Siobhan Donovan: Back From The Dead?
When Caroline Lennon got the call to say that her long deceased character Siobhan Donovan was going to make a one off special appearance in The Archers, 13 years after dying from cancer, the actor understandably thought that a friend must have been pulling her leg.
But no, it’s true. Siobhan is back! Although please banish any thoughts of Bobby Ewing emerging from a shower (honours for classic Ambridge shower scene will surely always sit with Sid and Jolene.)
Now we’ve made our own special recording, catching up with the key players: Caroline Lennon (Siobhan), Charles Collingwood (Brian), Angela Piper (Jennifer) and Arthur Hughes (Ruairi). On a video call, they discuss the return of Siobhan, and reminisce about those dramatic moments from years ago.
Hello again, Caroline! (aka Siobhan)
The Return of Siobhan ?
A video catch up with the cast
The story:
Having turned 18 years of age, Ruairi has finally plucked up the courage to listen to a surprise message from his late mother, Siobhan Donovan, recorded when he was a small child, just before her death, and kept secret until now.
Jennifer and Brian Aldridge’s whole lives and marriage were rocked almost beyond repair by Brian’s infidelity with Siobhan, which resulted in the child Ruairi. When Brian’s monogrammed handkerchief was spotted with Siobhan, his daughter Debbie (Tamsin Greig) confronted him, leading to Brian revealing all to Jennifer. Hurt by his infidelity, the real devastation for Jennifer came as she realised who the affair was with – meaning that Siobhan’s child Ruairi was Brian’s son.
When Siobhan died of cancer in 2007, Jennifer summoned the strength to move forward and hold on to her marriage, agreeing to raise Ruairi with Brian. Time has been a healer, but as Ruairi has grown up he has naturally started to explore his connection to Siobhan, with Brian and Jennifer helping him to understand. Ruairi confides in best friend Ben, wondering if Catholic Siobhan was around today what she would feel about the man he is, his sexuality and life choices. Dare he listen to her voice? What will she say?
Now Jennifer’s right by Ruairi’s side as he presses play on the CD, suppressing any discomfort and pain she must be feeling, and they hear Siobhan (who Ruairi can barely remember) tell him “I desperately want you to know how fiercely I loved you – love you – and I’m so sorry I’m not there”.
In the cast video chat, Caroline and Arthur speak of the instant connection they felt reading the scripts on Zoom and then meeting (socially distanced) in studio for the recording. Charles and Angela recall when the drama was at its height, and the impact it had on their characters’ journeys. For Charles, the affair was about more than cheap thrills, and took Brian beyond the image of a cheeky philanderer – he fell head over heels in love with Siobhan, whilst still loving his wife Jennifer and wanting to maintain their life together. He tried to keep all the balls in the air, but they came crashing down.
How many couples could have survived what they’ve been though?
So welcome back, Caroline – but unless Siobhan has recorded an album, this is a very special one-off moment in Ambridge history for Ruairi, and our listeners, to savour…
