The Archers

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.

Jakob is checking on a horse at the stables when Alice suggests that maybe he doesn’t need to check on her sobriety every day. Jakob says he’s not happy keeping her lapse from Kate but Alice tells him to stop worrying and she lies about having checked in with her detox buddy, Lisa. Alice offers to make Jakob a cup of coffee and, when he asks what Lisa thinks about her having a drink, she gets uncomfortable and has to spin ever more elaborate tales.

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 charge people to visit and take pictures with the pony. Linda arrives for a chat - with Bartleby (the cause celebre) – prompting an indignant protest from George that Bartleby talks about people, not to them. They risk damaging his brand. Eddie sharply points to George that were it not for his idea there would be no brand. George sulkily posts Bartleby and Linda’s gossipy video about a dancing vet but soon changes his tune when it starts racking up thousands of views.

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 teas is overwhelming and he buys a cappuccino instead. Almost as soon as he has finished his drink she is fussing around him and urging him to buy another. He’s engrossed in a mystery game Lynda bought him for Christmas but Chelsea won’t relent and pretty soon drives him out of the Tearoom. She starts boasting about what she has done, but far from being impressed, Emma is horrified, saying Robert is a loyal customer.

Lynda greets Azra as she takes a guided tour of Lower Loxley with Joy and Mick. Azra tells Lynda that her family will be renting a house on Beechwood. She adds that she and Joy went to the dance class at St Stephen’s and they were the only ones there, apart from Alistair. Lynda suggests Azra visit the herb garden and waxes lyrical about life in the countryside. But Azra has no desire to get involved in community events, particularly not Maypole dancing or the Ambridge Christmas play. Lynda points out tartly there’s something for everyone – the annual Flower and Produce, harvest suppers, summer fetes and even Bartleby the talking horse. What Azra prefers the clear air of the countryside and relaxing at home with a box set.

Chelsea can’t decide between a job at The Bull or the Tearoom but Emma has no time to chat – she’s busy with tree surgery business. Emma’s exasperated but realises Chelsea won’t stop until she gives her some advice. Chelsea really wants to be able to use her new job to find customers for her hairdressing business but Emma says that wouldn’t be appropriate. If it’s just about making extra cash, why doesn’t she choose the one that uses skills she already has, asks Emma. Chelsea notices a package delivered by Will earlier – it’s branded fleeces and t-shirts for the tree surgery business. The pair laugh at Will’s suggested name – Ultimate Arboriculture. Emma decides to save the gift until they are away on the course, so Ed isn’t tempted to thump Will.

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. She admits everything is upsetting her – not least their work situation and fear of Paul noticing and wondering what’s going on. Trying to act normal is impossible, and then at home she knows that John knows something’s wrong but doesn’t want to talk. Alistair comforts Denise and they have a passionate embrace, but stop as they hear Joy and Azra arriving in the church, leaving flustered Denise to re-focus on the class. Denise and Alistair wonder what they’re playing at.

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 Alice played a blinder. She admits she’d been so worried about them losing their accreditation – it’s all been hanging over her, as she knows that it would have been her fault for taking her eye off the ball. But Lilian feels it’s water under the bridge. She compliments Alice on how well she’s looking – brighter than she has been. Lilian has been worried, but Alice says she feels better than she has in ages.

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 how her Pilates was. She congratulates Alice on being such a brilliant Mum. They talk about how they both miss Jennifer. Lilian offers to stay over and get a takeaway, but Alice is tired and ready for bed. Lilian insists that, at the very least, she will make her some food, and leaves with a word of reassurance. Once alone, Alice goes to a cupboard and finds a bottle of booze. She pours herself a glass, takes a deep breath, and drinks.

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 him up about Laura. Alistair tries to cut him off before Denise comes back, but Ed reveals all to Denise and says Alistair should call Laura. Denise agrees, if that’s what Alistair wants. Later, Alistair tries to explain to Denise, who says there’s no need. Alistair’s keen not to offend her, but they both know that things are very difficult at the moment. So, the next move really is up to Alistair.

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 lucky to have Alice, although they know they’re not together anymore. But without saying it, there’s still mutual love. They hold a last hug for longer than either intended, and end up in bed together. As Harry makes to get dressed, Alice berates herself for letting this happen – she shouldn’t have kissed him! They cannot be together: it would jeopardise both of their recoveries. Harry says he’ll go immediately, leaving a distraught Alice sobbing.

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 gives him her phone number for another time. Denise arrives to surprise Alistair and can see he looks worried. He asks about John. Denise explains that their important talk was short-lived, and she suspects he is being evasive. Denise did express her unhappiness but can’t tell whether her husband knows what’s going on with their marriage. And he refuses to talk about it. She’s exhausted and just wants someone to tell her everything’s going to be alright.

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 drinking. Heading straight over to help him, Alice asks Lilian to fetch Martha, lying about having a meeting with Stables’ clients. Lilian can’t help, so Alice eventually asks Kate. As Alice deals with Harry, Lilian phones to say she’s free after all. As Harry makes noises in the background, Alice makes excuses and ends the call. Afterwards, unaware Harry thanks Alice for being his lifeline, but she feels she’s being dragged into a pit and can’t do this anymore.

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 back. Gleeful Chelsea explains to Brad that she’ll wait and see what Natasha offers and then see about taking the better deal. Kenton serves Natasha and tells her about his call to Chelsea, who has replied to say she’s had a higher offer elsewhere. Natasha points out that Chelsea told her the same story, so she’s playing them both! Neither Kenton nor Natasha is going to up their offer – and they’ll make Chelsea wait to let her know.

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 Fallon’s.

Fallon realises that whilst they got their case back, not everything was as it should be. The Lord Mayor comes over and chats with them, mentioning the Rewilding Ambridge scheme she’s looking in on tomorrow. As she goes, she leans in to Fallon and mentions Maid Marian – such an inspiring idea! Fallon’s left to ponder that the Lord Mayor did open their case – how cheeky! Harrison flirtily insists that Maid Marian needs to be interviewed under caution back in their room – where the Sheriff of Nottingham will be waiting for her.

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 in the car and explains he hung back to find out about the next meeting. Harry’s so grateful and offers to come to Alice’s meeting later this week, but as she has been to his she doesn’t need another one. Harry vows to support himself from now on, as he doesn’t want to complicate Alice’s life. Alice would just like to stay in touch occasionally to check in. Harry agrees and says not to worry – he is on the right track.

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 about staying sober and has a fear of falling. Later they bump into each other by chance at the shop, and Azra talks about possibly moving to Ambridge. Alice is contrite and it seems to be a day for apologies. Azra seems aware that Alice has used her experience to help others struggling with addiction, and she warns Alice to be careful and look after herself first – she may need to keep her distance to be safe.

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 her for the last over, as they need three runs to win. Looking on, Jazzer and Harrison argue, with Jazzer insisting Hannah whacks the ball for glory. After a couple of sensible defensive hits, Hannah gets a bounce and sends the ball for four, securing the win.

Chris admits to Hannah that he was a bit off with her when he declined her offer of a drink, and suggests they go for one this week – as mates, and to talk about the match. Hannah happily agrees to meet on Tuesday.

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 again but doesn’t want Brian to know. Kate agrees to keep an eye on her.

Ed and Emma win an online auction for a chainsaw and Ed says he’ll pick it up as the seller is local. Later when he and Will are separating lambs from ewes for weaning they discuss the business. But Will is horrified at plans to name it after Ed and Emma – he favours Ultimate Aboriculture. Ed is outraged, but Emma is diplomatic – despite thinking the suggested name is bobbins - and Will leaves, satisfied.

During breakfast Will and George chat about Ed and Emma’s meeting with Jamie Perks. George says Will should concentrate on strategy rather than the day-to-day work. He pontificates about what he’s learned on his business course about thinking big – and how a firm’s name should reflect that. Susan arrives to edit her shop testimonial videos with George, but he says they are unusable. Fallon tells Eddie that she has a staffing problem: Emma’s away so she’s on her own in the tea room. But Eddie has an idea. Fallon calls George and he says he’ll get there as fast as he can, much to Susan’s annoyance. George tells her she’d be better off scrapping her videos and starting again. At the tea room, he couldn’t be more helpful. Fallon says he’ll soon be too successful to wait tables. He tells her he wants to earn enough money to make life easy for his family. Before he goes, she asks if he'll clear the air with Jolene. He agrees to pop in to The Bull on his way home. He suggests he could come back to help again when Emma is away on her course but Fallon needs to find someone full time. Will and Eddie are working on a patio, with the younger Grundy doing most of the grafting. Eddie is thinking about Bartleby’s next video, with Justin Elliott as the intended target. Eddie says Ed and Emma seemed frosty towards each other before they left this morning – something to do with Grey Gables, Will suggests.

Fallon chats to Emma about her plans for the new tree surgery business and how happy she is to be working with Ed as equal partners. But she won’t let it interfere with work at the tea room. On the plus side, the weight training she is doing is improving her figure, and her romantic life. She praises Chris for helping her with it, until Fallon adds he’s a great friend, giving her and Harrison his prize of a night at Grey Gables. Later when Emma is doing her workout, George teases her. She is annoyed, even more so about Bartleby’s latest video lampooning Susan. Chris turns up and says he’s got Martha this evening, he wants to make sure she’s all right but is evasive about why. Emma berates Chris for not offering her his Grey Gables prize. Chris tells her he would have but for Ed slagging off the hotel before he had the chance.

Harrison calls Hannah to check that she will be at nets later. He asks her to come early so he can have a chat. He makes a similar call to George. When they arrive he explains that he wants to pick their brains about strategy for the match against Darrington on Sunday. He then tells them he wants them to do some drills together. George can’t resist an attempt at sledging but Chris lays down the law: there’s to be none at practice nor the game against Darrington. Afterwards Hannah suggests to Chris they might go out for a drink. Chris refuses awkwardly and Hannah is embarrassed.

Lilian is concerned after she hears Alice being brusque during a riding lesson. Alice admits being tired but is evasive. When Lilian asks about Martha, Alice claims she has a bit of a cold. Lilian suggests she take the rest of the day off. Alice is reluctant initially but agrees. Later, when Chris pops into The Bull looking for a lost knife, Lilian mentions about Martha keeping Alice up during the night. Chris tells her that Martha was with him all weekend and seemed fine. Lilian wonders if Alice was confused because she so tired. Later, Chris quizzes Alice about Martha. Flustered, she claims Lilian was confused: Alice is fine, Martha’s fine so there’s nothing to worry about.

There’s no love lost between Lilian and Miranda when she turns up at The Bull with Brian for their dinner with Kate. Once they’re at their table, Kate grills Miranda about how she sees their relationship progressing. Miranda is happy to answer questions and says it would be unusual if the family didn’t have them. She tells Kate she isn’t thinking much further than the next rendezvous with Brian. Miranda turns the tables, asking about Kate’s business and how many children she has on how many continents. Kate apologises. Miranda tells her that she has no intention of replacing Jennifer and is only there for Brian.

Will’s concerns about buying second-hand equipment for the tree surgery business are allayed when Ed and Emma show him some barely-used chainsaws on sale on the internet. They want to launch the business properly but need to be cautious with cash.

Chris is catching up with Susan in the shop and asks about her testimonial videos. She says Brian did one yesterday and that he and Miranda now appear to be an item. Chris mentions George’s Bartleby videos. She plays the latest, and is horrified at gossip about Derek Fletcher’s fling with Jean Harvey. Harrison says Derek has collared him about the video, but it would only be libellous if untrue. Chris offers Susan his prize of a night at Grey Gables but she suggests he give it to Ed and Emma. Chris offers to buy Harrison a drink to celebrate keeping his job and thanks him, saying that his actions – while not by the book - probably saved Martha and Alice’s lives. Chris admits he is still in love with Alice but telling her would be too difficult and might upset arrangements with Martha. He offers his prize of a night at Grey Gables to Harrison, who is delighted.

George and Eddie comment on how well Bartleby is looking – the new diet and medication seem to be working well. Eddie complains how expensive it all is but George hopes his social media channel will make enough money to pay for it. They start recording the next video and it’s obvious the target is Susan. The pair are chatting about how well the videos are doing when Susan storms in, furious. She demands they take the latest down. When George refuses she demands recompense: George will have to edit together all of her shop testimonials, complete with backing music and captions – a proper, professional job.

Harry calls Alice in the middle of the night, telling her he wants to drink. He apologises - he has been staring at a bottle of whisky he bought at the all-night garage. She talks him through pouring it away. He couldn’t have done it without her, he says. He hasn’t been able to sleep, he doesn’t think he can do it. But Alice reassures him he’s not alone. He needs to get to an AA meeting and cultivate healthy habits that might distract him from drinking. She suggests they do a crossword together. Later when they speak on the phone, Harry is euphoric – he hasn’t wanted a drink all day and he has Alice to thank for that. But it’s clear Alice is hiding something: she hasn’t told her sobriety buddy Lisa about Harry. It’s obvious he’s still hoping they’ll get back together.

Kate is up early to run her inner child retreat so she’ll be out all day. Brian confirms Miranda is coming over and Kate wants to meet her properly. Later Miranda has some suggestions after riding the cross-country course. She heads off for lunch with Brian. Over lunch Miranda jokes about Susan’s mission to collect video testimonials for the shop. She has no interest in that but is a good deal keener to meet Kate. The discovery of Miranda’s hairbrush sets Kate off - Brian is whisking her away before she has the chance to meet her. Brian says Miranda also wants to meet, suggesting Tuesday evening, but he doesn’t want Miranda grilled. Kate promises to be charm personified.

Fallon, dressed up, greets Harrison with a cocktail, after the week he's had she wants to pamper him with a romantic evening. They are interrupted by Robert who’s determined to update Harrison on community vigilance. Robert is oblivious to the atmosphere and Fallon and Harrison listen patiently as he drones on about people staying safe. He mentions that it's his birthday and he's been asked to make himself scarce while Linda cooks him a meal. A problem with the food means he has to stay out longer and Harrison and Fallon generously invite him to stay for a cocktail to celebrate.

Alice is dropping off some leaflets to Harry’s flat. She’s reluctant but Harry convinces her to go through the leaflets with him. She suggests he get a buddy when he tells her he can’t stop drinking on his own. He confesses his family have given up on him and Alice reveals she visited Eve. He guilts Alice, telling her that he should just drink till his liver fails. She urges him not to give up - he will have the confidence to manage his addiction soon. He pleads with her to be his mentor - he knows she can help him. Reluctantly she agrees until he can get someone else.

George is still annoyed about Chris winning the night at Grey Gables. Eddie suggests he jazz up his Bartleby videos with voiceover. Later Eddie tells George he has hit upon the perfect voice. Even George has to admit Eddie’s scandalous gossip - in a voice that sounds like Oliver Sterling - is pretty funny.

Justin is distracted by Miranda's presence in the village. After much needling, Lilian manages to extract the truth from Justin... he went to visit Miranda when he should have been playing golf on Monday. Lilian is furious… he’s obsessed with her but calms down when Justin says she doesn’t hold a candle to Miranda. Lilian says that Justin will just have to keep his distance. But Justin can't wait to say 'I told you so' to Brian.

Alice arrives at Eve’s home unannounced and discovers Harry lied to Azra about telling his mother he might have cirrhosis. Eve knew he had a drink problem but thought it was under control. Alice admits her family worry about her too but their love and support has bolstered her. Eve is unconvinced: Harry’s addiction has completely crushed the family. He’s been deceitful, insulting, and cruel. Whenever Eve and Harry’s father, Graham, hoped things would change he would simply self-destruct. They have accepted it’s a hopeless cycle. Alice is outraged – how could they turn their backs on their child. But Eve says they gave him so many chances. They can’t do that anymore. Otherwise he’ll pull them all down with him. Eve reveals even Harry’s sister who idolised him has lost faith in him. Alice suggests maybe the warning from a doctor might be the incentive Harry needs to change. But Eve is beyond the point of trusting anything will be different this time. She hopes he gets sober, but his family can’t help him any longer.

Kenton is rattled about Jolene’s revelation of Markey’s threats. But he’s relieved that she had Harrison to confide in and that he took her to give a statement to the police. Jolene worries the stress of knowing might impede Kenton’s recovery from the dog attack. He’s just relieved that there’s a reason behind Jolene’s behaviour in recent weeks. That’s until she reveals that Markey followed her into the supermarket. A furious Kenton wants to confront Markey, only calming down when he's told that both them and the pub are on a police priority list. Jolene just wants to get back to normal and Kenton proposes they man the pub together, sending Lilian home.

Harry’s picking up his dropped keys when Alice checks to see if he’s okay. He seems unwell/complaining of nausea telling Alice he has an appointment with Dr Malik. Suspecting he has been drinking, she insists on driving him to the appointment. She feels uncomfortable when he begs her to stay in the room during the appointment. It’s bad news: his blood tests show his health hasn’t improved. He’s forced to be honest about his drinking. Azra refers him to the liver clinic for further tests. They need to establish whether he has or is heading towards cirrhosis. He's in denial, but Alice insists he faces the music. He is adamant he can stop/ he saw it coming. Since they broke up he’s been drinking more, but this time he can stay on the wagon and he’ll go to the hospital. Foolishly, Alice agrees to make sure he does.

In April 2016 Helen Archer was arrested for stabbing her husband Rob Titchener during a row. One of the most closely followed trials in British radio drama history saw calls to domestic abuse helplines increase by 17%. This bonus catch-up edition charts the romance and the emerging coercive control, including Rob’s physical abuse of Helen, through to Helen taking her life in her own hands and stabbing Rob, and the insidious impact of Rob’s return on the family at Bridge Farm.

If you are suffering domestic abuse or violence, a list of organisations that can provide help and support in the UK is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Helen Archer ….. Louiza Patikas Rob Titchener ….. Timothy Watson Kirsty Miller ….. Annabelle Dowler Tony Archer ….. David Troughton Pat Archer ….. Patricia Gallimore Tom Archer ..... William Troughton Johnny Phillips ….. Tom Gibbons Anna Tregorran ….. Isobel Middleton Lee Bryce ….. Ryan Early Jury foreman ….. Nigel Havers

Narrator: Annabelle Dowler Written and produced by Mel Ward The Archers Editor is Jeremy Howe

A BBC Audio Drama Birmingham production

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