The Archers

Helen bears the brunt, and Kirsty is nearing the end of her tether.

It’s action stations for Amber, and Kate takes on a mission.

Alan comes to the rescue, while Pip and Stella face wedding complications.

Ruth calls in at Glebe Cottage, waking Anna, who realises she’s late for court in Bristol. Ruth suggests that Anna should perhaps call in sick, or ask for compassionate leave. Anna says there’s no time to instruct alternative counsel, even if she wanted to. She accuses Ruth of interference when she tells Anna that her stress could affect the case and her career. When Anna returns home, Ruth is at Glebe. Ruth shares that she lost her mother very suddenly. Anna replies that Ruth’s mother was much younger and her death unexpected. Carol was 95 and in hospital. It’s very different circumstances and Anna is absolutely fine.
Brad is frustrated that the bus timetable has changed, meaning he’ll be late every day for his final Uni year. Brad wonders if Tracy would teach him to drive, like she did with Chelsea. Then he could use Tracy’s car, and Tracy could use the Riley, which is currently off the road in need of repair. Tracy feels she has to agree and Brad offers to update the insurance. Later she confides in Jazzer – Brad is wonderful but doesn’t have Chelsea’s co-ordination. Jazzer says that the Riley’s repair has defeated him and, with Jim’s blessing, should be sold. Brad announces that he’s updated the insurance and is ready for his first lesson. Jazzer steps in and offers to take him out. Brad returns from the lesson upbeat and confident, and goes to check out test applications, whereas Jazzer is shellshocked. He tells Tracy that Brad’s going to need a lot of practice.

George and Eddie collect apples in the community orchard for cider-making. George reports that Amber is overdue and uncomfortable, but that he can’t wait for his cast to come off on Tuesday. Eddie is quiet and thoughtful and shares that he’s thinking about his dad, Joe, who would have been 105 years old. They reflect on his life and Eddie feels he doesn’t have the same legacy to pass on. George disagrees and says he’ll be able to talk about him to his own children in the orchard in the future. George tells his Grandpa that they’re thinking about calling the baby Joe – or Josephine.
Ruth chats to Natasha as she pays for shopping at Grange Farm. Natasha, to Ruth’s puzzlement, mentions that Seren and Nova are excited for Pip and Stella’s wedding, as it will be the first one they’ve ever attended.
Later Ruth asks Stella if the invitations had been clear, that the wedding is adults only. Stella says yes, it clearly invited Tom and Natasha. But Ruth suggests that the instructions weren’t explicit enough. Stella visits Natasha and starts with small talk about the botanical skin care before bringing up the invitation misunderstanding. Natasha is defensive – surely, as they’re relatives, the no children policy doesn’t apply to Seren and Nova. Besides, the girls are counting down the days and have special outfits. She adds that surely Rosie will be going – and won’t she want little ones to play with? Stumped for a reply, Stella promises to talk it through with Pip.