"Tony, Tony, Tony - *shakes head in disbelief*" – Listener discussions to 7 May 2014

Tony's popularity took another steep dive as most listeners were appalled by his "vindictive" treatment of Tom in recent episodes. Many found themselves surprised to sympathise with Tom in the circumstances.

There were happier times during the "good old fashioned Ambridge" May Day festivities (even if PC Burns did bring a creepy air to proceedings), and quite a few concerns expressed about whether Roy is the right man to organise LoxFest.

Here’s my pick of listener discussions between 1 and 7 May 2014

"Aggressive" and "horrible" were just two of the words used to describe Tony as he continued to show very little support to Tom following the cancelled wedding. Has his character changed or does he have previous form?

Tony, Tony, Tony .... *shakes head in disbelief* (Frances Ball on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

Just caught up on this week - Tony! What a horrible man! I actually felt sorry for Tom. Grrr. (Siobhan Higgins on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

Tony's character is rapidly becoming unbelievable. He used to be just Moany but now we are expected to believe that he is aggressive, uncaring and thoughtless just to slosh on more "drama". (Michael Dewey on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Tony was just like this over Helen's pregnancy and that was the old Tony, so he hasn't changed at all. (Jean Welsh on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Tony, you fool. You self-deceiving, self-important fool. Like father, like son indeed. #thearchers (@RuthieSaylor on Twitter)

Can't we give Tony a break?? Tom is immature, full of himself and he would drive most parents to distraction. He is also rude and disrespectful to his Dad. Pat should see this and stop blaming Tony for pretty much everything. (juliana on The Archers blog)

But Tony IS concerned .. he panicked when he saw the police car last night and thought something had happened. His attitude to Tom is a mixture of exasperation and concern and that is quite understandable (JPBS on The Archers blog)

Tony's "terrible" words prompted an unexpected show of support for the Sausage King – though some had other concerns than Tom's disappearance.

I'm uncharacteristically worried about the Sausage King. Tony is far worse than the things he accuses his own mother of. #TheArchers (@Evidently_Z on Twitter)

Terrible parents. Poor Tom. (Alison Barber on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Oh no! I like Tom and will miss him. Hope he comes back soon. (Moya Stone on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

@BBCTheArchers I thought Tony was absolutely vile to Tom last night. I really enjoyed it. #thearchers @BBCRadio4 (@feistyoatcake on Twitter)

I love when people side with Tony or Tom. Most of their most abrasive behavior comes from their similarities. They are too alike (thin-skinned, over-optimistic, impulsive, self-centered/selfish) to get along easily. (Ann Burlingham on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

I am feeling quite stressed about the pigs being abandoned. #thearchers (@MrsTwentyTom on Twitter)

With Dan dropped off at Sandhurst (ironing board and all), there was a glimmer of sympathy for Shula, though not from everyone.

Oh Shula. It is a wrench but it gets more bearable. (Carol O’byrne on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

First Tom, and now feeling sorry for Shula. #iamnotusedtothis #thearchers (@laurabel14 on Twitter)

@BBCTheArchers well played Shula for all those mothers who have dropped a child at Uni and sobbed all the way home!! (@SheilaSnowden on Twitter)

As someone who has found Shula most annoying most of the time I've particularly enjoyed her recent interludes with Dan....they've been most moving and warm. (Suzanne Butchers on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

#thearchers Shula, Dan is not 5, it's not his first day at school! (@h_hawkes on Twitter)

Rearrange these words in the appropriate order: cut/apronstrings/time/the/Shula/to #thearchers (@mrsverypicky on Twitter)

Hurrah for Tilly Button! There was a more cheerful mood over at the village hall, where listeners found their spirits lifted during the May Day festivities.

I actually smiled a couple of times listening to Monday's TA.... can't remember the last time I did that... what a refreshing change. (Jo Boulter on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

Lovely episode tonight - made me smile #thearchers (@Stonecraftmusic on Twitter)

Ha Tilly Button is trending [on Twitter]!!! She could totes be the new (much needed) Pip #TheArchers (@kingbagcarrier on Twitter)

@BBCTheArchers Tilly Button, sit down and behave! Love it! #TillyButtonCausesHavoc (@suziechof on Twitter)

#thearchers yes, a mention of the Button girls! My cup runneth over. And Emma being a jealous cow too. Excellent. (@DanzacRose on Twitter)

Good to get back to a good old fashioned Ambridge story in the village hall. (Guy Masters on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

It wasn't all sweetness and light, however, as some listeners sensed a "creepy" edge to PC Burns' behaviour towards Fallon, though he does have a few fans.

Is it just me or is PC Burns a bit creepy?.Back off and leave Fallon alone or I'll call the.. Damn.#thearchers (@knitty1956 on Twitter)

Pc Burns needs an Harassment warning. Pc Stalker more like. (Tim Walker on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

He likes you Fallon! Stop being thick #thearchers (@Anne_O on Twitter)

Aw c'mon Fallon, what's not to like? (Dawn Martin on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

I think they would make a lovely couple. I like the banter.. Time for a spring love affair! (Caroline Stevens on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

As Ambridge prepares for another local event – LoxFest at Lower Loxley - listeners began to wonder whether Elizabeth has made a mistake putting Roy in charge. And helpful listeners suggested a few local bands…

Elizabeth is either naive or stupid to let Roy organise the "Rock Festival". (Susan Ann Jones on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Roy trying to be hip and cool just does not come off. He's such a bore, I would DEFINITELY not go to a festival with him, let alone allow him to organise one on my estate, that is, if I had one! (Christine Kilby on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Haha, he knows nothing Lizziebot - you'll be ruined #TheArchers (@hugzee on Twitter)

So long as no-one sings 'Up on the roof' or 'I believe I can fly' #loxfest #loxstock #thearchers (@gingabeans on Twitter)

Roy's got the LoxFest under control (like Tom's Wedding?) #thearchers (@Dark_Blue_Box on Twitter)

The Happy Grundys; Jaz Zee; Queens of the Tom Archer's Saussage and an unplugged set from Freda Fry & Molly Button. #loxfest#TheArchers (@dinogoldie on Twitter)

#loxfest Chas&Dave Archer; The Chemical-free-crop Brothers; Robert Plant (natch); Nic Grundy & The Bad Seeds; Professor BarwickGreen #thearchers (@rutherian on Twitter)

Finally, talk of new roads has got a few listeners speculating about what the plans might entail.

So are we now anticipating a motorway as well as BL's second waste processing plant? #thearchers 2015, everyday story of an industrial zone (@Vintage_Maggie on Twitter)

I hope the new road has to go right through Jennifer's new kitchen #thearchers (@barefootmower on Twitter)

Where is the road going? Maybe through the lodge garden, that'll please Rob! (Lynda Everington on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

So, they're building a bypass for the bypass. Only in #thearchers (@SteveBrooks13 on Twitter)

Tayler Cresswell is The Archers’ social media host

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