The Archers

There’s a Christmas crisis at The Bull, and Emma faces a surprise backlash.

Writer ….. Sarah McDonald Hughes Director ….. Rosemary Watts Editor ….. Jeremy HoweDavid Archer … Timothy Bentinck Ruth Archer … Felicity Finch Clarrie Grundy … Heather Bell Eddie Grundy … Trevor Harrison Jakob Hakansson … Paul Venables Jim Lloyd … John Rowe Jazzer McCreary … Ryan Kelly Kate Madikane … Perdita Avery Faith … Emma Fielding Chuck … Nathan Osgood Ellie … Kerry Howard Joel … Will Close

Faith enjoys her tour of Brookfield, telling Chuck what farming royalty the Brookfield Archers were when she was little. Meanwhile, Clarrie’s anxious to make a good impression, as Eddie dumps a flagon of cider on the table. She’s aghast at Eddie’s lie about them being landowners with an antiques business. Over dinner they all reminisce about the Grundys, the Larkins and Faith’s childhood exploits, and Chuck generally warms to his Ambridge experience. When Eddie’s unhappy customer berates him for the junk he sold him, the bubble is burst for Eddie – but Faith and Chuck see the funny side. Chuck even shows some interest in an old spokeshave of Eddie’s, which is a genuine antique. Ellie’s taken with country life and bonds with generous Kate. Ellie senses Kate’s mood and Kate admits she and Jakob have fallen out. Kate’s touched when Ellie invites her to stay and join her at the Brookfield bonfire. Kate explains how obsessed Jakob has become playing detective with the holiday fraudsters. Ellie helps Kate to see things from Jakob’s point of view, allowing for their different ways of dealing with things. As Kate works out what to do, she’s invited to sleep over with the others at Brookfield. But she persuades Ellie not to promote Brookfield too much as a retreat – she already runs one of those! Staying at the barn also allows Faith and Chuck to talk about some of their problems and even realise they have new things to discover about each other. This makes Kate think.

Faith bumps into Jazzer as he takes Jim’s old airbed over to Brookfield to help with their ‘big barn sleepover’. Faith is so grateful for the community support, and Jazzer makes no secret of how relieved Jakob will be to have his home back. Eddie’s visiting Joe’s grave, and chats to his old Dad. Visiting the churchyard also is Faith. They bump into one another and Faith remembers him from her childhood. She jokingly reminds Eddie of when they got “married” when they were five or six years old. It has been more than sixty years, but Eddie hasn’t changed at all. Over a drink at the Bull, they catch up and share their life stories. Eddie lies, making himself out to be in the antiques business with Clarrie. Faith’s delighted to accept his invitation to come over with Chuck tomorrow and try some home-made cider. A stranger arrives at Greenacres, and startled Jim takes immediate action to make a citizen’s arrest. The stranger had let himself in thinking he’d booked into Jim’s bungalow. Jazzer arrives and points out that this guy isn’t a scammer but rather has himself been scammed. With this clarified, apologetic Jim shares a drink and gets to know Joel. Having been contained by Jim in the living room, Joel admits he enjoyed looking at Jim’s impressive library. Joel is an archaeologist and connects with Jim over his Classical literature. Joel resigns himself to going home, but Jazzer has another idea, mentioning the Brookfield Barn. Joel’s happy; he feels he’s found a kindred spirit in Jim.

It’s action stations for Ruth, while the Grundys spot an opportunity.

After an uncomfortable night in the yurt, Jakob wonders why a more rested Kate is being so helpful, as she sets about helping Faith and Chuck find somewhere to stay. Faith and Chuck still can’t get any answer from the booking company. Grey Gables and Ambridge Hall are all booked up or out of action, but there’s somewhere available in Felpersham. Faith is disappointed, revealing to Kate that Ambridge has special memories for her. Faith grew up here before emigrating to Phoenix, Arizona, as a ten year old. The trip back with Chuck was for their 40th anniversary, although Chuck wanted a beach! Sympathetic Kate promises to let the couple stay. Jakob complains to Jazzer and explains what’s happened, and they talk about scams. Jazzer mentions a room going spare for him at Jim’s, and worries Jakob with the suggestion that more people could arrive on Jakob’s doorstep after he’s got rid of Faith and Chuck. Jakob realises he needs to do something – but what? In the Bull, Faith and Chuck meet Jazzer, and Chuck ponders ditching their holiday. But Faith is going nowhere. At Brookfield, another stranger arrives – Ellie, along with her two teenage daughters – and gets short shrift from Ruth as she asks to check in. Ellie has booked via the same website, and Jakob realises that this is another victim of a fake listing. Ruth shares his worry about more people turning up. Jakob has been trying all day to get to the bottom of his rogue listing. They need to take matters into their own hands.

American couple Faith and Chuck attempt to check into their holiday cottage in Ambridge. Faith finds it all very quaint, especially the key under a flowerpot, and they make themselves at home. But it seems different from the online pictures, and tired Chuck is less taken. Meanwhile, Kate and Jakob can’t agree on where to holiday in the new year – she fancies warmth, he talks up Finland in February. They’re stopped in their tracks as Jakob spots movement inside his cottage. He wants to call the police, but Kate goes to investigate. Faith and Chuck are adamant they have booked to stay in the Rookery. Jakob insists he has never heard of the website, so Chuck goes to contact the company. Chuck wonders whether the owners have tricked them and plan to take them hostage. Meanwhile as Chuck can’t get through to anyone, Faith sends an email, asking someone to call her asap. Chris, who owns the cottage, knows nothing about any listing. Jakob and Kate spot that the photos online don’t resemble the real cottage. Jakob’s simple view is that the couple can’t stay there, but Kate feels compelled to help. After proper introductions, Kate invites them to stay the night, leaving Jakob stunned to find himself sharing a yurt with Kate. Kate plans to ring round places tomorrow for the couple. As suspicious Jakob goes to grab his pyjamas and lock away any valuables, Kate looks forward to a night under canvas and assures them it will all be sorted out tomorrow.

Justin has scathing feedback for Brad on his promotional video about beavers, and advises some changes. But he’s horrified to learn that Brad has already sent the video to Innes, Justin’s client, and tells Brad he won’t be getting any more work. But later Justin eats his words, having heard back from his friend. Innes was delighted with the video, so Justin buys Brad a drink and wants him to do another job, for Borchester Land. Brad worries about missing more Uni, but Justin guilt trips him by talking about protecting George’s business for him. At the Bull, Kenton and Jolene speculate on Fallon’s business plans, before seeing Joy who’s meeting Mick for dinner. Keen to plant a seed in Joy’s head, and to get Mick’s van off of their car park, they talk warmly about what a catch Mick is, and drop hints about spending more time together and perhaps living together. Mick admits to Joy his van is not ideal, with pub noise and general discomfort. Concerned Joy invites Mick to move in with her. He’s grateful but declines, pointing out that she’d just be taking pity on him. He’ll get the van fixed and then they should discuss it again, on equal terms. Joy admires him for this, as they declare their love for each other. Jolene and Kenton notice how serious they seem over in the alcove, and are delighted when Mick mentions Joy’s offer - but quickly disappointed when Mick tells them he turned Joy down. But after an awkward moment, Mick’s assured he can stay in his van in the car park.

Leonard is up early in the workshop and David finds him fixing up an old rusty bike. The two discuss the massive farmers’ protest about inheritance tax outside Parliament. Leonard used to be quite the long-distance cyclist and Ruth and David marvel as he zips around the yard on the restored bike. Josh says he can have it, so Leonard takes it for a spin to the shops. Kenton and Jolene are shocked awake by the noise of Mick working on his van in the pub car park, trying to bring it back to life. Kenton’s roped in to helping, and he complains about how much Brad’s doing for George. They discuss Kirsty’s house sale – Joy’s worried about Helen, Henry and Jack. Mick’s introduced to Leonard, on his bike, and Mick offers him some cycling gear care of Joy. Meanwhile, Jolene comes out to remind oil-covered Kenton that they need to open the pub. As a thank you for the bike, Leonard takes David and Josh for a drink, where Mick has stored dismantled parts from his van and jokes that they’re never getting rid of him. But Mick has been singing their praises to his mate Errol, who may book the Bull for his birthday bash. Kenton admits to David that it looks like Mick’s van is never going to run again, so Jolene is aghast at the idea of it staying outside the pub. Leonard has enjoyed a cycle but struggles now with hills. Kenton talks about getting an electric bike, but Leonard dismisses the idea. David just asks Leonard to be careful.

Azra does some shopping at Bridge Farm and chats with Helen about the Christmas event at Loxley Barrett school, and how involved Ian has been on the PTA. Azra also wonders how long that camper van is going to be on Joy’s drive. They joke about Hilda the cat faking her own death. Khalil’s scheme to put Azra off cats has worked, she admits, and she’s glad to return the cat to Tony. Khalil wants chickens and Tony warns Azra of the considerations. As Azra congratulates Tony on Henry’s venture with goats, Azra notices a strange smell. Later, Tony realises it’s from Henry’s new Buck. Helen hopes it will only be for a while, while the goat is rutting – they hope it won’t drive people away. Mick’s feeling frustrated about life and work, and has a heart to heart with Jolene – he admits he’s always had itching feet, but being with Joy has changed things. Jolene reminisces about her singing days, and opens up about her own life changes. When Mick comes to Jolene and Kenton’s aid to help take some attractive photos of the pub for a feature, they are so grateful. In fact, when they learn about Mick’s issue with his motorhome, Kenton invites Mick to park it in the Bull car park. Close by, Mick can be an unofficial bouncer at the Pub! It’s just temporary though, points out concerned Jolene.

Chelsea’s ill, so Emma takes round a home-made remedy from Clarrie. Emma struggles to get much info from Brad about how George is doing in prison - she’s so grateful to Brad for keeping in touch with George. As Brad gets ready to do a video job for George’s business, Tracy’s worried about Brad being distracted from his studies at a crucial time. Emma implores Brad to keep in touch with George – Brad’s her only connection to her son. Kirsty and Brad work together to make his promotional video at the rewilding site, and she even offers to help anxious Brad with the edit, and he’s so grateful. But later as Kirsty treats Brad to a drink at the Bull, Tracy’s concern increases, as Brad has now spent a whole day away from his studies – and the video still isn’t finished. Fallon is busy in Ruth’s kitchen getting everything ready for the big event she’s catering at Brookfield. It’s not ideal for busy Ruth, who gives Fallon strict instructions from Jill, who she has managed to make disappear with Leonard for the day. With helper Chelsea off sick, Fallon’s up against it. But Emma surprises Fallon by arriving to help. Fallon accepts the offer and Ruth thinks Emma’s a lifesaver. After a successful event, everyone’s shattered, and over a cup of tea Ruth is brutally honest with Fallon – Fallon needs to get herself properly set up before they can do business again. Fallon understand and agrees – she’s determined to get her business on to a proper footing.

Helen gives Azra a book and Azra explains that Hilda the cat is now a house guest. Azra works out that Hilda is a terror and Khalil has tricked her. Helen points out that Henry may have had some influence over Khalil. Eddie had also been round trying to sell Azra a turkey for Christmas and for a moment she wondered if it was someone suspicious, ‘til Helen explains who he is. The cat disappears and later Azra comes across Jakob at the road side. A cat jumped out in front of his car and is now dead. Azra thinks it’s Hilda. They go to the vet surgery to check its microchip. No ID can be found, so it’s not Hilda, as she’s chipped. They’ll do their best to find the owner. Stressed Jakob admits he needs a holiday!Kirsty needs an answer from Helen on whether she’s going to buy her house. But Helen says no, she can’t make the sums work. At least she and the boys will have some time to sort something out as the house goes on to the open market. Joy’s sad she’ll lose Helen as a neighbour and Mick reports that he’s been ordered by Oliver to move his campervan. Joy lets him park it on her drive – the only problem is that he can’t move it – the gear box has seized up. Helen gets Tony to help with his tractor, but it causes damage to Helen’s (Kirsty’s) front lawn. Kirsty’s horrified – she’ll have to put the estate agent off taking photos, and she wants the house sold asap!

Ruth gets a last minute request to use the Events Barn for a party on Tuesday, but thinks it’s too short notice, especially as they’ve already got other commitments coming up. Jolene tells Ruth not to cancel the booking just yet though, suggesting Fallon could cater the event for Brookfield. Ruth then asks Fallon, who agrees to do it, but the job quickly becomes bigger than originally briefed. Fallon’s kitchen at Woodbine is too small for the preparation needed and the Bull’s kitchen is unavailable. But Fallon reckons that if she can use the kitchen at Brookfield and get Chelsea to assist her it might be doable, so long as Ruth’s okay with that. Otherwise the whole thing’s off. Tracy thinks Fallon looks stressed , but Jolene’s positive it’s a good thing for Fallon to take on new challenges. Ruth isn’t keen on giving up her kitchen though, but Fallon manages to persuade Ruth that she can make it work without interfering too much in the farm’s routine.At Number 6 The Green Tracy worries that Brad is becoming too distracted from his University work by George, especially now Brad’s the only person George will talk to. Brad denies it’s a problem, before he gets a call - it’s George. Meanwhile, Justin wants Brad to make a video for him, showing the suitability of Ambridge and the Rewilding Site for the introduction of beavers. Brad isn’t sure he’s up to the task, but Justin railroads him into agreeing to have it done by Friday.

Fallon’s working a shift at The Bull while Jolene laments the fact Lynda’s not putting on a Christmas show. Fallon hopes people won’t pry into why she’s working there, but Jolene reassures Fallon she made the right decision to give up the Charging Station Café. Justin is sympathetic that it didn’t work out for Fallon, cautioning her not to go back to the Tearoom, but to look forward instead. He mentions his bankruptcy, suggesting it was the making of him, having to start afresh. He offers to help Fallon if he can and she appreciates him taking her more seriously as a businesswoman than she does herself. Fallon then decides she won’t go back to her old job and Jolene agrees, she can do much better than that. At Beechwood Helen has Tom and Natasha over for dinner. They reflect on a happy day, celebrating Peggy’s 100th birthday. Seren and Nova were particularly charming. They share a moment, remembering their brother, John, then mention Emma being upset this morning after George let it be known he doesn’t ever want his family to visit him again. Helen then explains how difficult it would be for her to afford the mortgage on Kirsty’s house and Natasha tells her not to take the risk, in that case. Later, going home, Natasha suggests to Tom that if Helen doesn’t go for the Beechwood house they could buy it instead. Tom’s not keen, for several reasons, including upsetting Helen, but Natasha concludes that Helen doesn’t really want to live there, whereas she does.

On their way to Handale Prison Neil and Susan are both feeling nervous, but pleased George has agreed to see them. When they get there though George is bitter and distant, seemingly more concerned about what other prisoners will think if he’s too friendly with his grandparents. Neil and Susan struggle finding a subject George doesn’t twist into an angry response. When Neil raises how worried they are about bad influences on him, George makes it clear he only invited them out of pity and wants them to go. Neil then has a go at George about how much it has cost Susan in particular coming on this visit, but George responds by guilt tripping them over what could happen to him in prison - and it will be all their fault. On their way home Neil and Susan admit the visit was awful and George was horrible. They wonder what they’re going to tell Emma, who texts, then rings. They consider glossing over the whole experience, but in the end it might be better to just tell Emma the truth.At Bridge Farm Pat and Tony are pleased with the handsome new buck that’s arrived, hopeful that serious Henry won’t turn out anything like George. When Pat expresses her frustration that Helen hasn’t just gone ahead and bought Kirsty’s Beechwood house Tony tells her about his idea of building an eco-house. He admits they’d have to okay everything with Helen, Tom and Natasha, but Pat thinks they’re too old to make such a big change. However, Tony isn’t giving up on his dream just yet.

At Bridge Farm, Tom and Tony talk about Neil and Susan visiting George tomorrow, plus the imminent arrival of the buck goat and how expensive it must be. Pat joins them, worrying about her promise to bake the cake for Peggy’s 100th birthday today. Pat then confesses the goat cost £750, which is why she didn’t want to tell Tony, who’s suitably appalled. Once Pat’s gone Tony tells Tom about his dream of building an eco-house, which leads onto the idea of Helen potentially moving into the farmhouse. How would Tom and Natasha feel about that? Tony worries about Tom feeling it would be unfair. Tom admits it’s not something he’s thought about, but finds it amusing Tony hasn’t even mentioned the eco-house idea to Pat yet. Tony makes the excuse that there have been so many other things to think about. Chatting to Helen at Beechwood Kirsty bemoans her poor choice of men in her life. Her mum, Megan, keeps pushing her towards Rex, but Kirsty has never been interested in him. However it has made her look at him in a slightly different light. The conversation turns to Helen buying Kirsty’s house, but Helen says it will only be possible if Kirsty drops the price. Kirsty can’t though, as the pressure is now on for her to buy Willow Farm before Brenda sells it to someone else. Helen’s uneasy with rushing into such an important decision affecting Henry and Jack’s future happiness. But Kirsty won’t let her off the hook. The boys love the house and she desperately needs to sell, so what’s Helen waiting for?

Rex calls Kirsty to the Rewilding site to discuss their future, following Justin’s volte face over funding. What will they do now the land and money has been guaranteed for five years? Rex’s left-field idea is beavers, to encourage biodiversity and provide a natural defence against flooding. Kirsty suggests talking to Tony, their farming consultant. Later, when Rex puts the case for introducing beavers to the local environment, Tony reckons they’d need to convince the whole of Ambridge about the benefits, particularly farmers suffering poor crop yields as a result of standing water over the last year. Rex admits there would be considerable costs involved, but argues the benefits would outweigh these in the longer term. Tony is basically for it, but wants another meeting once Rex has done more research to build his case. Kirsty’s already convinced, though. Rex could sell her anything with his passion. At Ambridge View Emma tells Susan how bad she feels about Fallon, after taking her job - and about George, especially now she’s seen him in prison. Emma’s scared about the influence other prisoners could have on George, but Susan thinks George still has a good heart. Later, they both talk to Neil about how upsetting it is that George doesn’t want to see his grandparents and what they can do to protect him from bad influences while he’s inside. Neil then puts in another request to visit George, reports back later that he got a holding message in reply, but at least it wasn’t a flat refusal like last time. They’re both desperate to see him, whatever it takes.

Natasha has called Emma in to the Tearoom and offers Emma the position of part-time manager, as Natasha’s other commitments mean she can’t manage it on her own. Emma barely hesitates before accepting the offer and thanks Natasha for trusting her. Fallon tells Harrison she’s just informed Cell Charge that she’s not going ahead with the café at the Charging Station. Harrison thinks Justin should feel bad about what’s happened, but Fallon is already making other plans. Fallon then goes to see Natasha and asks for her old job back. It’s awkward and embarrassing, coming just days after her leaving do. Natasha is sympathetic when she hears Fallon’s reasons, but she’s just given the job to Emma. As she leaves, Fallon bumps into Emma but doesn’t say anything. Natasha though tells Emma and Tony what Fallon asked, but wants them to keep it to themselves. Natasha then phones Fallon to offer her shift work at the Tearoom, but Harrison doesn’t want Fallon to go back. And then guilty Emma comes round and begs Fallon to take back her old job, but Fallon is adamant - she can’t do it to Emma. Meanwhile, Tony tells distracted Natasha about his dream of building an eco house at Bridge Farm, but admits he’d more or less given up on the idea until Helen mentioned she may not buy the house on Beechwood. Natasha jokes that she and Tom could buy it instead. Tony leaps on this - if they buy Beechwood then Helen could move into the farmhouse, and he and Pat could live in the new eco house. Perfect!

At Bridge Farm, Helen’s impressed when Tony shows her what a good job Henry’s done trimming the goat’s hooves. They talk about the new buck arriving on Thursday and how committed Henry is to looking after it. Henry’s told Tony they’ll be having roast goat for dinner within eighteen months – he’s clearly growing up to be a farmer and planning ahead. Later, Tony asks Helen about the Beechwood house. Helen’s had the surveyor in and may need to negotiate a lower price with Kirsty, but her real problem is her ambivalence about living somewhere that’s like suburbia. She might start looking at other options. Tonys says they’d be welcome to move back in with him and Pat. Tony’s dream is to one day build and move into an eco-house at Bridge Farm, but admits it’s probably pie in the sky. At Woodbine Fallon tells Harrison she doesn’t want to go ahead with her new café, now she’s being offered an inferior unit. When Jolene drops in she offers help financially, admitting it’s a change of heart after turning Fallon down months ago. That was because of Markie though, and the dog attack on Kenton. Jolene asks Fallon and Harrison to at least think about her offer. Harrison then suggests he could talk to his parents about a loan and put in for regular overtime. But Fallon insists he’s completely stressed by work already. They’re not going to try and make it happen at all costs. She’s turning down the unit and that’s that.

As Kirsty and Rex sadly discuss plans for winding down Rewilding Ambridge, Justin barges in brandishing a contract which needs their signature. When Rex says he’s not jumping to Justin’s command, Kirsty stops him - she can’t believe what she’s reading. Justin confirms that it’s a contract for the lease of BL land at a peppercorn rent. They just need to sign it. Justin’s there to save the day! Rex and Kirsty celebrate later at The Bull but can’t get over Justin’s about-turn. As they raise a toast, Lilian says they should spread the word that Justin has a heart as warm as anyone in Ambridge. Justin’s frustrated when he can no longer get into the rewilding website. Lilian’s delighted by his rewilding decision, but says that everyone else thinks Justin must have an ulterior motive. Justin confirms he simply did it to help Kirsty and Rex – it’s a cause that he now sees is important. Fallon heads off to sign her EV Charging Station contract. Emma appears explaining that she needed to see Fallon to wish her well, producing a gift of a miniature bonsai tree. The one a Tearoom customer gave to Emma when she started up the tree surgery business. Fallon confesses she’s feeling nervous about it all, but Emma reckons the new café is the perfect thing for Fallon to do. But later Fallon tells Harrison she hasn’t signed the contract – they offered her an even smaller space and she’s not sure it’s going to work. She has a few days to make the decision. What is she going to do?