Archives for December 2011

We thought you'd like to hear the full version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, as performed by Jazzer at Lynda's Christmas Around the World cabaret.

So here it is...

If the player doesn't appear in this window, you can listen to the piece here.

Sung by Ryan Kelly (Jazzer) with piano accompaniment by Archers producer Rosemary Watts.

Ryan, who has been blind from birth, is also a proficient accordionist and in the past has performed as a busker. He says he used deliberately to dress in mismatched clothes to elict maximum sympathy - and donations - from passers-by!

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

Ryan Kelly writes about joining and working in the cast of The Archers

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Ryan Kelly is the special guest on In Touch, the BBC Radio 4 programme for people with a visual impairment, next Tuesday, 27 December at 8.40pm.

Peter White visited Ryan, who has been blind from birth, at his home in Nuneaton. As well as talking about his work on The Archers, Ryan admits to having been 'a bit of a bother' at school.

He also demonstrates his skill on the accordion and as a mimic.

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

• Listen to In Touch
• Read Ryan's recent blog post on winning the AMI award
• Picture shows Ryan Kelly (Jazzer) and Peter White. It was supplied by the In Touch producer Cheryl Gabriel.

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Most conversations are still focused on Pat Archer and her Rich fixation. Listeners are worried for her mental health and for Rich's safety! There's some sympathy for Neil, and debate over why Will and Nic invited Ed and Emma to their wedding. And a Radio 4 continuity announcer drops by the message board.

Over in Ambridge Extra, Alistair is taken to task for keeping schtum about Erin.

Here's my pick of listener discussions on The Archers message board, Twitter and Facebook between 8-14 December 2011.

On Thursday, listeners celebrated the switch on of the Ambridge Christmas lights, and sympathised with Neil over his exasperation about his in-laws - particularly after his comment that "most of my pigs" were better company than the Horrobin men...

It was the big Christmas lights switch on in Ambridge tonight. My excuse for a mulled wine then #thearchers (@Deblord1 on Twitter)

Gary must be a pretty impressive character. Previously described by Brine as "the missing link" and now compared to Neil's pigs. (NotsoTinyTim)

Let's hope Neil can follow it up with the timely eviction of the Tracy tribe before they become permanent parasites. (mountetna2)

Read more in the So are most of my pigs!!! thread on the message board.

"Poor", "creepy", "stalker" Pat... Tony's call to Eamonn on Tuesday and Pat's heart-to-heart with Kathy on Wednesday have unsettled many listeners - is Pat heading for a breakdown? Most think Kathy should tell Tony what Pat is planning...

#thearchers has reduced me to a flood of tears. Pat and Tony's lives have changed for ever - OMG! Wait till Helen finds out!!!!! (@easedale on Twitter)

I am getting really ticked off with Pat Archer. (Joanna Oldham on Facebook)

I just hope they resolve this whole SL soon. Personally, I don't find the spectacle of someone falling to bits, as Pat is, remotely entertaining. (peter-francis)

This storyline is unfurling too quickly for my liking. There is no time for reflection and I feel very worried about the gathering momentum... Poor Pat. I can understand her desire to stand at the school gate. I do hope Kathy can reason with her. Kathy sounded so warm and kind this evening. She really impressed me. (Mistletoe-denny)

I would say that Pat is definitely doing herself harm. Why Tony hasn't at least got her to her local GP, & pronto, is beyond me. (RS Acre)

Pat: what you're planning will get you arrested #thearchers (@chrisgubble on Twitter)

Reinventing yourself as the victim is clearly a family failing. Pat is currently doing it in spades, Tom has egocentric stabs at it and for Helen it's a lifestyle choice. And Tony plays doormat to all of them. Where are some sharp put-downs from Peggy when you need them? (returnmigration)

Pat has gradually become harder, less trusting and more brittle... much of it is a protective shell IMO... Indeed they weren't that bad to Sharon by my recollection and Sharon could be awful.... even at the end it was more frost than anything direct... and they were shattered and Pat especially at the grieving stage that is angry and oh illogical... (ruralsnowflakebliss)

I will only feel sorry for Pat if she stops for a single second to think about Rich's best interests, not her own (JustJanie - Fairweather Jogger)

Catch up on the debate in the numerous threads on the message board: I feel sorry for Pat; Pat the stalker and Time to apply for a Restraining Order.

Should Will and Nic have invited Ed and Emma to their wedding? Some think not... And will the stag night turn out to be a bit tame?

Will Grundy's stag night. All the thrills & spills of an Amish Christening. #thearchers

(@flamingnora on Twitter)

What are Nic and Will doing inviting Ed and Emma to their wedding? Surely they remember their shared history and only want people at their celebration who wish them well. (El Shambo)

Should be good for a kerfuffle at the reception anyway. (Bouncingfairyonthetree)

Maybe they intend to have Wiwl and Ed kiss and make up all emotional like, at the wedding, seeing as they've passed the 'not speaking to my sibling' hatred onto Lizzie and Dopey! (toffee)

Join the debate on the Ed and Emma at the wedding? thread and the Felphersham Tandoori threads.

Radio 4 continuity announcer Alan Smith dropped by The Archers message board on Sunday night. He promises to pop back on Christmas day...

Do you know, I've just realised I will be bringing you TA at 7pm on Christmas Day itself. I will be here in a party hat... (Alan Smith aka 1eggor2)

Thanks so much for the banner on the roof comment. And you sounded so innocent too! (Freddy Danby Appreciation Society)

I couldn't stop laughing. (Dave H French on Facebook)

Drop in on the discussion with Alan on the message board

In Ambridge Extra, listeners are shocked at Erin and most think Alistair should tell Shula about her pronto

ERIN. Cuckoo Cuckoo Cuckoo. Alistair maybe a vet but he won't be able to save the boiling bunnies! #archers #thearchers#AmbridgeExtra (@TheBloopster on Twitter)

We're certainly seeing (or hearing!) the real Erin now. A bit OTT cos she instantly sounds like a mad stalker, but it certainly gives the impression she might've done this before (toffee)

I can just see psycho Erin taking great pleasure in telling Daniel that his father kissed her and he of course will blurt that out to his mother! (Scarlett Poinsetta)

Holy cows, Alistair and Erin!! I did have a small laugh when she called him fit. And yes Alistair, you should tell Shula. #AmbridgeExtra (@JuneGloom20 on Twitter)

Something tells me that he'll be crashing on the sofa in the Bull's living room sometime before Christmas. (beligerent_londonner101)

Join the Ambridge Extra discussions on the message board.

Tayler Cresswell is host of The Archers message board.

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Discover what Brian got up to on holiday while Jennifer's back was turned.

For this short audio treat, we've hacked into Brian's confidential emails to a trusted friend. His roving eye is still active, and the sultry, tropical atmosphere of the Maldives is rich with feminine objects of admiration.

After a lifetime of philandering, has Brian learned his lesson? Or will the lure of suntanned flesh be too much?

If the player doesn't appear in this window, you can listen to the piece here.

The piece is written by Archers scriptwriter Joanna Toye, and performed by Charles Collingwood (Brian). The editor is Vanessa Whitburn.

I directed the recording, which was great fun for me - and I think for Charles too. It's been eight years since I vacated my producer's chair for this rewarding double job, writing Archers scripts and providing content for the website. But the part I've always missed from my previous role was directing episodes in studio. So it was lovely to be working closely with an actor again, and creating a piece of audio.

I hope you enjoy it. Would you like to hear more extra snippets like this in the future?

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

• Read about Brian Aldridge in our Who's Who section
• Meet Charles Collingwood, the actor behind the character
• Remember Brian's most outrageous affair, with Siobhan Hathaway
• Picture shows Charles Collingwood (Brian Aldridge)

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From Annabelle's appearance in scarlet at Thursday's market launch, to Alistair's kiss with Erin in Ambridge Extra on Tuesday and Pat's secret call to Sharon on Wednesday... the Ambridge listener grapevine has been buzzing...

Here's my pick of listener discussions on The Archers message board, Twitter and Facebook between 1-7 December 2011.

Annabelle's appearance at the market launch had some wondering whether Jennifer should be worried about this "Scarlet" woman?

Genius exchange between Jennifer and Annabel on Thursday 'not everyone can wear scarlet' 'I think it's nearer cherry red' (@ruggerlad on Twitter)

Annabel is very much the coolheaded businesswoman (even with a large cat on her head) ... she is purely for lusting after at a distance for all Men of Ambridge. (Campbell in Furry Running Clogs)

Read more on the message board thread: Is Brian is too old for one more affair?

The debate about Pat rages on. Is she descending into madness? Should we sympathise? Most feel her chickens are coming home to roost and that her attitude to Sharon is indicative of the fact that "outsiders" are never really welcome within the Bridge Farm clan. As evidence, they cite Brenda, Hayley and Sharon...

Pat's slow burn nervous breakdown is driving me nuts! Next it'll be an organic potato that looks like John. #thearchers (@HerbiePotts on Twitter)

Pat doesn't give a stuff about Rich, she doesn't even give a stuff about her own husband... Did she ask him how he would feel if Rich turned out to be his grandchild? No. (docklie)

I feel desperately sorry for Pat and I can't honestly say that I wouldn't behave in the same way. I'd have to know. I'm not saying it's the right way to behave. It isn't. (chris murray)

Pat just loved her son and wanted him to be happy. Who knew at that time that Sharon might have been the one to make them all happy? Any mother would have reacted like Pat. (Edward Veat on Facebook)

Do you think that Pat doesn't give a stuff? Have your say on the message board.

Why doesn't Helen want to know Rich? Many thought her heart-to-heart with Ian on Friday wasn't totally truthful but by Tuesday they were incensed when she told Pat that she mustn't contact Sharon...

That speech was the Ultimate in ME ME ME. And as sickening as Ian's pandering to her every time he talks to her. (toffee)

I think that Helen is terrified... because this will be a change (always scary) and a change over which she has no control... (Chris-mas Ghoti)

What in the name of god gives Helen the right to tell her parents what to do? ... I was spluttering with derision as I listened to Tony's complete cave-in to the self-obsessed harpy Helen last night. What a poor apology for a parent he is, indulging a child's complete personal absorption... (TownieJane)

Pat has got to ignore Helen, for her sanity and our entertainment #ringsharon #thearchers (@pboropixie on Twitter)

Read all about it in the Can't understand Tom and Helen and She Who Must Be Obeyed threads.

"GO SHARON!" was the overwhelming reaction to Pat's secret call to Sharon on Wednesday...

After the last week or so of Pat wittering on about John2 it was a lovely refreshing moment when Sharon stuck it to her, I felt myself compelled to shout GO SHARON at the radio, very uncouth but unbelievably satisfying. (Boris Van Gramsci on Facebook)

#thearchers was excellent last night. The culmination of a "chickens home to roost" storyline, FIFTEEN years in the making. (@westonfront on Twitter)

I was gripped in that last bit. Just stood dumbfounded in the kitchen. I think that was a great set-piece there. Phew! (ScrumpyJock)

Well I know this is a drama and not RL, but Sharon's little speech sounded pretty well-rehearsed to me - as though she'd been planning and saving it up for years. I think she enjoyed it a little too much to be entirely dignified. (stolenkisses under the mistletoe)

Find out more on the message board threads: Wasn't Sharon indirectly responsible and She's gone...

In other news... is Jim's character softening?

My soft spot for Jim Lloyd is getting larger, like a water stain spreading across a ceiling #thearchers #getagrip (@JenSced on Twitter)

I really liked him when he first came to Ambridge, an atheist, getting under Shula's skin all the time: a real disruptive influence. Now he goes to all the church social events and this relationship with the appalling Christine just makes me want to vomit! (mike)

If Ruth's mum turns up for Xmas, there will be Old Lady Wars #archers (@sladey66 on Twitter)

Hear more about Jim's character in the thread: Has Jim had a personality transplant?

Poor beleaguered Neil. Listeners have offered plenty of advice on how to deal with the Horrobin invasion at the once-pristine Ambridge View...

Neil's Christmas from Horrobin Hell. Poor bloke! After all his stoic support for Susan over the years, and his heroic facing down of Clive, this is frankly very scant reward for being one of the [the only??] good guys in TA. (DracsM1)

Susan is rapidly alienating the best (& probably only) ally she has! (aquaticDougal)

Add your two pennyworth on the message board thread: Come on Neil put your bluddy foot down

In Ambridge Extra, listeners are worried that Alistair is making a terrible mistake with "bunny boiler" Erin.

#ALISTAIRLLOYD!!!!!!!!! YOU IS IN BIG POOP!....... #AMBRIDGEEXTRA (@keefgranturismo on Twitter)

Completely scandalised by yesterday's #ambridgeextra. What the HELL is going on?! #ugh #thearchers (@mymates263 on Twitter

Wow! He's beyond selfish! Not only showing no respect for his wife, but none for his son, either, all because it's flattering to his ego, and it feels good! I now consider him a Total Jerk. (charmingAnnielynn)

I'm not sure being a bunny boiler will look good on her personal statement for vet school. (erminestrudel)

Read more discussions about Ambridge Extra on the message board.

Tayler Cresswell is host of The Archers message board.

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Pat Archer and her obsession with Rich has dominated discussions this week. The impact on Helen, Tom and the Bridge Farm inheritance has been debated and listeners have shared memories of "arrogant" John Archer. In other discussions, Tracy Horrobin is loved and detested, and many are wondering where Nic's mum is? Doesn't she deserve a new outfit for her daughter's wedding?

In Ambridge Extra, Alistair has listeners shouting STOP! at the radio and there's relief as Matt sees off evil Clive.

Here's my pick of listener discussions on The Archers message board, Twitter and Facebook between 24-30 November 2011.

Susan's in danger of losing her crown as the character listeners most love to hate! After "vile" Tracy Horrobin arrived there's been some sympathy for Susan and her beige carpet.

Tracey has worked a miracle: I'm starting to feel sorry for Susan. #thearchers (@pboropixie on Twitter)

Tracey is brilliant. Please hang around. Brad and Chelsea?! Amazing #thearchers (@elbowjuice on Twitter)

Poor Susan. Horrobins all over the beige carpet. #thearchers (@jonreed on Twitter)

Over at Bridge Farm, Pat's idea that she has another grandson has been looked at from every angle. Will Sharon allow Pat contact with Rich, if he turns out to be John's son? Would Pat have any rights as a grandparent? Or is this a story about Pat's fragile state of mind? And there's plenty of talk about Tom and Helen's inheritance - but will there be anything left of the business after all this upset?

#thearchers oo getting exciting #grandsongate (@Ezdabee on Twitter)

All she cares about is her and the possibility that he is MY grandson, he is hers in her mind and she has a right to him. (La Sharpissima)

You can certainly see where Helen gets her ME ME ME attitude can't you... John was a right tart I believe as was Sharon. Six of one and half a dozen of the other. And he was a grown man NOT a little boy. Funny how Pat's children are never to blame for anything isn't it? ( Furioso Scarletta)

But.... she doesn't know that he's 'her' grandchild, does she? She's about to rock his world and his family's world, with no evidence at all that he's has any genetic connection to her at all. (Hazel Woolley)

Cheer up folks it could put the Hellqueens nose out for a generation. (fieldplace)

I am beginning to hate Pat (& loving the whole thing of course!) (Sameara Ninnuendo aka nesta v)

Take your pick of the threads on the message board. From Pat, Sharon and John's (alleged) son to Pat doesn't give a stuff and One good thing threads on the message board.

Is Helen slipping back into that dark place?

Oh, *don't* make me feel sorry for Helen! That's not playing fair! #thearchers (@marzillk on Twitter)

Yes - typical of Hellin to make it all about her. As usual Tom ends up trying to shore up Hellin while she whines about how it affects HER!! Poor Tom, IMHO, treated like a whiny 2 year old by his Dad, second best son by his Mum, and emotional crutch by his sis! (Blue Moon)

What do you think? Add your comments on the Hmmmmm Helen is going to really lose it thread.

Listeners have been sharing their memories of John Archer

@bbcthearchers I really liked John Archer but it was a long time ago, when I had dodgy taste in men! (@copycreator on Twitter)

He was indeed arrogant, selfish, up himself, slept with Sharon again when he was hoping to re-woo Hayley, and ruined a bluddy good tractor. (Dusty Substances)

I think they've gradually turned Tom into John, so we know what John would have been like if he'd lived. We don't know what Tom would have been like if John had lived. (Dora Pandle)

Share your memories - or read what listeners thought of John Archer on the message board.

Will's call to Clarrie about buying her an outfit for the wedding had some listeners dewey-eyed. But where is Nic's mum? Is she being sidelined in favour of Clarrie?

I rather liked it. Aah, I thought. He's alright. (Nelson_G)

Hope she's not upset that she's not getting a look in as her only daughter prepares for her wedding... I'd be disappointed if my daughter shut me out and only spent time with the groom's mother. (joanhood)

Read more in the Will's call to Clarrie thread.

In Ambridge Extra, listeners are getting cross with Alistair - surely he should tell Shula what's going on - and soon!

bloody hell! what is Erin playing at!! Ambridge Extra rocks!@BBCRadio4extra @BBCTheArchers (@gelehrt on Twitter

Text STOP to this number ...to unsubscribe from this service. Come on, Alistair, time to tell the silly girl to stop before she causes you any real trouble. (ermintrude)

It'll all blow up in his stupid face... I for one wouldn't mind if Shula's bubble of self-regarding pomposity were to be burst- long overdue. Seems a little unfair on poor Daniel though, (not that I like him), just as he thinks he's going to get his rocks off. (Missy_Ferguson)

Is this the end of Clive? Will he return and wreak his revenge on Matt?

Loved it! Lots of Matt, and I just knew he would see off Clive. I loved the final twist with Bernie. I am a very happy bunny now... and he managed to fend off Lilian whilst dealing with Clive. Definitely a multi-tasking man. (Bette)

Join the Ambridge Extra discussions on the message board.

Tayler Cresswell is host of The Archers message board.

• Join the conversation on the message board
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