The Archers

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.

Alice praises Azra for her Mental Health initiative, then tells Azra she'd like to see addiction services given more prominence. Alice asks Azra for advice on helping a “friend” whose father may be showing signs of dementia. Clearly suspecting it's Brian they're talking about, Azra plays along, suggesting booking her friend's father an appointment with his GP, but also offering to dig out some leaflets for Alice to give her friend. Bert phones the surgery, demanding an appointment. Lottie explains there are none available, but Bert insists he'll turn up regardless, before shouting in pain and putting the phone down. Chelsea reluctantly agrees to take Bert in. After he's been seen Bert complains about the scant advice he was given to alleviate his pain and mutters about his aborted compensation claim, claiming he wanted the money to help Chelsea fix up her horsebox. Chelsea's touched by this, while Bert insists that's what family is for. Stella tells Ruth about Pip's appointment at the Breast Screening clinic on Thursday and asks if she'll go with them. Ruth seeks reassurance her presence will be welcome, then offers to drive them there. Stella admits how worried she is, but didn't ask before to avoid bringing up bad memories for Ruth. Stella reckons she's showing more signs of anxiety than Pip and worries she's driving Pip mad. Ruth gives Stella some sage advice before they agree a time for her to pick them up on Thursday. Stella later confirms that Pip's really pleased her mum will be there.

Lilian goes to see Brian and refuses to apologise for being concerned. Brian gets antsy with her, before confessing that he really misses Jenny at times like this. He apologises for over-reacting yesterday. Lilian mentions dementia, but Brian insists that's not what's going on. Up on Lakey Hill Lilian tries teasing out of Brian what the underlying issue is. She guesses it's to do with George. Indirectly, Brian admits, before telling her that it was Ruairi who hit George with a bottle. Lilian struggles to take it in as Brian outlines what happened when George was attacked. Lilian now sees why Brian's in such a state, but doesn't understand why Brian can't move into the farmhouse with Miranda. Brian explains it's because Ruairi couldn't face living there and is barely holding himself together. Brian feels Jenny would have agreed with what he's doing to protect Ruairi. Lilian agrees to go along with it, before Brian makes her promise not to tell anyone that Ruairi hit George.Noting her stress over Brian, Fallon asks Alice how things are going with Rex, suggesting they come over for supper on Wednesday. They move on to cricket teas and the fierce competition to design a logo for the new team, before Fallon asks how Chris is coping with Rex being her boyfriend. Alice asserts that her and Chris are in a good place, but still frets in case Chris has said anything to prompt Fallon's concern. Alice then admits she's worried about everything at the moment, but particularly her dad.

While Adam cooks a Sunday roast, Alice tells him she's spoken to Kate, who agrees that Brian's break up with Miranda doesn't make sense. Adam warns Alice off tackling Brian about the subject over lunch, before Lilian arrives. She's soon followed by Brian, but Ruairi can't make it. True to Adam's word Brian tells them he won't talk about Miranda. Alice sounds out Lilian about Brian's erratic behaviour recently. Whatever's going on, Alice agrees with Kate that it's serious. Later, Brian overhears Alice expressing her concerns to Lilian and has a go at them for gossiping about his private life, insisting he can sort things out on his own. Brian slams out and Alice tells the others that, like Kate, she's genuinely concerned Brian might be showing signs of dementia.Wearing a neck brace, Bert moans to Tracy about the pain he's in, but she gives him short shrift. He wants to get compensation after the church roof fell in, though Tracy points out he wasn't even there. It's a scam! Bert complains that no-one's offered to do anything for him on the Easter Promises Tree. He's determined to pursue his compensation claim from Alan, despite the fact he won't be able to produce any evidence or witnesses, as Tracy again points out. Bert threatens to get Susan to help with his claim instead. Later, Tracy admits feeling bad. But Bert's changed his mind about pursuing the claim because of what Tracy said, about Alan helping Susan when the shop needed a home. Alan doesn't deserve the hassle.

5-10 April 2026 Writer: Nick Warburton Director: Pip Swallow and Rosemary Watts Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge … Charles Collingwood David Archer …Timothy Bentinck Pip Archer … Daisy Badger Ruth Archer … Felicity Finch Chris Carter … Wilf Scolding Alan Franks … John Telfer Usha Franks … Souad Faress Emma Grundy … Emerald O'Hanrahan George Grundy … Angus Stobie Usha Franks… Souad Faress  Adam Macy … Andrew Wincott   Azra Malik … Yasmin Wilde  Khalil Malik … Krish Bassi  Lynda Snell … Carole Boyd Robert Snell … Michael Bertenshaw  Oliver Sterling … Michael Cochrane Carol Tregorran … Mia Soteriou

Alan rallies the troops, and Oliver takes Miranda under his wing.

David is full of the joys of spring, and Lynda takes her problems to Azra.

Adam has some news for David, and George ponders his impending fatherhood.

Can Robert square his conscience, and will George go to Keira's birthday party?

Something unexpected happens at the Easter Day service, and Robert receives a surprise birthday present.

29th March - 3rd April 2026 Writer: Jessica Mitic Director: Marina Caldarone Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge … Charles Collingwood Pip Archer … Daisy Badger Henry Archer … Blayke Darby  Pat Archer …   Patricia Gallimore  Tony Archer … David Troughton  Tom Archer … William Troughton  Natasha Archer … Mali Harries  Lilian Bellamy … Sunny Ormonde Miranda Elliot … Lucy Fleming Azra Malik … Yasmin Wilde  Stella Pryor … Lucy Speed  Lynda Snell … Carole Boyd Robert Snell … Michael Bertenshaw  Oliver Sterling … Michael Cochrane Carol Tregorran … Mia Soteriou

Miranda learns about Brian's past, and Oliver wonders if he should give up riding.

Azra pushes forward with her Mental Health Initiative, and Pip has a nasty shock.

Lynda and Robert tick off their first Easter Promise job – the first of several, to Robert's chagrin. Lynda's keen to know if Robert has any requests for his birthday next week. As Lilian looks for Miranda, she gets chatting with Lynda about the cricket team. They're clearly on different pages about the benefits of the Pub team. Robert quizzes Oliver about the cricket ground, keen to sort out the red tape preventing the new team using it. Oliver had no idea of any issues - it's fine to use. He agrees to tell Lynda - without mentioning Robert's name. Oliver also says he'll think about helping young people with reading as part of the Easter scheme.Updated Lynda seethes to Robert, assuming the old cricket team has turned against her, making up rumours about her supposedly spreading ‘misinformation'. Lynda's convinced someone's meddling, and she'll find out who. Lilian crows to Miranda about Justin finding another investor for his BL shares, but notices Miranda seems flat. Lilian's surprised to learn that Brian won't move into the farmhouse with Miranda, who mentions Ruairi. Lilian keeps Miranda company on a ride, speculating that Brian's actions could be to do with Jennifer and Brian's association with the house. Miranda becomes emotional, but they're distracted by Oliver having an issue on his horse, and go to help. Over a steadying drink, Oliver admits he feels past it. Lilian encourages Miranda to back her up in persuading Oliver otherwise, but downbeat Miranda agrees with Oliver's comment about knowing when to give up on things we love.

Pip's doing some gardening, and Henry's goats are going off to Market.

Brian tries to straighten things out with Miranda, and money problems loom for Natasha and Tom.

Writers: Sarah Hehir, Katie Hims & Sarah McDonald Hughes Director: Peter Leslie Wild Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge… Charles Collingwood Ben Archer … Ben Norris David Archer … Timothy Bentinck Ruth Archer … Felicity Finch Helen Archer … Louiza Patikas Pat Archer … Patricia Gallimore Tony Archer … David Troughton Lilian Bellamy … Sunny Ormonde Alice Carter … Hollie Chapman Justin Elliott … Simon Williams Miranda Elliott … Lucy Fleming Amber Gordon … Olivia Bernstone Eddie Grundy … Trevor Harrison Ed Grundy … Barry Farrimond Emma Grundy … Emerald O'Hanrahan George Grundy … Angus Stobie Tracy Horrobin … Susie Riddell Esme Mulligan … Ellie Pawsey

George has plans, and Ben breaks some news to David and Ruth.

Esme is celebrating on Lady Day, and George has something to say.

David and Tony exchange thoughts on Esme's Lady Day gathering and Josh's sudden departure. David then confides his and Ruth's doubts over their handling of the Brookfield inheritance. Tony sympathises, telling David about the Anguses and how he thinks Tom and Helen might see the future of Bridge Farm. Having your children tell you what to do is so hard, they agree. It'll be the same with Pip before long, David thinks, before hoping he and Tony get more time for more chats like this. Brian confesses to Alice that he's nervous about moving back into Home Farm, before Alice suggests he's been acting out of character lately. Even Lynda thinks something's up. Brian dismisses their concerns, assuring Alice he's fine, before conceding he occasionally fears he's failed his children. Alice disagrees, even if Ruairi has had a wobble recently. More cheerfully Brian then claims full credit for bringing Rex and Alice together. Later, Miranda joins Brian and Alice for supper. Alice tells Miranda she's happy about them moving into Home Farm, reassuring Miranda that Brian is happy too. If he's been stressed recently it's nothing to do with the move or her. After the meal Brian admits he hears Jennifer's voice in his ear when he's cooking, before Alice leaves. Miranda then pulls Brian up on an earlier comment that the Home Farm house will be hers, not his. She wants it to feel like his home too, but queries whether it's what he wants. Brian promises her he does, with all his heart.

George is up in court again, and Helen is at odds with her dad.

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.