The Archers
26 episodes
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Creator from RSS feed: BBC Radio 4
Database Creators: BBCSynopsis:
Contemporary drama in a rural setting.
Language: English
Format: Audio Drama
Continuity: Serial
Writing: Scripted
Voices: Full cast
Narrator: None
Genres: Soap opera
Framing device: None
Soundscape: Sound effects & music
Maturity: All audience
Not tagged: [Country of origin] [Transcript]
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Episodes:
Thu, 07 Aug 2025 18:15:00 +0000
Amber unveils her latest plan, and Stella has work to do.
Wed, 06 Aug 2025 18:15:00 +0000
Emma and Will meet Amber at a café near to where she works, Will maintaining it’ll help them get to know her if she’s in her own environment. He suggests to Emma that they pay for some elements of the wedding; they could cut costs on a car or maybe the flowers. But when Amber arrives she assures them she has everything they mention covered. Instead perhaps they can contribute towards the venue? Will says they’d be delighted, and suggests Lower Loxley. Amber resolves to put it on her list. When she’s gone Emma wonders what Will’s playing at. Lower Loxley will be extortionate – it’s popular and beautiful. Precisely, says Will, so it’ll be booked out and the wedding will be delayed, just as Emma wants. Emma thinks this is a risky strategy.
Lily’s on to Ben straight away when he asks where the Grey Gables tug of war practice is taking place. She teases him about spying for the village. Ben admits he doesn’t care about the tug of war, it’s his dad who’s stressing. Ben’s more concerned with filling in nursing applications. Lily’s looking forward to quality downtime – there’s a whole wide world out there she wants to see.
Ruth assures Stella she’s fine to help with the harvest. She knows how difficult Brian can be, and what she’s getting into. Stella intends to start today if the moisture readings are suitable. Perfect reading established and combine ready to go, they set to work on harvesting the wheat.
Tue, 05 Aug 2025 18:15:00 +0000
Kate gives Kirsty the news that that Chris won’t require Rookery Cottage back after all, so Jakob can stay put. Kirsty asserts that’s absolutely fine with her. She’ll keep looking for a tenant. Later Kate laments there’s no sign Brian will change his mind about the harvest. He and Justin are as bad as each other. Kirsty counters that Justin’s capable of changing his mind in the blink of an eye – just take the beaver scheme for example. Kate suddenly wrongfoots Kirsty by suggesting she becomes Kirsty’s tenant. It would get her out of her dad’s hair. It’s the perfect solution; they’ll have so much fun!
Oliver’s trying to track down his shooting magazine. Susan struggles to remember where it’s being stored; everyone’s magazines seem to be somewhere different. She tries Tracy’s house.
Dane’s confident Leroy’s fete tug of war team will be victorious. Oliver declares Dane’s done a wonderful job. Oliver looks ahead to their autumn wedding fayre. He’s surprised to learn Dane’s advertising for a coordinator when he has Lily right there. Dane says he’ll make sure Lily applies. Later when Lily and Brad try to share some tug of war tactics with Dane he shuts them down. Lily’s unimpressed. She tells Brad she’s not applying for the wedding coordinator post, it’s not for her. She confides later that she liked Dane to start with, but he’s too keen on work – he never talks to her about anything else. She thinks they should bypass Dane and talk to Leroy directly about tactics. This way she guarantees they’ll win.
Mon, 04 Aug 2025 18:15:00 +0000
Kate informs Stella that Brian’s gone away with Miranda for the week. Stella didn’t know this, but acknowledged it was unlikely she’d have changed his mind about the stand he was taking against the harvest anyway.
Jakob takes a dim view of having to view Willow Farm as a rental option, but goes along with it. He presents what at first appears to be a negative impression, with Kate attempting valiantly to turn all his downsides into positives. Relieved Kirsty’s fine with the potential outcome, but Jakob stops her in her tracks by declaring the room ideal. He’ll take it. Kate assures nonplussed Kirsty that Jakob won’t hide away in his room, but will spend lots of his time downstairs socialising. Isn’t it wonderful? Kirsty agrees that it is.
It's the final week of Ben’s nursing course and he’s struggling to find a job. David asserts he can always come back to farming, but when Ben gets a soaking from a dirty water pipe he’s not impressed. David gives him an admin task instead, and asks him to gather information on the Grey Gables tug of war team when he goes to the Health Club on Wednesday. Stella arrives to enlist their support with a plan. With Brian away she intends to get the BL harvest in without his knowledge. Will David help her? David has to refuse; Brian is family and he can’t go against his wishes. Ben wonders if Stella might ask Ruth instead.
Sun, 03 Aug 2025 18:15:00 +0000
Kate’s ears prick up when she finds out Kirsty’s on the hunt for a lodger. She thinks she may know just the person. She suggests Chris Carter might need to take back Rookery Cottage while he’s out of the flat, leaving Jakob without a home. She volunteers him for a look round Willow Farm, while admitting to a crestfallen Kirsty that he can be annoyingly fussy.
Brian’s determined to stick to his plan of refusing to harvest the BL wheat. Katie insists this is not a good idea – it’s bound to get messy if solicitors get involved. Brian doesn’t want to hear it. Stella also gets on Brian’s case, to no avail. She then suggests a meeting with Justin to try and iron things out, to which Brian grudgingly agrees. Having worked her persuasive magic on Justin by pointing out the awkwardness of her situation, he too accedes to her request to meet. Justin declares that Home Farm is contracted to harvest the wheat, and there’s a stalemate as Brian points out that any legal proceedings against him would take so long that the crop would be spoiled anyway. All Justin needs to do is drop his controversial plans and the harvest can start tomorrow. Despairing Stella gets them to meet on common ground – their mutual trust in her. But any hope of a rapprochement is lost when Justin brings up the poisoning of the Am, and mentions Jennifer. Brian leaves, spitting his parting shot: Justin’s wheat can rot in the dirt.
Fri, 01 Aug 2025 18:15:00 +0000
During a break in the Board meeting Brian and Annabelle rail against Justin’s duplicity and Martyn’s apparent capitulation, intimating they might even contemplate resignation. But when Justin later suggests his opponents should resign, Brian hits the roof. Martyn offers the compromise of a feasibility report, then closes the meeting. Later at The Bull, Martyn claims this as a result, brushing off Brian and Annabelle’s accusations that he has reneged on his previous position. Justin joins them, playing the innocent to their accusations of treachery, before arguing the case for his suggested food storage facility and vertical farming. When Brian lashes out Martyn suggests Brian’s in danger of losing the BL contract altogether. But Brian doesn’t give a damn – they can get someone else to do their wheat harvest!
Neil and Susan pick their way through the stock piled high at Ambridge View, worried about the effect the chaos is having on Martha. Susan admits to feeling sorry for herself too, so when Chris takes them out for dinner at The Bull later, Neil explains that it’s not just the shop getting Susan down, but also the business of Amber and Nana Ivy’s ring. Chris sympathises, but when he supposes it might be better for Martha to stay with Alice, Neil is quick to say that having Martha at Ambridge View is what’s keeping Susan going. But it’s Susan who then suggests Chris and Martha could find somewhere else to stay, if they want. Chris readily agrees and heads to the bar while Susan reasons to Neil that there’ll be more space to put the stock if Chris vacates his room.
Thu, 31 Jul 2025 18:15:00 +0000
On a prison visit George tells Brad he’s worried about Chelsea upsetting Amber. Brad says Chelsea feels awful and wants to put it right, but Amber won’t let her. Brad then persuades George to try and get Amber to accept Chelsea’s apologies. When George asks about Mia he can’t believe she told Brad on his birthday that she’s seeing someone else. Brad is embarrassed by how upset it’s made him. George’s attempts to console Brad fall on stony ground, until George drops in that he wants Brad to be his best man and Brad is thrilled to accept.
At the hospital Alice doesn’t want Chris to tell anyone about Brian’s suggestion that she take over running Home Farm. Right now Alice is focused on finding out what’s going on with Martha. Chris insists there’s nothing wrong, but Alice has a list of Martha’s behaviours that could show she has Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. After seeing the paediatrician though Alice is disappointed that nothing was confirmed or denied. Chris interprets the doctor’s words as meaning there isn’t any cause for concern. It was only because Alice kept pushing that she suggested waiting until Martha is six before definitively ruling it out. Alice is shocked when Chris then reveals that he too researched the condition and prayed for Martha’s survival. But Alice has to stop, because he can’t take any more of her obsessive concern. Chris delivers some home truths about getting things in perspective and when Martha completes an impressive manoeuvre on some playground monkey bars they agree she’s doing fine.
Wed, 30 Jul 2025 18:15:00 +0000
David finds Stella taking time out from stewing over Justin’s plans for the Estate land. Stella admits she feels the whole mess is at least partly her fault. Despite David’s reassurance that things won’t turn out as badly as she thinks, Stella’s not convinced. Stella then confides how hard she finds being a parent to Rosie. David tells Stella she can always talk to him and Ruth whenever she finds things are getting on top of her, especially with Brian and Justin. He sympathises with Stella’s view that she just wants to be left to get on with farming. Whatever happens at the Board meeting on Friday, David tells Stella, she should keep her focus on that.
Jolene has invited Ed, Mia and the family for a free meal at The Bull, though only Emma is with them. When Mia keeps getting messages she blurts out that she’s seeing someone at University, Jesse. But they’re not rushing into anything like moving in together. Ed and Emma are the first people in Ambridge she’s told about Jesse. But after what Amber told Mia last week, about Brad still liking her, Mia decides she has to tell Brad straight away. Then, when Jolene mentions it’s Brad’s birthday, Ed and Emma wish they’d stopped her going, but it’s too late. Emma compares Mia’s uncomplicated and carefree life with George’s, stuck in prison and planning to marry someone he barely knows. It could still all go well, Ed thinks, but Emma reckons it’s just as likely to all come crashing down.
Tue, 29 Jul 2025 18:15:00 +0000
Mia turns up at Little Grange and asks Ed to teach her the basics of filming with George’s drone for a University project she’s doing. They tread carefully around the subject of Amber, hoping she’ll be good for George, before discovering that Ed accidentally shot footage of someone setting fire to the Bull’s sign last Friday – and they can read the perpetrator’s number plate.
At the Shop Joy tells Jolene they’ve got to move all the boxes of stock to Susan’s tonight. Mick, Neil and Chris will help shift the fridges and freezers, Susan adds. Helen’s storing frozen stuff at Bridge Farm, while perishables are going to charities. But they’re still really up against it.
Later at The Bull, Jolene laments to Stella they have nothing to prove Markie is targeting them, when Ed and Mia turn up with their new evidence. Stella suggests to Kirsty that they go and help shift stock at the Shop. Jolene then reports the police believe Ed’s footage shows clear evidence of Markie’s involvement. It should be enough to put him and his gang back behind bars. Ed admits the recording was a lucky accident, before Mia drags him off to help at the Shop.
Susan feels overwhelmed at first, what with the George and Amber business too. But then the cavalry arrives, first in the form of Akram with his car, then Kirsty and Stella, and finally Mia and Ed. Joy’s convinced all this support shows the Shop is too well loved to go under. Susan hopes she’s right
Mon, 28 Jul 2025 18:15:00 +0000
There are boxes everywhere as Joy and Susan reflect on how well sales have been going at the Shop since they restocked. Then Terry, the builder, arrives to inspect a spongy corner in the Shop flat, before he gives them the bad news: there’s dry rot in the floor above. If it’s spread into the joists it’ll mean Chris and Martha having to move out. Later, he shows Susan photographs: the rot is everywhere. It will take weeks to cut out, replace the joists and treat the affected area. If they clear the building by the end of tomorrow Terry can start work on Wednesday. Susan realises with horror this means they will have to close the shop too – and once people go elsewhere they might never come back. It’s an absolute disaster!
Brian drops by at The Nest, where Alice tells him Martha’s got an appointment at the hospital on Thursday to see the paediatrician. Alice then confirms Brian’s suspicions about yesterday’s emergency family meeting without him. Brian confesses his concern over losing half the BL contract and how difficult it will be replacing that income. He’s tried reasoning with Justin, but so far Justin’s ignoring all his calls. Alice assumes that if all the Board members make the case for continued food production at Friday’s meeting that would stop Justin, but Brian reckons he might just go ahead anyway. Brian then surprises Alice, asking if she’d consider returning to farming and taking over Home Farm one day. Hesitant Alice says she’ll think about it.
Sun, 27 Jul 2025 18:15:00 +0000
Despite his relaxed appearance Akram confesses to David that he’s worried about the Ambridge versus Grey Gables team event Lynda’s asked him to come up with for the fete. Kirsty commiserates, before they all agree a tug of war would fit the bill nicely. Later, Akram tells Kirsty that Lynda loves the idea, so he’s started asking round for potential team members. But then Dane messages with a photo of the Grey Gables team he’s put together – they’re all gym regulars and look scarily good.
Brian tells Adam he’s heard the Gills are selling the house at Home Farm, but he’s in no position to buy it now. Adam’s worried that Justin’s rewilding scheme stands to cost Home Farm thousands in revenue at a time when food production should be their highest priority. He urges Brian to take action, suggesting he should already have done so, thereby raising Brian’s hackles. Brian retorts that he doesn’t need Adam’s advice. Adam then calls Alice and Kate for an emergency meeting on Home Farm’s future. He feels Stella hasn’t done enough to protect their interests and Lilian won’t stop Justin either. Kate thinks Justin’s rewilding initiative is a good thing environmentally, but Adam reckons Debbie’s on his side, while Alice says Ruairi will support continued food production. Kate supposes they need to come up with a plan, especially if there’s doubt over Brian’s ability to take the farm forward. Brian then turns up and is immediately suspicious, suggesting a walk so they can tell him just what they’ve been gossiping about.
Fri, 25 Jul 2025 18:15:00 +0000
Mia collects Amber at the crack of dawn to watch the sun rise from the top of Lakey Hill. Amber happily films it, before they spot George’s drone being used by Ed to get footage for the tree surgery website. Amber and Mia share a moment talking about Mia’s mum, Nic, before Mia mentions how sorry Chelsea is for bullying Amber and how much she’s changed. Amber isn’t prepared to forgive Chelsea yet and moves the subject on to Brad, suggesting him and Mia might still have a future together. When Amber heads back to the car Chelsea approaches Mia, who admits she failed to get Amber to change her mind. But she tells Chelsea not to give up, her and Amber will be friends one day. Meanwhile, the burglar alarm goes off at The Bull. Kenton takes a hammer as he goes with Jolene to investigate. All they find is an open window in the gents with a dodgy catch. No need to bother the police, Kenton thinks, as nothing has been taken or disturbed. Jolene wants to call the police anyway, before Tortoise jumps away from the windowsill. Kenton sees the Bull’s sign is on fire. They rush to put it out, and even Kenton admits this is beyond coincidence. And that’s before Kenton finds a dog collar left under the fruit machine. It’s clearly a threat from Markie, who’s toying with them. Kenton despairs; they haven’t got a chance in hell against him.
Thu, 24 Jul 2025 18:15:00 +0000
When Neil and Tracy arrive at Number 6 they are unimpressed by the mess. Neil goes to fetch Jazzer, while Susan is shocked to discover Martyn under a blanket. As Martyn goes to get dressed, happy memories of last night start coming back. At Berrow, hungover Jazzer tests Neil’s patience, but Martyn is in a forgiving mood, hinting heavily at what he and Marlene did last night. Meanwhile, having helped clear up, Susan chastises Tracy for the state of the place, before Jazzer rings, mentioning what Martyn and Marlene got up to. Tracy moans, they’ll have to sterilise the house all over again now, but Susan reckons Tracy’s on her own with that one. When Stella apologises to Pip for missing Tracy’s party, Pip tells her she had a great time, until Toby mentioned the idea of giving Rosie a phone. Stella is just as appalled as Pip about the potential risks and having to monitor Rosie all the time. But when Pip defends Toby’s intentions, she upsets Stella in the process. Later, Pip phones Stella to clear the air, then turns up at the eco-office, explaining she’s told Toby that Rosie’s not having a phone, but they will try to make him feel more connected. Stella then tells Pip she’d prefer Rosie not to call her ‘Mum’, before adding how grateful she is for Pip’s support, because it feels like something is going to blow at next week’s Board meeting.
Wed, 23 Jul 2025 18:15:00 +0000
Jolene arrives at Tracy’s party ready to make cocktails, only to see Tracy disappear in a taxi. Jazzer, who genuinely thought Tracy was joking about not coming to the party, doesn’t know how he’ll cope once her mates start turning up.
Pip and Toby, on a rare night out together, are amazed to see Martyn outside Tracy’s. Inside, Jazzer tells people Tracy’s popped upstairs, while Jolene keeps everyone lubricated. But when Jolene tells Martyn Tracy’s gone for a meal instead, Jazzer responds to Martyn’s mockery by telling him he doesn’t care – the party’s banging anyway. Martyn’s happy being young, free and single again, so Jolene packs him off to deliver a ‘French Kiss’ cocktail to Tracy’s friend, Marlene.
Toby breaks the mellow mood in the mobile sauna by telling Pip he wants to reward Rosie with a phone for being so good at her birthday party this afternoon. Pip’s appalled – she’ll have to supervise Rosie twenty-four-seven just to keep her safe! Toby tries to explain, but when Martyn lets himself into the sauna, disgruntled Pip makes her exit.
When Tracy returns later, she’s ready to party and Jazzer’s thrilled to have her back. Meanwhile, Toby sympathises with Jolene over Kenton’s trauma, then goes after Pip, who left a few minutes before. Catching up with Pip, Toby explains how much he misses Rosie, while Pip gets to see her all the time. Giving her a phone would enable him to become part of her life properly, not just an occasional extra add-on. Pip promises she’ll at least think about it.
Tue, 22 Jul 2025 18:15:00 +0000
Brad waits with Chelsea at the Tearoom to talk to Amber about wedding venues. But when Amber turns up she doesn’t come inside. Amber then explains to Brad outside that Chelsea bullied her at school. Bullying and how to deal with it is a huge part of Amber’s online content. When Mia walks up awkward Brad introduces her to Amber. Amber hugs Mia, before pointing out that Brad and Mia used to be an item. Brad excuses himself to go to an appraisal with Dane. Amber then pronounces he clearly hasn’t got over Mia. Despite Amber’s uncritical view of George and her antipathy towards Neil and Susan, Mia invites her for a walk on Friday. Later, Brad and Mia force mortified Chelsea to accept Amber’s bullying claims. Mia then offers Chelsea the chance of reconciliation with Amber by inviting Chelsea along on Friday too.
Dane shows Oliver some sketches he’s had done, depicting how the fete will look at Grey Gables. Oliver’s amazed Lynda agreed to it being relocated, warning Dane to watch out when Lynda realises what Dane is suggesting. Sure enough, Lynda is fuming when she interrupts Brad’s appraisal to charge Dane with kidnapping the fete. Dane argues for the positives Grey Gables can offer, but Lynda accuses him of putting the hotel’s interests above the community’s. Brad fetches Oliver, whose emollient words, backed by Dane’s successful booking of several rides and the Hollerton Silver Band, allow Lynda to accept the relocation – but only so long as she’s allowed to organise three “village-devised events” as well.
Mon, 21 Jul 2025 18:15:00 +0000
Despite Dane having organised an International Gala in Las Vegas Lynda remains to be convinced Dane has what it takes to help with the Summer Fete. Akram however is impressed that almost every item on Lynda’s To-Do list has been ticked off by Dane, who also offers to help book the elusive Hollerton Silver Band. Dane envisions the traditional English fete he has in mind, with Grey Gables’ sponsorship covering costs for rides like a helter-skelter and carousel, items previously beyond their means. Even Lynda is impressed by the overall offer, especially when Dane offers Zainab’s services to help with the organisation, and agrees they have a deal.
Stella’s taking a break from the harvest when she bumps into Jolene at the Shop. Stella can’t believe the police haven’t been more proactive in response to recent events, but Jolene says they don’t have any proof they’re connected to Markie. And Kenton is simply trying to block the whole problem out. Vince has told Jolene that Markie is out of prison on licence, so if he puts a foot wrong he’ll be straight back inside. Lynda gives Stella a lift, with Monty in the back, and they talk about Stella getting another dog. Stella asks Lynda about being called “Mum” by a stepchild. Lynda’s advice is to be honest and say no to Pip, if Stella doesn’t feel comfortable. Lynda then confides in Stella about the sponsorship deal for the fete, making it clear that Grey Gables’ role is merely supportive - they are definitely not taking it over!
Sun, 20 Jul 2025 18:15:00 +0000
At The Bull Tracy and Jolene agree that George overstepped the mark asking for Ivy’s ring to give to Amber. Kenton wants to send Mick home from his unpaid duties as security guard, worried they’re overreacting to what happened with their cat Tortoise. But Tracy and Jolene reckon they should continue taking precautions. Kenton and Jolene look forward to providing cocktails for Tracy’s party on Wednesday, though Tracy insists she’s still not going.
Pip and Stella talk about farming matters and Rosie’s birthday party before heading to The Bull for lunch. Annabelle Schrivener keeps texting Stella, while Justin is avoiding answering Stella’s emails about the renewal of Home Farm’s contract with BL. Stella’s still hoping that the BL Board will persuade Justin to change his mind over taking the Estate land out of food production. Pip surprises Stella by asking if it’s okay for Rosie to call her ‘mum’, before they’re distracted by noisy motor bikes in the car park.
Jolene, Tracy and Kenton rush outside, joined by Pip and Stella, but the bikes have already roared off. Jolene discovers Kenton’s car has been badly scratched with a key, but thanks to Mick chasing the bikers off, other cars in the car park haven’t been damaged. Back inside Kenton downplays the incident, before Jolene tells him their CCTV cameras have all been smashed. Later Kenton orders some new ones, but still doesn’t want to make too much of the incident. Jolene though thinks it’s too much of a coincidence, after Kenton ID’d a member of Markie’s gang, insisting they keep Mick on as security.
Fri, 18 Jul 2025 18:15:00 +0000
Justin and Martyn talk over their newly agreed plan for BL, on the pretext of just having a friendly cup of tea. When Martyn discloses the recent flurry between him and Helen, Justin’s surprised. Martyn claims he was the one who turned Helen down – not his type. Justin thinks it would be unwise for Martyn to accept Jazzer’s invitation to Tracy’s party on the basis that a certain distance from staff needs to be preserved, however well you get on. Martyn isn’t so sure. He’s now free to attend – his only dilemmas are whether or not to keep his arrival as a surprise, and what he should wear.
Jazzer has good news and bad news for Tracy. He’s proposing a mobile sauna for her party, which she thinks is genius – but Martyn is coming along after all. Tracy’s appalled, and declares she’ll go elsewhere on the night.
Neil prises from subdued Susan the story of George and the engagement ring. Neil’s furious. He can’t believe Susan gave in to George’s extortion, and quietly confronts Amber, explaining there’s been a misunderstanding. When Amber stands her ground Neil’s attitude changes. He won’t put up with George and his demands any more. Upset Amber returns the ring and vows to tell George everything Neil’s said about him. Susan’s horrified. The ring was going to be the bridge between them and George. Neil asks her if she really thought that would work. Susan feels it was worth a try – but now the little bridge is broken and she fears it can’t ever be put together again.
Thu, 17 Jul 2025 18:15:00 +0000
Azra’s frustrated that Akram’s hosting a fete meeting. She escapes for a walk and vents to Oliver. They agree the Green’s looking a bit scrubby and not at all ready for use for the fete. Oliver thinks he can help, suggesting to Akram later that Grey Gables could sponsor the whole thing. Akram is thrilled. Emma visits George, finding him warmer and more open than of late. He admits that he thinks about everyone often. Emma informs him they’ll be taking Bert to see Ivy’s grave on their wedding anniversary. She tells him about Clive stealing Ivy’s engagement ring – she’s surprised her mum managed to get it back. George shares that Susan showed the ring to him once. When Emma brings up Amber’s previous harsh words to Neil, George promises to speak to her. He also asks her to pass on a message to Susan. Susan’s stunned to learn George wants to call her. Emma declares to her mum that she feels like George is changing. Later Susan’s moved when George tells her it’s nice to hear her voice. He goes on to say he’d like Ivy’s ring for Amber, and asks Susan to take it to her. It’s his right, and this way it will keep the ring in the family. After speaking to the chaplain he thinks he could learn to forgive. Susan gets the hint and reluctantly agrees to think about it. Having come to a decision she wrongfoots unwelcoming Amber by presenting her with the ring. Disarmed, Amber declares she’ll treasure it. She’s very grateful.
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 18:02:00 +0000
Akram’s enthusiasm for helping with the fete begins to backfire. Azra has little sympathy for his pressed schedule, and when he asks her to cover a meeting for him while he handles a plumbing emergency, she’s unimpressed. Grudgingly she capitulates and attends the meeting, and despite her insistence she’s there merely as a scribe, Lynda ropes her into contributing suggestions for a big idea. When Azra floats the idea of a traditional fete, Lynda seizes on it. Akram arrives just in time to be handed a growing list of tasks—including gauging public opinion and securing sponsorship. Tracy’s astounded to hear Neil’s invited Martyn Gibson to her birthday party, declaring it would be a disaster. Jazzer assures her Martyn declined, but reluctantly admits he himself left the door open in case Martyn found himself free. Tracy now doesn’t know where things stand. She’ll have to tidy the house, and they’ll need to spill into the garden for more room. When Jazzer protests the garden’s a tip, Tracy instructs him to do some weeding. She’s initially impressed with his idea for live music, until she realises he means Dross. For Tracy this is a step too far. Kenton considers security options at the Bull. When his first choice of staffing is unavailable, Mick volunteers his services. He can start tonight. However his over-zealous approach almost scares Jazzer away, and Kenton suggests being unobtrusive and mingling with customers might be more effective than frisking them. Mick just needs to watch and listen.
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 18:02:00 +0000
At Berrow, Jazzer and Neil talk about Tracy’s fiftieth birthday party. Jazzer wonders whether Neil and Susan might want to join them. Neil equivocates, suggesting instead that they have Bert at Ambridge View for the evening. Jazzer’s grateful. Too late, he warns against mentioning the party to Martyn. Martyn overhears and invites himself – it’s a while since he’s been to a party. Neil predicts to mortified Jazzer that Martyn will back out, claiming a double booking. He’s proved right when to Jazzer’s immense relief Martyn bows out, saying his brother’s coming over. Jazzer feigns disappointment, declaring Martyn will be very welcome if things change. George meets with the prison chaplain to discuss his plans to marry Amber. He insists on a ceremony inside the prison, unwilling to wait until his release. The chaplain questions his urgency; he can’t pull the strings George thinks he can to get things moving. George eventually admits he fears Amber will leave him. He worries she’ll realise he’s not good enough. Her mum and dad think that and he feels they’ve got a point. George opens up further. He feels misunderstood by his family and worries that he’s basically bad, and doesn’t belong. The chaplain disagrees. Amber clearly loves him and has chosen him. He’s not ‘basically bad’ but potentially good, same as everyone else. He urges George to find a way to show the world he loves Amber. George promises to give it some thought. He’ll think of something.
Mon, 14 Jul 2025 18:02:00 +0000
Susan is still reeling from Amber’s harsh words about Neil. She’s frustrated Neil didn’t tell her sooner. He declares he didn’t want her hurt, but she counters she’d rather have known and not had to depend on Clarrie to tell her. She wants to talk about it, and if Neil won’t talk, she’ll go and see Emma. Neil admits he hasn’t told Emma either. He feels he needs to put it out of his head or it won’t end in peace. He fears telling Emma could damage her fragile relationship with George. He would rather let things blow over. Susan disagrees. Emma has a right to know, and from them rather than anyone else. Neil reluctantly accepts her decision. He wonders if they’re the ones who need forgiving. Susan confesses she worries about things getting worse when George is released, feeling selfish and unkind for having such thoughts. Lynda tries to recruit Azra to help run the village fete. Azra’s adamant she doesn’t want to do it, and resists despite Lynda’s persistence. Lynda runs into Akram, who to her surprise offers his help without being asked. He feels he owes her for her previous kindness in housing his family in their time of need. Azra is stunned when she learns Akram’s become Lynda’s “trusty lieutenant.” She warns him he’s in for a demanding ride as her unpaid servant – his every waking hour will be filled with a great list of jobs. Akram’s optimism begins to waver; what has he done?
Sun, 13 Jul 2025 18:02:00 +0000
Kenton and Tracy are shaken after the poisoning of the pub cat, Tortoise. Though the police can’t act without concrete evidence, Kenton suspects Markie or one of his crew. Tracy urges him to tell Joy so she’s got the full picture. He does so, and Joy’s relieved her titbits weren’t responsible for Tortoise getting ill. Kenton recommends she and Tracy take time away from work in case things turn nasty, but Joy’s determined not to be intimidated. Both she and Tracy refuse to be driven out of The Bull, standing firm behind Kenton’s decision to report the gang. Justin and Martyn take to the golf course to discuss Justin’s plans for BL. Martyn is sceptical, calling them ludicrous, impractical and expensive. Justin’s curious to know if there’s anything going on between Martyn and Annabelle. He’s heard they’re meeting frequently. Martyn assures him there’s nothing to report, agreeing that she’s a difficult woman and he’ll be steering well clear in future. When Justin reveals new ideas – vertical farming, eco-tourism, eco-offices – Martyn warms to the concept. He confirms Borsetshire Water has released money from their community fund for the beaver enclosure. Justin’s impressed; there’s obviously common ground between the two of them. Martyn suggests adding food storage to the plan. Justin agrees it has potential, and after some persuasion Martyn promises his backing. They agree it’s wiser not to mention this to anyone else yet, especially Annabelle Schrivener.
Fri, 11 Jul 2025 18:15:00 +0000
Clarrie tells Susan and Neil that Henry’s advice to disregard all the challenging comments at school is working – she simply reports trouble makers for a detention. Susan switches the topic to Amber, who she hasn’t met yet. She wants to know everything. Clarrie reports how hard Amber worked at the haymaking. Susan doesn’t know what to make of Amber in light of all she’s heard – Emma and Ed think she’s always putting her foot in it and doesn’t seem to care. Does Clarrie like her? Clarrie carefully admits that she does. Susan’s keen to meet her, but Clarrie thinks this might not be a good idea after Amber and Neil’s encounter last week. Mystified Susan gets the truth out of Neil. How dare Amber have a go at him! Now they have to face George getting more angry with them instead of less. It’s unfair; never a good deed goes unpunished. Alistair congratulates Jolene and Kenton on their award nomination. Kenton observes Tortoise isn’t eating her food, hoping she’s not full of leftovers. Alistair acknowledges overfeeding pets is a big problem. Jolene admits Kenton loves spoiling Tortoise. However they soon spot she’s really not well, and from the symptoms Alistair suspects she’s been poisoned. It’s hard to know what’s caused it, but his treatment should mean she’ll be fine. Later Kenton finds tablets on the floor. Alistair confirms they could have caused Tortoise’s symptoms. Jolene wonders if they could have been embedded in a treat. It dawns on horrified Kenton that one of Markie’s gang could have done this.
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 18:15:00 +0000
Eddie puts the finishing touches to his nomination of the Bull for an award. Amber comes downstairs all ready for a day’s haymaking. Eddie questions her clothes choice; it can get grubby helping with the hay. Amber assures him she sees farmers all the time at work. When he realises she works at Farm Supplies he cheekily hopes for a discount. Clarrie scolds him fondly, but Amber’s preoccupied with her socials. When Clarrie arrives at the hay field she’s surprised to find Amber driving the tractor. Will asks how long she’ll be staying at Grange Farm. Clarrie isn’t sure – though she feels things aren’t right between Amber and her parents. Amber comments that George misses all this, and the farm. She remembers his posts from last year and how cute and tanned he looked. That’s probably when she fell for him. Eddie recalls George’s last night of freedom at the farm, and is touched to hear that George recounted an anecdote to Amber about the escaped turkeys last year. Eddie can’t wait for George to get home. Amber assures him that George cares about him and Clarrie a lot. As rain threatens Amber steps up, letting Eddie drive while she and Will lug the bales. Will praises Amber’s work ethic. Clarrie thinks there’s more to her than she lets on. Amber’s delighted Oliver’s said she can stay on at Grange Farm. Eddie reminds her about her apology to Neil – Clarrie won’t forget the condition. Amber wonders if she can duck it, but Eddie’s not sure it’s a risk worth taking.
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:15:00 +0000
In a break from band auditions Jazzer joins Tracy in the beer garden, where Tortoise the cat is happy to be fed a morsel of chicken as a treat. Tracy can’t believe Jazzer thought Martyn was having an affair with Lilian. They agree Martyn needs cheering up; a new girlfriend might help. Ed and Fallon mull over the band members they’ve seen so far. None of them seem right and Ed comments they’re making him feel old. He wonders ruefully if they’re past the ‘band’ stage. Later with their last prospect a no-show they admit defeat. They wish they could locate their original member, Ash. Jazzer produces an old publicity photo they reminisce. When he plays a cassette of their music as well, it proves too much and Fallon begs him to turn it off. She and Ed agree they were awful, but Jazzer insists they had raw talent. When their only half suitable auditionee turns them down due to ‘musical differences’, they see the funny side and decide to have a jam for old times’ sake. Eddie’s still complaining about the Bull food. Jolene wonders if something’s upset him, but Ed backs his dad up. The customer has to have what they want. Jolene grits her teeth and changes Eddie’s meal. When he finds a chair too wobbly, Jolene’s had enough, and Ed tells his dad to come clean. They admit Eddie’s been testing the level of service – there’s a pub award up for grabs and he’s nominated the Bull! And they’ve passed all his tests with flying colours.