Archers cad returns: Anthony Head to play Robin Fairbrother in Radio 4 soap

It was an affair that sent ripples through The Archers - young Elizabeth Archer falling for Robin Fairbrother, a dashing older man, only to have her heart broken when she discovered that he was married.

More than 30 years on, the couple could rekindle their romance after the BBC announced that Robin is making a return, now played by Anthony Head.

Long-time fans of The Archers will recall the original 1987 storyline, which culminated in Elizabeth angrily confronting Robin and pouring a glass of wine over him.

Many listeners will remember the character, but the BBC say Robin was a silent character throughout, referred to only in the third person, and this will be the first time he has been voiced.

Radio 4 paved the way for his return by introducing his sons, Toby and Rex, in 2015.

Head, a heart-throb since his days in the Nescafe Gold Blend adverts, will join the soap for a limited period from July 29.

Asked if his character had a prospect of romance, he replied: “That would be quick work, wouldn’t it?”

Head described Robin as “a bit of a smooth-talker. I find it fascinating that he’s been around for some time but he’s never been heard before. He’s a wine merchant. He is very affable to everyone, as affable as he possibly can be.”

Elizabeth is now a widow, following the death of her husband, Nigel Pargetter. The BBC recently teased: “Could there be room for someone else in Elizabeth’s life as she enters her sixth decade?”

It is unusual for The Archers to cast well-known actors. Head said: “When you’re asked to do something that is a classic British bastion, you say yes. I don’t listen constantly so I don’t know all the storylines. But when I’m mucking out the donkeys, I listen to The Archers and Desert Island Discs.

“It’s such lovely listening, it doesn’t matter if you don’t know exactly what’s going on.”

On whether Robin would cause trouble in Ambridge, Head said: “Not as far as he is concerned.”