OMF*G I Love The Archers!

Welcome to The Archers, where careful use of a yoghurt pot mimics the sound of a lamb being born and lots of the characters have never said a word. (* Farming)

bbc.co.uk / Via BBC Radio 4

To recreate the sound of a lamb being born at home Archers-style, all you need is a pot of yoghurt, a wet tea towel and some old audio tape. Simply squelch your hand in the yoghurt and then throw the damp tea towel onto the audio tape to enjoy the sound close up.

More Archers sound effects explained

bbc.co.uk / Via BBC Radio 4

Ambridge is full of silent characters. These include Becky Holden (very experienced with cows) Derek Fletcher (dislikes cats and radical thinkers), Freda Fry (likes jam making and sherry) and Neville Booth (committed member of St Stephen’s bell ringing team).

Via BBC Radio 4

Since the demise of The USA's Guiding Light in 2009, The Archers is the world’s longest-running broadcast drama still in production. In the UK, it beats Coronation Street (at 53, a whole decade younger), EastEnders (a youthful 29).

Via BBC Radio 4

The series was originally recorded on discs which could not be edited. If an actor made a mistake, they had to start recording from the start. Nowadays it is recorded direct to computer.

Via BBC Radio 4

In order to keep continuity in The Archers, a careful note of all sound effects, including doorbells and telephone ringtones, is kept by the production team.

bbc.co.uk / Via BBC Radio 4

The theme tune to The Archers has been played over 35,000 times in Britain since the first episode. It was written by Arthur Wood in 1924.

Via BBC Radio 4

Guest stars over the years have included Humphrey Lyttelton, Sir Terry Wogan, Britt Ekland, Dame Edna Everage, Princess Margaret, The Duke Of Westminster, Alan Titchmarsh, Bradley Wiggins and artist Antony Gormley, all appearing as themselves and Esther Rantzen has done the spot sound effects.

Actors who have appeared in character include Dame Judi Dench and Richard Griffiths.

bbc.co.uk / Via BBC Radio 4

As well as the millions of public fans of the show, famous fans of the series include HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, Cilla Black, Martin Clunes, Stephen Fry, Phill Jupitus, Sir John and Dame Norma Major, Ewan MacGregor, Liza Tarbuck, Ruth Jones, Ian Rankin, Fiona Bruce and Sir Ian McKellen.

bbc.co.uk / Via BBC Radio 4

June Spencer, who plays Peggy, is the longest-serving cast member and even appeared in the first ever pilot episode of The Archers broadcast on 29 May 1950.

Via BBC Radio 4

There has never been a murder in Ambridge….yet.

Download The Archers podcast

The Archers on Facebook

Follow The Archers on Twitter