The Archers

Tensions rise at Home Farm, and Ruth seeks reassurance.

Tense Ruth is short with David when he tries talking about the potential outcomes of genetic testing. David heads to Meadow Farm where he checks if George and Amber would like to do some promotional videos for the Borchester Show. They want to attract more youngsters, but their current social media is old hat. George checks they’ll be paid, then David suggests they come up with some ideas before they talk about it further. Later, David again broaches the subject of genetic testing with Ruth. But Ruth quotes various statistics on the chances of her having the variant. David tries to reassure, but Ruth insists, if any of their kids have the BRCA gene variant it’ll be her fault - she’ll be the one to blame.
Kirsty tells Helen that Erik hasn’t rung back yet, before speculating whether he actually wants a baby. Helen’s confident Kirsty could go it alone if necessary, before Erik video calls, asking how Kirsty feels about being pregnant. Kirsty admits she’s a bit scared, but really happy too. So is Erik, who’s relieved Kirsty feels the same way. They both can’t quite believe it’s happening and share their joy. On a more sombre note Kirsty outlines the higher risks involved because of her age. Erik assures Kirsty he’ll be there for her, with money, emotional support or whatever else she needs. They’re in this together and he’ll come up to see her when he can. Kirsty then tells Helen she needn’t have worried, as Erik’s over the moon.

In Hungary Debbie tells Adam she’s applying for citizenship, then prompts him to explain how bad things are for him to come all this way. Adam tells her that Brian promised to make him his successor, then just changed his mind. This kind of behaviour is why Adam needed to see Debbie, who now understands the urgency. Adam says they have to speak with one voice at the next partnership meeting and tell Brian to retire. Ruairi’s the only one Adam’s not sure about. Debbie has a prior commitment, so can’t attend. She sighs that these power games and Brian’s cheating are precisely why she’s stayed in Hungary. She assures Adam he’s got her support.
Chris, the cricket captain, is missing Kirsty and Adam for the Battling Bulls’ first match, but at least Kirsty’s there to watch. They’re joined by Natasha and Helen, before Tom strides out in his brand new, expensive cricket jumper. While waiting to bat Tom suggests Natasha should sell some bags of her clothes and cut down on subscriptions to raise money and save cash. Their plans to develop different parts of the business won’t come to fruition for months.
Kirsty goes to answer a call from Erik, wanting to tell him she’s pregnant, while Helen and Natasha watch Tom bat mightily. The Battling Bulls win, but Tom’s miffed that his jumper has been stretched and ruined by an incompetent umpire. Disappointed Kirsty then tells Helen about Erik’s shocked reaction to her news. However, Helen’s sure he’ll be thrilled when they talk again tomorrow.

At The Bull, David pumps Chris on how to attract more people to the Borchester Show. Chris mentions online videos of craft skills, then suggests talking to Amber and George, who have great video-making skills and farming knowledge. Brian arrives for Elizabeth’s birthday celebration, before Rex joins Chris and apologises for his remark about Alice’s drinking. Rex admits Alice tore into him, while Chris thinks he was more sensitive to the remark than he should have been. When they argue over who should be cricket captain Alice interrupts – she just wants them to get along.
Adam tells Alice he’s booked a flight to Hungary tomorrow. Alice tells him about Miranda saying she thought Brian’s erratic behaviour was to do with Ruairi. Alice thinks they should convince Brian to see a doctor rather than fly to Hungary, but Adam reckons Brian’s mental state and the farm are all part of the same issue. They agree it’s too big a risk to include Ruairi in their discussions. So, Adam and Debbie will come up with a plan, then they’ll talk it through with Alice and Kate.
Adam calls Brian, who’s not impressed to be told Adam’s disappearing until Tuesday to see a friend who’s having an emergency. Brian harrumphs to David before heading off. Alice intercepts Brian in the car park, then lies that she doesn’t know anything about this friend of Adam’s. For Brian though, it’s confirmation he should never have trusted Adam’s supposed dedication to Home Farm in the first place.

Helen welcomes Miranda to Ambridge after her move yesterday, before Kirsty asks Helen to be with her for a pregnancy test. Kirsty’s spoken to Erik, but not said anything to him about her situation. When the test shows positive Kirsty cries, thoughts of another miscarriage weighing on her, despite Helen’s reassurances. Kirsty hasn’t really made any plans with Erik, but is sure that he’ll do his bit, before swearing joyful Helen to secrecy.
Ian turns up at the Eco Office with lunch for Adam, who chastises himself for continuing to work there as if nothing’s happened. Ian suggests a walk, vowing to support Adam whatever happens. Adam remembers how Brian first taught him to love the land, but now he sees the damage Brian has done and wants to rectify that before passing the land on to Xander. Adam can’t see how that’s going to happen, though. Ian then suggests the radical step of flying out to Hungary and talking to Debbie.
Alice goes to welcome Miranda into her new home, but finds it difficult seeing how much everything has changed. Alice apologises for Brian’s behaviour before Miranda offers a tour of the house. In Kate’s old room Alice reminisces her childhood, then wonders if Brian was overwhelmed by the thought of too many memories. Miranda thinks it’s to do with Ruairi instead, but doesn’t know what’s going on in Brian’s head. She thinks he’s changed since around New Year, and wishes he’d told her before she exchanged contracts. But really Alice should worry about Brian, not her.