Celebrated actor Charles Collingwood is marking a remarkable milestone—five decades as Brian Aldridge on BBC Radio 4’s beloved soap opera The Archers. The 81-year-old, who joined the long-running drama in March 1975, describes the experience as “an honor” and expresses gratitude for his enduring role. “It’s incredible, isn’t it? Fifty years! I started when I was 31, and now I’m 81—soon to be 82 in May. I’m still full of optimism—I even bought a new car recently. That’s a bold move at my age!” he shared in an interview with BBC Breakfast.
Despite Brian Aldridge’s reputation as a tough and sometimes controversial character, Collingwood dismisses the idea that he is a true villain. Instead, he describes Brian as a “philanderer” who has “enjoyed the company of ladies rather more than he should have.” However, he insists that portraying such a layered role has been a thrill. “As an actor, these kinds of scenes are a lot of fun,” he said. Brian, a wealthy young farmer, was introduced to the fictional village of Ambridge in the mid-1970s. Just a year later, he married Jennifer Archer, with whom he remained until her passing in 2023.
Reflecting on his personal life, Collingwood noted how playing the morally complex Brian Aldridge has, in some ways, helped him maintain stability in his own marriage. “I always say that behaving badly as Brian has let me enjoy a very happy, settled married life with my wife, Judy (Bennett),” he joked. Bennett, who played Shula Hebden-Lloyd on The Archers, stepped back from the role in 2022 after decades on the show.
Collingwood also spoke about the evolution of his character and his efforts to ensure Brian remained multidimensional. “When they were planning yet another affair for Brian, I told the producers, ‘Don’t make him all bad—that’s boring. Give him redeeming qualities, maybe a sense of humor, or make him a good father.’ And I think that’s been the case. Especially recently, as Brian has had to support his daughter Alice through her battle with alcoholism. The storylines have been incredible.”
As The Archers continues its legacy, Collingwood remains deeply appreciative of his time on the show. He recently took part in The Archers podcast with Emma Freud, where he had the chance to revisit his very first scene from 1975. “When I heard it, I thought it was dreadful—I couldn’t believe I got another episode after that!” he laughed. Created by Godfrey Baseley, The Archers originally aimed to educate farmers during Britain’s post-war food rationing era. Since its debut in 1950, the show has evolved into a cherished staple of British radio, and Charles Collingwood’s Brian Aldridge remains one of its most enduring and unforgettable characters.