Ysanne Churchman, deemed the first soap queen and famous for playing Grace Archer in “The Archers, ” passed away at the age of 99, with no illness revealed.
Key Takeaways
- Ysanne Churchman, renowned for her role as Grace Archer in BBC’s The Archers, passed away peacefully at the age of 99 with no complications of illness.
- Her character’s dramatic death in 1955 caused a public outcry, jamming BBC switchboards and generating 15,000 complaint letters.
- Churchman was a talented actress and a tireless campaigner for equal pay for women in the entertainment industry.
Ysanne Churchman, the legendary actress’s departure, has saddened the world, as fans and fellow actors have started paying tribute to the soap royalty.
BBC’s radio farming serial, “The Archers,” was listened to by 20 million fans worldwide as Grace Archer passed away from burning trying to save a horse.
No one expected the sudden twist that caused a moment of shock and public outcry.
The outcry was so huge that the BBC switchboard was jammed for 48 hours, during which time 15,000 letters of complaint arrived.
Nonetheless, in real life, Churchman passed away restfully after reaching the big double nine just 2 months ago.
Although there is concern among her well-wishers that she was sick from illness, the BBC has announced that the actress di*d peacefully in her home earlier this month.
The current editor of “The Archers” has released a statement,
In the 1950s, Ysanne was at the heart of one of Ambridge’s most shocking storylines, with listeners so distraught at her character’s death they subsequently jammed BBC switchboards. Ysanne was a wonderful actress and off air she campaigned tirelessly for equal pay for women in the industry. She will be much missed by all at The Archers and our hearts are with her friends and family.
RIP Ysanne Churchman, I remember how excited I was when I heard that iconic voice at the end of The Emptess of Mars. pic.twitter.com/FChzI7a5Z1
— Stuart Beck (@StuartBeckMP) July 26, 2024
May she rest in peace! Our prayers are with her family and loved ones!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Ysanne Churchman was the first actress employed by Capital Radio to read a serial book.
- Her husband, a senior BBC engineer, Tony Pilgrim MBE, passed away in January 2015 after 63 years of marriage.
- After her exit as Grace, Ysanne continued to work for the BBC on radio and TV, reappearing in various roles until the 1980s.
