Oh dear i am ashamed to say i didnt know The Archers was still on .....

 We'll forgive you Skylark

Thank you Baz  I remember my mammy listening to it, and we all had to shut up! Those were the days when we were told to shut up and we did !

If he makes a return from the grave via the shower in 10 years time let me know.

 He better not Cosmo.... otherwise Brisket will blow a gasket

Too true Baz.  I would! 
Nigel had a kind heart.


Here is a short article/interview with Graham Seed

Yes he did  Brisket... and as far as I'm concerned they would have done better *killing off* Helen Thanks for the article

Thinking about this a little more, Nigel's death seems contrived - as if they held a production meeting where the priority was to provide a shock and so they decided to stick a pin in a list of character's names.
I do not accept that Nigel (or David) would go up on a roof in the darkness, in icy, windy weather.
That's scriptwriters - and producers - for you!

In Vanessa Whitburn's regime there has been a move towards shock and melodrama, as opposed to the days of an "everyday story of countryfolk" under Godfrey Basely.
I recall the lovely Nelson Gabriel (played by Jack May) who - after his death - was transformed by the writers into a baddie (which they attempted to justify.)

 

I heard an interview with Graham Seed (the actor who played Nigel) on the radio this morning and he said that he was told in November that his character was going to be bumped off.  He sounded very upset that he has been written out but was keeping positive and has other work stuff coming up.  Sounded a really nice chap.  Apparently the hierarchy wanted a popular character to be killed off in the 60th anniversary episode.  I can't think why - it would have been a more popular move with the listeners for Helen to have bought it.

Crumbs... Nelson Gabriel... there's a blast from the past And I agree Avalon... if they had to bump of someone Helen, or Kathy would have been a better choice.... IMO.

Thanks Avalon M
When you've been part of a programme for so many years you don't really expect to be told that you'll be gone in a month. I'm pleased to hear he has work coming up, and that he sounded like a nice chap.
Like you, Avalon, I cannot understand why the bosses wanted to kill somebody off just for the shock tactics. That's what they do in TV soaps, and I don't think it's a good tactic to follow.
Apparently there is a lot of resistance and criticism to this storyline on The Archers Messageboards.
The more I reflect the more I feel they showed bad judgment. I've been listening for years and I cannot believe that neither Nigel nor David would be up on the roof in those conditions.
The producers insult my intelligence.
I am sorry for Graham Seed.

 

I agree Brisket.... I think it was a poor way to celebrate 60 years....I think a humorous storyline, for example, would have been much better. Plus, I really can't see where this storyline is going, except for more doom and gloom, and quite frankly, that isn't what I listen for!

Many of The Archers fan-sites and messageboards are filled with angry people.
Some are asking for the dismissal of Vanessa Whitburn, the editor of the programme.
There are a great many unhappy Archers fans.

Baz and Brisket - I agree with you.  The majority of Archers' listeners aren't really interested in sensational storylines, (we've got Eastenders for that).  Killing off a popular character just for the sake of making a headline or two just doesn't make sense, especially as it as alienated so many loyal fans.   And as you said, Brisket, nobody in their right mind would have gone up onto the roof of a manor house on a windy, icy night just to get a banner down!


(Kathy gets on my nerves too, Baz)

I am not surprised the message boards etc are humming. Brisket... cos like Avalon says, Archers listeners are not really into the sensational storylines....  It is(or has been) essentially a gentle programme, which although moving with the times and touching on real life scenarios, has resisted the doom and gloom associated with other soaps....

I've just been reading the Archers Addicts site, and there are even more messages there calling for the anniversary episode to be rewritten. Not that I can see it happening, but it was, apart from anything else, a very implausible end for Nigel.

I am finding it has tarnished my overall listening of The Archers.
The contrivance seems to be spreading into other storylines too.
It has lost a whole big bunch of good-will.

An interesting article here
from yesterday's Guardian newspaper sparked by The Archers
and other soaps.

Also there were so many responses on one of the Archers messageboards, that
Graham Seed (the actor who plays Nigel) issued a grateful response, which the board's moderator posted on the messageboard. A nice touch.

Further to my earlier post about Graham Seed.  Apparently he was told of his 'demise' in a  mobile phone call in November.  After being in the programme for almost 30 years. Shabby!

Thanks for that message board post, Brisket.

I listened to the Omnibus edition this morning. Afterwards a spokesman said that there was an uncut version available on-line. I'm looking forward to that! Hubba Hubba!

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall is to make a guest appearance in The Archers.


On February 16 – The Duchess of Cornwall, President, National Osteoporosis Society, is to attend a function at Grey Gables.

Yes... they broke the *news* in last nights programme.....  Linda is busy changing the rosters so she can be on reception when the Duchess arrives

Ahah!  Typical of Linda. Her sense of self-importance knows no bounds. 

 She has me in stitches at times Brisket... I love her characterization I am finding it a bit hard to get my head around Clarrie at the moment though... her treatment of Emma seems out of character

I agree Baz.
In recent years there have been some odd character changes in my opinion.
I am also fond of  Linda, Baz.
I have now also learnt to love Jennifer.
I didn't used to like her, but she paints a very distinctive character, and when she has a dramatic scene she rises to the occasion beautifully.

I agree Brisket..... on both counts It's annoying when they tinker with a character , cos as it is radio, you rely so much on imagination.  I like Lillian too...... but am having trouble getting my head around Harry's character...... and I hope to goodness they are not going to team Kenton up with Jolene.....

Again I agree Baz.     Harry is almost too good to be true. But I think there is more to him than we know. But if they do flesh out his character I don't they don't go over the top.
They certainly seem to have been dropping a few hints about Kenton and Jolene, and I agree with you about that. It's all a bit too convenient. 

I agree about Harry... we've not heard much about his past......   and I hope they don't decide to shut the Bull, and see it to Matt.... that would really be  a step too far!!!  Maybe the story line between Jolene and Kenton is going to be that he steps in to save the pub.....

Please sign the online petition created 5th Feb

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/bringbacknigel/

Hello nigelfan.   Welcome to this forum.
I have signed the petition. (In fact I am the only one at the moment.)
Of course they are not going to bring back Nigel. It would be ridiculous if they did.
But I have signed because I want them to know what a daft decision it was to write him out of the programme. So the more flack and hassle they get for removing Nigel, the happier I will feel.
I have not signed to expect a result, I have signed to express disappointment at their bad judgment.

I do desperately hope they are not going to do something dafter than killing off Nigel  - which would be to reveal somehow that Ian was the sperm donor for Helen's baby.

I was wondering that too Brisket.... and like you, I hope they don't!!!! I am debating whether to sign the petition or not.....

Yea Baz obviously the petition is a waste of time (and I feel somewhat embarrassed about signing it now), but I just felt like expressing my anger about Nigel one more time. 

I thought that too, Brisket 

Isn't the baby's middle name Ian?  

Welcome, Nigelfan

I suspect that the poster called nigelfan (above)
did it as a prank. nigelfan still has only made 1 post.
Ah well!.....

Meanwhile, here are pictures of Michael Shelford, who plays Harry.

Couldn't see the picture, Brisket.  (But it might be my ancient computer, unable to cope)

O sorry Avalon.
Actually I have had a spot of trouble loading a few pictures recently, but theyusually appear eventually. I have checked my settings, and they seem OK.
Anyhow, fingers crossed that the picture may appear later.

And, as if by magic, Harry appears!

Thanks, Brisket

Here's Tom Graham, who plays... Tom!

I like the look of Tom.  Thanks PeterC

I also enjoy hearing the camp inflections in his voice.