Ysanne Churchman, the actress who played Grace Archer in BBC Radio 4’s drama The Archers, has passed away at the age of 99. Her character’s shocking death in a stable fire in 1955 captivated millions of listeners and overshadowed the launch of ITV.
Churchman’s character, Grace, was a glamorous young wife who met a tragic end while trying to save horses from the burning stables. The aftermath of her character’s death sparked controversy and speculation, with some questioning the motives behind killing off such a beloved character.
In a 2015 BBC Radio 4 docudrama, Churchman revealed that her character was killed off as a form of retaliation for demanding equal pay for female actors. Despite the circumstances surrounding her character’s demise, Churchman went on to have a successful career in voiceovers, lending her talents to various projects including Doctor Who.
Jeremy Howe, Editor of The Archers, expressed his sadness at Churchman’s passing and praised her for her advocacy for equal pay in the industry. Churchman’s legacy as a talented actress and trailblazer for gender equality in the entertainment industry will be remembered by all who knew her.
