Holly Elgeti. Nicky Weir uses Hourglass for make-up. Alex Szabo uses T3 at Carol Hayes for his hair.
Of all the comparisons that have been made in the history of humanity, one of the most surprising was perhaps the statement that The Archers, the long-running wireless tale of everyday farming folk, was ‘the Rolling Stones of Radio 4’. The current editor, Jeremy Howe claimed that this was true.
He pointed out that soap seems to be as popular among millennials than it is with over-50s.
The Archers has also been in the top five shows for under-35s in the BBC Sounds app since 2019 – and Radio 4’s most listened-to non-news programme.
This news was a joy, despite the fact Howe thought that the Rolling Stones would be the best parallel to Things That Millennials Think are Cool. I’ve been listening to The Archers since the age of four, and have patiently been waiting for the drama to come back into fashion, in much the same way as I have corduroy trousers, grammatical pedantry and 90s hip hop (yes, I love The Archers and 90s hip hop! I contain multitudes).
I’ve been listening to the archers since the age of four
Because my parents were listening, I began to listen. This became a part of our nightly ritual. The opening tune would be played at the beginning of each meal, and we would all gather round the kitchen table. After 15 minutes of listening, we’d chat – the topics of conversation often sparked by the plotlines.
My obsession with The Archers led me to write my very first fan letter. When I was about ten years old, I wrote a script with lots of dialogue and my favorite character Elizabeth. She had my name and was a journalist which I wanted.
The producers sent me back signed cast photos and a kind letter – and I have never forgotten it. These are the things that make The Archers so great, according to me. The fact it deals with human rights is not a problem.
goings-on of a small village farming community, it is an inclusive programme no matter where you’re listening from.
Many characters are related to the central, eponymous, family. We become part their extended, intimate relationship by opening our fictional lives. Even though we don’t know much about anaerobic digestion, Brian makes us care. We care about the possible impact on Brian’s closest and most dearest. At its core, it is a drama about relationships.
You can also invest in it. Listening to the programme regularly will allow you to get to know your characters as well as the eccentric aunt and sister-in law who insist on giving you Christmas comedy jumpers. You understand their quirks, and you get a sense of achievement when, for the first time, you instantly recognise someone’s voice.
The slow and believable growth of character is a great reward in this fast-paced world. Many of us long for rural life, and lockdown was a time when we could be transported in our minds to idyllic English country.
That’s not to say The Archers isn’t thrilling because it certainly can be. Recently, we’ve had the riveting breakdown of a marriage between two characters, one of whom is battling alcoholism, and an utterly believable plot involving modern slavery. Each storyline would look equally good on an essential Netflix package.
I’m now 42 and listening to
My life has been dominated by the Archers. I’m so glad the younger generation are catching on. I feel so on-trend.
This week I’m…
WatchingMarried At First Sight Australia. Seemingly 500 episodes long and I still can’t get enough. All 4 has the latest episodes.
Fixing my make-up with Halo Glow Setting Powder (£8, elfcosmetics.co.uk). This powder reduces shine and gives you a flawless sheen.
Wearing this Stevie Gold Dust dress (£320, queensofarchive.com): as we head into the festive season, it’s the perfect party outfit.