The Archers

Tony’s impressed by David in his traditional bowler hat as an official of The Borchester Show. George reports a problem with a water leak at one of the handwashing stations near the livestock. As Tony finds a spanner and George tightens the pipe, David is drenched. Disaster is also averted when a calf breaks free - George catching it and Tony grabbing its mother. David asks Tracy to alert the committee that he’ll be delayed while he finds dry clothes. Thinking she’s addressing a committee member, Tracy explains to HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh that David has been delayed. Embarrassed by her mistake, Tracy goes on to explain that she’s representing Bridge Farm, and is impressed to hear that Her Royal Highness has tasted Borsetshire Blue. As President of LEAF - Linking Environment and Farming, the Duchess is keen to connect people with where their food comes from, so Tracy issues an invitation to the dairy.
The Duchess gives a speech praising a very special organic farmer. The winner of the lifetime achievement award is – Tony Archer! Reflecting, Tony doesn’t feel he deserves it on his own, he’s only achieved it with the help of Pat and the children. He realises that his role at the show has been a ruse but David insists he’s been essential. They all have something to celebrate – Keira’s Texel lamb coming first in its class, Chris and his partner coming second in the farrier competition, and David in particular, having pulled together an exceptional show.

On the Green, Susan notices the new cot in Amber’s car. Amber explains that she’s returning it to her parents – she and George want to use the Grundy cot and don’t need the Gordons’ money. As Susan advises sensitivity with returning it, Amber becomes faint. Amber explains that she’s exhausted with the amount of social media work for the Borchester Show. She’s not slept well and hasn’t started her maternity leave. Susan asks if George can help more, and insists that she helps Amber by returning the cot for her. At the showground, Amber is furious to discover that George has been helping Bill to move cars instead of working on the socials. She makes a point of telling her father that they won’t be needing the cot, and that Susan will be returning it to them in the coming days. She’s also angry with George - not only is he banned from driving, she’s having to do everything herself!
In the horse box, Chris pulls on his hoodie while the fake tan he’s applied develops. When Lottie arrives and wants to take advantage of the cute living quarters, Chris is resistant to undress and ushers her out to the showground. Later, Chris ignores Lottie’s request for a kiss goodbye and runs back to the shower at the horse box – he’s forgotten to rinse off the mousse! Embarrassed, he reveals his orange arms to Lottie. He’d only wanted to look less pasty by the other farriers. The only option is to keep scrubbing and Lottie flirts and offers to help.

Chatting to Ian at Honeysuckle Cottage, Alice can’t believe they want to take Brian to court. All Alice wants is for Martha to have a peaceful relationship with her grandfather – that’s more important than money. When Adam arrives home, Alice is on the attack but he stops her – he’s been to see his solicitor and has called it all off. When Alice leaves, a stunned Ian questions the change of heart – with his share of the profits Adam could have something worthwhile to show for his years in farming. Adam responds that a court case will create even more bad blood. He has his achievements in Kenya, he has Xander and Ian, and that’s what counts. It may not be fair, but Brian will not change and they need to accept it.
Grumbling about the heat in his window, Bert makes his way to the shop, getting in Susan’s way and finally settling with some humbugs behind the counter. As Susan creates a display, she reveals her idea for a taster session at the shop to encourage more volunteers. She probes further about Clive’s care and Bert disputes that he came back in a state. It’s been a relief not to be preened and prodded all the time. He likes being at the shop after a miserable homecoming – perhaps he should volunteer! At Tracy’s, Susan shares her idea – Bert should move to Ambridge View for a change of scene and to take the pressure off Tracy. Tracy wishes her sister luck as she will need to approach Neil with the concept.

David updates Brian on the dog attack. Frustratingly, until the dog is identified, he can’t claim compensation for the loss of his sheep from its owner.
David praises Tony for the progress he’s made with Bridge Farm’s garden. Joining Tony to dig, they discuss the investment into another milking parlour or polytunnels, until Tony’s spade hits metal – John’s childhood model Fordson Major. David encourages him in a new project to clean it up.
Over lunch with Alice, Brian asks after Martha and apologises that he can’t help out with her more. He offers help with the extra costs of care in the holidays, but Alice insists she’s fine. Brian’s glad she’s found someone like Rex who’ll stand up for her and confides that he really misses Miranda. He’s afraid he’ll end up like Bert Horrobin, miserable and alone in The Bull.
Ian is fretting that now he’s so involved at Grey Gables, Adam is not up to speed with school admin and Xander’s needs. Bringing a peace lily to the hotel, Adam concedes that Ian did so much under the radar for Xander. Later, Adam reveals his shock at the invoice from his solicitor. Ian thinks his siblings should share the high cost, as they’d benefit from any settlement. Adam doesn’t want to rock the boat and thinks he should cut his losses – Brian will never let this fight go. But Ian’s determined not to let Brian walk all over them. He won’t let Adam give up after giving 20 years of his life to Home Farm.

As Chris packs his and Martha’s things ahead of Harrison’s return from Yorkshire, he shares with Fallon his hopes that his flat will be ready soon. Last time he lived at Susan and Neil’s, they almost sent him doolally. Hannah calls, letting Chris know that one of the farriers for the Borchester Show has been injured and will have to pull out of the pairs. Fallon suggests that Chris takes his place. Later, he worries about demonstrating his skills in front of his peers, but Fallon speculates on the real reason for his reticence – Chris lacks the sun-kissed glow of many of the farriers on social media!
At Tracy’s, she and Susan are shocked to see the arrival of Bert by taxi. Thinner and unshaven, Bert insists that Clive has cared well for him, but Clive’s new job means it’s impractical now, so he’s back – and unimpressed to find his bedroom being used for laundry.
Bert is not impressed that Susan is going to a Fleetwood Mac tribute and Tracy’s working at The Bull. Nor is he happy that she’s taken on more dairy work. Treating him to a meal and a pint, Tracy takes him to work and Bert reluctantly lets Brian sit with him. Brian listens to Bert’s grumbles about his family and being made to feel a burden but reproaches him – Bert should be proud to have such hardworking, caring daughters. Put out, Bert fires back that Brian is high and mighty and has no right to interfere, considering his own family’s issues.