The Archers

As Keira helps Eddie prepare cider bottles, they discuss the forthcoming ‘fete worse than death.’ Eddie is put out by the cost of putting the ferrets into the pet competition, on top of the £5 entry fee. Keira loves being part of the process of cider making and adores traditions. Perhaps they could wassail in January and sing to the apple trees? Eddie entertains her with stories of the kissing boughs he made in his youth and his first kiss. Although it’s too late now to grow something for the Flower and Produce Show, perhaps Keira could make a Cider Cake and fly the Grundy flag? These craft skills are passed down through the generations and soon they’ll be celebrating the next Grundy.
Bert grumpily thanks Neil for making him lunch, saying he’s only bad-tempered because his toenails are too long – Jazzer would normally cut them - could Neil? Calling on Jazzer, Neil is advised to watch more telly with Bert and bond over war films. Speaking of the foot care, reading aloud and special purchases for Bert, Jazzer is amazed. He’s never done them, Neil’s been had! Returning home, Neil makes Bert uncomfortable by suggesting a vulnerable heart to heart chat. Neil also welcomes Jazzer for a toe-clipping session, with the kitchen scissors. Bert’s been rumbled and apologises. Neil and Jazzer insist they’ll take Bert to The Bull, but the drinks are on him.

Neil is caring for a demanding Bert, who is rejecting salad and insisting that Jazzer would have done him some chips. Bert nags Neil to fetch him some special salty liquorice he knows Underwoods sell. Later, Neil acknowledges he can’t be there for Bert as much as Jazzer was at Tracy’s, but that he’ll try – and reveals he’s bought the liquorice. Bert tries it and can’t stand it – insisting that Jazzer would never make him eat it!
As Ed and Eddie plan a surprise roast dinner for Emma’s upcoming birthday, Neil calls in. Eddie unwittingly reveals that Ed has done some tree surgery for Martyn Gibson. Astonished, Neil asks if this is a bribe - is Ed spying on Brian for BL? Ed insists he’s not – it’s just good money, and he’s not told Martyn anything… well not much. And it’s all been to reassure Martyn so there’s no problem. Martyn can’t make him tell him anymore, and Brian won’t find out.
Kenton suggests a curry night to Harrison to chat, and wonders if he’d consider couples’ counselling, as there’s a woman recommended in Borsetshire. Harrison says he’ll ask Fallon. At the pub, Kenton cajoles Fallon into joining Harrison for a drink and they both receive a phone message – a consent form for a counselling session. They both don’t want to go, and Kenton protests that it’s non-refundable. Fallon and Harrison reflect on the fact that they no longer want to fight for their marriage, but acknowledge that the years they did have, they don’t regret.

Both Jolene and Kenton appear evasive to Fallon, who wants to discuss arrangements for her replacement when she leaves The Bull. Eventually cornering her mum, Fallon pushes that her replacement needs sorting, and that the Cruck Barn job at Lower Loxley is an amazing opportunity. Jolene can’t see why she wants to leave an award-winning pub where she’s been central to its success. Fallon disagrees – this is a chance for her to re-boot and create something new.
Confiding in Joy, Jolene shares that she finds Fallon’s move hasty and a bit selfish, being from a pub family where they all work together. Joy points out that Jolene’s always taken opportunities in her career and Fallon’s no different – she needs to let Fallon find her own way.
Jazzer and Ed are discussing the Fallon and Harrison split and propose a night out to Fallon who says she’s too tired. When Kenton cautions drinking ahead of work on a Monday, Fallon rebuffs him by agreeing to go. Returning later, a tipsy Fallon wants a night cap, but Kenton pushes coffee for all three of them, who’ve been to a few pubs. Unimpressed, Kenton is protective and suggests to Ed that a night out with two blokes so soon after her marriage break-up was not a good move. Jazzer reminds Kenton that the three of them have been mates for decades and it’s exactly what she needed. Kenton disagrees – Fallon is vulnerable and she’s family and even old friends aren’t going to stop him looking out for her.

Chris is already back in his flat and Neil wonders why Susan isn’t angry with her Dad. As Susan continues looking after Bert, Neil apologises and Susan explains that it’s the least she can do. Susan also notes how awful Bert’s own father was, explaining some of Bert’s behaviour and attitudes. Susan knew Bert loved his children because he wasn’t like his dad. Neil suggests that Susan explains this to Chris.

Harrison reminds Fallon that Woodbine Cottage is still her home. Now she’s back from Lynda and Robert’s, Harrison is keen to let Fallon settle, and has moved some things to the spare room.

Alan discusses fete woes with Jolene, who stops Harrison to hug him and remind him he’s still part of the family and no one is taking sides. Alan walks with Harrison and also lends an ear. Harrison feels he should have tried harder to save his relationship, but Alan urges him to stop blaming himself – he and Fallon now just need to be kind to each other.

Fallon is standoffish with Jolene, who’s still sceptical about the new Lower Loxley job and tries to persuade Fallon to stay at the Bull. But Fallon points out that her break-up hasn’t happened suddenly, and now she’s finally ready to take control.

Fallon’s touched when Harrison supports her decision about working at Lower Loxley. Harrison is going to look for somewhere to rent, but Fallon says there’s no need just yet. Having agreed that they’ll make things work, they wish each other good night.

Susan mildly berates Bert for opening an early beer in the garden. Alice pops over and is friendly with Bert, who mutters to Neil about hiding his beer. Neil teases Chris over Lottie, and Chris bats away his comment about marriage. Chris is defensive when Bert jokes about all Martha’s parent figures.
With Alan and the fete starting to get a bad name, Lynda’s shocked that Susan has introduced some ticket concessions. But some people will be prevented from attending – and some who will just boycott.
Lynda is convinced that Monty is innocent, as she and Robert await the DNA results from the sheep attack. She’s more concerned about the fete – they need to find a must-see attraction. They’re distracted by an argument in the road, between Ed on his combine and an angry speeding driver. As affectionate Monty cheers up Ed, Robert makes a comment that gives Lynda an idea.
Chris admits to Alice that he suggested he and Lottie move in together, and is worried by Lottie’s reaction. Alice says to speak to Lottie, and reassure her he’s happy and not trying to pressure her.
Chris heads home and is shocked to see Bert giving Martha a sip of his beer. Bert’s nasty comments about Alice, and mollycoddling, make Chris explode. Later, he informs Susan and Neil that he’ll contact Hazel to see about moving back into his flat. Susan tries to defend Bert’s actions, but when Chris doubles down on his criticism Susan loses her cool and says maybe he should move out.