Tributes following death of Alan Devereux, long-serving star of The Archers

The BBC Radio 4 soap opera’s editor, Sean O’Connor, paid tribute to the actor and said he possessed a voice of “genuine” authenticity.

Mr Devereux arrived on the airwaves on September 30 1963, as the teenage tearaway who would later become the landlord of The Bull pub. He played the role until the character’s death in 2010.

Sid took his place behind the bar of The Bull in 1972 when he and his first wife Polly began running the pub.

Mr O’Connor told the BBC Radio 4 website: “Alan’s voice as Sid had a genuine sense of authenticity to it – instantly recognisable and full of rich character.

“As an actor Alan was adept at both intense drama as well as deadpan comedy. He was a wonderful member of The Archers’ family in Birmingham and will be deeply missed.”

Former editor Vanessa Whitburn said: “Alan was a consummate and brilliant radio actor. Always a delight to work with.

“His versatility as publican Sid Perks meant that he created superb partnerships with the actresses who played all three of his wives. A modest man, I don’t think he knew just how talented he was.”