Veteran actor who ‘brought truth to role’ in The Archers dies at 80

COLIN SKIPP, who played Tony Archer for more than 40 years on The Archers, has died at the age of 80. Radio 4 said Skipp, who featured in many of Ambridge’s most memorable storylines, “will be greatly missed”.

He played Tony Archer from 1967 to 2013 before bowing out because of ill-health.

The serial’s editor, Jeremy Howe, said: “Colin had a wonderful voice, which made Tony singular and distinctive. He was absolutely Colin’s creation.”

Pat Gallimore, who plays Tony’s wife Pat in the series, said: “Colin and I shared many years together as radio spouses before ill-health forced him to retire, and I have 40 years of memories to look back on with happiness.

“Colin was a very fine actor who brought truth and integrity to the role of Tony, as well as being a good friend and generous colleague.”

His character faced tragedy over the years, blaming himself when his son, John, was killed in a tractor accident in 1998.

Tony had a reckless streak in his youth and at one point, an exasperated Pat moved out.

The couple created Bridge Farm, whose profitable organic unit was at the vanguard of agricultural thinking at the time.

Away from the series, Skipp directed a 2004 stage dramatisation of the life of Julie Andrews, with his daughter, Nova, in the title role.

He retired from the programme after a series of heart attacks and another actor, David Troughton, took over the role.