A (0:00)

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the uk. At the BBC, we go further so you see clearer with a subscription to BBC.com you get unlimited articles and videos ad free podcasts, the BBC News channel streaming live 24. 7 plus hundreds of acclaimed documentaries from less than a dollar a week for your first year. Read, watch and listen to trusted independent journalism and storytelling. It all starts with a subscription to BBC.com. find out more@BBC.com unlimited. You're listening to the Archers Omnibus from BBC Radio 4. All good down there, George? Yeah, great. Well, I'm coming down now. Do you need me to hold the rope head? No, no, no, I've got it. I reckon that branch would have come down in the next big storm if I hadn't lopped it off. Been meaning to do it for ages. You all right? Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Fine. Still, I suppose that's what's good about this quiet patch. Between Christmas and New Year, you can get stuff done. So your wrist ain't bothering you, then? Oh, no, no. Still a bit stiff, sure. But it's a relief to finally have the brace off. It's not a problem. Good. Please. And the bruise in your face? Well, yeah, that's gone down and all. Yeah. Good, good. Speaking of New Year's, do you and Amber know what you're up to? Not really. It ain't like we can go to the ball. I reckon we'll just have a quiet night in. Dad's going to the ball with you guys. At least we'll have the house to ourselves. Well, there are worse ways to celebrate. You two certainly seem very cozy on Christmas Day. I'm telling you, her coming back from Ireland in time for Christmas, it's the best present I could have got. Oh, well, I'll have that Bluetooth speaker back, then. Oh, no, I didn't mean that. I'm only pulling your leg. Really pleased that things are going better between you and Amber. Yeah, you're getting yourself some counseling, too. When are you going to the doctor's? Tomorrow, half two. What? You seeing Dr. Malik? Yeah, I think so. Good. I'm sure she'll be very nice. Hope so. I can't keep on feeling the way I do. I'm hurting people I don't want to hurt. Look, the past is the past, eh? The point is, you're dealing with it. By the end of the week, it'll be a brand new year. Perfect time to turn the page. Make a clean fresh start. Yeah, too right. Come on, then. We've got a branch of These chopping up. Can you lift that end? Sure. I'm gonna get the other. Actually, Ed, I think I can lift the whole thing. Mind, it's heavy. It's all right, I can carry it. Ed, what happened? You okay? No. Martha, just because it's the holidays. You still have to get dressed. I'll be up in a minute. Morning. Oh, Chris. What are you doing here? Oh, you're not expecting to have Martha today, are you? No, no, I was just out for a walk and I thought I'd drop by. Oh, thank goodness for that. I was worried I'd messed up if. Now's not a good time, though. Oh, no, don't be silly. It's lovely to see you. Come in. Ah, thanks. All this time cooped up with Mum and Dad, it's been really nice, but I had to get out. I know what you mean. It's been lovely having all the family together, but it's been pretty full on. I'm enjoying having a bit of peace and quiet. Ah, you probably won't like my idea, then. It occurred to me it's the last day of Deck the Hall. I wondered if it might be nice to take Martha. Oh, but no worries if you'd rather not. No, no, I was just gonna veg out and let her play with her new toys. But if you want to take her to Lower Loxley. I meant all three of us. I wasn't just going to take her off you. Oh. Oh, I see. Well, then, that would be great. Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. Oh, let me go tell her. Martha, guess what? Daddy's here. Oh, no. Poor you, Brad. You've been working at Grey Gables round the clock. It's all right. It's good for my bank balance. We all got paid time and a half on Boxing Day. Ah. And, well, at least you had Christmas Day off. How was the turkey? I wish we'd had fish fingers. Caused so many arguments. Who do you mean? Well, Jazzer kept pestering Mum about the best way to cook it. Reckons he hadn't been parading around Borchester Market dressed like a botched animal experiment, only for it to end up dried out. Oh, no. Every time Mum's back was turned, he'd have it out of the oven to baste it or check the temperature. In the end, she had to shut him out of the kitchen. But did it turn out okay? Oh, yeah. BANGING oh, good. Well, I'm even more grateful now you've spared the time to help Kira with her maths. Though I can't say she was overly Happy when I reminded her you were coming over. Hopefully she's ready. I've been over at the house with Claret. Let's go and find her. Sure thing, Emma. What is that? Blood. Sure you don't want to buy my bratwurst? Oh, no, thank you. I've eaten way too much over the last few days. You can have it all to yourself. How's Martha? She looks like she's getting stuck in. Yeah, she's fine. She's busy making a reindeer out of twigs in the pinecone. Chris, careful. You're gonna drink ketchup. Thank you. I thought she might have been inspired by your starring role on the tractor run and made a fairy wand. Chris. What? She loves seeing you all dressed up in your wings. Well, I blame Ruri. He. He was the one who suggested the whole angel thing. I looked all right, Wally. Rubbish. You look great. I'd put you on top of my Christmas tree any day. Oh, I'll take that as a compliment. You should. Although I thought Brookfield gave you a run for your money. Yeah, to be honest, I thought they were the stars of the whole thing. They collected so much, their buckets look pretty heavy. All while being dressed as shepherds. Oh, it's amazing how generous people can be. Especially as everyone's running low. I know. I'm so glad we bit the bullet back in September and put up the fees at the stables. Lots of the customers moan. Tell me about it. It's all I hear from my clients at the moment. Well, fingers crossed, 2026 will be a better year. Fingers crossed I get to move back into my flat. Fingers crossed we still have a cricket team. I was sorry about you and Carly, by the way. Oh, if there hasn't really been a proper chance to talk. You're not too cut up, are you? It's a shame it didn't work out. Yeah, well, we'll just have to resign ourselves to being single together, I guess. No way. I'm done with the bachelor life. What? Yeah, there's plenty more fish in the sea. It's fine. It's stopped bleeding now. Ed, take the tone away. It really ain't that bad. I'll be the judge of that. You let me see. Like I said, it were an accident. Like an idiot, I was trying to carry the branch by myself. That looks really deep. It were too heavy, though. The sawn off end kind of tipped up and cloed head in the face. It looks sore. But didn't the same thing happen the other day? Hey, the black eye Ed had Wasn't that from getting hit by a branch too? That were different. Ow. Oh, sorry. Careful. I never meant to hit him last time. You mean what? No, that ain't what I said. Sorry. It just seems odd. I'm just saying this weren't my fault. George is right. It was my fault. Shouldn't have been standing so close. Just like I should have been concentrating more the time before. Turned me head without thinking. I whacked myself in the face. You've certainly been in a few scrapes recently and I'm worried that one might need stitches. How hard did you hit it? Shut up. Daft. I'm not going to hospital for a little cut. It's not little. Seriously, it just needs some antiseptic. Put a plaster on it, it'll be fine. But, Ed, honestly, don't. You can't make such a fuss. Why would I be joking? Look, here, I'll show you. Hold me hot chocolate for me. I've got my first date lined up next week. Woman called Naomi. Let me just. Let me just open the app. Hang on. So how long have you been on it? I signed up Boxing Day. They were offering a 50% discount on their premium subscription. Now, here we go. There's my profile. Gosh. Wow. What do you think of the photo? I didn't want it to be too airbrushed, you know, Better to just show me as I am. And I do wear a sleeveless shirt when I'm forging shoes. Yeah, no, you look very rugged. I'm sure you'll get lots of inquiries. Well, that's the plan. Life's too short to mope about with a broken heart. When one door closes, another one opens. Just gotta jump back on that horse. Another quiches, you know what I mean? No point worrying about what might have been. No, no, you're right. That's great, Chris. I'm really pleased you're getting back out there. Well, maybe you should do the same. What? Yeah, why don't you join the dating app? We could share notes. No, I don't think so. Why not? Look, you can always put non drinker on your profile. You don't have to meet in a pub. It's not only that. What is it, then? I don't know, it's just not for me. But I hope it works for you, though. Right? Now, come on, finish your hot chocolate. Martha looks like she's done making her reindeer. There. I'm nearly done. How's that? Plaster is not stopping you from opening your eye. No, no, that's fine, thanks. No, Problem. Let's hope it heals okay. Right then, George. Yeah? Well, you and me need to finish clearing away that branch. Oh. Are you sure you'll be all right? You don't need any painkillers? Yeah, if you want to stay here, I can sort the branch myself. How many times? I'm fine. It's just a little knock. Alright. Now come on, we'll catch you later. Hey. I don't suppose either of you know where Kira's got to. Not a clue. George. How would I know? She doesn't talk to me these days. She's probably over at Glebelands with Eva. She's around there all the time at the moment. See you, Bradley. She better not be at eithers. If you want, I can come back another time. No, no. She knew you were coming to help her with her maths. Let me give her a call. Right. For sure. That is, assuming I can find my phone. Emma. Oh, there it is. Can I ask you something? Ed's injuries. Do you think they're all just accidents? I. I know you said George didn't mean for Ed to fall down the stairs. Brad, not this again. But I saw the look on his face straight afterwards. He looked wild. They were having an argument. George tried to shove Ed away and he fell. Except originally they told me he slipped on a book. Well, I'm not sure what you're getting at, Brad. What's that got to do with today? It just seems a bit odd. First there were the stairs, then Ed gets a black eye. He was hit in the face with a branch and now the same things happen today. Well, that's three injuries in the space of what, a month? And George was with Ed each time. So you're saying he's responsible? I don't know. I mean, if you calculated the probability, I suppose it could all just be coincidence. Exactly. Could Ed be getting sloppy? Sloppy? What do you mean by that? Sorry, I'm just wondering. Tree surgery's pretty dangerous. Ed takes safety very seriously. We both do. It's a big part of getting qualified. So he doesn't injure himself often then? No, no, not often. That doesn't mean that George has been doing it. Do you really think Ed would let him hit him? No. No, he wouldn't. Unless he's trying to protect him. Like I said, Ed lied about slipping on a book. And even after he admitted George pushed him, he seemed really desperate to play it down. Just like he was now. Doing everything he could to take the blame off George. Brad, Seriously, he'd get sent Back to jail, wouldn't he, if they found out he was being violent? Look, even if he was, Ed would tell me he wouldn't keep something as awful as that from me. Let's not start accusing George of anything else. That's enough now, all right? Sorry. That's what you think. I'm just worried, that's all. The pattern continues. Then what? Well, who knows what might happen next? What are you doing out here? Nothing. Brad called. I didn't want to talk in the waiting room. So how did it go? Good, I think. Dr. Malik referred me to their counseling service. She agreed. I've got a lot of bad stuff going on in my head. Oh, yeah? So when do you have your first session? Not sure. It'll be a while. A while, anyway. At least you're going to get some help. I guess. Well done, George. It takes guts to admit you've got a problem. I'm really proud of you. Fingers crossed it won't be too long. Yeah, right. I've got a new makeup demo to film eyelash trends for 2026. Let's get home. I mean, Ed was adamant that it was an accident. The branch hit him in the face. But that is the second time in two weeks now, let alone him nearly breaking his neck on the stairs. I know we've been telling ourselves George didn't mean to hurt him, but the more that I think about it will. Are you gonna say summit? Brad's got it wrong, ain't he? There's no way George is hitting Ed. I don't know, Em. There have been a few times recently when George has lost it with me. He's hit you, too? No, but he's got so angry. It crossed my mind that he might. Why did you never say anything? Well, it's only been a couple of times. I didn't want to make a big deal of it. George is having a hard enough time at the moment. I guess I hoped he'd pull himself out of the rut he's in. And what if Ed's been doing the same? That's what I'm scared of. That George has been giving him all these horrible injuries and. And he's been covering for him. It seems more likely than them all being just accidents. That's what I think, too. Why didn't I see it? Deep down, I knew something wasn't right. But George seemed so sorry. I didn't want to believe he was capable of deliberately pushing him. All right, Em, come on. And then when Ed got the black eye both times, it seemed so plausible. Now, listen, there ain't no point blaming yourself. We've all been trying to think the best of George. Yeah, but how could he? Ed's been trying so hard to help him. I know, but given how George has been behaving, it sounds like Ed has been on the receiving end of most of his anger. Yeah, well, it's got to stop. We can't let it carry on. What do you think we should do? Aye aye. What's all this? Oh, hi, Reddy. I'm traipsing back and forth, taking the turkey feeders back to the container. Why you're standing about gabbing? I thought you came to help William. Sorry, dad. Hey, what's up? You. You got faces as long as a giraffe's long johns. What's going on? So what I love about these lashes is that they are so easy to apply. Right, so now that the glue is on there, I like to start at the outer corner and move inwards. Oh, yeah? Start from where, George? You mean here? On your neck? You're ruining the video. And then move inwards. Stop it. I'm going to have to start the demo again now. So? So this is my work, George. I thought you were going to help Ed on the farm. Change of plan. Come on, the house is empty. We still need to catch up from your week in Ireland. We caught up last night. We could still do with catching up some more. And it will help my mood. Wait, let me just turn the camera off. Take off your top. George, where are you? You're up there. Oh, no, it's my dad. Go on, answer him. George? Yeah, what is it? Could you come downstairs, please? Did you hear me? Yes, all right. Is he coming? Yeah, I think so. Now remember, let's not go in all guns blazing. We don't actually know George is responsible. No, but he's been there every time Ed's been hurt. That ain't proof. At least give him a chance to tell us his side of the story. You can't honestly think he'd hurt our Edward. That's what we're here to find out. Dad? Yeah, we're in here. So what is it? Hiya, George. All right, lad? What are you three doing here? We need to have a proper chat. And we want the truth, alright? None of your fibs. This is too serious. It would help if I knew what you were on about. Have you been hitting Ed? What? Well, it's a simple enough question, William. Let him answer. Of course I've not. So that gash he got yesterday, he really did get hit by a branch. Yes, I told you. And the black eye? Cause when I first saw it, I thought it looked more like someone had sucked in one. Are you guys taking the mick? Your mum and dad just want to be sure that there ain't nothing bad going on. Of course there ain't. Well, you swear on your great granddad Joe's grave you ain't been walloping him? Seriously? Because you admitted you pushed him down the stairs. Well, that were an accident. I didn't do it on purpose. An accident? Look, just because Brad walked in straight after Ed fell. Just answered the question. He don't know what really happened. Why? What did really happen? Cause I don't believe you didn't mean to hurt Ed. Tell us, George. I. I just lose it sometimes. I was hacked off about the money you all thought I stole. And Ed was on my case. He just wouldn't let it go. So you did push him deliberately then? You meant him to fall? I don't remember. What do you mean you don't remember? I snapped, okay? One minute we were arguing, and the next he was at the bottom of the stairs. Did you snap when you gave him a black eye? Just be honest. I don't know. I guess maybe. So you did. It weren't like what you think, though. He was saying how you all really care about me, how I'm lucky to have you, how I need to stop pushing you away. So lucky you thumped him. No. Then you emotionally blackmailed him into not telling anyone. Just like when you didn't want me telling anyone that it was you driving Alice's car. Yeah, and you did anyway. How's that blackmail? You ain't being fair. Hey, don't start getting angry with your mother. Edward could have broken his neck falling down them stairs. You could have killed him. I know. That's why I'm getting counselling. What? Counselling? Since when? Well, it ain't started yet, but I went to the doctors this afternoon. Oh, did you now? Yes. I'm trying to sort myself out. How long have we been hearing that story? We've tried to support you, George, but this has gone too far now. I can't believe you deliberately hurt your own family. Are you deaf or something? It weren't deliberate. I didn't know what I was doing. That's enough, Amber. Amber, don't talk to your grandpa that way. Get a grip, George. Tell them. Then she came with me to the doctors. I am getting counselling. You didn't tell me you'd been hitting your stepfather. Well, you heard that? Of course I heard. Look, it's not how it sounds. I'd say it's exactly how it sounds. All this time I've stood up for you, even though I knew what you'd done was wrong. In my world, blood's thicker than water. At least that's what I've always believed. Grandpa, don't. But you. That don't mean nothing to you. Neil and Susan were right to dub you into the police. Is that what you think of me? It's not about what we think. It's how you behave. You see, babe? This is how I'm treated by my own family. Don't start feeling sorry for yourself. Not when you've been treating Ed like a punch bag. Oh, because there ain't been times when you wouldn't have happily pushed him down the stairs. George. No. Why can't they be honest for a change? I've heard all the stories. He wanted to kill Ed when he found out him and Mum had been at it behind his back. Oh, here we go. We are not doing this again. No, because you don't like being reminded, do you? That's why she hates having me around. What are you talking about? Your mum doesn't hate you. Go on, admit it. I'm only here because you couldn't decide which brother to screw. Right? You apologise to your mother now. What is the matter with you? It's okay. He can think what he likes. But it's not right. All your mum's ever done is care for you and look after you. Oh, no, she's a saint. I mean it. Don't push it, lad. Just like Nick was. She never hit anyone, George. She never thumped me when I was a kid. No, Shut your mouth. But we don't talk about that. Not now she's corked it. Stop that. Best thing that nasty cow ever did. Amber, I'm. I'm sorry. I have to go. What do you mean? Go where? I don't know. Amber. Don't you touch me. Let go of her. But I ain't doing nothing. Amber, are you all right? Yes, I'll be fine. I. I just need to not be here. Babe, hold on. Leave the girl be. What do you think I'm gonna do? She's the one who slapped me. Amber, ain't you listening? She wants you to leave her alone. But I. In fact, we all do. Go and pack your bags. What? I'm not having you under my roof a minute longer. You ain't serious. Where am I gonna go? That's not my problem. You've made it abundantly clear what lousy parents you think we are. You'll just have to look after yourself. Don't look at me, George. You think I'd have you back at ours after what you've done to Ed? Anyway, Kira would throw a fit. Grandpa, you ain't gonna let them throw me out on the street. Sorry, George. Best thing you can do now is leave. You've proven you ain't part of this family. I can barely look at you. What about Amber? I mean, if you're chucking me out. No, Amber can stay here. That's up to her. It's you I want gone. Yeah, all right. But now. Fine. Fine. See if I care. I don't need this poxy family anyhow. Come in. Come in. Thanks, Brad. Let me just shut my bedroom door. Sorry about the mess. I'm not very good at staying tidy. Don't worry. I don't mind. There. Sit down. Thank you. So what's happened? Did George admit it? Has he been beaten up? Ed. You know, when I first started writing to him in prison, Brad, I thought he was a good person who had done something bad. After what I just saw, though, I think he might just be bad. The way he spoke to Will and Emma. Why? What did he say? Awful, horrible things. I couldn't stand it. I knew he was struggling, but there's something really ugly inside of him. Brad, have I made a massive mistake? What am I going to do? Hey, hey, it's okay. Do you want me to find you a tissue or something? No, just keep holding me. All right. Who is it? Who do you think? I don't want to talk to him. Is it all right if I stay here tonight? Here? If it's a problem, don't worry. No, no. I just need somewhere I can think. Sorry to disappoint Alice, but beavers are mainly active around dusk and dawn. Well, now they're probably tucked up in their burrow. Oh, don't say that, Rex. I was hoping to take a photo for Phoebe. Well, I'm afraid you'll have to get up earlier. Though I did catch a glimpse of Sigourney yesterday afternoon. Sigourney Beaver. Stella suggested the name. Well, of course she did. And what's the other adult called? Justin. After Justin Elliot? No, Justin Beaver. Of course. Though I admit it does cause confusion. Justin's been gnawing on the branches. Justin's built a dam. Well, I can see how busy Justin's been. Been? Oh, they both have wasted no time settling In. Although I wish they'd leave the crabapple trees alone. That's why I'm fixing this wire mesh around them. They're a great resource for other wildlife. And they're a native species. Sigourney and Justin are just gonna have to chew on something else. Well, I should let you get on then. Oh, no, no, no, don't worry. I'm almost finished anyway. How are you? Yeah, no, I'm fine. I'm not working this morning and Chris has got Martha, so I thought I'd come down here and stretch my legs. Oh, is Chris. I've not seen him since he split up with Carly. Yeah, he seems good. More than good, actually. He's. He's signed up for a dating app. Oh, has he now? Well, good for him, getting back on the horse. Yeah. Now, honestly, I ought to be heading home. I'm starting to get a bit chilly anyway. Well, if you fancy it, I've got a kettle in here office. I could make you a coffee. I've got a heater too. Oh, well, since you put it like that, sure. Okay. Catch you this evening then, Brad. So, see you later on Amber. Yeah. Make sure this takes good care of you. What do you think I'm trying to do? Oh, thanks, Jazza. Have a good day at work. Um, we've got Grandad's thick cut marmalade. Toast and marmalade would be perfect. Okay. Normally we have more in, but I guess we're running low. After Christmas. One means to do a supermarket shop. No worries. I. I wasn't sure if I should come in and wake you. Did you sleep all right in Chelsea's room? No, not really. The bed was comfy, but George kept messaging me until about 2 in the morning. Saying what? Oh, you know how he didn't mean what he said yesterday. How he can't live without me. I've not replied to any of them. Oh, you haven't? No. What do you think I should do? Well, me, I think it's up to you. But if you did decide you didn't want to be with George any longer, well, you. You wouldn't have to be alone. I'd be there as a friend. I mean, just as a friend. If that's all you wanted. What if I wanted more? That. Sorry. It's probably just a parcel for Chelsea. Stay there. Don't move. I'll be back in a sec. I'm coming, I'm coming. Give me a chance, George. All right, mate. Is Amber there? Well, I know she's staying here. I'm not sure what you're talking about. Nice try, but you ain't a very good liar. Come on, just let me in. No, sorry. Don't be a muppet. Look, I guess she's put you up to this. I'm telling you, she don't want to talk to me. But it ain't your job, mate. I just want a chance to explain. I told you, you're not seeing her. Amber, it's me. Are you there? George, just stop. What are you doing? Brad, she's my fiance. Are you listening? I can see her if I want. You can push me all you like, mate. You're not getting by. Brad, it's okay. Let him in. Now. I do have a box of luxury mince pies. They need finishing. Oh, well, that's going to help you out. Alice, you're a trooper. So, how was your Christmas? Oh, all right. Toby spent the day with Rosie at Lower Loxley, so it was just me and Mum and her partner, Hans. I was grateful one of the pigs had a cracked hoof. Gave me an excuse to leave early. How about you? Yeah, good. Oh, it's been really nice having the chance to just hang out with Debbie. Started to feel like she only ever came over for funerals. There you go. Oh, thanks. She's flying back to Hungary on Thursday, so we're having a big family meal at the ball to see in the new year. Oh, I'll be thinking of you while I'm driving my taxi. Oh, and Phoebe Video called from Scotland. She dressed Baby Peg in the cutest little Santa onesie. Oh, in fact, I. I've got a photo on my phone. Hey. Hey. Eat your mince pie first. Oh, all right. But remind me to show it to you. It really is adorable. And did Martha have a good Christmas? Yeah, she did. Chris came over in the morning so we could open her stocking together. Ah. So he hasn't been spending all his time swiping, right? No. Or at least not in front of me, he hasn't. How do you feel about that? Me? Oh, fine. He's a single guy. He can do what he wants. You sure? He just seem a little. What? Perturbed? Perhaps. If you'd like to talk. That's kind of you, Rex. But even if I wasn't okay with it, you're not my therapist. No, but I am your friend. I'll just be in the kitchen, then I'll finish making your toast. You do that, mate. Thanks, Brad. What's got into him? I've never seen him so fired up. He's being a gentleman, that's all. Yeah. Sorry about how I look. I was on a mate's floor. Have you been reading my messages? Yes. I'm so sorry, babe. I never meant to flip out like that. But the things they were accusing me of. All this anger. It ain't me, you know that. It's why we went. To get me some counseling. If my head was straight, there is no way I would have pushed Ed down the stairs. It's not just that. Some of the things you said to your family yesterday. Did you even hear yourself? I know. It was disgusting. Aren't you ashamed? Look, I'm sorry you had to hear that, okay? But it ain't like there anything I said that weren't true. They've done stuff just as terrible as me, but that gets forgotten. I'm no the rotten one. What does it matter anyhow? They've washed their hands of me. I don't want to stay around here anyway. The only thing I care about is being with you. Amber, please. I don't want you touching me. Alright. Alright. I'm sorry. Seriously though, remember all the things we talked about when you'd visit me in prison? How it was you and me against the world. How nothing mattered as long as we were together. I remember. So we can still do that. The sooner we get away from this place and my family. Everything's going to be so much better. We can get married. Make the brand new start somewhere else. Trust me, babe. Come with me and it will be just like we imagined. I'm. I'm sorry, George, but I'm not coming with you. What? I said no. Maybe it's something to do with Chris Advertising himself. I don't know. I mean, he already knew Carly and he already knew Amy when he went out with her. But this feels different. I suppose before he wasn't actively looking for a new relationship. Oh, it sounds like I'm jealous. And I'm really not. Well, so, I mean, what is it then? What do you think's bugging you? Maybe it's just him moving on. I know there was Harry, but I haven't really thought about seeing anyone since then. Maybe what it has made me realize though, is it I need to stop thinking. All I can do is cling on to the wreckage of my old life and start thinking about what I really want. Yeah, that's it. I think I've made a breakthrough. Really? Thank you, Sigmund. I should come to rewilding more often. Not at all. Oh, I haven't shown you that photo of baby Peg. Oh, no, you haven't. Look, here you are. Oh my goodness, what a sweetie. I know. You didn't mention Phoebe was wearing a matching Santa jumper too. Doesn't she look happy? Makes me wish I had more pictures of me and Martha at that age. My memories of back then, either they're missing or they're not exactly great. Sometimes I wish I could have another go. Do a better job of it this time round. Well, who knows? That's what you really want. You've still got time, haven't you? Please, just go. George, I've told you already. I just need some space. But you had loads of space in Ireland. Come on, babe, things will be different. I'm not going with you, I promise. George, she asked you to leave. Oh, push off, Brad. This has got nothing to do with you. I mean it. Leave her alone. Why? Do you think I'm gonna hurt her? How do I know you hurt Ed? Brad, seriously, mate, I know you've been running your mouth off about me to my parents, and you're lucky I've chosen to overlook it. George, don't. Just go. Go back to making her toast, will ya? You ain't cut out to be a knight in shining armor. Oh, whatever. All I care about is making sure Amber's okay. Wait, wait, that's it. You got the hots for her, haven't you? You want her for yourself. George, just listen. Little brat. Are you in love? George, I am warning you. Whoa, calm down. You're going red. You don't get to push everyone around no more. Careful, you're gonna burst something. Just stop making of fun. I'm not his. Brad here is all hot under the collar. You really have got it bad, mate, haven't you? I'm not gonna tell you again. Or what? You're gonna hit me? Ignore him, Brad. Well, go on then, cuz. Lay it on me. I will, you know. Good. I'm waiting. Don't you want to impress Amber with what a hero you are? George? No. Never mind. We can't all be alphas. Maybe you could do some sums for her instead. No. I hate you. Brad, no. What the hell's going on? Brad, are you alright? Jazzer, chill. Is is fine. Doesn't he look fine? Brad? I'm okay. Brad's the one who tried to punch me. Oh, he did, did he? Yeah. You know, I'm glad I came back from my security pass now because I've been itching for an excuse to do you some serious damage myself. Jazzer, come on, stop it. Both of you. If I was you, I'd sling my hook before a day. I'm going. I'm going. It ain't worth it anyhow. You can have her if you want her. Brad. George, just go. Watch your back, mind. She's got a thing for bad boys. I'd rather be with Brad than a loser like you. I don't know why I ever wanted to marry you. At the BBC, we go further so you see clearer. Through frontline reporting, global stories and local insights, we bring you closer to the world's news as it happens. And it starts with a subscription to BBC.com giving you unlimited articles and videos ad free podcasts. The BBC news channel, streaming live 24. 7 plus hundreds of acclaimed documentaries. Subscribe to trusted independent journalism and storytelling from the BBC. Find out more@BBC.com Join. Keira, are you ready? Grandma and Grandpa are waiting for us. We need to leave for the ball. What's she doing in there? She's not come out of her room for hours. Don't ask me. Look, I'm not trying to defend George. Well, I should hope not. Not with that great big gash on your eyebrow. I told you that was a genuine accident. We can't keep covering for him, Ed. Even your dad's realised that. I know. And if George said those things to you. He did say those things. Then that's unforgivable. I don't blame you for washing your hands of him. But if we cut him off completely, though, I don't want him ending up on the streets like I did. He really has been trying to get help. Look, I know you thought what you was doing was for the best, but George has to realise he can't keep lashing out, pretending it's our fault. He is where he is. Maybe this is the wake up call he needs. Yeah, maybe. Now, please, can you go and see what Kira's doing? It'll be 2026 by the time we get to the pub. Fine. Yeah, all right. Don't know why we're still going to. None of us are in the mood to celebrate. At least next year can't be any worse. Kira, we really do need to go. You don't want to miss the fireworks. Kira. Come on, sweetheart. Emma. What? She's not here. I'm so confused. Fallon and Harrison have had their bottle a show of joy. And Mick? They have. Plus Hannah. What about your family? You gave them their wine? Yeah, yonks ago, in fact. Debbie, Adam and Rory polished it off before their memes had even arrived. And I gave Kate and Jakob one of the spares. Hang on. Those were for in case I'd missed anyone. And have you? I don't think so. So no need to worry. Everyone seems very happy with their free bottle of Chardonnay. If only we could win Best Pub every year. I. I assume you've given your family theirs. Are any of them here? Jazzer should have turned up by now. And I think Emma's coming down with the rest of the Grundys. So where are their bottles? Well, I weren't sure they'd definitely be here, so I took them a couple of bottles this morning. And another for Susan and Neil. And one for me. I hope you don't mind. Why would I mind? We didn't pay for them. Hello, Bran. What can I get you? Well, let me switch. If I can remember, it's two cognacs, two glasses of port, a white wine spritzer, an orange juice, lemonade. Wait, wait, wait, wait. Look. Wait, wait, wait. If you're struggling to remember, I'm not going to. Tracy, could you do the cognac course? You're smelling very fragrant. Brian. New after shave? Oh, yes. Yeah. Christmas present from Miranda. Do you like it? Very punchy. How was the meal? Very nice. Oh, it's going to be such a wrench saying goodbye to Debbie tomorrow. Yeah, I know. It's been so lovely seeing her. Yeah. Still, at least we get to see in the New Year together. Been a while since we've done that. I visited Auntie Chris this afternoon. She was telling me all about previous New Years. It's remarkable what she remembers. Oh, hello. To carry any drinks, you most certainly can. Right, here's your orange juice. And here are the cognacs. Oh, hell. It was two, weren't it? No, no, no, no, no. It's not the drinks. Look who's just staggered in. What do you mean, that's all it says? Does she say where she's gone? All she says is that she's sick of George. Hand it here. Let me see mom and dad. I'm sorry, but I'm gonna go mad if I stay here any longer. I wish George was back in prison. He's ruined everything. I'm gonna kill him, Ed. I've let so much slide and now this. Hasn't he done enough to tear this family apart? All right, all right. She's only 14. Where the hell could she have gone? I don't know, Ed. That's what we need to find out. But getting angry is not gonna help. I wouldn't serve You Anyway, you're clearly already drunk. Oh, come on. It doesn't change the fact that you're both. Who says? It ain't even your name above the door. I still own half the pub. Then I'll have half a pint. Oh, come on, crack a smile. That was funny, was it? No one seems to be laughing. Lillian, would you like me to go fetch Kenton? What, the guy who's scared of a Chihuahua? I'd like to see him try. Where are you, Kenton? George, don't. You're obviously not going to serve. You. Oh, hello, Alice. It's been a while. Don't engage with him, darling. No, don't talk to the dreadful scallywag. He's only a peasant anyhow. Right, you've had your fun. Now come on. Come on now. Get your bits off me. Dad, just be careful. All right, that's enough. Uh oh, here comes the big gun. That's right. Hey, back off. What are you doing? Get back behind the bar. Now listen here, you little twerp. I heard all about your antics at our place yesterday. I know why Amber's back there right now and not you. So even your own family don't want you around. So before you sink any lower in everyone's estimations, if that's possible, why don't you walk back out that door and find yourself a ditch to crawl into? You say such lovely things, Great Auntie Trace. Oh, look, there's Harrison. Fine. This place is a washout anyhow. Happy New Year, everyone. Thanks for the warm welcome home you gave me. Maybe you should make some resolutions and think about the way you've treated one of your own. Dad, are you okay? Yes, I'm fine. Here. Well done, Tracy. Oh, no worries. I'm just sorry I have to call him my great nephew. That boy's heading for a walloping and he deserves of it. Choking. He was drunk. Don't start making excuses for him, Alice. No, I'm not. I'm just saying he doesn't need any help destroying himself. He probably won't even remember in the morning. We shan't forget, shall we? Tracy? Tracy. What's the matter? It's a message from Emma. Kira's gone missing. So you think you can just kick me out, Decide I don't exist? Well, let's see how you like it. With a rock through your window. Maybe you'll notice that. Don't, George. Stop. Who's that? It's Alice. Get lost, Alice. No. Not until you've put that down. You'll only get yourself into Trouble. Well, I don't care. They can throw me back in jail if you like. Yeah, and then what? You'll only regret it. I know I did. Alice. Move. Come on. Put the rock down. What happened to that promise you made me about being a better person? Well done. As soon as you'd thrown it, you'd have been so ashamed. Because I've got nothing else to be ashamed of. I've lost everything. My family, the one girl who's ever loved me. What are you talking about? I'm telling you there's something wrong with my brain, George. What do you mean you've lost everything? I called my mum horrible things. I called Amber a lag lover. I pushed Ed down the stairs. When? A few weeks ago. That's why he was wearing the wrist brace. Yeah, exactly. I'm a terrible person. Why not smash epoxy window? It won't make any difference. No one's ever gonna forgive me. That's not true, George. It's not. Do you think I ever expected to be forgiven for all the terrible things I've done? You don't know. You weren't there. No. Even Grandpa says he's through with me. Everyone around here hates me. Well, who cares what other people think? What I do know is your family hasn't stopped loving you. Do you want to know why? Do you want to hear some of the awful things I've said? I told my mum she was a sniveling doormat. I called Ruri a mistake. I. I once said I wished I could have had a miscarriage. And yet, somehow my family still found room in their hearts to forgive me. So will yours. What, you really think so? I know so. You just have to earn it, that's all. Yeah, and how am I gonna do that? Well, look at me. I'm an embarrassment. Then change. Decide this is the moment it stops. And I promise your family will be there for you. Why are you being so nice to me, Alice? Because I didn't think I deserved another chance either. If I can be given money, you deserve one too. So where are you going now? I don't know. I can't go to Dad's. He's out and he made me give him my key. I suppose I could find Mum, tell her how sorry I am. Do you. Do you honestly think she'll listen, though? You're her son, George. Of course. Of course she'll listen. Then that's what I'm gonna do. Then. Thanks, Alice. George, Are you sure you don't want to sober up a bit? First. No, no, I need to do this. No. Well, can I give you a lift to Grange Farm, then? Just make sure you get there safely. Honestly, you and me and cars. Well, it doesn't work out. Well, I'll be fine. Careful. Flash wheels. See ya. Bye, Alice. Are you sure? I was just about to invite everyone outside for the fireworks, but I could make an announcement instead. No, that's kind of you, Lillian, but if it'll help track Kira. Dam. Honestly, I don't want to put a dampener on everyone's night. Ed and Emma have got the whole family out looking. Susan, Neil, Chris. Don't think they can get hold of Amber, though. I'll try Brad and all. Well, all right. Do you mind if I duck out, though? Oh, goodness, no thanks. I think I'll nip home first, find out where Jazzer's got to. He can help too. It's all right, Tracy. Take care. I'm sure Kira will turn up. Excuse me, everyone. It's only a few minutes until the clock strikes midnight. Could you make your way out onto the green where Ambridge's very own David Archer has been setting up fireworks on Jubilee Field. Goodbye, 2025. Let's all get ready to welcome in the new year, Okay? Just go home and. Oh. Oh, just get Mum and say. Oh, maybe I should sober up first. I don't know what I'm gonna say. Just try and make them see that I mean it this time, and then I'll find Amber and. Hello? Hello? Who's there? Yeah, well, you can't get rid of me. I don't care what anyone else thinks. I'm gonna prove all you losers wr. Mom. I'm sorry. Ed. Why aren't you picking up? I thought you were coming back to the house. I've left your mum at Little Grange and I'm on the lane down to the village. I've managed to get through to Kira's friend Eva, and she doesn't know where she is, but she's going to message the rest of their group and see if she's with one of them. Please call me back and let me know where you are, Emma. I will. I was checking the churchyard. No sign of her, then? Oh, no, nothing. I don't know where Ed is neither. Him and Eddie went off to see if Kira's hiding somewhere around the farm, but that was a while ago and he's not answering his phone. Well, maybe he ain't got a signal. You know what it's like, especially around by the pole barn. Well, you're Lucky if you get a single bar. I know. I'm just so scared something terrible's happened. Hey, come on. Kira's a sensible kid. I'm sure she's safe wherever she is. I hope so. Keep thinking about that promise I made George. What promise? When he told me it was him driving Alice's car, he made me swear on Kira's lady I wouldn't tell anyone, and I did. Em, that's ridiculous. Kira hasn't run away because you broke your promise. I know that. Really. But don't stop it going round and round in my head. Look, everyone's out looking for her. We'll find her or she'll realize she's made a silly mistake and come home. Either way, Kira's going to be fine. Yeah. Okay. Now, come on. Why don't we check around by Nightingale Farm? Fallon. Oh, hi, Liam. I didn't realize anyone was inside. Were you watching the fireworks? No, I missed them. Were they good? They were marvellous. Oh, have you cut yourself? Yeah, I thought I'd clear away a few empties while the pub was quiet. One of the glasses smashed in my hand. Oh, it's not too bad, is it? Oh, no. Just needs a plaster. Are Mum and Kenton back on the bar? I'm not sure. I haven't seen them. I assume Kenton was helping David with the fireworks. Oh, if everyone's coming back in, I'd better get a move on. Oh, well, there's no rush, darling. It'll be a good few minutes before they come in and we start serving again. Do you need help with that plaster? Oh, thanks, yes. Bit fiddly with one hand. Brian all right, by the way. Saw him leaving earlier. He looked a bit pale. Oh, I think he was just a little shaken by his confrontation with George Grundy. Well, weren't we all? How. How are you? Me? Well, it can't be easy having him round the village, let alone barging into the pub. Well, no, but he knows I'm not gonna let him get to me there. Oh, thanks. I only saw the end of it anyhow. You got the brunt of his nonsense. Hardly. It was Tracy who persuaded him to leave. I didn't have much to do with it. Harrison was so hacked off, he's taken himself home. What, because of George? He's doing his best not to let himself get wound up, but when George pulls a stunt like that, I. Oh, yeah, I know. Still, George isn't going anywhere, unfortunately. Oh, now dear, sweet Kira's gone missing. You know, it never rains for the Grundys but it pours. Sorry. What do you mean Kira's gone missing? Hadn't you heard? She's run away. Any sign, Neil? No. Tracy? No. Are you. Nothing. Are we even sure Kira's somewhere around the village? I don't know. I mean, she could have got a friend to pick her up or call for a taxi. Christopher's driving around in case she's decided to try and hitchhike. Oh, she wouldn't do something that stupid, would she? Well, who knows? She thought it was a good idea to run away. That's true. Who knows what she's thinking? Hey, where's Susan? Oh, back at home. I told her if Kira was heading for hours, she'd have turned up by now. She insisted on staying, though. Jazzer, Is that you? Tracy, There you are. Where have you been? I could ask you the same thing. I've just been back to the house. Chelsea said she hadn't seen you. Chelsea? She knew it the night she decided to come home early. Don't ask me why. You still haven't answered my question. I've been looking for Kira. Headphone to say she was missing. What about you? What do you think? I've been looking, too. All right, all right, all right. We've all been searching for Kira. Now, where have you just come from? Jazza? Me? I was checking in the ark. Right Hall. And Tracy, wherever you checked before I nipped home again, I looked around the cricket ground. The pavilion's all locked up, and she's not in the scoring box. Hang on a minute. Have you found her? No, we've just been along the river. You all right, love? Oh, Dad, I don't understand why she hasn't at least sent a message. She must realize how worried we'd be. Why wouldn't she let me know she's okay? I know, I know. I'm sure she is. So, Em, all right, we're just working out where we've searched so far. Now, you've checked the river? Yeah. And where else? Nightingale Farm and the stables. And I checked the church. What about the woods behind the graveyard? No. Well, maybe we should. After all, the bridal path that runs through them leads directly from Grange Farm. Chance. Sir. What? Let's go and look, eh? Together. Doesn't need two ears, does it? Why don't I go? No, those woods are pretty thick. Thick? Between us, we'll cover more ground. All right, but, Jazzo, just go with Neil, okay? Fine. Come on, then. I'm coming. Oh, and Emma, try not to worry, love. Kira's got to be somewhere. I know. Thanks, dad. Have you got any idea where she might be? Not a clue. And nothing that made you think she was planning to run away? No. I mean, obviously things have been awful with George, but I thought we had a nice crisp Christmas. She seemed okay. I can't have been paying her enough attention. Hey, don't start blaming yourself. Have you spoken to him? George, I mean, do you reckon he might know where she's gone? I wouldn't have thought so. It's not like they're close these days. He's the reason she left. Would he even care? She is still his sister. You never know. She might have shared something, even if it's only a hunch. Maybe you should try giving him a call. Jazza, where are you going? This way. Maybe we should double check the chaps again. Will and Emma have already searched round there. Oh, I know, but if she's hiding. Jazza, come on. We're supposed to be checking the bridal path. All right. Kira, it's Granddad. Shout if you can hear me. I don't reckon we'll see it anyway. There's nothing done here. Well, we still need to check. We're running out of places to look. Tracer told me about the fight at your place yesterday. All right. Sounds like it was lucky you walked in when you did. How's Brad? George didn't actually hurt him, did he? Nah. Scarper pretty much as soon as he saw me. Honestly, wish I knew what was going to become of that lad. He seems determined to burn all his British. Aye, well, you eat what you saw. I can't see Kira anywhere. Let's go and check somewhere else. Wait, wait. Can you hear that? That's coming from up ahead. Jazz a quick. Point your torch that way. What's that? What's that? It looks like a. Oh, Lord. It is. It's a body. Is George still not answering? No, it's just going to voicemail. I'm not surprised after the way we left things. Yeah, let me try on my phone. I don't expect he'll pick up, but you never know. Emma. Will. Oh, hiya, Fallon. Lillian's just told me. Is there anything I can do? Do you need more people to search? Yeah, thanks. Okay. Have you contacted the police yet? No, not yet. I suppose I. I was just hoping we'd find her. It's only been a few hours. You know what 14 year old girls are like. She's probably at a house party with her mates. Do you think? Oh, hang on. Is Ed. Oh, finally. Has he Found her? No, he's over by Marnaise. He's going to go and check the ev charging station. Oh, tell him he didn't need to. Eddie's already checked there. Eddie has? But he was with Ed. Not when I saw him, he weren't. I ran into him on my way to the cricket ground. I guess they must have split up. I'm gonna ring Ed. I don't understand why he's not been answering my calls. Like I thought. George not picking up for you neither? No. What? No, no, no. What's the matter? My phone's died. What am I meant to do now? What if Kira tries to call? How's she gonna get through? Hey, come on. I can't believe this is happening. Right, why don't we go back to mine? We can charge a phone there. That's a good idea. Yeah, we'll talk to Harrison, too. He'll know what to do. Yeah, all right. Thank you, Fallon. I just need to know she's okay. Of course you do. Come on. I will never forgive myself if something's happened to her. She's my precious girl. Yeah, that's right. Yeah. Yeah. His name's George. He's my grandson. Please hurry. I can't find a pulse. Say that again already. An ambulance on the way. No, no, no, no. I tried to shake him awake, but. Well, I think maybe someone's clouted him with a bottle. There's blood all in his hair and there are shards of glass everywhere. Sorry, sorry. What? Yeah, yeah, all right. Jazzo. Jazzo. What? Look, put your coat over him, will you? Keep him warm. Wait, I think I can hear an ambulance. Yes, yes, it's coming now. No, no, of course, I understand. Yeah, yes, thank you for your help. Jazza, what are you doing? I told you, put your coat over him. Sorry, never mind. Go on. Go back to the road and wait for the ambulance, will you? Ambulance. Right. Well, go. Hunter. I I. Okay. Hi. There you go. George. This will keep you warm. George. George. Come on, lad. Come on, open your eyes. Look at me. George. Felon. Hang on. Is that an ambulance? Oh, my God, it is. Emma. Emma, don't jump to conclusions. It could be going anywhere. Now, now, come inside. Hopefully Harrison's still away. What if it's for Kiera? It won't be. How do you know? I have to find out where it's going. Emma, wait. Don't you want to charge your phone? Em, where are you going? Em, hold on. Where's Emma going? She's gone after the ambulance. Have you any Idea who? It's for me? Not a clue. She's worried it's for Kira, but that's what me and Will were coming to tell her. Panic over Kira's been found. Dad, what's happening? Emma, where are the paramedics going? Is it Kira? No, don't panic. It is, isn't it? Emma, will you listen? Just tell me what's happened. It's not Kira. It's not? No. That's what I've been trying to tell you. Chris has found her. She's safe. What? Really? Oh. Oh, thank God. So who's the ambulance for, then? It. Dad, I don't know how to tell you this. Jazza and I found him just lying on the ground. I'm so sorry, both of you. It's George. What do you mean, it's George? What's happened to him? I'm not sure. It looked like he'd been attacked. Attacked? How badly? No, no, no, he can't have been. Dad, I asked you a question. How badly is he hurt? Emma, why won't you answer me? Are you. Emma. No. No. Stay here. Dad. You let go. You get out of my way. Let the paramedics do their job. I have to see for myself. But, love, I have to be with George. Eddie, where are you going? The entrance was just there. I can't stop, love. It's for ambulances only. Now, don't fret. There are spaces just here. It was me, Eddie. I did this. Don't be silly. No, I'm serious. I am responsible. If I hadn't walked out on George, you couldn't know someone was going to attack you. No, but I slapped him, Eddie. I called him a loser. What if that's the last thing he ever hears me say? Hey, don't talk like that. George is going to be fine. We're gonna find out what ward he's on and when we do, is going to be as right as rain. Do you hear me? Yes, I hear you. Don't worry about Kira, love. Ed and Clary are looking after her. She's safe and sane back home. Where did Chris find her? Oh, on the ring road, heading to Durrington. And she's okay? I told you, she's fine. Bit embarrassed, maybe. I don't think she really needs knew where she was planning to go. She's got a few friends over that way. I bet that was it. I need to call her. Ma', am, can I borrow your phone? Mine's run out of battery. Oh, yeah, of course. But honestly, love, there's no need to fret. You just focus on George and the police. Spoken to you? No, not yet. I came with George in the ambulance. Dad and Jazz are both given statements, and they've cordoned off the bridle path. Your dad said there was a smashed wine bottle next to George. When they found him, he thought maybe that's what he'd been hit with. I just can't imagine you'd do such a terrible thing. Can't you? What do you mean? Can you? Emma, Remember those guys on the same prison wing as George who were part of that gang that attacked Kenton? Well, that's how the police finally managed to arrest that marquee. George found out where he was and he tipped them off. Emma, we have to tell the police. And then what? You saw what they did to Jolyn and Kenton. Well, I know, but if we think they're responsible. Yeah, what if I'm wrong? It's just going to put George back on their radar anyway. It's already like there aren't plenty of other people who'd like to see see George come to harm. Not enough to assault him, not enough to leave him bleeding and unconscious. You really don't think so? After all the people George has hurt? The truth is, it could have been anyone. Emma, Susan, We've been wandering all over. Thankfully, we found a kind nurse. How's George? What's happening? Is he. He's alive. Thank God. We don't know much more than that. Can we see him? No, not at the moment. Amber, the doctors up with him. He's had a CT scan and it showed he's got a fractured skull. Fractured? Oh, good Lord. He's not come around yet. But he will wake up, won't he? I don't know. I haven't been able to speak to anyone. I'm okay. I'm fine. Neil and Will have gone to get coffee. Guess it's a case of just having to wait and see. Yeah. I'm gonna ring Kira. I'll. I'll go out in the corridor. Oh, okay. You know the pin for my phone, don't you? Oh, yeah. You go on, love. Thanks, Etta. I don't get it. How can they not know? They're doctors. They. They must have some idea if he's going to be okay. Not necessarily. Well, they could at least let us see him. No, I know. All we can do now is hope and pray. That's our job. Now, come on, sweetheart. Why don't you sit down next to me? Oh, that's fine. If Kira didn't want to talk to me. Just tell her I'm not angry with her. I should have noticed something was wrong. I know. But just so she knows, the only thing that matters is that she's okay. Oh, I'm Ed. Just wish you could be here. How come you wasn't answering your phone? No. Before my battery ran out, I didn't know where you were. Okay. I'm only asking. Will thought maybe you didn't have signal. Oh, okay. No, if you have to go. Yeah, I will. Love you too. Emma. Alice. What are you doing here? I don't blame you, Susan. Suddenly this random girl turns up saying she's engaged to your grandson. Total stranger. And then all that stuff with your mum's engagement ring and telling you he didn't want you at his homecoming party. I'm sorry. I've been awful to you. I really do love George, though. You believe that, don't you? I know you love him, Amber. You don't have to convince me it's okay. Yeah, Susan's right. Whatever's gone on in the past don't matter now. We all said and done things we wish we hadn't. But what we need to do now is pull together for George. Don't you reckon, Susan? Yes, I do. I do. We can't change what's happened, but we can try to move on. How are you doing, love? Feeling a bit better now? Yeah. You sure? Yeah, I'm sure. Sorry for crying on you. Is my mascara everywhere? I must look a stain. No, not at all. Where were you when you heard about George? Huh? You were at Jazza and Tracy's, weren't you? Yeah. Didn't go out partying then? No, I just stayed in. Right, I'm gonna go and find the toilets, tidy myself up a bit. Oh, yeah, all right. I think they're back down the corridor by the lifts. Okay, thank you. Oh, poor girl. Yeah. I meant what I said, by the way. About making mistakes. We shouldn't have had to end up here. Oh no, Eddie. Oh no. After George left the pub, I went after him. I spoke to him outside. I wanted to make sure he didn't do anything stupid. We ended up having quite the heart to heart, really. What did he say? That's why I'm here. He told me about some of what's been going on. He was beside himself, Emma. Beating himself up for the pain he'd caused. He was terrified you'd never forgive him. He actually said that? But I told him though, if he's genuinely sorry, then of course he would. He was Desperate to put things right. I don't know, Alice. He might have told you that. He meant it, I promise you. He was coming to find you. What? Yes. To tell you how remorseful he was. I wouldn't be here saying this to you if I didn't think he was sincere. Wait, so is that why he was on the bridle path? He was coming up to the farm? Yeah. This was all outside the Bull? That's right. And then he what, he walked off towards the bridge? Well, I did try to offer him a lift. Did you see anything? I mean, did anyone follow him? Was there anyone else about? No. Sorry. As soon as George headed off, I went back inside. And you don't think anyone else might have seen anything? Well, I doubt it. I mean, Adam left around the same time. Talked to fireworks with Ian and Xander from the cottage. Rory went to meet Paul at a party in Borchester. I suppose I could ask. No, no. I expect the police would be going around everywhere anyway. And obviously I'll tell them everything I've just told you. Yeah, please do. You might be the last person who saw him. Other than the person who did it, of course. George is going to be okay, you know. He's a strong lad. He'll pull through. Whatever's happened. I still like to think of you as my sister. Oh, Alice. Oh, I'm so sorry. Emma. Look. Oh, come here. I still can't say I'd have done what you did. No, I know. But I can see how you and Neil felt. You had to turn George in. We didn't want to do it. We all know George ain't no angel. I guess that's what I found hard to accept. Now ain't the right time to talk about that, though. No. But thank you, Eddie. Oh, it's not as if I haven't gone over that day again and again in my head. Did we do the right thing? Could we have dealt with it differently? Who knows? If George hadn't gone to prison, we might not be here now. That's not your fault, though. He made his choices. If you ask me, George was probably always heading down a bad road. You did the right thing. Thank you, Eddie. I've been trying to work out how long he must have been lying there. Tracy says he came into the bull about half 11. The bull? I thought he was bored. No, didn't stop him wanting to be so. Although he was already off cut, apparently. You're joking. Tracy managed to persuade him to leave. So if he left, then and Neil and Jazza found him around half 12, quarter to one. He could have been lying there in the freezing cold for almost an hour. Yeah, possibly. Where are you? Eh? You weren't in the pub then? Oh, no, no. We were meant to be walking down with Edward and Emma, but Kira went missing. Me and Edward went straight out looking for her. Still, at least we don't have to worry about her now. We could still be looking for her if it wasn't for your Christopher. Oh, don't bear thinking about not knowing if George is going to make it. He's terrible enough. Mum. Oh, what is it, Emma? Have you spoken to Kira? No, but one of the doctors just came to find me. George is awake. George, can you hear me? It's mum. Hello, sweetheart. Can you open your eyes? Look, look, Amber's here too. Amber. It's wonderful to see you. We've been so scared. Your dad's just outside and so are Nana and granddad and Grandpa. We're only allowed to be in here two at a time, but everyone is desperate to see you. So sorry for what I said before. I just need you to get better, okay? No need to worry about anything else. We'll work all of that out later. Yes. And Clay, we just want you home. I. I'm sorry, Mum. I know it's all my fault. Do you remember what happened, George? Did you see who attacked you? Oh, don't worry, babe. Look, if it's too hard to talk. There was a noise. Yeah, behind me. It was dark. Okay, A noise behind you. And then what? Maybe not now, Emma. Perhaps it'll come back to him later. I saw someone standing over me. Who was standing over you? Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Go on, tell us, sweetheart. Who was it? Who did this to you? Sa. Just put your headphones on and immerse yourself in a gripping thriller. A guy you've never seen before offers you ten grand to look after an envelope and you take it. Are you crazy? A chilling mystery. The old lady there, can't you see her? A heart stopping adventure. I'm going to kiss you now. I'm Kim Cattrall and you can hear me in Limelight from BBC Radio 4 where drama serials take center stage. I know that it wasn't an accident. They were murdered, weren't they? Search for limelight on BBC Sounds Are you scared? At the BBC we go further so you see clearer. With a subscription to BBC.com you get unlimited articles and videos ad free podcasts. The BBC News channel streaming live 24. 7/plus hundreds of acclaimed documentaries from less than a dollar a week for your first year. Read, watch and listen to Trusted in independent journalism and storytelling. It all starts with a subscription to BBC.com find out more@BBC.com unlimited.