Archers actors remember Sara Coward
Hannah Ratcliffe
Assistant Producer, The Archers
Members of The Archers cast have been remembering Sara Coward who played Caroline Sterling. Sara, who was 69, passed away on Sunday.
Michael Cochrane, who plays Oliver Sterling, said, “Sara tolerated me as a husband and welcomed me as a friend. She had a voice that dripped honey.
“How lucky I was to have a radio partner with such talent and joy. She was a brilliant actress, a wonderful person and will always live in my heart.”
On social media Tim Bentinck, who plays David Archer said, “So very sad to hear news of long-term #thearchers colleague & dear friend Sara Coward. We will all miss her fun, friendship and huge talent.”
Amongst the many others who also paid tribute to Sara was Emerald O’Hanrahan, who plays Emma Grundy. She said, “I learned a lot from her, as a listener and then colleague. The way she handled her illness was inspirational. Rest in peace dear, dear Sara.”
Sara had been receiving palliative care after being diagnosed with terminal cancer last year.
Sunny Ormonde, who plays Lilian Bellamy, has known Sara since the 1980s when they both appeared in Steaming at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry. “Sara was chic, elegant, naughty and a jolly good actress. We became firm friends,” said Sunny.
When Lilian was set to return to Ambridge, Sara “tipped me the wink”, explained Sunny.
“I auditioned, along with others, and of course and the rest is history. I owe Sara so much. I used to tease her that she was due commission thereafter on every episode I got!”
The pair went on to create a two-woman show which they toured extensively. Sunny added, “Sara was a consummate radio actress and wonderful as Caroline in The Archers. Her voice like warm chocolate trickling into our ears.
“She bore her illness so bravely, she was the greatest and kindest friend and can never be replaced. We will all miss her so much (oh and what a dirty laugh!)”
Sara Coward as Caroline Sterling with Michael Cochrane as Oliver Sterling.
