The Archers has been specially recognised at the BBC Audio Drama Awards for the impact of its ground-breaking Helen and Rob storyline.
The programme received the award for Outstanding Contribution to Radio Drama. The BBC said the continuing drama, which is now in its 67th year, received the prize for “raising significant social awareness of the problem of domestic abuse and coercive control whilst telling a compelling dramatic story over three years”.
Director of BBC Radio and Music, Bob Shennan, who presented the award said it was an obvious choice. "The combination of breath-taking storytelling; excellent casting and performance; grabbing the nation’s imagination and empathy with its all too current themes, and headlines everywhere you looked", he said.
He added, "Reaching far beyond the world of radio drama or Radio 4, this programme has been discussed in households across the land, as well as in the House of Commons and at Royal garden parties."
Read more about the Helen and Rob storyline
Former editor of The Archers, Sean O’Connor, who collected the award on behalf of the team, said, “It is fantastic that the achievement of The Archers has been recognised by this award.
“It’s an award for the whole cast, writing and editorial team. But, for me, it really belongs to Tim Stimpson, who wrote genuinely game-changing episodes in the stabbing of Rob and the subsequent trial of Helen.”
It's the first time the outstanding contribution award has been won by a production team rather than an individual.
The Archers was also one of the three finalists in the Best Series or Serial category. Louiza Patikas, who plays Helen Titchener, was nominated for Best Actress, and Timothy Watson, who plays Rob Titchener, was nominated for Best Actor.
Sean O’Connor paid tribute the Louiza Patikas and Timothy Watson, saying the story of Helen and Rob would not have had the far-reaching resonance that it did without their subtle, detailed and compelling performances.
The Archers had another significant mention during the awards ceremony. The writer James Fritz, who received both the Imison Award for Best Audio Drama Script by a New Writer and the Tinniswood Audio Drama Award for Best Radio Drama Script, credited The Archers in his acceptance speech.
“I’ve always wanted to write a radio play ever since being force-fed The Archers by my parents”, he said.
Take a look at all of the winners at the 2017 Audio Drama Awards
Some of The Archers team and Director of BBC Radio and Music Bob Shennan (far right)
