Is Elizabeth Archer finally going to get her man?

IT WAS an affair that sent ripples through The Archers – young Elizabeth Archer falling for Robin Fairbrother, a dashing older man, only to have her heart broken when she discovered he was married.

More than 30 years on, the couple could rekindle their romance after the BBC announced that Robin is making a return, now played by Anthony Head.

Long-time fans will recall the original 1987 storyline, which culminated in Elizabeth angrily confronting Robin and pouring a glass of wine over him. The BBC said that his character was only ever referred to in the third person and added that this would be the first time he had been voiced.

Radio 4 paved the way for his return by introducing his sons, Toby and Rex, in 2015.

Head, a heartthrob since his days in the Nescafé Gold Blend adverts, will join the soap from July 29.

Asked if his character had a prospect of romance, he replied: “That would be quick work, wouldn’t it?”

Head described Robin as “a bit of a smooth-talker”. He added: “I find it fascinating that he’s been around for some time but he’s never been heard before.” Elizabeth, played by Alison Dowling, is now a widow, following the death of Nigel Pargetter. The BBC recently teased: “Could there be room for someone else in Elizabeth’s life as she enters her sixth decade?”

Head, who says he listens to The Archers when “mucking out the donkeys”, said: “When you’re asked to do something that is a classic British bastion, you say yes.”