The Archers actor Arnold Peters dies at age of 87

VETERAN actor Arnold Peters, who was known for his role as Jack Woolley in the radio soap The Archers for more than 30 years, has died at the age of 87.

His appearances on the show spanned almost 60 years, having first featured in the cast in 1953 and notching up spells as two other characters prior to Jack.

Peters died after suffering from Alzheimer’s – a disease that also affected his character. He continued to perform until July 2011, despite the condition. His family said he died on Saturday at a home in Northamptonshire.

Peters was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s shortly after his character began to suffer from it, but he continued acting and was said to “come to life” in front of a microphone. Although he was last heard on 19 July, 2011, in the show, Jack survives as a “silent” character. The Radio 4 rural series won a Mental Health Media Award for its handling of the storyline.

June Spencer, who plays his wife Peggy, said: “He always turned in a good performance. He loved acting. It was his life.”