The Archers

There’s a near miss for Peggy and Will looks to the future. Writer, Tim Stimpson Director, Gwenda Hughes Editor, Jeremy Howe Jill Archer .... Patricia Greene David Archer ….. Timothy Bentinck Tony Archer ….. David Troughton Lilian Bellamy ….. Sunny Ormonde Chris Carter ….. Wilf Scolding Alice Carter ….. Hollie Chapman Justin Elliot ….. Simon Williams Eddie Grundy ….. Trevor Harrison Clarrie Grundy ….. Heather Bell Will Grundy ….. Philip Molloy Emma Grundy ….. Emerald O'Hanrahan Mia Grundy ….. Molly Pipe Alf Grundy ….. David Hargreaves Jim Lloyd ….. John Rowe Kate Madikane ….. Perdita Avery Kirsty Miller ….. Annabelle Dowler Elizabeth Pargetter ….. Alison Dowling Freddie Pargetter ….. Toby Laurence Lily Pargetter ….. Katie Redford Robert Snell ….. Graham Blockey Peggy Woolley ….. June Spencer Leonard Berry .... Paul Copley Joy Horville .... Jackie Lye Russ Jones .... Andonis James Anthony

Elizabeth’s pleased to hear Freddie’s settling into his job at Grey Gables. She checks whether David needs help at Brookfield with Jill’s injured wrist, and arranges to pop over later. Elizabeth talks to Jim about her idea for ghost stories in the Lower Loxley attic. He informs her he’s found some potential tales online, and reads one to her. She thinks he reads brilliantly. Will he do it? Reluctant Jim insists he’s not a performer, but Elizabeth tempts him with incentives. He supposes it might be quite fun. Lily’s distracted looking at photos from the recent party, and Russ looks over her shoulder. He thinks she and Johnny look very cosy, but Lily insists he has nothing to worry about; Johnny didn’t stop talking about Bella all night. Russ makes a pass at Lily, but she’s not in the mood. He feels like he’s still in the doghouse, but Lily has other things on her mind. Confused Russ is left on his own to stew. Lily shows a photo to Freddie; it has Bella in the background, kissing someone who isn’t Johnny. How are they going to break this to him? David tells Elizabeth Leonard’s practically moved in, and is helping Jill with all her tasks. David’s beginning to feel like a stranger in his own home. He feels like they’re perfectly capable of looking after her themselves.

At Peggy’s birthday celebration at the Bull, Alice enthuses to Kate over the opportunities in Newmarket. A farrier they met at Anisha’s wedding had mentioned a job – it could transform Chris’s career. Chris exclaims he hasn’t even decided if he’s going to apply. He’s surprised she’s talking about it to Kate. He points out the potential obstacles, but Alice is positive. She’s behind him all the way. As Peggy enjoys the day and her gifts, she announces the Echo wants to do a feature on her at home, as the woman behind the Ambridge Conservation Trust. She spots Joy, and insists Tony apologises to her for the ‘wounded cow’ flyer. Reluctant Tony does so, and Joy in turn says sorry for getting on her high horse. She invites Tony to join her as she’s unexpectedly on her own today. Tony fills her in on his various relatives, and she enjoys putting names to faces and learning what’s happening in Ambridge. She comments that Tony’s lucky to have his family around him. Kate shows Joy a video of Hilda’s kittens and invites her to see them. After seeking Tony’s opinion Joy agrees to take a look. She declares that Tony’s cheered her up no end. Kate hopes Pat didn’t see them together – Tony seems to have put a spring in Joy’s step.

Lilian’s getting fed up of Justin’s constant nit-picking over work matters. She thinks it’s all down to Vince Casey – he’s letting him get under his skin. Justin insists he’s just trying to drive people to do better. Lilian urges him to go easy on Neil. Later Justin reports all was in order at Berrow, and Hannah’s offered to see if there are improvements to be made. He takes it close to home when he urges Lilian to persuade Jolene and Kenton that the Bull needs a complete overhaul. Will and Mia agree they both seem happier with life at the moment. Emma catches sight of Mia and they gleefully bond over chocolate and a game of Poohsticks. Mia’s dismayed Emma and Ed have broken up. She feels they’re meant to be together. They’re interrupted by Lilian, who unwittingly lets on that Will’s quit his job – and his house. Mia’s furious at Will for not telling her, and bolts again. Emma feels awful but Will doesn’t blame her. Meanwhile Clarrie calms Mia, and gently explains what Will’s been through – without going into details. Mia insists he should have discussed it with them before leaving the cottage. Clarrie agrees, but points out it was part of Will’s moving on process, making him happier in the long run. The cottage is only bricks and mortar; they need to treasure what’s important.

Russ shows off the latest Gallery exhibit to Robert. He isn’t happy when Robert describes the subversive Christmas card collages as “a clever way to recycle”. Russ admits to Elizabeth he’s been feeling lonely. He doesn’t regret leaving his wife, but filling out divorce paperwork has reminded him of everything he’s had to sacrifice to start a new life with Lily. Elizabeth is still struggling to settle on a Christmas production. Robert suggests she speaks to Jim about ghost stories. He hasn’t forgotten the story Jim told in the hide. Elizabeth enthusiastically calls Jim, who agrees to do some research. Jill trips on one of Rosie’s toys and drops a casserole dish. David doesn’t like the way her wrist is swelling, and offers to drive her to hospital. But Jill is only persuaded when Leonard offers to take her himself. They’re relieved to discover it’s just a sprain. They share stories of trips to A and E with their own children, and think about how long it’s been since they lost their spouses. Jill thanks Leonard for being there for her. It’s nice not to be alone. Back at Brookfield David is wrong-footed when Jill invites Leonard to stay the night. He can have Ben or Josh’s room, and surely David can lend him a pair of pyjamas?