The Archers editor on how domestic abuse storyline was influenced by Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D’Urbervilles

He also said Helen would 'triumph' in the end

Helen and Rob have illustrated the difficulties faced by women trapped in a relationship with an abusive partner.

The latest Archers storyline has been widely reported on in the media, with domestic abuse charities praising the writers for their powerful and realistic storyline.

Outgoing editor Sean O'Connor has revealed how Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D’Urbervilles helped influence Helen Titchener and Rob’s subplot.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Broadcasting House, he explained how the novel see’s a milkmaid murder a man who, it is thought, was raped her in her sleep.

"You see how this woman who starts off as a virginal milkmaid becomes an eventual murderer. What you get, in every chapter, in infinitesimal ways, is finding out why she does it. That's what we've sort of done in the past 900 episodes of The Archers.”

Mirroring Tess of the D’Urbervilles, Helen - voiced by Louiza Patikas - stabbed husband Rob (Timothy Watson). At the time, it was thought Rob was dead but he has subsequently been revealed to have survived.

O’Conner added how the storyline had "at least another 20 years to go”, but added that Helen "should triumph” in the end: ”I do believe that soap opera has some sort of moral responsibility and I do believe that, in the end, Helen should triumph”.

Readers affected by this article can call the National Domestic Violence Helpline 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247, run in partnership by Women’s Aid & Refuge.