The Archers

Unsettled Esme answers a call from Susan, who apologises for the disturbance at yesterday’s funeral. Esme accepts the apology, but cuts Susan off when Ruth and David arrive. Seeing the state she’s in Ruth pulls Esme into a hug. Esme blames herself for letting her dad down, despite David and Ruth’s reassurances. Esme then announces she’s decided to take the farm on, as her dad would have wanted. She doesn’t mean permanently, but she’ll keep it a going concern before selling the herd and business on to the next tenant. David and Ruth pledge their support, while Esme offers to use what money she has to make it work. Between themselves David and Ruth aren’t sure how realistic this is, agreeing they’ll keep an eye on Esme.Susan tells Neil that Brian, Lilian and Mick, plus some of the volunteers, have complained about George working in the shop. The shop committee have summoned Susan to an emergency meeting, though Susan is defiant about keeping George on. Neil thinks she might have to back down or risk losing ever

Alice calls on Chris to retrieve a forgotten scarf of Martha’s. Chris apologises again for last night’s firework incident, but Alice assures him all’s well and not to give it another thought. Martha had a lovely time and can’t stop talking about it – and she likes Chris’s friend too. They chat briefly about the upcoming trip to Scotland before Chris tells Alice the friend is Carly. Last night was a completely casual thing, she just dropped in. He then admits Carly stayed the night. Alice takes this in, insisting it’s not her business who Chris sees and he doesn’t need to explain. When he continues to over-share Alice asks him not to go on about it. She’s sure Carly’s a nice person. Chris assures Alice he won’t see Carly while Alice is in Scotland; it’ll be all about Martha. It's the day of Esme’s dad’s funeral and she’s pleasantly surprised at the turnout. She thought people might have forgotten him; he was a bit of a recluse in his later years. Alan assures her they will give him a good send off. Ruth and Da

Tom and Helen wonder if Mick will help out with cover at Bridge Farm. After some initial hesitation, and having established he doesn’t need farming expertise, Mick says he’ll give it a try. What are neighbours for? Once in the packhouse Mick finds it all a bit daunting. It’s draughty, and there’s a lot of veg boxes to shift. However, he does a good job and Tom gives Helen a glowing report. When Tom offers Mick the cash for today, Mick refuses. He’s sorry but this work isn’t for him. Having assured him there are no hard feelings Tom gives Helen the bad news. They’re back to square one.Carly finishes work early, and Chris invites her over to watch fireworks in the garden with Martha. Carly arrives with a gift for Martha. They’re both happy their friendship isn’t proving awkward – they agree what they had was a long time ago. There’s a moment, and Chris apologises for flirting. Carly’s cool with it. They’re enjoying the fireworks with Martha when the wind catches the homemade firework stand and it topples, sendi

Tom and Helen worry over whether to employ George. Alice interrupts them with a question about the Scotland trip. Chris has agreed to have Martha, so Alice is now looking forward to joining the party. She confirms with Tom his offer to drive one of the vehicles. Alice detects their quiet mood and knows something’s up. Helen tells her they’re struggling to find cover on the farm, and Tom admits they’re considering George. Alice reassures them – she honestly doesn’t mind, if they think George is the best person for the job. Helen’s relieved; they don’t want Alice upset. Alice assures them she’s fine, though others might not be quite so sanguine about it. Helen’s not convinced, telling Tom they’ll have to think again. Tom spots Mick and has an idea.Apprehensive George turns up for his first day at the shop, admitting how nervous he is. Susan tells Alan she’s shaking like a leaf, though he reassures her it doesn’t show. George prepares to serve his first customer, Mick. However, Mick refuses to buy from him. Susa

Over-bright Henry teases Helen and Tom mercilessly about their fragile state. As they gingerly drink their coffee, Helen wonders what they were thinking – though they do agree it was a good night. They turn their attention to arranging cover for when they’re on the big family holiday. With Will and others busy, Tom acknowledges ruefully that it’s causing a lot of upheaval. Helen wonders again whether the boys could possibly come on the trip but they soon discount it as not an option. Helen can’t lie to their schools. Henry confirms later that he really doesn’t want to go. It will give them all a bit of space; he and Jack will have a good time being spoiled by Pat and Tony. He also suggests George might be an option for covering the work at Bridge Farm.There’s an awkward encounter between George and Susan at the church shop. Susan sighs as George quietly buys his goods and leaves. To Susan’s surprise he returns minutes later on the pretext of having forgotten something. He wonders whether the shop still needs

Helen goes further than she meant to, and Jolene plays matchmaker.