The Archers fans shocked as Rob and Helen domestic abuse plot ends in murder

The storyline has seen an outpouring of charity donations and shellshocked reactions from listeners
Shocking conclusion: Rob and Helen's domestic abuse storyline in The Archers took a surprise turn
BBC
Ben Travis4 April 2016

While Radio 4 soap The Archers has a reputation for being rather sleepy, the most recent episode of the rural spoken-word drama left listeners shocked.

The show continued its domestic abuse plotline between Rob and Helen, which has seen the pair’s relationship turn controlling and violent behind closed doors.

In an episode broadcast on Sunday April 3, Helen told Rob that she would leave him due to his behaviour, to which he handed her a knife and said that it was her “only way out”.

In the ensuing tussle, Helen stabbed and apparently killed Rob in front of their young son – with audiences having to wait to hear whether the character has definitely been killed off. If so, it would be The Archers’ first murder plot in its 65 year history.

The storyline seems to have stuck a chord with listeners, with fans of the show setting up ‘The Helen Titchener Rescue Fund’ on charity site JustGiving.

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Within two months, the page has reached almost £90,000 of donations. The proceeds will go to domestic violence charity Refuge.

There was, of course, an outpouring on Twitter, as listeners shared their thoughts on the shocking episode.

Life in Ambridge might never be the same again.

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