The Archers

Philip makes a controversial suggestion and Natasha's efforts take their toll.

Freddie meets up with Ian to debrief him on how Hugh is getting on at Grey Gables. He explains that Bailey isn’t a fan of Hugh. Freddie hands Ian the restaurant’s new menu. Ian thinks Hugh’s revisions sound terribly dated. Ian innocuously suggests to Adam that they should treat themselves for getting a court date for the parental order. Why don’t they go to Grey Gables? Over dinner, Ian picks fault with almost everything on the menu, but when the bill arrives he discovers Hugh has gifted it to them on the house. Damn his generosity! Eddie quizzes Jim about his trip up north. Jazzer covers for him and says they’re going to visit an ancient ruin. Later, at Cider Club, Eddie voices his disdain for the pub’s new name. It’s disrespectful. Jazzer admits he’s considering pulling out of playing at The Bull on Burns Night – if it wasn’t for the free meal and whisky. This gives Eddie an idea to show how people really feel about the pub’s name change…

Alistair voices his concerns to Shula about Jim attending Harold’s funeral. Shula tells modest Alistair how proud she is of the way he’s dealt with Jim’s situation. He should take the compliment! Lynda’s been walking with a limp. She explains to Jim that she acquired her injuries from the team building day. Lilian arrives at the village shop with a poster for the pub’s ‘Burns Bop’. She explains that the celebrations will last all weekend, which Jim thinks rather misses the point. Lynda notices that the poster refers to the pub as ‘The B at Ambridge’. Lynda believes the name change is undemocratic, which is why she’s started a petition. It’s time to make a stand for tradition. Lilian scoffs at the petition, but Lynda insists everyone she’s asked so far has signed it. The argument gets heated and strong words are exchanged. On returning home from work, Alistair discovers Jim researching Bed and Breakfasts to stay in after Harold’s funeral. Alistair asks him to look for somewhere that will sleep three people. He and Jazzer don’t want Jim to have to face Harold alone, so they’d like to come with him. Jim is taken aback but he would appreciate their company. It means a lot to him.

Freddie arrives early for the team-building day at Spiritual Home. Kate is less than thrilled to see him, but he persuades her to let him help set up. Lynda arrives, bemoaning the pub’s name change. Kate concludes that they definitely have a problem with negativity in the workplace at Grey Gables. Tracy reckons the negativity began when they started playing for real money in the staffroom card games. Natasha and Tom are enjoying a day in the great outdoors pruning her fruit trees. Natasha thinks Tom’s incredibly lucky to have a job where he can work outside. She hopes she can find a new office manager soon. After bridge-building, campfire making, and blindfolded games, the Grey Gables team is thoroughly bruised and disgruntled. A hot lentil bake does nothing to raise spirits. Everyone is tasked with writing the strengths and weaknesses of their teammates. Kate reads out various gripes, and they all round on her. They’re all united in having had an awful day. As Freddie turns to go, Kate calls him over. She’s realised Noluthando was just as much to blame as Freddie for her overdose. She’s let go of her negativity and decided to move on.

Ruth’s on an emergency biscuit run; a punter from yesterday’s wedding fayre has called to say she’d like to come round and look at the barn. The bride, Stephanie, arrives early. She’s really taken by the cows and the crumbling farm buildings, they’re perfect for her rustic theme. Stephanie promises to send her Dad over to talk prices – he’s confident they’ll give him a good deal. She’s sure David and Ruth know him. He’s called Vince Casey. Kirsty and her mum, Megan, enjoy a special lunch together at The Orangery. Megan asks all about Kirsty’s wedding plans. Kirsty admits it’s all come at her quite fast, she just wants something small and intimate. Her mum reminds her of all the extended family she’ll have to invite. Kirsty wonders if they’ll need to rethink things. Jim and Shula catch up over a drink at the Tearoom. It’s clear Jim has something he wants to ask Shula, but he can’t get it up and turns the conversation onto Shula’s ordination. They discuss her upcoming presentation, which she’s dreading. Jim assures her she’ll cope wonderfully. Shula’s thankful to him for listening and allowing her to be honest about her feelings. Jim suggests that confronting one’s greatest fears is the only way to move on from them.