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Rex Features
Archers star Norman Painting has passed away at the age of 85.
The actor, best known for his role as farmer Philip Archer on the Radio 4 drama, was reportedly found dead by his carer at his cottage in Warmington, Oxfordshire this morning.
Painting played his Archers part from the show's launch in 1950, making him its longest-serving actor. He also wrote more than 1,000 scripts for the programme between 1966 and 1982.
However, his participation had been limited due to ill health in recent years. In 2000, Painting announced that he had been diagnosed with bladder cancer. He had also been battling heart problems before his death.
Tributes have already started to pour in for the veteran star. The BBC's director general Mark Thompson said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of Norman's death... He rightly became renowned for his portrayal of Phil Archer, a role he created in the pilot episode in 1950, but he was also a gifted writer and talented, versatile broadcaster."
Archers editor Vanessa Whitburn described Painting as a "consummate professional", adding: "Norman always wanted to remain working on The Archers until he died - and I am delighted and proud of him that he achieved his wish."
Meanwhile, Radio 4's controller Mark Damazer said: "His success was not due merely to longevity, but to his passion for The Archers and his skill as a radio actor. He loved the medium. He will be deeply missed by the rest of The Archers' team and his millions of fans."
Painting was born in Leamington Spa in 1924. He went on to become a graduate of the University of Oxford and was already known as a writer and broadcaster before he landed his Archers role.
