Fans of can tune in to a companion podcast from next week, as it launches just as wayward teen George Grundy finds out whether he’s going to prison.
Hosted by superfan, the aim is to give the soap’s listeners the chance to go behind the scenes every week to discover even more about Ambridge life. Her guests on The Archers Podcast will include cast members, who will reveal what it’s like to play some of the best-known characters on radio. She will also chat with members of the production team about how they turn their research into compelling storylines.
Fans of the Ambridge saga are currently gripped by the ongoing plot which sees 19-year-old George facing jail after going from village hero to public enemy number one. He and the rest of his family have faced fury since it was finally discovered he was responsible for a near-fatal car crash he’d blamed on alcoholic Alice Carter, resulting in her facing prison.
The podcast will launch to coincide with his court sentencing and the first episode will feature Archers actor Susie Riddell, who plays Tracy Horrobin. The soap has a lively message board with avid fans never shy about giving their opinions, and Emma will invite them to share their thoughts - good and bad - on the latest plots. The Archers, which has been running for 73 years and has broadcast more than 20,000 episodes, is one of the ’s best-loved programmes.
Set in a Midlands village where many of the residents are farmers, it is known for portraying the full spectrum of rural life while recent stories have also explored domestic abuse, addiction, corruption and modern slavery.
Freud said she was delighted to host the show’s first podcast. “The Archers has been around since 1951, and there’s nothing else like it anywhere in the . It’s not just something I casually listen to - I feel the spirit of the nation is somehow wrapped up in that Midlands village, and the whole laughter, tears, drama and gossip of it all has become part of my life.
“I love the fact that it’s always been genuinely contemporary - reflecting our attitudes to class, farming, politics, family and relationships - but it develops alongside its listeners, and changes with every new generation. It’s not just a radio drama, it’s a gently gripping lens on the world for 13 minutes every day and I’m honoured to be hosting the BBC’s first official Archers Podcast.”
Editor Jeremy Howe, added: “The Archers has an incredibly dedicated and passionate listenership so I'm delighted that we’re now able to give fans even more of what they want, with extra insights every week into this iconic drama.”
Airing six times a week, the show is not only popular with older fans who’ve listened for decades, but is also a hit with younger audiences, regularly topping the list of most-listened to on-demand programmes on BBC Sounds. Launching on 11 October, the podcast will be available every Friday after the episode ends at 7.15pm.
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