Judy Bennett has played Shula for over thirty years. In that time, her character has gone through many phases: from horsey teenager and troublesome twentysomething to her current status as wife, mother and businesswoman.

Shula has had some of the most memorable storylines of any Archers character; the carefree days partying with Caroline and Nigel, her off-on romance with Mark, the anguish of infertility, early widowhood, the mad affair with Richard, the agony of Daniel's arthritis... And who knows what the future will bring?

Judy is also married in real life to Charles Collingwood, who plays Brian Aldridge.

In the first of our series The Questionnaire, Judy answers your questions

HI judy how are you? what has been your fav storyline in the archers? best wishes calvin saxton.
What is your most memorable storyline? Wendy Sage

Without doubt, the most memorable was Mark’s death and everything that followed it. It gave me lots of opportunities as an actor. I had some really good scenes to play. It was difficult, though, because I had to record the scenes the week after my father-in-law died. I could use the real emotion that I was feeling, but it was difficult to talk about grieving when that’s what I was doing in real life.

Another wonderful storyline that I enjoyed playing was the affair with Richard and Alistair. It highlighted parts of Shula’s character that listeners who didn’t know her when she was younger might not have realised were there. Some people were almost offended. They said to me "Shula wouldn’t do that". But of course she would. Not only was she turning 40, she’s lost Mark, became pregnant and then had the awful worry of Daniel’s arthritis. She was whirling out of control.

What do you love/hate most about Shula? many thanks, bookworm.
Margaret Longden asked a similar question.

I like the fact that she is generous, trustworthy, loving, a good mother and a good wife. As for hating, I don’t know what there is to hate. I admire the fact that she’s got Brian sussed out!

I find Shula a self obsessed hypocrite totally dependant on others, be they mother and father, partners various or whoever is vicar at the time. How do you see her character? Stephen Killick.
India Mountford and Martine Stead asked similar questions.

Well, I have to disagree. I don’t think she’s dependent at all. She’s had her own career, and now runs a business on her own. It was a long time before she married Mark, and she had several years bringing up Daniel on her own. She has close relationships with her parents, Caroline, and Janet, yes, but it’s rather sad if you think that means she’s dependent.

After so many years as Shula... her character must be part of you. How do you cope when the writers come up with a story line you do not feel really reflects "your" Shula. John Slingsby

People find it hard to believe this, but no, Shula is very separate from me. Sometimes people ask me to say something like Shula - and I can’t, not without a script. But when I have a script in front of me, I can’t not.

Do the dastardly antics played by Brian ever cause arguments in real life between yourself and husband Charles ----- for example , does Charles sympathise with Brian ? Kingdorrington

I do sometimes walk around the house listening to the radio and calling him a bastard. In fact in one early episode I texted him with that word after every scene! But that was all a joke and we don’t argue about it.

Do you ever get annoyed with your husband over issues arising from his radio role ? Geoff Proffitt.

No, that would imply that Brian is part of Charles. He isn’t.

In recent years, Shula has gone from virtual sainthood to being the 'scarlet woman' of Ambridge. Now she appears to have her halo back in place - for a while anyway! Which facet of her character do you enjoy playing the most? Best wishes Vicky Griffiths

I genuinely enjoy all of it - otherwise I wouldn’t still be doing it.

I know Daniel is a very precious only child, but I feel the present storyline isn't true to Shula's usually very intuitive character. She appears "blind" to the reasons for his lack of popularity with peer group. Is this going to be Shula's "blind spot"? John Poole

No, I think the reasons are clear to her - the extra weight, the spectacles and so on. But of course that doesn’t stop her being defensive of Daniel.

First, can I thank you on behalf of all your fellow Archers' actors, for making the developments, plots and events seem so real for your listeners. I'm sure we've all got different mental pictures of the characters, yet they all work so well for each one of us. What are your thoughts on the progression that the programme appears to be making from being "an everyday story of country folk" to its present mix of the occasional, topical agricultural issue mostly overlaid with an increasingly "steamy" (Jolene and Sid shower scene, Siobahn and Brian etc.) series of affairs underpinned with BBC-type politically correct propaganda /education ? Graham Gotts

I think it’s really the other way around. Agricultural stories aren’t occasional in The Archers - they’re there all the time. When was Sid and Jolene’s affair? Two years ago? And the production team certainly doesn’t set out to deliver any sort of propaganda or education. Those days are long gone.

Assuming they were 'real people', who would you rather meet - Shula as she was in the 1980's or Shula as she is today? P.S. Keep up the good work! Brian Whitby.

I think Shula had more fun in the 1980s, when she was in her twenties. But then, didn’t we all!

What was your first acting assignment for the BBC? You do other work apart from the Archers, but why have you remained in the cast for such a long time? Paul Reynolds

My first BBC job was a drama for Schools Radio - and it was live! As for why I’m still in The Archers, the truthful answer is because I still enjoy it, and they haven’t written me out yet.

Do you ever find yourself so out of sympathy with the character (Shula) that it's hard for you to find a reasonable way of saying the lines? Lucy Inthesky

No, it's my job as an actor to understand why Shula is saying and feeling the things she is. Sometimes I feel that Shula might phrase a line differently. Like all the actors, if that happens I talk to the director and we work it out.

How are you coping with Charles' (sorry - Brian's) affair with Siobhan? Don't you feel the teensiest bit jealous when you hear those long slurping kisses? Don't you want to give him a good slap? I know I do. Moira Hardcastle.

Nothing to cope with - I’m enjoying it thoroughly. But yes, I often want to give him a good slap, although usually it’s nothing to do with the programme!

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