The Archers

Rex and Phoebe watch while the Adviser inspects the beaver enclosure. When Kate messages that she wants to join them Phoebe admits she’s finding it hard dealing with Kate, before the Adviser beckons Rex over. Later, Rex tells Phoebe and Kate that the underwater grilles need reinforcement before getting approval. It’ll put the release back several weeks, meaning Phoebe will miss it. Kate’s surprised by how upset Phoebe is, wondering if everything’s all right? Kate then gives grateful Phoebe a pep talk, saying she’ll be a better mother than Kate was. And best of all, Kate promises to stay with Phoebe and Brodie until the baby arrives. Phoebe covers that she’s over the moon.Amber tells George about her mother’s privileged upbringing and how everyone comes up short in her estimation. Bill arrives for lunch, casually mentioning Amber’s mother can’t make it, before heading to the bar. Amber knew her mother would find something more important to do than making things right with her daughter. George tries to carry the conversation with Bill, who’s dismissive of Amber’s online activities, before following up with scathing remarks about Amber’s education and life choices. Amber responds by criticising her mother’s lack of ambition, pushing Bill to admit she still hasn’t come round to Amber being with George. George then insists he will look after Amber, no matter what. But when George disappears temporarily Bill is dismissive of him. After Bill goes Amber tries to disabuse George of the notion that the meeting went well, but George is convinced everything’s going to work out.

At the Rewilding Phoebe tells Rex about the regime of walks and yoga Kate is subjecting her to. Rex is excited about the imminent arrival of the beavers, so long as their enclosure is given the seal of approval tomorrow. Rex gives Phoebe a tour of the enclosure, explaining what went into its construction. Phoebe tries to tease out of Rex the details of Peggy’s art installation, before Kate arrives with a bobble hat she’s knitted for Phoebe. Kate then passes on news that Hazel will be joining them on holiday, but Brian won’t, due to his gout. Kate frets over pregnant Phoebe getting too close to the beavers, before going off to see Kirsty, leaving Phoebe to apologise for her mum being even more “Kate” than usual. Having forgotten her lunch Amber returns to 1 The Green to find George half-dressed and trying to persuade her to have sex. They’re interrupted by Amber’s dad, Bill, ringing at the door to pass on some post. George invites him in and Amber is shocked to discover George went to see Bill yesterday, but didn’t tell her. George makes excuses, before pushing Amber to straighten things out with her dad, like she said she wanted to. Ignoring George, Amber has it out with Bill about the decision she was forced into: either stay and give up George or leave. And why hasn’t her mum come to see Amber if she cares about her as much as she claims? Bill then suggests they all have lunch together tomorrow and Amber cautiously agrees.

Pip’s happy to hear that Ruth and Leonard have made up. Despite her denials though, it’s clear Ruth’s still suspicious Leonard’s up to something behind Jill’s back. Ruth then tells Joy and Susan she liked how convenient it was when they were doing deliveries. Alan has asked to speak to Susan however, which sounds a bit ominous. Later, Susan reports back that Alan told her the shop needs to move on from St Stephens, after the spate of recent incidents. Susan is in despair, but Joy suggests going properly mobile, after what Ruth said, only they’d need something bigger than Susan’s car to do it. George asks Will for a lift to the car dealership owned by Amber’s dad. He hasn’t told Amber, but George is going to try and heal the rift with her parents. Will cautions him to be on his best behaviour and not expect too much. George reckons it has to be sorted before she’ll agree to marry him. At the showroom with Amber’s dad George pretends to be a customer before admitting he’s come to ask for approval of his relationship with Amber. Mr Gordon tells George they don’t approve, but if Amber wants to talk to them, they’re happy to listen. George however thinks they should make the first move and gives Mr Gordon their address, with an open invitation to come over. Ruth phones Pip, telling her she’s spotted Leonard at the Farm Supplies café with a woman, looking very cosy. Despite Ruth’s suspicions Pip still thinks there’s an innocent explanation.

Joy tries her best to talk Susan out of resigning from the Shop, eventually persuading Susan to talk to George before making a final decision. Susan then finds George with Amber on the Green and tells him about her decision to resign. George insists she mustn’t resign. He really appreciates her willingness to sacrifice something she loves for his sake, though. He then brings up her and Neil shopping him to the police, plus the engagement ring Susan gave Amber before Neil insisted on taking it back. George says he’s okay with Susan, but he still sees Neil as the enemy. Lilian tells Joy that Phoebe’s arriving from Scotland today and Kate is beyond excited, though Lilian hates the idea of being called a great-great-aunt. Joy then receives a text from Susan, wanting to meet later. When Susan turns up at The Bull Joy is delighted to hear she won’t be resigning after all and has at least partially reconnected with George. George takes Amber to a cocktail bar, insists on paying, but won’t tell her how he got the money. He then proposes to her again, this time with a ring of his own. Amber is awkward and George suspects something’s not right, supposing it’s to do with her parents’ disapproval. Amber agrees that’s the reason she’s been upset, but also thinks they shouldn’t rush into organising the wedding straight away. George suggests meeting her parents to try and get them to change their minds about him. Amber wants more time to think about it, though.

Kate drags Jakob out shopping for esoteric items to help Phoebe in the final stages of her pregnancy, then defends Jakob’s slow driving to impatient Lilian on the way home. Moving on to how stressful the situation at Home Farm is for Brian, Kate gets irritated with Jakob for suggesting Spiritual Home could go down the pan as well. Both Lilian and Brian have bought expensive, bulky presents for the new baby to take up to Scotland, but Kate insists they’ll all be travelling together in the people carriers, even if space is tight. George mithers to Will about not having enough to do, apart from cooking and housework, before Amber arrives, clearly unimpressed he’s not made any progress getting a job. George admits to Will he’s worried that he’s not living up to Amber’s expectations. Amber thinks George should be braving things at the Village Shop, showing people he’s not ashamed. George wants paid work though, outside Ambridge, so he can make a fresh start and provide for her. Will can see how flat George really is, when he’s not putting on a brave face for Amber. George admits he’s finding life even harder than expected, with no money, car or job, plus having to sponge off Amber. If things don’t change George reckons she’ll leave him. Will tries reassuring George and offers to lend him five hundred pounds, to be repaid when George gets a job. George is touched, vowing to use the money to show Amber how much he loves her.

Having helped Pip prepare the cows’ winter housing at Brookfield tired Leonard nearly falls over, before going inside to make a phone call. Pip tells Ruth she’s worried Leonard might be overdoing it, helping out while the others are busy at Meadow Farm. It’s so easy to forget how old he is. Ruth agrees and says she’ll have a quiet word with Leonard. But when Ruth catches the end of Leonard’s phone call, then teases about hearing him mention a “little secret”, he gets prickly, agreeing tersely that he’ll be sure not to do too much from now on. Later, Ruth mentions being intrigued by Leonard’s “little secret” to Pip, who tells her bluntly not to be so nosey. Susan compliments Alan on the Remembrance Day service, but he punctures her mood by passing on a complaint from a shop customer, before telling Susan he’s starting to lose patience himself. Jakob, likewise, grudgingly passes on a customer query before Susan tells Alan the shop isn’t really her concern now. She’s handed in her resignation, due to the shop committee refusing to allow George to volunteer there. When Alan suggests some villagers are still coming to terms with what George did, Susan insists he just needs someone to give him a chance. Susan accepts that her resignation will make it difficult for people, especially replacing her at the Post Office, but she won’t change her mind unless George is allowed to volunteer. Alan then confides in Jakob that the shop will have to stop operating at the church.

Unsettled Esme answers a call from Susan, who apologises for the disturbance at yesterday’s funeral. Esme accepts the apology, but cuts Susan off when Ruth and David arrive. Seeing the state she’s in Ruth pulls Esme into a hug. Esme blames herself for letting her dad down, despite David and Ruth’s reassurances. Esme then announces she’s decided to take the farm on, as her dad would have wanted. She doesn’t mean permanently, but she’ll keep it a going concern before selling the herd and business on to the next tenant. David and Ruth pledge their support, while Esme offers to use what money she has to make it work. Between themselves David and Ruth aren’t sure how realistic this is, agreeing they’ll keep an eye on Esme.Susan tells Neil that Brian, Lilian and Mick, plus some of the volunteers, have complained about George working in the shop. The shop committee have summoned Susan to an emergency meeting, though Susan is defiant about keeping George on. Neil thinks she might have to back down or risk losing everything she’s fought for to keep the shop going. Later, Neil finds Susan taking out her frustrations on some bread dough. She’s been told she can’t let George volunteer in the shop. And now Susan’s dreading having to tell him, after making such a huge effort to repair their relationship. While Neil is more pragmatic Susan determines to give the committee her own ultimatum: unless they reconsider for George’s sake, she’s handing in her notice. Is Neil with her on this?

Alice calls on Chris to retrieve a forgotten scarf of Martha’s. Chris apologises again for last night’s firework incident, but Alice assures him all’s well and not to give it another thought. Martha had a lovely time and can’t stop talking about it – and she likes Chris’s friend too. They chat briefly about the upcoming trip to Scotland before Chris tells Alice the friend is Carly. Last night was a completely casual thing, she just dropped in. He then admits Carly stayed the night. Alice takes this in, insisting it’s not her business who Chris sees and he doesn’t need to explain. When he continues to over-share Alice asks him not to go on about it. She’s sure Carly’s a nice person. Chris assures Alice he won’t see Carly while Alice is in Scotland; it’ll be all about Martha. It's the day of Esme’s dad’s funeral and she’s pleasantly surprised at the turnout. She thought people might have forgotten him; he was a bit of a recluse in his later years. Alan assures her they will give him a good send off. Ruth and David offer to stay with Esme as the hearse arrives, but Esme thinks she’s okay. However, as she’s delivering her eulogy the church door bangs open. It’s a bread delivery for the shop. David and Ruth deal with the errant van driver, who didn’t clock there was a funeral taking place. Appalled Esme thinks the day will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. It’s been ruined, and she’s let her dad down.

Tom and Helen wonder if Mick will help out with cover at Bridge Farm. After some initial hesitation, and having established he doesn’t need farming expertise, Mick says he’ll give it a try. What are neighbours for? Once in the packhouse Mick finds it all a bit daunting. It’s draughty, and there’s a lot of veg boxes to shift. However, he does a good job and Tom gives Helen a glowing report. When Tom offers Mick the cash for today, Mick refuses. He’s sorry but this work isn’t for him. Having assured him there are no hard feelings Tom gives Helen the bad news. They’re back to square one.Carly finishes work early, and Chris invites her over to watch fireworks in the garden with Martha. Carly arrives with a gift for Martha. They’re both happy their friendship isn’t proving awkward – they agree what they had was a long time ago. There’s a moment, and Chris apologises for flirting. Carly’s cool with it. They’re enjoying the fireworks with Martha when the wind catches the homemade firework stand and it topples, sending firework sparks shooting in their direction. Carly jumps in front of Martha and no-one is harmed. Afterwards they have a debrief, Chris having taken Martha back to Alice. Chris feels a fool and like a rotten dad, but Carly assures him he’s the opposite. There’s enough to fret about in life without worrying about something that didn’t happen. They share some wine and Chris thanks her for her quick thinking. The time is right for a kiss.

Tom and Helen worry over whether to employ George. Alice interrupts them with a question about the Scotland trip. Chris has agreed to have Martha, so Alice is now looking forward to joining the party. She confirms with Tom his offer to drive one of the vehicles. Alice detects their quiet mood and knows something’s up. Helen tells her they’re struggling to find cover on the farm, and Tom admits they’re considering George. Alice reassures them – she honestly doesn’t mind, if they think George is the best person for the job. Helen’s relieved; they don’t want Alice upset. Alice assures them she’s fine, though others might not be quite so sanguine about it. Helen’s not convinced, telling Tom they’ll have to think again. Tom spots Mick and has an idea.Apprehensive George turns up for his first day at the shop, admitting how nervous he is. Susan tells Alan she’s shaking like a leaf, though he reassures her it doesn’t show. George prepares to serve his first customer, Mick. However, Mick refuses to buy from him. Susan urges him to treat George with the same respect as the other volunteers, but Mick declares he doesn’t respect George, and he leaves. George doesn’t want the shop to lose customers on his account. Susan asserts he’ll be a valuable addition to the team, offering him some shifts. George is grateful to Susan for sticking up for him. Susan assures him it wasn’t special treatment. Alan praises Susan’s handling of the situation. Susan just hopes George will forgive them.

Over-bright Henry teases Helen and Tom mercilessly about their fragile state. As they gingerly drink their coffee, Helen wonders what they were thinking – though they do agree it was a good night. They turn their attention to arranging cover for when they’re on the big family holiday. With Will and others busy, Tom acknowledges ruefully that it’s causing a lot of upheaval. Helen wonders again whether the boys could possibly come on the trip but they soon discount it as not an option. Helen can’t lie to their schools. Henry confirms later that he really doesn’t want to go. It will give them all a bit of space; he and Jack will have a good time being spoiled by Pat and Tony. He also suggests George might be an option for covering the work at Bridge Farm.There’s an awkward encounter between George and Susan at the church shop. Susan sighs as George quietly buys his goods and leaves. To Susan’s surprise he returns minutes later on the pretext of having forgotten something. He wonders whether the shop still needs volunteers; he’d like to be considered. He’s going mad at home and thinks villagers seeing him out and about might help him be accepted again. It works for Susan and she promises to run it past the committee. Later she reports to Neil that they have a majority in favour. Neil cautions Susan to be careful; is she sure this isn’t George manipulating her again? Susan thinks George is being brave. She isn’t asking for Neil’s permission – this is happening.

Chris and Carly recognise each other from the past. Both now single and with their own children, they sit down for a drink together to catch up. Carly’s surprised to find out that Alice is Chris’s ex and Martha’s mum. They laugh over shared memories involving drunken behaviour, and Carly invites Chris to the Grey Gables fireworks event. Chris demurs; he plans to have Bonfire Night at home in the garden with Martha. When Jolene comments they seem to be getting on well, Carly admits she used to think Chris was the cutest boy she’d ever seen. And he’s improving with age. Jolene recommends seizing the day; Chris is a catch.Tom’s trying to get reluctant Henry to watch a film. Helen wonders why Henry’s grumpy. Henry admits he wanted to go to Scotland but it’s been booked in term time so he can’t. He gets why, but he was looking forward to it. Helen offers, not for the first time, to stay in Ambridge. They can all do things together. But Henry doesn’t want his mum to miss out. He and Jack will be fine. Exasperated with Tom’s bonding efforts, Henry wonders flippantly whether Helen can take him out on her date with Dane. Remarkably Helen takes Henry at his word, and she and Tom return later the worse for wear, having sampled some good brandy with Dane. Henry plays parent, fending off over-effusive hugs and advising glasses of water and an early night. As the pair giggle and follow his orders, Henry laughs too in spite of himself.

At Lower Loxley, Chelsea’s wrestling with the right formula for her chocolate cauldron. Vince isn’t happy when people seem to be cutting corners by finding nine hats instead of the requisite ten. Chelsea asserts it’s not important – the point is to make happy memories for the kids so the parents will come back again. Vince persists with his argument, sending families back for the last hat. Freddie lets them know one hat’s gone missing, and agrees with Chelsea that it’s all just a bit of fun. He heads off to sort out disgruntled children. Vince reckons all this makes managing the abattoir seem like a walk in the park. It’s been mayhem. He’s impressed with the smart way Chelsea’s handled her side of it.Esme’s been looking forward to the Lower Loxley Halloween event; it’s a break from poring over her dad’s finances. They linger in the nursery as Rosie falls prey to the missing witch hat issue. As Pip and Esme chat Freddie informs them Rosie’s donated her hat, so they’re back on track with the trail. Pip points out it wasn’t Rosie’s to give away, but Esme’s delighted for her hat to have such an important role in Lower Loxley’s proceedings. However Freddie has a foot in mouth moment when he gives away that Pip’s been complaining about a needy woman at Meadow Farm. There’s embarrassment all round as Esme reveals herself as the ‘needy woman’. Pip tries to explain, but Esme concedes she needs to face reality. She can’t keep Meadow Farm going like this forever.

Having seen the size of the Brookfield herd yesterday, it’s dawned on Esme that she’s asking too much of the family. It’s clear Ruth can’t be at Meadow Farm every day. Esme promises that after her dad’s funeral she’ll sort it out. She admits to feeling hopelessly underskilled to deal with the urgent problem of the livestock. Pip counters that the way Esme pitched in to help with the errant heifer was impressive. Clocking Pip’s predicament over a lack of a witch costume for Rosie, Esme offers to lend her one. She has all her old dressing up stuff in the attic at Meadow Farm. There’s a poignant moment as Esme reflects on her childhood with her dad. Later she furnishes Pip with the perfect outfit for Rosie. Pip asks Esme if she’s considered staying on and continuing the farm. Esme’s not sure she loves it enough. Pip invites her along to the Lower Loxley Halloween event.Freddie updates Vince on the costume he’ll be wearing for the event. He agrees to help solve a problem with the chocolate cauldron for Elizabeth. He broaches the subject of George with Vince, but Vince is reluctant to give George any hours at the abattoir. Since Rochelle’s involvement in the siege he’s felt less trusting of those needing a second chance. Freddie breaks the news to downcast George, while Amber and Will do their best to raise his spirits. George overhears Will thanking Freddie for helping him, and declares he’s not a charity case. Freddie needn’t bother putting himself out again.

Freddie chats to a disgruntled Pip, whose plans have again been disrupted due to the ongoing needs of Meadow Farm. She hasn’t yet met Esme but admits she’s certainly making her life difficult. Freddie suggests a night at the Lower Loxley Halloween witch hat hunt might be just the break Pip needs. Pip assures him she already has her tickets. Josh reports a cow with mastitis at Meadow Farm, and Pip reckons Esme’s going to have to face the fact the cows need to be sold. Josh offers to take Rosie to choose a Halloween outfit to ease the pressure on stressed Pip. However he has to cut the trip short when Pip alerts him there’s a rogue heifer in with their cows. As they try to wrangle the heifer, Esme arrives and offers to help. Between them they soon have the heifer sorted and Josh returns her to her rightful farm. Pip thanks Esme, who had been coming in peace with wine by way of apology for her demands on Brookfield. Pip acknowledges it’s nice to finally meet her.Freddie calls in on George suggesting they go for a drink, outside the village. George accepts, and Will quietly thanks Freddie before announcing it will be his treat. Slightly embarrassed George thanks his dad. Freddie and George exchange views on prison life. Freddie offers George encouragement; his crime won’t always define him. Later Freddie calls with an offer to try and get George work at the abattoir. Amber’s delighted for George, and together they race happily down Lakey Hill.