Radio 4 soap The Archers has brought down the curtain on its most sinister ever villain, with abuser Rob Titchener being confirmed dead.
Rob was at the centre of one of the most talked about stories across the show’s many decades, which saw him subject wife Helen Archer to a campaign of torment, until she fought back.
After Rob’s character was diagnosed with a brain tumour this summer, there was much speculation that the diagnosis was a further lie intended to manipulate his former wife and gain access to their seven-year-old son.
Listeners have heard the difficult mental and physical deterioration of Rob’s health over the past few weeks, raising conflicting emotions among some residents of the village.
In the latest visit to Ambridge, Helen announced her ex’s death as he passed away off-air, having succumbed to his terminal illness.
After hearing the news via a text from Rob’s brother Miles, Helen admitted that she couldn’t tell whether to cry, laugh or throw up.
It marks the end of actor Timothy Watson’s time in the role, which peaked in the high-profile domestic abuse storyline between 2013 and 2016.
Audiences listened in horror as Rob abused Helen and used coercive control to alienate her from family and friends.
The relationship culminated in Helen’s arrest after she stabbed Rob with a kitchen knife following an explosive confrontation when she tried to leave him.
Following the dramatic events in Blossom Hill Cottage, villagers were shocked to learn the full extent of the abuse during Helen’s trial at Borchester Crown Court, whilst Rob continued to manipulate people with his version of events.
Helen was cleared of attempted murder on to emotional cheers in the court room, during a special hour-long episode.
The storyline created real-world impact as MPs referenced the story during the creation of new legislation to criminalise this form of abuse, and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline saw an increase in the number of calls it received.
Survivors of domestic abuse shared their stories in the media, and one Archers listener started a fundraiser which raised nearly £175,000.
Jeremy Howe, editor of The Archers, shared: ‘Ambridge breathes a sigh of relief tonight as one of its most notorious villains is laid to rest.
‘It’s been a privilege to work on a storyline which has had such great impact, and I hope Rob’s legacy will be one of increased awareness and understanding of the reality of coercive control. Thanks to Timothy for his brilliant performance of this complex and sinister character.’
Acclaimed actor Timothy, who won much praise for his effective portrayal, added: ‘Being inside Rob Titchener’s head over the last eleven years hasn’t always been the most comfortable place to be!
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‘But I’m immensely proud of having been part of such a powerful storyline and have loved every minute of my time with the wonderful Ambridge family, cast and production team alike. I shall miss them all terribly!’
Which is more than can be said for Rob, who Ambridge will be glad to finally close the book on.
You can find information and anonymous support on domestic abuse via the charity Refuge.
You can keep up to date with all the goings on in Ambridge by tuning in to Radio 4 – the full schedule is available on the BBC website.
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