The Archers

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

Ruairi tells Brian he's going to tell the police what happened with George. Brian insists he can't – but if Ruairi does, Brian will confess to the same crime and they'll both go to prison. Ruairi needs to get on with his life, including a job interview tomorrow. Ruairi then says that instead he'll tell George the truth and goes. Agitated Brian can't stop him, but tells Lilian where Ruairi's going. George doesn't believe Ruairi though, insisting Brian hit him and Ruairi's just trying to protect Brian. George suggests counselling to Ruairi, who gives up trying to persuade George of the truth. George assures Ruairi everything's settled with Brian, now he's bought the drone. Ruairi sees Lilian on his way home, telling her George didn't believe him and he thinks that means it's all over.Tracy tells Bert she hasn't got time to fix him up with a girlfriend, pointing out how impractical going on dates would be. He should try joining a local group instead. To Bert's horror Tracy's preparing a tofu stir-fry, before Brad takes grateful Bert off to vote. On the way back they stop at Ivy's grave, where Brad asks if Bert's serious about finding a girlfriend. In turn, Bert asks about Den, whether Brad wants to see him again. Bert reminisces how happy he was one time he met up with Clive. Later, Bert's unimpressed by the stir-fry and wallows in self-pity. Tracy challenges Bert to call Clive, if he thinks he'll do a better job looking after him, while Brad decides he won't contact Den.

Ruairi gets some food for thought, and there's disaster for the Maliks.

Ruth has a lot to think about, and Anna tries to keep her cool.

Leonard has a proposition for Carol, and Natasha looks forward to showing off her skills.

Brad has something on his mind, and Brian makes a decision.

26th April – 1st May 2026 Writer: Tim Stimpson Director: Mel Ward Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge … Charles Collingwood Ben Archer … Ben Norris David Archer …Timothy Bentinck Ruth Archer … Felicity Finch Helen Archer … Louiza Patikas  Natasha Archer … Mali Harries  Tom Archer … William Troughton  Lilian Bellamy … Sunny Ormonde Alice Carter … Hollie Chapman  Chris Carter … Wilf Scolding Susan Carter … Charlotte Martin Ian Craig …  Stephen Kennedy  Amber Gordon … Olivia Bernstone George Grundy … Angus Stobie Bert Horrobin…  David Sterne Tracy Horrobin … Susie Riddell  Adam Macy … Andrew Wincott   Kirsty Miller …. Annabelle Dowler  Lottie Summers ... Bonnie Baddoo Erik Hakansson … Steven Hartley Debbie Aldridge ... Tamsin Greig

Natasha sees an opportunity, and Brian faces difficult questions.

Bert doesn't want to be alone, and Adam builds support.

Tensions rise at Home Farm, and Ruth seeks reassurance.

David has an idea, and Kirsty anxiously awaits a response.

In Hungary Debbie tells Adam she's applying for citizenship, then prompts him to explain how bad things are for him to come all this way. Adam tells her that Brian promised to make him his successor, then just changed his mind. This kind of behaviour is why Adam needed to see Debbie, who now understands the urgency. Adam says they have to speak with one voice at the next partnership meeting and tell Brian to retire. Ruairi's the only one Adam's not sure about. Debbie has a prior commitment, so can't attend. She sighs that these power games and Brian's cheating are precisely why she's stayed in Hungary. She assures Adam he's got her support.Chris, the cricket captain, is missing Kirsty and Adam for the Battling Bulls' first match, but at least Kirsty's there to watch. They're joined by Natasha and Helen, before Tom strides out in his brand new, expensive cricket jumper. While waiting to bat Tom suggests Natasha should sell some bags of her clothes and cut down on subscriptions to raise money and save cash. Their plans to develop different parts of the business won't come to fruition for months.Kirsty goes to answer a call from Erik, wanting to tell him she's pregnant, while Helen and Natasha watch Tom bat mightily. The Battling Bulls win, but Tom's miffed that his jumper has been stretched and ruined by an incompetent umpire. Disappointed Kirsty then tells Helen about Erik's shocked reaction to her news. However, Helen's sure he'll be thrilled when they talk again tomorrow.

At The Bull, David pumps Chris on how to attract more people to the Borchester Show. Chris mentions online videos of craft skills, then suggests talking to Amber and George, who have great video-making skills and farming knowledge. Brian arrives for Elizabeth's birthday celebration, before Rex joins Chris and apologises for his remark about Alice's drinking. Rex admits Alice tore into him, while Chris thinks he was more sensitive to the remark than he should have been. When they argue over who should be cricket captain Alice interrupts – she just wants them to get along.Adam tells Alice he's booked a flight to Hungary tomorrow. Alice tells him about Miranda saying she thought Brian's erratic behaviour was to do with Ruairi. Alice thinks they should convince Brian to see a doctor rather than fly to Hungary, but Adam reckons Brian's mental state and the farm are all part of the same issue. They agree it's too big a risk to include Ruairi in their discussions. So, Adam and Debbie will come up with a plan, then they'll talk it through with Alice and Kate. Adam calls Brian, who's not impressed to be told Adam's disappearing until Tuesday to see a friend who's having an emergency. Brian harrumphs to David before heading off. Alice intercepts Brian in the car park, then lies that she doesn't know anything about this friend of Adam's. For Brian though, it's confirmation he should never have trusted Adam's supposed dedication to Home Farm in the first place.

Helen welcomes Miranda to Ambridge after her move yesterday, before Kirsty asks Helen to be with her for a pregnancy test. Kirsty's spoken to Erik, but not said anything to him about her situation. When the test shows positive Kirsty cries, thoughts of another miscarriage weighing on her, despite Helen's reassurances. Kirsty hasn't really made any plans with Erik, but is sure that he'll do his bit, before swearing joyful Helen to secrecy.Ian turns up at the Eco Office with lunch for Adam, who chastises himself for continuing to work there as if nothing's happened. Ian suggests a walk, vowing to support Adam whatever happens. Adam remembers how Brian first taught him to love the land, but now he sees the damage Brian has done and wants to rectify that before passing the land on to Xander. Adam can't see how that's going to happen, though. Ian then suggests the radical step of flying out to Hungary and talking to Debbie.Alice goes to welcome Miranda into her new home, but finds it difficult seeing how much everything has changed. Alice apologises for Brian's behaviour before Miranda offers a tour of the house. In Kate's old room Alice reminisces her childhood, then wonders if Brian was overwhelmed by the thought of too many memories. Miranda thinks it's to do with Ruairi instead, but doesn't know what's going on in Brian's head. She thinks he's changed since around New Year, and wishes he'd told her before she exchanged contracts. But really Alice should worry about Brian, not her.

The countryside is coming to life at the Rewilding, and Chelsea is preparing a bride for her wedding day.

Ruth has things on her mind, and it's a sad day for Tony at Bridge Farm.

Adam thinks about the future, and Helen has a decision to make.

Lilian tries to reassure Alice and there are more entries for the Battling Bulls logo.

12 – 17 April 2026 Writer: Shaun McKenna Director: Pip Swallow and Rosemary Watts Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge … Charles Collingwood Pip Archer … Daisy Badger Ruth Archer … Felicity Finch Lilian Bellamy … Sunny Ormonde Alice Carter … Hollie Chapman  Chris Carter … Wilf Scolding Rex Fairbrother ... Nick Barber Chelsea Horrobin … Madeleine Leslay  Bert Horrobin…  David Sterne Tracy Horrobin … Susie Riddell  Adam Macy … Andrew Wincott   Azra Malik … Yasmin Wilde  Kirsty Miller …. Annabelle Dowler  Stella Pryor … Lucy Speed  Fallon Rogers …. Joanna Van Kampen Lottie Summers … Bonnie Baddoo Ms Shah … Sudha Bhuchar

Pip goes to her appointment, and Ruth is supportive.

Bert warns Chelsea not to be too trusting and there's an embarrassing moment between Fallon and Rex.