The Archers

Neil finds himself run ragged, and Ed is caught in the middle.

Both Jolene and Kenton appear evasive to Fallon, who wants to discuss arrangements for her replacement when she leaves The Bull. Eventually cornering her mum, Fallon pushes that her replacement needs sorting, and that the Cruck Barn job at Lower Loxley is an amazing opportunity. Jolene can’t see why she wants to leave an award-winning pub where she’s been central to its success. Fallon disagrees – this is a chance for her to re-boot and create something new.
Confiding in Joy, Jolene shares that she finds Fallon’s move hasty and a bit selfish, being from a pub family where they all work together. Joy points out that Jolene’s always taken opportunities in her career and Fallon’s no different – she needs to let Fallon find her own way.
Jazzer and Ed are discussing the Fallon and Harrison split and propose a night out to Fallon who says she’s too tired. When Kenton cautions drinking ahead of work on a Monday, Fallon rebuffs him by agreeing to go. Returning later, a tipsy Fallon wants a night cap, but Kenton pushes coffee for all three of them, who’ve been to a few pubs. Unimpressed, Kenton is protective and suggests to Ed that a night out with two blokes so soon after her marriage break-up was not a good move. Jazzer reminds Kenton that the three of them have been mates for decades and it’s exactly what she needed. Kenton disagrees – Fallon is vulnerable and she’s family and even old friends aren’t going to stop him looking out for her.

Chris is already back in his flat and Neil wonders why Susan isn’t angry with her Dad. As Susan continues looking after Bert, Neil apologises and Susan explains that it’s the least she can do. Susan also notes how awful Bert’s own father was, explaining some of Bert’s behaviour and attitudes. Susan knew Bert loved his children because he wasn’t like his dad. Neil suggests that Susan explains this to Chris.

Harrison reminds Fallon that Woodbine Cottage is still her home. Now she’s back from Lynda and Robert’s, Harrison is keen to let Fallon settle, and has moved some things to the spare room.

Alan discusses fete woes with Jolene, who stops Harrison to hug him and remind him he’s still part of the family and no one is taking sides. Alan walks with Harrison and also lends an ear. Harrison feels he should have tried harder to save his relationship, but Alan urges him to stop blaming himself – he and Fallon now just need to be kind to each other.

Fallon is standoffish with Jolene, who’s still sceptical about the new Lower Loxley job and tries to persuade Fallon to stay at the Bull. But Fallon points out that her break-up hasn’t happened suddenly, and now she’s finally ready to take control.

Fallon’s touched when Harrison supports her decision about working at Lower Loxley. Harrison is going to look for somewhere to rent, but Fallon says there’s no need just yet. Having agreed that they’ll make things work, they wish each other good night.

Susan mildly berates Bert for opening an early beer in the garden. Alice pops over and is friendly with Bert, who mutters to Neil about hiding his beer. Neil teases Chris over Lottie, and Chris bats away his comment about marriage. Chris is defensive when Bert jokes about all Martha’s parent figures.
With Alan and the fete starting to get a bad name, Lynda’s shocked that Susan has introduced some ticket concessions. But some people will be prevented from attending – and some who will just boycott.
Lynda is convinced that Monty is innocent, as she and Robert await the DNA results from the sheep attack. She’s more concerned about the fete – they need to find a must-see attraction. They’re distracted by an argument in the road, between Ed on his combine and an angry speeding driver. As affectionate Monty cheers up Ed, Robert makes a comment that gives Lynda an idea.
Chris admits to Alice that he suggested he and Lottie move in together, and is worried by Lottie’s reaction. Alice says to speak to Lottie, and reassure her he’s happy and not trying to pressure her.
Chris heads home and is shocked to see Bert giving Martha a sip of his beer. Bert’s nasty comments about Alice, and mollycoddling, make Chris explode. Later, he informs Susan and Neil that he’ll contact Hazel to see about moving back into his flat. Susan tries to defend Bert’s actions, but when Chris doubles down on his criticism Susan loses her cool and says maybe he should move out.

Jolene presses Fallon to try and talk to Harrison and stop hiding at Lynda and Robert’s. She thinks Fallon and Harrison have rushed into their decision. Later, Fallon shocks Jolene by giving her notice to quit the Bull for a new job at Lower Loxley. Jolene worries it’s too much upheaval given her break up, but Fallon has decided.
Brad admires Bert’s view from his room at Ambridge View, but Bert’s still unhappy about Susan’s rules on smoking and riding his mobility scooter into the village. He also takes the opportunity to share his other gripes with Brad – Neil is quiet and under the thumb, and Chris is too soft on Martha, who’ll grow up to be as spoilt as Alice!
Bert winds Chris up as Chris explains that Martha is staying over at Lottie’s, with her daughter Maddie, for the first time tonight. Bert says to watch his back with single mum Lottie. Chris turns the tables on Bert, who defends Ivy, Chris’s grandmother, as a saint. Brad makes to leave, and Bert tells him not to open his birthday card until tomorrow – it may have a little something inside. Chris complains to Brad about Bert and their shared living arrangement. But he’ll be back in his own place in a week.
At Lottie’s, the two girls play together well. Chris seems resolved about Alice being with Rex, and Chris feels it’s the start of a new era, for him and Lottie too. Perhaps they should move in together sometime? Lottie is a bit taken aback, and Chris backtracks.