BBC Radio 4 launches Archers companion podcast with super-fan Emma Freud

Published: September 29, 2024 — 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. Hosted by broadcaster and Archers super-fan Emma Freud, the podcast will be 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.

Each episode will feature insights from the team behind the Archers, including how they turn their research into compelling storylines, and members of the cast will reveal their experience of playing some of the best-known characters on radio. Emma will also invite listeners to join the conversation, with the chance to contribute their responses to the latest stories, ask questions and share their observations.

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.

Listeners are currently gripped by the ongoing storyline with 19-year-old George Grundy who in recent weeks has gone from village hero to public enemy number one, after it was revealed he allowed alcoholic Alice Carter to take the blame for a car crash he caused, resulting in Alice facing a potential prison sentence.

The podcast will launch to coincide with his sentencing in court and Emma will be joined by seasoned Archers actress Susie Riddell, who plays Tracy Horrobin.

Emma Freud 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.”

Mohit Bakaya, Radio 4 Controller and Director of Speech, says, “The Archers is one of the BBC’s most loved programmes, and I’m very proud of its long history and the ongoing relevance of its storylines for audiences today.

It’s a programme which many of our listeners have tuned into for their entire adult lives and which is gaining new fans every day. Whether you’re a longtime fan or setting foot in Ambridge for the first time, I hope this new podcast, hosted by the brilliant Emma Freud, will give you regular fresh insights into the unique world of The Archers.”

Jeremy Howe, Editor of The Archers, says, “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, presented by the brilliant Emma Freud.”

Notes

• The Archers Podcast is a BBC Audio production
• Producer: Nicola Holloway
• Editor: John Goudie
• Commissioner: Alison Hindell