OMG! Phil is dead.

[OrmRenewed]

I've always thought of him as like my dad

Oh come on! Hasn't anyone listened? Or are you all still in shock?

I didn't hear it What happened?

Well....

he died!

When she came back there was some lovely music playing (Elgar?) and he was still and lifeless.

who is Phil?

Phil Archer.

i'm glad i wasn't listening to that.

I have never got over John Archer dying. I seriously mean that. Went from a daily Archers fan to listening once in a blue moon after that. Poor Phil

Sadly R4 has been the soundtrack to my life. SOmeone in my office has a Minute Waltz ringtone and everytime it rings I see Kenneth Williams . Phil Archer was always the patriarch and a one of the good guys.

but at least they'd had a nice day out- even Peggy was quite cheerful

I know phil was just like part of the ideal family you would like to have(dumbledoresgirl I agree as still choke thinking about john). But WTF was going on today do scriptwriters really think we need timely reminder of why Shula and ESP Elizabeth (who clearly has got the dibs on mourning in her usual selfish overgrown teen way- leave your mum alone who was clearly having a lovely chat with clarrie before toy steamed in you nosey selfish bossy cow)...

Sorry must be the grief talking

Sorry so irate forgot to finish sentence- should say why Shula and Elizabeth are so fucking irritating

I cried this evening

I loved Phil.

I missed John's death, from what I have heard on here I am very grateful. It sounds too sad to bear.

I cried, too. The Valentine's card did for me! Thought Friday's ep was beautifully done. Know what you mean about Shula and Elizabeth - wonder if we'll hear from Kenton? He's so NOT a chip off the old block, is he?

I must admit that I was tearful during dinner (much to my DC bemusement . I insisted on radio being on while we ate (we never do that!).

I was just thinking that some of the actors have been together for 40 yrs or so. It must really feel like a bereavement.

You do know that Norman Painting died a little while back so they had to write out the character. In fact it is a real bereavement so it must be v hard for the cast.

Oh yes of course he did! I'd forgotten.

I think I remember them saying at the time that they wanted to make sure they got Phil's death right so I guess they have been planning how best to do it.
Didn't the same thing happen with Nigel's mother, not such a major character of course.

oh No, the Valentine card has just reduced me to tears, that was so beautfully done.

I won't tell you how long I've been listening, the Archers is just entwined in my life. My daughter was really pleased to have a Sunday off yesterday as she could listen to the omnibus and then it was so sad..As someone said earlier it must be hard for the cast.

I took part in a quiz at St Helens show in the 1980's with Mike and Susan, I just loved that, a real highlight of my radio life.

OK I'm fine now, all tears gone!

I remember John Archer's death. There was no signature tune at the end of the ep. Very sad. Didn't hear Phil's but very sad.. it is definitely the end of an era.

I listened when John died, but had forgotten that they omitted the signature tune at the end of the episode (probably don't remember as was just aghast at his death).

I thought Phil's death was dealt with quite respectfully, esp. as we all knew it was coming.

I don't like to think about how long I've been listening to the Archers. I do, however, remember that my mother listened to it when I was a kid. And I swore I'd never do the same! (Was Oscar Wilde right that all women turn into their mothers in the end?)

aw pants. been abroad and missed this, must catch up on iplayer. I've only just got over traumatising myself with the death of a key actress on 'survivors' having been catching up on sky+

really must engage with the unpacking!

Oh dear, having another good old sob now.

Does every family need a Nigel?

Oh dear, having another good old sob now.

Does every family need a Nigel?

Just listened on 'listen again' - quite moving I thought. I'd done most of my crying in the last few episodes-took me back to that weird time for family members between the death and the funeral...