The Archers

Events spiral out of control for the Grundys, and Amber makes a big decision.

Brad struggles with his conscience, and Chris is determined to move forwards.

WEEK 51Writer: Naylah Ahmed Director: Peter Leslie Wild Editor: Jeremy Howe21st - 26th DecemberJolene Archer.... Buffy Davis Kenton Archer.... Richard Attlee Pat Archer.... Patricia Gallimore Tony Archer..... David Troughton Harrison Burns.... James Cartwright Ruairi Donovan.... Arthur Hughes Alan Franks.... John Telfer George Grundy..... Angus Stobie Joy Horville.... Jackie Lye Adam Macy.... Andrew Wincott Jazzer McCreary.... Ryan Kelly Esme Mulligan.... Ellie Pawsey Hannah Riley.... Helen Longworth Fallon Rogers.... Joanna Van Kampen Lynda Snell.... Carole Boyd

Jolene and Kenton start early on some cleaning jobs before Fallon arrives and gives them the present of Christmas Day off while Harrison and her take over for the day. Later, Harrison broaches the subject of George, but Fallon warns him off. Harrison though is grateful to Kenton for trying to protect him from hearing about what happened, even at the cost of being traumatised again. Fallon insists, no more George, not on Christmas Day. Trying a different tack later, Harrison tells Fallon he's been working on his anger management – and it paid off when Kenton got scared by George and Holly. Dealing with what George said to Fallon will be harder, but Harrison suggests dealing with it together in whatever way Fallon prefers. Fallon repeats that she just wants a lovely Christmas together and not to think about George, which Harrison accepts. Alan catches Hannah going nowhere in particular. She explains about her mum's dementia and how her planned visit today has been postponed. As she doesn't have any other plans, Alan invites Hannah for a drink at the pub. Where Fallon catches Kenton and Jolene raiding the kitchen for snacks, while the hired-in chef is serving in the restaurant. They confess that rather than heading to Lower Loxley they'd prefer to stay in, slobbing about in pyjamas. Fallon offers to pass on their excuses, before she joins Hannah for Christmas dinner. It's clear Hannah would have eaten alone otherwise, as she usually does. Joined by tipsy Jolene, they pull crackers together and drink in the Christmas spirit.

Hannah and Jazzer are driving their tractor to the start of the Run when Tony calls saying there's a problem with his Fordson. He offers Hannah his place at the head of the line. Hannah thinks it's a ploy for Tony to nab her position at the back, but Jazzer believes Tony and persuades her to agree. Hannah makes it clear how serious she is about winning the race to collect most money. Everyone then loves it as Hannah and turkey Jazzer lead the Run with angelic Eddie not far behind. Fresh from his motorbike stint, wise man Alan joins Joy to count the donations, with firm instructions to count Hannah and Tony's buckets separately. Meanwhile, Lynda and Ruairi are marshals making sure everything runs smoothly. Ruairi wants to know if buying Paul a watch to apologise for upsetting him is a good idea and Lynda delivers a little sermon about not conflating a gift with an apology when the sincerity of the apology is what really matters. Then Tony's Fordson passes with sleigh bells, a snow machine and Pat dressed as an elf, before Ruairi runs over to apologise to Paul sans gift. Alan confesses he inadvertently mixed all the collected money together, but Joy is happy to deal with Hannah and Tony if they kick up a fuss. Joy then announces they've raised over £1200 for charity, while Hannah and Tony are mutually complimentary about their entries, before wishing each other a Merry Christmas!

Kenton makes an admission, and Hannah gets competitive.

Suspicions are raised for Harrison, and Joy realises a new approach might be needed.

Fallon is left shaken, and Ruairi has a Christmas conundrum.

Writer: Sarah Hehir Director: Pip Swallow Editor: Jeremy Howe14th - 19th Dec Ben Archer.... Ben Norris David Archer.... Timothy Bentinck Helen Archer.... Louiza Patikas Pat Archer.... Patricia Gallimore Tony Archer.... David Troughton Tom Archer.... William Troughton Chris Carter.... Wilf Scolding Susan Carter.... Charlotte Martin Martyn Gibson.... Jon Glover Clarrie Grundy.... Heather Bell Ed Grundy.... Barry Farrimond Eddie Grundy.... Trevor Harrison Emma Grundy.... Emerald O'Hanrahan Tracy Horrobin.... Susie Riddell Joy Horville.... Jackie Lye Jazzer McCreary.... Ryan Kelly Esme Mulligan.... Ellie Pawsey

Susan has cause for celebration, and Emma's worries escalate.

David has concerns for a loved one, and Jazzer finds himself the subject of ridicule.

Pat offers some pearls of wisdom, and there's tractor trouble at Bridge Farm.

Chris has the rug pulled, and Eddie spots an opportunity.

Clarrie puts her foot down, and a plot is afoot for Ben.

Writer: Keri Davies Director: Rosemary Watts Editor: Jeremy Howe7th Dec - 12th DecBen Archer.... Ben Norris Josh Archer.... Angus Imrie Leonard Berry.... Paul Copley Alan Franks.... John Telfer Ed Grundy.... Barry Farrimond Lawrence Harrington.... Rupert Vansittart  Paul Mack.... Joshua Riley Akram Malik.... Asif Khan Azra Malik.... Yasmin Wilde Zainab Malik.... Priyasasha Kumari Lily Pargetter.... Katie Redford Lottie Summers.... Bonnie Baddoo

There's an emergency at the surgery, and Josh faces disappointment.

Paul fears for a friend, and Alan makes an unexpected offer.

Ed struggles to do the right thing, and Leonard steps in to help.

The Maliks have a dilemma on their hands, and Ben's nursing skills are put to the test.

Azra has a crisis on her hands, and Lily is faced with an arduous task.

Writer: Sarah McDonald Hughes Director: Rosemary Watts Editor: Jeremy Howe30th Nov - 5th DecemberPat Archer.... Patricia Gallimore Tony Archer.... David Troughton Chris Carter.... Wilf Scolding Neil Carter.... Brian Hewlett Susan Carter.... Charlotte Martin Ian Craig.... Stephen Kennedy Amber Gordon.... Olivia Bernstone Clarrie Grundy.... Heather Bell Ed Grundy.... Barry Farrimond Eddie Grundy.... Trevor Harrison Emma Grundy.... Emerald O'Hanrahan George Grundy.... Angus Stobie Brad Horrobin.... Taylor Uttley Joy Horville.... Jackie Lye Alistair Lloyd.... Michael Lumsden Adam Macy.... Andrew Wincott Hannah Riley.... Helen Longworth

Ed faces a heartbreaking situation, and there's rivalry building for Hannah.

Pat offers a helping hand, and Tony makes his pitch.

Brad faces a sad goodbye, and Ian makes a suggestion.

Amber struggles with her emotions, and Joy has reservations.

Eddie's concerned about Clarrie, whose hands are swollen and sore. With turkey plucking day fast approaching it leaves them with a problem. Clarrie shouldn't be doing it, but she sees little alternative. Everyone she's tried for help is busy. Eddie ponders; there must be something they can do. Later Clarrie's horrified to find Eddie's taken the back off the washing machine. He's had an idea that might make her life a bit easier. Clarrie retorts the only thing that will do that is if he puts the machine back together, this instant. Reassuringly Eddie makes a trip to the scrapyard and acquires a drum and motor to progress his plan. He now has the makings of a Grundy Turkey Plucker! No more hand plucking necessary – Clarrie won't have to lift a finger. Sceptical Clarrie's will believe it when she sees it.Chris makes plans to drop off Martha for a sleepover while he has a date with Carly. When George finds out Martha's staying at Little Grange he says he'll come over – he hasn't seen Martha for ages and misses her. He wants to check in on Ed anyway. Emma hesitates before agreeing it's fine. Later Ed and Emma note how pleased Martha was to see George. Emma's glad he's come. However Chris calls in unexpectedly and is shocked to find George there. This can't happen, and Alice would agree. He takes Martha home. George feels bad; he understands where Chris is coming from. Dejected, he leaves. Emma's worried about him; she's never seen him like this.

Amber checks in with George at the Pole Barn to see how Ed is doing. She reckons falling down the stairs could've led to a far worse injury, before heading off to a nail appointment. While taking Brad to Felpersham for a dating app date Rex recounts his own mixed experiences of online dating, most of which didn't work out as he's still single. Rex still hopes to meet somebody one day, though preferably not through an app. Brad asks Rex to turn round and take him home, having decided he'd prefer to meet someone in real life too. Back in Ambridge Brad bumps into Amber, who tells him how attentive George has been with Ed. Emma tells Ed about a two-person job she's lined up, hoping Ed's better by next week. George texts, offering to make lunch for them, but Emma beats him to it. Ed then repeats to Emma what really happened with George. Ed's certain George never meant him to fall, but they have to ensure no-one ever has cause to think otherwise. George turns up, feeling guilty and scared in case anyone thinks he intended to hurt Ed, but Ed assures him they don't. Brad arrives later, telling Ed and Emma he saw the look on George's face when Ed fell, suspecting it wasn't an accident. They admit that George pushed Ed, but didn't mean to hurt him. However, if the story gets out, George could go back to prison. Brad agrees that if it was an accident there's no point in making everything worse.

George is in a filthy mood because of Amber's accusation, but Brad thinks he's got the wrong end of the stick. Ed then offers George a lift to Grange Farm and they have a similar conversation, before George shuts the conversation down. Later, when Ed drops in on George at No. 1, The Green, George despairs about his life as a known criminal - even Amber thinks he's a thief. Ed confesses he knew about her suspicions, but he never believed it himself. George though reckons no-one will ever give him a chance and runs up to his room. When Ed follows, trying to get him to talk, George pushes him and Ed falls downstairs, just as Brad appears. Later, Ed tells Brad that he lost his footing, while George suggests Ed slipped on one of Poppy's books. Brad reckons Ed was lucky - it could have been a lot worse.Kirsty walks round the beaver enclosure with Justin, pointing out where the animals have started working. Justin still hasn't watched the beaver footage Kirsty sent him though, admitting he can't think of anything more boring than watching beavers build a dam. Passionate Kirsty finds this difficult to understand, accusing Justin of having no real interest in what they're doing at the Rewilding site. Justin assures her that just because he doesn't respond emotionally that doesn't mean he isn't supportive. As a businessman, he's thrilled at how well it's going and thinks he should employ a similarly committed manager to Kirsty on his other rewilding project to guarantee its success.

While feeding the turkeys with George Eddie mentions Amber helping him look for the missing money the other night – he still can't think where it's got to. George then offers to go into Borchester with Eddie, wanting to surprise Amber at Farm Supplies on the way. When they have lunch together though, Amber worries about money, wondering how George could afford to buy her ring. As she pushes him George realises that Amber thinks he stole Eddie's money to pay for it. George reacts badly and walks out, just as Eddie phones Amber to tell her he's found the lost money in his jacket pocket. Amber then leaves a message for George, apologising and promising she'll make it up to him. Later at home, mortified Amber tries explaining how worried she's been about him, before all George's anxieties over what Amber really thinks start pouring out. He accuses her of not wanting to marry him after all, before storming out. Tracy wakes Brad and wants him to come shopping. When they go to the supermarket later Brad seems distracted. Tracy reckons it's like he's been off somewhere far away in his head for several weeks. She asks if George has been leaning on him to do stuff he doesn't want to, but Brad tells her George has been fine. Tracy persists when they get home though, suggesting Brad might be lovesick and encouraging him to talk about his feelings. Evasive Brad reckons he's just tired, before they end up saying how much they love each other.

Joy finds Tony in low spirits at Bridge Farm, dreading the thought of Christmas and what would have been John's fiftieth birthday on New Year's Eve. He tells Joy they had a row shortly before Tony's vintage tractor overturned and killed John. After Tony goes to see the beavers being released at Rewilding Ambridge, Joy tells Ruth and Pip they should cancel her idea for a Christmas village event. It would feel heartless after what Tony's told her. Ruth suggests asking Pat and Tony what they think first, though. And when they ask Tony he thinks a Christmas Tractor Run through Ambridge sounds wonderful, but gets them to agree to consult Pat before they go ahead and start publicising the event. Alice catches Rex up with what happened in Blackpool, then says she's going to film the beaver release for Phoebe. Rex and Kirsty decide to get on with it, even though Justin's not there. Tony arrives just in time, before the beavers disappear into the woods, and Kirsty and Rex hug each other. Then Alice realises she's only filmed three seconds, though Kirsty points out there will be footage from the enclosure cameras. Justin finally turns up, in time for cake if not beavers. Later, Kirsty and Rex worry about Justin's commitment, before he disappoints again by not showing any interest in footage of the release. But Alice is delighted when Rex offers to send her the footage, so Phoebe and Martha can see the beavers. Emotional Alice then hugs Rex, before it gets awkward and he goes.

Ruth and Pip chat about how relentless things are at Brookfield, before Ruth reveals what Leonard said about his and Jill's open relationship. Pip doesn't believe it and when they confront Leonard he admits it was a wind-up, before he and Ruth apologise to each other. Leonard expounds on his frustration at David and Ruth checking up on him and Jill all the time, for which Pip apologises too. Leonard then explains Connie's an old friend. He offered to decorate her kitchen-diner because she's got a dodgy hip and they were just meeting to discuss ideas. Leonard only kept it secret because he knew David and Ruth would make a fuss over him climbing ladders and painting walls. Ruth promises to wind in her neck in future. While George is helping Eddie with the turkeys, Amber tells Ed her dad hasn't talked her mum round about George, despite giving George the impression he would. Her mum isn't replying to her messages either. Ed tries seeing it from her parents' point of view: all they know is that George was in prison. But that's all they want to know, Amber replies. Ed tells her not to give up hope, then points out the Grundys will soon be her family too. After tea, Eddie helps Amber with the washing-up, asking if she's seen an envelope he's missing with some turkey payments in. Later, Amber worries to Ed about the missing money, wondering if George could have taken it to pay for her ring, before asking Ed to forget she said anything.

Brad finds himself in an awkward position, and Leonard drops a shocking bombshell.

CAST AND CREW Writer: Liz John Director: Rosemary Watts Editor: Jeremy Howe Helen Archer … Louiza Patikas Henry Archer … Blayke Darby Natasha Archer … Mali Harries Tony Archer … David Troughton Tom Archer … William Troughton Lilian Bellamy ... Sunny Ormonde Alice Carter … Hollie Chapman Justin Elliott … Simon Williams Jakob Hakansson … Paul Venables Kate Madikane … Perdita Avery Kirsty Miller … Annabelle Dowler Leonie Snell … Jasmine Hyde Phoebe Aldridge … Lucy Morris Finlay … Mark Bonnar

Kate has important news, and Leonie comes to the rescue.

Henry gets the wrong end of the stick, and Tony has some advice for Lilian.

Phoebe plans for the future, and Justin is out of his comfort zone.

Jakob faces an unexpected diversion, and Helen makes the best of a tricky situation.

Tom is disappointed by a last-minute change of plans, and Lilian puts her foot down.

Writer: Jessica Mitic Directors: Pip Swallow and Dave Payne Ruth Archer….. Felicity Finch Pip Archer….. Daisy Badger Phoebe Aldridge…. Lucy Morris Lilian Bellamy…. Sunny Ormonde Susan Carter….. Charlotte Martin Rex Fairbrother…. Nick Barber Alan Franks….. John Telfer Amber Gordon…. Olivia Bernstone Will Grundy…. Philip Molloy George Grundy…. Angus Stobie Jakob Hakansson…. Paul Venables Joy Horville…. Jackie Lye Kate Madikane…. Perdita Avery Leonard Berry….. Paul Copley Bill…. Matthew Gravelle

Amber gets an unexpected visitor, and Rex is mysterious.

George tries to make peace, and Joy has a brilliant idea.

Joy tries to change Susan's mind, and Amber needs time to think.