The Latest Breaking News from Ambridge

Duchess of Edinburgh makes a cameo appearance on The Archers

Sophie played herself in Thursday’s episode, appearing alongside Ambridge regulars at the BBC Radio 4 drama’s fictional Borchester Show.

Evening Standard · Jul 9

Brawls, blackmail and Judi Dench: 75 staggering moments from 75 years of The Archers

From Jill’s flung flapjack to Nigel’s tragic fall, the Great Flood, Helen’s acquittal and a priceless cameo from Dame Judi, here’s an anniversary feast of epic Ambridge moments

The Guardian - UK · Jan 1

Charlotte Higgins on The Archers: the worst possible thing has come to pass in Ambridge

The most revolting bit of plotting – a tide of human excrement – has flooded the town and it’s the perfect metaphor for the stinking state of the wider world

The Guardian - UK · Mar 4, 2025

Charlotte Higgins on The Archers: farewell, Evil Rob, venomous to the end

Ambridge’s villain in chief finally meets his maker, draining a fair bit of colour from the village. But there’s a bright side: Adil found some bargain kitchen gear

The Guardian - UK · Dec 2, 2023

Charlotte Higgins on The Archers: is this the final act for Ambridge’s own Don Giovanni?

Evil Rob Titchener is looking down at the gates of hell, much like Mozart’s antihero, and many at Bridge Farm can barely conceal their delight

The Guardian - UK · Jul 29, 2023

The week in audio: Marianna in Conspiracyland; Women of Web3; Gateway: Cocaine, Murder & Dirty Money in Europe; The Archers

Marianna Spring keeps her cool with conspiracy mongers; Lauren Ingram guides (some of) us into the metaverse; a drug-smuggling tale is well told; and the dreaded Rob returns to Ambridge

The Guardian - UK · Jun 17, 2023

Charlotte Higgins on The Archers: stray virgins better watch out in pagan Ambridge!

It’s only a small step from ‘beating the bounds’ to full-on Wicker Man – and Clarrie and Susan certainly have the skills required

The Guardian - UK · Jun 6, 2023

Charlotte Higgins on The Archers: has there ever been a more callous use of a bring-and-buy sale?

This month, Beckettian shop buddies Justin and Jim are due a reckoning and Brian speeds beyond his wife’s death quicker than you can say ‘Jenny darling’

The Guardian - UK · Apr 4, 2023

Charlotte Higgins on The Archers: radio to make you weep recklessly

Isn’t it strange that we can become so fond of invisible characters made of vibrations in the air? As Ambridge loses one of its patron saints, I mourn deeply – and I cannot be alone

The Guardian - UK · Feb 7, 2023

The week in audio: The Archers; Buried; The Sound: Mystery of Havana Syndrome and more

While Ambridge is left reeling, new podcasts delve deep into a waste scandal in Derry and a sinister Cuban mystery, and Zoe Ball gets reading

The Guardian - UK · Jan 29, 2023