As Tom celebrates his birthday, we caught up with Will Troughton, who took over the part last year.
How have your first four months on The Archers been?
Oh, it’s been fantastic. Everyone’s so lovely. It’s an absolute pleasure.
You hadn’t done radio work before, so have you now become an old radio hand?
Oh yes (laughs). You just watch some of the old pros and you’re learning all the time.
What sort of things have you learned?
Turning your pages without making a noise! You don’t speak directly to people, you have to speak to the microphone. And because the audience can’t see you, you have to emote with your voice much more than with other forms of drama. You have to use the same basics of acting, but it’s definitely a different skill to theatre or TV.
What’s it been like working with your new radio family?
They’ve been on the show for a long time, but they’ve welcomed me with open arms. It’s great seeing them every month and catching up. Louiza [Patikas, who plays Helen] is like my sister now – it’s fantastic. I have two brothers in real life, and I’ve always wanted a sister!
And have you done scenes now with your real-life dad [David Troughton, who plays Tom’s fatherTony]?
I’ve done one scene, which was such a laugh. People who work with my dad always say he’s good fun to work with and now I’ve experienced it first hand. It was a real pleasure.
How has Tom developed since he returned from Canada?
He wants to prove himself, and he’s been doing that in various ways. He’s stepped on a few toes but his intentions are good. He wants to show that he’s the man to lead the farm forwards. The relationship with his dad has been difficult in the past, so we’ll see how that develops once Tony’s back from hospital.
He had some fences to mend with Neil.
He did indeed. He did it in the end. He realised that Neil knows what he’s doing and that he needs to bring him on board.
What do you hope for Tom in the future?
I hope there’ll be some love interest at some point. And I hope there’ll be some conflict with his dad. I think that would be fun to play. And to continue to be a force in the farm and see what happens with the shop. And of course continue with his pigs, which he loves.
Keri Davies is an Archers scriptwriter and web producer.
Learn more about Tom, Helen, Tony and Neil – and the actors who play them – in our Who’s Who
Will Troughton takes over the part of Tom
David Troughton is the new Tony Archer
