Graham Seed played Nigel Pargetter for three decades before the character’s death in 2011

He was last heard on The Archers in 2011, shortly before falling to his death from the roof of Lower Loxley Hall while trying to untie a banner. But the ghost of Nigel Pargetter is set to return to the BBC.

The corporation plans an Archers-themed podcast this summer to lure older listeners to its BBC Sounds app. Graham Seed, 68, who played Pargetter for nearly 30 years, is lined up as host.

The death of the aristocratic Pargetter was so controversial that it drew 450 complaints and many fans think his passing marked a turning point that was followed by racier plotlines.

The rural drama regularly attracts 5m listeners, making it the most popular non-news show on Radio 4. BBC executives hope the gossip