BBC Radio 4’s long-running rural drama The Archers has come under fire for its recent exploration of Ramadan, with many listeners criticising the choice to feature a Christian character, Lynda Snell, fasting within the run-up to Lent.
The controversial storyline has ignited debate, with fans accusing the BBC of being “woke” and disregarding traditional Christian observances in favour of promoting Islamic practices.
Snell, a well-established character in Ambridge, has long been known for her controlling nature and robust opinions, often pushing others into uncomfortable situations together with her moralising attitude.
This latest plot twist has left many longtime fans of the show baffled and upset. The bed and breakfast owner, played by Carole Boyd, announced her intention to watch the Islamic tradition of fasting for Ramadan out of respect for her Muslim neighbours, Dr Azra Malik and her family. In an episode aired on 24 February, Lynda explained her decision to her husband, Robert, and even expected him to affix her in fasting, much to his bemusement.
One devoted listener, who has been following The Archers for over six many years, expressed his disbelief on the storyline, saying, “I never thought the BBC would impose their latest woke policy on Ambridge. Last week’s episode, with Lynda sitting down with the Maliks for a Ramadan meal and prayers, was an actual low for me.” Another critic added, “The concept that Lynda Snell would quick is nonsense, it’s one thing to introduce them [the Malik family] to the village. No one could object to that. But the prayers and doctrine don’t have any place in an on a regular basis story of country folk.”
In the next episode, aired on 2 March, Lynda’s curiosity about Ramadan deepened as she participated in a meal with the Maliks to interrupt the fast, asking them about their prayer rituals. One listener remarked on the absurdity of Lynda’s character suddenly becoming so involved in one other culture’s traditions, questioning the believability of the situation. “Lynda would never be this inquisitive about fasting for Ramadan,” said one fan. “Her character has all the time been more about imposing her own values, not adopting others’ practices.”
While the portrayal of Lynda’s interaction with the Maliks has been seen by some as a positive reflection of the growing cultural diversity inside rural communities, many fans feel that it undermines the standard religious observances of Ambridge. Several listeners have voiced their frustration that the storyline seems to sideline Lent, the Christian season of fasting and reflection, which coincides with Ramadan.
One particularly vocal critic of the plotline said, “I’m all in favour of diversity and explaining about Ramadan on this context but what about mentioning additionally it is Lent?” Another listener remarked, “While I’m not offended by the Muslim characters observing Ramadan, I do find it offensive that two Christian characters are being woke by fasting alongside them. This is supposedly a story of on a regular basis country folk who live in a farming community and aren’t there to advertise the BBC’s woke identity.”
This lack of attention to Lent has led to accusations of bias from some Christian groups, who feel that their faith is being sidelined. Ann Widdecombe, a former Home Office minister and practising Christian, also expressed her concerns, stating, “I haven’t got any objections to a Muslim family moving into Ambridge, but this storyline is just the BBC being achingly politically correct. Of course, they won’t do Christian prayers. Of course, they won’t embrace Lent in the identical way. This is the BBC throughout.”
Historian and creator Jeremy Black also weighed in, claiming that the concentrate on Ramadan in The Archers misrepresents rural life within the UK. “While thousands and thousands of British Muslims have fun Ramadan, such activity is scarcely typical of rural life in agricultural areas,” he said. “To imply otherwise is to misrepresent British society and particularly to downplay the salience of Christianity in these areas.” Black’s comments highlight the view that such storylines may not reflect the truth of rural life, where Christian practices like Lent are traditionally more prevalent.
Criticism of The Archers just isn’t confined to viewers of a Christian background. Frank Furedi, an emeritus professor of sociology, criticised the series for becoming enveloped by a “multicultural ideology”, which, in keeping with him, marginalises Christianity. “It’s a shame that The Archers has change into so focused on Ramadan while brushing aside Lent as culturally insignificant. How long before one in all the Archers comes out as a trans activist?” he quipped.
Tim Dieppe, Head of Public Policy at Christian Concern, also weighed in, stating, “It is interesting that the Archers story has chosen to concentrate on Islamic fasting in Ramadan at precisely the time when the Christian season of Lent is being observed. This appears to be an example of the BBC going out of its method to respect and promote Islamic practice in a well-liked drama. The BBC was arrange with a vision of promoting Christian values. Islamic values are quite different, as may be very evident within the treatment of Christians in Islamic nations. Would the BBC ever dare to advertise Christianity as objectively higher than Islam today?”
In response to the backlash, the BBC defended the storyline, emphasising that the show has an extended history of reflecting the variety of faiths inside British communities. A spokesperson said, “The Archers has often featured storylines centred on Christian faith, including annual carol services, Palm Sunday, and Lent. The recent episodes featuring Ramadan reflect the varied beliefs and practices inside Ambridge, highlighting the developing friendships between the characters.”
