The Archers

Ed attempts to keep the peace, and negotiations are made at Bridge Farm.

Helen puts her foot in it, and Keira has a trick up her sleeve.

Lilian attempts to inspire the next generation, and George wonders where he's gone wrong.

The pressure is on for Ruth, and Brian offers some advice.

Ian has a controversial brainwave, and George has his work cut out.

Writer: Sarah Hehir Director: Kim Greengrass Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge … Charles Collingwood David Archer …Timothy Bentinck Pip Archer … Daisy Badger Jolene Archer … Buffy Davis Alice Carter … Hollie Chapman  Miranda Elliott … Lucy Fleming Amber Gordon … Olivia Bernstone George Grundy … Angus Stobie Will Grundy … Philip Molloy Brad Horrobin … Taylor Uttley Alistair Lloyd … Michael Lumsden Adam Macy … Andrew Wincott   Kate Madikane ... Perdita Avery Kirsty Miller …. Annabelle Dowler  Oliver Sterling … Michael Cochrane Bill Gordon ... Matthew Gravelle Anne-Marie Gordon … Kate Ashfield PC Nicola Trueman … Clare Corbett

Kate struggles to find the silver lining, and Brad opens his heart.

George is feeling optimistic, and there's good news at last at Brookfield.

Disaster strikes for David, and Alistair has his work cut out.

Brian's feelings are hurt, and Amber is on tenterhooks.

The fallout continues at Home Farm, and Oliver keeps tight lipped.

6th – 12th June 2026 Writer: Liz John Director: Andy Partington Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge … Charles Collingwood David Archer … Timothy Bentinck Pip Archer …Daisy Badger Ruth Archer … Felicity Finch Helen Archer … Louiza Patikas Susan Carter …Charlotte Martin Martyn Gibson … Jon Glover Amber Gordon … Olivia Bernstone Ed Grundy … Barry Farrimond George Grundy … Angus Stobie Jakob Hakansson … Paul Venables Tracy Horrobin …Susie Riddell Alistair Lloyd … Michael Lumsden Adam Macy … Andrew Wincott Jazzer McCreary … Ryan Kelly Kirsty Miller … Annabelle Dowler Stella Pryor … Lucy Speed

Stella makes a big declaration, and Helen eagerly anticipates an answer.

At Home Farm David tackles Brian about the wisdom of going it alone, but Brian's determined it's the only course to follow, after the way Adam and Debbie ambushed him. David argues Adam's case as a great farmer, also citing Brian's U-turn over the inheritance. Brian firmly rebuts David's intercession on Adam's behalf, before Ed approaches, having overheard some of this. Ed then tells David how difficult it is being caught between Adam and Brian. Later, David informs Amber that the Borchester Show wi-fi has been upgraded but admits there are two big gaps among the trade stands, including the car dealership one. Amber tells David she might be able to help with that… Amber then drops in at Little Grange, seeking Ed's advice about whether she should ask her dad to take the car dealership stand, when things are still fraught between her and her parents. Ed reckons it should work as a straightforward business proposition.Martyn calls Adam to check this afternoon's meeting is still on and to express concern over Brian's recent behaviour. Adam then phones irritable Brian, wanting to make sure they're singing from the same hymn sheet when it comes to the Estate contract. The meeting itself is tricky, with Martyn seeking reassurance the contract will be fulfilled. However, Brian makes a mistake over a detail in the schedule and when Martyn pulls him up on this Brian storms out, leaving Adam to cover. But for Martyn this is the last chance for Home Farm.

Helen gets a call from Jack's school about an accusation of bad behaviour. Helen then tells Jakob she promised Kirsty she'd go to her pre-natal scan and tests this afternoon, but the school are insisting Helen goes in. Jakob offers to take Kirsty instead. At the hospital Kirsty confesses to feeling more than anxious, before Jakob agrees to film the scan on Erik's behalf. Otherwise, his attempts to help Kirsty relax are typically misguided. Driving back, they reflect on a clear scan, but Kirsty will have to wait for the test results. Kirsty then thanks Jakob for saving her day.While eating lunch in the garden Tracy tells Jazzer about Pat and Tony's concerns over her not accepting Helen's offer. She insists she likes working in the Dairy, though she prefers The Bull. But Helen keeps pushing her for an answer – and now she's moved in next door as well. Jazzer reckons the real reason for Tracy's hesitation is Bert. Later, Helen fumes over the fence to Tracy about the accusation made against Jack. Helen doesn't have much faith in the deputy head, especially in light of a recent poor Ofsted report, then tells Tracy she needs an answer about the job by Thursday. Jazzer pushes Tracy to admit she's done more than her fair share of looking after Bert, before Tracy declares she loves him and misses having him around. If she takes the job she'd be admitting he's not coming back. Jazzer forces the issue and Tracy agrees, if Bert says he wants to stay at Clive's then she'll accept Helen's offer.

After conducting pregnancy tests on the Brookfield cows Alistair chats to David about the poisonous atmosphere at Home Farm, wondering if David might be able to soften Brian's hardline stance. When David mentions trade stand bookings for the Borchester Show are right down Alistair says a client complained about the payment system on the showground last year. David says he'll investigate, before Alistair chases up numbers for the minibus trip to the Women's T20 World Cup on Friday. Amber's pleased by the uptick in social media engagement for the Borchester Show since she took over strategy from George. The money they earn will help cover the cost of all the baby gear they need. David calls, asking Amber to use her contacts at Farm Supplies to find out why trade stand bookings are down, and to target local businesses with positive messaging. Later, Amber and George are able to confirm the slow wi-fi led to payment difficulties last year, putting businesses off booking again. David vows to try and fix it. Stella enthuses about wedding preparations to distracted Pip, who's waiting for the call from a genetic counsellor. After several false alarms Pip finally speaks to the counsellor, then later tells Stella about the issues they covered, including potential risks to having children in future. Stella suggests focusing on the next step and Pip says she's agreed to take the private BRCA gene variant test. It's hard, but once Pip's done the test, they'll know for sure without having to wait for Ruth's NHS referral, which she hasn't even asked for yet.

Helen's having a hard time concentrating on the cheese-making demonstration she's giving as part of Open Farm Sunday, so Tracy steps up and smooths things over. Helen is tired after moving into her new house yesterday, but grateful for the help she received from neighbour Tracy and family. Susan then steps in to do the next demonstration with Tracy. Later, Tracy and Susan relax in the Tearoom, wondering why Jim has stopped his newspapers and taken his name off the volunteer rota. Susan acknowledges Tracy has borne the brunt of the burden caring for Bert. They're surprised he's lasted this long at Clive's. Helen comes in, pleased the day has been so successful, then pushes Tracy for an answer to her offer of full-time work in the Dairy. Tracy promises to let her know soon.Ed finds Adam is already doing some jobs that Brian asked him to do at Home Farm. Ed feels awkward, but Adam suggests a different job and gives Ed further instructions for the rest of the week. Catching Ed later Brian is put out to discover that Adam has countermanded his instructions with an alternative schedule for Ed's work. Adam defends his actions before telling Brian that Martyn wants to talk about the Borchester Land contracts on Wednesday. Brian reluctantly agrees to a time. Having discovered they've paid a bill twice Adam asks Brian to leave all invoices, ordering and scheduling to him, while the partnership is still in charge, whether Brian likes it or not.

After a sleepless night, Ian worries over his temporary promotion and Adam despairs over Brian's chaotic rule at Home Farm. Adam reckons his lawyer thinks their case -that Brian's incapable of managing the farm - isn't watertight. Brad and Zainab catch up at Grey Gables, where Zainab confesses to missing Fletcher, the budgie. After a strange staff meeting, they question Ian's mad new management style, while Zainab admits she lied during Ian's team bonding activity. Later, Brad asks for advice as George wants to name his baby Brad, if it's a boy. It feels wrong to Brad, but he supposes he'll get used to it.When Adam turns up for work at Home Farm, Brian warns he's not welcome, having been fired by email with immediate effect. Adam insists his contract is with the partnership and goes off in the Land Rover to spray the barley. Martyn catches Adam, who's parked up complaining to Ian about Brian's behaviour. Martyn's concerned by the wild rumours flying round about Home Farm and needs to know if it will affect BL's contract. Then a police officer comes up looking for Adam, while he's trying to reassure Martyn. The Land Rover's been reported stolen by a Mr Aldridge and Adam named as the thief. After calling Brian to clarify the situation PC Trueman advises the pair to resolve the issue between them. Adam then tells Martyn that Brian has lost the plot. Martyn decides this has gone far enough and resolves to call a meeting between them as soon as possible.

Zainab moans to Akram that she wouldn't have brought Khalil tickets to the T20 if she'd known how much he'd keep talking about cricket. They discuss work – Zainab's finding Ian easier to work for than Dane, but Akram feels Bridge Farm rather dismissed his idea for a care farm. Helen tells Tom the farmer accepted their offer for the Monteys: all ten of them. Tom can't believe Helen went back on her word, but Helen's convinced it will be good for the farm and asks Tom to be pleased for her. Helen asks Akram to help in the dairy. Akram's willing to help, but only as a one-off – working in the dairy isn't the reason why he came to Bridge Farm. Helen then explains why Akram's care farm idea wouldn't have worked. Later, Akram talks to Tom about Bridge Farm's increased focus on dairy, which Helen's just told him about. Annoyed by Helen seemingly taking control of the farm's direction Tom starts arguing with her, but Helen walks away. Akram then suggests to Tom that the reason Tracy hasn't agreed to more hours may be down to how it feels working at Bridge Farm.At the end of their long days Akram and Zainab decompress, with Zainab wondering whether work should be fun. Akram confesses he's happiest working with the land, but maybe he should return to plumbing. Zainab reminds him of his own advice to follow his dream, and stick to the path, even when it's crooked. Akram is grateful for a daughter like her.

Natasha helps Helen pack clothes ahead of moving to 5 The Green. Henry's become very organised, labelling all his boxes, whilst Jack is less helpful. They talk about the dairy and Helen's excitement over expanding her herd. Natasha confesses she's almost jealous of Helen's enthusiasm. Driving to Shropshire, Tom points out the irony of using the money from selling retired Tony's Anguses to buy Montey's from another retired farmer. Helen points out how they're saving money by not having to bring them over from France. They then admire the cows in the field and Helen tries to persuade Tom to buy the full herd of ten. Tom points out their mobile dairy would struggle to handle the extra cows and Helen reluctantly agrees to only buy the six they came for. Later, while chatting over a cup of tea, enthusiastic Natasha confesses she has a new business idea for Bridge Farm, to branch out into Botanicals and organic skincare. It could finance sending the twins to private school. Helen tells her to go for it, if that's what they want to do. When Rex catches Alice at The Stables, they agree neither wants to break up. Rex then apologises for what he said to Brian. Alice doesn't know the specifics, so Rex tells her everything. Recalling their fight on Sunday, Alice says she's inherited the Aldridge habit of lashing out. Rex admits to his own flaws and they agree to put it behind them, before Rex reveals his dad texted him, asking to meet Alice. Would she be up for that?

There's light at the end of the tunnel for Alice, and Ed finds himself on the spot.

Tom considers his options, and Ian has ground to make up.

Tensions mount for Rex, and Martyn Gibson attempts to get to the bottom of recent events.

24th May – 29th May 2026 Writer: Katie Hims Director: Jessica Bunch Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge … Charles Collingwood Natasha Archer … Mali Harries  Tom Archer … William Troughton  Lilian Bellamy … Sunny Ormonde Alice Carter … Hollie Chapman  Susan Carter … Charlotte Martin Ian Craig …  Stephen Kennedy  Alan Franks … John Telfer Brad Horrobin … Taylor Uttley Tracy Horrobin … Susie Riddell  Adam Macy … Andrew Wincott Kate Madikane ... Perdita Avery Zainab Malik ... Priyasasha Kumari Kirsty Miller …. Annabelle Dowler  Lynda Snell ... Carole Boyd Carol Tregorran … Mia Soteriou Anna Tregorran … Isobel Middleton Midwife … Tian Chaudhry

At Kirsty's first appointment, the midwife advises that based on her previous history and being an older mum, her care will be consultant led. Anything that's not right should be picked up early. Upset, Kirsty just wants to know that this time the pregnancy will go well. Back at Willow Farm she decides to excitedly confide in Kate that she's 10 weeks pregnant with Erik's baby. She wishes she was at 40 weeks already. Although Kate offers cautious optimism, Kirsty repeats her worry – why did her last pregnancy go wrong and what can she do to stop this happening again?Natasha spots some of Tony's unused tools in the packing shed and wonders if she could sell them online and split the proceeds. She's stopped in her tracks by the pre-school group chat – Loxley Barrett has received a negative OFSTED report. Tom advises her not to panic – after all Martha, Rosie, Xander and Jack are all doing well there. Natasha feels Nova would be fine anywhere, but Seren lacks confidence and they can't afford for her to be overlooked in a stretched school. On calling the school, Natasha's appalled to hear that the head is on long – term sick leave and the deputy did not defend the report. They need to start researching other options, even if they have to travel. She brings up the question of private schools – but how would they afford that, especially for twins? Tom suggests taking one step at a time – and to avoid telling Pat, who has strong opinions on private education.

Having grudgingly acknowledged that her handrails are useful, Carol accepts an invitation to join Anna in The Bull for a meal. As Anna orders, she shares with Tracy how much she's feeling the pressure of caring for her mum from a distance. Tracy empathises with Anna - although Bert is currently staying with Clive, she does feel that normally the burden of caring for him is all on her. Anna finds it a relief talking to someone in the same boat. When you feel that you're going to burn out, you need support. Outside, Carol confides in Lynda about the strain that caring puts on her relationship with Anna. To Carol it feels that Anna is determined to make her a burden, and she really doesn't want the fuss. When Brian arrives, Lilian gives him an earful about breaking up the partnership. She reminds him that his Golden Wedding anniversary would have been soon – Jenny would have been devastated by the family upset. Brian responds that Adam started the fire and Debbie threw petrol on it. Although he knows he's not innocent of all wrongdoing, Brian insists this reality has to be accepted. Later, Alice asks Brian if he's perhaps overreacted, but he feels it's fair for a betrayal such as this. Alice suggests the decision to withdraw the land is wildly illogical and feels like a punishment. But for Brian, it's a bid for freedom. He proposes that the family get on with the rest of their lives - and let him get on with his.

Susan enters the lion's den, and Ian attempts damage control.

Adam has a fight on his hands, and emotions run high for Carol.

The Battling Bulls are playing The Trout, who are two players down. Brad suggests loaning them a player and Tom agrees, so the match can go ahead - but not Zainab, who's too good. Brad offers himself, really enjoys playing and ends up on the winning side: The Trout. Lynda's come to appreciate the lightness of pub cricket. She's looking forward to the Women's T20 World Cup. Surprised that Clive actually turned up, Brad and Tracy discuss Bert's departure with him, hoping that Bert will be alright. Returning from Scotland, Kate finds Brian embarked on a new project: re-reading all his Dick Francis novels. Brian accuses her of stabbing him in the back, but Kate assures him their only plan at the partnership meeting was to try and reduce his stress levels. She hadn't known about Adam and Debbie's intentions. Kate then asks how Spiritual Home will be affected by the Partnership ending. Although he says it's safe, Brian reminds her that if it wasn't for Spiritual Home, they'd still have the farmhouse. Offended, Kate refuses to take responsibility for the house being sold, insisting that was down to Brian poisoning the Am. Later, Kate accuses Brian of bullying, before he finally apologises. Kate tells Brian that his children's actions come from a place of love and care for him. Brian though can't understand why they've stopped trusting him. Because he's been behaving weirdly, Kate says, especially the way he's mistreated Miranda. Brian retorts that everyone makes mistakes. It doesn't mean he's losing the plot, just that he's human.

17 – 22 May 2026 Writer: Katie Hims Directors: Kim Greengrass and Peter Leslie Wild Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge … Charles Collingwood Ben Archer … Ben Norris Helen Archer … Louiza Patikas  Leonard Berry … Paul Copley Alice Carter … Hollie Chapman  Ian Craig …  Stephen Kennedy  Alan Franks … John Telfer Bert Horrobin…  David Sterne Brad Horrobin … Taylor Uttley Tracy Horrobin … Susie Riddell  Adam Macy … Andrew Wincott   Akram Malik ... Asif Khan Dr Azra Malik … Yasmin Wilde  Kirsty Miller …. Annabelle Dowler  Carol Tregorran … Mia Soteriou Anna Tregorran … Isobel Middleton Den … Laurence Saunders

Anna reaches the end of her tether, and Tracy faces a shock.

Den plans a surprise for Brad, and Akram seeks support.

Leonard asks Ben if Ruth has decided whether to be tested for the BRCA gene variant. Ben's still annoyed with Josh for not wanting to know, an attitude he thinks is typically selfish. Following yesterday's chat with Alan, Leonard considers how lucky he is being retired, and that life seems more stressful these days. Ben agrees - the surgery has so many people saying they're struggling. He hopes the mental health initiatives he's trying to set up with Azra will help address these pressures. Adam has spoken to Ruairi, who agrees that Brian must be made to let go of the business. Ian's surprised Ruairi agreed, considering the George attack cover–up, but Adam insists it's for Brian's own good. Brian's out of his depth, plus his dinosaur attitudes and lack of futureproofing are no good for Home Farm. It needs to be addressed at the partnership meeting. Kate's horrified by the idea of caravan storage and agrees with Adam. Ian is concerned that the family are being misled by inaccurate dementia speculation, but Adam feels he has no choice. Having invited Alice to dinner, Adam pleads with her to help form a united front against Brian. Alice wants more time though - Brian really doesn't think he's got dementia. Instead of rocking the boat, can't they just persuade him to get some kind of cognitive fitness test? Frustrated, Adam insists the clock is ticking – he sees Brian floundering badly and if they don't act quickly, Home Farm is going to fail.

When Leonard retrieves Jill's cake tin from Glebe Cottage, Carol confesses that she visited but didn't actually go inside The Laurels. Later, meeting Alan, who's worried about repairing a cracked bell at St Stephens, Leonard confides that he's finding Carol's intransigence a challenge. He wonders if Alan might perhaps have more luck persuading her to have a safety camera fitted close to the stairs. Calling in, Alan helps Carol narrowly avoid a nasty fall, which shakes her. She admits Anna had flagged the rug as a trip hazard but doesn't want her to know. Alan tells Carol that Anna is on her side. Carol agrees to have the camera installed if Alan doesn't disclose her near miss. As Brad prepares to take Bert for a walk, Den arrives. Although reluctant to chat, Brad agrees to Den joining them to view Chelsea's horse box, as that's on Susan's ‘designated list of walks' for Bert's health. They're all impressed with the horse box, although the renovation's cost more than Chelsea had anticipated. Bert then praises Clive for how well he's doing now. Den sees this as proof that people can change, but Brad says pointedly that sometimes change comes too late. Back at 6 The Green, Den speaks to Tracy about seeing Brad more often after his exams. He wants to plan something really special, to prove it's not too late to save their relationship. Tracy is sceptical – why is he suddenly wanting more contact? She gives Den a warning, to never, ever hurt Brad or Chelsea.

Leonard presses his case, and Kirsty shares some news.

10th – 15th May 2026 Writer: Sarah Hehir Director: Peter Leslie Wild Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge … Charles Collingwood Pip Archer … Daisy Badger Ruth Archer … Felicity Finch Lilian Bellamy … Sunny Ormonde Alice Carter … Hollie Chapman  Ian Craig …  Stephen Kennedy  Alan Franks … John Telfer Amber Gordon … Olivia Bernstone George Grundy … Angus Stobie Jakob Hakansson … Paul Venables Brad Horrobin … Taylor Uttley Adam Macy … Andrew Wincott   Kirsty Miller …. Annabelle Dowler  Stella Pryor … Lucy Speed  Oliver Sterling … Michael Cochrane Carol Tregorran … Mia Soteriou Anna Tregorran … Isobel Middleton Den … Laurence Saunders Erik Hakansson … Steven Hartley Helpline Volunteer … Yasmin Mwanza

Ruth lends a hand, and Anna worries about her mum.

Adam seeks support, and Pip looks for answers.

Ruth tries to stay positive, and Pip's worries spiral.

Adam sharpens his strategy, and Ian is presented with an unexpected opportunity.

Alan gets involved in village life, and Brad faces an uncomfortable encounter.

3rd-8th May 2026 Writer: Sarah McDonald Hughes Director: Marina Caldarone Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge … Charles Collingwood Ben Archer … Ben Norris Ruth Archer … Felicity Finch Natasha Archer … Mali Harries  Tom Archer … William Troughton  Lilian Bellamy … Sunny Ormonde Leonard Berry … Paul Copley Ruairi Donovan … Arthur Hughes George Grundy … Angus Stobie Bert Horrobin…  David Sterne Brad Horrobin … Taylor Uttley Tracy Horrobin … Susie Riddell  Adam Macy … Andrew Wincott   Akram Malik ... Asif Khan Dr Azra Malik … Yasmin Wilde  Carol Tregorran … Mia Soteriou Anna Tregorran … Isobel Middleton