Radio 4 to broadcast three themed weeks of archive The Archers

New episodes of The Archers are being temporarily replaced by three themed weeks of episodes from the programme’s archive due to the coronavirus pandemic.

BBC Radio 4 will broadcast the archive episodes from 3 – 24 May. The first week will feature important moments in the lives of different Ambridge residents including four weddings when some favourite characters walk down the aisle, and one in which Ambridge says farewell to a loved one.

Developments for a number of characters in relation to the homes and farms that mean so much to them, particularly when some have had to leave, or have returned to, them as part of the storylines, will be the theme for the second week.

The third week will focus on annual traditions in ‘The Ambridge Calendar,’ including Stir Up Sunday and the annual Flower and Produce Show.

Each week there will be five episodes, Sunday to Thursday with an omnibus on the Sunday. New episodes are planned to resume from 25 May.

Jeremy Howe, Editor of The Archers says: “We know our listeners tune in to The Archers for many different reasons, not simply entertainment but escapism and companionship too.

“We’re working tirelessly in challenging circumstances on writing and producing new episodes in a different, simpler format with cast recorded in their homes, but with that work taking a little longer than anticipated we want listeners to be able to continue visiting Ambridge.

“The Archers is steeped in rich heritage and many listeners have said they’re keen to hear again, or hear for the first time, important moments in the lives of Ambridge residents. So we’re selecting episodes from the last two decades we hope will give the audience new insight or an enjoyable trip down memory lane.”

Classic episodes of #TheArchers are returning to the airwaves.https://t.co/xiv2Hr9Dz6

— The Archers (@BBCTheArchers) April 18, 2020