RIP Phil Archer

[Lilymaid]

Or rather Norman Painting, the actor who has played Phil for over 50 years who died today. No more astronomy or competitive baking.

Oh no how sad!

I'm amazed he was 85. I always thought he sounded in his 60's. It was just the mental picture I had of him.

He did a fantastic job. I should think if you've played a character for that long you are them and they are you iyswim.

Oh poor old Phil! I wonder how they'll plot that one out.

There will be a tribute to the actor on the PM programme shortly.

I think that they have already plotted it, abraid, in the form of Jim.

RIP Norman

That article brought tears to my eyes. Norman had such a beautiful voice and Phil was always so nice.
How bizarre that he has been outlived by Grace who 'died' 54 years ago.

Yes, lovely voice. Sort of kind, like your favourite grandad.

Very sad - and agree, TsChasm - he did wound much younger. Lovely, soft, contented voice

sound, not wound ...

I am surprised at the BBC's coverage of this. The six o'clock news hardly mentioned him (I know it is a busy news day but they could have bumped the article on coastal Wales) and the local (Midlands) news didn't say much more. As for Continuity saying that today's programme - all about the Grundys invading Brookfield - was dedicated to him ... words fail me!

R4, they'd had quite a bit in the PM program directly before the 6pm news - clips and interview with 'Jill'.

I will miss him - a voice who has been there all my life (and longer). I think 'Phil' must have been a bit younger than Norman really was.

Oh nooooo!

very sad news

No How sad.

Oh how sad - didn't realise he was in his eighties, but then I knew about his first wife dying in 1955... Will have to put a note on calendar for last episode on 22nd Nov.

Poor Jill

I don't understand how its been plotted out with Jim? Have I missed something obvious - or is it just him becoming the senior man on the programme?

Very sad.

I always feel I know people on the radio more than those on TV as they seem more part of my life as I listen pretty much all day.

Grimma, I heard the piece on PM. I was referring to the TV six o'clock news. Norman was born in 1924, Phil in 1928.

Moodlum: I just meant that Jim is the 'replacement' grand-dad. Listening to today's programme and Joe going on about how tired he was, I was almost expecting him to go too. He's 88 and Jack is 90.

R4 - Oh, TV. I wouldn't know . TBH I wouldn't expect much of a mention except on Radio4.

I thought the BBC generally would make more of a fuss, I doubt we'll see his like again. I was trying to explain to the DC about how long Norman/Phil had been around and trying to find an analogy and I couldn't think of one. Perhaps Patrick Moore or QEII?

He was the first article on R4 news just after it was announced, which is pretty good, and the third or fourth article on bulletins thereafter.

Very sad. Like everyone else, I always saw Phil as much younger, but I suppose he had to be in his 80's or the first wife thing becomes pretty illegal! I wonder how they'll write him out.

I think he had terminal cancer but it doesn't make it any easier RIP

Wilbur - did you say Phil's last episode is on the 22nd? Is that Stir-up Sunday this year? When every year, Jill has the grandchildren round to make the Christmas puddings at Glebe Cottage... sob

Noooooooooo! Have been away on holiday and have only just seen this. He had such a beautiful comforting voice - I'll miss him

CCM, I think you have it. The last broadcast is 22nd, which is indeed stir-up Sunday.

I read that in the last programme he recorded (going out on 22nd) it's all about preparing for Christmas with the grandchildren.