The Archers is not just ‘entertainment’ – this week’s abuse storyline has done a public service

BBC Radio 4’s The Archers is much more than just a cosy story of country folk. The long-running radio drama can meander through dreary patches with some frankly irritating characters, but every now and then it scores a huge bullseye.

The series has proved time and time again it’s not afraid to tackle tough issues in a way that has a far greater impact with the audience than TV soaps, because stories are told through the intimate medium of radio.

When the character of Helen was the victim of controlling behaviour at the hands of her husband Rob, the slow build-up to the explosive conclusion became a major talking point. As a result, domestic abuse helplines received thousands of calls from people recognising the behaviour.

Now, an equally sensitive issue is being addressed through the unlikely character of Jim Lloyd (played by John Rowe), who has gone from harmless eccentric to full meltdown, culminating in furious tantrums and an unexplained disappearance.

This week, Jim slunk back to Ambridge and reluctantly admitted to his son Alistair and lodger Jazzer that he had been abused as a child, and the perpetrator had turned up at his surprise birthday party – so he bolted.

John Rowe was tremendous, and I could hardly bear to listen to him describing his sexual abuse as an eight-year-old at the hands of a trusted neighbour.

Never dismiss The Archers as simple “entertainment” – this was public service radio at its finest. Historic child sexual abuse has touched far more of our elderly relatives than we ever thought, and after this episode, I suspect a large number families will be starting to have some painful conversations.