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The Archers

The Archers

A contemporary drama in a rural setting.

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bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qpgr

Episodes

24/10/2022

Ruth and Pip haven?t seen much of Ben and Beth recently. When they do see Ben he?s always in a rush and doesn?t answer his phone. They photograph the bed and breakfast room for the website. It?s looking good, apart from a dreadful watercolour by Leonard. Later, when Jill drops a hint to say Leonard should have the first night there, they realise they?ve been had. Leonard has arrived with his overnight bag. And it?s the room next to Jill?s? Rex has taken the boat to a quiet spot. He?s fishing, and remembering Bert, who died a year ago. Ben comes by, having just come off his bike. He?s not hurt, but he?s having to push the bike. Rex says he?s got a spare rod if Ben would like to join him. They reminisce about Bert, who valued and liked Ben. Ben finds that hard to hear. He?s bitterly self-deprecating; Bert was wrong about him. Rex is concerned, and asks if Ben?s ok. Ben says he?s fine, there?s nothing to tell. Chelsea?s trying to do some coursework, but Jazzer can see that her mind is elsewhere. He?s concerned about her, so he stays with her. He helps her to think it through. She tells Jazzer that it?s been so hard, but she knows she?s doing the right thing by ending the pregnancy. She?s scared though. Jazzer tells her to let the doctors and nurses know how she?s feeling when the time comes. He?s kind and comforting, and encourages her to sleep.
2022-10-24
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23/10/2022

It?s the Team Chase at the Stables; the opening of the cross-country course. Mia is asking questions about the horses. She seems very engaged with it. Her interest grows in the work of the Stables, though Alice says there are no job opportunities there just now. Mia?s a bit shocked by some of the riders? use of the whip. Mia also talks to Oliver about the Hunt Ball which is on again at last. When she learns there could be work available there, she tells Oliver she might be keen. Elizabeth is impressed with the whole event. Elizabeth and Oliver think the return of the Hunt Ball is something to celebrate, though we hear that Peggy is not in celebratory mood. She?s boycotting St Stephens over the stained-glass window saga. Meanwhile Beth is surprised when Chelsea turns up on the doorstep. She?s looking for Ben, who isn?t there, but Beth is welcoming. When Ben arrives, it?s difficult for Chelsea. She tells him she?s decided to have a termination. It will have to be next week, because she?s decided late. Ben is quiet. He tells Chelsea how brave she is, and says he wants to come with her. But Chelsea doesn?t want him to ? her mum will be there, and she doesn?t know he?s the father. Later with Beth, Ben is tense. Beth is trying her best to back him up, but Ben is volatile. He despises himself. He can?t bear to talk about it, and leaves.
2022-10-23
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21/10/2022

Alistair briefs Paul before taking him to Berrow to observe routine checks and talk to the staff. He forewarns Paul that Martyn Gibson needs careful handling; Paul?s chat might need to be more measured. All seems to be going well until Alistair notices some unpleasant asides from Martyn, who declares he?d prefer Alistair to check the pigs. It would be best all round if Paul doesn?t work with Berrow. Alistair challenges Martyn on his attitude, asking if Paul?s flamboyant behaviour makes him uneasy. Martyn responds that it?s unnecessary, and that he?s allowed to express his opinions. Just as Paul was doing, counters Alistair. Martyn later dismisses his earlier comments as light hearted, and apologises for any offence. Paul guesses Alistair put Martyn up to this, and is appreciative. Not everyone would do that. They share a good-natured exchange, this time Alistair genuinely enjoying Paul?s chat. Chelsea shows Brad some childhood playing cards their mum used give them to help them make their minds up on things. She?s used them to make her decision about the baby ? she?s keeping it. Brad?s not convinced about this method. Later Chelsea tells her mum she?s changed her mind. Saying it out loud has made her realise she?s definitely not ready for a baby ? one day maybe, but not now. Her decision has to be based on facts and advice, not random cards. Tracy gives her a big hug. As she makes Chelsea?s favourite mushrooms on toast, Chelsea gets Brad to bin the cards. Her mind?s made up, once and for all.
2022-10-21
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20/10/2022

Mia explains to Clarrie how Brad asked her out, and now he?s shutting her down and won?t talk. She blames George. Clarrie reckons kids like George can be full of themselves but might be hiding insecurities. She takes Mia to the Stables to distract her. Mia?s not keen, but Alice shows her how well treated the horses are, and how good they are to be around. Afterwards Clarrie thanks Alice ? she doesn?t know what she said to Mia but it?s really cheered her up. Alice comments Mia?s a nice kid: bright, interested and highly principled. Alice takes the opportunity to apologise to Clarrie for her behaviour at Nic?s funeral. Clarrie concedes this is hard for Alice to say, and thanks her for her effort. It means a lot that?s she?s tried. Alistair thinks Paul?s withholding of his identity as Denise?s son was deliberate, to get one over on them. Jakob disagrees; maybe it was so that he could be judged on his own merits. Later Paul does well with a sick dog, and Alistair relents. He apologises for being overly formal, and the two seem to reach concord. But then Paul returns to quipping, and Alistair complains to Jakob that he doesn?t like the way Paul conducts himself. Jakob suggests Alistair seeks a replacement. Prior to the meeting about the church window, Alan makes clear to Natasha that it?s precisely that ? the church?s window. He won?t be supporting any application for a redesign. He doesn?t agree with the plans and means to do anything he can to stop them.
2022-10-20
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19/10/2022

Chelsea?s heard the gossip about her mum being pregnant and believes it. Jazzer quickly puts her right. Chelsea reckons he should stop the rumour, but Jazzer explains Tracy doesn?t want that. It?s better this way than the village guessing it might be Chelsea instead. When Chelsea discovers it?s Natasha who set the rumour ball rolling, she goes to see her. Natasha holds her hands up and is sorry. Chelsea tries to explain it?s not Tracy who?s pregnant but gets in a tangle when she?s faced with the twins. Later Chelsea admits to Natasha she?s pregnant. She feels she gets everything wrong; she doesn?t know what she?s doing. Natasha reassures her, confessing she once had a termination. They chat about it, but confused Chelsea still has questions. Natasha counsels that it comes down to just one question in the end. Does Chelsea want the baby? Alistair feels the surgery?s too quiet. He and Jakob hope Cheryl?s replacement, arriving today, will be more lively than she was. New nurse Paul duly arrives, and is a chatty whirlwind of energy. Jakob thinks he?s a bit full on, and Alistair deems him lacking in decorum and restraint. Come back Cheryl! Later Alistair tells Jakob Paul?s too familiar with the clients ? it?s not a game show. Jakob is more forgiving. He thinks Paul seems competent and should be given a chance. He suggests if Alistair isn?t happy, he should have a word. When Alistair tries, Paul ties him in knots. Alistair protests that Denise was more professional, but Paul reckons she?d approve ? Denise is his mum.
2022-10-19
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18/10/2022

Mick?s back at Beechwood and has noticed a slight problem with the hot tub. Mortified Lee explains Jack and Henry?s trick with the bubbles. He feels responsible and wants to fix it. Mick suggests they look at it together. When they do, Mick ends up doing the work, with Lee providing the bag of tools. Joy reckons it?s fine, Mick?s good at this sort of thing and enjoys it. Lee detects Joy?s a bit subdued. She confides that Mick?s told her he loves her. She doesn?t know what to do about it. It?s very quick; she?s not sure she can say it back. And what if he doesn?t mean it? She confesses she hasn?t told Rochelle about Mick for fear of being judged. Lee suggests Joy doesn?t need to reciprocate with Mick if she?s not ready. Later Joy tells Mick they should take their time; there?s no rush. George expresses his gratitude to Brad for doing his essay for him. They spot Tilly Button, and Brad disapproves of George?s comments, feeling he?s disrespectful. George scoffs. Brad needs to get some notches on his belt. He suggests Mia?s into Brad and might be worth an approach. He continues to badger until reluctant Brad agrees. His attempt goes wrong and he ends up friend zoning himself to a bewildered Mia. Later George crows to Mia that he made Brad ask her out. Mia thinks it was a horrible, unkind thing to do. She reckons there?s something wrong with George ? he needs to go home and stay out of her sight.
2022-10-18
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17/10/2022

Alan defends to Jim his ?wait and see? policy regarding the church window. He wants to avoid stirring up division in the community. The window might still never be made. He resolves to hold a meeting with Peggy and all the family members, to clarify things, in a spirit of mutual understanding and respect. Helen and Lee are looking after Ena the cat for Joy in return for unlimited use of her hot tub. They?ve banned the children from using it so it?s just the two of them. However when the garden goes quiet they wonder what?s going on ? until mischievous Jack appears and sabotages the tub with soap bubbles. Lee tries to clear it up but it won?t stop foaming. He judges it more as a mess than anything mechanical. He?ll ensure the tub?s left pristine. Mia tries to persuade reluctant George to accept her help with his essay writing, as per Eddie?s request. George is having none of it; he reckons he doesn?t need academic success when he has other deals going on. Mia shrugs ? okay, if George is happy with that, why should failing all his assignments matter? He soon changes his mind, but Mia?s busy with her own essay. George turns his attention to Brad, enlisting his help instead. Later Mia points out to Brad that he?s been had ? George is gone and Brad?s writing his essay for him. She reckons George shouldn?t let Brad walk all over him; he?s better than that. Brad is a little embarrassed and makes a flustered exit.
2022-10-17
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16/10/2022

Chelsea updates Ben on her clinic appointment. The atmosphere?s awkward as Ben pledges as much support as he can in the face of wired Chelsea. Tensions boil over and they bicker noisily. Brad appears, surprised to see them talking so animatedly. He quickly works out why, and in a misguided attempt to defend his sister, ends up throwing a bungled punch at Ben. He misses and hits a gate post, and as Ben gives first aid advice, Brad calms a little. Ben and Chelsea explain that despite the stressful appearance of the situation, they?re handling it and Ben?s supporting Chelsea. Later chastened Brad apologises to Chelsea, which she accepts whilst pointing out she can look after herself. She tells Brad to keep his knowledge about the baby?s father to himself, and thanks him for trying to stick up for her. Jim points out to Alan he has an interest in the broken Jack Woolley window at the church, as Natasha approaches the vestry. She brings a proposition from Peggy, to replace the window with the proposed new one. Alan points out the lengthy process for a new design; repairing the existing one would be a lot quicker. Peggy could help fund this if she likes? Natasha?s not impressed; she?ll talk to Peggy. She later reports Peggy wants the Jack Woolley window restored, but redesigned to incorporate key ideas from their original plan. Jim?s not happy; this is just advertising for the Archer family. Alan counsels a wait and see approach. At some stage it still might get turned down.
2022-10-16
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14/10/2022

Lily tells Elizabeth she feels old compared to her university friends. None of them have lived or worked with a partner. But mainly she feels unmoored ? she and Russ had been together for so long. Elizabeth convinces Lily to go to the Bull quiz with her and Freddie; Lily won?t feel unmoored there. The ?Quizzie Lizzies? come second in the quiz and Lily admits to Elizabeth that she did the right thing making her come. She?s had a lovely evening. Susan gossips with Tracy about the broken Jack Woolley memorial window and wonders if it was vandals. Susan says Tracy looks terrible and should take the night off, but Tracy?s counting the pennies and can?t afford to miss a shift at the Bull. Tracy tells Susan that Chelsea went to her appointment with the Pregnancy Advisory Service today on her own. They debate Chelsea?s choices and Tracy says she?ll respect Chelsea?s decision, whatever it is. Later at the Bull, Susan buys Tracy a drink. When Kenton sees Tracy drinking he wonders whether it?s wise, with her being pregnant. Susan asks what he means, and Kenton explains that Jolene told him and he thought it was common knowledge. Tracy says she should?ve known word would get out and presumes it was due to Natasha seeing her at the baby clinic. Later Susan wants to know why Tracy doesn?t put a stop to the rumour. Tracy explains it?s because she doesn?t want Chelsea to be the subject of gossip. So if people want to believe false rumours about Tracy, let them.
2022-10-14
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13/10/2022

Emma?s suspicions are well founded after George offers to help with the housework and then asks for an advance on his allowance to buy a gaming chair. Emma agrees, if he commits to more housework. Later Eddie catches George buying the chair and points out that George still owes him seventy five pounds for the pheasants. When he asks George why he isn?t at college, George says his lecturer is off sick. But just as Eddie?s about to check if this is true with the college, George admits he?s skiving because he hasn?t done his course work. He loves the practical stuff, but finds the writing side much harder. He tells Eddie he?s been thinking about dropping out of college and getting a job on a farm. Later Eddie tells Emma about George struggling at college. When Eddie suggests Mia helping him, Emma thinks it?s a good idea and says she?ll ask her. George isn?t pleased and wonders if the day can get any worse. Alan and Usha try to remove the pigeons from St Stephens and clean up the mess they?ve left. There?s still one pigeon on a high ledge that won?t budge. Usha?s happy to leave it there, but Alan won?t risk it creating more mess before Friday?s wedding. Alan gets a ladder and a broomstick, but as he struggles to reach the pigeon, the ladder topples over taking Alan with it and smashing the Jack Woolley window. Alan?s fine apart from a minor injury to his hand ? but the window isn?t.
2022-10-13
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12/10/2022

Helen tells Alan she?s heard the good news about the PCC being in favour of Peggy?s stained glass window. Emma?s suggested that local schoolchildren create a design for it. Alan reminds Helen that the window hasn?t been approved by the diocese yet; perhaps it?s best not to get the hopes of local children up. Later Alan tells Jim he feels the entire village is against him about the window. He wonders if he should just accept the inevitable. Jim tells him he needs to stick up for his principles even if the whole process takes years. Meanwhile Alan is exercised by another issue ? pigeons fouling the church pews and there?s a wedding on Friday. When Lee talks to Mick about the hot tub, Mick explains Joy?s reaction to sell it was because Helen, Lee and the boys are like family to her and she can?t forgive herself for offending them. When Lee says he and Helen feel terrible, Mick gets an idea. He tells Joy that Lee and Helen would love a go in the hot tub and were wondering if they could use it one evening when Mick and Joy are out. Later Helen tells Lee she?s up for it, and reluctant Lee agrees. Mick offers them the chance tonight, as he and Joy are out. Later as Helen and Lee start to relax into the hot tub experience, Joy arrives home early in her swimming costume and gets in next to them. They?re further alarmed when Mick appears, also in his swimwear, and lowers himself in.
2022-10-12
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11/10/2022

Chelsea and Tracy wait to see the midwife; Chelsea nervously wonders what she can tell her that she doesn?t already know. Chelsea goes in to see the midwife alone, explaining she?s got to make her own decisions. When the midwife asks Chelsea how many weeks pregnant she is, Chelsea tells her the date of the rave. Chelsea?s shocked when the midwife points out it?s calculated from a couple of weeks prior to this, so Chelsea?s further along than she thinks. Tracy bumps into Natasha at the clinic. Tracy fudges that she?s there to meet up with one of the nurses who?s a friend. But when Natasha asks which one, flustered Tracy can?t identify the nurse?s name. When Chelsea comes out of her appointment she bursts into tears, saying she?s been an idiot. She?s got the dates wrong. Tracy explains gently that?s why she?s been on at Chelsea to make a decision. Chelsea says once she?s seen the Pregnancy Advisory Service on Friday, she?ll have all the facts and then she?ll know what to do. Helen tells Lee that Joy?s buyer for the hot tub has fallen through but she?s still trying to sell it. As it?s so difficult broaching the subject with Joy, they decide they should talk to Mick. Later Natasha tells Helen and Lee about seeing Tracy at the clinic. Although Tracy said she there to see a friend, she was sitting outside a midwife?s room. When Lee asks Natasha if she thinks Tracy?s pregnant, Natasha can?t think of any other reason for Tracy being there.
2022-10-11
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10/10/2022

Lily tells Elizabeth she?s going to try to sell Russ?s painting of her to an art dealer who admires Russ?s work. Elizabeth wonders whether the dealer will be interested now it?s got ?Prodosia? on the certificate of provenance. Later Lily explains to the dealer that she and Russ have split up; she can see that Russ had unwittingly captured the seeds of Lily?s betrayal in the painting. When the dealer offers eight hundred pounds, Lily says it?s worth considerably more and he accepts. Later Elizabeth can?t believe what Lily did and tells her to keep all of the money ? she?s earned it! Alan despairs when Emma says that Neil?s in favour of Peggy?s stained glass window, and she now thinks he may have a point. Alan worries to Usha that if Neil?s daughter can?t convince Neil, what hope does Alan have? He later tells Usha the PCC meeting was a disaster, with a unanimous vote in favour of Peggy?s window. When Usha?s hopeful that someone higher up the church might pull the plug, Alan?s not convinced. Eddie?s set for his romantic evening with Clarrie, with wine, desserts and an offer to help with dinner. But later as they settle down to watch a romantic film, the baa-ing from a distressed Texel sheep disturbs them. They notice it?s stuck in the hedge, and with Ed away, Eddie has to sort it. Clarrie?s roped in to help and Eddie?s sent flying into the mud by the freed sheep! They laughingly agree that their romantic evening hasn?t turned out quite as planned!
2022-10-10
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09/10/2022

Emma tells Eddie that Clarrie?s upset he was only pretending to be offended about her teenage kiss with Kenton. When Eddie can?t understand why, Emma points out he wasn?t defending Clarrie, he was just trying to scam Kenton. Emma says Clarrie?s upset at how dismissive Jolene was when she didn?t feel threatened by Clarrie. It made Clarrie feel really unattractive. When Eddie says he still fancies Clarrie, Emma wonders if he?s told her that, and suggests he make a romantic gesture. Tracy tells Susan she?s glad Chelsea?s agreed to see a midwife as Chelsea?s running out of time. Susan observes Tracy?s looking tired and wonders if Chelsea has any idea of the strain she?s putting Tracy under. Susan offers to have a word with Chelsea, but Tracy doesn?t want her put under any pressure. They discuss Chelsea?s options, with Tracy making it clear that it has to be Chelsea?s decision. Alan tells Jim he?s concerned that Jean Harvey, who?s on the PCC, is in favour of Peggy?s stained glass window. Jim?s on Alan?s side saying it?s inappropriate for the church. Alan thought the PCC would see sense at tomorrow?s meeting, but with Jean?s opposition that seems unlikely. Eddie tells them he?s buying chocolates for Clarrie because Emma?s thinks he?s been neglecting her. Alan and Jim make suggestions for further gestures, including wine and a romantic film. Emma overhears the stained glass window conversation and agrees with Alan. Although Alan?s not keen on lobbying, Emma says that as Neil?s on the PCC, she?s going to have a word with him.
2022-10-09
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07/10/2022

Helen and Lee discuss the noisy installation of Joy and Mick?s hot tub, and how loud Mick and Joy are when they?re in it! They hope the novelty will wear off, but in the meantime decide to have a word with Joy. Joy?s horrified when they broach the subject. She knew it was a mistake having it; she?ll sell the hot tub and give the money to charity. Tracy tells Chelsea that Jazzer?s made it up with Alistair. She asks Chelsea if she?s decided about her pregnancy, suggesting that whatever decision she makes, she should really see a doctor or midwife soon to talk through her options. But Chelsea?s still confused and says she?s not ready. Chelsea turns up at Pip?s on the pretext of dropping some hair chalks off for Rosie. Talk turns to Toby and the impact on Rosie of Toby moving away. Chelsea wonders whether some people aren?t cut out to be parents. Pip confesses she wasn?t sure if she was herself when she became pregnant with Rosie. She was young and not in a relationship and admits Rosie was an accident. Chelsea tells her she has a friend who?s pregnant by accident and confused about what to do. Pip discloses that she?d initially thought about a termination, but now can?t imagine life without Rosie. However, she tells Chelsea there are no easy answers and suggests that Chelsea?s ?friend? gets some professional guidance. Later Chelsea tells Tracy that she still hasn?t decided what to do, but agrees that she needs to get some professional advice.
2022-10-07
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06/10/2022

Ben worries to Josh about Beth; she hasn?t gone to work and is hardly speaking. Ben knows it?s all his fault. He also needs to know how Chelsea?s doing, which will hurt Beth even more. He half wishes Beth would dump him, then she could start again with someone better. Later Beth tells Josh she knows that Ben?s made a stupid mistake, but she can?t get over him sleeping with Chelsea and the idea of a baby. Beth knows it would be easier if she left, but she also knows Ben?s really trying to do the right thing. Later Ben tells Beth he needs to speak to Chelsea. Beth respects him for that and says Ben needs to tell her everything even if it hurts her. It?s the only way they might survive this. Kenton gives Eddie a pint on the house to make up for all the hurt he?s caused. Eddie?s surprised when Tony mentions that Jolene and Kenton are selling up. When he checks it out, Kenton and Jolene ask him to keep it secret. Kenton can?t live in the same village as Eddie, having caused such disruption to his marriage. Distraught Eddie owns up that it was just a scam to get a free pint or two. Kenton tries to keep up the pretence but ends up admitting the joke?s now on Eddie. They?re not selling the Bull ? it was just a wind up as revenge for Eddie?s scam. To make up for it Eddie will have to buy drinks for the winning side!
2022-10-06
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05/10/2022

Ruth helps Leonard decorate the guest bedroom. They chat about Beth?s refusal to be in Jill?s birthday photos. Ruth wonders if it?s just teething troubles from moving in with Ben. Ruth tags along with Leonard and Jill when they go furniture shopping for the guest room. But when Leonard sees the furniture in the flesh, he thinks they should go a bit more upmarket. When Clarrie asks Eddie to prepare the vegetables for their tea, Eddie says he?ll get George to do it. Clarrie thinks that?ll be a first, but Eddie reckons he can easily persuade George. Kenton chats to Shula on the phone and reports back to Jolene that she sounded very positive and well supported. When he worries that he?s ruined Eddie?s marriage, Jolene scoffs. How can Eddie be upset by a stupid kiss nearly fifty years ago - it?s got out of hand. But later when Jolene discusses it with Eddie, she ends up offending Clarrie when she says she wouldn?t feel threatened by Clarrie. When Eddie points out that Kenton?s going to have to go a long way to make it up to him, Jolene smells a rat. She apologises, saying she?ll talk to Kenton. When she goes, Clarrie says it?s wrong to deceive people like this, but Eddie?s dismissive ? if it gets them a few freebies from the Bull, what?s the problem? But back at the Bull, Jolene tells Kenton she?s sure she?s on to another Grundy scam. It?s time for revenge!
2022-10-05
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04/10/2022

Helen and Lee pop round to Joy?s to apologise for Henry playing loud music, but Joy doesn?t mind at all. She gives them an apple pie and when they thank her, she says it?s because she?s got an ulterior motive. Mick?s uncle has given him a hot tub which Mick?s having installed at Joy?s. So there might be a bit of disruption from noisy workmen for a couple of days. George?s turkey contact Bronco lets him know that his 15 turkey poults are ready for collection. They?re a bit smaller than their regular turkeys, because they?re a slow-growing heritage turkey. George reckons they could charge more for rare breeds, so they?ll make a good profit on them. Eddie and Clarrie are impressed and tell George he?s being very enterprising. But when George collects them, it?s clear to Eddie that they?re not turkey poults ? they?re pheasants! Clarrie says it sounds like Bronco?s nothing but a con artist, George has been had. When they question George about Bronco?s whereabouts, George doesn?t have any details apart from his phone number. Quick-thinking George reckons Eddie will still get his money back; George can raise the pheasants and sell them to the shoot. Later Eddie?s impressed when he sees George building a shelter and sourcing food for the pheasants. But he then tells George he?ll need reimbursement straight away for his outlay. When George protests, Eddie threatens to spill the beans about his mistake to everyone. George reluctantly agrees to start paying Eddie back in small instalments and to be at Eddie?s beck and call until the debt?s paid off.
2022-10-04
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03/10/2022

Toby tells Kenton he?s going to miss working at The Bull. When they discuss Toby?s Ambridge achievements, they agree that Rosie?s his greatest success. Toby worries about saying goodbye to her, but Kenton reminds him he?ll see Rosie at weekends and holidays still. Toby vows to be at every significant event too but it?s the everyday stuff that?s going to hurt. Later at Rickyard Cottage, Pip finds Toby in a thoughtful mood. They say they?ll miss each other but they?ll make the new arrangement work. At Jill?s 92nd birthday gathering, Toby says his final goodbyes. Kenton comforts Pip saying she and Toby will always have a connection. Leonard surprises Jill with a gift of a photographer to take some family portraits. Jill says that Leonard?s now part of the family and should be in the family photo too. Ben?s grateful that Beth?s there, but when Leonard suggests that she?s in the photograph too, Beth says she can?t and rushes out. Leonard goes after her, explaining that he thought that if he?s in it, Beth should be too. He wonders if she and Ben have had a row and advises Beth to take the rough with the smooth. But when Leonard suggests coming back in for the photo, upset Beth says she has to go, asking him to apologise to Jill. Jill wonders what all the fuss is about, it?s only a photo. She hopes it?s not a sign of things to come for Ben.
2022-10-03
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02/10/2022

Desperate Pip asks Chelsea to cut Rosie?s hair ready for Jill?s 92nd birthday tomorrow. Initially reticent, Chelsea agrees to do it. But when they arrive at Chelsea?s, Rosie won?t get out of the car. Pip thinks it might be to do with Toby moving out tomorrow. Chelsea remembers what it?s like not to have a dad around as a child and manages to persuade Rosie to come in. Pip?s impressed and admits to Chelsea that it?s going to be weird not having Toby to hand. At the Flower and Produce Show, Eddie and Tony wait to hear where they?ve come in the ?Soiled Pants? competition for the healthiest soil. Clarrie?s pleased when she gets some firsts for her produce, particularly when she gets a second place for her chutney when Carol?s disqualified! Tony?s disappointed when his Bridge Farm pants don?t win and Eddie and Tony are both surprised when Stella wins for her garden at the Brookfield bungalow. Tony reckons that means Bert Fry?s the winner, after all of his years of gardening there. Eddie?s dismayed because it means that Bert?s still managing to win at the Flower and Produce show. Next year he?s going to make sure Joe wins something. Tony thinks it?s priceless ? he knew the rivalry between Bert and Joe was strong, but he didn?t think it would continue into the afterlife. When Tony mentions to Kirsty that it would?ve been good to compare soils among the farms, Kirsty says she?s happy to coordinate a benchmarking scheme between farms. She heads off to present Stella with her winner?s trophy.
2022-10-02
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30/09/2022

Lilian ambushes Alan in the Tearoom. She?s keen to progress the scheme for a new church window, but Alan suggests Peggy needs to be prepared for some negativity about the project. Lilian reckons he?s overthinking it, but Alan?s keen to pursue other ideas that Peggy could gift instead. He runs through some of them but Lilian sticks to her course; she?s sure her mum would prefer a window. It?s all about children and the joy of family life. Her case is convincing, and for now Alan?s defeated. He tells Usha he doesn?t want to upset the family, but he can?t support this idea. On Usha?s suggestion, he calls Shula. Shula?s response to Alan?s question about how she?s doing gives him pause for thought. Everything comes back to trusting in what you believe is right. Alan thanks slightly bewildered Shula for her help. Jill visits Ben. She?s fishing, trying to find out what?s wrong with him. Beth interrupts them and Jill gets no further. When Jill?s gone Beth tells Ben they need to talk. She wants to make it work, despite the situation they?re in. She doesn?t know if they can, but she wants to try. She loves Ben, and hates him too ? she can?t help it. Upset Ben?s grateful she?s willing to give them a chance. They go to Brookfield for dinner and Jill continues to push for information. She encourages them to work their difficulties through; she thinks they?re soul mates and have a great future. They all hold hands, and Jill makes a toast to them.
2022-09-30
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29/09/2022

Mischievous George draws Kenton into the conversation he?s having with Clarrie, who gets embarrassed and bustles away. George discloses to Kenton that his grandma and grandpa have fallen out big time, recounting to mortified Kenton the tale of Clarrie?s ?affair? of years ago. Kenton rushes to Grange Farm to speak to Eddie, who plays the wronged husband to a tee. He makes Kenton squirm; Kenton insists his kiss with Clarrie when they were teenagers meant nothing, it was years ago and he certainly would never laugh at Eddie. Eddie continues to tie Kenton in knots, and turns on the tears. Kenton declares he?ll do anything to put things right. Later George congratulates his grandpa on his performance, and for securing free drinks for the foreseeable future. But Clarrie smells a rat when she finds them giggling, and wonders what scheme they?re cooking up. Beth visits wrongfooted Chelsea, who in a bizarre turn of events ends up doing her hair. Beth asks Chelsea for the truth, and Chelsea recounts the events of the night of the rave. Beth asks Chelsea if she?s decided what to do about the baby. In turn Chelsea asks Beth whether she?ll stay with Ben. Beth hasn?t a clue. Chelsea points out Ben was heartbroken when Beth ended it last time, and that he?s desperate not to lose her again now. He?s also offered help to Chelsea and is a good person. Beth can?t cope anymore and leaves.
2022-09-29
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28/09/2022

David and Ruth compare the merits of Meadow (green) and Ferret (also green) paint for the Brookfield refresh, and speculate on what might be wrong with Ben. They can?t believe their children will have all finally left, after nearly thirty years. They feel lucky none of them have gone far. Later with Leonard the pair disagree mildly again over the new décor. Ruth favours boutique and cosy, whereas David would prefer minimalist chic. Leonard reckons there?s a way of satisfying both of them. He makes some notes on what they?re each after, and offers to play around with some ideas. They?re very impressed with the sketches Leonard comes up with, and he declares he?d be happy to take the whole project off their hands if they want. Jolene can?t believe Kenton?s teenage kiss was with Clarrie. Kenton declares it wasn?t effective in winning Janet Adkin back, it?s water under the bridge and he and Clarrie have never spoken of it since ? so Jolene had best keep it to herself. Jolene?s lips are sealed. But she winds him up, and mentions Janet to Clarrie and Eddie when they come into the bar. Tense Kenton warns her to stop, especially when it?s clear Clarrie?s flustered. Jolene teases Kenton: maybe Clarrie still carries a torch? Eddie quizzes Clarrie and she admits to the kiss with Kenton. George walks in and is horrified. When unfazed Eddie says it was years ago and he?s ok with it, George observes with guile that Kenton doesn?t know that, does he?
2022-09-28
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27/09/2022

Lilian?s keen to show Alan the Bridge Farm family?s ideas for a dedicated window in St Stephen?s. Alan tries to explain that any decision would involve a complicated process, and that church window designs these days tend to focus on broader Christian thinking rather than individual or family dedications. Lilian mentions it would be based on a psalm. Alan goes on to point out the sustainability issues around replacing a good window. Later Alan confides to Usha he feels it?s a vanity project. Usha agrees it?s probably not appropriate. How?s Alan going to tell Peggy? Lilian walks in on Jolene rifling through Kenton?s old diary. Between them they try to find out what happened next in the story of Kenton and Janet Adkin. They discover he gave Janet an ultimatum and she ditched him. Jolene?s about to reveal the identity of the girl Kenton used to make Janet jealous, when he rumbles them. Beth?s pleased to be home from Magaluf. She?s missed Ben. Ben covers his lack of enthusiasm for Vince?s holiday offer by claiming his own gift of Jill?s pendant can?t compete. Beth insists the pendant means much more to her than her dad?s extravagant present. She thinks he?s being weird. Ben confesses the truth behind his mood. When Beth hears he slept with someone and she?s pregnant, she runs for the bathroom. She wonders when he was going to tell her, and wants to know who the girl is. When Ben says it?s Chelsea, and tries to explain, Beth doesn?t want to know and leaves.
2022-09-27
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26/09/2022

Eddie updates George on the growing Grundy Borsetshire Bronze turkeys, including his tried and tested sales patter, as they watch the comical poults? antics. George is impressed with the money they?ll make, and later he asks his Grandpa for a loan of £75 for a ?business opportunity?. He wants to buy fifteen more turkey poults to supplement their stock. Eddie thinks the price is suspiciously good, but George entreats his Grandpa to trust him. Later when George tells him the deal?s done, Eddie reckons he?s done good. George talks Eddie into promising a ten percent cut of the profits, and Eddie laughs he?s been well and truly fleeced. George wants to start a social media campaign featuring video of the poults ? everyone loves pictures of animals doing daft things. Ruth worries Ben?s ill, and Josh covers for him, advising her not to fuss. Ben?s horrified to learn Vince is coming over to talk to him. After Vince has discussed putting extra solar panels on one of the barns he raises the topic of Beth?s birthday present; how would Ben feel about a holiday in New Zealand? Beth?s always wanted to go, and there?s no-one she?d rather go with than Ben. Ruth waxes lyrical, and can?t understand Ben?s lack of enthusiasm. Ben tries to tell Vince he?s too busy to go, but Vince announces the trip will be in the Christmas holidays. Josh reassures Ben. Depending on Chelsea?s decision, he might not even need to tell Beth about the baby. But Ben insists he has to, whatever happens.
2022-09-26
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25/09/2022

Kenton confides to Jolene that he?s already missing Shula. He knows it?s silly. Jolene thinks it could be linked to the discovery of his old diary. He admits she might be right, and wonders where all his passion and principles have gone. Jolene asks if she can take a look at the diary. Kenton acquiesces, but she should know there?s lots about girls ? and particularly Janet Adkin, his teen crush. Jolene?s soon engrossed ? did Kenton manage to get close to Janet on their trip to the cinema? He explains Janet ran out halfway through the film. When Jolene asks what happened next, he becomes defensive and snatches the diary away. Ben?s slumped under his duvet on the pretext of a headache. He insists to Josh there?s nothing wrong between him and Beth, but further than that he won?t talk, and shouts at Josh to go away. Later Ben asks Chelsea to the Stables, and apologises for his panic reaction on Friday to her news. She goes over the events of the night of the rave, and Ben listens awkwardly. Whilst he admits he had sex with her willingly, he was hoping not to have to revisit that night ever again. He establishes Chelsea hasn?t made any decisions, and they discuss who knows about it. He offers Chelsea support, in any way he can. It dawns on him he?ll have to tell Beth. When Josh sees distraught Ben he insists on the truth. Ben tells him, and shocked Josh asks him what he?s going to do. Ben just doesn?t know.
2022-09-25
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Making Mince Pies with Jill Archer

Join Jill in the kitchen at Brookfield as she makes a batch of her much loved mince pies
2019-12-09
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