howe led tributes to the star, saying: “We are saddened by the death of Ysanne Churchman, whose role as the inimitable Grace Archer captured the nation.

June Spencer has passed away at the grand age of 105, her family announced.The beloved actress brought Peggy Woolley to life on BBC Radio 4's The Archers right since the show's inception in 1951. Upon her retirement in 2022 at 103, she was celebrated as the longest-serving character in the history of the programme.The BBC released a heartfelt statement, saying: "June Spencer, aged 105, best known for playing Peggy in BBC Radio 4 The Archers, died peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of this morning." They added, "Her family would like to pay particular tribute and thanks to the staff team at Liberham Lodge, who so lovingly cared for her in the last two years." Her journey with The Archers began with a pilot episode back in 1950, and over the years, her character navigated through some of the most compelling storylines on air.

Ysanne Churchman, best known for her role as Grace Archer in the 1950s Radio 4 drama The Archers, has passed away at the age of 99.

British actor Ian Pepperell has died after long illness aged 53, the BBC has announced.

Actor Ian Pepperell has sadly died at the age of 53 following a long illness, the BBC have confirmed. Ian was best known for playing Roy Tucker in The Archers.

BBC Radio 4 on July 31. Spencer said: “In 1950 I helped to plant an acorn. It took root and in January 1951 it was planted out and called The Archers.