Rylan arrives in Ambridge for special Eurovision Song Contest-themed episode of The Archers

On Friday 12 May BBC Radio 4’s The Archers celebrates Eurovision in true Ambridge style as a surprise guest arrives to judge the village’s variety show

PHOTO: Rylan at The Archers (Image: Andrew Smith)

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BBC Radio 4

Eurovision fever has reached Ambridge, the setting of the longest-running serial radio drama of all time: BBC Radio 4’s The Archers. In a special episode broadcast on Friday 12 May at 7pm, the village will play host to Eurovision commentator Rylan, who will stop by Ambridge on his journey to Liverpool for this year’s song contest.

Rylan has been invited to Ambridge to judge the village’s Eurovision Variety Show – but trouble ensues when his sat-nav goes awry, and Ambridge residents find themselves competing to come to his rescue...

Rylan said: "I’m looking forward to getting my wellies on and checking out what Eurovision excitement Ambridge’s residents have to offer as I pop into the iconic Archers. I’ve seen some drama throughout my time but nothing compares to what’s about to unfold in Ambridge."

Jeremy Howe, Editor of The Archers, said: "We're delighted to have Rylan stop over in Ambridge for his Archers radio debut. It’s been a real treat welcoming him to the programme and it’s certainly brought Eurovision fever pitch to new heights."

The Archers is no stranger to celebrity cameos, with past guests including Dame Judi Dench, Jackie Weaver and the now Queen Consort, Camilla. The programme has entertained audiences with its portrayal of rural life and family dynamics for 72 years, which will soon pass the milestone of its 20,000th episode. Originally envisioned as an educational programme for farmers about contemporary agricultural issues, the show has evolved into an everyday story of country folk, mixing village gossip with explorations of pressing topical issues, including teenage pregnancy, mental health and modern slavery. It continues to be hugely popular not only with long-time fans but also with newer and younger audiences.

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Notes to Editors

The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this May with Semi-Finals on May 9 and 11 and the Grand Final on May 13. The Eurovision Song Contest is the world's largest live music event, organised by the European Broadcasting Union, and watched annually by around 160m people. Staged in Liverpool in May 2023 it is being hosted by the BBC on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine.

The BBC are proud to be the host broadcaster and lead organiser of the event working closely with Liverpool City Council, the European Broadcasting Union, Suspilne Ukraine (Ukrainian public broadcaster) and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

In a UK first, the two Semi-Finals on Tuesday May 9 and Thursday May 11 and the Grand Final will all air live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Chosen for its warmth, vibrancy and rich musical heritage; the city of Liverpool was selected to be the host city for the 67th Contest by the BBC and event organisers the European Broadcasting Union in October 2022.

Source BBC Radio 4

April 7, 2023 3:00am ET by BBC Radio 4  

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