The Archers

Out in the fields David waxes lyrical about Magic Day grass, but notices how distracted Pip is. It’s obvious when Pip makes mistakes that something’s wrong, and she finally admits that she’s found a lump in her breast. She reassures emotional David that she’s having it looked into. Pip doesn’t want to worry Ruth, but David feels she’d want to know. Later Pip gently berates David for tiptoeing around her, trying to encourage normality. Pip doesn’t want to stir up old memories for Ruth, but admits to feeling in limbo herself. Khalil goes round to see Fletcher the budgie, with a bell as a gift for him. Awkward Lynda starts to explain that Fletcher can’t stay. However, she can’t bring herself to disappoint Khalil. Azra’s grateful to Lynda for talking to her again about her mental health initiative, following Lynda’s help with the radio interview. They brainstorm ideas for going out into the community with a stall and recruiting key people like Ben Archer. Lynda encourages Azra to communicate directly with people, before admitting her dismal failure in communicating with Khalil earlier about the budgie. This is news to Azra who takes Khalil round to Ambridge Hall later, insisting he apologise to Lynda and, separately, to absent Robert. Azra then says they’ll take the bird off Lynda’s hands. Fletcher can stay with Azra until Khalil finds a friend who will take him on. As Azra and Khalil depart, Khalil bets that Azra will secretly love Fletcher, while Lynda mutters a sad farewell to the bird.

David notes Adam’s happy mood and prises from him the good news about the Home Farm succession, agreeing to keep the news to himself. This gets them talking about inscrutable Josh, who seems to be enjoying life in Patagonia. While inspecting the rubble at St Stephens with Usha, having been inspired by the Promises Tree initiative, Oliver offers his services to Alan as liaison between Church officials and the builders, to help sort everything out. Usha then has a worrying call from Alan, which she shares with Oliver. One of the congregation has complained anonymously to the Archdeacon, claiming compensation for injury from the fallen ceiling, even though Alan was sure no-one was in that part of the church. Emma teases George about his birthday, before he makes an excuse about why he wasn’t at Keira’s party yesterday. Emma and Amber have both baked cakes, and George jokes that he wouldn’t dare say which is better. He’s delighted by Emma and Ed’s gift – a mini-break for George and Amber in the Forest of Dean. As Emma praises Amber, George notes Emma’s change of heart over the pregnancy. She admits she still worries, but credits Will for offering to swap bedrooms to give the couple more room. George wants to know if Emma thinks he’ll be a good dad, then gets angry when she doesn’t give him a straight answer. When pushed, Emma admits she worries about George’s temper. He’ll need a lot of patience as a dad, but his tendency to lash out scares Emma. He has to control that.

Robert finds Lynda following the guidelines by chatting to the budgie, then admits he cannot reconcile himself to keeping a caged bird. They’ll have to re-home it, but without hurting Khalil’s feelings. They agree to name the budgie Elgar and concoct a barely plausible story for Khalil, before quickly realising the only solution is to tell Khalil honestly that they don’t want the bird. But when Khalil calls, Robert scuppers their plan, to Lynda’s despair. Flustered by Khalil’s delight at his budgie idea, Robert changed his tune and even renamed the bird Fletcher, after the TV sitcom, ‘Porridge’. George appreciates the new Meadow Farm garden gate Chris has made, out of horseshoes sourced by George, as a ‘welcome to Ambridge’ gift for Esme. George dodges having a beer with Chris and says he won’t be joining the pub cricket team. Although tomorrow is George’s birthday, he just wants to get through it. Chris then notices something on George’s ankle and George explains the alcohol tag. Chris feels guilty as he was one of the people who reported George for drunken behaviour, and promises not to say anything about the tag. George knows it’s good for him, but it’s embarrassing. Chris is off to Grange Farm for Keira’s birthday, but George doesn’t feel welcome. Chris persuades George to go with him and wait outside, while he speaks to Keira. When Chris then reports that Keira doesn’t want George there he offers to take George somewhere else instead. But George cycles off, urging Chris to go back to the party.

Alan tells Usha he found the dawn service on Lakey Hill very moving, before she updates him on what people have offered for the Easter Promises tree. Later, while Alan’s delivering his sermon at St Stephens, part of the ceiling crashes down. The church wardens evacuate everyone and no-one is hurt. Relieved Usha then helps Alan to reconvene the service – al fresco in the churchyard. When Adam mentions word is getting around about Brian and Miranda, Brian tells Adam to mind his own business. But Adam’s invested in Home Farm and gets Brian’s attention when he asks about Ruairi: with Ruairi busy at Berrow, what’s the plan for Home Farm? Brian explains that Berrow is a test and he’s discovering that Ruairi isn’t ready to be a farmer. Brian then wrongfoots Adam, proposing that Adam should take over managing Home Farm and inherit the land. Brian’s happy to change his will to give Adam a majority share of the vote in the family partnership, but suggests not telling the others yet. Stunned Adam agrees. Robert has an unexpected birthday gift when Lynda finds a parcel on the doorstep: an empty bird cage with a note from Khalil, explaining that a budgie will be delivered later today. Robert isn’t keen, but Lynda thinks it’s wonderful. Once the budgie’s been delivered, with instructions, Robert insists on giving it back to Khalil. But Lynda knows how upset Khalil will be, having more or less rescued the bird. It can have a much better little life with them than where it was before.

Robert’s weary with Easter Promises volunteering, while Lynda complains about criticism of her over the pub cricket team. Robert confesses he has spoken with Oliver and sorted access for them to the cricket ground. Lynda accuses Robert of being part of the ‘mutiny’ against her, but softens when he flatters her. She concludes that she’s happy to pass the baton onto Robert, while he insists that he will still need her help. Miranda joins Oliver for lunch at The Bull, where Lilian gets drawn in to their discussion about Brian and defends his actions. Brian then arrives and makes things awkward, pushing to have a private moment with Miranda, but she resists. Oliver criticises Brian, revealing he knows about his recent actions towards Miranda. Brian becomes petulant before agreeing to leave, with Miranda’s assurance that she’ll contact him when she’s ready to talk. Lilian asks Brian why he got cold feet over the move, wondering why his concern over Ruairi is enough to end a relationship. Brian admits he doesn’t want to lose Miranda and Lilian urges him to tell Miranda the truth. They’re interrupted by Lynda and Robert, with Lynda surprising Lilian by talking about the need to sort out the new logo and kit for the cricket team. Lilian wonders where Lynda’s change of heart has come from. Brian catches Miranda outside the pub and pleads with her – he wants them to be together. But when Miranda presses him on moving in with her, Brian maintains it’s complicated. Miranda then declares she’s heard enough – it’s over.

Oliver’s grateful to Miranda for her recent help with his near-miss with Duke. Miranda’s sorry for appearing so glum when they chatted afterwards, and gives Oliver the whole story about Brian. Oliver’s horrified to learn how Brian suddenly went back on their plans to move in together. They discuss Jennifer, and Oliver comments on Brian’s past ‘indiscretions’. Miranda seizes on this – she knows about Siobhan, but who else? When pushed, Oliver mentions Brian and Caroline. He regrets his words and tries to get Miranda to give Brian the benefit of the doubt. They discuss Caroline, with Oliver sharing that he normally raises a glass to his late wife on her birthday, which would be tomorrow. Miranda offers to join him and he warmly accepts. Stella struggles gathering Rosie’s things for school, as she tries to help Pip, who’s heading to see Azra this morning. Azra asks standard questions and Pip tells her Ruth had cancer at about Pip’s age. Azra examines Pip and finds a small lump – she doesn’t think it’s anything to worry about but refers Pip to the breast clinic. She explains what will happen. Azra encourages Pip not to worry, and is keen to check she has someone to chat with over a cup of tea. Azra suggests it would be worth telling Ruth. Pip says she’ll think about it. Stella phones to check in and agrees with Azra about telling Ruth, who might be sad to be left in the dark. Pip worries it might stir things up for her mum, but agrees to consider it.

Azra gets Pat and Natasha’s input for the Surgery’s mental health initiative, and Natasha’s not impressed by Tom’s “just suck it up” attitude. Furious Tony interrupts them, demanding an explanation for the advert listing the dispersal sale of his Angus cattle. Azra’s caught in the middle before politely escaping. Pat reminds Tony that he did agree to this, but Tony reminds Tom that he was going to make the call himself when he felt ready. Tom finally confesses that Helen listed the cattle last week. Natasha joins Pat in helping Tony accept things. Later Pat and Tony reflect. Pat’s encouraging: Tony will find a new project. The farm is in safe hands and change is inevitable. Pat gives Tony a small gift – an Angus herd for his model railway. Softened, Tony forgives Pat for forgetting to tell him about the auction.In the shower, Pip can feel something on her breast and gets Stella to help her check. After some uncertainty, they agree there is something there. Pip will call the doctor tomorrow, as it’s too late today, and they agree to keep things normal until then and not say anything to Rosie. With Rosie put to bed, they have some wine and chat – Stella knows about Ruth’s cancer history. Pip reflects on the past, and how little she has asked Ruth about her breast cancer. She compares herself to her mum, with a young child. Stella encourages Pip not to worry, and they agree there’s nothing they can do until tomorrow, when Pip will make an urgent appointment.

Lynda and Robert tick off their first Easter Promise job – the first of several, to Robert’s chagrin. Lynda’s keen to know if Robert has any requests for his birthday next week. As Lilian looks for Miranda, she gets chatting with Lynda about the cricket team. They’re clearly on different pages about the benefits of the Pub team. Robert quizzes Oliver about the cricket ground, keen to sort out the red tape preventing the new team using it. Oliver had no idea of any issues - it’s fine to use. He agrees to tell Lynda - without mentioning Robert’s name. Oliver also says he’ll think about helping young people with reading as part of the Easter scheme.Updated Lynda seethes to Robert, assuming the old cricket team has turned against her, making up rumours about her supposedly spreading ‘misinformation’. Lynda’s convinced someone’s meddling, and she’ll find out who. Lilian crows to Miranda about Justin finding another investor for his BL shares, but notices Miranda seems flat. Lilian’s surprised to learn that Brian won’t move into the farmhouse with Miranda, who mentions Ruairi. Lilian keeps Miranda company on a ride, speculating that Brian’s actions could be to do with Jennifer and Brian’s association with the house. Miranda becomes emotional, but they’re distracted by Oliver having an issue on his horse, and go to help. Over a steadying drink, Oliver admits he feels past it. Lilian encourages Miranda to back her up in persuading Oliver otherwise, but downbeat Miranda agrees with Oliver’s comment about knowing when to give up on things we love.

Pip calls at Carol Tregorran’s to do some gardening as part of the Easter Promises Tree scheme – but Carol wants to keep the garden as it is, wild and beautiful. She does offer Pip a bundle of garden tools and talks about her history, including being a market gardener. Eventually Carol relents and asks Pip to prune a bit of the garden, and round the back. They chat about Carol’s daughter Anna, who’s trying to get ‘help’ in at Glebe Cottage, cleaning and caring. Carol’s full or praise for Pip the farmer as she asks about her future, taking on the farm and dealing with her brothers. She encourages Pip to make the most of her life, with Stella too, adding a comment that stays with Pip as Stella arrives.Henry’s focused on the job and unemotional as he oversees for the first time a lorry load of goats going off for slaughter. Pat praises Henry, and Tom chats with Henry about cricket and teases Tony for being sentimental over livestock. Tom apologies to Tony and admits he’s been like a coiled spring lately, waiting for Helen and the boys to move out. Tony admits that it’s hard letting go of the Anguses. As Tony explains that he needs time before contacting the auctioneers, horrified Tom knows that Helen has already called them. But he stops himself from letting on. Tom explains his worry to Pat, who says it’s fine – she’ll make sure Tony knows, insisting Tony understands that the Anguses have to go.

Brian feels awful about how they left things and Miranda believes there is more going on with Ruairi than Brian has told her. If they want to stay together, she wants the truth: what is it that Brian isn’t telling her? Miranda makes to phone Ruairi, and Brian angrily stops her. As Miranda continues to challenge Brian on what he’s hiding, he can’t reveal the truth and tries to cover, leaving Miranda wondering what their relationship is. She concludes that without trust they have nothing. At Grey Gables, Tom and Natasha reflect on what it’ll be like when Helen and the boys move out. They’ve had help with childcare and earned a decent nest-egg from the rent. Lynda chats about Palm Sunday and a new Easter scheme at St Stephen’s – the Easter Promises Tree, a sort of volunteering matchmaking service. As Tom challenges Lynda about Ambridge cricket, Natasha feels beholden to her with the Easter scheme and offers something at the Tearoom. Checking their finances, Natasha realises that they aren’t doing as well as she thought. As they discuss Tony’s sale of the Anguses, Robert approaches and tries to clarify Tom’s earlier comments to Lynda, about the cricket, field access and Ed’s Texels. Tom admits he’s confused about it. Robert offers to help, asking Tom not to say anything to Lynda. Robert grills Lynda, encouraging her to support the new pub cricket team. Lynda feels that Oliver will need persuading to let them use the Country Park – and no one will be able to persuade him.

Tracy asks Lilian if Justin’s decided about keeping the horsebox at the Dower House, before revealing the big part she played in him getting a much better offer for his BL shares. Lilian’s furious that Justin never mentioned this to her and has left Tracy hanging. Later at The Bull, Tracy listens as Helen tells Lilian she’s going to become Tracy’s neighbour. Tracy then tells Lilian she’s nervous at the prospect of living so close to her boss. Sympathetic Lilian tells Tracy she tore a strip off Justin, who’s now agreed to let the horsebox stay as long as they need it to.Over drinks Tony brings up the Anguses. Having chatted to David Tony’s decided not to fight Helen and to let the Anguses go. He warns Helen not to forget that she and Tom need to farm with their hearts and for enjoyment, not just for profit. Miranda tells Helen she’s exchanged contracts on Home Farm farmhouse. Helen then reveals she’s had her offer accepted for the house on the Green. Miranda buys wine to celebrate with Brian, but as they raise their glasses Brian tells Miranda he can’t move in with her. He isn’t trying to end their relationship, but Miranda threatens to if he doesn’t explain himself. Brian eventually tells her he doesn’t want to leave Ruairi, who’s very vulnerable right now. None of it makes sense to Miranda, who can’t not buy the house. She shouldn’t have trusted him. Brian wants to move in eventually - but in the meantime what will Miranda do with the house?

Ruth susses something’s up with Ben, who’s been asked by Lily about moving into Josh’s room at the Stables. He’s decided to say no, having seen how upset David and Ruth are about Josh leaving. They admit they are a bit sad, especially with the bad feelings involved. But they’ll try to put things right and hope Josh comes round. As for Ben though, he doesn’t want to abandon them after they’ve been so supportive through his darker moments. They saved his life. Ruth gets a funny message from Josh, then she and David tell Ben he should take the room if he wants to. Later, David and Ruth agree their kids are brilliant.George asks Brian for the money he promised him and wants to tell Brian his business plan, which no longer involves drones. George persuades Brian to go for a walk, explaining he wants to invest in five rare breed ewes. A farmer has offered to put them to his ram for breeding. George will ask Esme to keep them at Meadow Farm, but one day George plans on having his own farm. Brian’s response is crushing: it’s not going to happen. They agreed the money would be for George’s drone business, not this. It’s far too risky. Brian can only see George coming back to him for more money and he’s not having it. Angry George accuses Brian of lying about the offer to pay him and threatens to expose Brian, who walks off.

George promises Esme he’ll be back after his dentist appointment to help with the Lady Day celebration of her tenancy – unless she’s changed her mind about wanting him there. Esme insists they’re a team, before George tells her the truth about going to his tag fitting. He then wonders to Amber if he’s done the right thing. Ed and Eddie choose cider for the celebration at Meadow Farm. Ed’s worried some of his regular work clients haven’t been in touch.Pat tells Esme it’s the forty-eighth anniversary of their tenancy at Bridge Farm, so they can celebrate that too. Walking back with Amber, George admits he’s dreading seeing Esme after rushing off before. Ed and Eddie arrive with the cider, helped by Amber, while George goes ahead. Ed then realises why his clients are ghosting him: because Eddie left them in the lurch, selling his regular supply of hay to the highest bidder instead.When George offers Esme his notice she turns it down, telling him she couldn’t manage without him. She offers to write a support letter to Reg, his probation officer, countering Derek Fletcher’s complaint. George then introduces Esme before she makes a speech, thanking people including Pat and Tony for all their help and generosity. Esme finishes by thanking George, her righthand man. She declares he’s such a hard grafter, she’s really fallen on her feet. George turns down the offer of a cider from Eddie, then whispers to Amber that Esme’s offered him a year’s contract. He hopes he can finally put the last year behind him.

David and Tony exchange thoughts on Esme’s Lady Day gathering and Josh’s sudden departure. David then confides his and Ruth’s doubts over their handling of the Brookfield inheritance. Tony sympathises, telling David about the Anguses and how he thinks Tom and Helen might see the future of Bridge Farm. Having your children tell you what to do is so hard, they agree. It’ll be the same with Pip before long, David thinks, before hoping he and Tony get more time for more chats like this. Brian confesses to Alice that he’s nervous about moving back into Home Farm, before Alice suggests he’s been acting out of character lately. Even Lynda thinks something’s up. Brian dismisses their concerns, assuring Alice he’s fine, before conceding he occasionally fears he’s failed his children. Alice disagrees, even if Ruairi has had a wobble recently. More cheerfully Brian then claims full credit for bringing Rex and Alice together. Later, Miranda joins Brian and Alice for supper. Alice tells Miranda she’s happy about them moving into Home Farm, reassuring Miranda that Brian is happy too. If he's been stressed recently it’s nothing to do with the move or her. After the meal Brian admits he hears Jennifer’s voice in his ear when he’s cooking, before Alice leaves. Miranda then pulls Brian up on an earlier comment that the Home Farm house will be hers, not his. She wants it to feel like his home too, but queries whether it’s what he wants. Brian promises her he does, with all his heart.

Helen finds Tony with his Anguses, but he’s unwilling to talk about them. Later though Helen ambushes Tony in the kitchen, before launching into the farm audit’s conclusion that the Anguses are a drain on Bridge Farm’s finances. Tony argues strongly that the cattle represent years of tradition. Helen has no idea how much they mean to him. Helen takes refuge in the Farm Shop with Tracy, telling her she’s clashed with Tony. It sounds terrible, but she’s sure she’s in the right. Helen then discovers her offer has been accepted for the house on the Green. Helen’s suggestion to celebrate becoming new neighbours proves awkward though, with Helen not appreciating the contrast between her and Tracy’s circumstances. It’s the day of George’s court hearing, but he hasn’t told his parents it’s happening. He has second thoughts though, and Amber goes to see if Emma will accompany them. Emma has to lie to Tracy to get out of helping her with Bert. Amber explains to Emma the hearing is because George was reported for urinating in public, by Derek Fletcher who boasted about reporting him. They both think it’s unfair, before Amber mentions the possibility of George being given an alcohol monitoring tag and Emma agrees to go. Under Emma’s instruction George braces himself for whatever will happen next. Afterwards, frustrated George hates being told by Amber and Emma that he’s better off not drinking. The tag’s going to be fitted on Wednesday, the same day as Esme’s celebration and the last thing George wants is her or anyone else to know about it.

Miranda tells Lilian that Brian really doesn’t seem himself. She’s been worried about some of Brian’s strange behaviours for a while now. Lilian wonders if it’s the thought of moving back into Home Farm, but Miranda doesn’t think so. When Justin joins them, Miranda suspects he knows what’s wrong with Brian. Justin suggests Brian’s worried about his children, especially the ones who can’t stand on their own two feet. Miranda singles out Ruairi as particularly fragile, though Lilian reckons Brian’s always worried about Alice and Kate too. However, both Justin and Lilian feel Miranda shouldn’t worry too much about Brian. Miranda and Lilian then mock Justin for admitting his relief he's never had children to worry about. Ruth and David are discussing a going-away present for Josh when Ben tells them Josh is leaving tomorrow. He’s decided to go early to explore Patagonia before starting work, but is worried how David and Ruth will react. Ben also reckons Josh wants as little fuss as possible, so no farewell dinner or gift – though he might agree to a meal at The Bull. Ruth’s determined Josh won’t go without at least saying goodbye. Later, after the meal, David, Ruth and Ben reflect on getting through the evening without too much ill feeling or awkwardness. David and Ruth then agree that nevertheless, it feels like Josh is leaving to get away from them, after the inheritance decision. Ruth hates the though of Josh leaving under a cloud and just hopes he comes back in one piece.

Helen tells Alan about Carol’s fall, suggesting more people should call in on her. Alan offers to go round later, before Helen apologises for adding to Alan’s burden. When Alan visits, spiky Carol tells him he looks dreadful. Alan mentions her fall and Carol thinks Anna and Helen are as bad as each other, fussing over her. Alan then hands her a list of various services offering help and friendship, but Carol rebuffs his overtures. However, after he leaves, Alan reports to Helen that he could barely get away as Carol was so clearly desperate for company – and notes how frail she looks. Helen suggests he could ask Carol to help with a church activity and Alan says he’ll have a think about something she could do over Easter. Brian asks George for a word about Ruairi, then tells him to leave Ruairi alone. George defends himself, suggesting Ruairi needs more help than Brian can give him. Brian accuses George of winding Ruairi up, but George reckons Brian is manipulative and has made plenty of mistakes of his own. Later, at The Bull, Tracy expresses surprise that Brian even gives George the time of day, after what he did to Alice. Brian thinks it’s better for everyone to move on, but does wonder how George will cope financially, with a baby on the way. Brian then tells George to stay away from Ruairi, offering him a one-off payment to do so. George wants to know how much. Brian suggests helping help with his drone business, but insists George must cut off all contact with Ruairi.

When Neil pops to Meadow Farm with George’s lunch, nervous George admits he thought Neil could be bringing bad news. Neil sympathises, before getting a guided tour of the farm. Esme’s delighted when her landlord messages offering a reduced rental and better terms on their environmental commitment. She’ll take over the tenancy next Wednesday, Lady Day, and plans a gathering to celebrate. George excuses himself, but Esme insists he’s coming too. Neil’s annoyed when Ruairi texts to say he’s sick, but George has a feeling Ruairi isn’t right at the moment. While Tracy’s working on Chelsea’s horsebox at the Dower House niggly Justin says he only agreed to it being there because Lilian forced him. Tracy stands her ground before a solicitor, Olivia, arrives for a meeting. Justin tells Olivia he’s disappointed with the offer for his BL shares by the consortium she represents. She calls his bluff, suggesting he can’t find another buyer, before Tracy interrupts, wanting to heat up her lunch. Justin tells her to wait outside, but Olivia’s happy for Tracy to stay. When asked, Tracy explains what the horsebox is for and Olivia pushes Justin into agreeing he’ll act as Chelsea’s business mentor. The two women bond over having daughters of the same age and laugh at the idea of Justin as Ambridge’s sweetheart. Later, Justin thanks Tracy for breaking the ice with Olivia, who ended up making a more acceptable offer. Tracy clarifies that Justin really will mentor Chelsea, then pushes her luck over keeping the horsebox at the Dower House longterm. Justin agrees to think about it.

Lynda’s heard Azra’s being interviewed on the radio about mental health and offers advice on interview techniques. Azra’s grateful, but worries about making false promises over how much support can realistically be offered. Ben suggested making it a call to action by the community, while Lynda thinks it’s enough to prompt the conversation and point people towards support groups. Lynda then offers to drive Azra to the radio station, allowing her to prepare without distraction. Afterwards, Lynda tells Azra she was brilliant. Azra admits she followed Lynda’s advice, pretending she was in a one-to-one conversation with a close friend: Lynda.Ruairi tells Brian about his conversation with George and how stressed he’s feeling. He wants to tell the police that he attacked George. Brian thinks it’s a terrible idea, as Justin approaches. Keeping his voice raised Ruairi insists he wants Brian to go with him, before making an excuse and leaving. Awkward Brian makes a flimsy excuse for Ruairi’s behaviour, then admits how deeply vulnerable Ruairi is. At which point Justin owns up to knowing about Ruairi’s relationship with Julianne, which involved payment for his company, and how troubling that was. Brian listens intently, pretending he knew as well, before Justin switches subject to confirm he’s finally found a potential buyer for his BL shares, making Brian’s day even worse. Later, Brian pulls Ruairi into a hug. Ruairi can’t stop mulling over what George said about nearly dying, but Brian can’t bear the thought of Ruairi going to prison. He’s determined to protect Ruairi and won’t let him down this time.

Anna returns early from her trip to Venice, confessing to Helen her life’s all over the place, especially when it comes to making sure Carol’s okay, as she never admits to any problems. At Glebe Cottage Anna suggests Carol needs more support. She can’t just rely on neighbours helping out. Carol’s stubbornly resistant before Anna asks if she’ll come and live with her. Carol scoffs, they’d end up killing each other. She’s staying where she is, she values her autonomy too much. Anna then suggests someone checking in on Carol daily, but Carol hated having a cleaner even twice a week. It’s an impasse. When Helen turns up with soup, Carol denounces being seen as a charity case, but still accepts the offer. Anna and Carol continue sniping at each other, while Helen excuses herself to heat up the soup. Seeing George waiting at the bus stop Ruairi offers him a lift to Felpersham. Grateful George is embarrassed to admit he’s going to a counselling appointment, but Ruairi is very encouraging. George then wonders if Ruairi has ever had counselling, before extolling the virtues of going and explaining how his counsellor is helping him see things differently. George is surprised Ruairi never talked to anyone about losing his mum, thinking he’s been lucky by comparison, still having both his parents. George then politely declines Ruairi’s offer to wait and drive him home again, and apologises for comparing his situation to Ruairi’s. Ruairi tells him he’s glad he did, before George thanks him for the lift. He won’t forget it.

Tom tries recruiting George to the Bull cricket team, but George points out he’s still barred from the pub. George probably wouldn’t want to play anyway, not after the way people like Tom treated him when he was looking for work. Later, George sympathises with Esme, who’s still waiting for her landlord to give her a figure for the rent, before she can make decisions like keeping George on. George asks for next Monday morning off, saying he has a dentist appointment. Esme’s landlord emails about the rent – and it’s more than she can afford. Esme despairs over the biodiversity protection figure quoted as well, but George encourages her to negotiate with the landlord, after getting advice from the Tenant Farmers Association.At Berrow, distracted Ruairi gets a tractor bogged down in mud. After Neil tows it out Ruairi nearly breaks down in tears, but covers the reason why he’s feeling so bad. Sympathetic Neil offers to take him for a coffee, as Ruairi struggles to cope with Neil being so nice. At the Tearoom Ruairi berates himself to Neil before George comes over and mentions Amber’s pregnancy, to Ruairi’s surprise. Neil leaves them together, with George commenting on how Ruairi seems a bit out of it. When Neil returns, they check out the latest baby scan pictures. George mentions how close his child was to growing up without a dad, after he was attacked, before apologising for being so insensitive, given Ruairi’s loss of Siobhan. Ruairi tells George he’s sorry for what happened to him and George appreciates the sentiment.

Tom’s feeling upbeat after the Bridge Farm audit, though Helen points out they need a conversation with Tony about getting rid of the Anguses. Helen then gets a call from Anna Tregorran, who’s abroad – her mum’s had a fall. Helen offers to go and wait with Carol for the ambulance, asking Tom to go with her. When they get there however, they have to climb in through a window before helping Carol up off the floor and into a chair. Fiercely independent Carol tells them she cancelled the ambulance when she heard they were coming. She’s sure nothing’s broken, apart from one of her best bone-china cups. Feeling awkward Helen then tells Anna that everything’s okay. Lynda and Jolene are frustrated so few people want to help with Speedwatch these days. Jolene suggests a push for new volunteers to revive Ambridge’s community spirit, before broaching the subject of a new cricket team based at The Bull. Lynda is dead against and wants to come to the meeting about it later to make her disapproval known. Jolene isn’t sure that’s a good idea. Neither is Tracy, but she, Jolene and Tom listen while Lynda makes an impassioned case for the sacred tradition of the Ambridge cricket team. Her audience is dubious until Lynda points out a Bull team can’t be registered in time for the new season – plus she’s promised Ed grazing for his sheep on the outfield. The only way it’ll work is if they come back to Ambridge Cricket Club. But the problem is, no-one wants to.

Jakob challenges Brian’s assertion that Kate is unsettled and wants to move to Scotland, given Kate’s enthusiasm for her work at Spiritual Home. Brian then wonders if Kate is just not letting on how unhappy she is, which gets Jakob wondering if Kate wants to split up.Amber arrives at Spiritual Home for a massage from Kate, who’s a bit cool with her. Amber apologises for being horrible last time and things thaw a bit as they discuss her pregnancy. Later, Amber surprises George at Meadow Farm with a picnic. Amber’s glad she went for her massage and, following her conversation with Kate, encourages George to be more proactive in reading up on pregnancy. She wishes Ambridge had a young mum community. Georges looks forward to a future shepherding, then he gets an email from Reg: his court date’s set for March 23rd. George assures Amber he’ll stick to the rules with the tag – with a baby on the way they have to properly grow up now. Having spoken to Alice Kate challenges Brian on the crazy rumour he’s started about her wanting to leave Ambridge. Brian insists he did the right thing, giving Jakob the heads-up, but angry Kate insists she’s not going anywhere. Brian then tells Kate to put Jakob’s mind at rest, as he’s in quite a state. Kate clears things up with mightily relieved Jakob, but does she need to worry about erratic Brian? Jakob thinks not. He has to go, but not before he and Kate declare their love for one another.

Rex tries talking to Chris about Alice, but Chris only agrees to a pint later in the week, claiming he’s busy tonight. Then Alice appears, wanting to share news of Martha’s star of the week award. Rex slinks off, while Alice checks with Chris that everything’s okay between him and Rex. Lily persuades Kirsty to head to the Bull for a drink instead of Grey Gables, though Kirsty’s keen to avoid gate-crashing Rex and Alice’s date.At the Bull, Chris confesses to Jakob that he feels awkward about meeting Rex now he’s dating Alice, but feigns indifference when Lilian greets Alice and Rex as ‘lovebirds’. Lilian shares her idea of a new Bull cricket team, with Alice, Chris, Rex, Lily and Kirsty all up for playing. Lilian wonders who would be captain. Alice suggests Rex, who agrees – but only if Chris shares the role.Jakob admits to Chris he’s worried about Kate potentially leaving. Chris offers to ask Alice what she knows, reiterating that he and Alice are still a strong pair with a daughter to raise together – no matter who Alice dates. Later, Chris catches Alice, insisting things aren’t awkward with Rex. Chris is keen to chat about Kate, for Jakob. Alice insists Brian has got it wrong about Kate wanting to move away. Chris then asks about Mother’s Day. Alice mentions planting the rose she and Kate bought for Jennifer. She and Martha will do something too. Alice reassures Chris that Rex won’t be joining them – but assumes Chris will. Relieved Chris says he’d like that.

Azra’s grateful to Ben for coming into work at short notice and as he eats a late breakfast they discuss Azra’s fasting. He tells Azra about Josh’s upcoming working holiday in Patagonia and the possibility of moving back to the Stables. Ben feels ready, despite the slight memory of his breakdown. They then talk about this year’s big push on mental health awareness. Later Ben reports he’s contacted Radio Borsetshire; they’ve suggested doing a live interview with Azra next week, linking it with their own mental health campaign. Azra’s nervous about getting her message right, but thinks a call to action might be her best approach. While Jakob attends to a horse with Alice, Brian pops by and notes Rex has a spring in his step. Jakob admits he knows Alice and Rex are an item. Brian’s keen to check in with Ruairi, while Alice suggests Ruairi’s a bit down because of Paul being away. They discuss Miranda’s purchase of Home Farm and debate where to plant a Mother’s Day rose for Jennifer. Brian compliments Alice on looking so well, smugly taking credit for her and Rex. Brian’s worried about Kate and talks to Jakob. Limited to video calls with Phoebe, Brian’s convinced Kate wants to live in Scotland, nearer her daughter and granddaughter. He’s keen to check with Jakob how he’d feel if Kate admits she wants to move. Jakob isn’t averse in theory, but as Kate hasn’t mentioned anything to him Jakob admits a slight panic and wonders whether Kate even wants him to go with her.