The Archers feed

Ambridge ups and downs - 27 May 2013

2013-05-24T19:10:10+01:00

Getting a lift with Nic

Tom Archer
The man from Bellingham's, he say yes!

Pip Archer
Cover to drive

Jazzer
Highland games going ahead

Getting a lift with Paul

Lilian Bellamy
Two damaged relationships for the price of one

Helen Archer

Too much information, love

Darrell Makepeace

On borrowed time

You can receive this light-hearted round-up in The Archers weekly email newsletter, along with other Archers-related news and features.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer.

Read about more Archers characters in our Who's Who section
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Kim Durham on Matt Crawford

2013-05-24T19:10:09+01:00

Kim Durham (Matt Crawford)

Is Matt actually jealous? The actor who plays him has some interesting insights.

I really love playing Matt. He’s obviously very intelligent but he has very limited emotional intelligence. It’s such a factor in all the storylines we’ve had for him.

How has he developed over the years?

American writers on acting talk about ‘the actor as the co-author’. The British don’t tend to do that. But in this sort of show it’s the one opportunity you have to actually be the co-author. Because what happens is that you deliver a certain performance and the writers pick up on things that you’re doing. So you find things creeping in and you think ‘oh yeah, I recognise that’. It’s quite alarming. Maybe there’s more of me in Matt than I realised!

It’s been a very interesting journey. When he first came in, he was an out-and-out baddie. Then he got together with Lilian and the two of them became a sort of comedy duo. And then it developed into something much fuller and more rounded, which has been a joy. And – talking of his emotional intelligence – as we’ve explored him and Lilian, the relationship has gradually induced a greater awareness of how all that kind of stuff works.

He’s never going to entirely buy into it. But he genuinely loves Lilian. He loves her strength. I’m not entirely sure that when it comes down to it he doesn’t actually admire the way she’s conducted this affair. He recognises a fellow player. When he eventually found out, it was like a game of poker. Nobody’s revealing their hand. And I think it’s very clever the way the writers have done that.

Obviously he loves her, but there is an element of control in there. I think he would be devastated if she left. That would be an appalling consequence in all sorts of ways. Certainly in terms of business, because he can’t trade without her. But also with the emotional relationship and the support.

I’m not sure he has sexual jealousy in a way. If she were to have flings, I don’t think he’s that concerned, as long as he’s going to get her back. As long as he’s going to win in the end.

Is this why he hasn’t confronted her, do you think?

Oh yeah, it’s part of it, absolutely. I don’t think he thinks for a moment that it’s all over between them. He’s just working hard to eradicate Paul as a rival and have Lilian back.

When Matt came out of prison and he thought Paul was sniffing around for money, he confronted Paul directly. He’s gone for an indirect warning this time. Why do you think that is?

It’s part of that control, power thing. He doesn’t want Lilian to know at this stage that he knows. He’s given her so many opportunities to confess. He really wants her to. Really craves that scene where she confesses and he says it’s all right.

Because that would put him in a more powerful position in the relationship?

Just a bit!

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer

Read more about Matt , Lilian and Paul – and the actors who play them – in our Who’s Who
Michael Fenton Stevens talks about what motivates Paul

Single Wicket cricket – how it’s played

2013-05-24T19:10:09+01:00

Cricket - bowled

Bank holiday Monday brings Ambridge's annual single wicket cricket competition. Here's a brief guide to how the game is played.

The actual rules are the same as for any game of cricket in terms of runs, ways of getting out etc. If you don’t understand those, then you’ll have an uphill struggle, but you can mug up on the ‘laws’ of cricket here.

Single wicket refers not to the stumps (a common misconception) but to the fact that it is a knockout competition involving individuals rather than teams.

You usually start with 16 players, who are drawn to play against each other in pairs.

So in the first round Tom (say) plays against Roy. Tom bowls an over, against Roy batting Then they swap round. Whoever scores the most runs in their over, or until they are out, goes through to the next round.

After round one, eight players remain and so on until two players are left to contest the final. Sometimes the semi-finals and final will comprise three and four overs respectively.

Fielding is done by the other players on a rotational basis. So while player A plays player B, ten of the others will field (including a wicket keeper). The other four (usually the two pairs involved in the next two games) will get ready to play, put pads on etc.

And if there’s no-one else available, they may also umpire, do the score book and make the teas.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer (and no cricketer, believe me...)

Introduction to the laws of cricket from BBC Sport
The full laws from the MCC

Ambridge ups and downs - 20 May 2013

2013-05-20T09:06:09+01:00

Sunny bank holiday

Josh Archer
Put it there, partner

Nic Grundy
Enjoying church life

Jill Archer
Flower festival coming on nicely

Then back to winter

Lilian Bellamy
Run, girl, run!

Matt Crawford
The penny drops at last

Paul Morgan

Wouldn't like to be in his shoes

You can receive this light-hearted round-up in The Archers weekly email newsletter, along with other Archers-related news and features.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer.

Read about more Archers characters in our Who's Who section
Sign up for The Archers newsletter

Michael Fenton Stevens on Paul – lover or controller?

2013-05-19T18:27:01+01:00

Michael Fenton Stevens (Paul Morgan)

Seeing his ex-wife remarrying has increased Paul’s desperation to be with Lilian to alarming levels. The actor Michael Fenton Stevens examines the motivations that drive his character.

Paul feels that the important thing is that when he loves someone he should devote everything to them and those things need to be reciprocal. We’ve gone through periods with the character where he’s said ‘I love you so much, I will put up with anything to stay with you’. They were very interesting and quite difficult scenes to play, because clearly Lilian had decided at one point that she couldn’t go on and risk it anymore. He gave her a way out and said he’d he at her beck and call.

But was he deceiving himself when he was saying that?

I think he was absolutely. Now he’s getting to the point where he can’t bear sharing her.

I think that’s also what is happening with his ex-wife. Not that he loves her any more as he does Lilian, but he still feels responsible for her. He thinks that Celia is leading herself and his children to a position where everything will go wrong. Whether that’s really true, in his mind it is. So you have to play those things as if they are true for him.

It’s the same when it comes to deceiving Lilian. This has been the first time he’s done that in the whole of the time he’s been with her. I think because he is deceiving himself he can’t actually be completely honest about it, because I don’t think he understands the reasons behind things. It’s not that he’s thought it through and worked it all out. It’s an emotional reaction and so it doesn’t make sense.

As far as he’s concerned, he’s not done anything wrong. All he ever did was protect Celia and the children and make sure that they were doing the right thing. But of course to them that came across as domineering and as somebody who was telling them what to do.

It sounds like the part has progressed from being a relatively simple proposition to being a very complex one.

Yes and that’s the skill of the writers, I think, because they’ve taken that from tiny little things that you’ve done in performance. There was a line quite a while ago in a scene where he was telling Lilian they’d do this now and do that and she was saying ‘don’t keep telling me what to do’. I said I’m sorry, I’m sorry, that’s what my ex-wife used to say, that I was too controlling.

There was an element of over-earnestness about the character. The absolute earnestness of the man leads you down that road. I’m sure the audience has been split, as have we performers, as to how he would eventually turn out. Either a person who was genuinely completely in love and be delightful, soft and gentle – as he was for many months – or controlling and wanting to be in charge.

He wants Lilian to be with him all the time. He can’t bear the idea of her being with Matt, because as far as he’s concerned Matt is completely the wrong man for her. Paul thinks he’s the right man. He will show her love and devotion – and they have great sex!

It obviously angers him that Lilian might occasionally sleep with Matt. As far as he’s concerned, it’s almost prostitution. He thinks she’s with him because she needs to be for her business, whereas they love each other. He genuinely means that, I think.

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Michael Fenton Stevens (Paul) on Anita Dobson, instant rows, trust and green room chat

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer

Read more about Paul, Celia, Lilian and Matt in our Who’s Who

'Revenge is a dish best served cold' - listener discussions to 15 May 2013

2013-05-19T18:27:01+01:00

Post from @DAaronovitch on Twitter

Matt’s next move and Pip’s car troubles have dominated discussions this week. We’ve had all manner of guesses about what Matt’s planning to do about Lilian and Paul, with everything from murder to marriage suggested. There were huge cheers for David for sticking to his guns over Pip’s car loan. But they’re not so happy with his "push-over of a wife".

Here’s my pick of online listener discussions between 9 and 15 May 2013

As Matt Crawford takes his frustration out on his golf balls, listeners wonder if he will be serving up a dish of revenge – served cold? And who will be the target: Paul or Lilian? There’s quite a bit of guess work going on…

"Lilian saw the work at Fawcett Magna," said Matt, quietly twisting his six-iron into a pretzel-shaped weapon. #thearchers (@RadioAmbridge on Twitter)

1. He kills him. 2. He kills her. 3. He leaves her. 4. He stays with her. ???? #thearchers (@DAaronovitch on Twitter)

See you in the A&E Paul. #thearchers (@HiggsBoz0 on Twitter)

#theArchers Cluedo: Matt, with a golf club, in Paul's flat... (@nj_hall on Twitter)

I've got it! Matt's going to propose to her so any money she's got he gets to share when they break up! #thearchers (@SteveBrooks13 on Twitter)

I'm still intrigued by the fate of the money and believe Lillian will lose it, either as a result of a nefarious plot by Matt or because she's sunk it into a riverside development where it might literally sink come the next wet summer. (slimpickins on Archers Addicts forum)

[The trip to Turkey] might be a way of getting Lilian out of the way so he can arrange something nasty or devious to happen to Paul (this seems to be his style!). (Val Johnson on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

Matt won't confront her. He'll get proof, then devise a dastardly plan for revenge. #thearchers (@skybluemandyloo on Twitter)

Before they go off, Matt will wall up Paul in the new apartments and get Daryl to do the masonry work. No one will ever know! (Lynda Everington on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Daryl was the last person I thought of when it came to spilling the beans on Lillian & Paul's affair... Now I'm just waiting for the cat fight of the century (Tiger v pussycat)!!! (GJ Warner on this blog)

Oh come on - something's got to go right for Darrell - can't he get in into self-help/personal development and let the lion within roar?!!! (Kate Summerside on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

I hope Matt doesn't hire Darrell as the hit man. He'll forget the bullets then drop the gun on his foot and break his toes before hopping off to blurt out the entire plot to Neil, who will just happen to be having a conversation with an off duty copper at the time. (Olafthe Lofty on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

I hope they string it out. Revenge is a dish best served cold ... (Christine Wilson on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

We’ve been inundated with requests from listeners volunteering to tell Pip Archer about Josh’s loan for the hen business

#thearchers please can I tell Pip? Please, please, please? (@readyricecrispy on Twitter)

@BBCTheArchers we should club together and send her a singing telegram #thearchers (@Ifwehadanyham on Twitter)

@BBCTheArchers I'd walk there to tell her if that's any help? #thearchers (@janeskinner2 on Twitter)

Oooh Pip, KARMA-geddon is coming with your name on it. #thearchers #Pipgetscomeuppance (@LadyDanni1 on Twitter)

David gets a big cheer for standing firm on helping his daughter buy a new car, but listeners are distinctly unimpressed with Ruth

Yay David! I was SO chuffed that he stood his ground and told her a few more home truths to that horrid ungrateful little manipulative brat. Here's hoping that when she goes sobbing to granny that she too holds firm. Poor Josh is going to get the full vicious onslaught I fear. Awesome and (sadly) realistic scenario acted perfectly. (Helen Sherwood on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

I don't often cheer David on but I am now #thearchers (@DustySubstances on Twitter)

Good for you David - you tell that spoilt little brat of a daughter ..... And stick to it. Don't let that push over of a wife persuade you otherwise! Pip needs to be taken down a peg or two. (Jill Nicholls on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Even my 8 year old was exasperated with Ruth today!! Don't just chuck Pip out David, get rid of Ruth at same time!! Then invoice them both for the petrol for driving them to Hollerton Junction to catch a train to Timbuktu. (Victoria Hogan on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Bet Ruth lends her some money on the sly. (Lowri Williams on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

#thearchers having to re-listen as that episode was so good! Pip's sweet & reasonable pitch for the £800 is the highlight of my year so far! (@broady964 on Twitter)

The only way I think Pip 'might' realise what a little snot she's been is if Spencer grows a pair and confronts her with the fact that she's turned into a truly hideous individual. I doubt anyone else could through to the little madam. (Marc Ng on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

In other comments eyebrows are raised about Jennifer's taste in pasta, there's speculation about the strawberry pickers and praise for Lynda in the battle over the Highland Games…

Pasta quills Jennifer? Penne not good enough for you then .... Surprised you don't make your own #thearchers (@nosila_63 on Twitter)

Adam's strawberry pickers are soon to arrive, will this mean the return of Pavel?? (Matt Collins on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

What Jazzer did was great, but here's what makes me love Linda. I'm sure once she goes home and readjusts her nose (that was put out of joint) she'll throw herself 100% into Highland Games. Not many people would be that gracious in defeat. (Laura Jo Elzinga on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

Tayler Cresswell is The Archers’ social media host.

Join the conversation here on The Archers blog
Have your say on The Archers Facebook page
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'Thanks for Jack' - Archers listeners say a fond farewell to Arnold Peters

2013-05-14T16:51:27+01:00

Post from @borntoloaf on Twitter

Thank you to all the listeners have posted their condolences and memories of Arnold Peters, who played Jack Woolley. Here are just a handful of them.

Farewell to a lovely gentleman (Nichola Mollison on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Such sad news. I've been listening to him for as long as I can remember. #thearchers (@Jacqui12358 on Twitter)

I am so sad that Arnold has passed away. His character in the Archers was an integral part of the drama and I know life goes on even for my favourite "soap" but somehow it will dimmed by his light going out. (Bob Booker on The Archers blog)

RIP Arnold Peters; I used to like Jack Woolley, and he played his progression into Alzheimer's so very sensitively Thanks for many happy memories. (Gareth Owain Edwards on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

I am a relative newcomer to the Archers, but in the last few years I have witnessed your amazing work. What it has done for making people aware of diseases that impact a person’s memory, can't be measured. Thanks for Jack, Arnold. (Ross James on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

What a wonderful character he was, good memories of him and Captain. Condolences to his family (@Marge62Sheila on Twitter)

I will miss the soft, gentle Midlands burr and the sheer sincerity of the man. A treasured moment was the death of Captain [Jack Woolley's beloved dog] and the grief and recriminations that followed! R.I.P. Arnold!! (hernebaydave on The Archers blog)

RIP after meeting him whilst he directed our local pantomime in the early 80's he introduced me to The Archers making me an avid listener happy memories of him through our local am dram and as Jack Woolley (Janet Wicks on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

A lovely, kind man who used to run our church youth club. He dedicated so much of personal time to give us teenagers a safe place to socialise and brought acting / drama into our lives. Will be very missed x (Trina Harrington on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Very sad. He was a lovely man. Very much into model railways, he ran exhibitions at which my husband showed his railway. Such a gentleman. (Lynne Tann-Watson on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Sad news. Jack was a fine character and Arnold Peters did a magnificent job of bringing him to life. Sympathies to everyone who knew him, especially June Spencer (Peggy). (Dragonfly on The Archers blog)

My deepest sympathy. He was a great character. I remember seeing the Archers Pageant during which he did a pantomime song and had the audience singing and laughing along with him. (Camera5hy on The Archers blog)

Sorry to hear about Arnold Peters. One of the old familiar voices on 'The Archers', and also a great person. I met him a few times, most memorably at the Malvern showground at the Ambridge Festival in 1993, and the brilliant weekend at Barton Hall, Torquay, when he was compere and caller for the dancing. He knew the Torbay area from his childhood, as his family used to come to Brixham for holidays. A charming man, and very much a gentleman in the classic sense of the word... (David Collins on The Archers blog)

Such sad news. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and by his many fans. (Doreen Edmands on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Whenever an actor in @BBCTheArchers @BBCRadio4 dies in real life I feel that I've lost a dear friend RIP Arnold Peters you lovely gentleman. (@borntoloaf on Twitter)

Tayler Cresswell is The Archers’ social media host.

Read more about Arnold Peters on our blog
Read about Jack Woolley in our Who’s Who

‘Joshy I'm proud of you’ – listener discussions to 8 May 2013

2013-05-13T12:27:36+01:00

Post from @lomelindi on Twitter

Budding entrepreneur Josh Archer has impressed some listeners, but others report a growing sense of unease about his future. When it comes to his sister, they hope she’ll soon be found out after starting the rumours about Bridge farm.

Listeners are relieved that Matt Crawford is back on form. They’re waiting for a “showdown” with Paul and Lilian which, they say, can’t come too soon.

Almost everyone thinks that Helen won’t be hearing from Jonathan again after she revealed too much on their date.

There’s much relief as Lynda’s llama drama comes to an end. And as Elona decides to end her marriage, listeners think she’s made the right decision.

Here’s my pick of online listener discussions between 2 and 8 May 2013

As young Josh puts in his bid for the hen business, some think he’s making a big mistake...

Someone please put Josh in quarantine, far, far away from Pip and Tom. It's his only hope #TheArchers (@lapsangsusie on Twitter)

Josh, Josh, Josh. Tom Replicant isn't a good life plan #TheArchers (@lomelindi12 on Twitter)

Yes! He is enthusiastic and has some great ideas. Good for him. Quite a contrast to his dreadful sister! If I were Ruth and David I'd take advantage of this early promise before he turns into an older teenager who wants to sleep.... A lot... ! (Louise Garner on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

You're my new favourite, chip off the old block Joshy I'm proud of you #thearchers (@Canojar on Twitter)

Bless his little socks! Pip needs to take a leaf or two out of his book! (Alex Holden on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

#thearchers Looks like Josh will be taking money out of what Pip thinks of as her car fund. (@SteveBrooks13 on Twitter)

Josh reminds me of John & Tom starting their pig business's very young. It never brought either of them happiness! (Sue Mears on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Listeners joined in with all the gossip about Bridge Farm – many were shouting at the radio in the hope that Pip would be found out

Pat and Tony seem to forget they live in Ambridge. Where everyone gossips. All the time. ALL THE TIME #thearchers (Radio Times' @TVAlisonGraham on Twitter)

Oh, please let them find out it was Pip who blabbed! #thearchers (@SpareMousie on Twitter)

#thearchers Aha. Hope they trace the rumour back to Pip very quickly. She'll never milk again. (@louaylward on Twitter)

It seems listeners are pleased to see Matt Crawford back on form but there’s some debate about Paul. Has he changed into a “completely different person”?

Matt's a wily old fox--bet he is well on the trail and planning the showdown! (Chris Walmsley on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Paul doesn't even begin to know the meaning of hell - but he soon will. #thearchers (@EllaJP on Twitter)

I’m rather worried that Matt "looking after" Lillian will involve a new patio #thearchers (@yokelbear on Twitter)

Roll on the big showdown between Mat and Paul at the secret love nest! (Julian Hammond on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

He's waiting to pick his moment. (Lowri Williams on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

The current Paul doesn't bear any resemblance to the Paul we first knew… Originally he was a sympathetic person, who understood that Lilian was with Matt and backed off. He wouldn't in anyway put Lillian into a difficult situation, he was a good boss, and clearly a reputable one. We now have a completely different person, nasty, manipulative, bad-tempered, disliked by his children. (Lizzie Hayes on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

Paul was nice-till he got what he wanted. I've seen the type before. In his case, unhinged might be his alter-ego. (Laura Thornton on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

Sympathetic listeners have pronounced Helen well and truly “dumped” after she shared too much information with Jonathan on their evening out – most think she’s better out of it if that’s his attitude.

Efficient Helen whips out list entitled "dinner conversation subjects" and crosses out "donor insemination" #thearchers (@janetfauret on Twitter)

So she's dumped? How is what she did worse than picking up some random man?! (Christine Wilson on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

If he's repulsed by reality then he ain't worth it!! ! (Ivan Thomas on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

She just seemed callous. It sounded that is all she wanted and appeared a little cold. Lucky escape for Jonathan, her conceit is always evident! (Lynda Everington on BBC The Archers Facebook page) http://www.facebook.com/BBCTheArchers

I agree that the knee jerk reaction of your average, insecure male might be "oh dear, she's made a conscious decision to have a baby without a father, therefore I'm redundant", but someone special might not think that way… Helen is going to have to aim for a man with a high sense of self worth and who is not shallow. Good hunting, Helen! (Pam Tonothy on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

Clutching my bundle of donor sperm baby in solidarity with Helen. Wasn't aware it was something to be embarrassed or ashamed of #thearchers (@inkognitoh on Twitter)

News that Lynda’s llama drama was over was a relief to many listeners

The llamas are saved! *throws hat into the air* #llamadrama #TheArchers (@ginandcrumpets on Twitter)

And that sound was an entire world of listeners going "OH THANK GOD" in glorious unison #thearchers #RIPWolfgang (@katbrown82 on Twitter)

Lynda's had a lucky escape from being drummed out of Ambridge #thearchers (@redbookish on Twitter)

Lynda is one of the best characters in the Archers - and is superbly portrayed as well. It's always a treat when she is on, and the scenes with Robert are especially wonderful. Lynda might be a little overbearing - but she's enthusiastic about village life and has a very kind heart! (Claire Kulagowski on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

And the Aldridges’ kitchen supper didn’t go well for poor Darrell, though most listeners seemed to support Elona’s decision to leave her husband. Some are beginning to wonder if there’s some kind of relationship break-up epidemic in Ambridge…

At long last, Elona! Please don't change your mind in the morning. Even if the girls need a guitar or rollerblades. #DitchDaryl #thearchers (@Nad_J_H on Twitter)

Poor Elona. All she wants is what she can't have with 'Derrol'. So she is getting shut of a useless, ineffectual criminal? Good for her! She seems lovely, if a bit naive! (Jaki Flowers on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Well it's divorce for them then! Thank heavens they are both people you wouldn't want living next door! (Susan Ralph on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Oh no not another one! I can't keep up with all these relationship problems. #TheArchers (@FreekHedd on Twitter)

It'll only be a matter of time before Relate set up a new office in Ambridge. #thearchers (@feistyoatcake on Twitter)

Tayler Cresswell is The Archers’ social media host.

Join the conversation here on The Archers blog
Have your say on The Archers Facebook page
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Arnold Peters (Jack Woolley) has died

2013-05-13T12:16:37+01:00

Arnold Peters (Jack Woolley)

I'm sorry to have to announce that Arnold Peters, who played Jack Woolley, died at the weekend.

Archers editor Vanessa Whitburn said: 'Arnold was immensely successful as Jack Woolley. With enormous skill he took the character from sharp, sometimes ruthless, businessman, mellowing through the years into retirement and eventual dependence on wife Peggy, as Alzheimer's set in. Only the best actors can fine tune those character arcs over many years and Arnold was the best.'

I worked with Arnold many times in studio. My abiding memories are of his invariable kind enquiries about my family, and the absolute care he took over his performance.

I was chatting to June Spencer (who plays Peggy) about him just last week. Here are some of her recollections of this gentle man:

‘Arnold and I worked together many times, long before The Archers started. I have really happy memories of the Children’s Hour pantomimes we were both in together. They were great fun to do. Arnold was very versatile. I remember in one he played the villain and the hero!

‘He did a lot of work producing shows for local amateur dramatic societies. He was a country dance caller, and a drummer in a band. He was very active, all the time, whether it was for charity or professionally.

‘He loved acting. It was his life. I picture him in the latter days in the green room, with his stick and his cap, always very genial.

‘As an actor he was the complete pro. He was very conscientious. He always turned in a good performance, no matter what we were doing.'

June also remembered recording Arnold's last appearance in The Archers.

June Spencer and Arnold Peters recording Jack Woolley's final appearance in The Archers

‘We went to see him in his retirement home. He could still turn in a good performance. He read it perfectly. We worked together just as we’d always done, up to the last.’

Arnold Peters’ obituaries in the press:

"In a career spanning more than 50 years, Arnold Peters was a regular, if unsung performer, in a host of TV programmes. But the role for which he is best known was probably his most difficult - the portrayal of The Archers' Jack Woolley as his character succumbed to dementia…" BBC News obituary

"Like most Archers actors, Peters pursued a vigorous career alongside his commitment to Ambridge. He wrote and directed pantomimes, produced Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, and was both a drummer in a folk dance band and a country dance caller. By the early 1990s he reckoned he had clocked up well over 3,000 radio programmes and 250 television appearances..." The Telegraph obituary

"Peters’ first broadcast was for the BBC’s Children’s Hour and he went on to land a place at the BBC Drama Repertory Company, based in Birmingham. June Spencer, who played his wife, Peggy, in the radio soap said: “Arnold and I worked together many times, long before The Archers started…” The Scotsman obituary

"A quiet, genial man, a professional to the core, Peters did much, even once silent, to enlighten his audience [about dementia] through this particular blurring of life and art." The Guardian obituary

You’ll also find some lovely photos of Arnold on The Mirror and Daily Mail websites.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer.

Read about Jack Woolley in our Who's Who

Tonight on The Archers: Dragon's Hen?

2013-05-10T14:33:17+01:00

Ambridge ups and downs 13 May 2013

2013-05-08T15:05:36+01:00

Driving ahead

Josh Archer
Have loan, will... clear out hen muck

Clarrie Grundy
All this and Rosie too

Tom Archer
Tasting times

Having to hitch

Pip Archer

Have no loan, will... sulk

Paul Morgan
Is he losing it?

Lilian Bellamy
Matt's checking up

You can receive this light-hearted round-up in The Archers weekly email newsletter, along with other Archers-related news and features.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer.

Read about more Archers characters in our Who's Who section
Sign up for The Archers newsletter

Helen has a baby by donor insemination

2013-05-07T18:27:18+01:00

Pregnant woman with tape measure

As Helen shares perhaps too much information with her new boyfriend Jonathan, here’s a reminder of how she decided to have a baby on her own – and how it drove a wedge through the family.

Helen Archer’s desire for a baby started to surface in 2010.

Helen had been looking after Annette, the wayward daughter of Helen’s former partner Greg Turner. When Annette became pregnant, Helen was ready to help her bring up the child. But after Annette had an abortion and left to live with her grandmother, Helen’s need to nuture was left unfulfilled.

Helen had not had a lot of luck with men, but she wasn’t going to let that get in her way. In February, she shocked her family by announcing that she planned to have a baby by donor insemination. Tony and Tom thought to bring a baby into the world without a father to share the burden was a mad idea – and said as much, to Helen’s upset.

Tony can’t agree

After a long talk with her daughter, Pat finally accepted that Helen was not just reacting emotionally to the loss of Annette and Helen’s previous boyfriend Leon. But while Pat accepted and supported the plan, Tony was still vehement in his opposition.

As Helen started the process with the fertility clinic, her friend Ian Craig became her main male support. Finding that Helen’s body mass index was a little low, the clinic encouraged her to put on a few pounds. This alarmed Tony, because Helen had suffered with an eating disorder after Greg had killed himself.

Although the plan was known only to a few people at this point, Helen’s cousin Kate Aldridge discovered medical literature at Helen’s flat. She strongly urged Helen to think carefully before voluntarily becoming a single mother.

In March, Helen received a setback. Because of a change in the law, which gave a child the right to know the father’s identity at the age of 18, the availability of donor sperm had reduced. Tony was pleased to hear that Helen would have to wait at least six months. He hoped that it would give her time to come to her senses. In the interim, he ham-fistedly tried to set her up with a man – Patrick Hennessey from the local wildlife trust.

Pregnant!

But Helen was soon jubilant at the news that the clinic had had a cancellation. She went for treatment on 11 May, and on 26 May told her parents she was pregnant. Despite Helen’s obvious joy, Tony could not pretend he was happy at the news.

Tony can't be happy that Helen is pregnant (May 2010)

Helen started the usual ante-natal procedure, and in August announced the news to the wider community, via village gossip-hub Susan Carter. Helen’s grandmother Peggy sided with Tony, agreeing that while they would support Helen, they didn’t believe she’d made a wise choice.

In September, Helen realised for the first time that she could not control everything about her pregnancy. Faced with the ‘triple test’ for Down’s syndrome and other chromosome abnormalities, she started to panic. She was bolstered by her friend and employee Kirsty Miller – and by Tom, who had finally come around to a more supportive position.

The test showed a low probability, and Helen resolved not to worry about things that she could not control. But her family were concerned about her punishing work schedule and gruelling exercise regime – and by how little she appeared to be eating.

Small for dates

Helen's baby is small for dates (Nov 2010)

Despite her protestations that all was fine, things came to a head on 26 November, when distraught Helen confessed to Pat that the baby was ‘small for dates’. Pat reassured Helen that she would not have harmed the baby. But with advice from midwife Amy Franks, and support from friends and family, Helen managed to ease off a bit.

The relationship with her father was still tense, though. As Ian decorated the nursery in her flat, Tony’s studied attempts at rapprochement failed badly, making for an uneasy Christmas period.

Helen feels Tony is against her (Dec 2010)

But all was to change on 2 January 2011. While at a party at Lower Loxley, Helen developed a bad headache and swollen ankles. At Amy’s urging, Tony and Pat rushed Helen to hospital. The doctors diagnosed pre-eclampsia and delivered the baby by emergency caesarean. Tony’s concern for his daughter’s life flushed all his judgemental feelings away.

As Helen introduced Henry Ian Archer to his relieved and delighted grandparents, she and Tony were reconciled.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer.

Learn more about Helen and Henry in our Who’s Who
Information about donor insemination from the HFEA

‘This girl is standing on my last nerve’ - Listener discussions to 1 May 2013

2013-05-07T18:27:18+01:00

Post from @jackieschneider on Twitter

Oh Pip! Even your most longsuffering fans seem to be deserting you. Listeners advise: get a bicycle and grow up, Pip!

As Matt begins to uncover Lilian’s deception, most think her comeuppance is long overdue.

There’s a debate over whether Kirsty and Tom should get back together; and over who would be the first to spill the beans about Bridge Farm selling the herd.

Some think that the class divide is alive and well in Ambridge after Brian and Jennifer’s kitchen supper. And many suspect that Clarrie’s birthday surprise may be a bit of a disappointment.

Here’s my pick of online listener discussions between 25 April and 1 May 2013

Pip Archer is still causing listeners to grind their teeth. Even hardened ‘TeamPip’-sters are beginning to give up the fight… Time to get a bicycle!

@BBCTheArchers - I have issued a public statement on my new position & will be calling a press conference at a later date #ExTeamPip (@jackieschneider on Twitter)

I do love Pip but she's being a bit of a spoilt brat at the mo (Harriet Hughes Dmytriw on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

@BBCTheArchers Pip - AAAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHHH! Don't know how much more I can take! #thearchers (@ryanjohnscott on Twitter)

This girl is standing on my last nerve. She is a nasty little piece of work. (Barbara Hughes on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Pip, someone who is making the teenage me look wholly reasonable! #TheArchers (@ailsajmc on Twitter)

When I was Pip's age I used to do the 18 mile round trip to and from work on a rusty bike. In the dark. Pampered little madam #thearchers (@clioclothed on Twitter)

Nothing short of her father or mother being at death's door is going to make this little madam wake up to herself. (Jennie Towan on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Ruth's new catchphrase...."I'm not defending her..., but" is appearing with alarming regularity (EmperorMonkey on this blog)

Give Pip a break! We all make mistakes and she does need transport to get to her place of study (and the bus/train combo doesn't sound great) if her parents don't support her they may unwittingly push her into leaving home or packing in her course! I wonder if they would have made such a fuss if she'd been a boy? (goldfishnot on this blog)

Poor Pip - it's only a temporary blip - the old Pip will be back soon - everyone has had a 'Pip' moment! (Lisa Young on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Lilian seems to be getting into hot water after Andrew Eagleton spilled the beans to Matt about her trip to the races. Listeners are looking forward to her comeuppance, however it’s served!

@BBCTheArchers Looks like the wheels are falling off the Lilian and Paul love mobile.Hold on to your hats! (@gilly38 on Twitter)

#thearchers Great to have Matt back! Andrew Eagleton about to let pusscat out of the bag. (@languedoclinda on Twitter)

#thearchers The Eagleton has landed! (@TauntonGardener on Twitter)

Matt is positively purring. Watch out puss cat #thearchers (@shimmy41a on Twitter)

I can feel the colour draining from Lil's face #TheArchers (@hugzee on Twitter)

This is traditionally the point at which the pianist hides behind the bar. #thearchers (@Mudkipstoat23 on Twitter)

How long till we get a confrontation with Matt, Paul and Lillian? Next week when they meet at the Italian? (Pat Summerell on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Lilian is just BORED and playing with Paul. She doesn't want to lose Matt because she knows deep down that he is what she wants. Will jolly well serve her right if Matt ditches her. (ArcherMad on this blog)

We are now seeing the real Paul a control freak who is so like his half brother Matt. Lilan deserves all she will get Paul is forcing her hand but maybe she will end up alone! (parlourmaid on this blog)

Lillian can't arf pick them - the brothers grim!!! #thearchers (@williamshankly on Twitter)

As Kirsty offers Tom a sympathetic ear, listeners wonder if this is the start of a new romance… but they’re divided about whether it’s a good idea

@BBCTheArchers Does this mean a Kirsty-Tom reconciliation? I do hope so. I adore Kirsty. #SexiestVoiceOnRadio (@rinawolfson on Twitter)

Tom wallowing in self pity is even more irritating than Tom obsessing about ready meals. Please fix him up with Kirsty asap and put us out of our misery. You know you want to... (Nicola Clark on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Go on Tom, make Brenda jealous! (Sarah Mitchell on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Nope, Kirsty should stay well clear of Tom ... and Tom should stay well clear of women till he's quite definitely 'over' the loss of Brenda... about 3 years minimum in my experience! (Richard Hubbard on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Tom and Kirsty - please no. I really like Kirsty. (Stewart Arrandale on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

As Pat, Tony, Helen and Tom swear everyone to secrecy, listeners know it won’t be long before everyone knows about the sale of the herd at Bridge Farm. But who will spill the beans?

Susan: *texts Vicky from under table* PAT SELLING COWS. THINGS MUST B BAD? POSS BANKRUPT? PASS IT ON. DIDN'T HEAR IT FROM ME. #thearchers (@AlternateArcher on Twitter)

Hahaha-ahahaha. Susan and Clarrie sworn secrecy. Hahaha-ahHahaha #thearchers (@hebdensnapper on Twitter)

Ha ha! Ask Pip to keep a secret? In her frame of mind? Now that will be a disaster! (Clare Worthy on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

Oh Pip! You should be ashamed of yourself. That was a secret (although most of Twitter know!) #TheArchers (@AnnieBannister on Twitter)

I really wish they weren't going to sell the cows. I feel very sad about it. :-( #thearchers (@soundwords on Twitter)

Thursday’s invitation to Home Farm for a kitchen supper had many discussing class in Ambridge

Blimey. I’m squirming enough here in my kitchen. Goodness knows how Lil and Darryl are feeling. #TheArchers (@MsAlliance on Twitter)

Kitchen Supper, because you're not posh enough for the dining room, Neil #TheArchers (@opheliaknee on Twitter)

Urgh, "kitchen supper" at Home Farm. Bet it's not on the best china. Rich man in his castle, poor man at his gate. #thearchers (@mkcloughie on Twitter)

And finally, it seems that expectations are low for Clarrie’s birthday treat

Eddie's preparing something special #thearchers. Beans on toast twice coming up..... (@potterwigwam on Twitter)

The coast, Clarrie? Eddie was thinking more along the lines of a car boot sale for a day out. #thearchers (@fairy_with_hair on Twitter)

Tayler Cresswell is The Archers’ social media host.

Join the conversation here on The Archers blog
Have your say on The Archers Facebook page
Follow @BBCTheArchers on Twitter and chat about #thearchers

Or join the discussions on Archers fan forums:

Archers Addicts

Mustardland / Peet’s Place

Mustardland / smeesue’s board

Jazzer's Sheep Shearing Songs

2013-05-07T10:24:37+01:00

We asked Facebook and Twitter for suggestions to add to Jazzer's sheep shearing playlist.

So far we've had such wonders as ' Is This The Way To Shear Merino', 'The Only Way is Tup' and ' I Herdwick Thru The Grapevine'.

Have you got any ewessential tunes to add to Jazzer's collection (which will almost certainly be topping the charts very soon)?

Update: Thanks for all your song suggestions for Jazzer’s CD. Here are just a few of our favourite #sheepshearingsongs from listeners posted on Facebook and Twitter.

@BBCTheArchers Ewe are my sunshine (@neotalot on Twitter)

@BBCTheArchers Feel the bleat of the rhythm of
the night #thearchers (@HiggsBoz0 on Twitter)

Sex and Rugs and Flock and Roll. (Vivian Wells on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

For the badly sheared sheep; *please refleece me* #thearchers #SheepShearingSongs (@salvatorRosa on Twitter)

@BBCTheArchers Shears on my Pillow #thearchers (@monx61 on Twitter)

Sheep Trick - Chirpy Chirpy Sheep sheep (Dave Bayno Baynham on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

@BBCTheArchers #sheepshearingsongs Hello Dolly! (@timf66 on Twitter)

@BBCTheArchers #thearchers. My heart wool go on (@andidowsett on Twitter)

I ram the one and only! Chesney Hawkes! (Carol Lynne Smith on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

@BBCTheArchers "Shears of a Clown"? "I'll never find another ewe"? #thearchers (@1943pete66 on Twitter)

Is this the way to shear merino...? (Roy Carter on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

#sheepshearingsongs We're Lambing, Lambing, Lambing, I Hope You Like Lambing Too (@lomelindi12 on Twitter)

@BBCTheArchers Flock of the bay ;-) (@NellboyPearce on Twitter)

Ambridge ups and downs - 6 May 2013

2013-05-06T09:00:10+01:00

Spring's here!

Lynda Snell
Freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! (of TB)

Josh Archer
Or should that be Josh Branson?

Susan Carter
When's her first kitchen supper, we wonder?

It's just teasing

Darell Makepeace

Elona's had enough

Peggy Woolley
Losing her 'treasure'

Tony Archer

The rumours have started

You can receive this light-hearted round-up in The Archers weekly email newsletter, along with other Archers-related news and features.

Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer.

Read about more Archers characters in our Who's Who section
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