Fans of one of the BBC’s most loved programmes, The Archers, will now be able to hear even more from Ambridge, with the launch of a new weekly companion podcast, The Archers Podcast, going behind the scenes and inside the issues raised in the hugely popular radio drama.
It'll be hosted by our very own broadcaster and Archers super-fan Emma Freud, available exclusively on BBC Sounds, available directly after the Friday evening episode, beginning on 11 October.
Emma and her guests, including Archers insiders and other experts, will share their analysis of the week’s events in Ambridge, and dive into the programme’s deep history.
The Archers has entertained audiences with its portrayal of rural life and family dynamics for over seventy years and more than 20,000 episodes. It is known for portraying the full spectrum of rural life, lighthearted village gossip, the all-important Flower and Produce Show and the ever-evolving business of farming, to explorations of pressing topical issues, including domestic abuse, addiction, corruption and modern slavery. It continues to be hugely popular not only with long-time fans but also with newer and younger audiences and regularly tops the list of most-listened to on-demand programmes on BBC Sounds.
Emma says: “The Archers has been around since 1951, and there’s nothing else like it anywhere in the world. 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.”