Lilian is thrilled that Shula’s open to the idea of her and Justin investing in The Stables and assures her the spirit of the place will be maintained as they make improvements. Shula asks if Justin feels the same and then twigs that Lilian hasn’t yet told him about it. The pair present the idea to Justin together. He instantly dismisses it and is rude about the Stables being small fry. After Shula leaves, Lilian is furious with Justin but he insists Shula gave a bad pitch. He’s clear that he’s not prepared to invest his money based purely on sentimentality, but then the cogs start to turn on how The Stables could be a viable investment. David and Kenton compare notes on the Harvest Supper. They’re both looking forward to it after last year’s was cancelled. Things are looking up after a difficult time for business at both the Bull and the Brookfield Barn. Jazzer joins them, pleased he’s convinced Blake to take up accommodation at The Elms, plus there’s some work lined up for him at Berrow Farm. David and Kenton run through the plans with Jazzer and realise they both have their sights set on being the compere. They bicker about who would do it best. Jazzer suggests a double act to which they agree. They know they won’t be able to prepare together but perhaps they could combine their individual routines. Game on, says David.

The Archers

17/10/2021

Writer, Keri Davies Director, Marina Caldarone Editor, Jeremy Howe Ruth Archer ….. Felicity Finch Josh Archer ….. Angus Imrie Pip Archer ….. Daisy Badger Brian Aldridge ….. Charles Collingwood Lilian Bellamy ….. Sunny Ormonde Alan Franks ….. John Telfer Amy Franks ….. Jennifer Daley Martyn Gibson ….. Jon Glover Shula Hebden Lloyd ….. Judy Bennett Chelsea Horrobin ….. Madeleine Leslay Russ Jones ….. Andonis James Anthony Alistair Lloyd ….. Michael Lumsden Jazzer McCreary ….. Ryan Kelly Lily Pargetter ….. Katie Redford Johnny Phillips ….. Tom Gibbons Stella ….. Lucy Speed

14/10/2021

Lilian’s regretting her snappiness with Ruth yesterday. She confesses to Shula she was disproportionately ratty over the Harvest Supper arrangements, and reveals it’s because she’s given up smoking. It’s proving hard, and Justin’s getting the thick end of it. Shula admits she’s not feeling great either since her fall from a horse, and the two arrange to have supper together. Later Lilian’s in better heart, having explained everything to understanding Ruth. Shula shares that she’s lost some of her resilience recently; the Stables is getting on top of her. There are hefty repairs to be done and she wishes she had someone to share the burden with. Lilian has a brainwave – why not her? She’s looking to invest and she would be the ideal business partner for Shula. Shula cautions that it wouldn’t be a money maker, but Lilian’s ready to celebrate. Lily tries to encourage Chelsea to become a canvasser for Felpersham Kitchens, but Chelsea isn’t interested. They chat about how her studies are going, and Chelsea admits to struggling with an essay deadline. When Lily makes a vague offer of help, Chelsea bites her hand off. Later as they work Russ weighs in with some pointers of his own. Lily suggests two coaches will confuse Chelsea. Russ agrees, and asks Chelsea to choose. Chelsea picks Russ, and his tuition proves a big hit. Lily gets her revenge when Chelsea insists on offering Russ a haircut when he can’t get an appointment. Great, growls Russ.

13/10/2021

Johnny spots Chelsea the bus stop, and shares that Lily had mentioned her in conversation. Chelsea jumps on this – Lily should mind her own business. Johnny points out Lily had just wanted to put them in touch in case he could help Chelsea with her dyslexia. They arrange to meet later to chat. Chelsea wangles a lift on Jazzer’s bike, which she’s appalled that he’s selling. She reckons her mum’s behind it, but he assures her it’s his decision. When Johnny agrees with Jazzer that bikes, and biker chicks, aren’t that great, Chelsea instantly rows back and announces she thinks bikes are unsafe and she’s not interested any more. Jazzer’s gobsmacked. And when Johnny laughs at Chelsea’s helmet hair, she declares she doesn’t want to bother with him, either. Ruth tries to persuade Lilian away from offering a dessert for the Harvest Supper. Lilian’s unwilling to swap courses; she feels she’s been singled out as the ‘dead wood’ in the village. She’ll stick to desserts thank you – and she wishes people had more faith in her. Amy’s with Alan, ploughing through career change literature. She asks if Alan’s still buying Jazzer’s motorbike. He affirms he is, and reluctant Usha’s on board too after his explanation that the ideal number of bikes is always ‘N plus one’. Jazzer arrives with the news that he’s not selling after all due to Chelsea’s change of heart. Alan takes this well, remembering the trials of bringing up a teenage daughter. Jazzer just wonders what Chelsea will get up to next.

12/10/2021

Blake’s done a good job on his second assignment at Greenacres. Alistair suggests he stay for lunch. He establishes Blake loves animals, and they exchange amusing anecdotes. Alistair feels uncomfortable letting Blake leave a warm house to return to the birdhide, but on Jazzer’s prompting he doesn’t press the issue. Alistair also raises the subject of payment, and gets out his wallet. Blake feels it’s too much, but Alistair and Jazzer insist; this is the real world of work now. They agree it’s an important step for Blake. Stella needs an assurance from Brian that sourcing a freelance labour pool will be worth it – she doesn’t want to go down this route if Home Farm’s being sold. Brian confirms he’s not selling up. He wants to farm forever. Stella meets Pip to ask about some sheep in a field she plans to spray. She asks Pip to move them. She rubs Pip up the wrong way and Pip retorts the earliest she can get them moved is tomorrow. Later Stella remarks to Brian on Pip’s unprofessional attitude. Brian’s surprised. They’ve always enjoyed a good relationship with Brookfield as far as he’s concerned. But the more Stella discovers, the more she feels it’s all too close for comfort. The sheep arrangement needs to work properly or it might be better if Home Farm’s no longer involved. Brian assures Stella she’ll soon get used to the ways of Ambridge. Stella muses they might need to think carefully about all these cosy arrangements.

11/10/2021

Jazzer confesses to Alistair he feels responsible for Chelsea’s developing love affair with biking. It’s going to hurt, but he’s decided to sell his motorbike. This will not only help Chelsea but will also show Tracy he’s taking his new step-dad duties seriously – worth a few Brownie points! Jazzer’s first port of call is Alan, who declares he’d be interested in buying the bike. They agree to talk terms later in the week. Amy’s shocked, especially as Alan’s buying it as a ‘hobby bike’. Since when does her dad have time for hobbies? She also believes Usha will be less than impressed. Blake sets to work at Greenacres, rescuing the shelves Jazzer had started to put up. He’s been given a pair of Alistair’s boots to replace his old trainers, and Alistair’s keen to make sure he’s happy with them. They’re great, Blake assures him. He does a professional job on the shelves, and Jazzer and Alistair thank him for his hard work. Blake declares he enjoyed doing it, and Jazzer lists some more jobs he could do, if he wants to come back tomorrow? When he’s gone Alistair’s perturbed that Blake didn’t seem to be expecting payment for his work. Jazzer points out Blake still has a lot of adjusting to do.

10/10/2021

Writer, Tim Stimpson Director, Peter Leslie Wild Editor, Jeremy Howe Ruth Archer ..... Felicity Finch Ben Archer ..... Ben Norris Josh Archer ..... Angus Imrie Brian Aldridge ..... Charles Collingwood Lilian Bellamy ..... Sunny Ormonde Vince Casey ..... Tony Turner Beth Casey ..... Rebecca Fuller Justin Elliott ..... Simon Williams Alan Franks ..... John Telfer Amy Franks ..... Jennifer Daley Martyn Gibson ..... Jon Glover Tracy Horrobin ..... Susie Riddell Chelsea Horrobin ..... Madeleine Leslay Jim Lloyd ..... John Rowe Jazzer McCreary ..... Ryan Kelly Stella ..... Lucy Speed

07/10/2021

Vince tries to apologise to Beth and Ben about yesterday. Beth won’t see her dad, but Ben thinks they should accept his offer of three nights in a London hotel. Ben meets Vince and hears him out. Vince wonders what he needs to do for forgiveness from his daughter. Ben explains Beth feels Vince is trying to buy her off. She just wants her dad to be her dad, and to stop trying to prove he’s top dog. Vince for his part stresses he always made sure his girls had the best of everything – the childhood he never had. Ben’s not sure Beth knows that. He persuades Beth to see her dad. Vince shows her a photo of her aged seven that he keeps with him. He may not have been around but he always wanted to see her face – all he could give her at the time was money. Beth’s won over, and Vince owes Ben one. Ben reckons the trip to London will do nicely. Jazzer reaffirms to Jim his intention to bore Chelsea out of her interest in motorbikes. But Chelsea’s ahead of him and knows this is for her mum’s benefit and designed to put her off. Jazzer weakens and speeds up, to Chelsea’s joy. When they get home Tracy susses it instantly, and Jazzer’s in the doghouse. He joins Jim birding at the country park. He feels it’s not fair he’s missing supper; he’s clearly not cut out for step-parenting. Jim’s distracted – there’s someone sleeping in the hide. The light of their torch reveals it’s Blake, one of Philip’s builders.

06/10/2021

Visiting the Vicarage Ruth thanks Amy for chatting to Ben about nursing. She’s pleased he seems to have found his vocation, and Amy seems to have inspired him even further. Amy’s evasive about when she’ll be returning to her own job. Learning that Usha’s going to be late home, Ruth takes her leave. Amy too leaves her dad to it – she thinks she has a migraine coming on. Later she admits to Alan she’s leaving midwifery. She’s worn out. Alan’s shocked, but understands. Amy feels guilty – after all her dad hasn’t abandoned his calling, has he? Alan assures her she doesn’t owe anyone anything. And he’s special to her, whatever she ends up doing. Nervous Ben’s having dinner with Beth and her dad. Vince has treated them to a meal at Les Soeurs Heureuses. Ben feels uneasy eating there, and recounts his gran’s flapjack throwing incident. Vince smiles he had no idea Jill was such a good aim. As Beth leaves the table for a while Vince declares he has a nose for bad boyfriends – Ben smells alright so far but Vince won’t stand by and see Beth hurt. Quaking Ben understands. Then Vince fakes an allergic reaction, which panics Ben. Beth’s furious her dad’s humiliated Ben, and leaves the restaurant. Ben assures her he’s ok and has taken the joke in good part; he doesn’t want her to fall out with her dad again over this. But Beth’s adamant. She thought her dad might have changed, but she won’t make that mistake again.

05/10/2021

Stella tackles Brian head-on about the news that Home Farm may be sold. Why wasn’t she told this before she took the job? Caught off-guard Brian falters before becoming indignant; this possibility is new and unexpected for everyone. Stella feels she’s been sold a pup, but apologetic Brian explains the situation with Alice and Chris, including Alice’s alcohol issues. Now he might be forced to sell land, and he’s running out of fight. Stella reckons it might not come to that, and even if it does it’s not insurmountable. Brian needn’t worry about Justin and the Estate contract; he can trust her. She thanks Brian for his honesty. Tracy feels Chelsea’s lost her confidence in driving since the accident with Blake. On speaking to Jazzer she resolves to take Chelsea out for a drive after college. But Chelsea has other plans. She wants Jazzer to teach her to ride a motorbike instead. Her mum can’t stop her; she’s seventeen. Jazzer concedes that technically Chelsea’s right, and agrees to let her ride out with him. Angry Tracy declares Jazzer’s no help and should keep his nose out; Chelsea’s her daughter, not his. Later Tracy admits she was out of line expecting Jazzer to play the step-dad. But Jazzer counters that’s just what he should be doing – supporting Tracy. He promises to make Chelsea’s lesson so boring that she’ll never want to see a bike again.

04/10/2021

Josh and Ben wind each other up over the cake Beth’s making for their gran’s birthday. Ben’s convinced Josh will lose his bet, while Josh reckons Beth’s in danger of blotting her copybook with Jill, especially since Jill liked Beth’s predecessor Evie so much. The finished cake is stunning, but in the anxiety whipped up by the moment Ben drops it on the floor. At first Beth’s furious, but the situation’s remedied when it transpires Jill tasted a piece of undamaged cake and declared it delicious. Beth’s also pleased Jill’s stopped calling her Evie. Josh concedes he’s lost the bet, and he pays Beth the agreed stake money. As Justin watches Lilian bake, they chat about Blake’s departure and the situation between Alice and Chris. When Lilian mentions they’re getting divorced Justin’s quick to pounce on the financial implications for Home Farm. Lilian agrees it’s tricky, and divulges that Brian and Jennifer are considering selling up. Justin lunches with Stella. We discover they know one another, and that it was Justin who tipped Stella off about the job at Home Farm. He gives her the heads up that BL will be looking to make efficiencies in Adam’s wake. He drops the bombshell that Brian may sell up, and suggests Stella have another look at the workings of the farm. Later when Lilian stresses the importance of confidentiality regarding Home Farm, Justin assures her his lips are sealed, and he’s all done for today. Now he just needs to sit back and relax.

03/10/2021

Beth’s commandeered the Brookfield kitchen to make a practise cake for Jill’s birthday. Ben defends her efforts when Josh annoyingly picks holes which wobble Beth’s confidence. Beth is desperate for Jill to like her and she wants the cake she makes for Sunday to be perfect. She also wants to win the bet she has with Josh. Ben marvels at her competitive spirit. Josh tries some of the cake Beth has left with Ben and thinks it’s great. Ben asks why his brother was being mean to Beth earlier and then suddenly realises that Josh fancies her. Josh refutes this completely but Ben isn’t convinced. Josh diverts Ben’s attention by suggesting that Beth’s cake might be too good and may make Jill jealous. Lynda and Robert both try unsuccessfully to hide their nerves about Blake coming to stay with them. After discovering he’d been discharged from hospital yesterday, Lynda invited him to Ambridge Hall. When Blake learns that Lynda and Robert run a B&B he explains he can’t pay for his stay there. They assure him there’s no charge. Over dinner, Lynda discovers Blake likes the film Singing in the Rain, but Robert hits the wrong note when he suggests Blake could take up dance lessons. After spilling some water, stressed Blake goes to his room. Later, they discover Blake has gone, along with his bag, and Robert wonders if they over did it with him. Lynda’s desperate to search for him but Robert warns that Blake may not want to be found.

30/09/2021

Chelsea’s gone off driving and she asks David about insurance. She feels like she has whiplash and wants to know if she can sue for the accident involving Blake. Not really following Chelsea’s train of thought, David says theoretically she could. When Tracy hears Chelsea’s plan to sue, she tells her she’s talking rubbish and has no idea. Later, Tracy catches up with upset Chelsea who reveals her naïve plan had good intentions. Jennifer’s noticed how Alice always seems better after spending time at The Stables. But there’s been no update on her divorce plans. Meanwhile Jennifer gets Brian to taste the pavlova she hopes will persuade Ruth to switch her from starters to puddings for the Harvest Supper. Brian frets about the future of Home Farm. As he told Stella, when it comes to succession there is currently no one in position to take over. Later, Brian hears a horror story about a divorce involving a farm from David when he tells him the news about Alice and Chris. Brian tells Jennifer her request to make a pudding for the Harvest Supper’s been granted. He shocks her with a proposal to sell Home Farm altogether. Not only could Alice’s divorce risk the farm’s viability, there are also seismic changes in agriculture at the moment. Brian explains it means he could actually retire and all of the children’s futures would be financially secure. Jennifer thinks this sounds wonderful but notes Brian would be giving up on his dream of passing the farm on. Brian replies sagely that sometimes dreams change.

29/09/2021

Kirsty catches up with Helen on her way to visit Blake in hospital. She hopes his back injury hasn’t been exacerbated by being knocked down by a car. Helen is relieved that the odd sightings round Beechwood were nothing to do with Rob after all. She feels defiant now. At the hospital Lynda comes across Kirsty who feels helpless as Blake has refused to see her. Lynda suggests she takes the things Kirsty has brought for Blake as he might agree for her to visit. At the sight of Lynda, Blake worries that he’s going to be arrested for the Grey Gables explosion. She assures him that he’s not and tries to make him see that the explosion wasn’t his fault. He points out her scars and again Lynda says he’s not to blame. Lynda encourages him to look at making a new start. Blake doesn’t want that; he wants things to go back to how they were when he was working for Philip. He can’t imagine a happier future for himself. David and Josh meet Beth at Borchester livestock market where she works. Beth wants David to know that she’s nothing like her dad and she won’t be a bad influence on Ben. She takes up Josh’s suggestion of visiting Brookfield later that day and ends up meeting the whole family as well as Bert. Later, Josh bowls in on Beth and Ben’s conversation to ask what Ben’s doing for Jill’s upcoming birthday. He thinks Beth’s idea of making Jill a cake is a bad idea. They make a bet on whether Beth can really impress Jill with cake.

28/09/2021

Tensions run high as Tracy takes Chelsea out to drive on roads for the first time after practising at Brookfield. Tracy insists on driving them back home so that Chelsea doesn’t overdo it – the practise drive has gone well and Tracy thinks Chelsea should quit while she’s ahead. But then Chelsea points out Tracy’s doing 39mph in a 30 zone and Lynda has clocked her while on Speedwatch duty. Tracy begs Lynda not to report her speeding and Lynda emphasises the importance of parents setting an example to their children. Chelsea joins in with Lynda’s telling-off of her mum and then suggests she takes over the driving and they give Lynda a lift home. Lynda accepts the offer though is then later shocked to learn that Chelsea has only had three driving lessons so far. After a night in a hostel, Harrison has brought Blake back to Ambridge and he chats to Kirsty in the Tearoom. He’s really missed Philip and Gavin. Kirsty lets him believe that Philip’s away on holiday. Kirsty asks Blake about where he’s been since working for Philip and he gives some details about where he’s been but he finds the recollection stressful. Kirsty comes clean to Blake and explains that Philip is actually in prison because he broke the law getting Blake and the others to work for no money. But Blake won’t be convinced that Philip as a bad man. Blake is eager to persuade the police to get Philip released. Kirsty tries to get him to see the reality but he only gets more and more distressed, accusing her of lying. He runs from Kirsty into the path of the car that’s being driven by Chelsea.

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The Archers

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