The Archers

When Jazzer turns up with paddleboard, flippers and extra luggage, for his trip to the Lake District with Ed and Fallon, he’s forced to squeeze into the back of the car with everything next to him. Fallon will watch while the others swim, or paddle to commemorate their friend, Ash. Later, Ed and Jazzer reminisce about the high-jinks they got up to in their teens, before Fallon mentions Jazzer nearly dying from an overdose. Jazzer reckons Dross cleaning up their act was the making of them in the end. They mull over what getting older actually means, before Fallon decides she won’t let her fears get the better of her. She’s going to do the swim tomorrow too.Lily apologises to Azra for what happened at the Flower & Produce Show, then asks if she’ll be a judge at the re-run next Sunday. Azra agrees, telling Lily not to be so hard on herself over what went wrong at the Show and the cricket furore. However, Lily feels life is passing her by, confessing that she doesn’t see Grey Gables as a long-term destination. She likes the people there, but communication between different departments is a big problem. Azra thinks it’s similar in hospitals, suggesting that if people could do a job-swap it would help them understand everybody’s roles, however it’s too impractical. Lily thinks a job-swap could work at Grey Gables though and will suggest it to Dane. But in the meantime, Azra suggests, Lily needs to think about what more she actually wants from her life.

Justin’s confident he can override any dissent when the results of the feasibility study are discussed at this afternoon’s BL Board meeting, while Lilian joins Alice in looking forward to Martha’s first school Harvest Festival service on Thursday. Before the meeting Brian assures Justin the fight isn’t over, no matter what the feasibility study says. Martyn tries to smooth things over but mentions a rumour that Justin could be looking to buy land elsewhere. Justin admits he’s considering his options, including selling his BL shares, if necessary. Later, Brian and Martyn discuss Justin’s shock announcement, agreeing it would be disastrous if he sold up. Neither of them could afford to buy the shares and fear the potential consequences of an outsider buying into BL. Later, Justin admits to Lilian he hadn’t planned on dropping his bombshell today. Lilian tells him he’ll be going to Martha’s Harvest Festival. Ruairi has gone to The Nest for tea with Alice and Martha. He might have come back to Ambridge to help Brian, but he’s delighted to catch up with them too. They chat about Martha settling in well at school, to Alice’s great relief. They agree Alice is coping well with her alcohol addiction, but Ruairi wants to continue calling her every week. He’s less worried about her now than when she stayed with him in London though, remembering how he once found her unconscious. Alice is mortified by his recollection and Ruairi apologises for upsetting her. But Alice knows she wouldn’t be where she is now without her family’s support and hugs Ruairi.

Lily has been deputed to look after celebrity guest judge, Charlotte Smith, at the Flower & Produce Show at Grey Gables, while Paul is there for a wedding. Azra turns up with the cheesecake she’s entering, before Charlotte arrives with fellow judge, Fallon. Charlotte thinks she’d better avoid fraternising with contestant Azra, though. Azra and Ben assess various entries in the cake section, also admiring the giant vegetables on display, before people start entering the marquee. Later, Lily finds Paul taking a break from the wedding reception, where he barely knows anyone. Lily’s suspicions are aroused when Paul offers to get her some food from the wedding – she knows they haven’t started serving yet. Ben then announces some of the wedding guests have helped themselves to entries for the Flower & Produce Show, assuming they were part of the wedding buffet. Disaster! Lily rushes off to shoo wedding guests away, then explains the mix-up to bemused Fallon, offering fulsome apologies to Charlotte. They decide to judge those entries that haven’t been eaten or purloined, but it’s too late for Azra’s cheesecake. Charlotte consoles Azra that her cheesecake should be considered the unofficial winner as it’s the only entry that’s been consumed entirely. Plans are made to rearrange the Show for next week, but Charlotte can’t make it and Azra doesn’t think she’ll bother entering again. Stressed out Lily tells Ben and Paul about the rescheduling compromise. After owning up to the cricketing subterfuge Lily fears this fiasco might be the final nail in her coffin as far as locals are concerned.

Amber acknowledges it upset her when Brad questioned her about getting her teeth done, but he’s right. She’s a fraud. The teeth are all part of a fake picture she portrays. Brad reckons she doesn’t have to pretend; she can just be who she is. Amber worries George might not like the real her once he’s released and sees her without make up. Brad assures her George is completely in love and a much better person for meeting her. This makes Amber cry again. She thanks Brad for helping her see things clearly. She’s going to ditch the veneers, they belong to the fake Amber. She can put the money she saves towards George’s party. Tom guesses that the meeting Lily’s called is about the cricket payments and quizzes Freddie, who ducks the questions. When Lily arrives she comes clean to the room that paying players was her idea, not Lynda’s. Tom accuses her of treating the team like dirt. Lily protests she thought it would be a way of building a stronger team. Lynda chips in that whilst it was the wrong thing to do, Lily’s trying to apologise and put right that wrong. Tom maintains the team’s divided and has been lied to. Freddie promises Lynda he’ll keep an eye on Lily. Lily tells them she’s resigned as director of cricket. Later Lily admits to Freddie that all her mistakes are making her feel aimless. Freddie tries to point out the positives, just as Lily gets a message from Tom – the team are never playing for Ambridge again.

Stella and Ben explain to Pip that whilst Rosie wasn’t at fault yesterday, both Rosie and Cleo need to learn how to react with each other in a challenging situation. Pip is persuaded that Cleo’s trainable, and agrees she can stay on the condition that if the dog shows any aggression Rosie and Pip won’t come to Stella’s any more. Azra’s hoping to meet Charlotte Smith at the Flower and Produce on Sunday and wants to make sure she can engage her in intelligent conversation. She seeks Stella’s advice on farming talk, declaring her starting point is to ask Charlotte what her favourite cow is. Stella suggests not talking shop, recommending instead that Azra chats about ordinary things.Ruairi feels like he’s being fobbed off at Home Farm. Adam insists he’s coping fine on his own but Ruairi can see he’s stressed. Adam maintains he has Ruairi’s interests at heart – anyone can see his life’s in London. Ruairi’s not so sure. He’s not getting a lot from his graduate scheme and he’s fed up of trying to prove himself. He feels useless. Adam reminds him how caring he is and suggests he gives himself a reset to work out what he really wants. They agree that after Brian’s recent mistakes it’s time he considered retirement. Ruairi offers to talk to him. If Brian won’t go, they’ll need a farm manager unless they can persuade Stella back. They need some of these plans to work, otherwise the next storm might see Home Farm blown away.

Lynda tries to steer Lily off the topic of the cricket payments and toward the Flower and Produce Show, but after a cursory agreement that Dane’s idea of a Medieval theme is thoroughly naff, Lily swings the conversation back. Why did Lynda do it? People are blaming her and whilst she’s taking responsibility, it wasn’t her idea, it was Lily’s. Lynda explains her hand was forced by Lawrence. Making it public sooner would have been the more honest thing to do. Lily maintains they should now share the blame, but Lynda doesn’t want Lily’s reputation tarnished. Her own has weathered greater storms than this.Brad feels he might have upset Amber, and asks Lily’s advice. Lily suggests he simply ask her. Brad thanks her for the advice. He wonders what’s happening with the cricket situation. He thinks it’s weird and not like Lynda to do something dodgy. Guilt-ridden Lily explains it’s more complicated than people think, and it’s not fair to blame Lynda entirely. Later Lily admits to Lynda that she’s told Brad the truth of the matter, and also sent a message around the team asking them to meet on Friday.Stella’s brought Cleo the dog home. Ben observes she’s settling well. Stella’s concerned about Rosie, who doesn’t always do as she’s told, but realises she has to be given a chance. All goes well until Cleo gets hold of Rosie’s favourite giraffe toy. Pip admits it wasn’t Cleo’s fault, but it’s made Rosie more nervous of the dog. She and Stella need to chat about what happens next.

Dane’s feeling like the Flower and Produce Show is currently just carrots in a tent. It could do with some Grey Gables sizzle, and Lily is the one to provide it. Horrified Lily points out it’s this Sunday so there’s little time. There’s also a wedding on that day so options are limited. Dane’s favouring a Medieval theme; he’s made a start and wants Lily to get thinking. Lily gets a call from Fallon, who’s miffed about the cricket payments scandal. Lily promises to sponsor Fallon’s memorial swim for Ash. She shares her angst over the Flower and Produce task she’s been given. Fallon stresses the importance of the show to the village. She urges Lily not to jazz it up too much. Lily suggests some initiatives to Dane, who thinks they’re all brilliant. If Lily oversees the show, he’ll take care of the wedding. Lily catches up with Azra who’s heading for the spa, and asks if she’d like to be a judge. Azra isn’t keen at first and refuses – until Lily mentions Charlotte Smith might be the other judge, at which point Azra’s right on board. She’s a big fan. However she’s disappointed to find Dane has appointed Fallon as second judge to be with Charlotte. Lily apologises for letting Azra down, and Azra tries to be big about it. She’s pleased for Fallon; it’ll be a tonic for her after the disappointment of the cricket. Azra knows Fallon feels Lynda’s betrayed Harrison’s legacy as former team captain. That really is letting people down. Doesn’t Lily agree?

Stella has news: she’s submitted the application form for the job David told her about, and rehoming adoption advisor has found her a match with a dog. They’re happy with Stella’s potential new job circumstances so it looks like it’s all systems go. She’s made an appointment at the rehoming centre; Rosie can go with them. Pip’s not sure – what if the dog’s not suitable and Rosie falls in love with it? However Stella thinks Rosie’s a valuable member of the interview panel. After meeting the dog Stella and Pip agree they like her. And with Rosie clearly loving her too it seems like job done. But Pip still has reservations. This was just one short visit; the dog is still an unknown quantity. Stella sees the sense in being cautious, but is confident Cleopatra can be trained. They’ll see how it goes; nothing needs to be decided yet.Stressed Adam’s rushing to get Xander ready for school and snaps at Ben, who’s arrived to offer to give Xander a lift. Apologetic Adam gratefully accepts. Ben thinks Adam needs to find time to switch off. Adam takes him at his word and later goes for a walk. He feels guilty that Home Farm paperwork’s piling up. The farm’s in a bad way financially. Ben sympathises. To their surprise Ruairi arrives from London, with an offer of help. Adam insists Kate’s exaggerated the difficulties, but Ben reckons Adam should think again. Adam admits reluctantly that there’s truth in what Kate’s told Ruairi, and he’d be grateful for his help.

Brad and Amber head home from the cricket. Amber admits to being bored. Even when Brad enthuses over the winning highlights she eyerolls that life’s too short. She updates Brad on being thrown out of Spiritual Home. Brad suggests Kate might be someone who finds it hard to forgive and forget – she’ll definitely be off George’s welcome home party list then. Amber suggests a big bash at the village hall. Brad favours Grange Farm, where Amber will have more control.[Amber resolves to ask Eddie. Her phone pings with followers incessantly, and Brad challenges her to turn it off. He points out the full moon, but she’s not looking. Exasperated, he asks her if she can’t do something else. Amber defends her influencer status. She wasn’t clever enough or pretty enough at school, and this is something she’s good at. And she’ll get even better once she’s had her teeth done. Brad wants to know she’s doing this for herself and not because someone online says so. Amber starts to cry and runs off.The Ambridge team celebrate their win despite certain relegation. The mood’s darkened by the arrival of Lawrence. Lynda insists she’s standing by Zainab and the complaint, meeting Lawrence’s menacing threats with an announcement to the pub crowd. She encourages Lawrence to bring up the subject of team payments. Lynda admits they have paid players, and apologises. Lily’s horrified Lynda’s taking the blame, but Freddie reckons they should quietly leave. Tom and Adam reckon this is divisive, setting friend against friend. They need to take action.

Oliver raises the delicate topic of Susan and Neil with Amber. Amber maintains she finds the idea of apologising to them too difficult after everything that’s happened. They let George down and it’s them who should be apologising. And Neil taking the ring away has really hurt her. She heads off to a massage appointment with Kate. When she explains she’s an influencer Kate jokes she hopes Amber won’t give her a terrible review. She suggests they could talk about a collaboration. Amber declares she’d love that; Spiritual Home has a really nice vibe. As the treatment begins Amber chats happily about her upcoming wedding, naming her fiancé as George. Shocked Kate puts two and two together and realises who Amber is. When Kate explains she’s Alice’s sister, Amber suggests Alice needs to take some responsibility for George’s plight – in fact it could even be her fault George is in prison. Kate needs to accept there’s fault on both sides. Given Alice’s history, George was just the scapegoat. Incandescent Kate throws Amber out.Zainab starts to update Lynda on the drink incident yesterday, becoming distressed in the process. Lynda calms her, before Oliver interrupts to speak to Zainab. He explains they’ve had a complaint from a guest who witnessed what happened at the Tearoom. Zainab fears the worst, but Oliver’s on her side – Lawrence is a piece of work and deserved what she did. Later Lynda tells Zainab she showed admirable restraint. She intends to speak to Lawrence and resolve this ridiculous situation once and for all.