The Archers

Ruairi tells Brian he’s going to tell the police what happened with George. Brian insists he can’t – but if Ruairi does, Brian will confess to the same crime and they’ll both go to prison. Ruairi needs to get on with his life, including a job interview tomorrow. Ruairi then says that instead he’ll tell George the truth and goes. Agitated Brian can’t stop him, but tells Lilian where Ruairi’s going. George doesn’t believe Ruairi though, insisting Brian hit him and Ruairi’s just trying to protect Brian. George suggests counselling to Ruairi, who gives up trying to persuade George of the truth. George assures Ruairi everything’s settled with Brian, now he’s bought the drone. Ruairi sees Lilian on his way home, telling her George didn’t believe him and he thinks that means it’s all over.Tracy tells Bert she hasn’t got time to fix him up with a girlfriend, pointing out how impractical going on dates would be. He should try joining a local group instead. To Bert’s horror Tracy’s preparing a tofu stir-fry, before Brad takes grateful Bert off to vote. On the way back they stop at Ivy’s grave, where Brad asks if Bert’s serious about finding a girlfriend. In turn, Bert asks about Den, whether Brad wants to see him again. Bert reminisces how happy he was one time he met up with Clive. Later, Bert’s unimpressed by the stir-fry and wallows in self-pity. Tracy challenges Bert to call Clive, if he thinks he’ll do a better job looking after him, while Brad decides he won’t contact Den.

Adam tells Ruairi they need to do something about Brian before Home Farm goes to the dogs. Ruairi disagrees, but Adam suspects Ruairi and Brian are hiding something and pushes emotional Ruairi to tell him what it is. Adam’s stunned when he hears Ruairi attacked George and Brian’s taken the blame. Ruairi makes Adam promise not to tell Brian he knows, before breaking down and then storming out. When Ben sees Ruairi rush past, upset, he walks with him to the Am, where Ruairi opens up partially, confessing that he’s struggling to deal with something he’s done. Ruairi then admits he’s started talking to his dead mum and really wishes she was there. Ben’s worried about Ruairi and suggests he needs to find a way to live with whatever it is he’s done, like doing something to make amends. Ruairi agrees, he has to try to make it right.Azra worries to Akram that she needs to put something concrete in place for her Mental Health initiative. She outlines possible reasons why she thinks people in rural areas have difficulty opening up about their mental health, before Akram goes to see Tom and proposes setting up a care farm at Bridge Farm. Tom agrees it could benefit the local community, but thinks they might be too stretched to do it. Nevertheless, he’ll talk to the family and get back to Akram, who then reports this back to Azra with a positive spin. She thinks it sounds fantastic, but then accidentally lets Fletcher fly out of the window.

Anna drops in at Bridge Farm, where she sees Natasha and meets Azra, who talks about the Mental Health initiative she’s promoting. Both Natasha and Anna enthuse about the need for it. Natasha also wonders if Anna would take her place as a speaker at the WI. Later, Leonard and Carol tell Anna about the bats. Anna wants to get rid of them, but Carol’s perfectly happy leaving them where they are, especially as they’re a protected species. Leonard says he’ll seek advice and goes. Carol’s testy with Anna when she starts tidying up and offers to do some shopping, but Carol’s more positive regarding the talk to the WI. Back at the Tearoom Anna tells Natasha she wishes there was someone else to help her support Carol and make decisions. But she does agree to stand in for Natasha at the WI.Azra tells Ruth she thinks she’d be eligible for genetic testing, given the type of breast cancer she had. Ruth tells her that Pip and Ben would like to know if Ruth has the variant, but Josh doesn’t, and since her decision affects all of them where does that leave her? Azra explains the process if Ruth has the test, and the counselling that would be offered. Azra thinks Ruth should talk to her family and think it through. Later, Ruth tells Leonard about her appointment. Wise Leonard counsels Ruth to give it time for everyone to get their heads around it. She’s doing the right thing by considering her options – these things can’t be rushed.

Leonard arrives at Glebe Cottage with the pendant alarm for Carol, who tells him she doesn’t want it. She suspects Leonard’s there to keep an eye on her with the Occupational Therapist. Leonard explains it’ll just be an assessment, but it’s the tin of flapjacks he’s brought which swings the balance, so Carol lets him in. After the Occupational Therapist’s gone Carol grudgingly allows that she did a good job listening and making suggestions. Leonard’s flapjacks and tea-making skills seem to have softened Carol, too. Leonard hints at some tension currently at Brookfield, before Carol tells him she’s been hearing noises at night and thinks it might be the ghost of a vicar’s wife. Leonard goes into the loft to investigate and discovers bats up there. Carol’s delighted, imagining what Anna will say when she finds out…Tom and Natasha discuss the Battling Bull’s heavy defeat in yesterday’s cricket match and the knee injury Tom sustained. Tom’s in a bad mood, but Natasha’s looking forward to showing round a group of prospective buyers for Justin’s shares and selling Ambridge to them. It’ll be a good earner for Natasha, but she’s still anxious about not managing to sell any clothes on the app yet. Tom suggests selling the clothes stored in bags in their loft – so long as he takes joint responsibility and starts using the app as well, Natasha chides. Later, disappointed Natasha admits Justin’s potential investors weren’t interested in anything she showed them, despite her best efforts, while Tom still isn’t keen on getting involved with selling their clothes.

When George asks Brian to give him the money for a new drone, Brian tells him he’ll be in touch. George then bumps into Brad and they talk about Bert’s new fitness regime, plus getting ready for the new baby. Later, Brian confides in Lilian about George’s request, worried it might be the start of a blackmail campaign. Lilian thinks Brian needs to make it clear this is a one-off payment. She’ll be there as a witness, also offering to lift the bar on George at The Bull, so she can keep an eye on him. When George calls round at Blossom Hill later, he’s amazed by Lilian’s offer and very grateful for the money, agreeing this will be the end of the matter. Brian really hopes so.Anna calls Ruth, asking if someone can help set up the pendant alarm she’s ordered for Carol. She’s worried about tomorrow morning, when the Occupational Therapist is due to visit Glebe Cottage. Anna’s busy in court, so can’t be there herself. Ruth can’t help, but then Leonard offers his services, after Ruth tells him about Anna’s predicament. When Ruth calls to let Anna know she’s grateful, but has to rush off. Leonard then tells Ruth he’ll take a sweetener along to Carol’s tomorrow, in case he ends up staying all day. Brad tells Tracy that Den keeps messaging him. Tracy thinks Den wants to make up for lost time, but Brad’s torturing himself about whether he wants Den back in his life. Tracy suggests he take his time to make a decision.

While Ruth waits to hear from Josh, David moans about his Borchester Show workload, before going to meet George and Amber to discuss marketing ideas. George is nervous about making his pitch to David, hoping it will kick-start his business back into life and boost Amber’s ambitions. When David arrives, Amber leads on explaining their concept, with George chipping in. David thinks it sounds amazing but also wants them to promote farming generally. George suggests adding sweeping aerial footage, only he’ll need to buy a new drone. David can’t pay him up front, but George assures David he’ll find the money from somewhere. Later, George promises Amber he won’t do anything dodgy to raise the money but will earn it fair and square.David reports back positively to Ruth, who tells him Josh doesn’t want to know the result if she has the BRCA test. Ruth understands Josh saying that, but it doesn’t help her make the decision whether to have the test in the first place. David thinks they should wait to see what Azra says at next week’s appointment, and try not to worry about it until then, while Ruth apologises for being snappy. Lilian tells Adam she knows Brian reneged on his promise about the farm. Adam doesn’t know why he did and starts opening up, before they’re interrupted. Later, Adam suggests several reasons why Brian has something against him, assuming he’ll never change. Lilian hints at another reason behind Brian’s volte face, mentioning Ruairi, then covers up, insisting Brian isn’t as callous as he seems.

Tom nags at Natasha to put some of her more expensive items of clothing up for sale, but Natasha’s reluctant. One thing she refuses to consider is taking in a lodger.Tracy shows Bert a selection of vapes Susan’s brought over, but he’s unimpressed. Tracy then makes Bert do some Chair Tai Chi, as she agrees with Susan that he needs to get healthier. Bert reckons he just needs to be looked after better and Tracy loses patience, forcing him out for a walk. Recalling how brilliantly Ivy cared for everyone Tracy reckons she’d be nagging Bert to be more independent. Bert suggests Tracy find him a lady friend – that’d put a spring in his step.Lilian finds Brian brooding on how close Miranda and Oliver have become, but Lilian’s sympathies are with Miranda, after recent events. Lilian probes what’s going on between Brian and Adam, while Brian seeks insider information on Justin selling his shares, but Lilian’s giving nothing away. They’re surprised to find Natasha coming out of the Dower House, having been to see Justin. Back at the Tearoom Natasha tells Tom she’s offered to show two groups of potential buyers for Justin’s shares round Ambridge next week – and he’s agreed to pay handsomely! Lilian admires Natasha’s chutzpah, before Brian finally explains about promising Home Farm to Adam, then changing his mind as he doesn’t want to disinherit Ruairi. Lilian stands up for Adam, but Brian insists he can’t tell Adam the truth about Ruairi, fearing they’d only end up arguing again. Lilian offers to speak to Adam instead.

Susan tries hurrying Tracy out of 6 The Green, but they have to settle grumpy Bert first. He complains about being neglected, while rejecting all their suggestions of activities to do and places to go. Eventually they leave him with the remote control and head for the Dairy. Outside, in Bridge Farm yard, Susan and Tracy look at second-hand clothes on Natasha’s phone. Lottie arrives for lunch at the Tearoom and talks approvingly to Natasha about Loxley Barratt School. Natasha later pumps Lottie for more information, as Seren and Nova are down to go there. It’s all pretty positive. While making cheese Tracy and Susan gossip about Lottie dating Chris; Chelsea wanting to stay in touch with Den - and Den’s new wife, Sophe. Susan points out that Tracy waiting hand and foot on Den previously was the same as she’s doing for Bert now. Later, they find Bert’s barely moved since they left him. Susan’s determined she’s going to get Bert up and active, if it’s the last thing she does.Adam has lunch with Ian, happy he hasn’t seen Brian all morning. He’s dismayed about Alice appearing to take Brian’s side yesterday, though Ian can understand why she would after Brian’s been so supportive of her in the past. Following Ian’s suggestion of getting Kate to talk Alice round, Adam reports back later that it was only after he pointed out Brian’s plan for caravan storage next to Spiritual Home that Kate got onboard with him and Debbie. As for Ruairi and Alice though, he’s still not sure.

Adam tells Alice that Debbie agreed Brian needs to step back completely from the farm. Adam will draw up a plan to present at the next partnership meeting, when they’ll all tell Brian it’s time to retire, though Alice expresses her unease at ambushing Brian. At the Eco Office, Brian explains he’s agreed a deal to store caravans at Home Farm. Adam criticises Brian for making decisions behind his back, while Brian makes it clear he’s not going to start running the farm by committee. Adam counters that one person making crazy decisions doesn’t work either. No wonder everyone thinks Brian’s going gaga. Coming into the middle of their argument Alice demands to know what’s going on. Adam continues attacking Brian verbally, while Brian questions Adam’s commitment to the farm. Alice tells Adam to go and cool off. Alone with Alice, Brian insists he’s not going barmy and that Adam’s playing games. Alice assures Brian she’ll continue supporting him.While chatting with Ben in the milking parlour Ruth’s kicked in the shoulder by a cow. She admits to being distracted ever since Pip found her lump. Plus, Ruth’s worried about the potential outcome for all of them if she has the BRCA gene test. She’s been checking the odds of contracting various cancers. Ben tells her to stop looking online and talk to someone who’ll give her proper advice. Asked whether he thinks she should take the test Ben reckons it’s Ruth’s decision. Pushed further Ben admits that in her shoes he’d want to know. Ruth wonders what Josh would say.

Tense Ruth is short with David when he tries talking about the potential outcomes of genetic testing. David heads to Meadow Farm where he checks if George and Amber would like to do some promotional videos for the Borchester Show. They want to attract more youngsters, but their current social media is old hat. George checks they’ll be paid, then David suggests they come up with some ideas before they talk about it further. Later, David again broaches the subject of genetic testing with Ruth. But Ruth quotes various statistics on the chances of her having the variant. David tries to reassure, but Ruth insists, if any of their kids have the BRCA gene variant it’ll be her fault - she’ll be the one to blame.Kirsty tells Helen that Erik hasn’t rung back yet, before speculating whether he actually wants a baby. Helen’s confident Kirsty could go it alone if necessary, before Erik video calls, asking how Kirsty feels about being pregnant. Kirsty admits she’s a bit scared, but really happy too. So is Erik, who’s relieved Kirsty feels the same way. They both can’t quite believe it’s happening and share their joy. On a more sombre note Kirsty outlines the higher risks involved because of her age. Erik assures Kirsty he’ll be there for her, with money, emotional support or whatever else she needs. They’re in this together and he’ll come up to see her when he can. Kirsty then tells Helen she needn’t have worried, as Erik’s over the moon.

In Hungary Debbie tells Adam she’s applying for citizenship, then prompts him to explain how bad things are for him to come all this way. Adam tells her that Brian promised to make him his successor, then just changed his mind. This kind of behaviour is why Adam needed to see Debbie, who now understands the urgency. Adam says they have to speak with one voice at the next partnership meeting and tell Brian to retire. Ruairi’s the only one Adam’s not sure about. Debbie has a prior commitment, so can’t attend. She sighs that these power games and Brian’s cheating are precisely why she’s stayed in Hungary. She assures Adam he’s got her support.Chris, the cricket captain, is missing Kirsty and Adam for the Battling Bulls’ first match, but at least Kirsty’s there to watch. They’re joined by Natasha and Helen, before Tom strides out in his brand new, expensive cricket jumper. While waiting to bat Tom suggests Natasha should sell some bags of her clothes and cut down on subscriptions to raise money and save cash. Their plans to develop different parts of the business won’t come to fruition for months.Kirsty goes to answer a call from Erik, wanting to tell him she’s pregnant, while Helen and Natasha watch Tom bat mightily. The Battling Bulls win, but Tom’s miffed that his jumper has been stretched and ruined by an incompetent umpire. Disappointed Kirsty then tells Helen about Erik’s shocked reaction to her news. However, Helen’s sure he’ll be thrilled when they talk again tomorrow.

At The Bull, David pumps Chris on how to attract more people to the Borchester Show. Chris mentions online videos of craft skills, then suggests talking to Amber and George, who have great video-making skills and farming knowledge. Brian arrives for Elizabeth’s birthday celebration, before Rex joins Chris and apologises for his remark about Alice’s drinking. Rex admits Alice tore into him, while Chris thinks he was more sensitive to the remark than he should have been. When they argue over who should be cricket captain Alice interrupts – she just wants them to get along.Adam tells Alice he’s booked a flight to Hungary tomorrow. Alice tells him about Miranda saying she thought Brian’s erratic behaviour was to do with Ruairi. Alice thinks they should convince Brian to see a doctor rather than fly to Hungary, but Adam reckons Brian’s mental state and the farm are all part of the same issue. They agree it’s too big a risk to include Ruairi in their discussions. So, Adam and Debbie will come up with a plan, then they’ll talk it through with Alice and Kate. Adam calls Brian, who’s not impressed to be told Adam’s disappearing until Tuesday to see a friend who’s having an emergency. Brian harrumphs to David before heading off. Alice intercepts Brian in the car park, then lies that she doesn’t know anything about this friend of Adam’s. For Brian though, it’s confirmation he should never have trusted Adam’s supposed dedication to Home Farm in the first place.

Helen welcomes Miranda to Ambridge after her move yesterday, before Kirsty asks Helen to be with her for a pregnancy test. Kirsty’s spoken to Erik, but not said anything to him about her situation. When the test shows positive Kirsty cries, thoughts of another miscarriage weighing on her, despite Helen’s reassurances. Kirsty hasn’t really made any plans with Erik, but is sure that he’ll do his bit, before swearing joyful Helen to secrecy.Ian turns up at the Eco Office with lunch for Adam, who chastises himself for continuing to work there as if nothing’s happened. Ian suggests a walk, vowing to support Adam whatever happens. Adam remembers how Brian first taught him to love the land, but now he sees the damage Brian has done and wants to rectify that before passing the land on to Xander. Adam can’t see how that’s going to happen, though. Ian then suggests the radical step of flying out to Hungary and talking to Debbie.Alice goes to welcome Miranda into her new home, but finds it difficult seeing how much everything has changed. Alice apologises for Brian’s behaviour before Miranda offers a tour of the house. In Kate’s old room Alice reminisces her childhood, then wonders if Brian was overwhelmed by the thought of too many memories. Miranda thinks it’s to do with Ruairi instead, but doesn’t know what’s going on in Brian’s head. She thinks he’s changed since around New Year, and wishes he’d told her before she exchanged contracts. But really Alice should worry about Brian, not her.

After making a joke to Alice in front of Rex, about him being drunk on Sunday, Chelsea heads off to cut a bride’s hair. Rex then apologises to Alice for the umpteenth time for turning up drunk, inviting her to dinner to make it up to her. However, when Alice arranges with Chris to babysit Martha, Chris asks if she thinks he enabled her drinking. Alice assures Chris she’s never thought that. Chris doesn’t want her to be angry with Rex for inadvertently suggesting otherwise. Later though, Alice confronts Rex about it. Without Chris she might never have stopped drinking. And she doesn’t want Rex discussing her issues behind her back. Rex apologises for being over-protective of her. Alice just wants him to be there for her – and to apologise to Chris.The bride is Sophe, who fills Chelsea in on her previous big wedding and the cut-price version she’s having this time. She describes meeting her fiancé, Mr D, telling Chelsea he’s useless, but kind and soft-hearted. When he arrives it turns out Mr D is Den, Chelsea’s dad. Sophe is offended that Den never mentioned her when he met Chelsea at New Year, calling into question if she really knows who Den is. But Sophe still wants to go ahead with the wedding. Later, Den apologises to Chelsea for not telling her about Sophe and getting married. But he does want Chelsea and Brad to be a part of his new family. Sophe then cajoles Den into inviting Chelsea to the ceremony, and she can’t say no.

Helen catches Tony, who’s heading off to market with David for the Anguses auction. Helen then leaves a message for Kirsty, telling her she’s dumped Dane. Later, Helen goes into more detail about how upset Dane was, before Kirsty talks about needing to speak to Erik as her period’s late. Kirsty then details their lax approach to contraception. Helen thinks it would be wonderful if Kirsty’s pregnant, but when Tony interrupts they deny they were discussing anything important.David tells Stella he feels Tony’s pain at losing the Anguses, but he is looking forward to a rare trip to the market. They compare notes on supporting Ruth and Pip - Ruth’s still mulling over being genetically tested. David reckons it has to be Ruth’s decision, even though it affects Pip and the others. While walking Cleo later, Stella extols the virtues of Spring to Adam, who admits ruefully he should never have returned to work with Brian. Stella empathises, she found Brian equally difficult and quit for the same reasons Adam is citing – mainly that Brian ignores the realities of farming today and has no respect for other people’s opinions. Adam’s grateful for the chance to vent, while Stella wishes she could offer more help.At the market David reckons Tony’s Anguses are the pick of the Primestock Day sale. He tempts Tony with the idea of taking them back to Bridge Farm, but Tony is reconciled to them going – it’s the right decision for the farm’s future. Later, Tony reports that they sold for a higher figure than expected.

Upbeat Adam talks about his plans for Home Farm now he’s secure in the knowledge he’ll be taking over. Ian’s delighted for him, but rushes to get Xander ready for school. Helen and Kirsty compare notes on Dane and Erik, before Alice appears. Kirsty asks about Rex, who’s messaged her saying he’s not well. Alice is unsympathetic. Later, Helen tells Kirsty she doesn’t want Dane to move into the new house. She compares their relationship lightly to Kirsty and Erik’s, before declaring she needs to finish with Dane. Kirsty was about to say more about her and Erik but leaves it. Adam checks in with Brian at the farm, wondering if he’s made an appointment with his solicitor yet. Brian won’t be rushed though, mocking Adam’s ambition, which makes Adam question Brian’s intentions. Brian reacts skeptically to Adam’s ideas for diversification, talking instead about sticking to long-term plans, then telling Adam he may have spoken too soon about handing the farm over. When Adam pushes the issue Brian stuns him, spelling out that he’s changed his mind and refuses to commit to Adam over and above Ruairi and his sisters. Alice tells Ian about Rex’s drunken antics and how he hasn’t stopped apologising since. Rex has pledged to give up drink, but Alice doesn’t want him overreacting and making a huge issue of it. Adam comes in and fulminates against Brian for reneging on their agreement, only just managing to cover in front of Alice what the terms of that agreement were. For Adam, the situation is unsustainable and something’s got to give.

At The Bull Chelsea updates Alice and Lilian on her horsebox and looks forward to styling a bride’s hair on Wednesday. Alice confides in Lilian that she’s spoken to Ruairi about Brian. Flustered Lilian’s relieved to hear Ruairi thinks Brian’s fine, then ushers Alice back to rejoin Rex. Chris and Rex are casting a critical eye over entries for the cricket team logo competition when Alice insists they carry on and leaves them to it. Chris encourages Rex to drink more than he would normally, while apologising for any awkwardness last week at Fallon’s. Rex promises, as Alice’s boyfriend, he won’t cause any issues with Martha, and won’t drink around Alice – suggesting Chris must regret helping to enable Alice’s drinking. Later, Rex is drunk and Chris brooding on what Rex said, before Rex stumbles off to check Alice is okay. Unimpressed Alice lets him into The Nest, but insists he sleep it off on the sofa.Lilian tells Brian they can’t blame Alice for worrying about Ruairi. Brian says he’ll lie to the police, if necessary, should George tell them and they decide to reinvestigate. He won’t allow Ruairi’s future to be destroyed, claiming Ruairi’s his last chance of leaving a legacy. Lilian rubbishes the idea, but over a whisky Brian reflects on his children not being up to running Home Farm. Lilian speaks up for Adam and Brian reluctantly concedes he’s the best bet. If only Ruairi wasn’t so fragile, Brian thinks, then wonders if changing tack and giving Ruairi more responsibility would be the making of him.

Alice admits to Lilian her ongoing concern about Brian’s wellbeing. She’s scared, remembering how things went with Jack Woolley. Lilian plays down the comparison, but Alice is genuinely fearful. She wants the family to talk about the issue openly, including Ruairi. Lilian suggests there’s no need to burden Ruairi, before telling Brian what Alice has said. Brian fears Ruairi would crumble and reveal everything that happened with George. Lilian suggests they could ensure it stayed within the family. Brian admits George knows some of the truth, but thinks Brian attacked him - because that’s what Brian told him. All Brian cares about is protecting Ruairi. Brian then confesses to investing in George’s drones, but fears he might still go to the police. Lilian understands this is behind Brian’s odd behaviour, even at the cost of letting his family think he has dementia. Brian insists he won’t let Ruairi down.At the Rewilding Pip shows Lottie round. Lottie tells Pip off for not mentioning her lump before, even if it turned out to be a cyst. Pip admits her fears about not being there for Rosie’s future and how stressful it’s been with Stella. However, it’s a huge relief now the cyst has gone and the tension has been lifted. Pip then wants to know how Lottie’s date night went… Kirsty and Rex chat about Erik, with Rex suggesting they go out as a foursome sometime. He can’t help feeling Alice is out of his league though, but Kirsty tells Rex he’s a catch and needs to believe it.

Ruth takes Pip and Stella to the Breast Screening Clinic, where Stella frets at having to wait beyond their appointment time. Ruth remembers how stressed she used to get while waiting, before a woman explained the concept of hospital time to her. You just have to settle in and chill. Stella goes to fetch her phone from the car and will pick up coffee and hot chocolate on the way back. Pip confesses Stella’s fretting is driving her up the wall. Pip wants to be as brave as Ruth was, but Ruth reckons it wasn’t bravery – she had no choice in the matter. She wants Pip to stop worrying about “what ifs” and wait until they know for sure. When Pip returns from her mammogram Ruth talks about Jill and Carol, but Pip knows she’s trying to distract her. In the hospital car park Tracy tells Stella she’s just had her first mammogram since passing fifty, before they head to the coffee shop together. Stella then cracks, telling Tracy about Pip finding a lump and how scared she is. Tracy’s sympathetic, as Stella worries about irritating Pip. By the time Stella gets back the drinks have gone cold. The consultant, Dr Shah, tells Pip her lump is a cyst - there’s nothing to worry about. Dr Shah checks whether Ruth had genetic testing for her cancer, suggesting she might want to consider it. Ruth agrees to think about it. Back home Ruth, Pip and Stella celebrate the good news with cake, raising a toast to being there for each other.

Lilian tells Alice she’s spoken to Brian about breaking up with Miranda, but he wants more time to process his feelings. Alice says she’s spoken to Azra about dementia, without mentioning Brian. Lilian thinks Kate’s concerns are exaggerated, but Alice is still worried. Lilian suggests they should see how things go for now.Talking to Bert, Chelsea mentions bumping into her dad at New Year and having a nice chat. Bert warns her against trusting Den, before inviting Chelsea for a drink at The Bull. While there Chelsea irritates Bert by texting Den. Bert concedes it’s her decision if she wants to stay in touch with Den. Lilian wonders why Bert’s wearing a neck brace, but Chelsea warns him off claiming it’s to do with the church roof collapsing. Then Den texts Chelsea back, telling her he’s got some news.Chris is surprised when Rex and Alice turn up together on Fallon’s doorstep, as he’s leaving. Chris admits he’s going on a date. Rex tries covering any awkwardness by asking about the cricket logo competition and the Borchester Show, before Alice blunders in with a crass remark. After Chris goes the awkwardness continues as it becomes clear Fallon wasn’t expecting Rex. She insists there’s enough food for three, while Alice wonders why Rex was being weird with Chris. After a nice meal they plan an evening out with Fallon and Harrison, before Chris reappears as Alice and Rex are leaving. Chris won’t give any details about his date, before admitting to Fallon he thinks they’ll meet up again.

Alice praises Azra for her Mental Health initiative, then tells Azra she’d like to see addiction services given more prominence. Alice asks Azra for advice on helping a “friend” whose father may be showing signs of dementia. Clearly suspecting it’s Brian they’re talking about, Azra plays along, suggesting booking her friend’s father an appointment with his GP, but also offering to dig out some leaflets for Alice to give her friend. Bert phones the surgery, demanding an appointment. Lottie explains there are none available, but Bert insists he’ll turn up regardless, before shouting in pain and putting the phone down. Chelsea reluctantly agrees to take Bert in. After he’s been seen Bert complains about the scant advice he was given to alleviate his pain and mutters about his aborted compensation claim, claiming he wanted the money to help Chelsea fix up her horsebox. Chelsea’s touched by this, while Bert insists that’s what family is for. Stella tells Ruth about Pip’s appointment at the Breast Screening clinic on Thursday and asks if she’ll go with them. Ruth seeks reassurance her presence will be welcome, then offers to drive them there. Stella admits how worried she is, but didn’t ask before to avoid bringing up bad memories for Ruth. Stella reckons she’s showing more signs of anxiety than Pip and worries she’s driving Pip mad. Ruth gives Stella some sage advice before they agree a time for her to pick them up on Thursday. Stella later confirms that Pip’s really pleased her mum will be there.

Lilian goes to see Brian and refuses to apologise for being concerned. Brian gets antsy with her, before confessing that he really misses Jenny at times like this. He apologises for over-reacting yesterday. Lilian mentions dementia, but Brian insists that’s not what’s going on. Up on Lakey Hill Lilian tries teasing out of Brian what the underlying issue is. She guesses it’s to do with George. Indirectly, Brian admits, before telling her that it was Ruairi who hit George with a bottle. Lilian struggles to take it in as Brian outlines what happened when George was attacked. Lilian now sees why Brian’s in such a state, but doesn’t understand why Brian can’t move into the farmhouse with Miranda. Brian explains it’s because Ruairi couldn’t face living there and is barely holding himself together. Brian feels Jenny would have agreed with what he’s doing to protect Ruairi. Lilian agrees to go along with it, before Brian makes her promise not to tell anyone that Ruairi hit George.Noting her stress over Brian, Fallon asks Alice how things are going with Rex, suggesting they come over for supper on Wednesday. They move on to cricket teas and the fierce competition to design a logo for the new team, before Fallon asks how Chris is coping with Rex being her boyfriend. Alice asserts that her and Chris are in a good place, but still frets in case Chris has said anything to prompt Fallon’s concern. Alice then admits she’s worried about everything at the moment, but particularly her dad.

While Adam cooks a Sunday roast, Alice tells him she’s spoken to Kate, who agrees that Brian’s break up with Miranda doesn’t make sense. Adam warns Alice off tackling Brian about the subject over lunch, before Lilian arrives. She’s soon followed by Brian, but Ruairi can’t make it. True to Adam’s word Brian tells them he won’t talk about Miranda. Alice sounds out Lilian about Brian’s erratic behaviour recently. Whatever’s going on, Alice agrees with Kate that it’s serious. Later, Brian overhears Alice expressing her concerns to Lilian and has a go at them for gossiping about his private life, insisting he can sort things out on his own. Brian slams out and Alice tells the others that, like Kate, she’s genuinely concerned Brian might be showing signs of dementia.Wearing a neck brace, Bert moans to Tracy about the pain he’s in, but she gives him short shrift. He wants to get compensation after the church roof fell in, though Tracy points out he wasn’t even there. It’s a scam! Bert complains that no-one’s offered to do anything for him on the Easter Promises Tree. He’s determined to pursue his compensation claim from Alan, despite the fact he won’t be able to produce any evidence or witnesses, as Tracy again points out. Bert threatens to get Susan to help with his claim instead. Later, Tracy admits feeling bad. But Bert’s changed his mind about pursuing the claim because of what Tracy said, about Alan helping Susan when the shop needed a home. Alan doesn’t deserve the hassle.

Pip informs David she’s decided to tell Ruth about the lump in her breast. She’d really like Ruth to come to her appointment too, but won’t put pressure on by asking her. Later, Ruth’s glad Pip has told her and also pleased Pip’s been checking and caught it early. Ruth shares some memories of her own experience with cancer and advises Pip to lean on family, friends and medical staff who want to help. Ruth then admits to David that, although she put on a brave face with Pip, she found it hard going. David remembers how desperate he felt at the time, not being able to do anything that made a difference. Ruth’s just happy he was there to hold her hand. They agree they’ll do the same for Pip – that and hope. Azra demands to know when Fletcher the budgie will be rehoused, warning Khalil not to spoil him. Khalil’s supposed to help make dinner, but Azra lets him off when he mentions seeing a friend who might take Fletcher. Before going Khalil briefs Azra on feeding and talking to Fletcher, plus a problem with his feathers. Azra then calls in Alistair, who suggests the issue might be due to stress from changes to Fletcher’s environment. Later, Khalil reports finding a potential home for Fletcher, but Azra wants to concentrate on settling him. Alone with Fletcher, Azra talks soothingly, sharing several things on her mind. Khalil then confirms his mate Barney can take the bird, but Azra reveals a change of heart – Fletcher’s staying right where he is.

Bumping into Adam at Grey Gables, Oliver mentions he’s helping Miranda measure up the farmhouse. However, Miranda hasn’t been cheered up by their lunch and Oliver wants to know what Brian’s playing at there. Adam can’t shed any light. With his sudden change of heart and irrational behaviour, Oliver wonders whether Brian is alright. When Adam goes to Brian and asks the same question, Brian is put out, insisting he’s fine. Adam should forget about it. While debating a couple of contrasting ideas for the farm’s future, Brian’s reminded of his earlier promise and assures Adam he’ll get on to his solicitor next week about changing his will. Later, Adam relays back to Oliver that Brian is perfectly fine and making rational decisions. Oliver still feels for Miranda, though. When Usha and Carol get chatting about the Promises Tree and Emma mentions she’s signing up, Carol wastes no time recruiting Emma to clean her windows. However, Emma pushes back when asked to wash and re-hang Carol’s curtains. Carol suggests Alan could at least do the re-hanging. At St Stephens Alan’s grateful for George and Chris’s help, but explains the work on repairing the ceiling can’t start until paperwork is signed off and hoops are jumped through – plus there’s an injury claim to deal with. Later, Alan gets George to open up to him, before they discuss Alan’s vocation. George then shares his dream of one day having his own flock of sheep. However, having been let down recently by a potential cash investor, George is resolved to go it alone.