The Archers

Miranda tells Lilian that Brian really doesn't seem himself. She's been worried about some of Brian's strange behaviours for a while now. Lilian wonders if it's the thought of moving back into Home Farm, but Miranda doesn't think so. When Justin joins them, Miranda suspects he knows what's wrong with Brian. Justin suggests Brian's worried about his children, especially the ones who can't stand on their own two feet. Miranda singles out Ruairi as particularly fragile, though Lilian reckons Brian's always worried about Alice and Kate too. However, both Justin and Lilian feel Miranda shouldn't worry too much about Brian. Miranda and Lilian then mock Justin for admitting his relief he's never had children to worry about. Ruth and David are discussing a going-away present for Josh when Ben tells them Josh is leaving tomorrow. He's decided to go early to explore Patagonia before starting work, but is worried how David and Ruth will react. Ben also reckons Josh wants as little fuss as possible, so no farewell dinner or gift – though he might agree to a meal at The Bull. Ruth's determined Josh won't go without at least saying goodbye. Later, after the meal, David, Ruth and Ben reflect on getting through the evening without too much ill feeling or awkwardness. David and Ruth then agree that nevertheless, it feels like Josh is leaving to get away from them, after the inheritance decision. Ruth hates the though of Josh leaving under a cloud and just hopes he comes back in one piece.

Writer: Katie Hims Director: Peter Leslie Wild Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge… Charles Collingwood Jolene Archer … Buffy Davis Helen Archer … Louiza Patikas Tom Archer … William Troughton Neil Carter … Brian Hewlett Ruairi Donovan … Arthur Hughes Justin Elliott … Simon Williams Alan Franks … John Telfer George Grundy … Angus Stobie Tracy Horrobin … Susie Riddell Azra Malik … Yasmin Wilde Esme Mulligan … Ellie Pawsey Lynda Snell … Carole Boyd Anna Tregorran … Isobel Middleton Carol Tregorran … Mia Soteriou Olivia the Solicitor … Emma Amos

When Neil pops to Meadow Farm with George's lunch, nervous George admits he thought Neil could be bringing bad news. Neil sympathises, before getting a guided tour of the farm. Esme's delighted when her landlord messages offering a reduced rental and better terms on their environmental commitment. She'll take over the tenancy next Wednesday, Lady Day, and plans a gathering to celebrate. George excuses himself, but Esme insists he's coming too. Neil's annoyed when Ruairi texts to say he's sick, but George has a feeling Ruairi isn't right at the moment. While Tracy's working on Chelsea's horsebox at the Dower House niggly Justin says he only agreed to it being there because Lilian forced him. Tracy stands her ground before a solicitor, Olivia, arrives for a meeting. Justin tells Olivia he's disappointed with the offer for his BL shares by the consortium she represents. She calls his bluff, suggesting he can't find another buyer, before Tracy interrupts, wanting to heat up her lunch. Justin tells her to wait outside, but Olivia's happy for Tracy to stay. When asked, Tracy explains what the horsebox is for and Olivia pushes Justin into agreeing he'll act as Chelsea's business mentor. The two women bond over having daughters of the same age and laugh at the idea of Justin as Ambridge's sweetheart. Later, Justin thanks Tracy for breaking the ice with Olivia, who ended up making a more acceptable offer. Tracy clarifies that Justin really will mentor Chelsea, then pushes her luck over keeping the horsebox at the Dower House longterm. Justin agrees to think about it.

Lynda's heard Azra's being interviewed on the radio about mental health and offers advice on interview techniques. Azra's grateful, but worries about making false promises over how much support can realistically be offered. Ben suggested making it a call to action by the community, while Lynda thinks it's enough to prompt the conversation and point people towards support groups. Lynda then offers to drive Azra to the radio station, allowing her to prepare without distraction. Afterwards, Lynda tells Azra she was brilliant. Azra admits she followed Lynda's advice, pretending she was in a one-to-one conversation with a close friend: Lynda.Ruairi tells Brian about his conversation with George and how stressed he's feeling. He wants to tell the police that he attacked George. Brian thinks it's a terrible idea, as Justin approaches. Keeping his voice raised Ruairi insists he wants Brian to go with him, before making an excuse and leaving. Awkward Brian makes a flimsy excuse for Ruairi's behaviour, then admits how deeply vulnerable Ruairi is. At which point Justin owns up to knowing about Ruairi's relationship with Julianne, which involved payment for his company, and how troubling that was. Brian listens intently, pretending he knew as well, before Justin switches subject to confirm he's finally found a potential buyer for his BL shares, making Brian's day even worse. Later, Brian pulls Ruairi into a hug. Ruairi can't stop mulling over what George said about nearly dying, but Brian can't bear the thought of Ruairi going to prison. He's determined to protect Ruairi and won't let him down this time.

Anna returns early from her trip to Venice, confessing to Helen her life's all over the place, especially when it comes to making sure Carol's okay, as she never admits to any problems. At Glebe Cottage Anna suggests Carol needs more support. She can't just rely on neighbours helping out. Carol's stubbornly resistant before Anna asks if she'll come and live with her. Carol scoffs, they'd end up killing each other. She's staying where she is, she values her autonomy too much. Anna then suggests someone checking in on Carol daily, but Carol hated having a cleaner even twice a week. It's an impasse. When Helen turns up with soup, Carol denounces being seen as a charity case, but still accepts the offer. Anna and Carol continue sniping at each other, while Helen excuses herself to heat up the soup. Seeing George waiting at the bus stop Ruairi offers him a lift to Felpersham. Grateful George is embarrassed to admit he's going to a counselling appointment, but Ruairi is very encouraging. George then wonders if Ruairi has ever had counselling, before extolling the virtues of going and explaining how his counsellor is helping him see things differently. George is surprised Ruairi never talked to anyone about losing his mum, thinking he's been lucky by comparison, still having both his parents. George then politely declines Ruairi's offer to wait and drive him home again, and apologises for comparing his situation to Ruairi's. Ruairi tells him he's glad he did, before George thanks him for the lift. He won't forget it.

Ruairi's got a lot on his mind, and Esme thinks she might lose the farm.

Tom and Helen are worried about Tony, and Lynda's on the warpath.

Writer: Sarah Hehir Director: Rosemary Watts Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge… Charles Collingwood Ben Archer … Ben Norris David Archer … Timothy Bentinck Ruth Archer … Felicity Finch Lilian Bellamy … Sunny Ormonde Alice Carter … Hollie Chapman Chris Carter … Wilf Scolding Rex Fairbrother … Nick Barber Amber Gordon … Olivia Bernstone George Grundy … Angus Stobie Jakob Hakansson … Paul Venables Kate Madikane … Perdita Avery Azra Malik … Yasmin Wilde Kirsty Miller … Annabelle Dowler Lily Pargetter … Katie Redford Reg … Trevor Fox

Rex tries talking to Chris about Alice, but Chris only agrees to a pint later in the week, claiming he's busy tonight. Then Alice appears, wanting to share news of Martha's star of the week award. Rex slinks off, while Alice checks with Chris that everything's okay between him and Rex. Lily persuades Kirsty to head to the Bull for a drink instead of Grey Gables, though Kirsty's keen to avoid gate-crashing Rex and Alice's date.At the Bull, Chris confesses to Jakob that he feels awkward about meeting Rex now he's dating Alice, but feigns indifference when Lilian greets Alice and Rex as ‘lovebirds'. Lilian shares her idea of a new Bull cricket team, with Alice, Chris, Rex, Lily and Kirsty all up for playing. Lilian wonders who would be captain. Alice suggests Rex, who agrees – but only if Chris shares the role.Jakob admits to Chris he's worried about Kate potentially leaving. Chris offers to ask Alice what she knows, reiterating that he and Alice are still a strong pair with a daughter to raise together – no matter who Alice dates. Later, Chris catches Alice, insisting things aren't awkward with Rex. Chris is keen to chat about Kate, for Jakob. Alice insists Brian has got it wrong about Kate wanting to move away. Chris then asks about Mother's Day. Alice mentions planting the rose she and Kate bought for Jennifer. She and Martha will do something too. Alice reassures Chris that Rex won't be joining them – but assumes Chris will. Relieved Chris says he'd like that.

Azra's grateful to Ben for coming into work at short notice and as he eats a late breakfast they discuss Azra's fasting. He tells Azra about Josh's upcoming working holiday in Patagonia and the possibility of moving back to the Stables. Ben feels ready, despite the slight memory of his breakdown. They then talk about this year's big push on mental health awareness. Later Ben reports he's contacted Radio Borsetshire; they've suggested doing a live interview with Azra next week, linking it with their own mental health campaign. Azra's nervous about getting her message right, but thinks a call to action might be her best approach. While Jakob attends to a horse with Alice, Brian pops by and notes Rex has a spring in his step. Jakob admits he knows Alice and Rex are an item. Brian's keen to check in with Ruairi, while Alice suggests Ruairi's a bit down because of Paul being away. They discuss Miranda's purchase of Home Farm and debate where to plant a Mother's Day rose for Jennifer. Brian compliments Alice on looking so well, smugly taking credit for her and Rex. Brian's worried about Kate and talks to Jakob. Limited to video calls with Phoebe, Brian's convinced Kate wants to live in Scotland, nearer her daughter and granddaughter. He's keen to check with Jakob how he'd feel if Kate admits she wants to move. Jakob isn't averse in theory, but as Kate hasn't mentioned anything to him Jakob admits a slight panic and wonders whether Kate even wants him to go with her.

George's probation officer, Reg, has bad news – someone's made a complaint about George's ‘public urination' on Sunday. George protests to Amber; he was barely visible. Reg meets George and asks about his future plans, and mentions some worrying patterns of behaviour linked to drinking. There won't be a prosecution, but Reg will recommend an alcohol tag for thirty days. George is incensed, but Amber tells him to suck it up. No-one will spot the tag under his jeans, so he can tell his family he's staying sober to support her. Ruth and David are busy lambing and there's no rest for David, chair of the Borchester Show. Ben can't help as he has to work at the surgery today. They miss Josh, whose being merely polite with them currently, and want to make him feel better before he goes away. David suggests throwing a big party. Ben agrees to ask Josh if he's up for it. Lily and Ben chat as she has a routine blood test. As Ben mentions the party idea, Lily sympathises with Josh's antisocial mood, recalling her own inheritance issues at Lower Loxley. Ben's happy to not be in the running at Brookfield. Lily asks him about moving back into the Stables when Josh goes.Later, David and Ruth want to discuss their ideas for Josh's party. Lily then reports Josh isn't up for it. Ben suggests Josh would enjoy a meal out. Ruth starts booking a fancy sushi place, but David worries it won't be enough to convince Josh he's not the ‘Spare'.

Chris is taken aback, and Kirsty and Kate fail in a resolution.

Alice and Rex are getting along fine, and the Grundys have a get-together.

Writer: Sarah McDonald Hughes Director: Marina Caldarone Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge… Charles Collingwood Helen Archer … Louiza Patikas Pat Archer … Patricia Gallimore Tony Archer … David Troughton Tom Archer … William Troughton Alice Carter … Hollie Chapman Ruairi Donovan … Arthur Hughes Miranda Elliott … Lucy Fleming Rex Fairbrother … Nick Barber Amber Gordon … Olivia Bernstone Eddie Grundy … Trevor Harrison George Grundy … Angus Stobie Will Grundy …. Philip Molloy Tracy Horrobin … Susie Riddell Adam Macy … Andrew Wincott Celia Sparrow … Toni Midlane Sonya … Dru Stephenson

Celia Sparrow is disappointed to hear from Helen that she's turning down the job of running Reuben's dairy. She admires Helen's loyalty to her family but questions whether that will be enough for Helen long term. With her talent and ambition, won't she outgrow Bridge Farm? Helen doesn't agree. Meanwhile, Tracy has got the dairy work under her belt, including a knack with the temperamental curd cutter machine. To thank her for her hard work and discretion, Helen takes Tracy for lunch in the Tea Room. Tracy has helped her make the job decision – Bridge Farm is in her heart and part of who she is. Tracy reminds Helen that Reuben Sparrow's organic dairy could be challenging competition, but will not have their key advantage – Helen in charge! Helen confides further – she's put in an offer on a house being sold off by the Housing Association. Tracy's astonished to realise it's one of the houses on The Green – they'd be neighbours.Amber anxiously awaits the baby scan with George. As well as checking the baby's development and measurements, the scan will help Sonya, the sonographer, estimate a due date. Sonya finds a strong heartbeat and delighted Amber and George decide to have photos printed. Amber had considered sharing it on her socials, but decides to keep it to family for now. Filled with emotion on their journey home, Amber feels excited about their growing baby, which according to her pregnancy app, is the size of a lime. They're having a baby - and nothing else in the world matters.

There's an upset at Bridge Farm, and Amber is anxious.

Brian is economical with the truth, and Helen gets an unexpected offer.

George wants to make amends, and Ruairi's in a state.

There's tension at Bridge Farm, and Rex and Alice finally make it on a date.

Writer: Liz John Director: Kim Greengrass Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge … Charles Collingwood David Archer … Timothy Bentinck Helen Archer … Louiza Patikas Lilian Bellamy … Sunny Ormonde Alice Carter … Hollie Chapman Chris Carter … Wilf Scolding Susan Carter … Charlotte Martin Rex Fairbrother … Nick Barber Chelsea Horrobin … Madeleine Leslay Tracy Horrobin … Susie Riddell Akram Malik … Asif Khan Jazzer McCreary … Ryan Kelly Kirsty Miller … Annabelle Dowler Hannah Riley … Helen Longworth Lynda Snell … Carole Boyd Finlay … Mark Bonnar

Brian tries his hand at matchmaking, and Helen has the time of her life.

Chelsea follows Susan's advice, and Brian is grateful to Rex.

Lilian throws a spanner in the works, and there's a glimmer of hope for David in his quest for volunteers.

Susan and Helen are on a quest to find new staff for the dairy, and Chris and Hannah despair for the future of Ambridge Cricket.

Chelsea's getting more hopeful about her business plans, and David is reluctantly learning how to recruit volunteers.

Writer: Keri Davies Director: Peter Leslie Wild Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge … Charles Collingwood Josh Archer … Angus Imrie Pip Archer …Daisy Badger Ruth Archer … Felicity Finch Tony Archer … David Troughton Tom Archer … William Troughton Alice Carter … Hollie Chapman Neil Carter … Brian Hewlett Ruairi Donovan … Arthur Hughes Rex Fairbrother … Nick Barber Akram Malik … Asif Khan Stella Pryor … Lucy Speed Hannah Riley … Helen Longworth Lynda Snell … Carole Boyd Zach Pryor … Alex Austin

Tom has reservations, and Stella has some mopping up to do.

Brookfield's guest continues to stir the pot, and Ruairi steps up.

Ruairi exceeds expectations, and Rex gets the wrong end of the stick.

Akram challenges the system, and a new arrival at Brookfield shakes the tree.

Alice has a suggestion to put to Rex, and at Berrow Farm, Hannah is sceptical.

Writer: Tim Stimpson Director: Pip Swallow Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge … Charles Collingwood Ben Archer … Ben Norris David Archer … Timothy Bentinck Josh Archer … Angus Imrie Pip Archer … Daisy Badger Ruth Archer … Felicity Finch Lilian Bellamy … Sunny Ormonde Alice Carter … Hollie Chapman Ruairi Donovan … Arthur Hughes Amber Gordon … Olivia Bernstone Emma Grundy … Emerald O'Hanrahan George Grundy … Angus Stobie Will Grundy … Philip Molloy Chelsea Horrobin … Madeleine Leslay Tracy Horrobin … Susie Riddell Jazzer McCreary … Ryan Kelly Stella Pryor … Lucy Speed Fallon Rogers … Joanna Van Kampen

Accusations are flying, and George is hiding something from Will.

Chelsea persuades Jazzer to test drive the horse box to work out what repairs would be needed. As it judders through Ambridge, Chelsea explains her wedding plan – the horse box would get the wedding party out of the house for their beauty in the ‘Glam Van', and she'd park up at the venue for the day for people to get refreshed. She'll also drive to clients' homes and the painted van will act as her billboard! Jazzer outlines the van's problems – most likely the clutch, and part of the suspension is shot – enough to haggle the price down to her budget. Tracy catches them on the test drive and can't believe Jazzer is helping with this mad scheme. He defends Chelsea's idea and says he'll help with the repairs and renovations. She's worked so hard and he wants to help make her dreams true. Tracy is still sceptical – even if Chelsea can haggle the price down, how will she pay for the conversion and repairs?George is retracing his steps on the bridle path where he was attacked, when Amber finds him to remind him about his counselling session. He is distracted as his memory has been jolted and more details about the attack have started to come back to him. Amber thinks he's avoiding counselling and accuses him of spiralling in his intentions, but he promises he'll be back from his walk in time – he just needs to get his head in order. Later, George knocks at a door, where Lilian answers his urgent request to open up.

Chelsea's full of excitement, and Emma's left wondering.

Fallon has a brainwave, and is George ducking out?

There's big news at Brookfield, and Ruth's got Stella all confused.

Writer: Sarah McDonald Hughes Director: Jessica Bunch Editor: Jeremy HoweDavid Archer.... Timothy Bentinck Josh Archer.... Angus Imrie Kenton Archer.... Richard Attlee Pat Archer.... Patricia Gallimore Pip Archer.... Daisy Badger Ruth Archer.... Felicity Finch Susan Carter.... Charlotte Martin Amber Gordon.... Olivia Bernstone Anne Marie Gordon.... Kate Ashfield Bill Gordon.... Matthew Gravelle Clarrie Grundy.... Heather Bell George Grundy.... Angus Stobie Will Grundy.... Philip Molloy Paul Mack.... Joshua Riley Esme Mulligan.... Ellie Pawsey Stella Pryor.... Lucy Speed Hannah Riley.... Helen Longworth

Emotions run high for the Gordon family, and Kenton finds himself caught in the middle.

George makes his feelings clear, and the future is considered at Brookfield.

Will there be good news for Stella? And there's a changing of the guard at the dairy.

Amber faces a complication, and Josh has his nose put out of joint.