99. Anna Tregorran, Libby Purves and Undercover Agents

Available for over a year

Charlotte Smith, presenter of Farming Today and Countryfile, is this week's host, and she's joined by Isobel Middleton, who plays Anna Tregorran. Charlotte revisits Isobel's first Archers appearance, in a brief but very dramatic medical cameo, and then focuses on her role as Anna, charting her professional success as a barrister and the challenges she faces trying to care for her mother Carol, who is strong-willed and stubborn - rather like Anna herself? Columnist Libby Purves and Archers writer Keri Davies give their opinions on how Ambridge cares for its oldest, often difficult residents - and why this topic is so resonant now. Charlotte also looks back at the idea which launched the Archers 75 years ago: the original editor Godfrey Baseley was inspired by a farmer who wanted the BBC to give him a 'farming Dick Barton' - an agricultural radio drama with the cliffhangers he heard in the adventures of special agent Dick Barton. The BBC archives reveal how Godfrey did it. Keri reminds us that - back in the early 1950s - Ambridge had its own resident secret agent, Mike Daly, a man with an action-packed past. And is anyone operating undercover in the village today? Charlotte and her guests share their suspicions. Presenter: Charlotte Smith Producer: Charlotte Davey and John Goudie Email: thearcherspodcast@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: 08000 289 044