The Archers

Pip jumps in with both feet, and Natasha has a brainwave.

Toby enjoys helping Ruth collect honey from Jill’s hives and Ruth invites him for dinner with the family later in the week. Will tells George that both he and Emma are very concerned that George thought it was ok to post the video of Helen’s outburst. George knows what Rob did to Helen, so he must understand why she freaked out about George helping Henry to meet Rob. Will’s looked up some of the influencers George has been watching. He can see the appeal of all the money, flash cars and girlfriends, but it’s not the real world. George counters he doesn’t agree with everything that the influencers say, but he likes the stuff about it not being a crime to be a man. Will says if he’d put his anger and bruised ego above everything else when Emma chose Ed over him, he’d not only have still lost Emma, but probably George and his family too. Unrepentant George says he’s not going to grovel to Helen. Later Emma explains to George that a lot of what he’s said recently shows how he feels about women in general. And the other person who thinks like that is Rob Titchener. When George admits he saw how Rob was with Henry, Emma wonders why George would want to be a misogynist like him. Emma and George reconcile, but Emma points out that she’s not the only person he’s hurt. Later George goes round to apologise to Helen, but Helen can’t forget about what George did and asks him to leave.

When Tom remarks that Natasha’s brave going to the Tea Room, Natasha explains that although what George did was bad, having a cold war with the Grundys isn’t going to help. The only true villain is Rob Titchener. When Helen appears, Tom congratulates her for showing her face on the farm. He wonders about having George back to work on the farm, as they’re so short-staffed. Otherwise, it feels like it’s just another way that Rob is making things difficult. Helen agrees to think about it. Emma’s tearful at the Tea Room, and tells Natasha that on top of everything going wrong, the water heater’s now packed up. Emma was shocked when Helen stormed in and tore into George and admits they’ve also been having difficulties with George recently. Natasha counsels that they all need to pull together and then offers to lend a hand at the Tea Room. When Natasha has a few ideas for making the Tea Room more productive, Emma says it would be Fallon’s call. Natasha wonders what employment’s Emma’s had in the past and tells Emma to believe in herself more. Later, Tom and Natasha are stopped in their tracks when they spot a meme of Helen’s outburst that George has posted online. Emma also sees it and tells George that Hannah was right about his attitude to women. He must get it from the influencer he watches online. They’re interrupted by furious Tom hammering at the door. He wonders to Emma whether George enjoys doing Rob’s work for him. He doesn’t want George on the farm ever again.

Toby and Rex take Rosie for a walk in the rewilding meadow, where Toby tells Rex he’s done with the playboy thing. He’s now looking for long-term commitment. But Pip went a bit weird when Toby showed her his dating site and asked her which woman she’d choose. Pat explains to Susan that Helen’s not up to working at the dairy. Susan broaches Helen’s outburst in the Tearoom, saying that George only did what Henry asked him to do. Tearful Pat concedes that Helen may’ve over-reacted but what if Henry had been persuaded to bring Jack with him? Rob might’ve tried to kidnap Jack again. Later Emma tells Susan it says it all that Helen’s not shown her face at work, after the scene she made. And George has gone off sick from Bridge Farm, so he doesn’t risk getting another mouthful. She hopes Susan asked for an apology from Pat. Later while sorting through things for the car boot, Emma comes across Susan’s copy of Lark Rise to Candleford. Emma’s always wished she had more time to lose herself in a good book. Talk turns back to Helen and George, and Susan counsels that Helen deserves a little understanding after what Rob did to her and how he tried to kidnap Jack. Imagine if it was the other way round with Emma’s children and someone had put them in danger. How would Emma feel? Susan understands why Emma wants to defend George, but sometimes Emma needs to stop turning a blind eye to him.

Pip apologises to Stella for being tetchy at the roller skating the other day – she’s just feeling a bit confused. Stella says their kiss was a stupid, drunken moment and didn’t mean anything. They agree not to let it ruin their friendship and head to the Tearoom. Helen worries about how she tore into Henry on Friday. She just wanted Henry to understand that Rob only cares about himself. Pat points out that Henry never wants to see Rob again and that whatever game Rob was playing has backfired. But Helen thinks it’s part of his plan; Rob wants Helen to know that if he can get to Henry, he can get to Jack too. Helen’s surprised when Pat reveals that Henry opened up to her about why he contacted Rob. He wanted to Rob to leave them alone, but then Rob got his hooks into him, saying Helen was unhinged when she was pregnant with Jack. Henry’s cross with himself for being taken in. Pat adds that Henry didn’t arrange the meeting by himself; George helped Henry contact Rob. Helen’s furious and storms over to the Tearoom where she confronts George. He retaliates with a stream of vitriol, and then starts filming Helen as she loses control and calls him crazy. When Helen says she hopes Emma’s proud of George, Emma demands she leaves and as she does so, Helen tells George to stay away from Henry. Afterwards, sobbing Helen tells Pat what happened in front of the whole Tearoom. Now everyone will know about Rob. Why can’t she ever escape?

Ruth tells Tracy that although she’s given a lot of thought to a long-term let for Hannah, she thinks Brookfield B and B has run its course. It would be less stressful for Ben, and Pip has a lot on and seems really out of sorts at the moment. Henry’s achieved his 1000 metre swimming badge at Borchester Leisure Centre, and Kirsty and Helen are delighted. When Kirsty heads off to pick up Henry’s badge, Helen’s shocked to bump into Rob in the car park. She threatens to call the police, but he points out that Helen’s already visited him twice of her own volition. Helen thinks Rob’s bluffing when he says he met up with Henry at the County Show yesterday. But when Henry appears demanding to know what Rob’s doing there, Rob says Helen has a right to know about their meet-up. He taunts Henry, and Helen threatens again to call the police. Rob goes and Kirsty rings Natasha to make sure Jack’s safe. Helen’s incredulous that Henry contacted Rob, reminding him that Rob’s dangerous. Henry explains that Rob told him his dream was to see Henry and Jack before he died. Upset Helen tells Henry that Rob doesn’t care about him, all he wants is Jack. Rob’s a liar and now Henry is too. He could’ve put Jack in danger. When Henry storms off Kirsty tries to calm Helen down pointing out Henry’s as much as a victim as Helen. Now Henry’s been rejected all over again. Distraught Helen wonders what she’s done to Henry.

It the day of the County Show, where Emma thinks it’s great that George is looking out for Henry. When George complains that Helen’s over-protective of him, Emma explains Helen’s back-history with Rob. Helen attacked Rob because she was provoked, and Rob was trying to take Henry away. Henry witnessed the whole thing. George is unnerved and when Henry reveals later that he’s waiting for Rob, tries unsuccessfully to head him off. Eddie smells a rat when he makes a bet on a friend’s sheep herding. He asks Emma to watch the crowd to see if she can spot anything. Emma notices a woman with a silent whistle and manages to stop her distracting the sheep dog. It works and Eddie’s in the money. The event’s given Eddie an idea for another type of herding – turkeys! Rob engages Henry in chat about his life and Henry presents him with a gift of a boat key ring, because Rob saved people in the Ambridge flood. When George tries to steer Henry away, menacing Rob says he’s sure Helen wouldn’t want to know that George had a hand in arranging today’s meeting. She might even sack him. Rob abruptly ends the call to Henry. He asks about Henry and Jack’s social lives and Henry mentions his upcoming swimming challenge at Borchester pool. Rob suggests a meet up with Henry and Jack, but Henry’s hesitant, saying it would just have to be with him, not Jack. When Henry tries to go, Rob tells him he’s dying. Rob’s tone changes as he sees Henry’s not acquiescent. But Henry’s adamant about not bringing Jack, and walks away.

When Pip’s surprised to find that Ruth’s invited Stella roller-skating, Ruth explains it’s because she’d discovered that Stella’s a roller-skating diva. When they’re alone, Stella asks Pip if it’s a problem that she’s coming, but Pip’s says it’s fine. At the rink Pip’s on edge and moans to Ruth about why she invited Stella; she’d thought it was a family outing. Ruth explains it was to take Stella’s mind off losing Weaver. When Stella thinks Pip looks miserable, Pip snaps that it’s her choice to be like that. Stella skates off and Ruth wonders what on earth’s wrong with Pip - she was downright rude. David walks in on Ben trying to fix David’s toy farm. Ben comes clean about losing his balance and falling on it. David’s calm until he discovers that some of the figures are broken too. Ben apologises, but David says the important thing is that he’s still got Phil’s gift tag. Seeing Ben’s crestfallen expression, David jokingly reassures him. It’s only stuff – demolishing his toy farm isn’t actually the end of the world. Ben just needs to focus on getting ready for uni. When Ben worries about the placements on his nursing course, David points out Ben’s support systems. Ben will be fine as long as toy animals aren’t involved! Later when Ben outlines his concerns about the B and B, Pip agrees to take over from him. Later Ruth tells David about Pip’s meltdown and rudeness to Stella earlier. She’s got no idea what’s going on with Pip.

Pip, Lottie and Ben are on a night out, where talk turns to Pip’s love life. Lottie can’t believe there’s been no-one since Toby, but when she probes her further, Pip shuts Lottie down. Later back at Rickyard Ben and Pip unwind. Ben’s surprised to see David’s precious toy farm on the floor and Pip explains that David’s lent it to Rosie. When Ben unloads about how much work is involved in running the B and B, Pip suggests Hannah staying there might make things easier. But Ben’s not convinced; it would still be work, especially when he’s back at uni. Pip suggests mentioning his concerns to Ruth. Disaster strikes when Ben unwittingly treads on David’s toy farm base and it cracks. Trying to regain his balance, he then causes more damage. When Pip comments that Ben’s like Godzilla, Ben wonders how he’s going to tell David. George and Henry unload the Bridge Farm van and George talks about his forthcoming family day out to the County Show. Ed’s showing his Texels and he’s convinced that they’ll get a ton of rosettes. When Henry asks Helen if he can go along with them, she agrees, saying Henry will have a fantastic time. Later Henry tells George that his stepdad’s been texting him. When George wonders if he means Lee, Henry says no, the real one. Rob’s going to meet Henry at the show, so Henry will probably do his own thing there without George. George says that’s fine he can hang out with his mates.

Lynda joins one of Oliver’s Lower Loxley tours and it becomes clear it’s to show him her expertise in dealing with ‘challenging’ situations. Cottoning on Oliver wrongly assumes that Tracy has spilled the beans about his conversation with Adil yesterday. He tries to apologise for calling her challenging, and it dawns on Lynda that Adil and Oliver were talking about her and not the role. Later Adil’s surprised when Ian drops off his signed contract for the Interim Head of Food position, but concedes it’s fine as long as that’s the only surprise appointment that Oliver’s made. They’re interrupted by Lynda who confronts them about calling her ‘unmanageable’ and ‘challenging’. They only make things worse when they attempt to back-track. Finally, when Adil offers Lynda the job of organising their opening event, Lynda tells them she’s too busy and leaves. Ian tells Helen he’s accepted the Head of Food role. Helen wonders if he’ll get to choose the cheese suppliers. She can drop some supplies round. But Ian stops her saying she’d be one of several potential suppliers. Helen retreats and gives Ian the brush off when he suggests meeting up. Later Ian asks Kirsty for advice, wondering if the Rob situation is getting Helen down more than she’s admitting. But when Kirsty checks in with Helen, she’s ok; work has been a little bit stressful but she’ll been able to focus more while Lee’s visiting his daughters in San Francisco. And she’s heard nothing more from Miles or Rob. Helen’s delighted when Kirsty offers to stay while Lee’s away.

Tracy and Ruth discuss Brookfield B and B. Tracy wonders if they were to do longer lets, might it be somewhere that Hannah could stay? Ruth says she’ll check with Ben. Toby’s taking Rosie to Cornwall soon and Pip wishes she’d done more with Rosie over the holidays. Ruth proposes that they take Rosie to the new roller-skating rink this week. And as Pip looks like she could do with a night out, Ruth also offers to babysit so that she can go out with Lottie. Oliver tells Tracy that Grey Gables recruitment advertising starts this week for its opening in the Autumn. He’d happily recommend Tracy for one of the Welcome roles there. Tracy declines; she’s really happy at The Bull and it has none of the stresses of a big hotel. They’re interrupted by Adil ringing to tell Oliver that their launch plans have got the green light. When Adil’s keen to find an event planner, Oliver mentions tempting their previous staff back. Adil hopes he doesn’t mean Lynda – she’s completely unmanageable. Oliver agrees she can be challenging, but in a good way. They agree to discuss it further tomorrow. Overhearing them, Tracy asks Oliver who is unmanageable. Oliver bluffs that they were talking about the ‘challenging’ role and that things can get ‘unmanageable’. Later Tracy mentions the role to Lynda who would relish the challenge, but wonders why Adil didn’t mention it to her. She may be forced to blow her own rather considerable trumpet and convince Oliver and Adil that there’s life in the old dog.

Tom gives Fallon the news that they won’t be giving her a long lease on the Tearoom. He reassures her it’s nothing she’s done wrong. Perceptive Lynda sees Fallon’s upset when she confuses an order. Fallon explains her conversation with Tom. Lynda assures her she’s doing brilliantly, the Tearoom is a success. Yes, but for how long, declares Fallon. She understands the Bridge Farm Archers might want to keep their options open, but with the possibility of competition in the form of a coffee chain just down the road, she doesn’t want to lose vital footfall. It couldn’t come at a worse time, with Harrison about to reduce his hours. Lynda reckons Fallon needs some work-life balance too. Fallon counters she loves her job, it doesn’t feel like work, but concedes a holiday would be nice. Lynda offers her a loan. Fallon’s touched by her kindness, but says she doesn’t need one at the moment. Lynda declares she’ll make it her mission to ensure the community supports the Tearoom. Pip returns Stella’s bag, feeling awkward about last night. She scuttles off, leaving Stella exasperated. She catches up with Pip, saying she doesn’t want things to be weird between them. Pip wants to forget it ever happened, but Stella says there’s no need to be embarrassed. It was just a kiss and not a big deal. Pip thaws, and they drink tea together. She thanks Stella for making it normal. Stella reassures Pip; last night was down to both of them. They agree they’re really glad they’re mates.

Ian reports to Tom Helen’s slightly odd behaviour at the food fayre, where she tried to downgrade the cheese competition. Ian continues to share the details, in confidence, when Helen interrupts them and susses they were talking about her. Mortified Ian protests he was just worried about her, but Helen isn’t having it. She misunderstands, and storms off in anger at her friend’s betrayal. Later Tom tries to talk to Helen, but she insists she’s fine. She’s keen to move on and focus on the business. She thinks they should let Fallon know that tying themselves into a longer lease for her on the Tearoom right now wouldn’t make sense for them. She asks taken aback Tom to give Fallon the news. Rosie’s too scared to sleep in the tent Pip’s set up, and has retreated to her grandparents for the night. Pip suggests going to the pub instead of camping, but sensing Stella’s disappointment agrees they should go ahead with it anyway – especially when Stella reveals she’s brought some giant marshmallows! Jubilant Pip gets a fire going and the two share their respective journeys into farming. They agree it can be lonely. Pip admits that sometimes she wants to branch out, but she’s stuck because she’s scared. Stella reckons Pip’s brave, and impressive. As the conversation progresses, Stella gets emotional. Pip apologises for chattering on when Stella’s just buried her dog. Stella says it’s been a welcome distraction. They hug, which turns into a kiss. Panicked Pip jumps up, exclaiming she has to go.

Stubborn Stella’s having trouble accepting relief help from Ed and George, but she finally gives in and offers George a day’s trial at Home Farm, at the going rate. Joy reports Harrison isn’t able to help with finding Marvin. Clarrie thought as much. Eddie’s too depressed even for George to do his appeal video. Joy offers to speak to Eddie, coaxing him not to wallow and to take positive action. They can continue the search without Harrison’s help. Undeterred by his doom-mongering, Joy manages to get Eddie to do the video. She’ll get George to edit and tidy it, and see if the Echo will post it on their socials. Eddie and Clarrie are grateful. Clarrie wants to go with Ed and Emma to the Bull to celebrate George’s successful day at Home Farm, but Eddie’s not keen. However Clarrie insists, and sends him upstairs to change his clothes. Jubilant Eddie finds Marvin curled up the pocket of his trousers. It’s a double celebration at the Bull! George has made a good fist of his tractor driving trial, and Stella offers him some casual shifts. George promises he won’t let her down, but not before divulging that Weaver’s the second dog Ed’s killed. Later Ed offers to buy Stella a drink. She’s looking forward to overnight camping with Pip and Rosie now she’s got some help with the farm. She’s also had time to arrange a proper burial for Weaver. Ed tries to explain what happened with Baz, Will’s dog, but Stella’s fine with it. She’s appreciated Ed’s kindness.

Oliver admires George’s bale stacking effort. It’s a fantastic achievement and George has raised a phenomenal amount of money. George says he starts his farm management course in the autumn – before Oliver knows it he’ll be a fully-fledged farm promotions company. Neil arrives to talk to George. Oliver thinks George should hear his granddad out. Neil praises George’s fete effort and invites him to tea. Neil hates all the bad feeling between them. George shocks him by declaring Oliver’s been more of a granddad to him than Neil. Neil tells Oliver he’s not sure George will ever come round, guiltily admitting he’s not an easy kid to like. Oliver thinks he’s being hard on himself, but Neil wonders why he’s the only grandparent who can’t connect with George. Clarrie says Eddie’s holed up in the cider shed, stressing over lost Marvin. Emma reports her birthday meal last night was miserable, with Ed and George hardly speaking. The women resolve to keep looking for Marvin. George has offered to put an appeal online, meanwhile Eddie’s savagely dismantling the ferret wheel. George has news later that Eddie’s taking some positive action and starting a ring round to see if anyone’s heard anything. Emma tells George that Ed’s under pressure, trying to arrange some time off for Stella, so George needs to go easy on him. George agrees he will. Later he offers to drive a tractor for Home Farm, free of charge, to help out. Emma sees this as a kind of apology from George; he’s not a bad lad deep down.

Ian and Adam discuss Ian’s Grey Gables job offer. It puts the dampers on his summer plans. Adam says it’s fine to turn it down. The money would be useful but they’re not desperate. Ian resolves to think it over. Ian comments that Xander fell asleep late last night as he’s still upset about Weaver. He’s drawn Stella a picture. Ian suggests they call in on Stella today with it. Adam agrees it would be better to have Stella as a friend than an enemy. Stella loves the picture, and their gift of flowers. Prompted by Ian, Adam apologises for the recent tensions between them. But when he talks about the cherries, Stella takes it the wrong way and cuts short their visit. Later Ian declares he’ll take the Head of Food job. It might just give him the money to start expanding the pizza business. Ed cooks Emma a birthday breakfast. She reports ruefully that George only sent her a card via Clarrie. She tells Ed that Eddie’s lost Marvin, his favourite ferret. Ed’s still feeling bad about Weaver; he thinks Stella’s avoiding him. Emma suggests he tells Stella again how sorry he is. He approaches harassed Stella, who’s trying to get the combine fixed and field a call from the vet about releasing Weaver. Ed offers help, and another apology. Stella assures him it’s not his fault; she just wants to be able to get on with the harvest. Emma reminds disconsolate Ed that Stella’s grieving, and has a lot on. Ed resolves to help Stella take a break.

Oliver’s been invited to the Borsetshire Rural Food Fayre; he’s hoping to put in an appearance but wants to be back to see Eddie’s special attraction at the fete. Ian’s judging at the fayre. Oliver comments Helen’s hoping for a top prize with her cheese so Adil will select it for Grey Gables. Oliver confides they’ve had to let the new Head of Food go already. He suggests Ian might be interested. Ian protests he’s a chef, not a head of food – and Adil wouldn’t want him anyway. Oliver’s disappointed, and Ian agrees to think about it. Later a judge pulls out of the food fayre, and Oliver suggests Helen take her place. It might impress Adil even more than a prize. Helen proceeds to mark down Cordwell Cream, the rival cheese being considered for Grey Gables. Ian protests judging has to be unbiased. Helen insists she marked it honestly. At the fete Eddie’s allocated the stall positions wrongly, and people are complaining. Lynda reassures struggling Joy; she’ll help smooth things over. Eddie arrives in a medieval warrener’s outfit, keen to get his surprise attraction set up for later. George passes Lynda the QR code for her brochures before setting off for his charity challenge, and all is underway. George’s bale stacking is a success, but Lynda can’t relax, fretting about Eddie. However when he unveils his Grundy Ferrets Wheel she’s charmed; it’s quite wonderful and captures perfectly the spirit of the fete. And her brochures have over five hundred downloads. What an event for her to bow out on!

Brad makes his confession and apology to Eddie for acting as Lynda’s informant over the fete plans. As Brad fumbles for the right words Eddie enjoys the moment a bit too much, making Brad even more upset by winding him up. It dawns on Eddie that Brad’s taking him too seriously and he stops the game. He admits he was playing along with Brad giving himself a hard time. He really doesn’t mind that Brad grassed him up to Lynda. In fact he should be thanking Brad; he and Lynda are now the fete dream team. He invites Brad to help him put the finishing touches to his special highlight – as long as he doesn’t tell anyone what it is. Weaver had a bad night. Stella’s going to have to let him go. Ruth offers to take Stella to the surgery to say goodbye. It’s a very emotional moment as Stella talks to Weaver while Alistair attends to him. Alistair admits to Paul afterwards that these times don’t get any easier and he got upset, when he should’ve remained professional. Paul’s supportive, but thinks it was good that Stella could see that Alistair cared about Weaver - clients would rather have a vet who showed a bit of emotion. He asks Alistair’s advice on the photos he has of Weaver. Alistair suggests letting Stella decide whether she wants to see them or not. Later with Ruth, Stella decides to look at them and gains some comfort. Together they laugh at the endearing pictures, and Ruth gives Stella a hug.

Out for an evening walk, Mia updates distracted Brad on George moving out of Little Grange and setting his sights on No.1 The Green, and the hash Eddie’s made of organising the fete. But Brad isn’t listening. He has a confession to make. He’s betrayed the whole Grundy family by answering Lynda’s many questions about the fete, and now Eddie’s in trouble. Mia reckons Eddie would have been found out anyway; Brad shouldn’t worry. And no-one will say anything as it’s all turned out fine. But Brad insists Eddie will find out who dobbed him in, and he’ll be for it. He knows these situations; the truth always comes out. He intends to confess to Eddie. Mia reiterates Brad’s done nothing wrong; in fact his actions saved the fete. Brad’s adamant – he’ll talk to Eddie first thing tomorrow. Stella and Ruth watch the barley harvest at Home Farm. Ruth offers to take Weaver back to the bungalow and feed him. As she takes his lead Stella’s distracted by a call from Alistair. Ruth loses control of Weaver, who runs off. It’s soon clear he’s been hit by Ed’s trailer. In the vet surgery Stella awaits news. She insists to Ruth that it wasn’t her fault; a hare had caught Weaver’s attention. Ruth says Ed feels awful too, but again Stella reassures her. Alistair confirms that as a greyhound, Weaver would have a high prey drive and it’s doubtful anyone could have stopped him. He’s being treated, but Stella needs to be prepared for a difficult decision.

Eddie enthuses to Mia about the ferret themed fete. Mia points out some shortcomings she’s heard about. Eddie declares these are all blips – inevitable when working within a budget. He spots Lynda approaching and tries to hide, but she spots him. Lynda challenges him about the fete, suggesting it’s chaos. Defeated, Eddie admits it’s all got away from him. He can’t see a solution. Lynda suggests they join forces. With Eddie’s ideas and her organisational skills, all will be well. Chelsea bumps into Stella on her way to the rewilding site. They’re joined by Paul, who wonders about Weaver doing a photo shoot for a feature on rescue dogs – he’d be perfect. Chelsea thinks Stella should jump at it. After some hesitation Stella agrees, however Weaver isn’t the perfect model. Mia and Chelsea work together on the labels for the rewilding stall. They talk about Brad, both noting aspects of his personality. Chelsea’s surprised Mia’s observed so much, feeling that as Brad’s sister, she herself should know him best. She doesn’t want him messed about. Mia assures her she won’t – she doesn’t want Brad hurt or laughed at either. The pair agree they’re on the same page. Helen wants to rebrand Sterling Gold to Grey Gables Gold for Adil. Pat thinks it’s selling out, but Helen’s determined to do anything to keep the cheese business afloat. Pat suggests a compromise, which Helen agrees to think about. If she can win back the cheese agreement with Adil, everything else will fall into place.

Mia and Kirsty are prepping for the rewilding stall at Sunday’s fete. Chelsea turns up and Mia’s on the defensive. But Chelsea insists she’s there to volunteer her help. She reckons it would give them an opportunity to chat. But Mia rebuffs her olive branch, declaring her offer to paint nails at the stall is off-brand. Chelsea retreats. Mia seeks Kirsty’s advice. She explains that Chelsea’s confrontational and they don’t get on, but she’s Brad’s sister, and the siblings are close. What would Kirsty do? Later Chelsea comes to Kirsty with exactly the same issue. Mia’s an up herself eco-geek and they’re totally different people, but she’s Brad’s girlfriend and she doesn’t want to hurt him. So does she just put up with Mia? Kirsty points out the thing they have in common – both of them care about Brad. Perhaps they can learn to put up with one another. Tom begins his charm offensive on Adil, leaving Alistair baffled. Tom asks Adil if he’d like to join the cricket team to fill absent Johnny’s place. Adil protests he’s no good, but Tom offers to throw him a few balls on the Green as a trial, and then stand him coffee and cake at lunch. After a few tips hopeless Adil makes contact with the ball just once – and hits a plant pot at Greenacres. Alistair points out it’s Jim’s prizewinning hydrangea, in a replica Grecian urn which is now broken. Tom immediately takes the blame, but Adil knows what he’s up to, and declares the charm technique won’t work.

Lynda’s delighted to discover Brad’s treasurer on the fete committee. As he begins to divulge information and she discovers there are no minutes of the meetings, she encourages him to share more. Brad protests that he only does the figures, but Lynda declares he has a duty of truth. She convinces him they can save the fete between them. He admits two bands have been cancelled, and there are no favourites like the tombola. They’re set to make a loss. Lynda asks if anything at all is likely to come off, and Brad tells her there are some planned ferret attractions at the fete – in fact most of it is ferret based. Lynda galvanises; they have to act. She persuades Brad to provide more information which she can use to confront Eddie. Brad’s horrified; they’ll know it’s him who’s grassed and he’ll be banished from the family! Lynda reassures him. She’ll see to it that Eddie’s far too busy to even question him. Helen has another go at persuading Adil to take Bridge Farm cheese at Grey Gables. He admires the samples before declaring Helen can send over some figures for Borsetshire Blue, but for the hard cheese, he’s already sorted. Helen’s despondent. Tom worries about the veg too – their connection with Grey Gables may soon be over. They have to win Adil round; it’s clear none of the deals he mentioned are signed off yet. Tom picks up that Adil likes the personal touch; he reckons he can charm him by being his new best mate.

Adil’s preparing for some Sunday work; he buys peppermints to cheer him. Joy reminds him it’s the fête next Sunday. Lynda joins them and declares she’s looking forward to putting her feet up this year. Privately, Joy admits to Lynda she’s not happy with the Grundy fête arrangements. Lynda asserts they need to learn to live with it not being as polished this year. But Kirsty too calls on Lynda’s services; she and Rex have a rewilding display planned, and they’re not sure what’s going on. Lynda agrees to have a word with Eddie. Later, she reports to Joy that she was fobbed off by the Grundys. She fears something fishy’s going on. Joy tells her the Hollerton Silver Band has been cancelled, which is enough for Lynda to feel the need to recruit an undercover operative. Joy suggests Brad Horrobin. Kirsty and Tom chat about Johnny’s new adventure, and explore how they feel about the news that Rob’s dying. For Tom, it’s a good thing, though sometimes he wonders if it’s real, or if it’s a set-up. Kirsty’s questions prompt Tom to ask Helen how she’s doing. Helen says she’s okay; it’s time to focus on the farm again. She suddenly remembers she needs to put in her bid to supply Grey Gables with cheese, and renew her supplier accreditation before it lapses. They meet with Adil, who’s just dismissed his recently appointed Head of Food. Adil disappoints them; he already has a mozzarella supplier. Helen declares she won’t give up. She’ll get this contract signed and sealed.

Tracy’s cherry-picking at Home Farm. She chats with Adam about Bert’s clandestine party while Tracy and Jazzer were away. Talk turns to Jennifer’s love of the cherry trees. Adam’s shocked when he hears the cherries are for the chop. He confronts Brian, who says it’s unfortunate – he’s aware Adam’s put a lot of hard work into them. Adam blames Stella, thinking she has an agenda. But Brian stops him short – Stella’s reasoning is sound. When Adam mentions Jennifer’s love of the cherries, Brian’s furious. Home Farm is a business and Adam needs to apologise to Stella. He grudgingly does so. Henry quietly dials Rob’s number. Rob’s been waiting for Henry’s call. Nervous, Henry tells him to leave his mum alone. Rob doesn’t blame Henry for protecting Helen, but points out that in the past, it should’ve been Helen protecting Henry. When Rob says he’s missed Henry and Jack, Henry wonders why Rob’s only bothering to try and see them now. He thinks Rob’s only aiming to hurt them all over again. But Rob says he was the one who got hurt. On the night of the incident, Helen was acting irrationally and trying to tear the family apart, because she didn’t want to share Henry. Henry doesn’t believe him and again tells Rob to leave them alone. Rob chooses that moment to announce he’s unwell. The most precious things to him are Jack, Henry and Helen. All he wants from Henry is the odd text – but he mustn’t tell Helen. When Henry agrees, Rob says that’s my boy.

Will visits Hannah with the news that he, George and Poppy have decided to live at No.1 The Green. Hannah’s upset, thinking it’s no coincidence that George blames her for being sacked and now she’s being kicked out. Later, George tells Hannah it was his idea and warns her to keep the place spotless, because when he moves in he’ll be inspecting every corner. Hannah retorts that she sees right through him and soon everyone else will too. Later, Eddie reminds Will that being a landlord doesn’t sit well with the Grundys and should be left to the Matt Crawfords of the world. The Grundys construct a makeshift marquee for the fete out of some scrap poles and old canvas, to save hiring a marquee. Brad’s confused when Will invites him for tea at Grange Farm, assuming it’s a family get-together now that he’s Mia’s boyfriend. He’s wrong-footed when he discovers Mia’s not there and the real reason is to ask Brad to help with the village fete. Will helps George with his bale stacking practice and they’re pleased with George’s progress. George is in a celebratory mood, but Will feels guilty for chucking Hannah out. George is reassuring, saying that Hannah was fine about it all when he’d chatted to her earlier. George reckons it could be a positive thing for Hannah because she might want to move nearer to her mum and have a closer relationship with her. Just like he and Will are doing by moving into No.1. So really, everyone’s a winner.

Helen’s overseeing Henry’s school project when they’re interrupted by George wondering if Henry’s free. George is taking Keira to the skatepark; might Henry like to join them? Henry begs Helen to let him go and she concedes, but George has to look after Henry. At the skatepark, George says Helen’s a nag and he thought Emma was bad. He’s going to move in with Will to get some peace. Henry wishes he could move out. They treat him like a little kid. He knows there’s something big going on but they just shut him out. Henry says he really needs to talk to a ‘sort of relation’, but his mum would go mad. George says he’ll look for the number on his phone. Johnny’s been offered the chance to crew on a round the world yacht. Bridge Farm has a meeting about how to manage things while he’s away. The family decide that the farm can manage without Johnny for another four months; they’ll find support for Tony with the extra milking shifts. Later, Helen and Tom agree they’re going to miss Johnny’s steadying influence. George drops Henry home and when Helen remarks that Henry and George are getting on well, Henry says it’s because George listens to him and treats him like an equal. Helen apologises for being over-protective earlier. When Helen’s distracted, Henry nips into the garden where George is waiting for him with the requested phone number. George presses Henry to ring the number straight away, but Henry wants to think about it first.

In April 2016 Helen Archer was arrested for stabbing her husband Rob Titchener during a row. One of the most closely followed trials in British radio drama history saw calls to domestic abuse helplines increase by 17%. This bonus catch-up edition charts the romance and the emerging coercive control, including Rob’s physical abuse of Helen, through to Helen taking her life in her own hands and stabbing Rob, and the insidious impact of Rob’s return on the family at Bridge Farm. If you are suffering domestic abuse or violence, a list of organisations that can provide help and support in the UK is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline Helen Archer ….. Louiza Patikas Rob Titchener ….. Timothy Watson Kirsty Miller ….. Annabelle Dowler Tony Archer ….. David Troughton Pat Archer ….. Patricia Gallimore Tom Archer ..... William Troughton Johnny Phillips ….. Tom Gibbons Anna Tregorran ….. Isobel Middleton Lee Bryce ….. Ryan Early Jury foreman ….. Nigel Havers Narrator: Annabelle Dowler Written and produced by Mel Ward The Archers Editor is Jeremy Howe A BBC Audio Drama Birmingham production

Join Jill in the kitchen at Brookfield as she makes a batch of her much loved mince pies