The Archers

Romance is in the air at Bridge Farm, and Mick bites off more than he can chew.

When Robert tells Lynda that Gavin turned up to sniff around his dad’s old house, Kirsty’s not sure that’s true as Gavin hasn’t asked for any money. Lynda’s jumpy and Robert wonders if she’s ok as she’s been like that since she got back from the Christmas Market yesterday. Later Lynda tells Kirsty that she met Gavin yesterday, but didn’t want Robert to know. She thought Gavin looked utterly broken and full of remorse, like he was seeking some kind of redemption. Kirsty admits she felt the same when she saw him and wonders whether he deserves a second chance.Later when Lynda confesses to Robert about seeing Gavin, he’d already guessed. Jim had seen Lynda having a lift in Alan’s car. He apologises to her saying he’s been selfish and hopes it was healing for her. Tearful Lynda admits she wanted to forgive Gavin, but she couldn’t. Especially when she has to look at her scars every day. But Robert says they remind him what a remarkable woman he married. They agree they’re lucky to have each other.David’s surprised when Leonard thanks him for agreeing to help pack up his bungalow but then discovers that Jill had volunteered him. David reluctantly agrees to go, even though there’s so much to do on the farm. Leonard takes ages packing up his things and David’s shocked at how much Leonard wants to bring, including his Fiddle Leaf Fig plant! Later when David’s grouchy about Leonard to Jill, she reminds him how special Leonard is to her; he’s given her so much she never expected to have.

Ruth and David drive along a country lane and chat about Rewilding Ambridge’s plans to introduce beavers. David’s concerned because he’s seen lots of stories about beaver damage. They spot Leonard who’s cycling towards them and give him a friendly honk. But when they look back to check if he saw them, see that he’s crashed.Alan drives Lynda along the same country lane where Alan worries about upsetting Robert yesterday. He checks that Lynda’s sure she doesn’t want Robert to know that they’re going to see Gavin. But she’s very clear; Robert would only try to stop her if he knew. They’re stopped in their tracks when they spot Ruth and David helping shell-shocked Leonard out of a ditch. After checking everything's ok with Leonard, Lynda and Alan head on to a café where Gavin explains how sorry he is about the explosion at Grey Gables. He hopes that if Lynda hears how his life’s been destroyed by it too, it might help her. But Lynda says his suffering can’t give back what was taken from her and lists the physical and mental impact on her. She doesn’t want Gavin to punish himself, but she can’t forgive him either. He needs to forgive himself. Although they can’t change what happened, they can accept it and try to move on.Ruth and David take Leonard to A and E where they discover that he’s fractured his wrist. As Ruth and David debate whether they could cope with Leonard staying with them while he recovers, Leonard informs them that Jill’s insisting he stays at Brookfield.

Natasha and Tom chat about plans for Pat and Tony’s 50th wedding anniversary on Thursday. Tom confirms that Pat just wants a quiet family celebration along with their weekend break. Natasha then brings up the subject of buying Kirsty’s house. She’s been looking at some mortgage deals and reckons they could afford to buy it. Tom agrees it would be nice to have somewhere bigger, but he’s in no rush to move.Later Natasha catches up with Kirsty, who tells her about Gavin turning up yesterday. He’d seen her house was for sale and Kirsty wonders if he feels he’s entitled to something from it. When Natasha is dismissive of this, Kirsty explains that both she and Gavin were taken in by Philip. Gavin’s his son – maybe he should have some of the proceeds from the sale. But Natasha’s clear Kirsty doesn’t owe Gavin anything. Robert’s in a tense mood and Lynda correctly guesses it’s because she bumped into Gavin last night. Robert can’t believe that Gavin would dare show his face in Ambridge, he should still be in jail. Alan visits to check how Lynda is after the shock of seeing Gavin out of the blue. Alan points out that Gavin’s remorseful and wants to meet Lynda to tell her how sorry he is. Robert is completely against this and is amazed Alan even asked. When Alan goes, Robert’s furious but Lynda’s pensive, wondering if it might be healing for her. Robert’s having none of it and heads off with Monty for a walk.

Kirsty’s shocked when Gavin shows up at her Beechwood house. He’s been released from prison and saw that Kirsty’s house was for sale. Presuming she was moving away, Gavin wanted to catch Kirsty before she left. He confesses he didn’t know how he agreed to using a slave workforce with his dad. He knew it was wrong, but Philip convinced him that they were doing the slaves a favour. When Kirsty asserts Gavin could’ve stopped it sooner, Gavin says he did eventually, even though it meant going to jail. Kirsty suddenly realises she can’t cope with the conversation and asks him to leave.Joy waits with nervous Mick wait as he’s about to go on as Santa in The Bull’s ‘Creepy Christmas’ event. He didn’t get much sleep last night in his van in The Bull car park. Afterwards Alan tells Lynda if she can put Mick’s performance together at such notice, it’s still possible to put on a village panto. But Lynda thinks that’s a tall order. Joy says there’s a panto in Felpersham this year, perhaps they could put on a trip to that instead. Mick appears, exhausted by his performance and ready to head back to his van for some sleep. Joy suggests he stays at hers instead for a trial run over Christmas. Mick agrees, as long as it isn’t because she feels sorry for him.Later Alan finds Gavin in the bus shelter waiting to hitch a lift. Lynda’s shocked when she passes by and sees him. She hurries off and Alan offers Gavin a lift back to his hostel.

As Fallon’s trying to change her car’s flat tyre just outside Ambridge, Ed pulls up and offers to help. When Fallon asks how Emma is, Ed says she was in bits after Mick’s comments in the pub yesterday. They chat about how George is getting on in prison, and Ed admits they’re really worried about him. George is refusing to see them and has made friends with some really hard cases. Fallon reckons George is probably just doing what he can to get by. But Ed wonders who George is going to be by the time he leaves prison. Fallon’s really glad her friendship with Ed and Emma’s getting back on track, telling Ed she’s around if he ever needs a chat and they hug.Joy visits Emma to let her know that she doesn’t support Mick’s complaint against her. She thinks Mick’s upset and angry about the crash and he’s taking it out on Emma. Joy understands how difficult things have been for Emma, but George saved Joy’s life, when he could have run off and left everyone to drown. And that Emma’s a good mum, despite everything that’s happened. Joy has a complicated relationship with her daughter Rochelle and explains it’s easy to feel you’ve failed your child because of things that were out of your control. But Emma did her best in difficult circumstances and it would be a big loss to the community if Emma resigned from the Parish Council. Emma needs to get back on her feet to stand her ground. And when she does, Joy will be cheering her on.

Robert tidies up the garden at Ambridge Hall in preparation for some tricky regular guests. When Lynda surveys the garden later she thinks they should rewild it, upsetting Robert. He’s spent all morning getting it into shape and thinks if Lynda wants to rewild it, she can do it herself. Later when Lynda apologises for being thoughtless, Robert just wishes she’d had her rewilding epiphany earlier!Emma nervously asks Fallon whether she or Harrison made a complaint about her to the Parish Council. Shocked Fallon confirms they didn’t, but is interrupted by Mick piping up to say that he was the one who complained. Emma’s son caused the car crash and she covered it up. Joy and Fallon could’ve died in it. Emma points out that she handed her own son in to the police, and hopes Mick never finds himself in an impossible situation, damned whichever way he turns. Because Mick might be surprised by what he finds himself doing.Later Mick tells Fallon that he feels terrible about upsetting Emma. He wonders if he was wrong to complain about her, but just wanted to do something. He’s felt useless since the crash. Fallon says it’s complicated and Emma only did what she did because she was desperate. They both admit they still have nightmares about the crash and Fallon suggests telling Joy how he feels. Joy’s sympathetic when Mick opens up later, but says that in order to truly come to terms with the crash, he’s got to find forgiveness, otherwise how will any of them move on?

Ben’s working at the GP surgery where he bumps into Azra, who’s concerned about Zainab. Azra thinks Zainab thinks should be putting in applications for university. Otherwise her gap year could end up being permanent. Zainab arrives and Azra seizes her opportunity to turn the conversation back to university, encouraging Ben to say he’s enjoying his course. In fact she’ll pay for Ben and Azra to discuss it over a hot chocolate. Zainab’s not keen until Azra throws in a take-away later. Zainab explains to Ben that she’s not sure she wants to go to university, but her mum shouldn’t worry - she just needs a bit of time to work things out.Lynda notices that Mick’s looking a bit below par. He explains that ticket sales for the Christmas Brunch at The Bull are very slow. He talked Jolene and Kenton into doing it, because he was really keen to be Father Christmas. But it’s back-fired on him now. Meanwhile Jolene tells Kenton that she bumped into Helen in the shop. Apparently Jack’s really excited about ‘Creepy Christmas’. When Kenton’s incredulous that Helen actually think’s it’s on, Jolene confirms that Helen was hoping to buy some tickets. And there’s some other parents who want to book too. Kenton wonders if Creepy Christmas has got legs after all. Later he tells Lynda and Mick that it’s actually a really good idea. The Bull will do it as well as the Santa Brunch. Kenton’s happy that Lynda and Mick are going to rehearse, but less so when Lynda wants to sort the financial terms first.

As Ruth and David mend a fence someone whizzes past them in the lane. David reckons it was Leonard on his electric bike, as the person was wearing the same high viz gear. The roads are icy and David worries that Leonard might come off his bike, so he jumps into his car to catch up with him. But when David returns, he sheepishly admits that he mistakenly followed a scooter. Then Zainab appears demanding to know what David was doing. When David explains why, she calms down. Zainab reckons that she saw Leonard driving erratically near the village. Later Leonard’s upset when David and Ruth have a word with him. He wonders if they think he’s past it and likely to wobble off his bike into a ditch. Leonard may be less mobile than he was, but there’s plenty of adventure left in him yet.Ed visits Emma at the Tearoom on his way to sort a tree job with Brian. Emma admits that every time a customer comes in, she wonders if they’re the one who complained about her being on the Parish Council. Ed suggests that she resigns as it might not be worth the the hassle. But Emma’s defensive; she’s good at it and she enjoys it. Later Emma wonders if it was Brian who made the complaint and Ed reluctantly agrees to see what he can find out. Later Brian explains that he can’t countenance the way Emma covered up a crime. And that does call into question her judgement justifying a complaint to the Parish Council. But it wasn’t him.

Ruth and David comment on the massive parcel that’s arrived at Brookfield for Leonard, which they discover contains an electric bike. Leonard thinks it will make a real difference to his life and the planet. After charging it, he heads off for a spin around the village.Later Lynda turns up at Brookfield explaining to Ruth and David that she’s just seen Leonard in the village, travelling at excessive speed. They agree to have a word with him about his dangerous driving. But Ben thinks Leonard’s an experienced cyclist and Lynda was probably exaggerating. Nonetheless David points out that Leonard’s no spring chicken and so more at risk from injury. Later Leonard returns from his ride, excited for his next one. When David mentions that Lynda was concerned about his speed, Leonard’s unrepentant saying that if Lynda comes around telling tales again, he’ll speak to her himself. Kenton catches up with Mick about next Sunday’s Santa brunch. Kenton wonders if there’s perhaps another direction that Mick’s Santa delivery could go in, suggesting that Mick might use a different voice. But when Mick does, his delivery is flat and emotionless. Later Lynda gets a call from Kenton who explains his dilemma; Mick either sounds wooden and robotic or absolutely terrifying. Kenton wonders if Lynda could give Mick a few pointers. However, later she explains how impressed she was with Mick’s performance. It’s highly original and conjures up ‘Christmas darkness’. Lynda suggests having a Creepy Christmas with festive tales instead. But Kenton’s adamant – all he wants is a traditional, non-terrifying Santa with a boring old brunch and grotto.

Robert bumps into Emma and asks if she’ll be at the Parish Council meeting tomorrow. She hasn’t been there for a while. When Emma admits it’s because she can’t face it, Robert gently encourages her to go saying no-one there would judge her. Later, Robert drops by to see Emma at The Tearoom where she tells him that she’s decided to go. But Robert has some unsettling news; someone’s complained about Emma’s role on the Council. Robert doesn’t know who, but it relates to her part in withholding information from the police about George. Upset Emma says she won’t be at the meeting tomorrow after all, even though Robert tries to convince her otherwise.Kenton and Jolene are concerned about the lack of customers at The Bull with Christmas just around the corner. Mick suggests that they could do a Santa brunch. Kenton reckons it’s a good idea but it’s too late to find a Father Christmas in time. Mick solves the problem by putting himself forward and they decide to do a brunch next Sunday. Although it’ll be tight, they can advertise and Wayne’s had some ideas for the menu. When Jolene says it’s kind of Mick to be Santa for nothing, Kenton points out that his van is parked on the car park. Mick fits the part when he reappears in a Santa outfit that he's borrowed from Tony. But when he tries out his Santa voice, Jolene and Kenton are stunned. When he’s gone they wonder what to do; Mick’s Santa sounds really scary but neither of them want to let Mick down.

Ellie does some milking for Ruth and is a natural. David invites Ellie and her girls to check on the ewes. There’s a special Thanksgiving dinner at Brookfield for Faith and Chuck. It was Eddie and Clarrie’s idea and they’ve provided a turkey. And of course Jill’s baking is called on. Ellie opens up to Ruth about splitting from her emotionally abusive husband. She has taken the kids away while he hopefully packs his stuff and leaves. Despite the problems, Faith has had a wonderful reconnection with Ambridge. Clarrie and Eddie get an open invitation to visit them in America. Eddie feels sorry for Clarrie that he’s just a failed, daft schemer – but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Jakob joins the community effort and catches up with David and Ruth. He admits defeat in tracking down the scammers but learns what a hero Kate has been, looking after everyone. He and Kate finally reunite, and Jakob concedes he has been difficult. Kate is also apologetic, for jumping in and offering up his home. As Jakob admits he could have been more giving, he’s full of admiration for Kate’s natural generosity, and they agree that they are who they are. Having started the week unable to agree about where to go on holiday, Jakob declares he agrees with Kate’s idea of somewhere warm. But now she says she wants to try his suggestion, Finland. Faith interrupts them, as it’s time to pull crackers while Clarrie carves the turkey. Happy Thanksgiving!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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