The Archers

It's clash of the titans at The Bull, and Josh makes a friend.

WRITER: Shaun McKenna DIRECTOR: Marina Caldarone and David Payne EDITOR: Jeremy Howe12-17th OctoberDavid Archer.... Timothy Bentinck Jolene Archer.... Buffy Davis Ruth Archer.... Felicity Finch Lilian Bellamy.... Sunny Ormonde Leonard Berry.... Paul Copley  Clarrie Grundy.... Heather Bell Eddie Grundy.... Trevor Harrison George Grundy.... Angus Stobie Brad Horrobin.... Taylor Uttley Tracy Horrobin.... Susie Riddell  Akram Malik.... Asif Khan Khalil Malik.... Krish Bassi Zainab Malik.... Priyasasha Kumari Fallon Rogers.... Joanna Van Kampen Oliver Sterling.... Michael Cochrane Esme Mulligan.... Ellie Pawsey

George tells Jolene he’s trying to get his life back together, but knows he has to earn people’s trust. He offers to help out at The Bull while Kenton’s away. George then plays the sympathy card, mentioning how he put himself in danger helping them locate Markie. Jolene can’t promise anything but says she’ll think about it.Leonard’s concerned about Ruth taking on extra duties while David helps at Meadow Farm. Ruth knows David feels really shaken by Mulligan’s death. But she agrees they can’t stand by and watch cows being neglected. So, for now they’ll keep going like this. When Esme turns up at Brookfield she apologises for putting David and Ruth out. She still hasn’t found her Dad’s will or accessed his accounts, but gives Ruth a bottle of whisky for David. Esme then becomes emotional and Ruth invites her in. Over tea and biscuits Esme confesses to Ruth and Leonard that her passions are website design and marketing, not farming. Her Dad turned increasingly inward in the last year, refusing to get help and ha

Akram continues helping David with the milking at Meadow Farm. David admits the whole farm is a shambles and they still haven’t managed to get in touch with Mulligan’s daughter. He wishes he’d checked in on Mulligan more often, instead of assuming everything was okay. Akram asks about Brookfield and David admits how big a challenge it is keeping the farm going. Then Mulligan’s daughter, Esme, arrives, expecting to see her dad. Awkward David and Akram tell her that he’s died. Over a cup of tea Esme explains that she missed her last couple of regular visits and is shocked by the state everything’s in. Not being a farmer herself she’s incredibly grateful for everything that’s been done just to keep the farm going. David assures her they’re happy to help out in any way they can.Having just found out about George’s visit yesterday Lilian takes Jolene to task for not telling her. Lilian then conducts the draw for the second ticket to the Awards do and Fallon’s the winner, although Lilian is suspiciously quick in di

At Grey Gables Zainab is shadowing Oliver, who thinks it will be good for her to see the frustrating realities of his job. Zainab thanks Oliver for his support over her complaint about Lawrence and the golf club. Zainab gets on with one of Oliver’s more mundane tasks, before spotting on a personnel file he’s shared that his eightieth birthday is coming up. He’d rather forget all about it, but Zainab thinks Oliver should celebrate such a momentous event. Later, Zainab reports an error she’s spotted and how she corrected it. Oliver suggests she’d make a good manager, but Zainab is more interested in organising a party for Oliver’s birthday. Once again Oliver demurs. Eddie, Clarrie and George arrive for lunch at The Bull, taking a table in the corner. Jolene assures them everything’s fine, but after some ill-advised comments by George the atmosphere becomes awkward. Clarrie apologises and Jolene reassures her there’ll be no trouble, so long as George doesn’t go looking for it. Fallon then tells Jolene she won’t

Akram has walked to Brookfield to collect a birthday cake that Leonard’s made for Khalil. When the rain starts David offers to drive Akram home, with a detour to drop off a machine part to a neighbouring farmer, Mulligan. But when they get to Meadow Farm they hear the distressed sound of unmilked cows and discover Mulligan lying dead in the milking parlour, before calling the emergency services. Later, David is grateful for Akram’s company while milking the cows. They discuss what happened when the paramedics got there, waxing philosophical about the meaning of life and death. David worries that he could have prevented Mulligan’s death if he’d called earlier, lamenting he doesn’t even know the name of Mulligan’s next of kin, his daughter, to let her know what’s happened. The least David can do is keep milking the cows, until another solution presents itself. Akram offers to help and both hope Mulligan’s at peace.At the Maliks, Zainab and Khalil banter about his 'surprise' birthday party and presents. Zainab j

The Grundys make plans, and there's tension at the Bull.

Writer: Sarah Hehir Director: Dave Payne Editor: Jeremy HoweJolene Archer.... Buffy Davis Chris Carter.... Wilf Scolding Neil Carter.... Brian Hewlett Susan Carter.... Charlotte Martin Ruairi Donovan.... Arthur Hughes Mick Fadmoor.... Martin Barrass Amber Gordon.... Charlotte Jordan Clarrie Grundy..... Heather Bell Ed Grundy..... Barry Farrimond Eddie Grundy.... Trevor Harrison Emma Grundy.... Emerald O'Hanrahan George Grundy.... Angus Stobie Will Grundy.... Philip Molloy Brad Horrobin.... Taylor Uttley Adam Macy.... Andrew Wincott Paul Mack.... Joshua Riley Lily Pargetter.... Katie Redford Fallon Rogers.... Joanna Van Kampen Prison Guard.... Janice Connolly

It’s the day of George’s release, and nervous Emma sets off with Amber to collect him. Amber’s excited for all the plans she has for them both for the next few weeks. Emma reminds her it might not all be roses. Not everyone feels as they do about George. Amber counters that George has done his time and should be allowed to have some fun. Emma concedes the point and they carry on chatting happily. Eddie can’t wait to have their boy back in the fold. There’s something really special about George. As they gather to welcome him home, Will feels a bit sorry for Susan and Neil. He resolves to send them a photo. Meanwhile George is upset to find there’s no sign of the clothes Amber sent him for his release. The officer apologises, but George will have to wear a prison issue discharge kit. George eventually rallies and looks forward to his journey home. He’s going to treat his mum to a fry up on the way, and stop off for flowers for Amber. They’ll share their first proper kiss when she greets him at the door. Finall

Chris shares news of how Martha’s doing at school with Susan and Neil. When Susan mentions the rat situation at church, Neil reckons Susan’s handling everything brilliantly. The last few months have been so tricky for the shop. Talk turns to George’s release tomorrow. Susan reckons it would mean a lot to Emma if Chris could show his face at the party on Friday, but Chris is adamant he won’t go. He’s happy for Emma that she’ll have George back, but he’ll never be family to him. Susan and Neil understand.Susan has the idea to offer deliveries while the shop’s closed. Neil’s not keen initially, but soon gets on board with it and helps her load up with essentials. While they’re at the church they share a quiet moment of contemplation. They feel thankful and count their blessings, admitting they’ll never stop loving George no matter what.Jolene admits to Chris and Fallon she feels relieved George is being released on time, having felt dreadful about getting him involved in their troubles. Fallon agrees it wasn’t f

Brad sees things from another perspective, and Neil attempts to stay positive.

Susan wants to make worried Emma a drink but she has to get to a tree job. Mick’s surprised to see Emma so preoccupied; he thought George was being released this week. Susan comments that nothing’s ever plain sailing with George. As they’re talking horrified Susan spots a rat. She brandishes a candlestick but amused Mick isn’t sure that’s the solution. When they flush it out of hiding Susan’s convinced it’s not the same rat. What if there’s an infestation? Susan heads off to break the news to Alan.Amber’s topping up her social posts in between preparing the house for George’s arrival home on Thursday. Will offers to help but Amber’s keen to get the bedroom ready herself. She can’t believe George will soon be here with her at No.1 The Green. Will reminds her things might not go their way today at the hearing; they have no control over the situation. Amber’s trying to think positively. Will confesses he hasn’t told Poppy yet. Amber acknowledges she’ll be gutted. Will loves that Poppy gets on so well with Amber.

Jolene finds herself bearing the brunt, and Paul struggles with small talk.

The Grey Gables job shadowing scheme is underway, and Brad tries to persuade dismissive Ian how crucial and interesting the porter’s job is. Ian asserts he’s never been good at sticking on a false smile. However when he notices a restaurant reviewer’s booked in, he hastily offers to look after her. He reports later that she was very impressed with the shadowing idea. He apologises to Brad for his earlier sniffy attitude – it’s been good for him to see the front of house stuff. Brad admits ruefully he’s not looking forward to his billet on Security, shadowing Mick.Kirsty tackles Justin about his intention to sell his Borchester Land shares. She’s concerned about the implications, and for the future of Rewilding Ambridge. Justin insists it will make no difference, but Kirsty protests they’ll have a much harder time of it with the Board. Justin assures her he’s keeping his own personal stake in the scheme, and will always be on hand to offer advice on how to handle the Board. George is still in suspense over the

Pip offers to take Cleo on the school run until her gran and Leonard are up and about. Stella enthuses about her job. She feels like she’s in at the beginning of something really exciting. Pip’s distracted when she finds Paul’s lost trainer. Stella reckons she’s going to have to bite the bullet and ask if she can start taking Cleo with her to work. Later she reports her boss was fine about it – he loves dogs.Paul calls Ruairi while Ruairi’s checking on the rutting stags. He notices one of the stags is bleeding down its face. Paul warns him off approaching it but Ruairi ends the call. Paul rushes to Home Farm, and his fears are confirmed as Ruairi’s nursing an arm injury. Paul helps him tend to it, and they check on the stag – this time through binoculars. Ruairi takes the opportunity to broach dating. Paul’s up for it so they agree to meet on Saturday. Just as they’re about to kiss a roar from a stag breaks the moment, and they part. Paul’s lovely about his damaged trainer, assuring Stella there’s no need to

Ed tells Adam and Ruairi about Bartleby and the difficulty for George, and there’s an awkward moment. Meanwhile Brian’s wondering about the maize harvest. Adam assures him everything’s on schedule. Brian probes Ruairi’s knowledge of the situation, and Ruairi passes the test with flying colours. Brian capitulates; it looks like he has time on his hands. He obediently heads off to read a book. Later they put the idea of a holiday to Brian. The Scottish castle won’t be available until 2027 so is off the table. Brian gets the hint that they want him out of the way. Ruairi suggests gently that everyone needs to get used to the new situation, and when Brian gets back he’ll have proof that the farm’s been managed well. Brian can see the sense in this. Some sunshine will do him good. .It's time to say goodbye to Bartleby. Amber cuts some of his mane to make a bracelet for George. As reality hits Amber’s distress becomes clear. She’s promised she’ll be here for George but she doesn’t know if she can do it. Brad sugges

Justin asks Brian for a chat. Brian thinks there’s no point – Justin’s abandoning Borchester Land, end of story. Justin’s disappointed; he was expecting more fight from Brian. Brian counters he longer cares about Justin’s antics. Justin’s sorry – he doesn’t mind losing touch with the rest of the Board, but he and Brian are family. He proceeds with the reason for the chat: he thinks Brian should have the opportunity to buy Damara’s stake in BL. Brian points out he doesn’t have the money, but Justin suggests a consortium of investors, meaning Brian would gain effective control of the Board. When Brian questions Justin’s motives he responds that he still has the future of the planet in mind, and Brian’s a first class farmer. Brian scoffs.Brad fills upbeat George in on the latest goings-on in Ambridge, before giving him the news about Bartleby. He’ll be put down tomorrow. George does his best to rationalise this. He knows it’s the right decision. Sensitive Brad offers to represent George as they say their goodbye

Ed wonders whether Adam and Ruairi are managing Home Farm permanently now. Adam checks Ruairi’s affirmative response, and Ruairi acknowledges it’s something they’ll have to discuss. When Ed’s gone, Ruairi asserts Brian’s starting to get the message that retirement would be good for him. If Ruairi keeps learning the ropes, Brian might be persuaded to step back. Adam and Ruairi agree they’d be happy to work together. They’ll go for this plan. Alice arrives and they explain the idea; they’ll be speaking to their dad about it this afternoon. However before they can begin Alice interrupts them, arriving early for her birthday lunch with her dad. Awkwardly, Adam and Ruairi set out their plan, confirming they’ve spoken to Debbie and Kate. To their surprise, Brian declares it an excellent idea, and suggests they all celebrate together. Brian checks Alice is happy with the farm plan. Alice agrees it makes sense – Adam’s such an experienced farmer. Brian adds that Ruairi’s keen as mustard. Emma’s bought all George’s fa

Stella has a crisis of confidence, and Ian is less than impressed.

Writer: Tim Stimpson Director: Marina Caldarone Editor: Jeremy HoweBrian Aldridge.... Charles Collingwood Ben Archer.... Ben Norris Jill Archer.... Patricia Greene Pip Archer.... Daisy Badger Leonard Berry.... Paul Copley Susan Carter.... Charlotte Martin Ruairi Donovan.... Arthur Hughes Justin Elliott.... Simon Williams Alan Franks.... John Telfer Amber Gordon.... Charlotte Jordan Emma Grundy.... Emerald O'Hanrahan George Grundy.... Angus Stobie Adam Macy.... Andrew Wincott Azra Malik.... Yasmin Wilde Stella Pryor.... Lucy Speed Oliver Sterling.... Michael Cochrane Dane.... Stavros Demetraki Meg Mellor.... Sue Jenkins