Philippa sits down with Dr Charlotte Martin, who plays Susan Carter in The Archers, for the first of two episodes — for a conversation about one of Ambridge's most beloved and most underestimated characters.
Charlotte talks about how Susan has changed almost imperceptibly over the decades — from naive young girl to gossip to, increasingly, the person people come to for genuinely good advice. She reflects on the solid foundation of Susan and Neil's marriage, Susan's complicated relationship with social aspiration and what Jennifer Aldridge represented to her, and why the moment Alice and Chris got together felt like Susan finally arriving.
They discuss the George storyline in depth — the awful dilemma of reporting your own grandson, the echoes of the Clive situation, and why Charlotte believes George has always had a good core and is now finally finding his way. There is a warm and considered defence of George that may well change how you hear him.
Bert gets his own section. Charlotte reveals she was in awe of the actor who plays him because of The Detectorists, explains why Tracy has always borne the brunt of his care and what that says about their different childhoods, and confirms they have had enormous fun recording those scenes including the walker coming up to the microphone.
Plus: Keira and the audition that made Charlotte's mind up immediately, what Susan's friendship with Jolene could look like and why it should happen, the case for Susan getting her radio show back with an agony aunt slot, the 75th anniversary tour and what it has been like playing to packed houses of genuine fans, and the biscuit question.
Part two, with listener questions from the Facebook group, follows in two weeks.
Topics covered: Susan Carter | Neil Carter | George Grundy | Amber | Keira | Bert Horrobin | Tracy | Jennifer Aldridge | Alice Carter | Jolene Archer | 75th anniversary tour | Angela Barnes | The Archers 2026
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