Duchess takes a bow in The Archers

THE Duchess of Cornwall admitted to being an "Archers addict" as she toured the studio of the long-running show ahead of a cameo appearance in last night's episode.

Camilla, who admitted she cried when character Nigel Pargetter, player by Graham Seed, died in January, said of the BBC Radio 4 show: "I couldn't do without it."

The soap is celebrating its 60th year, making it the world's longest-running drama.

During a two-hour visit to BBC Birmingham, where the programme is recorded, Camilla met some of The Archers cast and tried out a couple of the sound effects used in the studio, joking "You have a lot of ding-dongs here" as she rang a doorbell.

Speaking after her tour, she said: "As a self-confessed Archers addict it has been a fix for me to be here today. I just really wanted to thank everybody for giving me such enjoyment."

The Duchess said she had been a fan of the show for more than 30 years, even keeping up with the plot while on official engagements oversees.

She said: "In some very tricky situations abroad, I have switched on The Archers and it has made me feel a lot better. I hope the next 60 years are as successful."