The Archers

Brad struggles to set boundaries, and Carol digs her heels in.

Enjoying a Sunday lunch with Helen at The Bull, Kirsty mentions being with Amber when her baby kicked on Friday and nearly revealing her own condition, then adds that she turned down a marriage proposal from Erik. With Kate still away in Scotland, Kirsty’s so far avoided telling her she’s pregnant – Kirsty worries Kate will smother her with herbal care and enforced yoga. As Tracy takes dessert orders, Helen asks if she’d consider more hours in the dairy – she was talking to Kirsty and sees Tracy as a natural artisan who can help her develop a new cheese. Tracy however seems impassive and Helen is surprised that she didn’t jump at the offer - who wouldn’t want to be involved in a new cheese?
Armed with a lemon drizzle, Leonard visits Carol at Glebe Cottage. She dismisses his concern that she’s not wearing her pendant alarm, before Leonard reveals the reason for his visit – Jill wants Carol to go to The Laurels and have a look around. She’d love Carol to use it for respite care, so that safety improvements can be made to Glebe Cottage. Leonard makes the case that Christine is very happy there, standards of care are excellent - and it would only be temporary. However, Carol refuses to visit until Anna arrives when, feeling pressured, Carol reluctantly agrees to see the care home. However, on arrival with Anna, she doesn’t even get out of the car. Carol says she’s seen enough and is adamant: there’s no way she’d spend a single day in The Laurels.

George is disappointed his online video for the Borchester Show is hardly getting any views. Amber reminds him of her suggestions to maximise impact. George grudgingly accepts Amber’s offer to help, after a pep-talk on feminism. Later, Amber emphasises recognising their separate strengths and playing to them when working as a team, both for the video and when the baby’s born. When Lilian comes over Amber remarks on Brian’s kindness investing in George’s drone. Lilian doesn’t comment, but she’s happy to have George back at the Bull, so long as he keeps in line.
Erik and Kirsty talk about Carol, and Anna’s difficulties over care issues. Erik wishes he could stay longer, but Kirsty’s grateful for the time they’ve had. Erik makes a surprise, spontaneous marriage proposal. Assuming he’s joking Kirsty accepts a twig ring, but says no: she never wants to go there again. So long as Erik’s there for the baby, that’s the main thing. Jakob later queries Kirsty rejecting Erik’s proposal, but she assures Jakob she wasn’t being harsh. It’s just there’s no need for marriage – and she loves the fact that Erik is a carefree spirit, hoping the baby will inherit some of that. Erik then offers to buy farewell drinks, but they turn him down. After Jakob and Erik head to the airport, Lilian tells Kirsty she should make an honest man of Erik - but Kirsty’s fine with how things are.
Kirsty bumps into Amber and they share a moment when Amber’s baby kicks for the first time – she’ll go and tell George.

Ruth’s brought some garden furniture round for Carol, but Carol’s in provocative mode, snapping at Anna. Anna’s going home later and worries about something happening to Carol. After Ruth goes Anna suggests Carol could stay with her for a while, but Carol won’t leave. Anna then suggests setting up a bed downstairs, as Carol’s been sleeping on the sofa. Carol won’t have it, also rejecting the idea of a respite stay at The Laurels. Later, Anna tries persuading Carol again to stay at The Laurels. Carol talks instead about Anna’s brother, Richard, showing clear favouritism, despite the fact he never visited. Anna leaves Carol to sort out photographs of Richard on her own. Then, before Anna leaves, Carol tells her she’ll rely on Brookfield or Alan to take care of her. Anna insists it’s her responsibility, not theirs. Carol finally mentions hearing how brilliant Anna’s WI talk was, admitting she’s proud of her.
Finding Pip busy with the plate meter, Ruth thinks she’s tired and offers to babysit, so Pip and Stella can have a night out - or she’ll cook a meal for them. Pip insists she just wants a quiet night in, before snapping at Ruth. Later, with Pip still being peevish, Ruth brings up the subject of genetic testing. Pip hints that Ruth could pay for a test, but Ruth would rather wait for the NHS. Pip reckons she’d have the test in a heartbeat if she was Ruth. Is she holding off because of Josh? No, Ruth needs to be sure it’s the right decision for her.

Before a Kindness Assembly at Loxley Barratt, Adam, Ian and Alice mention Ruairi moving out and leaving Brian on his own. Alice thought there was a manic edge to Brian when she saw him yesterday. Later, at Grey Gables, Adam and Alice discuss Brian’s behaviour. Adam pushes the idea Brian’s got dementia, affecting his ability to run the business. He proposes a joint intervention at the Partnership meeting, forcing Brian to retire. Alice reluctantly agrees to go along with this, before Ian tells them he’s accepted the job as acting Manager. Adam and Ian celebrate later with beans on toast, hoping for further celebrations to come.
At Rickyard, Stella thinks a picture Rosie’s drawn of Pip makes her look sad. This sets Pip off, admitting she wants to be tested for the gene variant, but can’t unless Ruth tests positive – and Ruth hasn’t even agreed to have the test at all! Stella’s looked into private testing, though. It’s expensive but they’d get quick results. Stella gives Pip a helpline number and when Pip calls she explains her frustration at Ruth’s indecisiveness. The helpline volunteer advises Pip on choosing a good quality, legitimate online test, with counselling. Pip asks what happens if she tests positive and the volunteer talks through possible options, before Stella returns. Pip tells Stella she’s decided to order a test and if it’s positive, she’ll deal with it. But she’s not telling Ruth, David or Ben – and definitely not Josh. Pip doesn’t want to have to deal with them telling her what they think. She just wants to know!