The Archers

Brian’s words cut deep, and someone makes a terrible mistake with earth-shattering consequences.

Writer: Caroline Jester Director: Rosemary Watts and Pip SwallowBrian Aldridge…. Charles Collingwood Lilian Bellamy…. Sunny Ormonde Alice Carter…. Hollie Chapman Eddie Grundy…. Trevor Harrison Emma Grundy…. Emerald O’Hanrahan George Grundy…. Angus Stobie Will Grundy…. Philip Molloy Miranda Elliott…. Lucy Fleming Jakob Hakansson…. Paul Venables Chelsea Horrobin…. Madeleine Leslay Joy Horville…. Jackie Lye Alistair Lloyd…. Michael Lumsden Jim Lloyd…. John Rowe Kate Madikane…. Perdita Avery Dr Azra Malik…. Yasmin Wilde Denise Metcalf…. Clare Perkins Lynda Snell…. Carole Boyd Robert Snell…. Michael Bertenshaw Mick…. Martin Barrass

Eddie is in good mood. He has borrowed the fortune telling booth from the Ambridge fete. He is giving it a coat of paint and tells Will he is working on the next stage of The Bartleby Experience. He plans to charge people for a special message from Bartleby. Will is concerned how George will react. Later George turns up and tells Eddie he wants the sign he has put up removed. When Eddie tells him about the booth, George says they are wrecking a social media sensation. He storms off, shouting that the sign and the booth must go. Later, as George threatens to take a hammer to the booth, Eddie tells him visitors paid £30 a time for messages from Bartleby. Will plays peacemaker, insisting that Eddie must split the cash and that George must use his share of the windfall to do something good - like taking his mother out for a meal. Alice bumps into Jakob at the shop while he’s buying ingredients for a meal Kate is cooking this evening for Miranda and Brian. He’s not looking forward to it and persuades Alice to come

Denise is teasing Alistair about his dancing and as they work they get distracted talking about what might have happened in the church hall if they hadn’t been disturbed by Joy and Azra. Far from being uncomfortable, Denise thinks they should just choose a better time and place. They chat about Bartleby – Jakob is considering having a word with the Grundys because all the extra attention can’t be doing Bartleby any good. Alistair asks Denise if she has plans for this evening – he has Greenacres to himself. Denise is keen, she just needs an excuse to tell John. Later after a takeaway meal, and tucking into a second bottle of Jim’s fine wine, Alistair suggests they move somewhere more comfortable. But Denise doesn’t think Jim’s house has the right vibe and proposes they book a hotel room where they can really relax. Alistair misunderstands, saying they should call a taxi because he’s had too much to drink. But Denise explains she means they should make a booking at the weekend - John is away on Sunday night.Jak

Alistair is clipping Monty’s claws as he and Robert agree what an asset Denise is to the vet’s practice. They chat about Sunday’s cricket win over Darrington and Linda’s worry that she might not get enough volunteers to prepare the teas for the T20 match during May Bank Holiday weekend. Jim arrives with Alistair’s forgotten packed lunch. They agree to meet for a drink later at The Bull. Robert remarks how happy Alistair seems these days and says he might adopt a similar approach to working with Lynda. Instead of getting annoyed, he’s going to focus on him and Lynda being a team. Later at The Bull, Jim offers to help Robert with his ancient mystery puzzle and they agree to make a night of it. Alistair joins them and, while Robert is at the bar, Jim says he will be spending the night at Ambridge Hall and Alistair should take the opportunity to spend some time alone with Denise. George is not happy about Eddie’s sign advertising Bartleby The Talking Horse. Eddie thinks they’re on to a financial winner if they c

Alice is groggy when Jakob - hammering on the door - finally manages to rouse her. She needs to call the nursery as she forgot to tell them Kate would be picking Martha up. Alice is defensive when Jakob tells her Kate thought something terrible had happened when she didn’t answer her phone after calling in sick. Jakob’s suspicions grow when he notices Alice’s phone is under the coffee table, where its ringing should have woken her – then, as he’s about to leave, he notices a poorly-hidden empty wine bottle. Alice tries to talk her way out of it but he says he’ll have to tell Kate. Alice promises it’s a one-off and says she’ll call her sponsor, Lisa, if he’ll keep her secret. She says she can’t risk Martha being taken away from her. Reluctantly, Jakob agrees.Chelsea is being trained by Emma at the Tea Room, although her experience at The Orangery has Chelsea overflowing with confidence. Robert comes in for a cup of tea and she is soon trying to persuade him to buy cake as well – her overselling of the various

There’s a surprise for Emma and Azra finds herself embraced into village life

Azra reveals she is going to be moving in to Beechwood and, delighted, Joy quickly shares all her intel on the local residents, before inviting her new neighbour to join her later at Denise’s Dance Fit class at the Church.Alistair has a pub date with Laura from the Little Croxley cricket team. The conversation quickly becomes stilted, and Laura politely asks what’s going on. Alistair is sorry for messing Laura about and makes excuses. The actual issue is someone else, but it’s complicated. Laura’s not offended but knows that it’s time to leave Alistair and re-join her friends who are sitting at another table. She wishes him well, and good luck with his “situationship”.Alistair goes to find Denise at the church and explains that he liked Laura – but his mind was elsewhere. Denise laughs as Alistair recalls how he embarrassed himself, but gets upsets when she realises no-one’s there for her fitness class, apart from Alistair who’s volunteered to take part. Denise heads to the vestry to pack up her equipment.

Helen invites Joy round for a natter and her food selection reminds Joy of being in Corfu in 1989. Helen says she hasn’t had a girls’ holiday for years, and Joy eagerly suggests they go away together to a Greek island next year, with Kirsty too! Joy admits that Mick’s been elusive, and something seems a bit off, so perhaps it’s a good idea she hasn’t rushed to move in together. Azra turns up for her house viewing and realises she has the wrong address – but Joy quickly gets to know Azra and fills her in on the owners of the property she’s viewing. Joy and Helen watch a worryingly fearless Jack on Henry’s old skateboard. Azra returns and seems happy with what she’s seen, and shares that she has been warned about a local busybody. Joy has no idea they mean her.Lilian finds Alice busily working at the Stables, before the Inspector comes back. Lilian wants to go through the report, but Alice says she’s on top of things. The rather severe Inspector leaves and Lilian’s relieved. They passed with flying colours and

Ed and Fallon chat about how much Emma’s enjoying fitness training and getting stronger. Fallon is dropping off a gift for Emma – a bonsai tree from a tea room customer, for good luck. Ed’s concerned that too many people know about the tree surgery before it has got off the ground. Fallon senses something’s amiss, and Ed’s admits he’s worried they’re making a mistake launching the business. It is a big change, says Fallon, and maybe that’s what Ed’s most scared of. She tells him to talk about it with Emma. Alice goes to see Harry but finds Eve at his flat. Harry’s got a place at the treatment centre and Eve is tidying up. But she’s upset and struggling to cope, so Alice comforts her. As Alice talks about her own worst moments facing up to her addiction, Eve’s sympathetic and knows that Harry is in the right place now thanks to Alice. She apologises for how she treated Alice and will never forget what she has done for their family. Lilian has been looking after Martha and, suspecting nothing, she asks Alice ho

Fallon joins Harrison at cricket practice with Henry. She feels sorry for Alice that it didn’t work out with Harry. But Alice seemed in good spirits on Sunday. Self-conscious Henry’s slightly peeved to discover Fallon is joining them, as wicket keeper, and he insists Helen just leave him to it. Henry’s a wild bowler but has a decent first go at batting, with lots of joshing from Harrison throughout. Helen comes to pick him up and is pleased to see Henry spending time with a positive male role model. In the car heading home, Henry jokes about how bad he was, and they agree he doesn’t need to make any decisions yet: about life or cricket. Alistair examines a lamb with a broken leg and, gutted, Ed agrees to stump up for a cast. They chat about cricket and Ed teases Alistair about his ‘double win’ on Sunday, chatting up the Little Croxley captain Laura. Alistair and Denise are joking about a difficult cat that might even be worse than Hilda, when Ed turns up to return Alistair’s coat. He apologises for winding hi

Harrison bumps into Henry as he heads home from school. Henry asks whether he needs new players for the cricket team. Later at Bridge Farm whilst collecting Fallon, Harrison gets chatting with Helen – he wants to thank Henry, who has inspired him to get a youth cricket team going again. He’d even be happy to give Henry some coaching. Helen’s confused - Henry hates cricket!But after a chat with Henry, Helen messages Harrison to accept his offer. Henry explains to his mum that he doesn’t know if he likes cricket - his experience of the game came from playing with Rob, which wasn’t fun. He wants to see if it’s different with someone like Harrison coaching him. Helen’s impressed and thinks that’s a great idea.Harry visits Alice to tell her he has stopped drinking and is booked into a rehab centre this week. Alice surprises him with the offer to come in for some tea, which turns into dinner and a bedtime story with Martha. Harry fears that he won’t be able to stop drinking, but Alice reassures him. Harry feels so

Alistair’s grateful when Denise comes in for a work emergency, but things are tense between them. They agree they’d like to try to go back to being ‘normal’ with each other. Alistair invites Denise to his cricket match later, but Denise has to be at home, as John’s back – and they need to talk. At the cricket, Fallon thanks Alice for getting Harry to testify on Harrison’s behalf. Fallon is sorry it hasn’t worked out with Harry, but Alice knows it’s best for everyone, and she needs to just move on. At the cricket Harrison asks Ed how the tree surgery enterprise is going. Ed admits he’s done some research and now realises what a dangerous profession it is. Harrison reassures Ed and suggests he tells Emma how he feels. But Ed says there’s no backing out now. Ed’s a nervous stand-in for Will at the match but makes a good catch against Little Croxley. Their captain Laura protests that the ball came off her pad, and Alistair backs her up. Laura offers Alistair a drink as thanks, but he politely declines, so she g

Mick helps Kirsty as a volunteer at the Rewilding for Primrose Day, and happily informs Kirsty he got the security job at Grey Gables. There’s loads to sort today with school workshops, and they’re joined by Lord Mayor Ruby Cosse. Sadly, there aren’t many primroses left in their desired spot so Mick sets to work on a new path and signage. Kirsty becomes fraught as a series of issues crop up, including the Mayor’s dietary requirements - the gift cake Kirsty prepared won’t be suitable. Mick hot-foots it to Bridge Farm to find something gluten-free, and mucks in to save the day. Kirsty’s so grateful she gives him the cake, which he looks forward to sharing with Joy – and Mick asks Kirsty to not let on to Joy the good news about his new job. It’ll be a surprise.Lilian admits to Alice she’s treading on eggshells since she and Kate interfered in their concern about Alice. Alice knows that Lilian and Kate just care. But when Alice phones Harry to check in on him, as promised, she’s dismayed to discover he’s been d

Brad dwells on his mistake with the cases yesterday, and Lily tells him to apply some zip and bounce to give people a warm welcome, also briefing him to up-sell welcome tea and pastries. Brad spots Mick and, not realising he isn’t a guest, offers him charm and a pastry – but Mick explains he’s come to see Roy to be interviewed for a security job. As Lily tells Brad to up his game, Mick reappears feeling hopeful about the job and moving to Ambridge, which he hasn’t told Joy about – it’s a surprise. Mick’s so grateful for Brad’s help earlier – Lily should look after such a good employee. Lily admits to Brad she’s been too hard on him. Brad stuns Lily by totally misreading what she’s saying, and pointing out that he realises that’s how girls are – giving someone a hard time who they actually fancy. He’s flattered, but in love with Mia.Chelsea smashes her job interview with Natasha, and then soon after does the same with Kenton at the Bull. But when Kenton calls with a job offer, Chelsea says she’ll call him ba

It’s the night of Fallon and Harrison’s luxury stay at Grey Gables and Fallon packs a little extra something for later - Harrison’s intrigued. The Lord Mayor of Felpersham and her husband are checking in as well. Lily bamboozles Brad with instructions, but the Lord Mayor's impressed by Brad’s enthusiasm. However, Brad mixes up the two couples’ suitcases, and mortified Fallon confesses to Harrison that she packed costumes for them – Maid Marian and the Sheriff of Nottingham! Lily becomes aware from Fallon that her case contains ‘personal’ items, so Lily and Brad go to the Lord Mayor's room with their case ready to return it. Having checked the room's empty, Brad goes inside. Lily gets Brad to retrieve Fallon’s case, but before they swap them the Lord Mayor and her husband approach. Lily invents a story about security to cover what they’re doing, and she and Brad don’t have a chance to check which case to give them. Brad takes pot luck, and afterwards Lily’s relieved as she checks the one they are left with is

Chelsea is doing Fallon’s hair before her stay at Grey Gables tomorrow, and has pictures to show her for inspiration. Chelsea spots a notice on the tea room door and Fallon explains they’re looking for cover for Emma while she does her tree surgery course, and then potentially a permanent job. Chelsea’s interested, so Fallon offers to speak with Natasha. Later, Jazzer also spots a job going at the Bull, and they’re keen to speak to Chelsea. Chelsea has an interview on Thursday at the Tea room, though – but has a cunning plan to go for both jobs and expects two offers. Alice has forgotten about Harry’s meeting tonight so rearranges childcare to go with him. Alice makes something up and asks Chris, but he’s busy tonight. He eventually misses his drink with Hannah to help as a last resort, leaving Hannah to chat with Fallon at the pub and mention she was meeting him – just as mates.Alice phones Chris to check in, keeping up the pretence about work as she waits in her car for Harry after the meeting. Harry gets

Oliver is keen to impress the Lord Mayor of Felpersham and her husband on Wednesday. Fallon and Harrison are also staying at the hotel on Wednesday, after Chris donated his prize to them. Harrison and Lily get chatting, as he’s at Grey Gables today giving a talk on crime prevention. Lily assures Harrison he and Fallon with have a memorable stay at the hotel, and he suggests he may put more business her way, with the Police ball coming up later in the year. Lily gives Harrison a tour of potential spaces, but finds herself talking down Grey Gables and making a case for Lower Loxley. Harrison warns Lily not to play a dangerous game, but Lily is confident she knows what she’s doing. Alice drags Kate with her to see GP Azra, who’s not impressed by seemingly being used to settle a family argument. Azra wants to see Alice alone, and Alice apologises to Kate, who reassures Alice she’ll be waiting for her in the waiting room. Alice admits to Azra that she knows why she flared up at Kate and Lilian – she does worry

Lilian and Kate catch up to discuss their worry about Alice potentially drinking again. Lilian thinks they should share their concern with Chris, for Martha’s sake, but Kate thinks they should talk to Alice instead, and put their concerns to her carefully. Alice quickly realises what’s going in and contains her fury at their assumptions, and and her family turning on her. Alice is not finished with the conversation and makes them wait as she attends to Martha’s tea. Alice decides she’ll prove to her untrusting relatives that she’s staying sober – they can come with her to her check-up with the doctor tomorrow morning. Hannah makes an impressive catch and the Ambridge cricket team stands a decent chance today against old rivals Darrington. Jazzer thinks Harrison is too soft on the opposition as a skipper, and thinks a bit of ‘sledging’ is in order. Things seem hopeless as Ambridge go in to bat, and nervous eleventh batter Hannah hoped she wouldn’t be needed, but holds her own next to Chris. The pressure is on

Alice is struggling to untangle a bridle -equipment she should have put away properly yesterday - when Lilian says they need to be on their A-game for a vet inspection today. If she is tired she should have a strong coffee. Later, as Kate and Alice discuss plans for pet yoga at Spiritual Home, Lilian arrives, furious. The inspection was a disaster; the medicine cabinet was left unlocked, the feed bin unlabelled and there was an out-of-date riding hat. All things Alice should have been on top of. She is apologetic, explaining Martha has been difficult. Lilian says she’s confused as Chris knows nothing of this. Alice covers, saying Chris fusses about Martha so she doesn’t tell him unless she needs to. The inspector will submit a report to the council which gives them time to put things right. But if Alice doesn’t pull it together they could lose their licence.Later a worried Lillian seeks out Kate. She is concerned about the stables and Alice’s lies about why she’s not sleeping - she fears she might be drinking