Contemporary drama in a rural setting
ambridge, omnibus, listening to the archers, long may, minutes a day, philip, village, radio drama, uk, coronavirus, tapes, linda, performers, selling, storyline, around the world, british, last week, never miss an episode, technology.
Listeners of The Archers that love the show mention:The Archers podcast is truly something out of this world. As an 11-year-old, I was introduced to the show by my dad and instantly became hooked. The characters and storylines are captivating, providing a good old laugh with each episode. One of the standout aspects of the show is Jazzar, who is special in his own unique way. Tracy, on the other hand, can come across as a bit crazy and in need of help. The posh crazy characters like Brian, Lillian, and Suzan add an extra layer of entertainment to the show. Overall, The Archers is a fantastic podcast that delivers laughter and enjoyment.
The best aspect of The Archers podcast is undoubtedly its ability to bring together a diverse range of characters and storylines. It strikes a perfect balance between drama and humor, ensuring that every listener can find something to enjoy. The show also addresses relevant issues faced by many families today, making it relatable and engaging.
However, there are some aspects of the show that can be seen as negative. Some listeners have criticized certain characters such as Amy for her voice or acting abilities. Additionally, there have been complaints about advertisements interrupting the flow of episodes. While these may be minor issues for some listeners, they can detract from the overall enjoyment.
In conclusion, The Archers podcast is an incredibly entertaining show that has maintained a high standard of storytelling for years. It tackles real-life dramas with expertise while still providing moments of lightheartedness and laughter. Despite some minor flaws, it remains a beloved podcast that keeps listeners coming back for more. Long live Ambridge!
Will attempts to look on the bright side, and Ed's feelings are hurt.
Brian throws down the gauntlet and Emma has the rug pulled from under her.
Jolene has serious concerns and Jazzer takes a stroll down memory lane.
The past returns to haunt Kenton and Stella struggles professionally.
Writer: Katie Hims Director: Pip Swallow Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge…. Charles Collingwood Jolene Archer…. Buffy Davis Kenton Archer…. Richard Attlee Pip Archer…. Daisy Badger Lilian Bellamy…. Sunny Ormonde Alice Carter…. Hollie Chapman Justin Elliott…. Simon Williams Miranda Elliott…. Lucy Fleming Martyn Gibson…. Jon Glover Jakob Hakansson…. Paul Venables Joy Horville…. Jackie Lye Jim Lloyd…. John Rowe Kate Madikane…. Perdita Avery Stella Pryor…. Lucy Speed Fallon Rogers…. Joanna Van Kampen
Brian finds himself on the spot, and Lilian makes an unexpected bond.
Jakob admits to Kate he was thrown by the idea of being a grandparent. It was the list of things Kate had planned for them to do with the baby that overwhelmed him – but it's all good now thanks to a nice chat with Brian. They agree Brian's a star. Jakob tells Kate he's set up a bank account to show his commitment to their grandchild. Kate's touched – until Jakob declares he won't be coming on the family holiday. Later Kate tells Lilian how disappointed she is. She reminds her aunt about Friday's holiday meeting and encourages her to read all the messages in the group chat.Chaos reigns at the Bull and Lilian pitches in, offering to run to the shop to fill a gap in a missing wholesale order. Joy scoops up the list of items and she and Lilian set to work. Jim comes and can't believe how much new stock there is on the shelves. How can they afford it? Joy explains Susan was worried about losing customers, assuring Jim the gamble's paying off so far. After the lunch rush Jolene and Kenton are relieved to have got through it all, and normal service is resumed. They're thankful for the village shop. Sceptical Jim is won over as Lilian insists lunches at the Bull would have been cancelled today if it hadn't been for the well stocked shop. When there's a late request for a cricket tea on Sunday, Joy steps up and offers to lend a hand. Lilian declares she's saved the Bull yet again.
Jakob questions his abilities, and there's parenting problems for Pip.
Fallon feels bad to be leaving the busy Bull to spend time with Harrison. Jolene assures her they'll be fine. She hints at knowledge of the birthday surprise Harrison has in store for Fallon. Later Jolene's shocked to learn their new staff member can't work while Fallon's away. Kenton suggests asking Fallon to stay but Jolene won't hear of it. Fallon and Harrison need the time together; absence doesn't always make the heart grow fonder and she doesn't want their relationship to go the wrong way. Brian's enjoys a pub lunch date with Miranda. As they get their drinks Miranda's surprised to hear from Kenton that Brian was in the pub last night too. Brian hurriedly moves the conversation on. As he declares brightly that he'd love Miranda to join them on their family holiday, she wrongfoots him by announcing their relationship might have run its course. Brian's shocked – he thought things were going marvellously. Miranda counters that unlike Jennifer she won't put up with his shenanigans – he'd told her he was at home with a book last night and clearly he wasn't. And Jolene saw him with a woman. Cornered, Brian confesses he's been having secret bridge lessons with Martyn Gibson. When Miranda doesn't believe him, he suggests she call Martyn. She does so immediately and Brian's story checks out. Miranda apologises, but wants them to enter a bridge tournament. If they win, all will be well, but if there's no improvement in Brian's game, well… Brian quakes, and Miranda says he'd better hope Lady Luck's on his side.
Helen asks Tom if he can look after the boys next Friday – Dane's asked her to go to a comedy club with him. Tom promises to ask Natasha. Helen says she'll ask their parents instead – it's a perfect opportunity for her to tell them about Dane. Later she comments to Tom that her parents didn't seem to want to know about Dane. Tom reckons this might be down to him. He'd made a comment to their mum and dad about helicopter parenting and they're obviously trying not to overstep the mark. Helen says lightly there might be a middle way. Kirsty updates Phoebe on progress with the beavers, which are due to arrive in the autumn. Justin joins them as Kirsty explains that they'll no longer need an enclosure for the release. Justin hopes the installation of one will keep local farmers onside. He goes on to extoll the benefits of the scheme before realising he's doing what Lilian calls ‘Justinsplaining'. Admiring the call of a yellowhammer, he declares he owes a lot to inspirational Peggy. Phoebe's speechless. Amused Kirsty acknowledges the sea change in Justin's attitude. She admits to feeling a lot more settled these days, both at Willow Farm and with her job. Justin's brought a real entrepreneurial spirit to the rewilding project. Phoebe could never have imagined he'd become so hands on, and also speak in praise of Peggy, who was always a bit suspicious of him. Kirsty agrees it's quite a turnaround; she can't help wondering what he's going to pull out of the bag next.
Ambridge gather to say a final farewell, and it's an emotional day for Kate.
It's panic stations at Spiritual Home, and Justin unleashes his latest plan.
Henry makes an emotional offer, and Alan finds himself on the back foot.
The Brookfield contingent are delighted with the attendance at Open Farm Sunday. It's great to get such support from the community. Stella's impressed with Pip's dairy presentation – they agree it's important for farms to keep doing this. Even Josh's ‘silage sniffing' attraction has a healthy queue. They spot some over-enthusiastic youngsters on the yard but it's nothing they can't handle. They worry that quiet David's rattled, but he explains he was just contemplating the four generations he sees – with Rosie as the future. Pip agrees. She's heard at least two kids today talking about wanting to go into farming. David acknowledges days like today make it all worthwhile, even though he moans now and again. Pip hears that attendance is well down at Bridge Farm, and David has an idea. He grabs a megaphone and delivers a heartfelt speech about how one unfortunate event can blight a farm. Bridge Farm is eerily quiet. Helen's hopes that today would provide an opportunity to show they've bounced back from February's sewage leak seemed to be dashed. They distract themselves with talk of Peggy's funeral, and the cricket. Tony's touched that Henry's decided to support the farm today rather than play. It's just a shame it's so quiet. A few turn up for the goat gymkhana but it's not enough. When Helen hears how busy Brookfield is they're forced to admit it's going to be hard to shake off the spectre of the sewage incident. They're about to pack up when there's a sudden rush of visitors. Nonplussed Tony declares it a miracle.
At the Rewilding Justin assures Kirsty that having his expensive Italian shoes ruined is a small price to pay for seeing Lilian laugh again, admitting he can be pretty selfish sometimes. Justin's pleased the planning for summer rewilding activities is well in hand, but then Tony appears, furious that the Longhorns are being allowed to wander freely without fences, but no-one told him. Kirsty and Justin smooth Tony's hackles, assuring him they did tell him, then show him the GPS app they've had installed to keep track of the cattle. Tony still feels he's been left out of the loop. Treading on eggshells around Tony's grief Justin explains it wasn't deliberate and Kirsty apologises, before Tony heads off to organise the Goat Gymkhana. Justin then admits to Kirsty he's planning something but won't say what it is. Alice turns up at Woodbine Cottage where Fallon tells her Harrison didn't come back at all, after she told him it wasn't worth driving all that way for four hours together at most. Fallon then confesses she doesn't actually miss him. Having the freedom to do whatever she likes is simply too lovely – and in the end Harrison never knew about the party anyway. Fallon feels bad, but everyone who came really enjoyed themselves. Alice tells Fallon her fears about Martha, but Fallon agrees with Chris: Martha is a bright shiny button who's simply developing at her own pace. Alice thinks her life is too focused on Martha, while Fallon feels she's drifting away from Harrison and worries about their future together.
Ben finds Susan at the Shop struggling under a mountain of deliveries and helps her clear some space for customers. The deliveries are part of Susan's initiative to expand the Shop's range of products, but it looks like it'll be a struggle to put new shelves up and fit everything in before Joy's next shift on Saturday. Then Joy turns up, dismayed to find the stock room full and boxes all over the place. Susan tries to sell Akram some screws and is delighted she can offer him a mallet, before he starts revelling in the cornucopia of hardware items Susan has ordered. Susan's convinced everything's going to be fine now.When Justin tells Lilian he's changed his mind about going on a months-long cruise she replies that it's too late, she's committed to staying in Ambridge, looking out for Alice, Tony, the Stables and The Bull. Lilian wonders why Justin's made a U-turn. He can't exactly say why, but the meeting with Arthur has prompted thoughts about looking after one another as they get older. Justin fancies doing some good in the world, taking Arthur as his example. They go to see Kirsty at the Rewilding, wanting to talk about the art installation Peggy's donation will be funding. They're looking for something to attract more visitors, but not too many. While visiting the pond Lilian recalls a childhood game and pushes Justin in. Luckily he sees the funny side and ends up laughing with Lilian and Kirsty, imagining Peggy looking down and laughing too.
While doing some gardening at the Dower House Lilian and Justin agree it was a clever plan of Peggy's to get Natasha and Fallon working together for her funeral. They were at Harrison's party last night too, which was a great success, despite his absence. Lilian then gets a message from Christine at the Laurels: they want to talk to her about Peggy. Intrigued, Justin goes with Lilian, joking that they're about to find out what Peggy did with her money. A regular visitor to The Laurels, Arthur, introduces himself as a good friend of Peggy's. He tells Lilian that the charity where he volunteers, a local dementia support network, is very grateful for Peggy's generous donation. Arthur suffers from dementia himself, although it isn't obvious, and impresses Justin with his Savile Row background. Justin and Lilian agree, he's an inspiring example and that Peggy made absolutely the right decision. And of course Arthur should come to Peggy's funeral.Ruth asks Ben to tidy up the Events Barn – Fallon will be setting up there from tomorrow to serve teas on Sunday. Ruth then asks Ben what he knows about catastrophising. She thinks it's what David's doing about Sunday - only she knows David would hate her even mentioning it. Later, David finds Ben and asks him to put everything back that he's just cleared out of the Barn. Ben broaches the subject of how David's feeling, but David shuts down the conversation. Later though he tells Ben he appreciates his support, but actually he's okay now and excited about Sunday. They're both really glad it wasn't cancelled.
At Brookfield, David's talking through the events they've planned for Open Farm Sunday. Ruth senses how concerned he is about security, even though they've got Rex, Ed and Will keeping an eye on things. While Ruth mulls over the details of the day and possibly having more “fun” events, David suggests a bag search on the gate, then admits he's having flashbacks to what happened in the boardroom at Casey Meats and can't help projecting his fears onto Open Farm Sunday. He wishes he'd been more proactive, despite everyone saying how fantastic he was, keeping people calm. Ruth sits David down with a coffee and does her best to reassure him, before suggesting it might be better to cancel Open Farm Sunday if it's causing him so much anxiety. Alice's self-laceration continues at the doctor's surgery. Both she and Chris cover when Fallon appears. Fallon checks they're coming to Harrison's party tomorrow night and still providing the salads and playlist they promised. After Fallon's gone, Chris and Alice confess they'd completely forgotten. When they see Azra she doesn't think there's anything obviously delayed about Martha's development, but noting Alice's concern she suggests referring Martha to a paediatrician. Later, after dropping Martha at nursery, Chris is relieved they've got the referral. But Alice can't help worrying about the possibility of a delayed onset and there's nothing Chris can do to help. Fallon calls with more stress about Harrison's party, before Alice admits to Chris what she really wanted Azra to say was that Alice didn't hurt Martha and everything's alright.
Joy gives Susan the latest batch of Shop surveys, while Ben is asked what he'd like them to change. Joy suggests letting dogs in, but Susan's not keen, preferring Azra's idea of introducing a hardware section. Later, Ben catches up with Joy, grateful to her for remembering when he broke down at the Shop over Bess, knowing that's why she suggested allowing dogs. Joy admits the guilt she feels over Rochelle turning out the way she has, but Ben reminds Joy of the role she played in his recovery – their conversation on the Green that day was a turning point for him. He's certain something similar could happen to Rochelle.Alice has brought Martha to Chris's flat, where he's planned a day in and around Ambridge, inviting Alice to join them at the playground. Alice wants to talk about the effect her drinking during pregnancy had on Martha's development. Chris thinks it's a massive leap, but Alice has been dreading the thought of foetal alcohol syndrome for years and the nursery visit on Friday hasn't helped. At the playground later Chris tries convincing Alice there's nothing wrong with Martha, but she wants to see a doctor as soon as possible. Chris worries she's torturing herself unnecessarily, while Alice suggests he's more worried she'll start drinking again. When Susan approaches they're happy to talk about letting dogs in the shop instead. Afterwards Chris says he'll go to the doctors with Alice, who's really grateful. She wouldn't blame Chris for hating her after what she's done to Martha.
At the Shop Jim tries a super-courteous approach to get Lilian to fill in the survey, while Jazzer adds a mocking commentary. It's only when Jim spells out the existential threat Underwoods Local poses that Lilian agrees to answer the questions. Between them Jazzer and Lilian come up with several suggestions for improvements. Then Jazzer points out the biggest issue is friendliness – or the lack of it - and despite Jim's denial Lilian agrees that it's an issue. Later on Jazzer snatches Lilian's completed survey, reading out her score for friendliness: three out of five. He tells Jim it's not going to save the shop. Jim confesses how exhausting he finds maintaining the façade of friendliness and his relief at going to stay at his daughter's next week. But Jazzer loves it when Jim is grumpy!While Chris is relatively relaxed before the meeting about Martha at the nursery, Alice can't help thinking there must be a serious problem. The manager tactfully points out that Martha has haphazard concentration levels and limited attention span. She suggests working together with the staff to get Martha to focus on tasks for longer. Chris is happy to go along with this but Alice seems more troubled. Back at the Stables Lilian pushes Alice to confess her fear that her drinking during pregnancy is now affecting Martha's development. And if Lilian leaves Ambridge then that's another huge plank of Alice's support network gone, after Jennifer and Peggy. Lilian tells her she's changed her mind and she's not going anywhere.
Susan summons Jim and Joy to the Shop, telling them its future is at stake due to the threat from Underwoods Local. Jim proposes calling a village meeting. And making sure to emphasise the benefits of a village shop, Joy adds, such as lower prices. But Susan's heard the introductory discounts at Underwoods Local could go on all summer. Susan then tells them to look for common threads in the few surveys that have been completed, so they can root out any issues. Reporting back later it appears unfriendliness is the big one. Susan then dismisses the comments as biased, but Joy insists they act on it by working on their customer service skills. Both Jim and Susan are highly sceptical though, leading Joy in despair to suggest they try at least to be more positive with all their customers. Jim and Susan agree, but remain unconvinced that they're really doing anything wrong.On the phone Helen worries to Ian about Dane not getting back to her after she suggested another date. He's always responded so quickly before online. Ian still has his doubts, but Helen insists Ian find out what Dane thinks about her. However, when Ian tackles Dane about the meal last night and his companion, Dane cleverly avoids giving his opinion of Helen. Ian tries again later, but is embarrassed when Dane reveals he knows Ian is trying to find out what Dane thinks about Ian's best friend, Helen. Dane thinks she's amazing, then realises his message to Helen about the date never got sent. When he sends it again Helen excitedly tells Ian – he said yes!
Joy reckons the Village Shop customer survey drawn up by Susan and Emma is too comprehensive and offers to cut it down. Susan won't give way though, before explaining the survey's purpose to Jazzer. Both him and Joy wax lyrical about a superior shopping experience at Underwoods Local, pushing Susan into agreeing to take a look for herself. Later on, after bumping into Jazzer again, Susan is gobsmacked to discover Clarrie is working there. Clarrie tells Susan most of the village have been in already - and they're all dead impressed. Susan fears it could be the end of the Village Shop.Chris is at The Stables trimming some of the horses' hooves. He catches up with Alice and they discuss taking Martha to Peggy's funeral, agreeing that she should go. They arrange to meet up later over a curry to discuss preparing Martha for the day itself. At lunchtime Alice is joined by Joy at the Playground and they talk about how Alice's family are coping with Peggy's death, before comparing notes on the hard times both have been through recently. Joy then prompts Alice, she and Chris have cracked co-parenting, so she doesn't have to cope with everything on her own, does she? But then Chris phones and tells Alice that Imaani, the nursery manager, has called them in for an unscheduled meeting on Friday to talk about making sure Martha's school-ready. Chris doesn't think it signifies much, but Alice is unsettled by it. Later she calls Chris and cancels their catch-up later; there's things she needs to do at The Stables.
At Chris's Forge captain Hannah gets very frustrated by Chris and Adam's lack of competitive edge for this afternoon's T20 cricket match against Jolene's team. Alice joins them and promises Chris that she and Martha will be there, cheering on both sides.Over lunch at the Dower House Justin catches Lilian scrolling through a world cruises website. Justin's appalled as Lilian outlines her plans for their retirement, going on exotic holidays. Just the thought of the family holiday Peggy stipulated in her will is enough to make Justin quail. In any case, he enjoys working far too much to give it up, but reluctantly agrees to talk about Lilian's proposal later.During the cricket innings break Hannah chastises her ‘Elite' team-mates for batting so poorly and can't understand why Chris and Adam aren't taking it more seriously. Jolene however is loving how well her ‘Underdog' team performed in the field. Alice joins Justin and Lilian on the boundary edge, apologising for not being more receptive yesterday to Lilian's idea of leaving Ambridge. She now thinks Lilian should go ahead and do whatever is best for her and Justin. Once Alice has gone though, Justin makes it clear to Lilian he's still not keen.The cricket ends in defeat for Hannah's team, with everybody repairing to The Bull for drinks and a T20 photograph. Chris and Alice tentatively agree to spend more family time together with Martha, and Alice says she'll accompany Adam to keep an eye on Helen when she goes for her date at Grey Gables on Wednesday.
Writer: Sarah McDonald Hughes Director: Peter Leslie Wild Editor: Jeremy HoweDavid Archer…. Timothy Bentinck Helen Archer…. Louiza Patikas Henry Archer…. Blayke Darby Kenton Archer…. Richard Attlee Natasha Archer…. Mali Harries Tom Archer…. William Troughton Lilian Bellamy…. Sunny Ormonde Ian Craig…. Stephen Kennedy Ed Grundy…. Barry Farrimond Emma Grundy…. Emerald O'Hanrahan Akram Malik…. Asif Khan Zainab Malik…. Priyasasha Kumari Lily Pargetter…. Katie Redford Oliver Sterling…. Michael Cochrane Dane…. Stavros Demetraki Naomi…. Aoife Moss
Emma and Ed are irritable after a long day working on trees at Grey Gables. It's their anniversary but Emma can't be bothered to do anything special. However Oliver surprises them with the offer of an overnight stay at the hotel with spa passes and dinner, as an anniversary gift. They accept graciously, but over dinner they continue to bicker as Emma can't let Ed's attitude to her work go. His constant instructions to her from the ground today weren't welcome or helpful. Oliver checks in to make sure they're having a great evening. They assure him they are. They realise they shouldn't be arguing – it's the tiredness talking. Emma suggests they skip dinner and have an early night. Helen wonders to Ian how Adam's doing. Ian thinks he's ok but sad. Helen reports much the same from her side of the family, particularly Lilian. They speculate on possible explanations as to where Peggy's money's gone; Ian jokes she probably invested in a donkey sanctuary. He's looking forward to the big family holiday though. He's impressed with Helen's adept brushing off of Martyn Gibson's advances. Helen admits someone else has caught her eye. Ian's flabbergasted to learn it's Dane from Grey Gables. He comments Dane's nice enough but always ‘on' and cracking jokes. Helen ventures that this could be a good thing. Ian agrees; he's sure they'll have a great time. Helen admits she's nervous, putting herself back out there. Ian assures her everyone feels this way. He stays positive for her, and Helen thanks him for the chat.
Kenton's surprised David's now going ahead with Open Farm Sunday. David explains he doesn't feel he should cancel so he's putting increased security in place. Lilian's late for a pub shift and Kenton's reluctant to push it as her mood's so low at the moment. David volunteers to jump behind the bar to help out. Lilian arrives but soon needs a break to regroup. With Justin out at a function, she insists she'd still rather be working than sitting alone at home.A customer approaches the bar and asks for Angela, but David misunderstands the signal and the woman goes and sits down again. Lilian spots the man she's sitting with is behaving aggressively towards her. It becomes clear David's made a mistake and missed the woman's coded request for help. Lilian's appalled at the error, and finds a subtle way of extricating the woman from the situation. Safely upstairs, the woman, Naomi, explains she'd been set up with this man by a friend, and whilst initially charming, her date became angry when she declined a second meet-up with him. Naomi's very grateful for Lilian swooping in like a fairy godmother to rescue her. After Naomi's gone, Lilian suggests refresher training for everyone who might be working in the bar. The incident has shaken her. She's frustrated too that the man got away with his bad behaviour and may well just carry on with it in the future. Kenton's worried about Lilian and checks in again with her; is she alright? Lilian admits she's not really, but there's nothing anyone can do.
Oliver and Ian await the arrival at Grey Gables of the new temporary manager, who's late. Oliver lists his credentials and Ian admits he does sound very good. Ian reckons he'll run a tight ship; Oliver thinks that's just what they're looking for/need. Dane arrives and proves to be chatty and quirky. Both Ian and Oliver are slightly stunned. Dane's a breath of fresh air, but not quite what either of them was expecting. Natasha prompts Tom to tell Helen about Henry hiding his phone from her. He does so and Helen tackles Henry in a quiet moment as he makes a birthday card for Jack. He's defensive at first, worrying that Helen will be mad at him. Eventually he admits he was checking up on some of the names in a dating app Helen's joined. Helen's shocked Henry's been looking at her phone, but understands when it becomes clear he's fearful for her safety. She reassures him, reminding him that it's her job to look after him, not the other way round. She puts Natasha and Tom in the picture. Natasha's excited that Helen's online dating, though equally shocked at Henry's actions. Tom thinks it's quite sweet – Henry's obviously looking out for Helen. Helen points out Henry's clearly worried about the possibility of another Rob. Tom doesn't think so. But Helen reckons she'll delete the dating app. Natasha persuades her to give it a chance. It's great Helen's being proactive about finding someone. Natasha's happy to be her wingwoman; it's very exciting.
Henry informs his granddad that he and Khalil have a place on the cricket team. He wonders if Tony's upset, but Tony's genuinely pleased for them. Henry's apprehensive about the match but Tony reassures him – they'll all support him all the way. Tom and Natasha speculate on the proposed extended family holiday. Natasha thinks it might be fun, though they agree it wouldn't be something they'd choose to do. Tom wonders again where Peggy's money's gone. Natasha dismisses this – maybe it just ran out. Natasha looks forward to sampling Fallon's cricket tea pies. She goes to collect Henry, who's engrossed in his phone. He hurriedly puts it away saying he was looking at the weather. The match is disappointing despite Henry and Khalil's efforts in the field. Tony remarks that Ambridge seem to have given up. Zainab wonders when it'll be over – at least Fallon's pies were delicious. Natasha sympathises with Tom over the loss. Henry isn't impressed with his play. He can barely hit the ball. He doesn't think he'll go in for the T20 next week. Encouraging Tony offers to give him some tips. Natasha's concerned over Henry hiding his phone earlier. Tom thinks it's normal for teenagers to conceal what's on their phones but Natasha persists. Tom offers to have a word with him. Tom begins the conversation awkwardly and Henry soon works out Natasha's spoken to him. He assures Tom he wasn't looking at anything inappropriate, repeating that he was just checking the weather.
Rex calls on Rochelle. He's sorry, but he can't stop thinking about her and suspects she feels the same about him. Rochelle shuts him down. They can't be together. Rex leaves and Rochelle calls her mum. She admits to Joy that she's heartbroken. She still really likes Rex.Joy spots a small burn on Lilian's hand. Lilian admits she's clumsy at the moment. Joy observes that grief is distracting and exhausting. Lilian sighs she's got so much to organise but she'd rather be dealing with one of Peggy's weekly lists. She shows Joy one she's kept. Joy thinks the lists are a beautiful memory. Lilian thanks her for being a good friend and shoulder to cry on.Tom confronts Helen over her comments to Natasha. Helen maintains she was simply reminding Natasha of the truth – that Tom had received handouts from Peggy more than once over the years. When Tom points out that Natasha wasn't even around at that time, Helen calms down. Helen admits that rightly or wrongly, she was hoping for more from her gran's will. Later Lilian gives them the news that Peggy's wish was for everyone to go on a family holiday together. Lilian's quite excited. She hopes the small legacies Peggy left doesn't cause issues for the family. The last thing she and Tony want is in-fighting and arguments. Tom and Helen agree. But Tom thinks this still doesn't make sense. He wants to be sure Peggy wasn't cheated of her money. Something doesn't add up; where has all the money gone?
Usha's impressed by the topic Alan's chosen for his sermon, that of peace, observing that he's never one to take the easy route. Later Helen breaks it to Alan that amongst Peggy's comprehensive instructions for her funeral she stipulated a different vicar to officiate. Alan frets to Usha that Crispin can't possibly know the family as well as he does. He wonder's whether Peggy's decision was to do with his involvement in Rob's baptism. Whatever the reason, he resolves to ensure the church will look its best for the funeral.Lynda's interested when Helen lets slip that Henry's really started liking cricket at school. Later she tells Rex she's disappointed in him, having had him down as a man of integrity.Brian informs Rex that Peggy set aside some money for a natural artwork at the Rewilding site. Rex thinks Peggy took an impressive gamble with the rewilding, commenting ruefully that he's always been the sensible one in his family. Brian reckons there's nothing wrong with being level-headed. Rex wonders how you know when it's time to settle down. Brian observes if it's with the right person he'll know, counselling Rex to think carefully before taking any risks.Helen sympathises with Natasha over how tight finances are. Natasha comments it was unfair of Peggy not to warn them there was so little money to go round. Helen thinks they shouldn't have counted their chickens. And besides, Tom has already had plenty from Peggy, so not everyone in the family has the same right to feel aggrieved.
A mystery deepens one for one family, and there's a rare night out for some villagers.
Lilian's finding lots of poignant reminders of Peggy while sorting through a box of her things. Tony doesn't understand how old shopping lists can evoke fond memories, but Lilian sees each of them as telling a story. Lilian points out that Tony's surrounded by his children and grandchildren, whereas hers are not only far away, but don't need her like Peggy did. She feels lost without her mum. When Henry arrives he's intrigued by a glass dolphin. Lilian declares he can keep it. Henry's in charge of the goats for Open Farm Sunday – he's planning on buying some leather halters for them when he gets his money. Tony asks what money he's expecting and Henry thinks it's from Peggy. Tony thinks Henry shouldn't be talking about inheritance money, but Lilian disagrees. It's only natural Henry should speculate. Besides, he's missing his great grandma as much as she is. Tony apologises for snapping at Henry; he thinks they would all benefit from a family outing. At Brookfield Rex wonders how David is after their ordeal at the abattoir. Pip maintains her dad's his usual grumpy, stoical self, unlike Rex, who proved himself strong, brave and capable. Pip's puzzled when Rex appears to defend Rochelle. He then questions what he's doing with his life, wishing it had worked out differently. Rex doesn't want to end up old and resentful, mulling over regrets. Later David surprises Pip by suggesting they need to do a major security audit at Brookfield, admitting he'd prefer it if they didn't do Open Farm Sunday at all.
Joy's been visiting Rochelle, who's grateful for the peace and quiet at Mick's mate's house but wants get on with her life. She's applied for a job so she can start looking for a place of her own. Joy repeats her offer to help with the deposit. With Joy's car at the garage she's booked a taxi, but to their horror it's Rex who turns up. Rochelle panics about her bail conditions and quickly goes inside. On the journey Rex hears Rochelle's looking for work and jokily suggests she shouldn't ask Freddie for a reference. Joy asserts that Rochelle mostly feels bad about what she did because of Rex. At the shop Lily's angry with Joy for seemingly not caring about what Rochelle did to Freddie. Joy acknowledges Lily's entitled to feel that way, but Lily storms off. Usha sympathises with Joy, who assures Usha she'll pay the legal fees owed, but is grateful when Usha tells her not to worry yet. Lily tries persuading Rex to continue playing for Ambridge purely for the love of cricket – she's pretty confident Lynda won't say anything, so long as the payments stop. Rex can't afford to give up his taxi work though and suggests playing the odd Sunday instead, but Lily doubts Lynda or Freddie would agree. When talk turns to Joy and Rochelle, Rex starts defending Rochelle and Lily accuses him of taking sides. Rex doesn't think Lily should be annoyed with Joy for something which wasn't her fault. Lily gets it – they're allowed to hate Rochelle, but not Joy.
Lynda makes a surprising discovery, and there's drama on the cricket pitch.
Writer: Sarah Hehir Director: Rosemary Watts Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge…. Charles Collingwood David Archer…. Timothy Bentinck Natasha Archer…. Mali Harries Tony Archer…. David Troughton Lilian Bellamy…. Sunny Ormonde Emma Carter…. Emerald O'Hanrahan Mick Fadmoor…. Martin Barrass Usha Franks…. Souad Faress Clarrie Grundy…. Heather Bell Joy Horville…. Jackie Lye Rochelle Horville…. Rosie Stancliffe Kate Madikane…. Perdita Avery Elizabeth Pargetter…. Alison Dowling Freddie Pargetter…. Toby Laurence Lynda Snell…. Carole Boyd Lawrence…. Rupert Vansittart DC Tanners…. Jane Slavin