05 November 2023 , 16:07
508
0
BBC The Archers actor Graham Blockey has left a massive £1.1million estate to his wife Christine, after he died in November 2022, aged 66.
The dad-of-two played handyman Robert Snell on the Radio 4 soap opera from 1986, but the real-life GP kept it quiet from his patients and colleagues. He only let them in on the secret in 2017, when he revealed he also had a successful radio career side hustle.
His role on the show saw him play the long-suffering husband of local busybody Lynda Snell. He originally auditioned for the part of a doctor, but when he was told he didn't "sound like a doctor", the GP, from Manchester, was offered the handyman role.
The GP kept his side-hustle quiet until 2017 (Surrey Mirror / SWNS.com)As reported by The Sun, Graham left his £1.1m fortune to his wife of 36 years, Christine after he died of cancer.
Having trained in medicine before becoming an actor, he juggled both careers, locuming at hospitals. He took up a permanent role at a GP surgery in Surrey, in 1993.
Radio 2 listening figures plunge as fans snub station after veteran DJs dumped
A statement on the Archers' Twitter account at the time of his death paid tribute to the star. It read: "Today we remember our friend and colleague Graham Blockey following the sad news of his death. Editor Jeremy Howe says 'Graham's Robert Snell was a brilliant creation and a delicious one off. Graham was a complete joy to work with, and we will miss him very much.'"
Fans and acquaintances shared their condolences, with one commenting: "How very sad to hear. I was at drama school with Graham and a sweeter man you could not meet. RIP."
Another wrote: "Very sad. Robert Snell was a much-loved character with a glorious voice. My thoughts are with Graham's family."
The GP got turned down at his initial audition for 'not sounding like a doctor' (Surrey Mirror / SWNS.com)A third replied: "This is such sad news. Graham was a lovely man. And his Robert Snell was an acting masterpiece. Such a hard role and he just made it his own in such a subtle and nuanced way. Oh my, we'll miss him." While a fourth shared their thoughts: "Dreadfully sad news, his character Robert Snell was much loved amongst #TheArchers community. No longer will we hear him talking fondly to his Lindy x."
Graham explained how he landed the role in a 2017 interview with Radio 4's Today programme.
He said: "Back in 1986 they wanted a new doctor, and some producer said, 'Oh, I know an actor who is a doctor - let's audition him.'
"I auditioned for that and they said, 'No, no, no, your voice doesn’t sound like a doctor. But we've got this other part for you.'"