´óÏó´«Ã½

Listeners to ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4's The Archers will be able to hear Norman Painting's last episode this Sunday (22 November 2009), recorded just two days before the actor died last month.

Norman's scenes take place in the warm kitchen of Glebe Cottage, as Phil and Jill enjoy a traditional Stir-Up Sunday with two of their seven grandchildren. Amidst the familiar banter, Phil, Jill and Ruth make plans for the forthcoming Christmas festivities, while grandsons Josh and Ben enjoy helping Jill with her famous puddings and cakes.

Vanessa Whitburn, Editor of The Archers, says: "It has been of great comfort to me and the rest of Norman's friends that he was able to carry on recording the programme he loved, right up until the end of his life."

She adds: "It seems fitting that Norman's final scenes should perfectly reflect the character he had brought Phil to become; a grandfather and a family man, with a mischievous sense of humour, and an active interest in the workings of his much-loved farm, Brookfield."

Norman Painting played the role of Phil Archer continuously for nearly 60 years, from the pilot episode in 1950.

Notes to Editors

The episode of the Archers will be broadcast at 7.00pm on ´óÏó´«Ã½Â Radio 4 on Sunday 22 November, and repeated at 2.00pm on Monday 23 November. It will also be repeated as part of the omnibus on Sunday 29 November, and will be available to listen again on ´óÏó´«Ã½ iPlayer.

SD2