The Archers Folgen

Lilian admits to Adam in The Bull that her conversation with Brian had been frustrating. In a parallel universe, Brian and Jennifer would be celebrating their Golden Wedding and things would be better. Lilian had checked on Ruairi yesterday and he’s doing better away from Ambridge. Adam discretely confides that he knows about Ruairi, George and the cover-up. Lilian assures Adam that Brian really does love him and Debbie but Adam refutes this. Ian’s being hounded, because of being on the PTA, by parents worried about the OFSTED report. But he can’t help them, he’s not a governor. He confirms that Kate’s taking some shifts at Grey Gables – she’ll either be brilliant or a nightmare. Adam receives an email from Brian– he’s been sacked! He’s not to set foot on Home Farm. He reassures Ian that he has a plan; with the backing of a lawyer he’s going to invoke the mental incapacity clause in the partnership agreement.At Glebe Cottage, Carol tells Anna over dinner that she doesn’t want her to put her life on hold – she knows she has no room for a private life. Hopefully the impressive care assessor will be able to suggest more support. Carol confesses that she feels useless, but that she’s still capable, curious and interested. Conversation turns to Richard but Carol doesn’t see the point of talking about her son. Anna suggests they do something in his memory. Carol softens and, unusually, praises Anna. Although she resists losing autonomy, she appreciates how much her daughter does for her – she’s grateful.

At Kirsty’s first appointment, the midwife advises that based on her previous history and being an older mum, her care will be consultant led. Anything that’s not right should be picked up early. Upset, Kirsty just wants to know that this time the pregnancy will go well. Back at Willow Farm she decides to excitedly confide in Kate that she’s 10 weeks pregnant with Erik’s baby. She wishes she was at 40 weeks already. Although Kate offers cautious optimism, Kirsty repeats her worry – why did her last pregnancy go wrong and what can she do to stop this happening again?Natasha spots some of Tony’s unused tools in the packing shed and wonders if she could sell them online and split the proceeds. She’s stopped in her tracks by the pre-school group chat – Loxley Barrett has received a negative OFSTED report. Tom advises her not to panic – after all Martha, Rosie, Xander and Jack are all doing well there. Natasha feels Nova would be fine anywhere, but Seren lacks confidence and they can’t afford for her to be overlooked in a stretched school. On calling the school, Natasha’s appalled to hear that the head is on long – term sick leave and the deputy did not defend the report. They need to start researching other options, even if they have to travel. She brings up the question of private schools – but how would they afford that, especially for twins? Tom suggests taking one step at a time – and to avoid telling Pat, who has strong opinions on private education.

Having grudgingly acknowledged that her handrails are useful, Carol accepts an invitation to join Anna in The Bull for a meal. As Anna orders, she shares with Tracy how much she’s feeling the pressure of caring for her mum from a distance. Tracy empathises with Anna - although Bert is currently staying with Clive, she does feel that normally the burden of caring for him is all on her. Anna finds it a relief talking to someone in the same boat. When you feel that you’re going to burn out, you need support. Outside, Carol confides in Lynda about the strain that caring puts on her relationship with Anna. To Carol it feels that Anna is determined to make her a burden, and she really doesn’t want the fuss. When Brian arrives, Lilian gives him an earful about breaking up the partnership. She reminds him that his Golden Wedding anniversary would have been soon – Jenny would have been devastated by the family upset. Brian responds that Adam started the fire and Debbie threw petrol on it. Although he knows he’s not innocent of all wrongdoing, Brian insists this reality has to be accepted. Later, Alice asks Brian if he’s perhaps overreacted, but he feels it’s fair for a betrayal such as this. Alice suggests the decision to withdraw the land is wildly illogical and feels like a punishment. But for Brian, it’s a bid for freedom. He proposes that the family get on with the rest of their lives - and let him get on with his.