大象传媒

The life of a jobbing Soap actor is a precarious one –

...and Charles Collingwood (aka Brian Aldridge) has a poem to spell it out. Specially written for Charles and his wife Judy (Shula) by their old friend Sir Richard Stilgoe, it asks: will this be the episode in which my character meets a surprising end in order to bump up the ratings?

On Brian, Charles said, "Brian, he’s been a bit of a womaniser, he was always known as the JR of Ambridge. I remember years ago when Vanessa [Whitburn, then Editor of The Archers] said to me, ‘Brian’s going to get a wandering eye...’ I said, ‘Please don’t make him just one direction, don’t just make him bad. Nobody’s quite like that.’

"[Brian's] been a good father, a good businessman, he loves [his wife] Jennifer, he’s worked hard for his family that’s been his main drive. Unfortunately, just every now and again, he’s wanted a little bit of fun elsewhere."

Charles's Christmas musical choice was Four Notes - Paul's Tune, played by the 大象传媒 Philharmonic Orchestra.

Ben Norris & Paddy Greene are just like Ben and Jill Archer – but probably a bit ruder.

Ben talked fondly of the relationship and banter he enjoys with his radio Gran Patricia (Paddy) Greene. Just don’t be fooled by the cosy image of Jill – Paddy can be quite shocking.

"There’s something really nostalgic and really homely about doing those scenes with Paddy, well with Jill, and then actual Paddy is a right hoot and much more mischievous than some listeners would guess!" said Ben.

And on recording The Archers he said, "Because they drop a lot of the sound effects in live to do as much work as they can in the moment you do get these really rich soundscapes and if you’re ushering some cows through a gate, yes, the gate will be an ironing board that someone is rattling but the cows’ noises will be there. It’s very easy to sink into that world."

Ben read Surrealism for Beginners, a poem by Caroline Bird and his musical choice was Holding Hands, by the Magic Lantern.

Katie Redford was just as precocious as her character Lily Pargetter! (but probably more fun)

Katie recounted how her 9-year-old self put on a Spice Girls tribute show in her house for her neighbours. The only problem was that there was a key person she forgot to inform (her mum!). It didn’t stop Katie offering tea and biscuits to all and sundry. What would Elizabeth think?

Katie also spoke about the power of imagination – a keen fan of ghost stories, when in the recording studio Katie can immerse herself in Lower Loxley and even knows what colour the walls in the rooms are. She said of Lily, "I think Lily is very mature for her age. A little too mature sometimes, I think she needs to let go and have a bit of fun."

Katie's musical choice was December Will Be Magical Again by Kate Bush.

There can be a bit of (friendly) rivalry between actors, and loyalty to their on-air families.

"The Grundys, we don’t ignore everybody else, but we do tend to stick together. We have got a solidarity amongst the Grundy family which I think is nice", said Trevor.

Despite an initial offer of a 6-month contract to play Eddie Grundy, Trevor Harrison has proudly played Eddie for 41 years! He compared the Grundys to Shakespeare’s Rude Mechanicals, having over the years seemingly fulfilled the role of light relief to darker, dramatic storylines. However, the Grundys haven’t been without their own tragedy and drama, and Trevor recalled how over the years Eddie has mellowed and been allowed to show other sides to his character. He said, "I love Eddie and I think he’s also got a sensitive side to him, which some people never thought Eddie would have but he has. I’ve kind of grown up him as I’ve grown up with the family of the Grundys as well."

Trevor read (in character as Eddie) a specially-commissioned piece: Passing on the Wisdom of Joe, by Archers writer Adrian Flynn. On working with Edward Kelsey who played Joe Grundy until his death in 2018, Trevor said, "Over the years we got to know what way someone would deliver their line... It was just a great honour to work with him and we kind of developed a special bond, a special radio father and son relationship."

Ryan Kelly (Jazzer) was starstruck by Lynda Snell (aka Carole Boyd).

"I’ve listened to The Archers since I was 11. Carole Boyd, who plays Lynda Snell, I was really starstruck meeting her because she read loads of story-tapes from when I was a little tot", said Ryan.

Blind since birth, Ryan shared his story of growing up, entering drama school and getting the call to audition for The Archers. He also reflected on 2020 being a challenging year, and how hard it has felt to not be surrounded by people. Like Jazzer, Ryan would love to be in the pub in good company.

Ryan performed a traditional, a capella rendition of Auld Lang Syne, with a tune that may be less familiar to many who belt out the song at midnight every year.