‘The Archers’ is to make big changes amid the coronavirus pandemic, and will address the health crisis in future episodes.
BBC bosses have confirmed that while the long-running Radio 4 soap – which has been on air since 1951 – has enough episodes to last until the end of April, from there each episode will feature fewer characters.
The Beeb has also announced plans for just four episodes per week – starting May 4th and running Monday to Thursday – at 7pm, with the Sunday Omnibus being shorter as a result.
While the ongoing crisis will be addressed in future episodes, the broadcaster promised it will be in the right way for fans.
Editor Jeremy Howe said in a statement: "For nearly 70 years Ambridge has been a haven for our audience, and so it continues to be.
"Whilst coronavirus might be coming to Borsetshire, listeners can still expect ‘The Archers’ to be an escape, and the residents to be bickering and as playful and witty as ever.
"We want this new approach to ‘The Archers’ to still be a picture of the way we live now in rural England that it has always been. However, these are unprecedented times and the team has worked tirelessly to make sure we can continue to visit Ambridge."The temporary measures come as the cast and crew will also start using "home studios" to work on the upcoming episodes, with bosses focused on the "health and well-being of the cast and team".
Jeremy added: "I am enormously grateful to the production team, the cast and the crew for all their magnificent efforts and creativity.
"’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."
The Archers to address coronavirus pandemic in future episodes
