The renowned actor Ian Pepperell, known for his portrayal of Roy Tucker in The Archers, has passed away at the age of 53. As announced by the BBC, he died on Friday after struggling with a lengthy illness. Pepperell’s distinguished acting career also saw him act in EastEnders and in various stage productions.
Pepperell’s acting prowess in The Archers made him the quintessential Archers actor, said the drama’s editor Jeremy Howe, adding that his death was tragic and that they would miss him terribly. Pepperell played the character of Roy Tucker, a patient hotelier, in the long-running programme for 22 years. Howe stated that Pepperell had wanted to return to Ambridge, where much of the drama is set, after his health permitted him to do so, adding that Pepperell’s Roy was much loved by audiences and a cherished character in the show.
Pepperell’s love for The Archers was undeniable, as evidenced in his last conversation with Howe, where he described the show as his family. It was expressed by BBC Director of Speech Mohit Bakaya that Pepperell was an incredibly skilled actor, who had made significant contributions to The Archers and brought joy to listeners of Radio 4 for more than two decades. Bakaya added that Pepperell would be sorely missed and that their hearts go out to his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Pepperell was not just an actor. He also led the Oxford Stage Company going into the role of Hamlet, performed in the Haymarket Theatre in Leicester for Richard III, and acted in the police drama The Bill, which aired on ITV. In Hampshire, he further managed The Star Inn pub. A statement on the pub’s Facebook page paid tribute to Pepperell’s passing, disclosing that he exited the world peacefully
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