Umbrage in Ambridge over STD storyline
Sexual health issues in The Archers have some spitting out their tea but draw praise from health charity
IT HAS tackled issues from domestic violence and dementia to robotic cow milking. Now, listeners of The Archers may be left spluttering on their tea and biscuits as it turns its sights on sexual health, bringing an unexpectedly detailed look at an STI clinic to the ears of Middle England.
Those tuning in for their daily dose of Ambridge have heard about a split condom, failed morning-after pill and potential venereal disease, and have been waiting on tenterhooks to hear the result of a sexual health test.
The BBC has defended the new storyline, in which Phoebe Aldridge, an Oxford student, falls for the charms of Constantin, a dashing Latvian fruit picker. But some listeners, with the show’s fans having an average age of 56, have raised eyebrows after being taken through Phoebe’s various contraceptive options, and decision to have herself “checked out”.
One fan tweeted that the storyline was “rather odd”, pointing to “a mix of liberal and quiet moralising”. Another said: “Seemingly liberal attitude to sex in The Archers shows Phoebe being punished for a one-night stand.”
A BBC spokesman said: “The Archers has always sought to reflect different experiences of everyday life, as well as discussing a wide range of issues, including sexual health. This storyline reflects the experience of a young woman and issues pertinent to her.”
The soap has prided itself on tackling difficult issues throughout its history, including a controversial storyline about 22-year-old Jennifer’s illegitimate pregnancy in 1967 after a dalliance with the cowman.
Scenes broadcast last week recorded Phoebe enjoying a one-night stand with Constantin, who delayed telling her that their condom split.
Concerned, she discusses failing to top up her contraceptive injection, then attempts to take the morning-after pill before it makes her sick. In a long conversation with character Lexi, she details the conditions under which the emergency contraception will work, and is told Constantin has been a “busy boy” all summer and that she should get “checked out”.
Laura Hannah, education and wellbeing lead at Brook clinic, said: “The relationship is raising vital awareness of these very real issues that young people face and is making sexual health part of everyday household conversation rather than something that is embarrassing or taboo. Using fictional characters to talk about sensitive issues allows parents and young people to talk more confidently and openly about healthy relationships, contraception and staying safe.”
Natika H Halil, chief executive of sexual health charity FPA, said: “It’s great to hear sexual health and safer sex being discussed on The Archers.”
In last night’s episode, Phoebe was persuaded to take a pregnancy test, only for her father to discover it.
Finding it negative but pointing out it was too early to tell, she said: “The problem is far from solved.”