[8], Speaking to the BBC, Finch said Ruth "is strong willed, determined and pretty direct in her approach to life and people in general. In his 1996 book, The Archers: The True Story, Rigbey's predecessor William Smethurst explained that she had "wisely" decided that David Archer's (Timothy Bentinck) fashion designer girlfriend, Sophie Barlow (Moir Leslie), was not suitable for the role of matriarch to the next generation of the Archer family. Controversial NHS Tavistock transgender clinic is threatened with court action by watchdog after failing to 'If I didn't build it, somebody else would've': The Godfather of A.I. In 2000, the character was diagnosed with breast cancer. [30] In their book, The Archers Archives, Simon Frith and Chris Arnot commented that the "simmering mix of sexual chemistry" between Ruth and Sam reached boiling point when David's ex-girlfriend, Sophie Barlow, returned to Ambridge and asked David to help organise a charity fashion show. That was the height of Brian's affair. [31] Ruth became emotionally confused when Sam informed her that he had broken up with Kirsty. Felicity Finch was born in Teesside, England, UK. But there is one aspect of being in the spotlight that she shuns for the sake of her mental health: social media. As well as being an actor Felicity also works as a radio reporter and presenter for BBC Radio 4. I was four at the time but became a devotee very early on enjoying hearing all the farm animal noises as we lived in London. Shes able to appreciate life day to day and she and David have an enviably strong marriage despite their difficulties along the way! Lets just say it's rather embarrassing to be blubbering on a crowded bus. Archers listeners react to Matt's explosive storyline View Archers listeners react to Matt's explosive storyline Are these the 28 most unlikely suspects in the Ambridge hit-and-run case? He is known for playing the character Josh Archer in BBC Radio 4's long-running drama serial The Archers. Ruth and David Archer, played by Felicity Finch and Tim Bentinck. The scene in which David finally realised the truth was one of those where you just have to jump and hope the momentum of everything that has led up to this moment will carry you through - as well as the great script of course. EXCLUSIVE: High-ranking Met Police officer on 100,000-a-year who was found to be a regular user of Police hunt for Brixton killer after woman in her 30s is stabbed to death in broad daylight near O2 Academy. This is a list of events from British radio in 1955. Timothy Bentinck Ruth Archer .. Felicity Finch Harrison Burn. It just needs bringing to life a bit more". Long afterwards, when I was working in BBC Television in London, I was pursued by the press for that story, which Godfrey had suddenly decided to tell (It was at the time of the Tenth Anniversary of The Archers, I think). "[35], Ruth's mastectomy after breast cancer was named one of the most shocking storylines from The Archers by The Daily Telegraph's Nick Collins. I have listened to the Archers from the start. It felt like a reunion with long lost friends and their descendants! In August 2012 she hosted the Radio 4 Appeal for Health Poverty Action.[3]. [31] The Archers website had received 1.2 million page impressions due to the storyline in 2006. In 2007, Karen Price from the Western Mail called Ruth a "much-loved character". I'm afraidI stopped watching Panorama when it was reduced to half an hour. Ruth is portrayed as being strong-willed, determined and loyal. Charlotte Higgins on The Archers: its party time in the cider shed! . Rogue One star Ms Jones also jokes that the long-running BBC series has become racier since her departure in 2009. . "[52], On 18 November 2005, Finch and six of her co-stars appeared as their respective characters on the BBC's Children in Need broadcast, alongside presenter Terry Wogan. to go in and meet them. 'Even' Captain's death was affecting! By Padraic Flanagan For The Mail On Sunday, Published: 22:01 BST, 31 July 2021 | Updated: 11:02 BST, 5 August 2021. She started her professional acting career as a child, appearing in The Treasure Seekers (1996) at age 12. Ben Norris David Archer .. Timothy Bentinck Ruth Archer .. Felicity Finch Harrison Burns .. James Cartwright Susan Carter .. Charlotte . [46] Whitburn told Midgley that the backlash from listeners helped keep Ruth faithful to David, and agreed that she was not the type to have an affair. Ruth ultimately chose to return home to her family. Tributes to Sara Coward's marvellous years as Caroline Sterling. And she says she owes it all to The Archers. She co-wrote and co-starred in the award-winning BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey. We were on holiday in Cornwall on the wedding day, and had to drive to the top of a hill to have sufficient reception to listen to the programme in our very old Maxi. Tanika Gupta, MBE, FRSL, is an English playwright. [19] Following her last course of chemotherapy, Ruth returned to work on the farm and was later given the all clear. But when Will tries to get her to leave, Mia stands her ground. Felicity lives in South East London near the beautiful Laban Centre, where she regularly escapes from the stresses and strains of life into contemporary jazz classes or the Pilates studio.. Felicity Finch (Ruth Archer) and Tim Bentinck (David Archer) reveal the secrets of radio kissing and the enduring appeal of The Archers. Actor - Ruth in The Archers. In 2017 she interviewed Patricia Green (Jill Archer), June Spencer (Peggy Woolly), Edward Kelsey (Joe Grundy), Archers scriptwriter Mary Cutler, and former Editor, Vanessa Whitburn. Show more Download Choose your file Higher quality. The Archers on Apple Podcasts The latest Tweets from Felicity Finch (@felicitymfinch). Elizabeth Pargetters (nee Archer) depressive illness and psychotherapy storyline was excellent in raising awareness of and destigmatising mental health problems. [1] During the script meeting to invent David's new love interest, the writers played with the idea of making the character Scottish and calling her either Anne, Heather or Thistle to show off her spiky nature. Felicity Finch - Biography - IMDb I find the hum drum of everyday - often amusing, Ambridge village life relaxing intertwined as it is with vitally relevant storylines such as pensioner Jim Lloyds childhood sex abuse and Philip Mosss human trafficking. Felicity Finch (Ruth Archer) and Tim Bentinck (David Archer) reveal the secrets of radio kissing and the enduring appeal of The Archers. It must have made an impression as I still remember it quite clearly. "[50], In 1999, Finch flew to Rwanda to help launch a new radio soap called Urunana, a programme which is aimed predominantly at women and focuses on health issues, child care and genocide within the country of Rwanda. Felicity Finch, who playsRuth Archer, has made a special contribution to the collection. Or at least provide some kind of balance to a problem. "[48] In 2011, a Belfast Telegraph reporter commented that Ruth had become an "unpopular figure" and listeners had wanted her to die during the 60th anniversary episode. Now a contemporary drama in a rural setting is how the drama sees itself. Then Lilians Canadian airman boyfriend went missing assumed dead following a plane crash. Listeners react to tragedy in Ambridge . Their was public outrage and on 11th January 1994, questions in parliament. According to creator Godfrey Baseley, the idea for The Archers was hatched at a meeting with farmers in Birmingham. [52] Ruth's scenes saw her married to a shopkeeper named Munyakazi, who was reluctant to let her train as a community health worker. The following month Ruth was told that she had breast cancer and that as it was multi-focal, she would need a mastectomy followed by a course of chemotherapy. When do we want it? O'Hanrahan joined the radio soap in 2009 after Rogue One star Felicity Jones, who previously voiced Emma, left the role. "It's going to take more than a toy farm to calm David down when he gets wind of this", View "It's going to take more than a toy farm to calm David down when he gets wind of this", "Just wait until Toby starts calling David 'grandpa'!" Fill out the form below, and we will publish your comments as soon as we can. My plea for the future is that it does not forget the original concept of being 'a farming programme for farming folk'. I will carry on listening and recommending to others. The Archers - An oral history - BBC 100 'Oooooh David!' 100 Voices that Made the BBCis part of a research project called Connected Histories of the BBC based at the University of Sussex. Joanna Toye and Adrian Flynn, authors of The Archers Encyclopaedia, said Ruth took to motherhood well and did not let it stop her from playing an active part in Brookfield. It is a fantastic programme and I love the rich storylines. I have access to a signed program from 11th Jan 1954 at The New Theatre Royal Portsmouth. They were all absolute stars. Janet "Jan" Ravens is an English actress and impressionist, known for her voices on Spitting Image and Dead Ringers. At the heart of the matter are actors Felicity Finch and Tim Bentinck, who have played husband and wife David and Ruth Archer for 27 years. [24] In contrast, the radio series Feedback reported that the storyline had initially attracted a negative response from listeners, who felt the subject should have been handled with more optimism. Felicity Finch was born in Teesside, England. The Archers returns with Ambridge under lockdown in new 'soliloquy [31] The episode was written by Joanna Toye, who told Emily Lambert of the Western Mail that the traffic jam was used to increase the tension. [7] Upon her arrival in Ambridge, Ruth felt like an outsider. She joins Felicity to talk about what it was like during those early years and her most memorable stories for female characters during her 40 years writing for the show. View "From all of us girls who looked for a man in all the wrong places." I thought I said, Hello mum, hello dad, its me, its David says Timothy, when in fact his first words as the Brookfield farmer were Evening all. I started listening again online a couple of years ago and like a modern day Rip Van Winkle I plugged back in to the Archers with a gap of almost thirty years. She has worked as an actress on TV dramas. When a child the theme tune to the Archers signalled the time for toys to be put away and to get ready for bed. Sixty four years later Im still an avid listener and rarely miss an episode even when travelling abroad (pre-lockdown) thanks to BBC Sounds. Deborah Findlay is an English actress. Read about our approach to external linking. And what of Walter Gabriel, who regularly said my old pal, my old beauty and spoke fondly but with little success to Peggys mother, Mrs Perkins or "Mrs P" we never learnt her Christian name a down-to-earth Cockney. Ruth found herself becoming jealous when Sam went on holiday with Kirsty. I have enjoyed the development of the relationship between Freddie and Linda, her faith in him is what he needs. She joins Felicity, Dr Cara Courage and comedian Angela Barnes to discuss the role of gossip on the show. One of the things that I love about The Archers is the way it reflects British everyday life and I always listen for the topical inserts when there is a national event or crisis. Felicity Finch - Wikipedia She is the recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, three British Academy Television Awards, a British Academy Film Award, three Golden Globe Awards, four British Independent Film Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the BFI Fellowship. Seeing double! [3]. "You put your hand on my arm", says Felicity, "I just remember this moment of absolute "in the moment" belief in what was going on.". It chilled me, still does just thinking of it. They're a bit like eating a sickly sweet, I feel indulged but pretty dissatisfied afterwards! Here Ysanne explores her early days on the programme. Tributes to Sara Coward's marvellous years as Caroline Sterling. I can even remember the music. Also makes radio features and documentaries She went on to play Ethel Hallow for one series of the television series The Worst Witch and its sequel Weirdsister College. My earliest memories are mainly hearing the theme tune, but within the last 10 years Ive caught the 60th anniversary, Helen Tichtners conceive abuse storyline and more recently I've been hooked on the unfolding aftermath of Philip Morris modern salvery. I have listened, on and off, for forty odd years. [20] Breast cancer nurse Vickki Harmer acted as a consultant to the scriptwriters during the storyline and BBC Radio 4 invited listeners to ring a helpline for further advice after Ruth received her diagnosis. View Archers listeners put the Ambridge Flower and Produce Show to shame! Listened to the first episode one month off my 6th birthday and have carried on. Felicity was brought up in the North East. I remember Jennifer being told her skirts were too short and the next thing was she was pregnant with Adam by Paddy Remaine. This article about a British actor is a stub. Susan Carter is often at the heart of what is going on in the village of Ambridge and is known as the village gossip. just like they do for Roy Plomley at the end of each "Desert Island Discs".?? Even Woman's Hour, who I work for, are tweeting, so who knows? So so many story lines. "[10], Ruth's marriage to David is central to her character. I don't remember much of our conversations except that they let on that the actor who played Tom Forrest was rather too keen on securing the frequent opportunity to show off his singing talents in the "everyday story". I began listening to the Archers at the age of ten. New torment for Titchener causes unbridled joy on social media. ", "The Archers broke me." [1][2] Actress (later presenter) Felicity Finch was cast as Ruth. [7][8] She then applied for a year's work experience at Brookfield Farm and she was hired by Phil Archer (Norman Painting). She joined a theatre company while studying English at the University of Leeds. I'm sometimes drawn to poetry, most recently to Imtiaz Dharker. I was a schoolgirl in Cheshire when the Archers began. Now on weekly omnibus catch up but in the early 2000s, I used to listen on cassette tapes while on the overnight train from Baku to Tbilisi. #TheArchers Listeners' Guide To: Conspiracy Theories, View #TheArchers Listeners' Guide To: Conspiracy Theories, #TheArchers Listeners' Guide to: Euphemisms and Code Words, View #TheArchers Listeners' Guide to: Euphemisms and Code Words, 10 moments that led to the downfall of Rob Titchener, View 10 moments that led to the downfall of Rob Titchener, 13 Inspiring Ways To Enjoy Retirement in Ambridge, View 13 Inspiring Ways To Enjoy Retirement in Ambridge, 13 things we learned from our live interview with Timothy Watson aka Rob Titchener, View 13 things we learned from our live interview with Timothy Watson aka Rob Titchener, 3 minutes with Mogali Masuku aka Noluthando, View 3 minutes with Mogali Masuku aka Noluthando, 9 Names To Call A Group of Calendar Girls, View 9 Names To Call A Group of Calendar Girls, View A Brief History of Twins in Ambridge, View A short history of being gay in Ambridge, A short history of contraception in The Archers, View A short history of contraception in The Archers, A short history of unplanned pregnancies in Ambridge, View A short history of unplanned pregnancies in Ambridge, A Week of Relationship Advice in Ambridge, View A Week of Relationship Advice in Ambridge, Alison Dowling on the challenge of playing Elizabeth's mental illness, View Alison Dowling on the challenge of playing Elizabeth's mental illness, Ambridge at War: the first of a trilogy of prequels to The Archers, View Ambridge at War: the first of a trilogy of prequels to The Archers. This means that by posting a comment here you are automatically consenting to it being used for a range of academic purposes and publications. "[31], Editor Vanessa Whitburn on bringing Sam and Ruth together (2006), Elisabeth Mahoney from The Guardian observed that Ruth and David's marriage imploded while Sophie was around and she said the speed at which it happened made for genuinely shocking listening. Thank you and long may Ambridge and its residents continue to be there for us. What started out as a popular way of conveying messages about farming techniques, is now a sophisticated rural drama. We very much hope that youll welcome this chance to play your part in future histories of the BBC. [14] Ruth and David's first child, Philippa Rose, or Pip (Helen Monks; Daisy Badger), was born in February 1993. [28] Finch commented that dealing with the constant re-writes was hard, but enjoyable work. Shindler has also appeared in the feature film, A Mighty Heart playing Michelle Pearl, and as Charlotte Fox in the feature film Everest. After Sam quit his job, Ruth eventually told David the truth about what happened. BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, Women and the Archers: how farming has I always enjoy the scenes of comic relief and laugh out loud. As well respecting the work of their portraying actor on their death eg Edward Kelsey and Sara Coward. Ambridge via Zoom: academic Archers conference returns virtually One farmer said what we really want is a farming Dick Barton!. Felicity Finch, who plays Ruth Archer mines the BBC Oral History Collection to uncover some little-known stories about the legendary series. 'I know friends who wake up in the middle of the night and start reading messages and I think that is quite destructive.'. David and Ruth who were about to get married when I took the break are suddenly grandparents. Discover new things about The Archers with a selection of special programmes. "[33] After seeking Sam out for comfort, Ruth kissed him. It's official! Ill never forget listening to the night John Archer died. . I was only aged about 18 at the time! [51] A decade later, the makers of Urunana invited Finch to record a guest appearance as Ruth for the show. If we use your material on BBC programmes or online we will publish your name as you provide it (unless you ask us not to) but we will never publish your email address.