The Archers

Writer: David Payne Director: Pip Swallow Editor: Jeremy Howe4th - 9th JanuaryHelen Archer.... Louiza Patikas Henry Archer.... Blayke Darby Jolene Archer.... Buffy Davis Tony Archer.... David Troughton Brian Aldridge.... Charles Collingwood Alice Carter.... Hollie Chapman Neil Carter.... Brian Hewlett Amber Gordon.... Olivia Bernstone Clarrie Grundy.... Heather Bell Ed Grundy.... Barry Farrimond Eddie Grundy.... Trevor Harrison Emma Grundy.... Emerald O'Hanrahan Will Grundy.... Philip Molloy Joy Horville.... Jackie Lye Akram Malik.... Asif Khan Jazzer McCreary.... Ryan Kelly Fallon Rogers.... Joanna Van Kampen

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2026

Akram has time on his hands due to a cancelled job. When Tony mentions a predicament with a ripped polytunnel, hoping Helen can attend to the repair while Tom’s out on deliveries, Akram’s happy to offer his help. Later he’s enjoying the sensation of being back on a farm and working outside. But as he tapes up the tear he slips, making the rip in the plastic even bigger. He’s mortified, but Tony assures him that as long as he isn’t hurt, it’s fine. It was kind of Akram to help; they shouldn’t have let him attempt it in such poor weather. Tony observes ruefully that the tear looks unsalvageable, making Akram feel even worse.Jolene reports to Joy that the police have said their CCTV footage could have been wiped remotely, without anyone needing to access the premises, which makes her feel a bit better. The thought of intruders going through her home makes her skin crawl. She can’t be as confident as Tracy that they won’t come back again. Joy reckons she needs to replace that uneasy feeling with something positive. Jolene rallies and declares she’s spent enough time worrying – they’ll make this the Burns Night Highland games the best the village has ever seen. Joy reports Fallon’s on board, and Jazzer returns as a willing volunteer having had a pep talk from Bert. Later Joy reckons they’ve created a monster, having listened to Jazzer’s gung ho ideas for authenticity. Kenton’s going to have a lot more on his plate than neeps and tatties.

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2026

Emma makes a decision, and Jazzer is surprisingly unwilling.

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2026

Henry’s a reluctant assistant at Bridge Farm as Helen and Tony work on plans to rejuvenate the garden areas. Henry continues to campaign for giving George work. Whilst Helen agrees no-one deserves to be assaulted, she reiterates there’s too much bad feeling for them to consider rehiring George. Henry goes to see Keira. When his mum calls him later, she discovers he’s at the hospital visiting George. Helen’s not happy. She asks if Henry is mates with George. Henry supposes he is. He feels sorry for George – the family are going through a hard time. Tony acknowledges this is true. Helen assures Henry she won’t cause any drama over the visit. She admits to Tony that at fifteen, she trusts Henry to make the right decisions. Tony declares her a good parent – Helen reckons she had a good role model.Amber worries that Will’s spending too much time at the hospital. She also checks in on Ed, who confirms he’s fine – it’s just a lot. Later, Ed spots Will’s anxiety and guesses the cause – it’s not his fault he wasn’t there when Nic died. Will says he couldn’t bear it if the same happened with George. Ed and Amber try to reassure him. Will tells Ed that Nic and what they had was his lot in life; there’s no point trying for more. Ed thinks this is a waste. Will could try something different or start dating again. He asserts Will deserves to be happy. Will reckons the only thing that will make him happy is tomorrow, when their boy comes home.

Transcribed - Published: 6 January 2026

Tony’s after some help at Bridge Farm and wonders whether Brian might be interested. Alice explains her dad’s angina has been a concern recently. Brian overhears, declaring he feels mollycoddled and patronised by his children. Tony tentatively suggests Brian must have a lot on with his house move. Brian’s defensive, responding testily that Miranda’s house sale has fallen through. Later he apologises to Alice for his attitude. Alice understands. It would be her mum’s birthday this week so it’s a difficult time. She wonders if now is the right time to be thinking about moving house. Brian assures her it’s exactly the right time for a new chapter. Over a pint, Neil updates Tony on George, who’s having a brain scan. Tony’s more concerned about Neil – he knows how it feels to discover someone possibly mortally injured. Neil admits it’s shaken him. He reports Jazzer is also very out of sorts. Tony offers good advice, and they resolve they should meet for a drink more often.Jolene puzzles over the wiping of the New Year’s Eve CCTV footage. Fallon wonders if it could have been deleted by accident. Joy thinks that’s unlikely. Neither can remember seeing anything untoward on the night. Joy broaches the topic of Burns Night, but Fallon reckons they should keep it small this year under the circumstances. When Jolene continues to fret about who could have got access to the Bull’s security system, Joy suggests they forget all about New Year’s Eve. The likes of Markie and his gang will get what’s coming to them.

Transcribed - Published: 5 January 2026

As George struggles with concussion, worried Amber wants him to tell the police what he remembers about the attack. She’s convinced Markie’s mates were responsible. George isn’t sure, and he’s scared of what might happen to the family if he grasses. He insists he can’t remember much about that night. However he does recall something about Amber and Brad, and apologises for his paranoia over his two closest allies. He’d understand if Amber wants to call it a day. Amber insists that won’t happen; she loves George and wants to put the past behind them. Later having told the police George agrees he did the right thing, though he reckons they won’t find many fingerprints on the broken bottle that was used. He speculates on whether it could have been someone else who attacked him; the whole village hates him. Amber urges him to stop torturing himself. The attack was down to Markie and his mates. There’s no way it would have been anyone else.Jolene updates Akram on George’s progress. They agree the incident’s been shocking for everyone. Alice tells Jolene she’s given a statement to the police. She can’t help feeling it’s all her fault; she could have done more to help George. She feels they’re quite similar – both of them have a monster inside them. Jolene reckons on the contrary, Alice is very forgiving. The police call Jolene to ask for the Bull’s CCTV footage from the night in question. To her astonishment she finds it’s been wiped.

Transcribed - Published: 4 January 2026

Eddie and Amber arrive outside the hospital, Amber blaming herself for what’s happened. Inside, Susan and Emma struggle to try and work out who would have attacked George. It could be members of Markie’s gang, but equally might be almost anyone in the village. Emma then tells Amber that George is alive, but has a fractured skull. Amber breaks down in Susan’s arms, full of remorse for how badly she’s treated Susan. She declares her love for George, terrified he may not pull through. Eddie reckons they’ve got to put the past behind them and pull together for George’s sake, re-emphasising this to Susan later, leading to a reconciliation of sorts. Emma talks to Ed on the phone about Keira, not sure why he didn’t get in touch earlier. Then Alice arrives at the hospital, explaining about her heart-to-heart with George outside The Bull. She’s convinced he then set off to find Emma, desperate to put things right with her. Emma wants to know if Alice saw anything suspicious, as she’s probably the last person to see George before the attack. Alice didn’t see anything, though. Emma thanks Alice for being kinder to George than he deserves, while Alice assures Emma she still likes to think of her as her sister. Once George has regained consciousness Emma and Amber go to see him, Amber full of remorse, Emma just wanting him home. George tells them it’s all his fault, but struggles to remember what happened when he was attacked. Apart from a noise behind him, then someone standing over him…

Transcribed - Published: 2 January 2026

As the New Year begins Emma and Will desperately search for Keira, unable to contact Ed or Eddie, while drawing a blank with Keira’s friends. Will reassures Emma, who believes that somehow it’s all her fault. Lilian finds Fallon treating a cut to her hand, downplaying any effect George’s appearance earlier might have had on her. Meanwhile, Neil and Tracy meet up on the Green, joined by Jazzer, then Will and Emma, the strain beginning to tell on all of them. Jazzer and Neil head off to check a bridle path, while Emma blames herself again, before Tracy suggests calling George, in case he knows something. On the bridle path Neil hears the sound of a phone, before spotting a body. Fallon joins Emma, Will and Tracy, suggesting they ring the police, before Will tries George and increasingly frazzled Emma despairs her phone has died. Elsewhere, Neil calls 999, reporting that George hasn’t got a pulse, while Jazzer reels in shock. Neil then wraps George in his coat, desperately looking for signs of life, while an ambulance someone else has called approaches. Emma panics, thinking the ambulance is for Keira and chases after it, followed by Will, not hearing Tracy report that Keira’s been found. On the path Neil tells Emma it’s not Keira, while Will passes on the news that Keira’s safe. Neil then tells them George has been attacked, but won’t say how badly he's been hurt. He tries to hold Emma back, but she tears herself free to be with her son.

Transcribed - Published: 1 January 2026

Emma and Ed are about to go The Bull for New Year’s Eve when they realise Keira’s not there. They find a note saying she can’t stay there any longer and wishing George was back in prison. Fearing the worst, Ed blames George for tearing the family apart. Lilian and Tracy have been distributing free bottles of wine they were given after winning the Best Local Pub award, before George bursts in through the door, drunkenly demanding to be served and then mocking Kenton’s fear of dogs. Alice tries to reason with George before Brian takes hold of him and George sends Brian stumbling backwards. Tracy takes George aside, threatening to get the likes of Harrison to throw him out. George then beats a retreat, sarcastically wishing them all a Happy New Year. Lilian is full of praise for Tracy, while Alice reflects knowingly on George’s drunken state, before they hear the news that Keira is missing. Alice goes outside and stops George from throwing a rock through the window, reminding him he promised to be a better person. He tells her the terrible things he’s said and done to his family and Alice responds in kind. But despite all that her family have forgiven her. His family will too, but he has to earn their forgiveness. George is stunned that Alice is being so helpful, agreeing to go and talk to his mum. But as George walks home, shouting defiantly that he’ll prove everyone wrong, he’s smashed over the head with a bottle and falls to the ground.

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2025

At the Rewilding, Alice is hoping for a photo as Rex points out the beavers handy work, before wondering how Alice really feels about Chris looking for a new partner. She admits it’s difficult, the idea of Chris moving on, then realises that’s what she needs to do and work out what she really wants, which might include having another child. Before going to work Jazzer tells Brad to take care of Amber. Amber didn’t sleep well, due to George texting constantly, and asks Brad what she should do. He offers to be with her as a friend, but Amber wants him to be more than that. They’re interrupted by George hammering at the door, then trying to force his way past Brad, before Amber calls to let him in. George then apologises to Amber for flipping out, claiming that’s not who he really is. The counselling will help sort him out. Amber calls him out on the disgusting things he said to his family. George reckons it was all true, but doesn’t care about them anymore. He wants a fresh start with Amber, somewhere else. Amber says she’s not going with him, before Brad tells George to leave her alone. George accuses Brad of wanting Amber for himself, mocking him cruelly until Brad launches himself at George. Whereupon Jazzer intervenes, threatening to do some serious damage to George, who slinks off, with Amber saying she’d rather be with Brad and doesn’t know why she ever wanted to marry him.

Transcribed - Published: 30 December 2025

Emma confers with Will over what Brad said about George and Ed, with Will admitting he’s thought sometimes that George might hit him too. Emma reckons they have to do something to stop it getting worse, but what? Then Eddie asks them what’s going on. George tells Amber he’s been referred for counselling over his temper. He later interrupts Amber making a video, pushing her to have sex, before Will calls him downstairs, where Emma and Eddie are waiting too. They insist George tell the truth about what’s been going on, which he does very reluctantly. Emma accuses George of emotionally blackmailing Ed, like he did with Emma so she wouldn’t tell people he was driving Alice’s car. George tells them about the counselling, but shouts at Eddie when he berates George for deliberately hurting his own family. Amber then snaps at George for not telling her the truth. George tries to justify his actions, claiming they’ve all felt like killing Ed, before doubling down with vicious comments about Emma and Nic, only stopping when Amber slaps him in the face and walks out. Will tells George to pack his bags, with Emma and Eddie adding that he’s not welcome to stay with them either, before George storms off. Amber tells Brad she’s finally seen the light about George, after what he said to Will and Emma. She clings to Brad for solace, asking if she can stay the night, while rejecting a call from George. She needs somewhere she can think.

Transcribed - Published: 29 December 2025

George is helping Ed with some tree surgery at Grange Farm, but accidentally hits Ed in the face with a branch. Later, when Brad comes over to Little Grange, Emma notices blood on a door handle. When Emma and Brad see the cut to Ed’s eyebrow they wince at how deep it is. George explains what happened, before Brad remarks on the same thing happening the other day. George insists last time was different and he never meant to hit Ed. George and Ed cover that both incidents were accidents, but Brad isn’t convinced. Emma patches Ed up, before he heads back with George to finish the job. Brad confronts Emma with his suspicions about all the “accidents” happening to Ed – that’s three in a month. Is Ed getting sloppy - or is he letting George hit him? Brad thinks Ed might be protecting George by taking the blame off him, so he won’t get sent back to prison. Emma can’t believe Ed wouldn’t have told her if that was the case, but Brad’s worried George might do Ed some serious harm if it happens again. Chris takes Alice and Martha to the last day of Deck The Hall, then while Martha’s crafting a reindeer he teases Alice about appearing as a fairy in the Tractor Run. Alice sympathises over things not working out with Carly, before suggesting her and Chris are doomed to being single. Chris disagrees, showing Alice a dating app he’s signed up to. He thinks Alice should do the same, but she isn’t keen.

Transcribed - Published: 28 December 2025

George cycles up to Bridge Farm, asking Pat if they’ve got any work going. She puts him off, saying she’ll let him know if they need someone. Tony then joins Pat, ready to take some winter bedding over to Meadow Farm. On his way back George has a barbed exchange with Hannah, swapping insults over who has the sadder life, before Hannah gets upset and goes. Later at The Bull, Hannah talks through with Fallon what just happened. Hannah knows she shouldn’t have risen to George’s bait, but Fallon reckons it’s like George is on a mission to rile everyone. They agree someone should talk to George – but not Harrison. Fallon then knocks at George’s door, telling him forcefully he needs to leave them all alone, including Hannah. George tries brazening it out, but underneath it’s clear Fallon has rattled him. Pat and Tony find Esme in the yard at Meadow Farm, in the middle of clearing out a storage barn. She’s stunned when they tell her they’ve been collecting spare bales of winter bedding for her, from local farmers. When she offers them money they refuse, telling her it’s a gift from the farming community. Esme then lays out a thank you tea for them. She’s so grateful for all the help she’s had from everyone. Pat and Tony encourage Esme to contact the land agent about the tenancy, now the likes of Josh are showing interest, before sharing thoughts on coping with bereavement and how time is the best healer.

Transcribed - Published: 26 December 2025

Jolene and Kenton start early on some cleaning jobs before Fallon arrives and gives them the present of Christmas Day off while Harrison and her take over for the day. Later, Harrison broaches the subject of George, but Fallon warns him off. Harrison though is grateful to Kenton for trying to protect him from hearing about what happened, even at the cost of being traumatised again. Fallon insists, no more George, not on Christmas Day. Trying a different tack later, Harrison tells Fallon he’s been working on his anger management – and it paid off when Kenton got scared by George and Holly. Dealing with what George said to Fallon will be harder, but Harrison suggests dealing with it together in whatever way Fallon prefers. Fallon repeats that she just wants a lovely Christmas together and not to think about George, which Harrison accepts. Alan catches Hannah going nowhere in particular. She explains about her mum’s dementia and how her planned visit today has been postponed. As she doesn’t have any other plans, Alan invites Hannah for a drink at the pub. Where Fallon catches Kenton and Jolene raiding the kitchen for snacks, while the hired-in chef is serving in the restaurant. They confess that rather than heading to Lower Loxley they’d prefer to stay in, slobbing about in pyjamas. Fallon offers to pass on their excuses, before she joins Hannah for Christmas dinner. It’s clear Hannah would have eaten alone otherwise, as she usually does. Joined by tipsy Jolene, they pull crackers together and drink in the Christmas spirit.

Transcribed - Published: 25 December 2025

Hannah and Jazzer are driving their tractor to the start of the Run when Tony calls saying there’s a problem with his Fordson. He offers Hannah his place at the head of the line. Hannah thinks it’s a ploy for Tony to nab her position at the back, but Jazzer believes Tony and persuades her to agree. Hannah makes it clear how serious she is about winning the race to collect most money. Everyone then loves it as Hannah and turkey Jazzer lead the Run with angelic Eddie not far behind. Fresh from his motorbike stint, wise man Alan joins Joy to count the donations, with firm instructions to count Hannah and Tony’s buckets separately. Meanwhile, Lynda and Ruairi are marshals making sure everything runs smoothly. Ruairi wants to know if buying Paul a watch to apologise for upsetting him is a good idea and Lynda delivers a little sermon about not conflating a gift with an apology when the sincerity of the apology is what really matters. Then Tony’s Fordson passes with sleigh bells, a snow machine and Pat dressed as an elf, before Ruairi runs over to apologise to Paul sans gift. Alan confesses he inadvertently mixed all the collected money together, but Joy is happy to deal with Hannah and Tony if they kick up a fuss. Joy then announces they’ve raised over £1200 for charity, while Hannah and Tony are mutually complimentary about their entries, before wishing each other a Merry Christmas!

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2025

Joy has called a final meeting of the Tractor Run entrants, with Tony and Hannah amongst them, bickering over the running order: Tony is in first place, Hannah, representing Berrow Farm, is fourteenth. Hannah proposes swapping places, throwing Tony’s justifications back at him, but to no avail. Joy then goes through some housekeeping rules, before Tony and Hannah approach to argue over the running order. Joy nips their complaints in the bud by justifying her decision and making clear it’s final. As everyone disperses Hannah asks Joy to change her position to last, before heading off with Jazzer, followed by curious Tony. Hannah’s planning on having Jazzer in his terrible turkey costume as part of her decorations, though she’ll have to do some work on it. She then assures Tony that last place in the run is the best place to be… With Amber having come back last night, cocky George gives Kenton short shrift when he tells George to never say anything again like he said to Fallon the other day. George brings up the risk he took getting Markie rearrested, putting his life on the line, then defiantly tells Kenton to stop taking their nonsense out on him. Later, Kenton’s on the Green with Harrison when George’s dog, Holly, jumps up at him. This triggers Kenton, who hides behind Harrison, while George saunters up casually. George is completely unapologetic, despite Kenton’s obvious distress, before leading Holly away. Shaken, Kenton goes back to Woodbine Cottage with Harrison, where he reluctantly starts telling Harrison what George said to Fallon.

Transcribed - Published: 23 December 2025

Jolene’s looking forward to Christmas dinner at Lower Loxley, but Joy’s stressed about the Tractor Run. Jolene doesn’t understand why Joy isn’t more relaxed, but Joy outlines the struggle she’s had just getting all the farmers on the same page about the rules, plus there’s the health and safety. She dreads thinking what would happen if anything goes wrong and she has to sort it out. They both laugh at the thought of Eddie dressed as an angel in a bedsheet and thermals, though. With Alan and Akram riding motorbikes, plus Zainab on her moped, Joy happily takes up Jolene’s suggestion they could be the three wise men. But she’s still short of marshals and as for the running order - how on earth can she navigate that without offending anyone?Harrison senses something’s different as he snuggles up with Fallon, before there’s a ring at the door. It’s Kenton delivering a basket of goodies, but when Fallon overreacts to an upstairs door banging Kenton senses something’s amiss and Fallon tells him about George yesterday. Fallon’s really angry, hating that George can make her feel like that. She begs Kenton not to tell Harrison, fearing his reaction. But after Fallon goes out of the room Harrison puzzles over why Fallon’s so sad, worrying it could be him. Without admitting what Fallon’s just told him Kenton assures Harrison that whatever’s bothering Fallon he can pretty much guarantee it’s not him.

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2025

Fallon tells Joy she’s just taken Martha to an uplifting advent service at St Stephens, before Alan headed off to a multi-faith prayer for peace at Felpersham Cathedral. George then comes into the shop, buying crisps and a big bottle of vodka, telling them pointedly he’s not going to New Year’s Eve at The Bull, seeing as he’s barred. Fallon follows George to the playground, where he’s demolishing the vodka, and mentions a job she’s seen that he could go for. George is negative and self-pitying, telling Fallon that Amber’s left and isn’t coming back, before implying Fallon’s been sleeping with Chris. He grabs Fallon’s arm, propositioning her himself. Fallon pulls away, accusing George of trying to provoke her. He needs to move on and stop blaming everyone else for his problems. George tells Fallon that instead of saving her that night he should have let her drown.At Home Farm, Ruairi is attaching a lotus flower made by Kate to their tractor for the upcoming Tractor Run, while grumbling light-heartedly to Adam about decorating the tractor without much help from the rest of the family. But what’s really bothering Ruairi is falling out with Paul after an off-road driving lesson yesterday which ended badly. Ruairi hopes that giving Paul an amazing Christmas gift will repair any rift between them – but first he’s got to work out what it could be. Later, Joy compliments Ruairi on his efforts with the tractor and asks if any of the family might want to be marshals on the day.

Transcribed - Published: 21 December 2025

Emma and Susan share the hope that Chris might meet someone he can settle down with soon. Emma reports Keira’s mood swings. Susan reckons it’s normal for a teenager. Emma wonders if her mum will have time to come up to Grange Farm on Christmas Day when they have Martha. Susan observes they’ve come a long way as a family since last year. Emma wonders which is worse, Christmas without your mum, or your son. Susan observes the tough ones make the good ones even more precious. Emma agrees, but George is struggling so much without Amber, she feels like nothing she can do will make him want to celebrate. Tony’s hunting for some fairy lights for the Fordson. He starts to explain the intricacies, but Pat isn’t really listening. She’s had an idea sparked by something Esme said but wants to look into it before sharing. She wonders what’s going on between Helen and Dane but doesn’t want to pry. Meanwhile, Tony finds a tin angel John made at school, and they reminisce. They start to decorate the tree, and Tom and Helen join them. The four of them enjoy memories of childhood and John. Pat comments on what a strange Christmas this is, with John gone so long and now Peggy. They all agree it’s been lovely to talk about both of them so freely. Wondering how to mark John’s fiftieth birthday, they settle on a bonfire disco party and a homemade pig cake. They turn on the tree lights and wish each other an early Merry Christmas.

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2025

As Susan and Joy prepare for tonight’s big celebration of the shop re-opening, Joy hopes plenty of customers turn up. The marquee provided by Justin looks magical. Martyn comes in to help carry provisions and admires the newly refurbished shop. Ed and Emma arrive with Susan’s surprise celebration cake, and Joy declares it perfect. Emma receives a text from Keira wondering when they’ll be home. She tells Ed she’ll call Keira; she and George had another row this afternoon. She’s worried about both of them. When there’s no reply Ed nips home. He reports that Keira was tearful but won’t talk about it. They observe wryly that with two kids, things will never feel easy. Martyn’s enjoying being at the heart of a village event – it can get lonely living on your own. He offers Chris a listening ear. He’s pleased Chris is moving back in with his parents – it’ll give him time to get over Carly. Chris assures him there isn’t much to get over. It was finished before it really began. Martyn advises getting right back out there – no negative self-talk! Chris escapes but not before Martyn insists on a drink tomorrow, so that he can impart more of the excellent life-coaching advice he’s had from Chelsea and Zainab. Full of generosity he asserts he’ll be making a donation at the tractor run, declaring to Joy that giving to a worthy cause puts one’s own troubles into perspective. Delighted with her cake, Susan makes a rousing speech giving thanks for village life, community and their wonderful new shop.

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2025

David has concerns for a loved one, and Jazzer finds himself the subject of ridicule.

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2025

Whilst packing vegetables Tom gives disgruntled Tony the bad news that he can’t drive Tony’s vintage Fordson in the tractor run as he’ll be setting off for Wales with Natasha and the twins early on Christmas Eve. When Helen arrives Tom wonders who’s in the worse mood, Pat or Tony. Then Tony takes Tom to task for letting him down at such short notice, backed up by Helen. Tom gets very defensive, blaming anyone but himself. When Pat walks in she too can’t believe Tom didn’t realise he wouldn’t be available, but offers to drive the Fordson instead. Tony gets upset about people not being there on Christmas Eve to decorate the Christmas tree, declaring that maybe they shouldn’t bother with it at all this year. Discussing the tractor run with Tony, Joy praises Tony and Pat’s resilience at a difficult time, and they end up swapping notes about family Christmases. But Tony resents the suggestion that he’s locking himself away with his tractor. Esme comes to Bridge Farm for some farming advice from Pat. On a tour she admires the sustainability of the planting, before asking about Helen’s dairy operation and how they dealt with the sewage leak. Pat suggests Esme comes back again tomorrow. Esme can’t because she’s driving to South Wales in pursuit of silage. So Pat takes her to see the Montbeliardes, where Esme opens up about the problems she’s facing just to keep going. Pat offers sisterly support – women farmers need to look out for each other whenever they can.

Transcribed - Published: 16 December 2025

Eddie drops in on Jazzer and Tracy to flog one of his turkeys, but they tell him they can’t afford it, even with a family discount. Eddie then details how he’s cobbling together a turkey outfit for the Christmas market, but what he really needs is an assistant to help drum up sales. So, in return for a Grundy turkey, Tracy nominates Jazzer to give up his day off on Wednesday to be Eddie’s assistant. When Susan and Chris step inside the Village Shop for the first time since the repairs have been completed they can’t believe how perfect everything is. Susan reckons they should be ready for a party there on Thursday, then re-open on Friday. However, when they go upstairs the flat is a complete mess with most of the work unfinished. Chris despairs of the flat being ready for him to move back in before Christmas, ruining all his plans with Carly. With Harrison returning next week, he can’t stay on with Fallon either. Later, Chris tells Susan that Hazel was furious when he told her, but she did fall out with the builders, so that’s probably why they left it unfinished. Then to cap it all, when Chris phoned Carly, she told him she’s been invited on holiday with her ex and their kids, plus they’re going to try couples counselling again. So, it’s all over between Chris and Carly. Susan’s sympathetic, though at least she’ll be able to spoil Chris over Christmas. But that’s not really what Chris is looking for at his age…

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2025

David catches up with Esme at Meadow Farm, pleased to hear she’s settling into Ambridge life, having watched the Christmas lights switch-on and been introduced to half the village by Akram. Esme’s getting to grips with looking after her cows too, but with finances still tight she’s keen to get David’s advice on sourcing extra silage. Later, Ben and David look forward to Shula joining the family for Christmas, before Esme phones and David has an idea to help raise money for the silage: getting Josh to sell some old farm machinery that’s lying in one of Esme’s barns. But when they look at what’s there they’re not hopeful it will raise much, though Ben takes some pictures anyway. The farmer Esme is talking to is based in South Wales and she thinks her best bet of getting a good deal on the silage is to go and see him. Ben suggests Josh could go with her and catch his girlfriend Nina, who’s playing a gig in Cardiff, at the same time. Grateful Clarrie and Eddie have brought Pat some treats after she helped with last week’s turkey plucking. They compare notes on what a hard year it’s been, but look forward to a new farming year, and the Christmas tractor run. Later though, Clarrie wonders to Eddie if Pat’s okay, as she seemed a bit off-colour. Eddie’s more interested in getting Clarrie to make him a turkey costume he can wear at the Christmas market on Wednesday, but Clarrie tells him there’s no chance.

Transcribed - Published: 14 December 2025

Josh and Lily nurse a recovering Paul, updating him that Josh’s girlfriend Nina did not turn up on Thursday. Josh admits that he finds her captivating on stage, but that he deserves more than he’s getting in the relationship. Lily reveals that she’s not going to travel with Mason in Australia but is just going to spend a short time in Perth. They no longer need to look for a new housemate. Lily will speak to Dane about the wedding planner job. Now that she’s staying around, she’s motivated to get the house clean before Shula arrives tomorrow, despite them feeling ill. Leonard arrives and suggests a refreshing walk ahead of cleaning. Toasting Lily’s birthday in The Bull with lemonade, Paul shares that he is booking a driving instructor who specialises in nervous students. Returning home to The Stables, the grateful flatmates find that Leonard and Joy have completely cleaned the house. Akram has been reflecting on the proposed move to Pakistan. Over the week he’s really noticed the impact Azra makes in the community. His family’s happiness is the most important - the children have made good friends and Azra is so at home in Ambridge. He has found it humbling. Azra admits that her earlier wishes to move had been her reaction to a bad week. Akram suggests that they take a family walk down to the Green for the Christmas lights switch on, as they all belong in this village now, him included.

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2025

Josh and Lily attempt to eat plain rice as their first meal after their illness, now confirmed as norovirus. They do not feel up to tidying the house ahead of Shula’s inspection. Instead of looking forward to Australia, Lily admits that she’s rethinking her trip plans. She’d still like to see her university friend in Perth, but doesn’t want to travel for a year. She wonders if her plans had been motivated by feelings of rejection at Lower Loxley. She is also not sure about her co-traveller Mason as she doesn’t know him very well. Josh’s girlfriend Nina is due to visit but as the day wears on it’s evident that she’s not coming. Zainab chats to a distracted Azra and suggests a family trip to Deck the Hall at Lower Loxley. Azra confides that her difficult week has included the partners suggesting extended patient hours. Lottie calls from the surgery to say that the locum has called in ill. They are an hour behind schedule when Lawrence Harrington comes for his appointment with Dr Laing. He refuses to see his replacement, Dr Malik, and is rudely offensive to Lottie. His anger rising, Lawrence struggles to breathe and collapses. Azra performs emergency care, despite Lawrence’s protests. She reports later to Zainab that Lawrence has been taken to intensive care. Realising he was the same person who’d been racist to the Malik children, Azra was not sure he’d be grateful for her medical help today. She wonders if Akram was right - would the family be better off in Pakistan?

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2025

Receptionist Lottie and Azra are relieved to have heating again at the doctors’ surgery. However, their prescription delivery man is ill and they need an appropriate replacement. Azra wonders if Akram could step in. Alan has an appointment to discuss his low energy levels. He notes Lawrence Harrington’s inappropriate manner towards Lottie. She confirms to Alan that she suspects his attitude is racially motivated. During his appointment, Alan and Azra discuss Felpersham mosque’s structural issues. Until it is re-roofed, the Maliks will have to travel to Birmingham for Jummah. Alan suggests a temporary move to Ambridge for Friday prayers, and that he’d ask the Village Hal committee. Touched, Azra says that Akram will be amazed by the offer. Josh and Lily are weakly attempting one of Joy’s jigsaws when Paul joins them from his sickbed. Paul has been blindsided by his appraisal with Alistair. He’s been warned that he has to pass his driving test to continue working at the vets’, as he’d agreed to get his licence on accepting the job. He confides that he’s terrified about attempting another test as he’s failed 7 times. Lily offers to teach Paul, but he reminds her that she’ll be in Australia for the next year. Josh texts to wish his girlfriend Nina luck for tonight’s big hometown gig. He’s evasive when she doesn’t reply. Paul and Lily are shocked that he is still thinking of funding her next album, when she is obviously not invested in their relationship. How could he not see it?

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2025

Akram is working hard to try and finish the repairs today. He broaches the idea of moving to Pakistan again. Akram thinks Khalil would do great there. While Zainab is adaptable, and student loans are cheaper if she changes her mind about university. Azra points out that visiting family is not the same as uprooting. Akram wants to be a farmer, not a plumber, and he’s not getting any younger. Ed and Leonard chat in the crowded waiting room. During Ed’s appointment about his wrist, he asks what counselling is available for George’s temper, but Azra says as he’s an adult she’s got to speak to George herself.Paul has succumbed to whatever is going around the Stables. It clearly isn’t food poisoning. Josh slowly makes some toast. Lily’s stomach doesn’t agree with it. Josh and Lily discuss the job at Grey Gables. Leonard turns up masked and gloved to help the plagued household. He starts on cleaning up the kitchen. The discussion moves onto Lower Loxley and Lily’s lack of inheritance. Leonard suggests to Lily that Josh may feel similar with farm inheritance. Josh states it’s obvious that Pip is the golden girl. Josh confesses he thought it might be his own fault for starting his business. Luckily, Nina is going to pop in on Thursday to give him some TLC.Azra tells Akram he doesn’t have to go back to Pakistan to be a farmer. Akram explains that land is expensive, besides, Pakistan is their true home, would he really be accepted in farming here?

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2025

At the Stables, Paul is smug whilst Lily and Josh feel delicate. Lily blames Josh’s roast. Josh blames Lily’s cauliflower cheese. Paul thinks it’s the third jug of cocktail. Paul’s full fry up is not appreciated by the pair. Josh calls in sick, whilst Lily drags herself to work. Zainab questions Lily over room rates, whilst Lily goes pale and faints. Zainab helps Lily back home and they find Josh in a similar condition. They both think it’s more than the alcohol. Zainab calls her mum Azra to ask for advice on what to do with food poisoning. Azra advises Josh and Lily to stick to plain foods and just water or squash. Paul has forgotten his yearly appraisal with Alistair is today. Alistair’s glad that Paul is still at the vets after the difficult personal events of the last year. Paul is exemplary with patient care, but his lack of a driving licence is causing problems. Paul promises to get on to passing his test. Ben drops stool sample kits to Lily and Josh who aren’t feeling any better. Paul is then forced into the role of nurse.Ben and Azra set up space heaters from Brookfield in the surgery waiting room. Ben recalls Akram’s copper pipe rant, whilst the portable hand washing stations arrive. Azra and Zainab discuss Akram’s work at the surgery and how Akram wants the family to relocate to Pakistan. Zainab thinks it would be a pretty huge change for them all.

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2025

The flat at the Stables is a complete mess whilst Josh, Paul, and Lily try to pin the blame on each other. The boys question Lily’s Australian tour, as she searches for her passport amongst the rubbish. Lily is determined to go and miss the UK winter despite their ribbing and finds her passport under a broken games console. Paul brokers peace with the bickering over plans for the Sunday roast. Everyone is pitching in with a Brookfield beef roast, cauliflower cheese, sponge pudding and cocktails. Stuffed and slumped, they plan a Christmas dinner to make up for Lily being away. Josh receives a text from Shula: she is coming on Saturday to Ambridge and plans to call in for a visit. The Stables need a deep clean and tidy, but that can wait until tomorrow.Zainab and Azra discuss their plans for the day. Azra is heading into work to check the IT system records against her manual notes as she’s not convinced the system is recording the data for tests properly. Zainab is looking forward to getting her scooter back. The repairs should have her back on deliveries soon. When Azra arrives at the surgery, she has to quickly call for help. When Zainab picks up, Azra needs Akram urgently as the waiting room is flooded. A shivering Azra arrives home later; the pipes have pinholes and until they’re replaced the surgery will have to go without heating. Azra is left to plan out the week without running water or heat.

Transcribed - Published: 7 December 2025

Susan’s convinced there’ll be bad news about the shop; what if Hazel wants to sell? Neil reckons there’s no point panicking at this stage; there are other options. Susan’s not convinced about Ian’s pizza van double act plan. When Ian comes round later full of ideas Susan begins to employ her strategy of letting him down gently. However she takes a call from Hazel, and just as Neil’s struggling to hold off Ian’s enthusiasm she returns with the fantastic news that the building work’s finished. The shop can re-open next week. Delighted Neil and Susan declare it’s a shame Ian’s collaboration scheme won’t work out. Ian’s philosophical – no creative thinking is ever wasted and it’s opened up his mind to new possibilities.Ed passes off the bruise on his face as the result of a branch hitting him. Emma’s sympathetic. George calls in and Emma heads off to pick up Keira from the cinema, leaving Ed and George alone. George is shocked at the state of Ed’s eye. He thinks Ed shouldn’t make excuses for him – he’s a monster. The anger took over. Ed understands George couldn’t control it. George thinks he should be back in prison before he does something else. Ed suggests instead that he gets help in the form of counselling. George agrees to make a GP appointment. He doesn’t want his mum to know the reason so they agree they’ll just tell her he’s struggling. George admits he’s been a nightmare. Ed assures him they love him and nothing’s ever going to change that.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2025

Joy wants a catch-up with Tony and Hannah about the tractor run. She lists other participants’ plans, majoring on their festive themes. She doesn’t want Hannah and Tony to feel uncomfortable with their space and sea creature tractors. Hannah and Tony laugh when they realise they’ve both been fibbing to Joy in order to keep their real concepts under wraps. They each claim their entries will be special and will require a prime slot in the order as the main attraction. They agree to be judged on whose tractor collects the most money for charity. Ed confesses to Brad that he’s never seen George this low. He remarks it’s understandable given the situation with Amber. Brad agrees uneasily. Ed suggests they all go bowling tonight to distract George a bit. Awkward Brad accepts, but later calls George and makes an excuse not to go.Working with George on some trees at Berrow, Ed struggles with his wrist. Alistair spots his predicament and comes to his aid, helping him put a support brace on and recommending he gets it properly checked out. Miserable George reckons Brad doesn’t want to spend time with him. His life’s a disaster. Ed points out George’s family love him but George is inconsolable, declaring it would be better if he was still in prison. Ed counsels that he needs to stop pushing people away or he’ll end up on his own. It’s all too much for George and he hits Ed. Immediately appalled, he apologises to Ed before breaking down in tears. Ed holds him reassuringly.

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2025

Joy’s curious to see what Tony’s concocting in his workshop for the tractor run. She’s worried some people aren’t sticking to the Christmassy brief. She’s open to a broad interpretation, but she’d imagined something generally festive. Tony declares his theme is sea creatures – but he can definitely incorporate Christmas. Joy’s anxious; she doesn’t want it all to look random. But Tony thinks it’ll be fun to have some variation. He suggests everyone should relax. It will all work out fine in the end.Eddie unveils his automatic turkey plucking machine ready for the big day. It looks promising though it makes a bit of a racket. Clarrie has errands to run before they start, and calls in on busy Pat and Tony. Pat notices Clarrie’s arthritis has flared up again and wonders how Clarrie will manage the turkey plucking. Clarrie reports Eddie’s enterprising creation – though she’s not counting her chickens! Sure enough there’s disaster later when the first turkey in the machine gets mangled. Clarrie concludes that they can’t risk ruining all of them – they’ll have to go back to the manual plucking method. Eddie’s deflated. He really wanted to save Clarrie’s hands. However Pat turns up in the nick of time [to save the day]. She rolls up her sleeves, and the plucking starts in earnest. Birds all done, Clarrie expresses her gratitude. Pat’s happy to help. They make a good team, and she misses Clarrie’s presence at Bridge Farm. They might not see one another at work anymore, but they agree they’re still always there for each other.

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2025

Susan calls at Honeysuckle Cottage. Ian’s offered her the pizza van for shop deliveries. There aren’t many but she’s hoping word will spread – she doesn’t want people to forget about the shop. Adam assures her that won’t happen, everyone’s missing it. He confirms Ian’s looking forward to accompanying Susan so he can catch up with village gossip. Susan’s hoping the same thing – with the shop closed she’s never been so out of the loop. Later Adam tells her Ian’s come back full of ideas about linking with the shop more formally – a sort of mobile shop combined with pizza delivery. Susan reckons the deliveries are a temporary measure. There’s no substitute for a proper community shop. She’s interrupted by a message from Hazel, who wants to update her on the shop. Amber announces she’s going to visit her cousin in Ireland for a while, to have some space to think. George concludes she’s breaking up with him even though she assures him this isn’t the case. He talks to Brad, who suggests it might be good for Amber and George to slow things down a bit. He recommends speaking again to Amber, but George wants Brad to talk to her instead and see what he can find out. Reluctant Brad visits Amber. She tells him everything’s a mess. She needs time to work things out. Brad wants to be there for her, but she tells him he can’t and he knows why. She cares about him, and she knows it’s mutual. She makes him promise to forget this conversation happened.

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2025

Joy’s keen for information from Hannah on Berrow’s entry for the Christmas tractor run. Hannah tells her Martyn wants them to have a strong presence. She doesn’t share Joy’s enthusiasm at this news – it’s just more for her to do when she’s already busy. Joy offers to help, and turns up later at the Berrow workshop. Hannah reckons she’ll be fine; she’s had a brilliant idea for their entry. Joy’s excited, but Hannah wants to keep it secret until the day. Joy protests that as the organiser she really needs to know. Hannah reveals the concept is ‘space’; she’ll be dressed as an astronaut and there’ll be aliens. She assures Joy it will be fabulous. Emma apologises to George for last night and Chris taking Martha home. George doesn’t blame Chris. Emma assures him people will move on in time. She offers him work with her on a tree surgery job, as an extra pair of hands, which he accepts. When Emma pushes him on his low mood George admits he thinks Amber doesn’t want to be with him anymore. Emma speaks to Amber, who admits she’s no longer sure she wants to marry George. She asks Emma’s advice. Emma counsels Amber, from experience, to take time to think what she wants. She needs to be honest with George. Amber duly tries to explain her confused feelings to George, who protests he still loves her and just wants everything to be as it was. Frustrated with Amber’s lack of clarity, he storms out.

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2025

Eddie’s concerned about Clarrie, whose hands are swollen and sore. With turkey plucking day fast approaching it leaves them with a problem. Clarrie shouldn’t be doing it, but she sees little alternative. Everyone she’s tried for help is busy. Eddie ponders; there must be something they can do. Later Clarrie’s horrified to find Eddie’s taken the back off the washing machine. He’s had an idea that might make her life a bit easier. Clarrie retorts the only thing that will do that is if he puts the machine back together, this instant. Reassuringly Eddie makes a trip to the scrapyard and acquires a drum and motor to progress his plan. He now has the makings of a Grundy Turkey Plucker! No more hand plucking necessary – Clarrie won’t have to lift a finger. Sceptical Clarrie’s will believe it when she sees it.Chris makes plans to drop off Martha for a sleepover while he has a date with Carly. When George finds out Martha’s staying at Little Grange he says he’ll come over – he hasn’t seen Martha for ages and misses her. He wants to check in on Ed anyway. Emma hesitates before agreeing it’s fine. Later Ed and Emma note how pleased Martha was to see George. Emma’s glad he’s come. However Chris calls in unexpectedly and is shocked to find George there. This can’t happen, and Alice would agree. He takes Martha home. George feels bad; he understands where Chris is coming from. Dejected, he leaves. Emma’s worried about him; she’s never seen him like this.

Transcribed - Published: 30 November 2025

Amber checks in with George at the Pole Barn to see how Ed is doing. She reckons falling down the stairs could’ve led to a far worse injury, before heading off to a nail appointment. While taking Brad to Felpersham for a dating app date Rex recounts his own mixed experiences of online dating, most of which didn’t work out as he’s still single. Rex still hopes to meet somebody one day, though preferably not through an app. Brad asks Rex to turn round and take him home, having decided he’d prefer to meet someone in real life too. Back in Ambridge Brad bumps into Amber, who tells him how attentive George has been with Ed. Emma tells Ed about a two-person job she’s lined up, hoping Ed’s better by next week. George texts, offering to make lunch for them, but Emma beats him to it. Ed then repeats to Emma what really happened with George. Ed’s certain George never meant him to fall, but they have to ensure no-one ever has cause to think otherwise. George turns up, feeling guilty and scared in case anyone thinks he intended to hurt Ed, but Ed assures him they don’t. Brad arrives later, telling Ed and Emma he saw the look on George’s face when Ed fell, suspecting it wasn’t an accident. They admit that George pushed Ed, but didn’t mean to hurt him. However, if the story gets out, George could go back to prison. Brad agrees that if it was an accident there’s no point in making everything worse.

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2025

Disaster strikes for Ed, and Justin raises an interesting prospect.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

George's feelings are hurt, and Tracy has concerns.

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2025

Emotions run high at the rewilding, and Joy attempts to be sensitive.

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2025

Suspicions rise for Amber, and Ruth ends up with egg on her face.

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2025

Brad finds himself in an awkward position, and Leonard drops a shocking bombshell.

Transcribed - Published: 23 November 2025

CAST AND CREW Writer: Liz John Director: Rosemary Watts Editor: Jeremy Howe Helen Archer … Louiza Patikas Henry Archer … Blayke Darby Natasha Archer … Mali Harries Tony Archer … David Troughton Tom Archer … William Troughton Lilian Bellamy ... Sunny Ormonde Alice Carter … Hollie Chapman Justin Elliott … Simon Williams Jakob Hakansson … Paul Venables Kate Madikane … Perdita Avery Kirsty Miller … Annabelle Dowler Leonie Snell … Jasmine Hyde Phoebe Aldridge … Lucy Morris Finlay … Mark Bonnar

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2025

Kate has important news, and Leonie comes to the rescue.

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2025

Henry gets the wrong end of the stick, and Tony has some advice for Lilian.

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2025

Phoebe plans for the future, and Justin is out of his comfort zone.

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2025

Jakob faces an unexpected diversion, and Helen makes the best of a tricky situation.

Transcribed - Published: 17 November 2025

Tom is disappointed by a last-minute change of plans, and Lilian puts her foot down.

Transcribed - Published: 16 November 2025

Writer: Jessica Mitic Directors: Pip Swallow and Dave Payne Ruth Archer….. Felicity Finch Pip Archer….. Daisy Badger Phoebe Aldridge…. Lucy Morris Lilian Bellamy…. Sunny Ormonde Susan Carter….. Charlotte Martin Rex Fairbrother…. Nick Barber Alan Franks….. John Telfer Amber Gordon…. Olivia Bernstone Will Grundy…. Philip Molloy George Grundy…. Angus Stobie Jakob Hakansson…. Paul Venables Joy Horville…. Jackie Lye Kate Madikane…. Perdita Avery Leonard Berry….. Paul Copley Bill…. Matthew Gravelle

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2025

Amber gets an unexpected visitor, and Rex is mysterious.

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2025