Fans' fury as host of podcast about Radio 4 drama The Archers 'revealed plot spoiler' during discussion on Today show
The BBC's new podcast about its hit Radio 4 drama The Archers has become embroiled in a row before it has even launched, after its presenter was accused of revealing a plot 'spoiler'.
Podcast host Emma Freud then further angered fans as she shrugged off concerns she might be revealing the plot to listeners, saying 'that is not my problem'.
Freud, 62, appeared on this morning's edition of the Today programme to talk about The Archers Podcast, which she fronts.
But during her interview with host Justin Webb, she revealed the outcome of character George Grundy's court case, which had aired the night before.
This infuriated the group of Archers fans who listen to the radio soap on its Sunday omnibus edition or listen on catch-up on BBC Sounds.
Podcast host Emma Freud has been accused of revealing a plot 'spoiler' for The Archers
One listener branded her 'selfish' while another said they were 'completely gutted' and one fan said they were 'very unhappy'.
One of the BBC's own presenters Andrea Catherwood, Radio 4's Feedback host, also raised her concerns.
Catherwood posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: 'Archers omnibus listeners like me have been assiduously avoiding hearing the outcome of George's trial.
'I can't believe it was spilled on BBC Radio 4 Today by Emma Freud while talking about her new podcast for Archers fans. Remember the constituency of omnibus listeners.'
The controversy happened when Freud was explaining the details of the new podcast in an interview with Today host Justin Webb.
Freud told the Today programme: 'It's very much not a fan show. So, for example in the first programme which is going out tonight we are talking massively about George who has last night got sentenced to three years in prison.'
Today host Amol Rajan warned her 'spoliers!' to which she replied: 'No it was last night'. He added: 'But some people might not have heard last night.'
Pictured: Charles Collingwood who plays Brian Aldridge (pictured in 2010)
Webb then said: 'You've got to be incredibly careful.'
Freud then defended herself saying: 'Well, that is not my problem.'
Radio 4 today declined to comment about the row.
The character George Grundy has been at the centre of a major Archers' storyline, after he was responsible for a car crash that he had blamed on someone else.
One listener wrote on X: 'Cheers for the spoiler Emma Freud – from all the Sunday Omnibus listeners.'
Another said: 'Very unhappy with Emma Freud announcing a spoiler of last night's episode of The Archers on BBC Radio 4 Today.
'Yes, it was first broadcast last night but will be repeated at lunchtime and many of us listen on BBC Sounds.'
One listener wrote: 'I cannot believe Emma Freud just ruined the George story for me just now on BBC Radio 4 Today. I'm in St Tropez and hadn't listened to last night's episode yet.'
Another member of the audience was also critical of the way Freud handled the situation.
Pictured: The logo for The Archers on BBC Radio 4
They said: 'Very disappointed by the very arrogant sounding Emma Freud on BBC Radio 4 Today.
'That she made a mistake with an Archers spoiler is bad enough but when reminded that many might not have listened to it yet, she replied '…that's not my problem.' Nice.'
Freud later in the day apologised for revealing parts of the previous night's episode of The Archers.
She posted a message on X, saying: 'It's launch day for The Archers Podcast so please forgive me for getting a bit excited and sharing a detail of last night's Archers on Radio 4's Today this morning.
'Our first episode drops this evening on BBC Sounds - I'm joined by Emma Grundy (Emerald O'Hanrahan), Tracey Horribin (Susie Riddell) - and Rob (Judge) Rinder to pass sentence on George's sentence. We'd be delighted if you gave us a listen.'
The new Archers 'companion podcast' was revealed by the BBC at the end of last month, saying it would be fronted by 'super-fan' Emma Freud.
It aims to go 'behind the scenes' and 'inside the issues' of the soap. It is available 'directly' after the Friday evening episode from tonight.
The show will include 'Archers insiders' and other experts as well as 'insights from the team' behind the drama.
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