Coronavirus: The Archers will feature a Covid-19 plotline on BBC Radio 4

‘Keeping the show running and giving us all an opportunity to hear from beloved characters will be a treat loyal listeners will want and need,’ said the series’ editor

Long-running BBC Radio 4 soap The Archers is set to feature a storyline based around the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Because episodes are written and recorded weeks in advance, The Archers has so far ignored the global medical crisis, but the show’s producers have confirmed that this is set to change.

They confirmed that the series will see fewer interactions between characters to reflect the social distancing measures currently in place across the country. Instead, the show will feature the characters “sharing more of their private thoughts with the listener”.

Episodes from 4 May will start to include elements of life during the pandemic – with the deadly virus reaching the Archers’ Ambridge locale.

All of the BBC‘s televised soaps have been forced to suspend filming at the moment, with programmes like EastEnders, Holby City and Casualty all facing a potentially lengthy spell on the sidelines.

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Voice actors are, however, able to record from their own homes, meaning production on The Archers can continue.​ The radio series will be stripped back to just four episodes a week, with a shortened weekend omnibus.

The Archers editor Jeremy Howe said: “The Archers will sound different and will be simpler, but I think keeping the show running and giving us all an opportunity to hear from beloved characters will be a treat loyal listeners will want and need.”

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