Archives for October 2011

"Let's hear it for Jim" - are he and Christine really suited? With Will and Nic's wedding arrangements underway, listeners wonder whether tying the knot on 1 January is such a great idea for a game-keeper. Tom's ambitions and Clive's appearances in Ambridge have all been debated - along with Emma's nose. How out of joint is it since the wedding was announced?

In Ambridge Extra, Matt's playing with fire, Neil's a hero and Ivy's cough needs attention. But what's Erin up to?

Here's my pick of listener discussions on The Archers message board, Twitter and Facebook between 21-27 October 2011.

"Let's hear it for Jim"

I've always had a soft spot for him - the old rascal! (fabsupergran)

I have grown rather fond of profus jimus of late, and my time spent shouting at him has reduced pro rata. (thats latin, you know). (irene)

I have to admit to finding Auntie Chris/Jimus rather sweet. I must be mellowing #thearchers (@gatherlilacs on Twitter)

What have they got in common? He's an academic and she's horsey. What's the connection? (binocular)

Different interests no competition just enjoy the companionship of gardening, going out to lunch together and following their own iterests at other times... I think it is nice... (Ginslinger Redux)

Add your thoughts to the Auntie C and Jim really get on like a house on fire thread on the message board.

When it comes to Will and Nic's wedding, there have been congratulations and warnings of "Don't do it Nic!". Everything's been debated from the cost of the venue to the day itself. Should Will have opted for such a busy time in the game-keeping calendar to disappear on honeymoon? Is Emma going to insist on a double wedding?

@BBCTheArchers I'm off hat shopping asap! (@wifeinthebin on Twitter)

Aaa aaaaaaah!!!!! I'nt it luv-er-ly.. (JustPresidentBunnikins_Socialist)

I think they are a lovely couple who will be good for each other. Neither is without faults, but that just makes them more human ... I hope they're allowed to live happily ever after, but this being TA, it isn't likely! (flameofthewest)

Congratulations, anything that adds to misery guts Emma's unhappiness is great with me! (Gillian McCafferty on Facebook)

I'm not anti-Emma, I liked her once... but she is turning into a bitter woman of her own making. Her resentment of Nic can only be based on jealousy... and her own judgement calls... otherwise she would be glad of the distraction and stability Nic has brought to Will. She no longer has dilemmas... only choices... and, at least for now they seem very limited. (Bert The Bard)

#thearchers. Ha - Ruth has Emma sussed. (@Faffree on Twitter)

Add your thoughts on the happy couple or "bitter Emma" on the message board.

Why didn't Emma say no to Clive's face when he suggested taking George out? Is she scared of him or can't she say no to George? And why is Clive allowed to roam the village? Shouldn't his probation officer be keeping a closer eye on him?

She needs to say no to Clive. She needs to explain to George that Clive is a bad man and that she doesn't want him to have anything to do with him. (docklie)

Would someone like Clive really be allowed to visit the scenes if his previous crimes ie Ambridge without an official escort? ... I agree Emma should have continued to say No; then as soon as she met Will should have told her what had happened so he could sort out the problem before it gets worse. (Blossom)

Read more on the Wet Emma thread.

Where will Tom's bid for brand domination end? Should everyone in Ambridge be worried?

Tom, did you really think you could get your family to agree to slap your name on all their products? Isn't it just a bit, well, egocentric? I'd like to hear Hellin's views. Tom Archer's Ambridge Organixx? (typewright)

Why he doesn't apply to the parish council to have Ambridge renamed tomarcherville, and be done with it, I can't imagine. (Irene)

But not everyone thinks he's in the wrong...

Tony's behaviour towards his son, the only person who is currently lifting a finger to save the BF enterprise from the poo lagoon and his family from penury, was atrocious. Utterly contemptible. (Glebe Cow)

Read all about it on the Tom, did you really think...? thread.

In Ambridge Extra, is Matt "playing with fire" in his dealings with Clive?

Maybe Matt is setting Clive up and plans to do the village a favour by reporting him for receiving stolen goods thus breaking his parole and packing him back to jail. (Janluke)

And we're forgetting Bernie in all this too: if he thinks that Clive is getting him into serious doodoo, he and his mates could get very nasty. Maybe they have access to a cement mixer and quick-setting concrete and maybe a contract for a 'new patio'. I'd strongly advise Cloive to watch his step these dark nights!! Matt AND Bernie maybe looking for him? Phew. (DracsM1)

There was a cheer for Neil after his not-so-friendly chat with Clive on Thursday

Is it wrong that I was kind of turned on by Aggressive! Neil on #AmbridgeExtra this morning. Actually, you don't have to answer that. (@iolantherosa on Twitter)

I think that the Neil/Clive scene in Amex was the best I've heard in ages on either AMEX or TA. There is a real menace to Clive's character, and Neil's standing up to him in that way was excellent. (The Flying Toff)

Give Neil a pat on the back on the Good for Neil thread on the message board.

Is Erin up to no good?

I don't like Erin at all. She'll break Dan's heart eventually, I'm fairly certain. (siriol)

I have a feeling she is only interested in Dan for his geography skills and the access he provides to a stable and vet's. Perhaps it is Alistair she is going to fall for, not Dan? (Pat_Clifton)

Does anyone else find Erin a bit creepy?

Ivy's cough gets special mention with some listeners hoping she'll get rid of the cough one way or another soon!

#ambridgeextra script for next week. Page 1. IVY coughs for 15 minutes. END #thearchers (@jezturner on Twitter)

I really wish Ivy would stop coughing >#AmbridgeExtra #thearchers (@LouiseBrown on Twitter)

FANTASTIC segue from wheezing Ivy to squealing pigs !!! (Organoleptic Icon)

I'm loving the cough, it's brilliant! Excellent acting. I'm practically reaching for the phone to dial 999, while Clive rattles on not taking the slightest bit of notice, care or consideration. I've got money on those rings of Ivy's going missing before the cough does. (Grant)

Have your say on the Ivy's Cough, cough,cough,cough ...... thread

Do you shush the children during The Archers? Refuse to answer the phone? Shout at the radio? Listeners on the message board reveal all...

When we were kids my Mum used to disappear into the loo with the transistor radio when TA was on. My sister and I knew we had to go beforehand or cross our legs until it was finished. (superjan3)

When my son's first girlfiend was round she was talking to me during TA and I not only listened but replied - both my children were absolutely staggered - it had never entered their heads that it was possible to communicate with me between 7.02 and 7.15. (maisiepusscat)

Tayler Cresswell is host of The Archers message board.

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It's been a busy week for The Archers editor Vanesssa Whitburn and several Archers actors.

Women of the Year

Vanessa and 13 female cast members were guests at the Women of the Year lunch on 17 October in London.

Charlotte Martin (Susan Carter) catptured the atmosphere: 'There was this great expanse of women from all walks of life. Lots of them had done fantastic things in their communities. One of them had even been a suffragette.' This was Hetty Bower who at the age of 106 is still supporting campaigns for peace.

Sandi Toksvig, chairing the event, thanked The Archers team for attending. 'We all stood up and everyone appluaded', said Charlotte. 'And when people find out you're in The Archers, then you find there are Archers listeners everywhere.'

The organisers aim to place guests near people with whom they have something in common. Charlotte was sat next to Ruby Wax - an obvious showbusiness connection you might think. But the links went deeper. Ruby is studying for a masters degree in mental health, and when not being an actor, Charlotte works as a research psychologist.

So Charlotte now has Ruby's phone number - and greatly enhanced respect from her children!

Cheltenham Literary Festival

The previous evening, Vanessa was joined by Timothy Bentinck (David Archer), Felicity Finch (Ruth Archer) and Charles Collingwood (Brian Aldridge) at the Cheltenham Literary Festival. In a session chaired by Eddie Mair, they talked about their work on the programme to an enthusiastic audience of 650, about a third of whom also listened to our spin-off programme Ambridge Extra.

And the event proved a treat for Archers listener Catherine Owers. As she related in the Facebook fan group Archers Appreciation, she met Charles Collingwood, who loves to play on Brian's raffish reputation.

She asked if she could come behind him for a photograph. His response? 'You can come behind me any time you like.'

Keri Davies is an Archers (and Ambridge Extra) scritpwriter and web producer.

• More information about the Women of the Year event
• Read about Charlotte (Connor) Martin 's work as a psychologist
• Join the Archers Appreciation group and follow BBCTheArchers on Facebook
• Women of the year picture shows (l-r) Back row: Alison Dowling (Elizabeth), Angela Piper (Jennifer), Patricia Greene (Jill), Felicity Finch (Ruth), Charlotte Martin (Susan), Souad Faress (Usha), Vanessa Whitburn (editor). Middle: Buffy Davis (Jolene), Judy Bennett (Shula). Front: Sunny Ormonde (Lilian), Carole Boyd (Lynda), June Spencer (Peggy), Hedli Niklaus (Kathy), Patricia Gallimore (Pat). Picture is copyright Hy Money.
• Cheltenham Literary Festival picture shows Eddie Mair and Vanessa Whitburn on the big screen.
• Third picture shows Charles Collingwood (Brian) and listener Catherine Owers.
• All pictures used with permission.

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Tony's row with his sister last Friday had listeners taking sides. They've also discussed George's genes, the grand opening of the Doug Sommerville Appreciation Society, poor Auntie Chris and there have been a few pleas to hear Jazzer's singing at Christmas.

Over in Ambridge Extra, they're wondering what Matt is up to?

Here's my pick of listener discussions on The Archers message board, Twitter and Facebook between 14-20 October

Whose side are you on? Were Tony's remarks below the belt?

Tony is totally right & Jennifer is completely wrong, I rarely think anything is so black & white but this is @BBCTheArchers (@KirstieMAllsopp on Twitter)

How dare Tony speak to Jenny like that? She's dead right, he's always sneered at Brian's business, but he'd be quite happy to take his money. What an odious, hypocritical, guilt tripping git. (Freda Fry)

This indicates to me, as it clearly has to Tony, that whereas Lilian cares about him, and Kathy cares about Pat, Jennifer doesn't care about either of them. (Chris Ghoti)

If I could get Tone alone, perhaps in his Mustardlander Donated Shed, I would quietly slip him £10k to run away in his MG with a frivolous warm-hearted woman (RS Acre)

It was great, wasn't it? A really nasty, gloves off, fur flying row. Grand! (soobeehere)

Read both sides of the debate on the message board

If Tony was your brother, would you have lent him the money?

We need to talk about George... will he grow up to be just like Great Uncle Clive? And how did George know about Clive's past? Isn't he too young to know the awful truth?

I just don't understand why George needed to know, at this stage, at his age, anything about Clive's background (pollyanna)

There is none so blind as those who don't want to see. Ivy dotes on Clive apparently. Probably contributed to his behaviour over the years and I can well imagine her bigging him up to poor little George when he goes there for tea (anna kist)

I thought it was funny---George burgerled it and I love the idea of him wearing his burgerlur mask when he's asleep. (madamecompost)

#thearchers This whole burglar thing with George is just nonsense. I just don't buy it.@StevenBettles on Twitter)

Did Will get hit on the head? Admitting that Ed matters to George? How nice to hear him being civilized about the situation - finally! (charmingAnnielynn)

Read more about poor George's mixed messages

Tom's disappointment on Monday delighted many listeners and many waited for the showdown with Underwoods' Doug Sommerville with baited breath...

I smiled at the radio tonight. (IlavaLargeOne)

I thought [Pat and Tony] were super-humanly restrained and kind, given how horribly supercilious and patronising and hectoring and all-round VILE he's been to them these last few weeks. (Tadpole)

"Fit pigs make great sausages"? I'm AMAZED big marketing firms aren't beating a path to Brenda's door with slogans like that. #thearchers (@stevenperkins on Twitter)

I love Doug Somerville #thearchers (@funkarooney on Twitter)

The Archers merchandise this Christmas must include a Doug Sommerville fridge magnet with its arm extended in a gesture of dismissal. (Feral Ralph)

Join the conversation in the Tom ha ha ha ha ha thread on the message board

Sign up to the Doug Sommerville Appreciation Society

On Thursday night there was an outpouring of sympathy for "Poor Auntie Chris"

Ruth, Christine isn't the only one that thinks Clive will have another go at burning her house down. There's me for a start! #thearchers (@Wimblebear on Twitter)

I'd be scared witless as well. (beligerent_londoner101)

Maybe Jim will move in as her guardian gladiator. Then she can be bored to death rather than burned to death. (borchesterbouncer)

What would Jim do if Clive did come a'calling, hope to stop him in his tracks with well chosen Latin phrase? (Polly Tunnel)

Add your condolences on the message board

Will Jazzer be singing at Christmas? Many hope Lynda can twist Jazzer's arm...

We want a song! Burns wrote/reworked at least 350 so there's no excuse for a singer of Jazzer's calibre not to sing one! (shesings)

#TheArchers Lynda played a blinder on Jazzer, he walked into that one (@annsusanballard on Twitter)

Have your say in the Make him do it Lynda thread.

In Ambridge Extra, is Dan far too serious? And what is Matt up to?

Dan's self-esteem must be rock bottom if he can't see Erin throwing herself at him. I must say though that I like Dan. (Bette)

Shula is worried about Dan lacking fun in his life. Well how about setting an example Shula, GET A LIFE! #ambridgeextra #thearchers (@Airscaper on Twitter)

I fear that this SL may end up with Cloive duffing up kindly old Uncle Tiger. Cloive sounded a bit threatening towards him today (in his mind, that is). (NotSoTinyTim)

Ah, but my guess is that Tiger has some 'resources' to call on, and Cloive might well be about to seriously underestimate Matt's capacity to tap into such 'resources' should Cloive prove uppity. (DracsM1)

You can't end it like that!!! What is Matt planning!!! #AmbridgeExtra (@pollypanad on Twitter)

Discuss Ambridge Extra on the message board.

And I'll leave you with a few famous last words from The Archers characters - past present and future...

Peggy: 'This tea doesn't taste quite right, Elona...' (Freda Fry)

Brian: Sorry Jenny, in these difficult financial times, we all have to make sacrifices, so I'm closing the Underwood's store card. (Sixtus_Beckmesser)

Spencer: "Byyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee". (Graham42_Soon Be Autumn_)

Read more last words on the message board

Tayler Cresswell is host of The Archers message board.

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It's very clear that Tony doesn't think much of his sister's choices when it comes to men. And it's true that Jennifer has had quite a chequered romantic career, from the Irish rover who left her pregnant to the predatory former husband.

To help you judge for yourself, we've summarised Jennifer's life, man by man, in one handy cut-out-and-tut feature.

Keri Davies is an Archers (and Ambridge Extra) scriptwriter and web producer.

• Read about Jennifer's men
• Discover more past storylines with The Archers timeline
• Picture shows Angela Piper (Jennifer Aldridge)

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Emma's come-uppance got a cheer from listeners on Monday, but were Will and Nic too mean? Should Clive Horrobin be given a second chance? Most think not.

There have been discussions about Chris and Alice's future, "devilish" Debbie and her plans for the super dairy, "bored" meetings at Borchester Land and - over in Ambridge Extra - the "inner voice" technique, damage to Matt's popularity and cashing up in the shop.

Here's my pick of listener discussions on The Archers message board, Twitter and Facebook between 9-13 October.

There's been plenty of discussion about "horrid Emma" and many feel that Will should thank his lucky stars that he had a "lucky escape"

This was IMO the best 'come-uppance' epi since "only when it suits you, dear" (Fuming Jacks Parakeet)

Emma gets to see how she has condemned herself to a life of drudgery at the bottom of the social pile and becomes a more bitter and spiteful version of her mother. I think it has been really well written so far and look forward to future developments. (Dailyfix)

I felt tonight, for the very first time, that this realisation might help [Will] to become a better person himself in the long term. (cat_modern)

There are some, however, who disagree

I thought Nic and Will were incredibly rude laughing so blatantly about Emma in her own home. She should have thrown them out on their ear. Nic and Will showed themselves up to be incredibly childish. (pollyanna)

Are you for Emma or Nic? Have your say on the message board

With Clive on the loose, questions have been asked: Is he really allowed to roam free in Ambridge? Should he be given the benefit of the doubt? Most listeners think not.

I really find it difficult to think of any reason on God's green earth why anybody in Ambridge apart from his mother would want him there again (Chris Ghoti)

I think you underestimate the power of the working class matriarch. It's quite clear that nobody except Ivy wants Clive there; but Clive is playing on the fact that nobody in the family will want to upset Ivy. (HtoHe)

Clive has paid his debt to society and I think he should be given the benefit of the doubt. I find the attitude of 98% of the villagers completely appalling (mike)

Do you think the Clive story line will lead up to something grim for Christmas?! (Dinah Stevenson on Facebook)

Join the discussion on the message board

There was some outrage after Alice suggested she might ditch her MSc course and get a job. Have the "Cartridges" really thought their future through?

If ANOTHER Ambridge female ditches or downgrades her education in #thearchers, I will be FURIOUS *stares at Radio 4* (@Jo_dB on Twitter)

Alice and Christopher should have sat down and discussed their joint future before this (IMO ludicrous) plan to buy Ronnie's business. They are now tied to the area. How many opportunities for graduate engineers are there within commuting distance of Ambridge? (My Mum played a Nun in a Meatpie Advert)

Should Alice give up her education? Add your thoughts to the debate

There was some talk about the "bored meetings" at Borchester Land on Wednesday

Some of the board meetings have been ace, but do we need to hear the Powerpoint presentation bit of the meeting? (JoLean)

I don't really follow what they're on about but they remind me of the incomprehensible bits in the office in Dallas involving JR and Bobby. Brian, Debbie and Annabelle are such great actors - any scene with them in is worth listening to.... It's all in the tone of voice and the pauses, dahling! (yamahaU1)

Pull up a chair and read more on the message board

And there's trouble ahead if Debbie gets her way with the super dairy. Many tuned in on Thursday night hoping for "serious fireworks" between Adam, Brian and "Machiavellian", "Devilish" Debbie

That Brian Aldridge is a MASTER manipulator! #thearchers (@gaelynnwoods on Twitter)

It's really cruel. Brian adores the girls, even the one who isn't biologically his, but treats Adam terribly. If it wasn't for what he's inheriting, I might suggest that Adam finds another farm locally (belligerent_londoner101)

This was truly a return to the villainous Brine we love / love-to-hate. Such a great character when he gets a decent storyline. (Sixtus_Beckmesser)

Yay! Go Adam! Tell that pompous prig Debbie where to go (Hungary is not far enough) (Our_Freda)

I look forward to ructions, wrangling and worrisome goings on by the shed load. (flapdoodle)

In other news... the Harvest Supper caused some excitement - and will Underwoods soon be stocking Tom Archer's Borsetshire Ice Cream and Yoghurt?

I WANT TO SEE THOSE PHOTOS OF SABRINA THWAITE TOO!! #thearchers (@Vintage_Maggie on Twitter)

I'd quite like Tom to be trampled to death by his footballing pigs. #thearchers (@stevenperkins on Twitter)

Over in Ambridge Extra...

The "thought voices" have received a mixed reception with some really enjoying them and others thinking that they tend to slow the action down.

First time I have listened to the Archers on R4 Xtra and I really enjoyed the way it filled in the gaps from the main programme. Also it felt more like a mini-play with people "thinking out loud". Love it! (Alison Bulbeck on Facebook)

#ambridgeextra : radio's greatest strength is the space to think and to create your own meaning. internal monologue kills all that. (@headlunging on Twitter)

There's some debate about what will happen with Daniel and Erin, but most of the conversation has centred around Matt and Clive. Most think Matt isn't going to make any friends in the village by giving him work

There is going to be trouble for Matt. he wasn't liked before now employing Clive is just going to make it worse (SPECIAL K)

And Susan cashing up in the shop on Thursday got special mention

Not just change counting, but cashing up! Deep joy! And beautifully done by Susan I must say. (ermintrude)

Read more about Susan's Inner voice change counting on the message board.

Tayler Cresswell is host of The Archers message board.

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Nic and Will's future, Kenton's new home - and Elizabeth and Jill's reaction to Kenton moving out - have all been discussed by listeners this week. But most topics have been eclipsed by Clive Horrobin's return. What havoc will he wreak in Ambridge?

Over in Ambridge Extra, most have given the series the thumbs up. Many have said that they like the focus on a broader range of ages and the interior monologues. They've discussed Clive's terrible past and Matt's choice of music...

Here's my pick of listener discussions on The Archers message board, Twitter and Facebook between 2-10 October.

Will and Nic - is a wedding on the cards or is their relationship heading for the rocks?

"I've never been happier" words that can only signal some tragedy ahead... #thearchers (@pboropixie on Twitter)

I would like to see a happy outcome for the couple - Will dealing with his anger towards Ed (and Andrew), followed by a nice wedding. No more doom and gloom please. (siriol)

I wouldn't wish a lifetime of Will on my worst enemy so I certainly wouldn't wish him on poor mewling nic. (anna kist)

With Kenton moving into The Bull, Kenton's belongings and his relationship with Jolene have come under scrutiny - are he and Jolene really a good match? Listeners covered their ears on Monday night (and again on Tuesday afternoon) as Kenton went in for a kiss...

AAAAAAAH #TheArchers Jolene and Kenton AGAIN. Took me by surprise AGAIN. Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. (@Lauraholmwood on Twitter)

They just don't sound right together, to me... Kenton, as a character, is interesting, but after his history, I just find it incredible that he would shack up with Jolene. He is the incorrigible bachelor, isn't he? (Bette)

So Kenton's an Alfred E. Neuman fan? That explains everything! #thearchers (@archerslistener on Twitter)

Kenton's ears must have been burning as Elizabeth & Jill dissected his character at lunch. Hope they got indigestion #thearchers (@vencut2 on Twitter)

Read more on the Kenton and Jolene, oh dear thread.

"Nasty judgmental pair..." - Jill and Elizabeth's discussion caused rage and sympathy in listeners.

Widders forever - Lizard and Jill! Tearing garments and gnashing teeth forever..... Gawds help us all.... (Threewellsofmyown)

What morbid, nasty cows they are. Not to mention depressing. So no one who's had someone die on them is allowed to do anything but mourn forever more? And let me tell them, that Jolene's depression over Sid's demise felt like it lasted forever. A month felt like a year. What selfish cows wanting to inflict even more of that on the poor listener! (toffee)

I thought the conversation between Jill and Elizabeth was done really well and very moving. (SussexCornflower Autumn is Here)

Elizabeth is breaking my heart again, I'm washing up in my own tears! #thearchers I miss Nigel too! (@HannahPeck on Twitter)

Add your thoughts to the Widders forever thread.

"Ooh er!" Clive is back! Listeners have been discussing his shady past. Would he really get compassionate leave to visit his mum or is he lying to his probation officer?

Lock your doors Ambridge! (Ayesha Z G Jonuschat on Facebook)

Crikey! Neil and Susan make him sound like the Fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse! (groovyfreamon)

Shouldn't there be some sort of restraining order against Clive being too close to people he's gone to jail for trying to kill? Seems hard on the victims to have to potentially run into him all over the village once he's been released... (charmingAnnielynn)

Clive is back! Read all about it!

There was a lot of sympathy for Susan after her shock at seeing Clive - even from listeners who love to hate her.

Had a tear in my eye at the end there, with Susan breaking up (Bette)

Poor Susan. A nutty mix of genuine fear of danger and fear of social disaster!

(@Fearlessguider on Twitter)

Sad, though, that [Jennifer] could show such empathy with Susan & totally ignore her brother's distress the other night (acebass)

Show your support for Susan on the message board

Some felt that David was heavy-handed when he castigated Rhys for gossiping on Thursday

"There are still too many victims in the village" And too many martyrs, apparently. Shut up David. #thearchers (@stevenperkins on Twitter)

David is not my favourite character but tonight he was justified. Clive is a nasty person who upset me when I was about 11 with his horse slashing and burning (sunnysakasredux)

Read more on the Hold on! thread.

On Friday, Lilian's offer to help Tony had listeners finding Jennifer wanting

Bless you Lillian, finally someone in Tony's family gets the hint! #thearchers (@fairy_with_hair on Twitter)

Fabulous or what? Compared to her complete (insert own description here) sister (lucyjordan)

Go Lil! What a doll... I really enjoyed her comment re family! I know some of you aren't keen, but she's got a heart of gold. Plus she's good for a laugh - I wish she frequented my local. (Country_Spice)

Share a G&T with Lilian on the message board

Over in Ambridge Extra many listeners said the new series had got off to a great start. A handful said they didn't like it and others gave it a cautious thumbs up, promising to give the series a chance. Many enjoyed the use of the inner monologues, Matt's choice of music and the return of Clive.

A strong start to #AmbridgeExtra. Can everyone else hear the characters' thoughts, or is it just me? @BBCRadio4 @BBCTheArchers (@armlessphelan on Twitter)

Excellent opening episode! Really approve of Ambridge Extra, both the youth bits and the old faves like the return of Clive Horrobin: and of course hearing the otherwise silent Ivy... (Neville Edrich on Facebook)

This was a bit more like a bit from a R4 afternoon play with the use of interior monologue. It was nice to hear a bit more of the woefully underused Matt and Alaistair and a glimpse of homelife at the Stables (Ginslinger Redux)

I was just disappointed that Matt and Cloive didn't enter Ambridge to the strains of Thin Lizzy's "The Boys are Back in Town". (Pat Shed)

And what is Erin after?

We can tell what Daniel's thinking (help!!!) but we don't know what Erin's thinking..... I do hope she isn't just after Dan for his geography coursework. That would be very mean. (ermintrude)

Have your say about Ambridge Extra on the message board

Tayler Cresswell is host of The Archers message board.

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Ambridge Extra has returned to BBC Radio 4 Extra. This second season brings with it a dramatic technique not found in The Archers. Jenny Stephens, who directs many of the episodes, explains how we spy on the characters' most revealing thoughts.

Have you ever found yourself sitting in a meeting and discussing some important business matter, but the little voice in your head says 'I must remember to pick the cat up from the vet', or even 'I could do with a stiff gin'?

You meet someone you've not seen for ages and your mouth says 'Great to see you' but inside you're saying 'oh no, beam me up Scotty'?

Hearing those thoughts is a technique well beloved of radio drama makers but one that has never been used in Ambridge... until now. Ambridge Extra is exploring this territory and we're starting to hear what Shula, Alistair and others really think. In the scripts it's usually described as the 'thought voice'.

Ambridge Extra does just what it says - it gives a little extra peek into the lives of the residents of the village and elsewhere. But it's not just about giving us all a couple of extra episodes of The Archers each week (welcome as that would be to many). It's a way of focussing more intently on a couple of stories and trying to find different ways of exploring them.

The use of the voice in the head gives us the extra dimension of hearing what characters are actually thinking, not just what they say they think. So Daniel can deny as much as he likes that he finds new girl Erin attractive, but we know the truth behind the denials.

There are a couple of different ways of creating the effect. We either set up a second microphone so that the actor leans in and whispers his or her 'thoughts' into this, or else they leave a gap in the dialogue and then at the end of the scene go to a separate microphone and do the 'thoughts' there, so that we can edit them in afterwards. The technique is known as 'close mic'.

They have to keep the volume low and imagine that they are muttering to themselves rather than projecting their voices for other people to hear. I get them to imagine that the microphone is directly in their brain rather than on the desk in front of them

When we get to editing the programme, we drop the background sounds to a low level as they 'think'. This creates the impression that we are zooming into their minds and away from the external world.

It's been fascinating and great fun to work on - and I think it will really put the Extra into Ambridge Extra.

Jenny Stephens is a radio and theatre director, producer and writer.

• Ambridge Extra is on BBC Radio 4 Extra on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2.15pm. The omnibus edition is on Sundays at at 11.15am and 7.15pm
• It is also be available as a podcast (free download)
• Read an introduction to series 2
• The producers write about the production process
• Picture shows Jenny Stephens in studio with Gemma Lawrence (Erin Hayes) and Louis Hamblett (Daniel Hebden Lloyd)

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Ambridge's serial villain Clive Horrobin has returned, spreading ripples of unease like a cowpat chucked into a crystal pool.

But as it's seven years since Clive was last seen in Ambridge (with charred foreams, being dragged away by police), we thought newer listeners might wonder what all the fuss is about. And even long-standing fans might welcome a bit of a reminder.

So here's your handy cut out and keep guide to the baddest lad in the village.

Clive will obviously have an effect in The Archers, but you can follow him even more closely in our spin-off series Ambridge Extra, on BBC Radio 4 Extra.

Keri Davies is an Archers (and Ambridge Extra) scriptwriter and web producer.

• Read (and depair at) the history of Clive Horrobin
• Learn more about Clive in our Who's Who section
• Read more about Ambridge Extra
• Picture shows Alex Jones (Clive Horrobin)

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With Elona set to move into No 3 The Green, and Kenton into Jolene's arms at The Bull, listeners have voiced concerns. Is Peggy being set up? Is Jolene making a big mistake?

There was a cheer for Nic after her heart-to-heart with Will. And Friday's wince-inducing chat between Jennifer and Tony had one listener shouting "TONY and PAT - are you listening?? GET IN TOUCH WITH THE NFU ..!!!!"

Here's my pick of listener discussions on The Archers message board, Twitter and Facebook.

Does Elona have designs on Jack and Peggy's money? Is her errant husband Darrell a bad apple? Or is Peggy the one being manipulative? Listeners can't agree, but one thing they are united on: Robert Snell should not be usurped as Ambridge's handyman.

Nice to hear Peggy so happy after all she's been through. Let's just hope Elona isn't a con artist though... #thearchers (@MazHappy on Twitter)

I think Elona can be trusted, but we haven't met Darrell yet. (Marcel Van Gool on Facebook)

Peggy had a bad husband herself (Jack Archer) she is no fool. (Christine Jones on Facebook)

If Darrell takes work from Robert then I shall be most dischuffed, Robert rocks. (La Sharpissima)

All this Lady Bountiful act to suit her own 'needs' is sick-making. She has pots of money and several under-employed relatives. (antiquelemonsqeeze1)

#thearchers watch out Tony. Piggy's money is heading off into the distance (@ Noelgoodboo on Twitter)

Add your thoughts on the message board, Twitter and Facebook.

With Kenton about to move into The Bull, listeners are asking if he's "a leech or a cuckoo"? Or perhaps just misunderstood...

Someone always has to back him, house him. he is a parasite. Bone idle and a cheat. (Country Squire)

Yes - fun as he can be, he is very reliant on other people. I'd avoid him with a barge-pole in real life! (Bette)

And why on earth does he need to get Elizabeth's approval to move from LoLo, where he's been bed-blocking and reducing her profits for nearly a year? (Fuming Jacks Parakeet)

I 'heart' 'heart' ' heart' Kenton......so THERE (happysadarchersfan)

Kenton - leech or cuckoo? Share your thoughts on the message board.

Nic was applauded on Friday after her discussion with Will - but will it do any good?

Well done Nic! (Dusty Substances)

Agreed. That took courage and needed to be said. I may have to quite like her. (typewright)

I wish she'd just let rip. We'd all applaud. #TheArchers (@MsAlliance on Twitter)

Will was only trying to be a supportive partner, but at least Nic can be honest with him - they are going from strength to strength. (Auntie Molly)

All the time Will continues this feud with Ed she must come to the conclusion that he regards her, Nic, as second best. (wessexwanderer37)

Add your congrats or commiserations on the message board: thread Well done Nic!

On Friday, listeners winced at the awkward silence between Jennifer and Tony. Many thought that Jenifer was cruel to ignore her brother's pleas. But should she help financially? And why aren't the family rallying round in Pat and Tony's hour of need?

I know the Archers are a dysfunctional family but I thought Jennifer was actually cruel to Tony. It was vile to listen to. She couldn't even be sympathetic let alone helpful. (Skyebird)

Tony and Jenny should win the BAFTA for Best Awkward Silence. #theArchers (@grimbletweets on Twitter)

JD is far too busy worrying about whether Chris can afford to provide Alice with sufficient caviar and cashmere sweaters to make life tolerable to give a thought to her brother's real problems... Peggy's contempt for her son has infected the way her daughters treat him. (Polly Tunnel)

But I did enjoy Jenny's hasty 'Oh, no, no, mustn't ask Mum for money'. I could just imagine her seeing her inheritance draining away. (JustJanie - Fairweather Jogger)

I have never hated Jennifer more than I hate her now #thearchers (@No8marketing on Twitter)

I am just surprised that Tony has to even ask his family for help... Why don't they pool money together and give it to them. This is such a devastating loss for T & P. I can't believe no one is coming to their aid. (dreamadream)

I can't imagine any sane person being prepared to put money into BF. They've no plan, no way of making profits, they're a lost cause. (old cath)

TONY and PAT - are you listening?? GET IN TOUCH WITH THE NFU ..!!!!

(JustPresidentBunnikins_Socialist)

Read more in the Jenny Darling - smug or what? and the I know the Archers are a dysfunctional family... threads.

Tayler Cresswell is host of The Archers message board.

• Join the conversation on the message board
• Chat about #thearchers or #AmbridgeExtra on Twitter>
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