The Archers at 75: Reflecting on the British institution with BBC Radio stars and its celebrity fans

Despite its focus on everyday life – think cozy baking and family disagreements – The Archers is surprisingly impressive, having thrived for 75 years. It’s not driven by dramatic twists – although a big reveal is coming soon! The real appeal of this radio drama is getting to know the characters deeply over time, witnessing their lives unfold, their relationships develop, and experiencing their relatable struggles, anxieties, and conflicts.

What I find so amazing about following these characters’ stories is how long they go on – it really feels like you’re watching lives unfold alongside your own. And living in a city, it’s a good reminder that everything we eat comes from real work and the countryside, something easy to forget when you’re surrounded by buildings.

Actors who have been on long-running shows often talk about feeling like they live a double life. Pat Gallimore, who has played the role of Tony Archer’s wife for 52 years, explains that when she auditioned in 1974, she never imagined she’d be on the show for so long. She says it became a part of her, like a second life and a second family, something that has lasted and flourished over the years.

Gallimore’s character, Pat, represents a type of personality listeners have seen change over time. Originally a passionate, Welsh-speaking activist who even cancelled a Guardian column, she’s now known for advocating for organic farming long before it became popular. Just as The Archers helped normalize organic farming then, it now mirrors the growing interest in rewilding.

Her mother also navigated the difficult emotions following the death of her older son in a farming accident. I mentioned the anger felt by people in the farming community when the editor at the time carelessly joked about his passing, calling it a “fun” storyline. Gallimore responded thoughtfully, “Yes, we all understand that these events deeply affect people. It’s important to remember that.”

The storyline involving Pat’s daughter, Helen, and her partner, Rob, deeply resonated with viewers and became a national news item, focusing on the issue of coercive control. Many were struck by the portrayal of Pat, Helen’s mother, seemingly oblivious to the abuse unfolding before her. Actress Gallimore explains, “I did question why Pat didn’t notice what was happening, but I realized she had grown to trust Rob, especially since he helped out on the farm.”

While that was a major event, over the past 75 years, many smaller stories have captivated audiences. These stories sometimes even brought back listeners who had stopped tuning in for a few years. These returning listeners quickly reconnect with the complex lives of the characters in the fictional town of Ambridge, enjoying the changes and finding comfort in its familiar pace.

We’ve seen many characters pass away – from mischievous figures like Joe Grundy and Walter Gabriel, to flawed but ultimately good people like Rob, and most recently, the strong-willed Peggy. It’s a story that reminds us of what it means to be human and that life doesn’t last forever, and that’s a powerful thing. As my mother put it, watching these characters age and die ‘helps us cope with our own aging process, it makes us feel less alone.’

When the acting and writing are excellent – as they are currently under the direction of experienced radio drama producer Jeremy Howe – the show can be deeply moving and even inspire change. For example, a recent story about modern slavery prompted many listeners to become more aware of how easily vulnerable people, like those experiencing homelessness, could be exploited, with the disturbing imagery of them being referred to as “horses”.

The program didn’t start with entertainment as its main goal. When it first aired nationally on New Year’s Day in 1951, it was designed as an educational resource for farmers. Following the Second World War, rationing was still in place, and increasing the nation’s food production was crucial. The BBC, encouraged by the government, wanted to share modern farming techniques and move beyond traditional methods like using horses and steam-powered machinery. The show featured a farmer named Dan Archer and a London woman named Doris, set in the fictional village of Ambridge.

The initial editor, Godfrey Baseley, soon understood that the show’s appeal lay in its portrayal of family and community life. He carefully adjusted the focus, ensuring that detailed farming information didn’t overshadow the core desire of most listeners for a simple, comforting story about rural life – something to enjoy while preparing dinner.

Over time, the show’s writers added storylines beyond farming to reflect changes in society. While the Archer family—who expanded their influence through marriage to the wealthy Aldridges—have always been central, the working-class Grundy and Horrobin families have slowly become more developed characters, moving beyond simple stereotypes. In fact, Neil Kinnock famously suggested the show should be renamed to highlight the social dynamics between these families, calling it “The Grundys and Their Oppressors.”

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Everyone is feeling the strain of economic hardship in different ways. From farmers worrying about expensive equipment, to someone leaving their estate to charity instead of family, to young people giving up on the dream of homeownership, financial pressures are impacting all walks of life.

I’ve always loved how Ambridge slowly introduced Asian characters – it was brilliantly done, starting with someone falling for the vicar! It feels pretty real, mirroring how things are in the country, even if it does sometimes feel a bit… unlikely for a small village. There’s that running joke about Diwali and Pride being the biggest events of the year! Now we have Akram Malik, the doctor’s husband, and it’s so sweet – he’s getting involved with the farming community because he misses having a family farm like he did back in Pakistan. It’s a really nice touch.

Beyond shifts in racial representation and technological advancements, television producers also had to carefully adapt to changing social norms and family values since the conservative 1950s. The traditional world depicted in shows like ‘Doris Day’ feels very different from today’s society.

At a BBC celebration of June Spencer’s life and 70 years playing Peggy, I was asked to discuss how the character had reflected changes in society. I jokingly pointed out how much more open Britain had become about sex and relationships in the show, mentioning storylines involving affairs, divorce, casual relationships, abortion, single parenthood with complex family structures, same-sex couples, surrogacy, a pregnant granddaughter’s struggles with alcohol, and even a grandson working as an escort.

Some listeners, particularly those with more traditional views, were uncomfortable with storylines involving casual relationships. However, these stories accurately represent current social norms, just as concerns about expensive farming equipment and cattle disease reflect the realities of modern agriculture. Sunny Ormonde, the actress who has played the character Lilian for two decades, notes with amusement that Lilian has been romantically involved with nearly everyone in the village – except for Brian.

When I first started watching this show back in 2000, I wondered if audiences would connect with this older protagonist, but it’s been fascinating to see how the story evolved. The deaths of Peggy and Jennifer really shook things up, especially the family. Suddenly, there was no one left to keep Lilian in line, and she really had to step up and become the new head of the family, you know?

Ormonde, like the other actors who receive scripts and recording schedules, completes the fascinating connection the series builds between the audience and the performers. He explains, “I’m also a listener, so I experience the show like the audience does. Sometimes I hear something in the recordings that I wasn’t aware of before and I’m genuinely surprised – even though I’m part of the show!”

Over the years, many famous faces – including Princess Margaret, Queen Camilla, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Terry Wogan, and Sir Bradley Wiggins – have been eager to make even a brief appearance. Recently, Catherine Tate and Dame Eileen Atkins served on the jury that found Helen not guilty of attacking Rob. It’s now become a common honor, similar to being listed in a prestigious directory like Who’s Who.

Look, every acting troupe says they’re a close-knit family when talking to the press, but with ‘The Archers’ it actually feels true. I’ve met quite a few of the actors over the years, and there’s a genuine warmth among them. It’s almost funny – even the ones whose characters are killed off seem a little sad to leave! And, naturally, you hear stories about the more established actors gently hinting they’d like a bit more to do – it is a job, after all, and they’re paid per scene.

Pat Gallimore says she doesn’t recall any significant disagreements among the cast, or involving herself. She explains that while they spent years working together on set, it didn’t feel as confining as a real family because everyone went home at the end of the day. She especially enjoyed the scenes involving everyday activities like doing dishes and playfully arguing over dinner. However, as an actress, she admits it’s more engaging to portray dramatic conflict and challenging situations.

I’ll always remember hearing Colin Skipp, the original Tony, talk about how strangely, the really emotional scenes after John passed away were almost easier to act. He said that grief gave you something real to grab onto. What was truly hard, he explained, was making all the everyday stuff – like feeding the cows or just going grocery shopping – feel authentic. He joked that you definitely wouldn’t get any awards for delivering a line like, ‘Let’s go make some blueberry yogurt!’ It really struck me how true that was – the small moments are the hardest to nail.

Celebrity fans

Ruth Jones

I find The Archers to be a comforting 13-minute escape every day. Honestly, I listen to it almost every night! It can be frustrating at times, but that’s actually part of what I enjoy about it. I almost stopped listening when David and Ruth Archer were in danger of losing their farm due to a proposed new road.

I can easily visualize all the characters, and I definitely have some favorites! I particularly enjoy Jazzer, and more recently, George and Brad. Susan and Tracy are delightful too, but Lilian (played by Sunny Ormonde) is my absolute favorite. Her infectious laugh and zest for life always brighten my day whenever she’s on screen. But honestly, I love them all!

I probably won’t be around in 75 years, but I really hope The Archers still is! Characters like Brad Horrobin could become the next Joe Grundy, and Martha Carter might follow in Lilian’s footsteps. I wonder if the Bull pub will still be going strong. If I’m lucky enough to live that long, I’ll definitely still be listening!

Sir Stephen Fry

I have a very early memory of hiding under the chair while my mother listened to The Archers radio program. The theme tune was as ingrained in my mind as classic nursery rhymes like ‘Pop Goes the Weasel.’ I honestly don’t remember a time when The Archers wasn’t just a regular part of life, like the daily visits from the milkman or chimney sweep.

Most things fade away, but The Archers remains a constant for me. I listen to it faithfully, hardly ever missing an episode—especially when I’m traveling, as it instantly transports me back to England. Like the country itself, it can be both ordinary and endearing, awkward and admirable, silly and sweet.

The residents of Ambridge are generally good people – kind, friendly, and quick to forgive. The town feels familiar, yet subtly adapts to modern times. For example, the farm is now using newer, sustainable methods like no-till farming and mob grazing, and Pat and Tony have expanded their offerings to include kefirs alongside their yogurts.

Alan Titchmarsh

My wife once said I’d only be truly successful in her eyes if I was on the radio drama, The Archers. I didn’t think it would ever happen. But then I received an invitation to judge the ‘Best Garden’ competition in Ambridge – and they wanted me to appear as myself!

I had a wonderful time meeting Lynda Snell and getting a tour of the village with Joe Grundy (played by Carole Boyd and Edward Kelsey). We rode in a pony and trap pulled by the famous Bartleby! It was all the more amusing because the ‘trap’ was actually just a couple of tables turned upside down with broom handles for axles, but it didn’t matter at all. I had so much fun, though I’ve completely forgotten who won! My wife now says I’ve finally achieved something noteworthy.

David Mitchell

My mum’s been a listener of The Archers for as long as I can remember, practically since it started, and I believe she still enjoys it. Growing up, I often heard it playing. I haven’t followed it closely recently, but I’m happy it’s still on the air. It’s comforting to have some familiar things in a world that’s constantly changing. Plus, isn’t it the very first soap opera? Congratulations on its continued success!

Emma Freud

I’m most drawn to the Grundy family, not because they’re immediately likable—quite the opposite, actually—but because they feel so realistically portrayed. They’re flawed and can be frustrating, and sometimes they really push your patience. But even at their worst, I still find myself hoping they’ll succeed.

I want them to win, to prosper. Maybe I want them to take over Ambridge?

The story of Rob and Helen powerfully and realistically showed how controlling behavior can develop, and it was handled with incredible care and attention to detail. The writing didn’t shy away from difficult moments, making the scenes both upsetting and meaningful. But alongside such serious storylines, The Archers also offers wonderfully quirky moments – like the bizarre competition where characters buried their underwear to check the quality of the soil. That’s just typical The Archers!

I appreciate not knowing how much things cost. We almost never hear about salaries, home prices, or even how much a simple gift costs. This creates a refreshing space where we don’t constantly judge people or things based on money, status, or worth. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference.

Authors

Libby Purves

2026-02-09 20:42