Veteran actor Arnold Peters, known for his role as Jack Woolley in The Archers for more than 30 years, has died at the age of 87.
His appearances on the show spanned almost 60 years, having first featured in the cast in 1953 and notching up spells as two other characters prior to taking over the role of Jack.
Peters died after suffering from Alzheimer’s, a disease which also affected his character although he continued to perform until July 2011 despite the condition.
His family said he died on Saturday at a home in Northamptonshire.
Peters was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s shortly after his character began to suffer from the condition but despite the toll it was taking on his memory, he was able to continue acting and was said to “come to life” in front of a microphone.
Although he was last heard on July 19 2011 in the show, Jack still survives in the show as a “silent” character and is regularly visited by his wife Peggy.
The Radio 4 series won a Mental Health Media Award for its handling of the Alzheimer’s storyline.
Actress June Spencer, who plays Peggy, said: “As an actor he was the complete pro. He was very conscientious.
“He always turned in a good performance, no matter what we were doing. He loved acting. It was his life. I picture him in the latter days in the green room, with his stick and his cap, always very genial.”
He also became a familiar face on TV in an advertising campaign for Werther’s Originals toffees.