As Freddie Pargetter gives Noluthando Madikane a spooky tour of his father's attic at Lower Loxley, we wonder what oddities and artefacts Nigel left behind. And what do they tell us about the late Lord of the Manor?
We're only scratching the surface, though - what do you think Nigel might have locked away? Tell us in the comments...
Pinball Wizard Pargetter:
He sure played a... lovable posh boy. But who knew that Nigel was a big shot with the bumper? Maybe if Freddie ever gets his act together and sees the potential of his stately home, he'll convert the attic to a '50s style diner (?)
Puzzling Pargetter:
There could be a few board games or word puzzles in there - Nigel was partial. In 1984, Nigel spent an afternoon playing scrabble with his future wife, 17 year old Elizabeth. From an afternoon on the tiles, Nigel invited Lizzie out to "Rags" in Borchester. Poor Nigel had hayfever, and had just been given the push by Shula. Lizzie had also been dumped, by a guy called Chris.
Nigel and Elizabeth Pargetter, played by Graham Seed and Alison Dowling
Lipstick, Powder and Pargetter:
Nigel has played many a theatrical role, including a pantomime dame, so you might stumble across a make-up kit, and maybe a few frocks!
In 2002, Nigel and Elizabeth larked around at Lower Loxley as Bottom and Titania from A Midsummer Night's Dream - Nigel re-living his school play triumph in the role.
In 2006, Nigel took his plan to play Mr Darcy a bit far. He swam across part of the lake to Elizabeth in full Darcy attire. It left him shivering but Lizzie thought it was wonderful, especially when he later presented her with a beautiful bound copy of Pride and Prejudice.
However, Poor Nigel was struck down with flu, and took a solemn vow never to stick even a little toe in the lake again!
Pumped-up Pargetter (cycling, stamp-collecting stud)
In 2004, Kenton lent Nigel a buttonless jacket, black shirt and scarf for his date with Lizzie - all he needed were the rights props. Nigel’s bicycle pump and stamp albums didn’t quite strike the right note for a risk-taker and party animal.
Nature-loving Nigel (and the diary of Great Unc Edmund):
In 2003 Nigel got into cycling, enthusing about how much more of nature he was noticing since taking up the activity. He found a fascinating nature diary kept by his great-great uncle Edmund, which led to Nigel getting up early to listen to the dawn chorus - and disturbing Elizabeth.
No Mercy Nigel! (and his accomplice, Rick Turnip)
Highwaymen extraordinaire! In December 2010 Nigel teamed up with best buddy Kenton to play a trick on Lizzie. Was she frightened? Perhaps by that attempt at a Scottish accent. It was a silly and sweet moment between Lizzie and Nigel. Sadly, it was one of their last together.
Graham Seed and Alison Dowling as Nigel and Lizzie, The Archers
Primate Pargetter
Whatever happened to that well worn gorilla outfit? No one wore it quite like Nigel, so perhaps it’s locked away.
In 1983, Nigel dressed up in the suit, intended for the fancy dress ball at a County Hotel, and burst in on Jill and Shula at Brookfield. He also frightened Tom Forrest in the Country Park.
In 2014, Shula and Elizabeth reminisced about Nigel in his gorilla outfit - Lizzie remembering that Nigel was wearing it when he asked Phil Archer for permission to marry his daughter.
Here's a pic of the happy couple, back in 1994 when they were engaged.
Nigel and Lizzie (Graham Seed and Alison Dowling), The Archers
