Archers star to leave after 25 years She took over the role from Fiona Mathieson in 1988, who herself inherited the part from the original Clarrie, Heather Bell who created the role in the 1970s. Producers will soon begin the search for a new actress to take on the role. Vanessa Whitburn, the editor of The Archers, said: "Rosalind has been a much-valued member of The Archers cast. We will miss her and she goes with our very best wishes and thanks. Listeners have taken Clarrie to their hearts as we've laughed and cried with her through the years. She has dealt with the various challenges presented to her by the men in her life with amazing fortitude and enviable stoicism. Clarrie moved to the fictional village of Ambridge in the early 1970s when her father took a job at Brookfield Farm, later marrying Eddie, with the two of them heading up one of the show's best-loved families.