Roy Farmer is a fictional character from the Channel 5 soap opera Family Affairs, played by Miles Petit. He first appeared during the first episode on 30 March 1997, and departed on 27 November 2003. Roy was the show's longest-running original character. Casting During his tenure at Family Affairs Petit shadowed directors in order to direct episodes while still appearing as Roy. Development In 2000, following his character mellowing, Petit told a Soaplife reporter that "I want [Roy] to become a really evil, murderous bastard who's completely lost his marbles - again." Roy begins a relationship with Claire Toomey (Tina Hall) and she uses him for financial gain in their business. Roy begins to develop feelings for eighteen-year-old friend Sara Warrington (Beth Cordingly). Petit told Sally Brockway from Soaplife that he did not understand how Roy managed to resist Sara's continuous advances. Roy does not feel able to be with Sara due to their age difference. He believes her to be vulnerable and he thought himself a father figure. He offered her guidance and understanding over their shared pasts of drug addiction. Petit added "Sara's still very immature and has never had a proper relationship. Roy sees her feeling for him as some schoolgirl crush and thinks he'd be taking advantage if he succumbed. He's been very strong because he's smitten with her. Meanwhile Claire does not want Sara around because she is aware of Roy's feelings before he knew himself. Petit believed that Roy cares about Claire but cannot continue a relationship when he loves Sara. He added "he was never in love with Claire, I think it was just a convenience thing. It certainly helped him get over Maria, anyway." Storylines Initially a close friend of Duncan Hart (Rocky Marshall), Roy soon fell into the clutches of villain Pete Callan (David Easter) who set him up dealing in drugs. Roy soon became addicted to the drugs he was selling, before kicking the habit and dissolving his association with Pete who he now hated. He later started romancing Duncan's sister Melanie Hart (Cordelia Bujega) but was disapproved-of due to his drug-dealing history and former association with the hated Pete. In an attempt to break-up the relationship, Melanie's sister Holly Hart (Sandra Huggett) planted drugs in Roy's jacket and informed the police. Roy was charged with drug possession. After being made homeless and living rough he got his life in