The Archers

Feathers are ruffled by a visitor, and Leonard overdoes it.

Emma’s tired from gutting turkeys and presses Ed to get off the sofa, as there’s loads to do for Christmas. They discuss doing something nice with Keira on Friday, how much effort Clarrie puts in to Christmas dinner, and where everyone will be this year. Emma knows that it’s all a distraction for Clarrie, to help them not worry about George. Emma can’t bear the thought of not seeing George over Christmas, but George won’t let them visit. She hopes Brad will persuade him. Helen swears Natasha to secrecy as she reveals Joy’s planning to propose to Mick on Christmas Day. Helen admits to Tom and Natasha she may have to move in with Pat and Tony. Tom wonders what Helen’s heard about the house sale. Helen just hopes the couple interested don’t snap it up too quickly, so she can find somewhere else to live. Tom’s anxious to withdraw their offer to Kirsty, but Natasha says they don’t actually know how Helen would feel about it until they talk to her. Kirsty realises they haven’t told Helen and senses Tom and Natasha

Kirsty tells Natasha that she hasn’t heard anything more from Gavin, but Lynda had an interesting chat with him. It’s made Kirsty think again about giving Gavin something. She can afford it and she could then sell the house with a clear conscience. She’s going to see him at his hostel. Helen turns up confirming to Kirsty that it’s ok for to do another house viewing tomorrow. Natasha’s ears prick up when she hears it’s their second viewing.Later Helen tells Joy she hasn’t had any luck finding anywhere to move to, but wonders how Joy’s getting on with Mick staying at her house. Joy says they’re having a ball and she’s going to propose to Mick on Christmas Day!Gavin explains to Kirsty that he was really nervous about seeing Lynda and she didn’t let him off the hook. But she also said she didn’t want him to be miserable either. Gavin can’t expect people to forgive him, but he can try to do something better with his life. Kirsty says she would like to help him, offering some money. But Gavin’s adamant t

Family and friends prepare the Tearoom ready for Pat and Tony’s 50th Wedding Anniversary party. Tony’s had the task of keeping the surprise from Pat, and she’s delighted when she gets there. She can’t believe that Tony managed to keep it a secret from her. When Mick congratulates Tony on his long marriage, Tony says that he and Pat have weathered many storms, but he wouldn’t have wanted to go through them with anyone else. Talk turns to Mick staying at Joy’s, with Mick explaining that it’s only over Christmas and then they’ll see. But he’s enjoying the home comforts and being with Joy of course. Tony reckons Jolene and Kenton will be rooting for them – they probably can’t wait to get his old campervan off their car park! Elsewhere Joy chats to Tom and Natasha saying it’s a shame Helen’s moving out from next door to her. When Natasha says what a great house it is, Joy suggests that Tom and Natasha move in. Joy heads off to mingle and Natasha points out to Tom that they can’t rent forever; Seren and Nov

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 s

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 ph

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 i

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

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

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

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 Chri

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 sh

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 Sant

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 t

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 admi

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

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

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

Jazzer attempts to help, and the collective nightmare continues.

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 to 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 ‘BorsetshireBreaks.com’, so Chuck goes to contact the company. Chuck wonders whether the owners have tricked them and plan to take then hostage. Meanwhile as Chuck can’t get through to anyone, Faith sends an email, asking someone to call her asap. Chris owns the cottage and knows nothing about any listing. Jakob and Kate spot that the photos online don’t resemb