The Archers

Joy has a big question to ask, and the Aldridge family face an alternative Christmas.

There’s a Christmas Eve surprise in Ambridge, and Brian is not amused.

Eddie sells Jolene some tickets for the concert at St. Stephen’s. Jolene queries the price, but Eddie claims he bought them from a different website. Jolene asks Alan about the price of tickets, and when Alan mentions they’re twenty pounds, Eddie desperately covers telling Alan they were VIP tickets and that’s why they were expensive. Jolene and Alan round on Eddie. Realising he’s been caught out he offers to give Jolene her money back. Alan asks Eddie how many tickets he bought and tells him he must refund everybody. Eddie has to come clean, telling Alan he can’t refund as he’s already spent the money on a new drone for George’s business. Thinking on his feet, he offers a Grundy goodie bag instead. Jakob finds Kate looking at holidays. Although she’s happy they’re going somewhere warm, she wishes they could do a Scandi city break too. Jakob points out they can do that any time. Kate looks forward to cooking Christmas lunch for the family. They’ll be eating in one of the yurts and she warns Jakob to keep it a secret. Later Alan asks Jakob if he’s free to play the organ over Christmas. Kate mentions they have plans for Christmas Eve. Talk then turns to the concert, and Kate and Jakob volunteer to be ushers. Jakob worries about letting Alan down over the lack of an organist. Kate tells him if he wants to play, he should do what he feels is right; they can always reschedule. She’s a lucky woman – and Alan will be very happy.

Mick and Joy make eggnog and wrap presents. Mick’s really looking forward to doing Christmas with Joy now they’re ‘housemates’! Kenton spoils the mood as he gives Mick short shrift about his motor home, still parked outside The Bull. Time’s up, and if Mick can’t get it moved, Kenton will have to take action. Eddie drops them off a turkey, and Mick takes the opportunity to ask about some other Christmassy bits and pieces Eddie has. He tells Joy he’s got an idea for his old van – it might as well go out with a bang. Ticket tout Eddie tries to flog them tickets for the St Stephen’s concert. Will comments on all the stuff in Eddie’s van that he’s hoping to sell for last minute Christmas goodies. Will’s dismayed that everyone’s doing Christmas Day separately. George still isn’t speaking to them; at least he’s in contact with Poppy and Keira. Eddie acknowledges it’s not easy on anyone. Eddie gives stranded Brian a lift home, enlisting his help on his delivery round. He’s grateful for Brian’s help, and Brian expresses his sympathy over how difficult things are for Christmas at Grange Farm. He’s keen that he and Eddie don’t fall out over George. They still don’t see eye to eye, but Brian recalls something Joe once said, prompting Eddie to invite Brian to The Bull. Later over a convivial pint and chat with Kenton, Eddie realises he can sell some of his concert tickets to Brian. The hottest ticket in town, declares Eddie – Miranda will be impressed.

Natasha’s self-conscious about their small, messy home as visiting Brenda talks about her assets. Natasha’s ears prick up on hearing the new offer on Kirsty’s house is not proving straightforward. Brenda’s heading to Birmingham tomorrow and asks Kirsty to keep her updated on the Beechwood house sale, reminding her that the clock is ticking for Roy and Hayley and the sale of Willow Farm. Bold Natasha reiterates her offer on the Beechwood house to Kirsty, and after some reassurance about Helen, Kirsty accepts. Natasha promises it’ll be the easiest house sale ever. Ed and Emma aren’t keen on the idea of The Grundys and Carters spending Christmas Day together at Ambridge View, especially as Eddie could end up on his own. Clarrie’s disappointed the St Stephen’s concert is sold out, although Eddie doesn’t seem bothered. At Lower Loxley Ed tries to persuade Emma to put on some skates as he joins Keira on the ice. Vince catches Emma alone and she shares her worries about George. Vince mentions how Freddie turned things around after prison – prison could turn out to be the making of bright, capable George. Emma admits she’d like to just shut the world out and have a cosy day at home on Christmas Day. Vince advises her to do whatever she wants and not feel guilty. Cheered up, Emma joins Ed and Keira on the ice. She tells Ed about her plan for Christmas Day – just her, Ed and Keira. Ed wonders how they’re going to break the news to their parents.

Helen reminds Clarrie and Susan about buying tickets for the Christmas Eve concert at St Stephen’s. Susan and Clarrie discuss Emma’s sadness at them not all being together on Christmas Day. Susan offers to come over to Grange Farm with Neil on the day – could Clarrie convince Eddie to agree? Tom attempts to explain to Helen that his actions over the Beechwood house weren’t deliberate. Helen admits she overreacted; she was just a bit jealous. The house would be perfect for Tom and his family. Helen assumes neither of them are now buying the house, but when Tom mentions the counter offer he and Natasha are putting in, Helen’s furious once again. Later, Tom has a solution – he and Natasha buy the house and Helen and the boys move in temporarily. Helen comes round to the idea. Now Tom needs to talk to Kirsty and stop her selling elsewhere. Eddie thanks Brad for visiting George. The best thing they can do for him is to make sure he has something to come home to. But Brad shares that George’s drone needs fixing and he doesn’t have the funds. Eddie concocts a plan to raise the money – he’ll buy up the remaining tickets for the St Stephen’s concert and resell them for more. Clarrie makes Eddie hear Susan out. Susan wants to patch things up for the sake of both families. But despite apologising for the hurtful things he said to Susan, Eddie can’t bring himself to spend Christmas Day at Ambridge View. They can go ahead, but without him.

Concerned Ruth allows Leonard to continue trying to be useful as he recovers from his injury; he’s getting busy vacuuming. David’s not sure how much more he can take. Ruth points out they can’t order him not to help. After damaging a lampshade, Leonard helps Ruth and David with fresh bedding for the Herefords. Leonard talks fondly of his son in Singapore, who he misses. Leonard feels like a hindrance. Ruth and David show their appreciation and offer him more jobs to take on: he can be on mulled wine duty for guests in the events barn this evening. Leonard realises he’s better helping around the farm than in the house, but as David lists more jobs, Ruth points out he’s not free labour. Later Leonard tells them how much he’s looking forward to sharing this special time of year with them. He hasn’t looked forward to Christmas this much for a long time. David assures him the feeling’s mutual. Susan reminds Emma that they can’t force George to see them. Brad reports back from his prison visit that George thinks it’s better for everyone not to have any contact for a while. Someone else has visited George, though, but Brad didn’t find out who. Susan tries to distract Emma by talking about the upcoming concert at St Stephen’s. Emma’s snappy, before apologising as they reflect on how awkward it is between the Grundys and Carters right now. Emma would like all the people she loves to be together for Christmas, but that’s not going to happen.

Kirsty senses Brad has something on his mind, and she gets him to help her with putting up boxes for dormice. He talks about having seen Mia on Sunday and admits he’s apprehensive about visiting George in prison tomorrow. He’s the only person George will let visit him and Brad isn’t keen to be a go-between. Kirsty points out that no-one’s beyond redemption and it’s good Brad is visiting George, although George is not his responsibility. Brenda catches up with Helen, full of compliments about what Helen has achieved. They gossip about the locals and Brenda’s love life. Brenda mentions Tom and Natasha wanting to buy the house Helen’s in, which leaves Helen confused. Buoyant Natasha gives Tom the news from the mortgage advisor. They can get a large loan, but it’s because Natasha offered a bigger deposit of £50,000. Tom’s shocked, but Natasha has an idea. They can use the safety net money from her business. Helen confronts them about buying Kirsty’s house, and Natasha tries to justify their actions. When Helen presses them on how soon they’ll want her out, Natasha suggests a swap – Helen could rent April Cottage. Helen is offended, and berates selfish Tom.Brenda apologises to Kirsty for putting a possible spanner in the works regarding the house. She hadn’t realised that Helen didn’t already know. Natasha’s still keen to press ahead, but they get a message from Kirsty. She’s had a better offer, and given the situation with Helen, to avoid bad blood, Kirsty is accepting it. Tom and Natasha have been gazumped.

Injured Leonard’s settling in well at Brookfield. With Jill out of the way today, he takes the initiative to cook a casserole for everyone. He struggles but soldiers on, chatting to Ruth about buying some tickets for the Christmas Eve concert at St Stephen’s. Ruth has to step in and help as Leonard strains himself and goes off for a rest. David’s horrified by the state of the kitchen, and as Ruth stops to tidy up, David’s left to tidy the barn alone. Brenda arrives at Willow Farm, looking well-to-do in a cashmere coat and driving a nice car. She’s keen that the sale of Willow Farm to Kirsty goes through, but Kirsty just needs to get her house sold first. Brenda talks about her work abroad and her plans for Christmas in Birmingham. They catch up about Rewilding Ambridge, and how well Kirsty’s doing since discovering Philip’s role in modern slavery and the Grey Gables explosion. Getting on to the business of selling Willow Farm, Brenda presses the point that Roy and Hayley want to get the sale completed asap. Kirsty senses that it’s not the done deal for her that she’d assumed. Natasha comes over to chat to Kirsty and meets Brenda, who’s delighted to meet Tom’s wife. She jokingly points out that they have all been engaged to Tom! Brenda inadvertently makes a comparison between herself and Natasha. When Natasha goes, Brenda reminds Kirsty that if she sells her Beechwood house to Tom and Natasha, she’ll definitely be able to buy Willow Farm.

Emma’s tired from gutting turkeys and presses Ed to get off the sofa, as there’s loads to do for Christmas. They discuss doing something nice with Keira on Friday, how much effort Clarrie puts in to Christmas dinner, and where everyone will be this year. Emma knows that it’s all a distraction for Clarrie, to help them not worry about George. Emma can’t bear the thought of not seeing George over Christmas, but George won’t let them visit. She hopes Brad will persuade him. Helen swears Natasha to secrecy as she reveals Joy’s planning to propose to Mick on Christmas Day. Helen admits to Tom and Natasha she may have to move in with Pat and Tony. Tom wonders what Helen’s heard about the house sale. Helen just hopes the couple interested don’t snap it up too quickly, so she can find somewhere else to live. Tom’s anxious to withdraw their offer to Kirsty, but Natasha says they don’t actually know how Helen would feel about it until they talk to her. Kirsty realises they haven’t told Helen and senses Tom and Natasha aren’t in agreement about the house. They start to backtrack on the offer, asking for more time to get things in order. When Helen walks in, Natasha changes the subject to the panto trip Joy’s organising for the village. Kirsty’s interrupted by a phone call from Brenda. Natasha learns a few details about Brenda from Tom, before Kirsty returns to tell Helen that Brenda’s coming to Ambridge to oversee the sale of Willow Farm. She’s arriving tomorrow.

Kirsty tells Natasha that she hasn’t heard anything more from Gavin, but Lynda had an interesting chat with him. It’s made Kirsty think again about giving Gavin something. She can afford it and she could then sell the house with a clear conscience. She’s going to see him at his hostel. Helen turns up confirming to Kirsty that it’s ok for to do another house viewing tomorrow. Natasha’s ears prick up when she hears it’s their second viewing.Later Helen tells Joy she hasn’t had any luck finding anywhere to move to, but wonders how Joy’s getting on with Mick staying at her house. Joy says they’re having a ball and she’s going to propose to Mick on Christmas Day!Gavin explains to Kirsty that he was really nervous about seeing Lynda and she didn’t let him off the hook. But she also said she didn’t want him to be miserable either. Gavin can’t expect people to forgive him, but he can try to do something better with his life. Kirsty says she would like to help him, offering some money. But Gavin’s adamant that he has to rebuild his life on his own. It’s enough that Kirsty wanted to help him. Hopefully one day he’ll be back on his own two feet.Later Kirsty tells Natasha that she’s ready to finally put the whole awful episode behind her and get shot of the house. She’d accept a half decent offer on it, as long as it means she can buy Willow Farm. Natasha jumps in and asks if she and Tom could make an offer.

Family and friends prepare the Tearoom ready for Pat and Tony’s 50th Wedding Anniversary party. Tony’s had the task of keeping the surprise from Pat, and she’s delighted when she gets there. She can’t believe that Tony managed to keep it a secret from her. When Mick congratulates Tony on his long marriage, Tony says that he and Pat have weathered many storms, but he wouldn’t have wanted to go through them with anyone else. Talk turns to Mick staying at Joy’s, with Mick explaining that it’s only over Christmas and then they’ll see. But he’s enjoying the home comforts and being with Joy of course. Tony reckons Jolene and Kenton will be rooting for them – they probably can’t wait to get his old campervan off their car park! Elsewhere Joy chats to Tom and Natasha saying it’s a shame Helen’s moving out from next door to her. When Natasha says what a great house it is, Joy suggests that Tom and Natasha move in. Joy heads off to mingle and Natasha points out to Tom that they can’t rent forever; Seren and Nova deserve a bigger house. Tom admits that’s he’s tempted.Later Pat thanks Tony for a wonderful evening and they reminisce about their early days. And now with a thriving farm and Helen and Tom ready to take it forward for their children, it’s not a bad legacy. They kiss. Looking on Mick and Joy comment that it just goes to show that if you find the right person, you need to hold on to them tightly.

When Robert tells Lynda that Gavin turned up to sniff around his dad’s old house, Kirsty’s not sure that’s true as Gavin hasn’t asked for any money. Lynda’s jumpy and Robert wonders if she’s ok as she’s been like that since she got back from the Christmas Market yesterday. Later Lynda tells Kirsty that she met Gavin yesterday, but didn’t want Robert to know. She thought Gavin looked utterly broken and full of remorse, like he was seeking some kind of redemption. Kirsty admits she felt the same when she saw him and wonders whether he deserves a second chance.Later when Lynda confesses to Robert about seeing Gavin, he’d already guessed. Jim had seen Lynda having a lift in Alan’s car. He apologises to her saying he’s been selfish and hopes it was healing for her. Tearful Lynda admits she wanted to forgive Gavin, but she couldn’t. Especially when she has to look at her scars every day. But Robert says they remind him what a remarkable woman he married. They agree they’re lucky to have each other.David’s surprised when Leonard thanks him for agreeing to help pack up his bungalow but then discovers that Jill had volunteered him. David reluctantly agrees to go, even though there’s so much to do on the farm. Leonard takes ages packing up his things and David’s shocked at how much Leonard wants to bring, including his Fiddle Leaf Fig plant! Later when David’s grouchy about Leonard to Jill, she reminds him how special Leonard is to her; he’s given her so much she never expected to have.

Ruth and David drive along a country lane and chat about Rewilding Ambridge’s plans to introduce beavers. David’s concerned because he’s seen lots of stories about beaver damage. They spot Leonard who’s cycling towards them and give him a friendly honk. But when they look back to check if he saw them, see that he’s crashed.Alan drives Lynda along the same country lane where Alan worries about upsetting Robert yesterday. He checks that Lynda’s sure she doesn’t want Robert to know that they’re going to see Gavin. But she’s very clear; Robert would only try to stop her if he knew. They’re stopped in their tracks when they spot Ruth and David helping shell-shocked Leonard out of a ditch. After checking everything's ok with Leonard, Lynda and Alan head on to a café where Gavin explains how sorry he is about the explosion at Grey Gables. He hopes that if Lynda hears how his life’s been destroyed by it too, it might help her. But Lynda says his suffering can’t give back what was taken from her and lists the physical and mental impact on her. She doesn’t want Gavin to punish himself, but she can’t forgive him either. He needs to forgive himself. Although they can’t change what happened, they can accept it and try to move on.Ruth and David take Leonard to A and E where they discover that he’s fractured his wrist. As Ruth and David debate whether they could cope with Leonard staying with them while he recovers, Leonard informs them that Jill’s insisting he stays at Brookfield.

Natasha and Tom chat about plans for Pat and Tony’s 50th wedding anniversary on Thursday. Tom confirms that Pat just wants a quiet family celebration along with their weekend break. Natasha then brings up the subject of buying Kirsty’s house. She’s been looking at some mortgage deals and reckons they could afford to buy it. Tom agrees it would be nice to have somewhere bigger, but he’s in no rush to move.Later Natasha catches up with Kirsty, who tells her about Gavin turning up yesterday. He’d seen her house was for sale and Kirsty wonders if he feels he’s entitled to something from it. When Natasha is dismissive of this, Kirsty explains that both she and Gavin were taken in by Philip. Gavin’s his son – maybe he should have some of the proceeds from the sale. But Natasha’s clear Kirsty doesn’t owe Gavin anything. Robert’s in a tense mood and Lynda correctly guesses it’s because she bumped into Gavin last night. Robert can’t believe that Gavin would dare show his face in Ambridge, he should still be in jail. Alan visits to check how Lynda is after the shock of seeing Gavin out of the blue. Alan points out that Gavin’s remorseful and wants to meet Lynda to tell her how sorry he is. Robert is completely against this and is amazed Alan even asked. When Alan goes, Robert’s furious but Lynda’s pensive, wondering if it might be healing for her. Robert’s having none of it and heads off with Monty for a walk.

Kirsty’s shocked when Gavin shows up at her Beechwood house. He’s been released from prison and saw that Kirsty’s house was for sale. Presuming she was moving away, Gavin wanted to catch Kirsty before she left. He confesses he didn’t know how he agreed to using a slave workforce with his dad. He knew it was wrong, but Philip convinced him that they were doing the slaves a favour. When Kirsty asserts Gavin could’ve stopped it sooner, Gavin says he did eventually, even though it meant going to jail. Kirsty suddenly realises she can’t cope with the conversation and asks him to leave.Joy waits with nervous Mick wait as he’s about to go on as Santa in The Bull’s ‘Creepy Christmas’ event. He didn’t get much sleep last night in his van in The Bull car park. Afterwards Alan tells Lynda if she can put Mick’s performance together at such notice, it’s still possible to put on a village panto. But Lynda thinks that’s a tall order. Joy says there’s a panto in Felpersham this year, perhaps they could put on a trip to that instead. Mick appears, exhausted by his performance and ready to head back to his van for some sleep. Joy suggests he stays at hers instead for a trial run over Christmas. Mick agrees, as long as it isn’t because she feels sorry for him.Later Alan finds Gavin in the bus shelter waiting to hitch a lift. Lynda’s shocked when she passes by and sees him. She hurries off and Alan offers Gavin a lift back to his hostel.

As Fallon’s trying to change her car’s flat tyre just outside Ambridge, Ed pulls up and offers to help. When Fallon asks how Emma is, Ed says she was in bits after Mick’s comments in the pub yesterday. They chat about how George is getting on in prison, and Ed admits they’re really worried about him. George is refusing to see them and has made friends with some really hard cases. Fallon reckons George is probably just doing what he can to get by. But Ed wonders who George is going to be by the time he leaves prison. Fallon’s really glad her friendship with Ed and Emma’s getting back on track, telling Ed she’s around if he ever needs a chat and they hug.Joy visits Emma to let her know that she doesn’t support Mick’s complaint against her. She thinks Mick’s upset and angry about the crash and he’s taking it out on Emma. Joy understands how difficult things have been for Emma, but George saved Joy’s life, when he could have run off and left everyone to drown. And that Emma’s a good mum, despite everything that’s happened. Joy has a complicated relationship with her daughter Rochelle and explains it’s easy to feel you’ve failed your child because of things that were out of your control. But Emma did her best in difficult circumstances and it would be a big loss to the community if Emma resigned from the Parish Council. Emma needs to get back on her feet to stand her ground. And when she does, Joy will be cheering her on.

Robert tidies up the garden at Ambridge Hall in preparation for some tricky regular guests. When Lynda surveys the garden later she thinks they should rewild it, upsetting Robert. He’s spent all morning getting it into shape and thinks if Lynda wants to rewild it, she can do it herself. Later when Lynda apologises for being thoughtless, Robert just wishes she’d had her rewilding epiphany earlier!Emma nervously asks Fallon whether she or Harrison made a complaint about her to the Parish Council. Shocked Fallon confirms they didn’t, but is interrupted by Mick piping up to say that he was the one who complained. Emma’s son caused the car crash and she covered it up. Joy and Fallon could’ve died in it. Emma points out that she handed her own son in to the police, and hopes Mick never finds himself in an impossible situation, damned whichever way he turns. Because Mick might be surprised by what he finds himself doing.Later Mick tells Fallon that he feels terrible about upsetting Emma. He wonders if he was wrong to complain about her, but just wanted to do something. He’s felt useless since the crash. Fallon says it’s complicated and Emma only did what she did because she was desperate. They both admit they still have nightmares about the crash and Fallon suggests telling Joy how he feels. Joy’s sympathetic when Mick opens up later, but says that in order to truly come to terms with the crash, he’s got to find forgiveness, otherwise how will any of them move on?

Ben’s working at the GP surgery where he bumps into Azra, who’s concerned about Zainab. Azra thinks Zainab thinks should be putting in applications for university. Otherwise her gap year could end up being permanent. Zainab arrives and Azra seizes her opportunity to turn the conversation back to university, encouraging Ben to say he’s enjoying his course. In fact she’ll pay for Ben and Azra to discuss it over a hot chocolate. Zainab’s not keen until Azra throws in a take-away later. Zainab explains to Ben that she’s not sure she wants to go to university, but her mum shouldn’t worry - she just needs a bit of time to work things out.Lynda notices that Mick’s looking a bit below par. He explains that ticket sales for the Christmas Brunch at The Bull are very slow. He talked Jolene and Kenton into doing it, because he was really keen to be Father Christmas. But it’s back-fired on him now. Meanwhile Jolene tells Kenton that she bumped into Helen in the shop. Apparently Jack’s really excited about ‘Creepy Christmas’. When Kenton’s incredulous that Helen actually think’s it’s on, Jolene confirms that Helen was hoping to buy some tickets. And there’s some other parents who want to book too. Kenton wonders if Creepy Christmas has got legs after all. Later he tells Lynda and Mick that it’s actually a really good idea. The Bull will do it as well as the Santa Brunch. Kenton’s happy that Lynda and Mick are going to rehearse, but less so when Lynda wants to sort the financial terms first.

As Ruth and David mend a fence someone whizzes past them in the lane. David reckons it was Leonard on his electric bike, as the person was wearing the same high viz gear. The roads are icy and David worries that Leonard might come off his bike, so he jumps into his car to catch up with him. But when David returns, he sheepishly admits that he mistakenly followed a scooter. Then Zainab appears demanding to know what David was doing. When David explains why, she calms down. Zainab reckons that she saw Leonard driving erratically near the village. Later Leonard’s upset when David and Ruth have a word with him. He wonders if they think he’s past it and likely to wobble off his bike into a ditch. Leonard may be less mobile than he was, but there’s plenty of adventure left in him yet.Ed visits Emma at the Tearoom on his way to sort a tree job with Brian. Emma admits that every time a customer comes in, she wonders if they’re the one who complained about her being on the Parish Council. Ed suggests that she resigns as it might not be worth the the hassle. But Emma’s defensive; she’s good at it and she enjoys it. Later Emma wonders if it was Brian who made the complaint and Ed reluctantly agrees to see what he can find out. Later Brian explains that he can’t countenance the way Emma covered up a crime. And that does call into question her judgement justifying a complaint to the Parish Council. But it wasn’t him.