The Archers

Lilian’s pleased that Aziz has lost thirteen kilos in the first week of his new diet. Jakob reminds her that there’s still a long way to go, but congratulates her on the good start. Roy is in low spirits. He has to deal with boring admin at work and then go home to an empty house. He admits to Kirsty that he feels as though there’s nothing exciting about his life at the moment. Lilian stops Lynda outside the pub and tricks her into donating to the Lent appeal by paying her numerous compliments. Lynda donates but refuses to return the compliments. Philip suggests that he and Kirsty hold their wedding reception at the Brookfield Barn. Kirsty agrees, and asks Philip if he’d be happy for them to have one extra guest at their ceremony. Later, they arrive at Willow Farm and explain to Roy their plans for a secret wedding. They’d like him to be their joint best man. Jakob arrives at Spiritual Home and demands that Kate listens to him. She’s taught him that he can deal with the unexpected. If it’s a choice between a quiet existence alone or a life of anarchy with Kate, he’d choose her. Kate admits that she’s happy to be back at the lodge; Jakob was difficult to live with. He can’t believe her cheek, when she was impossible to live with. The two laugh and play-fight one another.

Tracy’s got concerns about introducing her children to Roman. As Helen has recently met Lee’s children, she asks her for some advice. Helen advises Tracy to keep it light and casual, and reassures her that she’s a great mum. At Grey Gables, Kate’s got everything under control for Xander’s naming ceremony. She’s delighted when, at the last minute, Adam and Ian ask her to be a guideparent along with Ian’s brother Sam. Brian’s poetry reading goes seamlessly, and Debbie’s even sent over a video message. Jim tells Shula that Harold Jayston has been outed. He tells her that he’s doing remarkably well, and she’s largely to thank for that. She was the one who encouraged him to open up to Alistair, and supported him even when he was cruel to her. He never appreciated her as a daughter-in-law, but he hopes now he can count her as a very valued friend. He trusts that as a vicar she’ll help many people. In light of the compliment, she asks if she may donate to the Lent appeal. Jim would be happy for her to do so. He even agrees to a hug – just this once.

Lilian checks in with Shula to ensure she’s rigidly sticking to the horses’ diet plan. While she’s at the Stables she takes the opportunity to promote The B’s pancake event that evening. Shula and Oliver show their support, but are underwhelmed by the pub’s modern new sign. Shula notices Oliver is a little subdued. He explains that he saw Roman earlier and thinks he was flirting with someone. He’d hate for Tracy to get hurt and doesn’t know whether or not to tell her. Jim’s still reeling from Harold Jayston being outed. Jim’s also received a card from Michael and his family, thanking him for helping give Michael the courage to come forward. Alistair receives a call from Cora, who brought Harold to Jim’s birthday; she can’t believe the accusations about Harold. He does his best to convince her that the allegations are well-founded. Jim has decided not to come forward to the police. He thinks he’s finally at peace with the situation. He thanks Alistair and Jazzer from the bottom of his heart for their support.

Alistair is carrying out tests at Brookfield to get to the bottom of their calving issue. He and Ruth compare notes on building work. There’s a roof on Jim’s extension now, and the Brookfield Barn work is nearly finished. Roman’s upset following a disastrous audition, so Tracy tries to console him with a trip to The Bull. He worries his age is preventing him from getting good roles. He explains the theatre was the only place he felt at home growing up, as he was a bit of a misfit at school. Tracy tells Roman what a saving grace Oliver was for her. She wonders why Roman doesn’t try making his own opportunities. He admits he’s considered it in the past, and decides to get writing instead of feeling sorry for himself. Jim calls Alistair home from Brookfield. He explains that after he and Jazzer failed to track Michael down online, he researched local news stories as Michael had previously had run-ins with the police. Instead, he found a story announcing that Harold Jayston had been accused of historic sexual abuse after a victim came forward. He believes it must have been Michael. Jim is finding it all quite difficult to take in.

Lynda and Kate catch up in the shop. Lynda explains she’ll be stepping back as leader of the ReBulls, and Kate congratulates her on her protest. Alice helps Kate to assemble her new bed. Kate explains sadly that she isn’t pregnant after all. Alice wonders if Kate should see a doctor about the delay to her cycle, but Kate puts it down to stress. She feels terrible for putting Jakob through such a shock; he must think she’s mad. Kate really felt the universe was giving her another chance to get motherhood right. Alice suggests a trip to the pool and a sauna, followed by a cocktail to take her mind off things. Kate explains she’s offered Jakob his freedom. She doesn’t want to put him through any more drama. At Grey Gables, Lynda and Freddie awkwardly sidestep one another. At the gym after his shift, Freddie voices his concerns about the pills Johnny has been buying online. Johnny promises he won’t be buying any more. Instead, he’s going to save up for treatment, and Freddie can help him. He needs someone else to split the rent and bills with. Perhaps Freddie could move into 1, The Green? As long as Hannah’s happy to have two younger guys in the house, it’s a yes from Freddie!