The Archers

Lilian attempts to inspire the next generation, and George wonders where he’s gone wrong.

David and Ruth have heard nothing from Josh recently other than a fleeting thumbs up. They acknowledge they should be grateful that means he’s doing ok.
Over lunch with Kate, Brian asserts he had a smashing day out yesterday with Martha, Chris and Neil – it’s just a shame Xander wasn’t with them. Brian wants to celebrate the official dissolution of the family partnership, but Kate doesn’t approve. Brian’s also pleased his caravan storage plans look likely to go ahead. He hopes Kate won’t object, but Kate promises nothing.
Tony’s keen for information about his livestock liaison role at the Borchester Show. David assures him just being there on the day will be enough. Tony asks if he might be allowed in on the secret of the mystery guest at the Show, but David’s lips are sealed.
Adam calls Ruth requesting a chat. David admits he’s worried about Adam after Brian’s volte face over the inheritance. Ruth agrees Adam must be feeling like the rug’s been pulled from under him. When Adam moots the idea of Ruth acting as mediator between him and Brian, Ruth’s unsure about getting involved. She wants to know what Adam’s hoping to achieve from the meeting, declaring she’d need to be impartial if she took it on. Later she tells David she’ll give it a go. She hates seeing the Aldridges divided. Brian’s harder to persuade however. He doesn’t want to speak to Adam, still less negotiate with him. Ruth suggests that agreeing to meet Adam and show willing might benefit Brian in the long run. Brian agrees to think about it.

Keira’s not keen on her upcoming work experience placement at Amside – Henry’s sounds much more fun. She invites Henry to her Father’s Day tea with Ed – she could do with someone to chat with George so that she doesn’t have to. The atmosphere gets awkward in the busy Tearoom as Keira accuses George of rudeness when he takes a phone call in the middle of proceedings. Later Keira does her best to blank George, but he tries to engage, giving her advice about how to charm Lilian when she takes on her planned work experience. Keira’s scathing, pointing out that George is hardly in a position to give advice on how to handle Lilian, given he’s been barred from her pub for the past six months.
Anne Marie rings George on the pretext of having questions about the Borchester Show, but it becomes clear she’s fishing for information about elusive Amber.
Ian and Adam discuss the solicitor’s letter that’s been sent to Brian, and his subsequent lack of response. Ian’s keen that Brian’s held to account; Adam needs to fight for what he’s owed. Adam just wants to enjoy Father’s Day. Even if he gets a pay-off from Brian, he’ll never own a farm now. Ian reckons that with his talent, Adam could build something amazing to hand on to Xander. Adam agrees to do some research. Ian suggests that in the meantime they present Brian with a settlement figure. Adam’s sceptical, but Ian reckons a meeting might succeed if they have a mediator. How about Ruth Archer?

Bill and Anne Marie drop in unexpectedly at 1 The Green, while George and Amber are out. Anne Marie’s keen to see if the house meets her expectations for when the baby arrives, before Will gives a guided tour, glossing over how tight a squeeze it will be fitting the cot and baby clothes storage in the bedroom. Will implies that he expects them to stay through the baby’s childhood, before proudly showing Amber’s parents George’s cot in the shed. Anne Marie expresses concern over safety standards, before Amber arrives with George, wishing they’d warned her they were coming. George assures them he used baby-safe paint and Will then tells them how Nic died. Anne Marie assures Amber and George they’ll support them financially as they bring up their child, before Bill and Anne Marie take their leave. Outside, Amber chastises them for turning up without warning and trying to find fault with George. They repeat their offer to help financially. Amber agrees to accept the odd gift, then suggests they meet up at Borchester Show but not before.
Amber admits to feeling wrung out by her parents’ visit. George felt they were judgmental, looking down their noses at the small house. When Amber talks about wanting a space of their own one day, George accuses her of planning her escape and thinking his family aren’t good enough for her. Irritated Amber is tired of trying not to upset both George and her parents, before declaring she’s going for a walk.

Brad’s showing Kate how to make beds at Grey Gables when they hear a noise in the wardrobe and Fletch the budgie flies. Alerted by the commotion, Oliver helps catch Fletch, stating they can reunite the Maliks with their budgie. Brad continues showing Kate the housekeeping ropes, chatting about Zainab handing Fletch back to Akram, before moving on to unrequited love. Brad reflects sadly on his doomed relationship with Amber, without mentioning her name. Kate’s advice is to do everything he can to move on, because he deserves better in life – but only Brad can make that happen.
Whilst waiting at The Bull to speak to Miranda, Brian tells Kirsty he’s relieved David no longer blames him for the dog attack. Kirsty and Jolene are impressed by George and Amber’s social media campaign for the Borchester Show, before Miranda walks in. When Brian asks for a word, she tells him there’s nothing to say and walks off. Later, Brian tells Jolene he’s going round to see Miranda. Jolene reckons it’s a bad idea, but Brian’s determined. However, Brian finds Oliver sharing a nightcap with Miranda on the terrace at Home Farm. She tells Brian frostily her sympathies are with Adam over Home Farm, then rejects Brian’s request to take him back.
Kirsty shares reassuring news with Kate about her unborn baby’s blood test results before Brian turns up, wallowing in self-pity. After giving him some blunt advice Kate softens, since she wouldn’t wish a broken heart on anyone.