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Nowadays, it's also a trail for the energy gel lovers. A bike tour around here is definitely set to work up a sweat. So there you have it. Turkey is med flavor history, St. Paul and St. Nick. Time to start packing. At the BBC we go further so you see clearer. With a subscription to BBC.com, you get unlimited articles and videos, hundreds of ad free podcasts and the BBC News Channel streaming live 24. 7 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. Hello, I'm Emma Freud, host of the Archers Podcast, which celebrates everything about the Archers, from interviews with the cast and creators to digging into the issues behind the stories and delving into the riches of the archive. Do stay on after this week's Archer's Omnibus to hear our latest episode exploring this week in Ambridge. And if you enjoy it, we'd love you to subscribe to the Archers podcast, only available on BBC Sounds. BBC Sounds Music Radio podcasts. You're listening to the Archer's omnibus from BBC Radio 4. Linda, what's the matter? What's wrong? Don't freak out. I do not freak out, Tom. Good. That's good because Henry can't play. What? He can't make it. It's a last minute thing. What last minute thing? This is the first I've heard of it. He was really upset about the Borchester Force woman, the one who had to go to ae. Well, that wasn't Henry's fault. I mean, he was bowling. Yes, but not deliberately at her. Well, he can't get over it. Is that the real reason he's not coming? Yes, absolutely. He's been struggling with it all week. She broke two fingers, Linda. Now, what if I were to speak to him, reassure him that he's not to blame? No, no, no, it's best not, I think. Sorry, Linda, but we've all tried that. Me, my mum, Helen, and it's made no difference whatsoever. Oh, dear, I'm sorry to hear that. I wasn't gonna even mention this today, but the truth is that he's not even sure about next season. No. Really? Yeah. Oh, I do hope that he changes his mind. Well, I wouldn't bank on it. All right, well, we can't worry about next season now, can we? Not really. Let's think positive. We still have a full strength team, even without Henry. Bit of a shame that we're batting first in some ways, but if we can get ahead with a decent enough innings, then we might just avoid relegation. Yeah, absolutely. Hang on a sec. What? Oh, it's Adam. Adam? He's not playing. What? Why? He's working at Home Farm. Well, tell him to stop. I can't tell him to stop, Linda. Why is he working on a Sunday when Ambridge cricket team needs him more than we've ever needed him? Because Stella quit. So he's trying to help Brian out as well as keep his job going with us. Right, I'm calling him. I'm calling him right now. Good afternoon. Hi. So I've got here on my alert, Ambridge Cricket Club. That right? That's correct. Okie dokie, let's go. Ambridge need a win today, eh? Oh, yeah, yeah, I believe they do. Unfortunately, we could benefit from their loss. Oh, really? I'm the chair of Rosarin in the Vale Cricket Club. Oh, right, yes. Don't I recognise you actually, from the team? Yeah, I did. I did play earlier in the season. Why aren't you playing today? I had to drop it, I'm afraid. I need to work Sundays, especially in the height of the season. You were pretty useful with the bat, as I recall. They must be missing you. I think they are, yeah. I feel bad, but what can you do? It's just economics. What's your name? Sorry? Oh, Rex. I'm Rex Fairbrother. Fairbrother, not son of Robin? Yeah, that's me. And you? Oh, I'm Lawrence Harrington. Delighted to meet you, Rex. Hello. Oh, Adam, finally. I've been calling you and calling you. Hi, Linda. Yeah, I'm Sorry, I was out in the. Adam, sorry, I don't have time for niceties. This is rather urgent. What's wrong? Well, Henry can't make it, you see. And if we don't have you either, then we don't have a full team for the match. Yes. Sorry, Linda. I'm afraid things are a bit difficult here. Yes, yes, I know. Tom's already explained the pressures you're under, but the truth is that Home Farm's troubles will still be there tomorrow. But this is Ambridge cricket team's final chance to avoid relegation. Today? No, but, Linda, tomorrow I'm supposed to be at Bridge Farm. You see, that's the thing. And there's so much to do here, and I'm right in the middle of half a dozen different things. It's just impossible. I'm sorry. So, do you miss it? Miss what, sorry? The cricket. Oh, yes. Yeah. Yeah, I do, actually. It's a real shame. But that's life, isn't it? And I'm used to it, to be honest. Used to it? I used to play rugby for a living back in the day. A pro, were you? Kind of, yeah. Yeah, I don't miss that, actually. The battering I used to get. Oh, yes. It's a brutal game. I prefer the gentler sports. Cricket. Golf. Easier on the old bones. Exactly. But I've been thinking while I'm sitting here, what if we could pay you to play for Ozran and compensate you for the lost fares? Oh, that's kind. Well, I'm not saying it to be kind, Rex. I've seen you play. You'd be an asset. We'd love to have you. And if we can make it work for you, too, then everyone's happy. Well, not everyone. Not sure how I'd tell Linda that I'm defecting to Rosiran. Linda Snell? Yeah, she's our chair. Oh, I know, I know. I know Linda quite well. Oh, right. Well, then, you know, she wouldn't be very impressed. But Rosran would be offering you something that Ambridge wasn't. Um, yeah. Correct me if I'm wrong, but if Ambridge didn't have the imagination to come up with this solution, then they don't deserve you. Linda might not see it like that. Surely it's not up to Linda. When it comes down to it, she's not the boss of you, is she? Oh, I think Linda's the boss of everyone. Yes, well, perhaps that's true. She's a lovely lady. But she's not the only person who's good at getting her own way. What if we could bump that payment up a bit higher? So it was your fares plus a bit extra. Really? And I imagine that your fares aren't always consistent. No. No, they're not. So we could offer you a guaranteed fixed fee for the afternoon. Slightly more than you'd make cabbing, even on a good day. Plus, you get to play cricket instead of driving for a living. How does that sound? Oh, no. Oh, no. That's Chris out for six. Six. I can't watch. That is a blow. This is not a good start. Not a good start start at all. Oh, just keep the faith. Keep the faith. And still no sign of Adam. I don't think Adam is coming, Linda. I mean, he told you he wasn't, but I didn't entirely believe him. I'm sure he would if he could. He is in a genuinely difficult position right now. But this is our greatest hour of need, Tom. But at the end of the day, Linda, it's only cricket, Tom. I know, I know. But you have to keep a bit of perspective. I do. I am. I'm very good at keeping perspective. But Chris is out for six. For goodness sake. It was a good ball. He's our best player. What about me? Well, besides you. Good save. Hey, Adam. I couldn't do it. I just couldn't do it. I knew. I knew you wouldn't let us down. Oh, Adam. What did I say? Tom, what did you say? Linda said she couldn't believe you'd let us down in our hour of need. And you haven't. And also, I have not lost my significant powers of persuasion. Was that what you were really worried about? Well, not really worried, but anyway. Anyway, it's fantastic you're here and absolutely delighted. Now go and get us a century, please, Adam. Well, I'll do my best. I need to get changed first. Yes, yes, of course. And I need to go and find Robert and actually try and enjoy this match. Oh, this is very cheering. I do love this team. See you both at tea. Best of luck to you both. Okay, thanks, Linda. See you. Linda. How's it going? Pretty awful start. Chris just got caught out for six. Oh, you're joking. So actually, a century would be really, really great. Ah, Linda, there you are. Lawrence. I was wondering where you got to. What are you doing here? Well, naturally, I'm interested in your penultimate match of the season. And Rosrum played our fixture yesterday, so I found myself free to come to relish our defeat. Oh, not at all, not at all. Though I Was delighted to see Chris Carter out for six. Really? But it's not that I want to see you suffer. No, of course not. It's only that your loss will help Rosarin's position in the table. Yes, I am fully aware of your position. Ah, good. Well, I'm glad it wasn't lost on you. Nothing is lost on me, Lawrence. I can well believe it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I was trying to find my husband. You haven't seen him, have you? No, I haven't. But you know, you might have had more success in this league if you'd managed to keep hold of a talent like Rex Fairbrother. Yes, well, that couldn't be helped. He has to work at weekends. No, I know. He told me all about it in the cab on the way over. Did he? We had a very interesting conversation. What did he say? Oh, you look worried, Linda. Do I, sir? I'm not worried. Why would I be worried? I'm just distracted by the match. So what did Rex say? Told me he couldn't afford to miss out on a day's work. Yes, yes, that's right. Naturally, Sundays during the summer are very busy for him. Why on earth didn't you just offer him a minimal fee to stay on? Um, it's perfectly legitimate practice. Plenty of clubs do it. Lawrence, I am not discussing the minutiae of how we manage our team with a rival chair. Oh, fantastic. Fantastic. Freddy, perhaps there's hope, eh? There is always hope, Lawrence. Okay, okay, okay. This is good. This is better. Yep. Listen, Adam, if you get 50, I'll square it with Mum that you can work at Home Farm again tomorrow. Oh, really? Yeah, absolutely. But you've got to make a decision about what you're doing by the end of the week. Huh? I will, I will. Home Farm or Bridge Farm? Cuz we need to get someone else in if we can't rely on you. Yeah, of course you do. Yeah. Thank you, Tom. Right, okay. Okay, you're a go, go, go. At least 50, Adam. Uhhuh. I'm going. Ah, Linda, My commiserations. Yes, well, Ambridge fought a good fight in the end. Yes, thank you, Lawrence. I believe we did. And although we are now very sadly facing certain relegation, I think we can still hold our heads high. Well, Adam Most certainly can. Goodness, 57 runs. Yes, he had a marvellous innings. But I'm proud of the whole team. They showed tremendous sportsmanship. But then that's what Ambridge are in it for. You see, love of the game, not the money. Well, anyway, time to go home. Your hair looks lovely, by the way. My hair? It's different, isn't it? Yes. I've gone for a more caramel tone. Well, it looks very nice. Thank you. You see, there's really no need for this froir between us, Linda. Well, there is, actually. Oh, you're still not dwelling on that business with the Asian family? The Mallocks? Is that their name? I was horrified by what you said. Oh, for goodness sake. It wasn't that bad. And now I find out you've been insulting my hairdresser. Your hairdresser? Her name is Chelsea. And I believe you were quite unpleasant to her. Do you mean the Chelsea that I met at the golf club? That Chelsea? Yes. She's gone running to you now, has she? She didn't come running to me, Lawrence. She was cutting my hair. But she started whining. So you made Chelsea and Zeynep feel horribly unwelcome. Well, I don't know why? Because I was actually very nice to them. I offered to buy them a drink. Lawrence, you told that you wouldn't touch her with a barge pole. I mean, how is that an appropriate way to speak to anyone? It was a joke. But nobody's laughing. But why do they have to be crying? Nobody is crying. They're making such a fuss about nothing. But I can't stand it. The snow flakery of it. Snow flakery? Oh, you needn't pretend that you're one of them, you know. There's no need to be down with the kids, Lawrence. This is not about me trying to be down the kids. This is about unacceptable behavior. Did she tell you that Martin Gibson put in a complaint to the club? Who, I might add, dismissed the whole thing as nonsense? Yes, she did. Which is why I offered to contact Borsetshire Golf association and see what they had to say. Are you serious? Perfectly. Oh, good Lord. I don't understand this. And that is the problem, Lawrence. That is the biggest chance problem of all. Okay, so we need to get the COVID crops planted asap, and it's either going to have to be me who does the drilling, or we hire someone in. Well, you can't do it if you're supposed to be at Bridge Farm. Well, I could probably do some of it and we could hire in for the rest. Have you booked the maize harvester in for a service yet? No, no, I was actually thinking we might skip it. Skip it? Well, just for this year. That seems a bit risky. I'm just looking at ways to cut costs, Adam. Yeah, but we don't want to start cutting corners, do we? No, we don't want to go bankrupt either. A service on the maize harvester is hardly going to bankrupt us. I know, I know. Course it's not. But right now we do have a serious issue with cash flow. Well, I'm not denying that. Look, when does Justin's rewilding feasibility study come out? I'm not sure. A couple of weeks, I think. That'll just open up all the BL Board aggro again. That's something to look forward to. Yeah. Do you really think he'll go through with it? Well, selling his shares, yeah. I've no idea. He might. He's got no conscience. Okay, okay, but. Sorry, Brian, just going back to the maize harvester. If it breaks down, then it's going to cost us a fortune. I don't think it will break down, though. It's in great nick. We've never missed an annual service before. I just think. Yes? Ultimately, it's my decision, isn't it? Is it? I mean, if I'm working here. But you're not working here. Not permanently. I mean, you've got another job. I appreciate you dropping everything to come to my aid, but I can't expect you to do that forever, can I? Well, I can't. So I have to be the one with the final say on anything financial. Okay. Okay. Hi. Oh, hi. Can I help you? I was just looking for the tea room. But am I in the wrong place? No, no, you're in the right place. Just head across the yard and it's right in front of you. Oh, thank you. You're Tom Archer. Yeah, I am. Well, well played yesterday. Oh, you were watching. Indeed I was. Yes. Well, no one can say we didn't go down without a fight, can they? Absolutely not. You should be proud of yourselves. Thanks. Sorry, I think I've forgotten your. Oh, Lawrence Harrington, Chair of Rosarin in the Vale. All right. Of course. Well, you guys have done well this season. Oh, thank you, Tom. He's really good. Well, I mean, it's a. It's a different league. Yes. As we've discovered. To our cost, I think. Unfortunately. Because you have a real range of skill, which is wonderful, of course, for a Village team. Yeah, I know. It means we have flashes of brilliance combined with quite a bit of. Well, very average. Yes. Pity. A real pity. But. And forgive me, do you mind me asking, how much you get paid? How much I get paid? Well, I assumed, you know, because of your obvious ability, Tom, that you were being paid. No, no, no chance. So does Linda pay anyone in the team? No, no. Well, not as far as I know. Not as far as you know. I was joking. So she's never paid anyone ever? No, absolutely not. I mean, that wouldn't fit with her ethos at all. I myself wouldn't say no to cold, hard cash, but no, no, never gonna happen. So long as you've got no complaints. Well, I wish we weren't being relegated after a single season, but what can you do? Sorry, I better get this. Oh, sure. Nice chatting to you. Yeah, you too. Bye. Bye. Hello? Hi, Tom. It's Adam. It's okay. No one is expected to see you today. And Mum was fine with it after your heroic 57 runs. Oh, that's. That's kind. Listen, I think I have made a decision, actually. Okay. That's good. So, what is it? Have you got time for a quick chat? Yeah, could I just come over? Yeah, sure. Oh, it's you, Chelsea. Hello, Lawrence. You get everywhere, don't you? Sorry, don't take that the wrong way. I just meant that I heard you were cutting Linda's hair last week. Yeah, because I'm a hairdresser. And this week you're serving in the tea room. Well, I actually have a few different jobs, so. That's wonderful. How industrious of you. What would you like to order? I'll have a cappuccino, please. Anything else? Well, have the Welsh rare bit, please. Welsh rabbit. I love a Welsh rabbit. My granny used to make them all the time. Did she? She was a wonderful woman, my grandmother. Salt of the earth. Right. Cash. Card. Card. That's 12, 10. There you go. Are you sitting outside her? In. Outside, please. Right, take a seat. I'll bring it out to you. Is that all right? Yeah, of course. Only I don't want you complaining to Linda that I forced you to wait on me, thereby confirming that I am indeed a male chauvinist pig. Sorry, what? Linda and I had a chat yesterday at the cricket and she told me she's planning to take your complaint about me to the Borsuchire Golf Association. She told you that? She did, yes. Right. Okay. Well, the. This is really awkward. You know, Chelsea, I like to think I'm the kind of man who, if I make a mistake, I hold my hands up. I apologise, I make amends. Now, I've tried to do that, but you and the other girl, you just won't accept my apology. Personally, I'd like to move on, put this behind us. But you won't Let it happen. Yeah. The thing is, you still don't get it. And I have to warn you that you may be storing up trouble for Linda. What sort of trouble? In my opinion, this complaint to Borser Golf is unnecessary, malicious, and frankly, it's ridiculous. Well, that's a matter of opinion. But if Linda insists on going ahead, then I shall have to take action of my own. What action? Like, what are you talking about? It's a confidential matter that I can't discuss further, I'm afraid. Shall I take that? Take what? The cappuccino. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. As I say, I'll be outside whenever my rare, but read it. Hi. Oh, hey, Adam. Okay, so I've really been thinking about this whole situation, and Pat is right, it can't go on. So I'd like to hand in my notice. I know. Sorry. I do exactly the same thing. Would you really? Because I thought you'd try to talk me out of it. Why? Well, obviously it's not ideal for Bridge Farm, but you finally got the chance to run Home Farm. Of course you're going to take it. No, Tom, that's not what's happening. Not at all. It's a temporary situation. It's a crisis. I can't just watch Brian struggle. It's a temporary situation that you hope will become permanent. I really wasn't thinking about it like that. Weren't you? No. Well, then you're a fool. Oh, thanks. Look, Adam, we all know you were just biding your time till you got another shot at Home Farm. Well, that's not true, actually. I've loved working here. It's been brilliant. I know. But it's time to move on. And that's fair enough. Linda. Hi. Sorry. Nancy. You all right? Have you sent that email to boss at your golf yet? No, no, not yet. Sorry. I was going to do it this afternoon. Why? Well, Lawrence has just come in and basically said we should just drop it. Because if you don't, it's going to cause trouble for you. For me? Yeah. Like how? He wouldn't say, but now I'm really worried. Oh, that man is so irritating. Look, don't worry about me at all. I can take care of myself. Is he still here? Yeah, yeah, yeah. He's just sitting in the orchard, eating his lunch. Right. I'll deal with him. Don't give him another thought. Rex. Rex. Oh, hi, Lawrence. How funny. I know. What are the chances we. What are you doing here? I was over this way on an errand. Fancied a fancy sandwich, which I can't really afford, but what the hell. Ah, you see, if you took me up on my offer, you could buy all the fancy sandwiches you like. Yeah, yeah, I could just spend all my cricket money on sandwiches. So, have you had a chance to think? Yeah, I've thought about it quite a lot, actually, and gotta say, it's very tempting. Sorry, Brian. That's all right, that's okay. Everything all right? Yeah, fine, fine. I was a bit worried I'd annoyed you. No, no, not at all. I really don't want to seem ungrateful. I just had to make a quick trip to Bridge Farm. All right? Yes, okay, sure. Now, listen, I'm so sorry about all the trouble I've caused you with them. No, no, it's fine. Don't worry. I've just squared it all with Tom. But I don't want to jeopardize your relationship with Bridge Farm. And Pat was right. We really do need to sort things out. And I know how happy you've been there. Brian. I'm going to advertise for a new farm manager this week because Stella's never coming back. I know that now. I mean, you said it. Everyone said it. Stella said it. Yes, tell us. Quite a few times. Yes. Repeatedly, in fact. But I've got the message now. Oh, that's good. So I'm not going to be pulling you in two different directions? No, you're not, because I quit. You quit what? Here? Bridge Farm. I've just handed my notice in. You're kidding. Is that good or bad? It's brilliant. It's absolutely brilliant. It's fantastic. Oh, thank goodness for that. But are you sure? Yes, totally. But wasn't your life vastly improved by the lack of stress and responsibility at Bridge Farm? I mean. Yeah, and no. I love this place. Place? Brian, Home Farm is where the heart is. We could do a whole series of merchandising. Home Farm is where the heart is now. Are you kidding? Yes. The thing is, I just can't get rid of this nagging feeling that I'm betraying Linda. Well, not just Linda, all of them. But, you know, you wouldn't have to play against your old team because, I'm afraid to say, Ambridge are being relegated and we're not. Still, I don't think I can do it play for Rosarama. I just feel too guilty. I'm really sorry. Well, I can't say I'm not disappointed, but I understand. Sorry. Forgive me, Rex, but can I just ask you something before you go? Sure. Have Ambridge cricket team ever offered you money to play cricket? Why? Why do you ask that? Because I'm finding it rather difficult to get a straight answer on this issue. But why do you? Why would you care? Well, that's my business. Except it's not. It's none of your business, is it? Well, I'm making it my business. Okay, look, I can't get into this and I've got to go. I've really got to go. Ah, and look who's here. Who? The infamous Linda Snell. Hello, Lawrence. Rex. Hi, Linda. Sorry, I was just leaving. And don't worry, I won't take you first. Okay? Okay. See you. Yes, see you around, Rex. If you change your mind about playing for Ozran next year, do drop me a line. Yep. Yep. Okay. Bye. Turned you down, dippy. Lawrence. You did. Oh, well, that's pleasing, I must say. He has principles, you see. Unlike some, eh? Well, you do have some principles, Lawrence. I wasn't talking about me. Who were you talking about? Why don't you sit down? I'd rather stand. Don't be silly. Sit down, please. I don't want to, Lawrence. Now, tell me, what on earth did you say to Chelsea earlier? Ooh, fast work, Chelsea. How exactly are you planning to cause trouble for me? Because I know your secret. You see, I don't have any secrets. Not even those brown envelopes? Brown envelopes? What brown envelopes? Have you completely lost your mind? Passed quietly on to the man most talented players on the Ambridge cricket team, while the rest of the team go unaware and unremunerated. How did you even. I should have been an investigative journalist, shouldn't I? Who told you? You and Rex gave the game away between you. I don't understand. I'm surprised at you, though. I really am. And rather disappointed. Please. You're thrilled. You're completely thrilled. So if you take this nonsense because complaint to Borsuchire Golf association, then I will be forced to tell the entire Ambridge cricket team what you've been up to. Do you think it'll work all right? You and Kirsty? Well, I hope so. A bit late now. If it doesn't, why do you think we won't get on? I've no idea. I like Kirsty. I like Kirsty, too. Really? Well, most of the time. I mean, we do have a slightly checkered past. What with her reporting you for poisoning the am. Yes, but that's all behind you now. Water under the bridge. Oh, dad. Poor taste. Yes, she and Roy were very considerate when your mother died. Was that both of us? I think it was saved by the bell. Oh, it's Martha. Is Martha on her first day at school yesterday? Oh, look, she is smashing. She really is. Oh, she looks so excited. I know. I don't know what Alice is so stressed about really. Well, it's quite a big step. Yeah, but Martha's the kind of girl who'll love school. She's not going to be like me, is she? And get expelled. Well, hopefully not on her first day. You know what I mean. Dad, what's wrong? Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about when Alice started school. Your mother said she couldn't believe how quiet the house became. Oh, dad. But listen to me banging on. Haven't you got packing to do? Oh, hello, darling. I'm sorry I'm late. Oh, that's all right. Don't worry. Everything okay? Yeah. No. Oh, yes, sort of. I was just having a ding dong with Justin. The man's driving me mad. Why, what's happening? Oh, it's this business with bl. It's just awful. Is that still running on? On and on and on. It's like he wants to make enemies right now. And you know what this place is like. So tight knit. You can't fall out with anyone without it impacting on everyone else. Right now I don't want to be tainted by association. Brian is my brain brother in law, for goodness sake. It's like Justin forgets that, you know, now that Jenny's gone. It's not very nice, you know, it's not very sensitive. No, that doesn't sound very. We don't cease to have that relationship just because my sister has died because of Justin. It looks like home farmers lost some very lucrative work. I'm so embarrassed, honestly. Your hair's looking lovely by the way, darling. Oh, thank you. Was it. Was it Chelsea? It was so good with colour, isn't she? Really is. Let's see if she can fit me in this way again. Oh, I'm sure she will if she can. Have you ordered anything yet? Not yet. I was waiting for you. Oh, sorry. No, it's absolutely fine. I'm not actually very hungry. You all right, darling? Well, I've got myself into a. Well, I suppose you could call it a scrape to steal an Enid Blyton phrase. Well, what's going on? Well, you remember the notorious Lawrence Harrington, the Rosa and cricket team chair very one. Well, what's he done now? Oh, it's a long story. But I enjoy a long story. Look, listen, I. I've been thinking about something. And I. I just want you to hear me out. What? We finally paid off the no till seed drill. Yeah, which is brilliant. Yeah, but that won't be enough to solve our cash flow issues. Right. Well, what if we completed all our autumn planting in the next fortnight and then sold the drill? Sold the drill. I know it sounds like madness. That's exactly what it sounds like. But I do think we should sit with it for a bit. Brian, we could have 80 grand in the bank just like that. I'm sure we could. Who wouldn't want an incredibly expensive piece of kit like that for the bargain price of 80 grand? We may well as or give it away for free with a cuddly toy, but we just don't currently have the contracts to justify owning something like that. But we'll find them. Not this season we won't. And what about our own land? Well, like I said, we'd finish our autumn planting first. Then what happens in the spring? We hire a drill like everyone else. No, Brian, that makes no sense at all. It's panic thinking. Well, yes, yes, maybe. But with good reason. Okay. Why don't we go back to the office, get some lunch, talk about it there? I'm not sure. There's a lot in the fridge at the office. Well, then I might nip home, eat lunch there, if that's okay. Sure, I might do the same. But I still don't understand how he worked it out. He guessed. But how? He smelt blood when he was offering Rex money. Rex was clearly uncomfortable. And when he told me he'd had an injury Interesting chat with Rex about the cricket, he saw that I was concerned. And when he questioned me directly about whether any Ambridge players had ever been paid, I was evasive. And then he talked to Tom. And Tom unwittingly confirmed that he had no knowledge of anyone being paid to play for Ambridge. Lawrence merely put it all together and came up with the truth. But then to threaten you like this. I know, I know. It's just vile. You know? Say you were to meet him with Justin at the golf club. He'd be perfectly charming to you. He can seem absolutely delightful. It's quite unnerving, really. And have you sent this email yet to Borsetshire Golf Association? Yeah. No, I haven't. I was going to send it yesterday afternoon, but this gave me pause. I feel very guilty that I haven't done it yet. Oh, Linda, you shouldn't feel guilty. Of course the situation made you hesitate. But I can't give in to blackmail. Can I? I cannot believe you're being. Blackmail. It's absolutely ridiculous. I mean, who does this man think he is? Oh, you're still here. Yes. Sorry to disappoint you. Oh, not at all. I was rather dreading coming back to an empty house. I thought you might be. Sorry, darling. Ignore me. I just. Oh, I've just got used to you being here. I've got used to being here too. I'll miss you, I'm afraid. And I'll miss you too. Worked well in the end, didn't it? I mean, it was fun. I actually had fun. Me too. Dad, Maybe you should get a lodger. What? No way. Why would I want a lodger? Because you're obviously afraid of being lonely. When did I say that? Not afraid of being lonely at all. You don't need to be afraid. Pretend. I'm not pretending. What about you and Miranda moving in together? No, no, that's a terrible idea. Don't mince your words. Kate. Kate. I only came back to make a sandwich, not get advice on my next flatmate. Well, haven't you got a fridge in the office? Well, yes, but it's rather empty these days. It's another thing Stella was good at, filling the fridge. Well, you know, we had a kind of unofficial kitty and she. I mean, she didn't pay for it all. She was just better organized than me. What about Adam? I thought he'd be bringing fabulous leftovers in. I mean, he lives with a chef. Well, Adam and I have just been run off our feet. That's the thing. I mean, we are. We're basically a bit up the creek right now. We just haven't got the contract and we've tried everything and everyone. I'm not quite sure how things will pan out. We're even talking about selling off the no till drill. Oh, the ridiculously expensive one? Yes, that one. Which Adam thinks is madness, but I think there's something in it. How are you and Adam getting on? Fine, fine. Yeah. Yeah, he's been brilliant in the last couple of weeks. Did I tell you he's quit Bridge Farm? You did, several times. Oh, sorry. I'm just amazed that he did that. But it's a good thing, right? Oh, yes, yes, it's remarkably generous. I know. You and Adam, don't you? No, no, no, but I can't fault him. I mean, he's being fantastic and so patient with me. Honestly. Oh, dad, you do look quite stressed. Well, it's the economics of it. I. I just can't see an Obvious solution. And it's Justin who's to blame, really. I'm so fed up with Justin right now, I'm not too keen on him myself. And I don't care that he's Auntie Lillian's partner. I think he's behaving dreadfully. Well. Anyway, I'm sure we'll work it out. I'll work it out. I didn't mean to burden you. You're not burdening me. I'm gonna make a sandwich. Can I make one for you? No, thanks. I'm all right. Have you eaten? No. But it's lunchtime. Yeah. I'll have something later. I was just gonna get in the car, to be honest. You don't fancy even a quick cuppa? Go on, stay and have a cup of tea with your poor old lonely dad. Ok. See? Just a little bit of emotional blackmail does the trick. Honestly, Dad, I just have to accept the fact that the rest of the cricket team will be very, very angry. But it wasn't even you who was paying Rex. It was Lily and Freddy. But I kept it quiet, Lillian. I wasn't transparent. Because you were protecting Lily and Freddy. But was that the right thing to do? Well, maybe I'm a bit biased, but I would say yes, it absolutely was the right thing. With the sake of morale, if nothing else. Plus, you put a stop to it as soon as you found out what was going on. None of this is your fault, Linda. The buck stops with me, you see? But why? It's not as if you're Harry S Truman. No, but I'm the chair and I take that responsibility seriously. Of course you do, darling, and that's marvellous. But there's such a thing as taking your responsibilities too seriously. Well, I can hardly turn round and say it was all Lily and Freddy Kennedy, can I? I'd be completely throwing them under the bus. That doesn't mean you have to throw yourself under the selfsame bus. That's exactly what it means. I'm getting a bit mixed up with Harry S Truman and the number 73 here. Easily done. Yes. We still haven't ordered lunch yet, have we? Oh, no. No, we haven't. Sorry, I didn't mean to go. Oh, you haven't gone on dying? Not at all. I'm just sorry that you're in this bizarre situation. I did prefer were it when I had the moral high ground. Yes, but you've still got the moral high ground. Well, not really over a racist misogynist. Oh, I think you do. Linda. Adam. Hi. Where are you in the Home Farm office. Oh, okay. Well, Dad's just heading back there now and I'm about to drive over to Kirsty's place with all my stuff. You moving out today? Yeah. Did dad not say? No. Oh, well, I just had a chat with him and he seems quite stressed. I wondered if maybe the two of you need more support than you've currently got. What do you mean? Well, you know, three heads are better than two, aren't they? I mean, I know that's not the exact phrase, but Farming? Kate, with all due respect, it's not really your thing. No, I know. I wasn't thinking of me. Well, please don't call Alice and get her involved because we really don't want to trouble her. No, she's doing so well. No, I agree. It's fine, Kate. We're fine. We can handle it, honestly. And there isn't anyone else to ask anyway, so we haven't got much choice, have we? At the BBC, we go further. So you see clearer with a subscription to BBC.com you get unlimited articles and videos, hundreds of ad free podcasts, and the BBC News channel streaming live 24. 7 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. Most travellers stick to the highlights, but in Turkey, if you go off the beaten path, you'll experience a whole lot of adventure. Like the support trail, where cyclists chase the thrill. Or Erla, where you can kite surf to your heart's content. For exploring on your feet. Hike up to Mount Nemrud or walk in Patara through ancient civilizations that might reveal the history of humanity itself. Plan your detour@goturkier.com for a gripping adventure. So what we doing today, Lillian? Oh, just my roots and a trim, darling. Okay, so I'm just gonna mix the piece. I love what you've done with Linda's color. Oh, it looks rather nice, doesn't it? It's lovely. Really suits her. We. We met up for lunch yesterday and she told me what's been going on with that Lawrence man. Yeah, I know, it's mad. I can't believe he's trying to blackmail her. Sorry? You know, over the cricket. I don't know what you're talking about. I thought you knew all about it. No, no, like. Well, she was at the tea room and spoke to him. I was worried, but she told me everything was fine. But what are you saying? It isn't no, I'm afraid it's not. But. Okay, Lillian, you have to tell me. Just like, tell me what's going on. Hey, Mum. Hi, Ray. Hi. Stella's offered to give us a hand with a milking. Really? Why? Why not? Cause it's not your job. Yeah, I know she's offered, Mum. She's bored. I mean, we'd basically be doing her a favor. Yeah, right. Well, I didn't say I was bored. Yeah, you did. Well, I said I needed to find something to do. Yeah, and I found you something to do because you're good like that. Exactly. Stella, you do not have to milk our cows. I know, I know I don't. I'd actually like to. She's basically missing farming. I am. Well, yeah, I can understand that. Oh, did you two hear that? Adam back at Home Farm full time now. He got in mighty quick. How's that gonna work? He and Brian don't even get on. Well, maybe, you know, maybe Brian's mellowed. Anyway, we've got this, Mum, and that frees you up to go and do something else. Well, okay then. If you insist. Oh, I really don't want Linda to send that email now. She might already have sent it, Chelsea, if I'd known what the. That snake Lawrence actually said to her. Well, I'm guessing that's precisely why she didn't tell you. Oh, that's my phone. Sorry, darling. It's Justin. Can I just read it? Yeah, of course. Justin. What? Do you know what his latest thing is, Ma? This morning he said to me he wants to buy more land. More land? Yeah, me too. I want more land. I wanted to go on a cruise a few months ago, but apparently we couldn't afford it. But, oh, we can afford to go shopping for another farm or two, because they're as cheap as chips, aren't they? Oh, can I start cutting again? Oh, yes, sorry. Please do. Yeah, darling. Hey, do you know what, though? What? This thing with Lawrence has put me right off playing golf. I mean, I am never going back to that horrible club. Don't say that, darling. That's exactly what Lawrence wanted in the first place. Fine. You can have it. If he leaves Linda alone, then you can have what he wants. Dad, Stella wants to run a few ideas past you. Yeah, Hi. A few ideas? Yeah, for the farm. Oh, right. Yeah. Well, you know, I noticed your pasture was looking a bit tired. Huh. And I thought you might be thinking it's time for some overseeding. I really think it is. Maybe so. I was just wondering what you were planning to keep use? Personally, I'd go for a real mix. Say bird foot trefoil, rib grass, sheep's parsley, red and white clover, meadow fescue. I mean, I could. Go on. Sounds great. Right, dad? Yeah, I. I'm not sure, actually. Can I get you a tea, Stella? Oh, yeah. Go on then. Budge over. Dad. Amber. Oh, hi, Chelsea. How are you? Yeah, fine. How are you? Yeah, yeah, yeah, fine. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Have you. Oh. Have you seen George recently? I'm seeing him tomorrow. Is he, like. Is he doing okay? Yeah, he's good. He's good. I mean, not long now till he gets out, so. That's really exciting. Yeah. Yeah. That must be really, like. Yeah, it's. I just know his mum was a bit freaked out. Out about the thing with Marquis. Like, with George basically helping the police locate him. To be honest with you, I think Emma really overreacted about all that. Oh, yeah. Well, she should be proud of him. I mean, he did a good thing. Yeah, no, I know. It's just, like, some risk in it. Him, I mean. Well, he's been absolutely fine. Nothing's happened. And even if it did, he can take care of himself. Hope so. It's one of the many things I love about him. Well, that he could take care of himself. I couldn't stand it if he was one of those soft, drippy types. Probably wears sandals, cries all the time. Well, he's definitely not that. I mean, he does tell me that he loves me, and he asked me to marry him, so he's obviously romantic and everything. He's just. He's not, you know, too much. Well, you're happy, aren't you? That's what matters. I am. I am. But do you wish that Clary would stop going on at me about apologizing to Susan and Neil? I suppose she just wants everyone to get along. I want everyone to get along, too. Of course I do. But I can't say sorry to someone who should actually be saying sorry to me. Listen, Amber, can I just, like, change the subject? Oh, okay. What? Well, it's my birthday next week, and I'm gonna be 21 and. Yeah, I just wondered if you want to come. Oh. Oh, you should have told me, you know, like, weeks ago. I could have maybe gotten some sponsorship or something fancy, organized. Oh. Except, well, I mean, I did kind of hate you a couple of weeks ago. Yeah, you did. But I don't hate you anymore. Well, that's good. So who's gonna be there? Any. Any girls from school? Oh, yeah, yeah. Yeah, there'll be a few people, you know, in that case. Sorry, it's. It's. Thank you, but no thank you. They'll be nice to you, Amber. Like no one's gonna be mean. I just. I really don't want to. Okay. Okay. Yeah, that's fine. Of course it is. I just. Just wanted to ask you. I appreciate that. Thank you. So, well, what about tonight? Like we could just go for a drink at the ball now if you want. Just me and you? Yeah. Yeah. I just need to drop my stuff off in. In like quarter of an hour, say. Okay. Yeah, why not? Is Stella eating with us? No, she and Pip have gone out. Where have they gone? No idea. It was useful, wasn't it? Having Stella around to do. Yeah, yeah, of course. Another pair of hands. Always useful on a farm. She was full of ideas. Yes, she was. I guess it's good to see the farm through new eyes. The few things she suggested were actually. Actually things that we've thought of and then rejected, so. Yeah, but you know, I didn't want to seem, I don't know, ungrateful for the expert advice. No, of course not. No. Have I got time for a shower before we eat? Yep, if you're quick. Okay. I mean, Stella, Pip and me, we did have this conversation about the pasture before they went out. Really? Yeah, she said it was looking a bit tired. Thinks we should overseed. I thought we were leaving that this year because we don't want to lose the wildflowers. That's what I was going to say. But honestly, the way Pip looked at her when she was talking about yarrow and sheep's parsley, if the sound was turned down, you'd think Stella was reading her poetry. Lovey, it's a wonderful thing. We just don't really need any extra voices, do we? No. I mean, it's bad enough with Josh and Pip questioning every tiny decision we make, let alone having Stella on the committee too. I'm a bit relieved to realize you feel that. Well, I do, yeah. You know, I was just being polite because she's your mate. This is a small family run farm. Some of her suggestions weren't even appropriate for a place like this. I know. Anyway, doesn't matter, does it? I mean, Stella's going to get a new job in no time. She doesn't seem to be in any rush. Not been long since she left home farm. She doesn't even seem to be looking. Did she say that? No. But she was here this afternoon because she was bored. She'll need Money, Ruth. I mean, everyone needs money. Maybe she's got a secret stash. Secret stash? Well, you know what I mean. No one knows how much money anyone else has got, do they? True. I mean, nor should they, obviously. I'm sure that Stella needs to earn a living, Ruth. But just be honest with me. Would it annoy you if she was around all the time? Would it? Yes, it would. Yeah. Totally. Really? Completely. Oh, Amber. Oh, hi. You've not been waiting long. No, no. Just got here. Oh, good. Well, what can I get you? No, I'm getting the first drink because it's your birthday next week. Lillian's gone to fetch us a cold bottle of Prosecco. What? Are you sure? That. That seems really like. That is really generous, Amber. Well, you are going to be 21, Chelsea, and I thought we should celebrate. Okay. Okay. Yeah. Well, thanks. So, next week, right, when you go out, is it just you and a bunch of girls? Yeah. So you're not seeing anyone right now? Oh, no. But when you are seeing someone, what's your type? I don't know, really. Like, well, when was the last time that you went out with someone? And what were they like? It's been a while. How long? I'm not sure. I. Just quite happy being on my own, I suppose. If you say so. Oh, where is Lillian with that present? I think we need it. What, because I'm boring? No, no, not because you're boring. I just. I think we need to, you know. What? Take the edge off? Yes. Frankly. So, are you still going to Turkey to get your videos done? Yes, of course. Flights all booked and everything. And you're not worried about it going wrong? No, not at all. Are you. Are you judging me for this? What? No. Of course not. Of course not. Not at all. I'd just be nervous if I was you. I mean. Sorry. Right. Here we are, ladies. Ice cold Prosecco. Lillian? Yep? Can I ask you something delicate? I'm not sure. I think you look really amazing, so do not take this the wrong way, okay? Have you had a facelift, Amber? As a matter of fact, I have. Really? And have you ever regretted it? Nope. Not one bit. You see, Chelsea, not every intervention is some hideous disaster. I didn't say Turkey was gonna be a disaster. The trick, Amber, is to go to someone who knows what they're doing. Now, cash or card? Card, please. I tell you what, I didn't get on with Botox. Really? It was about 10 years ago, so it's probably much better now. And I know lots of you, younger to do Is it just, I don't know, put me off. Well, fair enough. Oh, right. I better go and serve that gent over there. Thanks, Lillian. Shall we take this out to the garden? Yeah, great. Sorry, Amber, I didn't mean to annoy you. I really didn't. I suppose I just. I don't know, I just didn't want you to be doing this because of what happened at school. Doing what? Getting my teeth done. Well, yeah. Chelsea, not everything I do is about that. No, I'm sure it's not. I just. Oh, no, just forget it. Forget it. I want to do this for me and my brand. Okay? And if I'm fine with it, then really, you should be, too. Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. Agreed. Let's just stop talking about it. Okay? Okay. Listen to me. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm listening. We are celebrating your 21st tonight and we are gonna have a good time. Okay? Okay. Okay. So if you just avoid the cartilage. Stella. Hi. David. Hi. Are you with us again today? Yeah. Is that all right? It's all right. It's brilliant. She's going to give us a hand tagging the new calves. Oh, great. Yeah. Oh, and Pip, I meant to say, I can do the milking again this afternoon if you want. I really enjoy. Enjoyed it yesterday. Did you? Yeah. There's something so, I don't know, direct and satisfying about this kind of farming. We'll make a dairy farm review yet. Stella. Don't know about that. Dad, do you know where Mum is? I don't know, actually. She's about. She might be in the house. I'm just gonna let her know the plan. Okay? Yeah. Back in a sec. All right. Oh, actually, Stella. Yeah? I noticed a job last night that I thought might be a good fit for you. What, something local? Yeah, it's pretty local, yeah. A farm manager's job. I haven't seen that. Because, yeah, I have been looking. Well, yeah, no, it was kind of. It's. Well, it's leading a team of farmers, liaising with scientists and agronomists and, you know, having a real input on farm strategy. Oh, yeah, yeah. Okay. Yeah, no, no, I do know the one you're talking about. Ah. And what do you think of it? To be honest, I just dismissed it out of hand. Why? Because I don't think I'd stand a chance. Why is that? David, come on. What? I think you could absolutely do it. But I know the kind of thing they're looking for and it's not me. They want someone really execchy. Flash. How do you know that. Because that's always what they're looking for. I mean, have you seen the salary? Yeah, good salary too, I noticed. Why would you say no to that? I'm not saying no. I'm just trying to be realistic. Does the job interest you? Of course it interests me. I'd love it. But I'm a farmer, not a strategy person. Listen, I honestly reckon that you have all the experience, all the expertise that the job description demands. They'll be looking for a real farmer with tons of hands on skills who isn't all flash and exec y. It's exactly what farming strategy needs, ideas rooted in experience. I mean, I agree with that, absolutely, of course I do, but you know, I just know the way these things go. Well, I think you should apply because why not? What have you got to lose? Isn't the deadline really soon? Can't remember. I'm sure you've got a few days. Have you got your phone on you? Yeah. Well, why not check right now? No time like the present, eh? Okay. What a way to spend my day off. Are we sure about this? Oh, Charles, don't back out, please. Yesterday I said to Lillian that I was never coming back to the golf club. But we've still got our last voucher. Yeah, but we should have just chucked it in the bin. I don't want to chuck it in the bin. And I bet you any money Lawrence isn't even here. He can't be here all the time. I mean, he doesn't live at the golf club, does he? No, but. And Martin said he's definitely going to play this morning. So any trouble from the likes of Lawrence, we just go and get him. But that's really embarrassing. What? We're just gonna run onto the golf course and stop everyone playing and say Martin Lawrence is being mean again? That's exactly what we'll do. It's a bit cringe. I don't care about that. What, you're that into golf? Yeah, I am. What's funny about that? I don't know, it's just like a few weeks ago you never even picked up a golf club. Yeah, and now I've got the bug. I mean, I love it, I really love it. So please come in with me. It's the Linda cricket blackmail thing. That's what's doing my edding. I know, Charles, I know. But Linda sent the email now and there's nothing we can do about it. And if we don't go in because we're worried about Lawrence, then she sent that email and taken on that trouble all for nothing, hasn't she? Yeah, when you put it like that. Chelsea Z, Everything okay? Yeah, sort of. Is Lawrence here? No, we don't know. Yeah, we haven't gone in yet. Something's wrong. What's wrong? Nothing. Nice. It's fine. Can we just tell him? Tell me what? Oh, there's this whole extra thing with Lawrence involving Linda and the cricket. The cricket? It's a bit mad we didn't tell you before because it's confidential, but now I think we should just say it. I think you should just tell me what's going on. Well, basically, Lawrence tried to blackmail Linda over something to do with the cricket. He did what? Told you it was mad. Look, I'm supposed to be meeting several of the BL bought or nine holes right now. Even so, this sounds like something we need to talk about in a lot more detail. That'd be really good, wouldn't it? Yeah, I think it would. I'd give the golf a miss, but things are really tricky at the moment at bl. Is that because Justin's threatening to sell his shelves? How did you know about that? Oh, I cut Lillian's hair yesterday and she was pretty fed up with him for, like, falling out with everyone. Oh, interesting. So even Lillian is getting annoyed with him? Oh, no, she's like, more than annoyed. What did she say exactly? Well, she was steaming about Justin saying he wants to buy more land when the other day he'd said they couldn't afford a cruise. Justin's buying more land? Oh, no, I don't know. But, like, he's definitely looking. Okay. Okay, well, why don't we meet for lunch after my round, say in a couple of hours time, and you tell me exactly what's going on between Lawrence and Linda. That sounds like a plan. And we could go to the Bridge Farm Tea Room if you want. I get a staff discount there. Sure. Tea Room sounds good. Yep. Sorry, I can't just ditch the golf. I mean, I don't want to ditch the golf either. Yes, Zaynab's become obsessed. That's what I like to hear. Be tragic if someone like Lawrence would have put you off this fine game. Zaydab, I don't know about trouble. Tragic. No, no, no, it would. It would be absolutely tragic. What do you reckon? Well, I think it's really exciting. I think I'd love to do it, but I still think they'd never give it to me. But don't you want to try and find out? Honestly? Yes, I do. Like I said, you got nothing to lose. Well, I've got my pride. Yeah, but what's pride at the end of the day? No, but you know what I mean. Sometimes it's just an obstacle that we put in the way. Wow. That's deep. I can be deep. I don't doubt it. So, Martin, me and Zainab want to pay for lunch, don't we? Definitely. Oh, no, no. You've got to look. And you're not allowed to say no because it's a thank you. What, for giving us the vouchers for the golf club? Yeah, well, that was fair exchange. You both offered me some very useful advice on romance. We didn't really. It was brilliant to get a young female perspective, honestly. And do you know what? I decided to take a break from the dating app. All right. That sounds good, actually, because I think I rather rushed into things after Pam left me and whole thing with Marlene. Well, I was clearly on the rebound. Well, yeah, you probably were. That's why I took it so badly. That makes sense. I mean, it's been great. I've got no regrets. But I just need to take some time out, you know? And I'm sure you'll meet someone when the time is right. That's it. That's it. And I've done some work on myself when I'm in the right head space. Yeah, exactly. Yeah. Anyway, sorry, that. That was a diversion from the rather more serious issue of Lawrence Harrington. So, Linda, she went ahead and emailed Borsicher Golf Association. Yeah. Because. Well, that's Linda, isn't it? What's happened since then? Well, nothing so far. But she only sent the email when? Was it yesterday? Yeah. Yeah, I think so. I just can't believe it. It's so bizarre. Lawrence is a really weird person, but he seems so normal. Yeah, but he's really, really not. It's a shame we can't tell the golf club what he's doing. Well, we could. We can't tell them about the cricket team thing. That's true. Oh, no. Oh, no. I can't believe it. Lawrence. The man doesn't even live in Ambridge. Why is he always here? Oh, he's coming over. He's coming over. He can't help himself. Okay, okay. Well, let me deal with him. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Great. Oh, he's coming over. He's coming over. He's here. We must all stop running into each other like this. That'd be really nice. How are you, Martin? I'm incredibly unhappy. Oh, I'm sorry. To hear that. Hey, dad? Yeah? Thanks so much for talking to Stella about that job. Oh, yeah. I mean, I just thought it was crazy not to consider it. Absolutely, I agree. I think they'd take her like a shot. I don't know what she was thinking, but you. You really talked her round. Oh, well, good, good, good. Yeah, she's got off to start her application right now. Really? Yeah. So Mum's gonna have to do the milking after all. Oh, well. But if you hadn't said anything to Stella, she would have missed the deadline. Hey, always happy to help. I do love how you and mom have just, like, accepted her into the family. Of course. Why wouldn't we? No, but. No, you really have. You've made her so welcome. Like yesterday, when she was here making all those suggestions around the farm, like, some people might have been a bit chippy about that. Like, who does she think she is? This is our farm. But you and Mum, you were so open to her ideas and so. Not like that. Oh, well, you know, she's got a lot to offer, Stella. I mean, you know, we'd be fools if we didn't listen. Ah, yeah, but some people are fools, dad. But not you and Mum. Well, thanks, Pip. It's good to know that you don't think your parents are fools. Sorry, yeah, no, I actually meant it to be a bit more of a compliment. Thank you. The thing you don't seem to comprehend, Martin, is that these girls are going around turning Ambridge against me. What absolute nonsense. I mean, you're actually blackmailing Linda over the cricket. My conversations with Linda ought to remain strictly private. Why? What, so no one else knew how awful you were being? In my book, what you are doing, Lawrence, is basically harassment. Yeah, listen to yourself, Martin. You are totally taken in. I am the one being Harris having malicious complaints invented about me. We didn't invent anything. Well, you would say that, wouldn't you? But your salt Miss aren't exactly known for their honesty. Sorry, what? What did you just say? Do you mean brown people? Do you mean brown people aren't known for their honesty? All right, all right, that's enough. Stop twisting my words. No, you can't keep saying these things and then pretending you didn't. Lawrence, you need to apologise right now. Maybe we should just go. No, no, Lawrence. Lawrence is the one who should leave. I am not being driven out of my own country. I mean my own tea room. I meant this tea room. You know what I meant. Yeah, I know what you meant. And I mean this Too. Wow. Pass me those napkins. Quickly. Kill him yourself. And this. This Gibson is still who you want to invite into the golf club? Absolutely it is. What a strange man you are. Go home, Lauren, have a shower and chalk this one up to experience. Well, I don't have much choice, do I? But this isn't. Oh, seriously. Wow. What have I done? Like, what have I done? I've got mad. That was amazing. Like, honestly. I agree. It was amazing. No, no, no, no, no. It's not amazing. Guys, it's a disaster. What is wrong with me? Something is wrong with you. You were really brave. I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry about that, man. I really think the golf club will have to listen now. Yeah. Oh, the golf club. The golf club is going to think I'm insane. I don't want to tell them what he said to you. Martin. I threw orange juice over him. I know. And it was kind of like, glorious, the way the ice cubes bounced off his head. Like people dream of doing that. Yeah, but they don't actually do it, do they? And for good reason. I think you were very brave, practically heroic and shockingly provoked. Oh, but what about Linda? I'm sure Linda would applaud you. Yeah, but what's going to happen with the cricket and all of that stuff? What's going to happen now? I've just made it all so much worse. Amber, before you go for your massage. Yeah? I. I want to talk to you about something. It's a bit delicate, bit awkward. Is it about moving out? Moving out? I know I've been living here a while, like maybe longer than you'd expected. And I'm sorry about that, but I'm having sort of a difficult situation at the moment. No, no, no, don't worry. That's not it. That's not it at all. Oh, no. It's about Susan and Neil. Oh, right. I believe that they're still waiting for an apology from you. Well, and no disrespect to you, Oliver, but they'll be waiting a long time. Amber, I. No, please listen. Please. I. I can't do it. I just can't. Not after everything that's happened. But, Amber, they're Georgie's grandparents. No, I know. I know they are. And that's why. Why I can't forgive them. They really let him down and they need to apologize to him. Well, they were acting in George's best interests and they love him so much. Really? They. They adore him. Well, you wouldn't know it, but if you'd seen them with him over the years. But Oliver also. It's not just George. Susan gave me that engagement ring and I was so, so touched. Felt like I was a proper part of the family. And do you have any idea how much it hurt when they took that away? Good morning, Zehna. Oh, Linda, hi. Good morning. How are you? Oh, very well. Very well indeed. I woke up this morning and I thought, I have been so stressed out this week because of that ridiculous man. I'm going to go to Grey Gables for a swim and a sauna. That's a great idea. Well, that's what I thought. It's just what I need. You haven't heard anything from that ridiculous man, have you? No. Why? Linda? What? What's wrong? I did something a bit reckless yesterday. Right. And the other said, don't tell Linda. What others? Chelsea and Martin Gibson. They said there's no point because it'll just stress you out. And you sent the email now, so just leave it. But I literally couldn't sleep last night for thinking what's gonna happen and what is wrong with me. And you've been so kind to us, to me and my family and me and Chelsea. I mean, I could actually like start crying right here in reception, which would be really bad because that's like, not the look great Gables are going for, like, overly emotional stuff and. Sorry, hang on, hang on. Just slow down. Sorry. I'm sure nothing is as bad as you. You think it never is. Yeah, that's just not true sometimes. All right, all right, take deep breaths and tell me what happened. Okay, so me and Chelsea took Martin Gibson for lunch at the tea room yesterday to thank him for all the free golf passes that he gave to us. That was nice of you. Yeah, but now I wish we hadn't or we'd gone somewhere else because then that ridiculous man came in. That man has been everywhere recently. I know, right? It's like we can't get away from him. So what happened? Oh, excuse me. Zeynep. Yeah. Morning, Oliver. Good morning, Linda. Sorry to interrupt. I just need a word with Zeynep. Oh, and I do actually need a word with you, Oliver, about the Flower and Produce show. Things don't seem to be progressing at all. Oh, well, I'm sorry to hear that. Well, it's only 10 days away now and I'm just getting a bit concerned. Can you speak to Dane about it? Dane's not actually in today. Oh, yeah, that's true. Well. Well, he's in tomorrow. That any good? It's just. Well, he's the one who's across everything and I'm not really up to speed. Well, I'm not sure anyone's actually up to speed. That's a problem, but never mind. I'll let you talk to Zaynab. Thanks. Sorry, I'll go and have my swim. But I haven't finished telling you about. Don't worry, you can tell me later. Ok. Hi, you must be Amber. Yep, that's me. Are you Kate? Yes. Lovely to meet you. You too, you too. So you said on the phone that you had a lot of tension in your neck and your shoulders. Is that still going on? Yeah, yeah, it is. If anything, it's worse. Okay, well, don't worry, I'm sure I can help. Tell me, do you do a lot of screen work? I do, yeah. In my line of work, I do tons. Oh, what do you do? Oh, well, I'm actually an influencer. Oh, are you? Wow, that's exciting. Yeah, it is, it is. Well, don't go giving me a terrible review, will you? Oh, as if I would. So I'm doing a neck, shoulder, head massage and you're booked for an hour. Yes. Okay, great. And can I just say, you do need to find a way to relax and unwind in your job. Oh, I know I do. I know I do. Because it's not natural for us human beings to stay held in these positions with these devices, you know, with our phones. I know, it's really bad. That is definitely the downside. And I swear, I'm not touting for business, but I run a yoga class and I think that would be perfect for you. Oh, I love yoga. Oh, I love, love, love, love it. Okay, brilliant. Well, there's a couple of options for classes, so I'll give you a t timetable before you go. Great. Okay, but no pressure. Honestly, it was just a thought. So that door there's the treatment room, and you'll find a robe on the chair. Thank you. You go and get changed and I'll be through when you're ready. Is everything okay, Oliver? Well, I've just had a guest of the hotel come up to me and make a complaint. Who? About what? About me? Well, yes, I'm afraid so. Oh. What? Well, now, hang on, don't panic. I just wanted to talk to you away from reception, but, like, I haven't had any issues with anyone. Well, apparently this guest witnessed an incident involving you. But the incident didn't take place on hotel grounds. But at the tea room yesterday. Oh, they said you poured a Drink over someone's head. Is that right? Yeah, I did do that. Yeah. Okay. Can you just explain what happened? Sure. Yeah. Okay. Oh, wow. You've got such a knot in this right shoulder. Yeah, I know. You definitely need to come to my yoga class. Thing is, I'm trying to organize my wedding at the moment. Oh, you're getting married? Yeah. Yeah. Oh, that's amazing. I know. It is amazing. And I'm. I'm so excited. I'm so happy. But also. Well, it's kind of still my job, isn't it? Because there's loads of promotion an influencer can get involved in around weddings and tons of stuff that you can get for free. Oh, yeah, of course. Which is brilliant. But you want to get it right and you want to get the best deals. Weddings are so expensive. Exactly. Yeah. And also a beautiful wedding could be brilliant for your brand. Exactly. Exactly. So lots of pressure and you're glued to your phone more than ever. Yeah, you get it. You just totally get it. Well, you're gonna have to find ways to manage that, Amber. I know, I know. My fiance worries about it all the time. He'd like to help me more, but, well, things get in the way. Is he an influencer too? I mean, not exactly. He sort of has a side hustle and social media stuff, but. No, George is a farmer at heart. He's like, from a total farming family. George? Yeah. George Grundy. You're marrying George Grundy? Yes. What? Why? Alice Carter is my sister. Who's Alice Carter? Who is Alice Carter? Oh. Oh, yeah, She's. She's the girl who was drunk. She's the woman he framed for his crime. Well, it. It's a bit more complicated than that, isn't it? No, it's not. Look, George has told me what happened. He's been totally honest with me. He didn't have much choice about that, did he, since there was a court case. But George was trying to do your sister a favour. A favour? Well, if she hadn't fallen off the wagon in the first place, he would never have had to drive her home. So actually, Alice needs to take some responsibility for the whole situation. You could even say that it's Alice's fault that George is in prison. So am I, like, fired now? Fired? For what happened at the tea room? Good Lord, no. Really? Say nab. I'm entirely on your side. You're on my side? Well, sorry, didn't I make that clear? Well, you kept saying that. It's terrible. It's terrible. But I wasn't sure whether you meant me or Lawrence. Well, this Lawrence person, obviously. Oh, I mean, what a. What a dreadful piece of work. Yeah, he is. And I'm so sorry. I really am. I mean, I shouldn't have lost control like that. Well, I'm rather glad you did, really. He deserved it. If I'd been there, I would have cheered. But what about the guest who complained? Well, if you don't object, I'd like to go back to them, explain the context of the justification, because I don't think a man like this Lawrence fellow should get away with such saying these things. Do you? Okay. This massage is over. Well, of course this massage is over. You think I want someone screaming at me while I try and relax? You know, I don't care what you want. You just need to accept that there's fault on both sides. That's the thing. George almost destroyed my sister's life. Well, it sounds like she was well on her way already. You are un. Unbelievable. Do you know that? You just can't face the truth. That's the thing. Which, by the way, is enabling an addict. You have no idea what you're talking about. George made no real difference to your sister's life. He's just the. Oh, what do you call it? The scapegoat. Okay, just leave, please. Sometimes you have got to face the facts. Just get dressed and get out. Zainab. Hi, Linda. How was your swing? Oh, it was good. It was lovely. Thank you. So, I need to tell you this thing. Yeah, it's all right. It's all right. I know all about it now. How? I called Chelsea. Oh, all right. She explained everything. I'm so sorry. Zainab. What he said was utterly unforgivable. Under the circumstances, I'd say you showed admirable restraint. I don't know about that. I don't want you to worry about it for a moment longer. And certainly not on my account. Really. I will speak to Lawrence Harrington at the Cricket on Sunday, and I will resolve this ridiculous situation once and for all. I promise you. BBC Sounds Music Radio Podcasts hello. I'm so glad you're joining us. It's lovely to be back in Ambridge. And thank you to Claudia Hammond for being so brilliant while I was bunking off. It's been a sporting week in the Archers. After one season with the big boys, Ambridge cricket team got relegated to the bottom division again. After a few seasons at Bridge Farm, Adam relegated himself to Home Farm again. Chelsea and Zaynab have somehow been promoted to being Martin Gibson's new best friends. And Amber's contract was term terminated mid massage after she called Kate's sister Alice, the woman who was drunk. I'm Emma Freud and this is the Archers Podcast. This week we're looking at the life and death of the late and often lamented Ambridge legend Nigel Pargetta, played for most of his life by Graham Seed until Nigel's sudden death at the age of 51 in 2011. Ever since this podcast started, you've been emailing us on the Archers podcastbc.co.uk, to share your thoughts about Nigel. Joanna still misses him, although she says she also likes the bit of rough that is Vince. Helen was so invested that back in 94, she and her office colleagues sent Nigel and Elizabeth an actual wedding card. And Lawrence thinks that on that fateful night 14 years ago, Nigel was in fact pushed off the roof by David Archer. So today we're joined by the man who brought us this iconic character, the actor Graham Seed. Graham, Emma, welcome back to Ambridge. Thank you. How's it feel? Weird. Yeah, I know. I mean, I'm reborn, aren't I? Kinda. Nigel's dead, but here am I. And I always think of myself as Nigel. Anyway. So do you? Yeah, I do. Okay, so as Nigel, can you remember what you were wearing on your stag night? Oh, was it a gorilla suit? It was. Yes, it was a gorilla suit. That was my entrance into the programme. And do you remember what you were wearing underneath your gorilla suit? Not much, I shouldn't think. Nothing but silk boxer shorts. That's right, yeah. Good. We're also joined by the eminent and longstanding Ambridge producer, director and writer, Julie Beckett. I'd like to remind you that last time she was here, she came last in the trivia round of the Archers board game Cruel. Julie, I'm going to give you a chance to redeem yourself. Okay. What was the secret ingredient that Pargetta men always added to their butter of their cucumber sandwiches? Well, I don't know. So I'm going to go back to the history and the Raj feel of the Pajal's parents. I'm going to go for a hot sauce or a paprika. Okay. Something curry. Ish. Well, it was actually curry powder, so very well done. At last. You got a good question. Right? I got a question. Right. That's fantastic. And to say celebrate. We know. I've brought in some cucumber sandwiches made by my husband this morning with curry powder in them so that we can actually test out whether These monstrosities that sound so disgusting to me are worth eating. There's yours I'm going to give you. I've got a feeling Nigel never ate one of these. I think this is. Have you ever eaten one of these? No, but I mean he. I think he might have done. Do you think so? Did you remember that that's what P has put in their cucumber sandwiches? If I'd asked you the question, would you have got it right? I would have gone for something like Whis. Something spicy. Yes. I mean, Mummy was quite adamant, wasn't she? There was. There had to be style. And poor Nigel had to be brought up in a very old fashioned way. Okay, let's all eat at the same time. What's it like? Oh, it's disgusting. Yeah, it's lovely. It's not bad, is it? It's great. Oh, yuck. And I could. I could probably eat it. Yeah. If I was hungry. Tastes worse. The third voice you can hear in our studio is Toby Lawrence. He plays Freddie Pargetta. He's with us too. Toby, welcome back. When did you last meet your radio father, Nigel? Never. Never? Never. You've never met? We've never met, no. No. This is Graham Seed. This is Toby Lawrence. It's a pleasure to meet you. It's all rather moving really, isn't it? Yes. I wipe a tear from my eye. Does he look like how you imagined your father would look? Do you know, he does. I think it's wonderful. And actually I'd like to point out that we both seem to actually enjoy the sandwich. You know, it's in the jeans. It's in the jeans, absolutely. Yes. I'm gonna be adding this to my repertoire. I'm not. I'm not actually going to do that before our scene of the week. I have a line of the week, though. In the last few days there've been so many candidates. I did struggle a bit to choose. But I settled on this moment of honesty from Linda Snell MBE. I did prefer it when I had the moral high ground. Yes, it's beautiful, isn't it? Well said, Linda. I think that's how we all feel now for my scene of the week. It's the moment when Lawrence's microaggressions against Zaynab became less micro and resulted in a glass of iced orange juice saying what Zaynab was finding hard to communicate. The thing you don't seem to comprehend, Martin, is that these girls are going around turning Ambridge against. What absolute nonsense. I mean, you're actually Blackmailing Linda over the cricket? My conversations with Linda ought to remain strictly private. Why? What, so no one else knew how awful you were being? In my book, what you are doing, Lawrence, is basically harassment. Yeah, listen to yourself, Martin. You are totally taken in. I am the one being harassed, having malicious complaints invented about me. We didn't invent anything. Well, you would say that, wouldn't. But your salt Miss aren't exactly known for their honesty. Sorry, what? What did you just say? Do you mean brown people? Do you mean brown people aren't known for their honesty? Alright, alright, that's enough. Stop twisting my words. No, you can't keep saying these things and then pretending you didn't. Lawrence, you need to apologise right now. No, maybe we should just go. No, no. Lawrence is the one who should leave. I am not being driven out of my own country. I mean, my own t row. I meant this deep. You know what I meant. Yeah, I know what you meant. And I mean this too. Wow. Wow, indeed. Zaynab. What a woman. Quite. And he certainly doesn't help himself, does he? But the. The slow drip of everyday prejudice that he's been. That Zaynab has been feeling from him. Why? Why, Judy, do you think it's important to bring that type of microaggression reality into Ambridge now? Because it's what people experience every day, wherever they go. So I think we're reflecting what's in the real world. When Usha was subject to the racist attacks many years ago, the show got a lot of hostile and supportive responses from listeners. Would you expect the same from Lawrence's remarks now? Or has the world changed too much? Oh, it's a really good question. I would hope that the world has changed and I would hope that most people listening would be going along with the feeling that it's completely out of order and that Zainab's response is an understandable one. But racism still exists in the world, and yet people might say that there's. It's. It's so nuanced and it's so minor. How can you make such a big deal about just a little slip of the tongue or, you know, indeed. I'm sure there will be that reaction, but I would like to hope that this progress since the time that Usha suffered her attacks, that uncomfortableness, though, that it inspires in the listeners. That's an interesting thing for the Archers to actively seek. Yeah, I think the Archers has always been. One of the lovely things about it is it is often quite a comfortable space for people to exist in. But I think that's why, I mean, there are stories, aren't there, throughout time where counter counteracting that normal safe haven of Ambridge as a country place with these sorts of storylines, you know, the Robb storyline and this sort of thing, they stick out so sharply against the. That's true. That's the idyll that we'd like Ambridge to be, but that isn't actually the reality. I remember Mona Hammond, who played Alan's mother in law, Amy's mum. Oh, yes. Who, who's called Mabel. And I can remember her in studio with me and we were talking about how to be as a black character in Umbridge. And I remember her saying in her own experience, from her own experience, that the hardest thing for her was the beats pause that you had to make before you met every new person to assess what they were going to think about you. And she said that that sort of unreal way of existing, that unfree way of existing with strangers was one of the hardest things she had to deal with. And she'd been in the country for a long time. I think it's also within Ambridge. What you're hearing is not just a microaggression from someone who has racist tendencies, but you're hearing how a community chooses to deal with it. And that's, I think, what I loved about these episodes this week, that it was, you know, Zaynab was mortified by what she'd done. Yes. And Oliver was so understanding, much more understanding than Zaynab was and, you know, said, of course I'm on your side and if anyone complains to me about it, I'm with you, you know, so. So that is when that actually became a very warm story, having started as a very uncomfortable story. And, and it didn't happen until we got to know Zaynab. Sure. So it's a good timing to, to let us get to know her first. It also told us quite a lot about what the guests at Grey Gables are like complaining about that sort of activity. Great. Okay, now let's talk Nigel Podged. It's the first time we've ever done this on this podcast. A deep dive into a deceased male character while also hosting his poignant reunion with the son he's never met. But Nigel wasn't just a character. That's the thing. He was a beloved icon. Though it was remarkable that the listeners liked him at all because on the face of it, he appeared to be a ghastly 1980s Hooray Henry. Especially at the Beginning the son of country gentry with land but not much money. We first heard him in 1983, when Nigel was 23 years old and working as a swimming pool salesman. Graham, how was the role described to you when you first joined the cast? Can you remember? Yeah, I was. I was doing a Bernard Shaw play and I was playing an upper class twit in Major Barber at the Birmingham Rep and I got summoned to meet William Smethurst and the Arrogance. I said, I don't want to play an upper class twit. I. It's. Can we talk about Nigel? And we did a lot. And he became a combination of Bertie Worcester and Pierre from War and Peace. Now, that sounds a bit profound, but Pierre Bazookov was Archers is profound. Thank you. Yes. Was a sort of damaged guy who couldn't fit in with his father. He would be diagnosed now with something wrong with him because he couldn't. He was hopeless at school. He couldn't hold down a job. The best job he ever had was probably Mr. Snowy selling ice creams, which he adored. And then he got sent by his dad to the Stock Exchange. That was a disaster. Ambridge looked after him. Julie, what did Nigel bring at this point to the Arches? I was a listener at this time, not involved with the programme at all. I was relatively young at this time. I found I engaged with Lewell Oxley and I loved Lowell Oxley when it first appeared. And it's because Nigel was a very compelling character, I'm sure of that, and not just an upper class twit. That's right. So Graham bringing all of that. It's not just the troublesome youth bit and all of that, and his difficult relationship with his parents. Not just that, but he also brought a kind of positivity and optimism, so that when he was doing buffoonery, it was in the context of something bigger than that and warmer than that. And it was very engaging and we enjoyed it and we laughed along with him. He was a character right from the start who loved to make people laugh. Thank you. Yes. That's the. That's the blue sky he saw. That's right. I poured a lot of my own. I mean, I'm nothing like Nigel, except there were similarities in background. I went to a public school. I got sent away at the age of eight. It's about survival. Yeah. And Nigel had that survival thing, but that energy that he had to bring. Otherwise he was. Yeah. Slightly repellent. If he was a privileged, you know, posh boy. I want to talk about Nigel in love for A little bit. You were. You were married to Elizabeth Archer for 16 years. But rather shockingly, your first girlfriend was Elizabeth's Sister Shula. In 1985, Mid Shula Romance, you were sent away to the continent of Africa by your father. This is Valentine's Day that year. With Elizabeth thrilled when it seemed that she had more cards in the post than her big sister. Haha. One for me. And another one. Hey, listen, Toad. That says S. Archer, not E. Oh, so it does. And that one. Thank you very much. I recognise the stamp. What's that? Hong Kong? Yes. Good grief. There's one for you, Mum. Me? Let's have a look. Oh Mum, look. It's from Zimbabwe. Nigel sent you a valentine. Oh. And one to me. Oh. What's the matter? Oh dear. Poor girl. You've only got one valentine after all. From Zimbabwe. You sent cards to all the Brookfield ladies. Yes, they were. Well, he loved going round there. I mean, so much so he once climbed into Phil's bedroom when he was a bit drunk, thinking he'd be say hello to. He was. I remember having. Having a drink with William Smethurst. There was a possibility that Schuler might marry Nigel. And I said, oh no, no, he'll be so boring if he marries Schuler. Let's. Let's cast the younger daughter. Because she wasn't cast then. Because the one thing that a regular character doesn't want to do is to get hitched too soon. Yes, well you certainly didn't do that. And Toby, I need to warn you, this is not an easy listen for you. But your radio parents had a very spicy beginning. Oh no. And the spicy middle bit. And the spicy ends. Yeah. Okay, hold on to your hats. Once your father had stopped going out with your aunt, there started an actual warfare between him and the teenage Elizabeth. In the summer of 1985, Nigel got a job driving. Driving an ice cream van for a company called Mr. Snowy. And the 19 year old Elizabeth got a job with a rival company and called herself Ms. Snowy. Gosh. Yes, that's right. And so the legendary Ambridge ice cream wars began. Now here is Nigel looking for a prime spot to sell his wares. With his friend Caroline pointing out that he really hadn't done his research. Did you say you were waiting for the school bus? Yes, it stops at the end of Manorfield close. Here. Of course, Elizabeth's forgotten that. But it's the school holidays. Are you sure? Yes. But they were at school last week. Yes. Then they broke up. I'm going to kill Elizabeth. It really isn't fair. She's got the open air swimming pool in Waterloo Cross. But no, that isn't enough for her. She's got to exploit the poor old age pensioners. You want to watch out, Lizzy Lizard. You're not trying to sell ice creams, are you? You wait. Well, I thought you were just having a little snooze. I mean, if you'd said you were trying to sell ice creams, I wouldn't have stopped you. He was waiting for the school bus. I think it'll come sometime in September, Nigel. Ha ha, very funny. Honestly, some of those wrinkles have amazingly huge appetites. You're not as clever as you think you know. How can I know I'm not as clever as. What are you doing? Mind Elizabeth's van, Nigel. If you bash into my van, I'll tell Mr. McGuire exactly what happened and Caroline will back me up, won't you, Caroline? I wish you took both the scent. Now what? Right, get out of that. He's blocked me in the rotter. And that was the last registered non ironic use of the word rotter in a UK drama. I really loved the use of the word wrinkles because Freddie has definitely used the word wrinklies. And to hear Elizabeth, to me, is my mother and is always trying to keep Freddie in check and stop him from being silly. And to hear her calling old people wrinklies just like Freddie does. And that's the first time I've ever heard that sort of. This is the first moment I've had on this podcast where I've wished there was a camera in the studio. Because you and Graham look so alike. You really do. You have the same shaped head, you have the same. It's uncanny, isn't it? Mouth. You have the same nose. It's very odd. Yeah. The thing that is different between the two of you though, is you're both upper class, you're both. I'm not going to use the word twigs. I don't think we do that anymore, do we, Julie? But you're both eccentric. You're both, you know, you were in line to inherit Lower Locksley, which you did, and Freddie, you're in line to inherit it at some point. And yet Nigel was so much more successful with the girls than Freddie. Yeah. You haven't had a girlfriend yet. See, I'd like to say that's definitely down to the writing and not my own input there. Hopefully that's not just everyone. This just isn't going to work with Toby. Yeah. No, Freddie. Freddie's not in any way successful in that department. So why was Nigel? I have no idea. I'm trying to think if Nigel was successful with the girls. Yes, because of his fortune. Fortune. Charming. And he made people laugh. And. Yes, I made people laugh, I think. And warmth as well. There's a warmth that comes out of him even. Even quite early on. So in September of the same year that there were the Ice Cream Wars, Schuler married the sensible Mark Hebton and headed off to Scotland on honeymoon. Nigel was the best man. Elizabeth was a bridesmaid. And the day after the wedding, there was clearly a truce in the Ice Cream wars. Nigel invited Elizabeth into his van for one last summer treat. This is the last Mr. Snowy King Size will eat in a long time. It's just as well. I could hardly breathe in my bridesmaids dress. You look ravishing. I was quite overcome. I could tell. I know it's the best man's duty to kiss the bridesmaids, but even so, your dad wasn't happy, was he? I don't know what we're going to do, Lizzie. Privacy will be a big problem without the snowy mobile. So will transport. I dare say my mother will lend me her car. I found the key to Mark and Shula's flat yesterday. Oh, yes. Mum had it to take some wedding presents across. And the dreaded cheese plant. I bet it takes over. We could pop over and see. It might need watering. I could wear my shorts and bush hat and take my jungle knife in case. Honestly, Nigel, sometimes you're thicker than any jungle. Am I? Why? Why? Well, he was thick. Yes, bless him. And I bet he actually meant it about the bush hat and bushels. Oh, yes. Well, he wasn't being euphemistic. No, he. He. It amused. It amused the girls. It was a cracking plan and not a very original one. But that the two of you hated each other to start. Because then it's always such a surprise when anyone falls in love, eh? And the scriptwriters kept it going for some time, which is very good. So really, for some time. It was 10 years, to be precise, before the two of you locked it down. And one of the main hurdles that Nigel needed to overcome before committing to Elizabeth was the other key woman in his life and the apron strings that kept him faithful to her, his mother, Julia. Mummy. Julia. What? Mummy was a massive overbearing character and worthy, I think, of her own spin off series. I'm gutted she never got one. But her erratic behavior increasingly became a source of deep anxiety for Nigel. This is just before Christmas in 1993. Oh, good. When Mrs. Antrobus offered Nigel a friendly ear. I'm so worried about Mummy. Isn't she well? Oh, she keeps saying it's going to be her last Christmas. Nigel, I'm so sorry to hear that. And when I ask her to tell me exactly what the doctor said, she clams up on me. Have you tried talking to the doctor? Oh, I couldn't. Why not? Well, doctors aren't allowed to tell you about their patients. Oh, I'm sure the doctor would tell you if there was anything you could do to help her. We don't think it would be invading her privacy. Of course not. Nigel soon discovered the doctor had said it would be Julia's last Christmas if she didn't stop drinking on Christmas Eve, Nigel ended up helping his mother carry in her boxes of Christmas shopping from the car. What's this? There's something dripping. Oh, it's probably just damp from the ground. Smells to me like gin. Why would I be buying gin? Just a minute, Nigel. I thought I told you not to look. How could you? Oh, how silly of me. I can't tell which box is which in this light. Mummy, you've been drinking this. Don't be ridiculous. If you haven't been drinking this, why is the bottle half empty? Obviously it's leaking. The top must have come off. Right, that's it. Nigel, you promised to help me. I can't help you if you won't help yourself. Where are you going? To hack. I won't be spending Christmas at Lower Loxley. But how am I going to get these boxes into the house? I'm sorry, Mummy, but that's not my problem. Oh, please, somebody be in. Oh, Nigel. What do you want? Something very Christmassy and traditional. What? I wondered if I could have a bed for the night here. Yes, but what about. I've told Mummy to get stuffed. You didn't actually say that. As good as. But why? It's a long story and I tell it much better if I could come in, Nigel. Of course you can come in. Thank you, Lizzy. Mum, dad, Nigel's come for Christmas. I. I love those sensitive moments that I could bring. And. And to hear Mary Wimbush as Mummy actually makes me, you know, well, up a little bit. Because she was one of the great radio actresses. She was indeed. It was a. I was so pleased to be able to work with her. It's wonderful. What was it about her that was so magnificent? Her personality. She gave eye contact. She'd even grab your Hand in some scenes. I'd had the fortune to work with her just before I joined the Archers in a straight play. And she was passionate about truth, drama and giving 100%. And you could sense that in the green room at the read through. And that gravelly, beautiful voice. Yeah, that comes. I've crossed through the mic so beautifully. She was great. Well, she was clearly. Or her drinking was clearly a very important catalyst for you. Because within a month of that scene, in January 94, a full 11 years since Nigel had first dressed up in a gorilla suit to take Elizabeth to school, Nigel proposed to Lizzie. You said at the time that no one else in the Archers has his class, that the Aldridges are rich, but they're new money and Nigel was feudal stock, and yet Mummy was the daughter of a greengrocer. And she went on the stage too. She did. That's where Gerald met her. Yes. He fell in love with her on the stage. It's not exactly old money, is it? But there was Gerald and I was talking. Gerald, Gerald. And, yeah, I think that's. That was such a shame to lose that when Nigel fell to his death. It was interesting, isn't it, that new money and old money was such a thing that was talked about in the 80s and the 90s. And it's not something. It's not. You don't hear it in the arches. It's not what anyone's wanging on about, is it? But what I enjoyed was especially scenes with Eddie Grundy. And if Nigel had lived those scenes over a pint of beer, because Eddie and Nigel had so much in common, because they were both full of imagination but not practicality. It's one of those brilliant, unlikely friendships. Yes. Between people from different classes, isn't it? Which works in the countryside, especially, because money was not involved and it's a much smaller community and you all need each other. Yeah. Yes, Julie. Lower Loxley. When Nigel inherited it, he made a huge amount of changes. What was it like before and after? And what changes did he bring to it? It was a crumbling pile that Julia refused to have anything done to it at all. She didn't want any changes. And so it was a crumbling pile and they couldn't afford to run, was, in fact, when Elizabeth came to work at Lower Loxley and Nigel's drive to open it to the public, which Julia resisted fully. That's a bit new money to do that, wouldn't it? Well, well. And it was that. That. Exactly. It was that that rejuvenated the hall, made it. What it is today. So the hall kind of. In my mind, the hall, when you walk up to it, looks like it's a beautiful place, like it's always looked like that. But they in fact brought it back to life. So they rebuilt, for example, the orangery, which was a rusty old greenhouse, and made it into a lovely restaurant, that sort of thing. It came with its own difficulties, though. In 1997, Nigel, Elizabeth were having a very tough year, thanks to the stresses and the bills involved in running a stage stately home with its 70 acres vineyard, cattle, museum, shop, cafe, educational barn and conference centre, as well as Nigel having to deal with Mummy. And even though he'd only been married for three years, by April, Nigel was spending more and more time with Caroline, including. You're looking really guilty, Graham. Including a trip to visit the grave of Caroline's late husband, Guy, and an evening in a hotel room. It was so nice to get away, leave all the messy stuff behind. Is that how you see your life at the moment? A mess. Except when I'm with you. Oh, Nigel, don't laugh, please. It's true. I'm sorry. You're the only person I feel I can talk to. Oh, it's not all one way, Nigel. I've been leaning on you. I drove you to Suffolk, that's all. You've done more than that. When we were at Guy's grave and you were upset, I put my arm around you. Yeah, that was kind. It helped. I'd like to do that now. All right. How's that? Oh. Oh, it's nice. Yes, it is. Nigel. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have. It's all right, really. I suppose I should go. Is that what you want? No, it's exactly what I don't want. Gosh. Oh, my word. Shocked. I was rather good, wasn't I? So. Goodness gracious. So, Nigel. Toby. I'm again wishing there were cameras in this studio because I don't think I've ever seen a little face look more complicatedly involved in that scene. I had no idea you were hearing your dad almost be unfaithful before. You sounded like he was slightly unfaithful at least. No, no, no. Nothing happened. Nothing happened. Wow. Oh, gosh, that's so strange, because obviously a lot of Freddie's sort of experience, talking about, you know, his father and stuff, is always putting him on a pedestal. And I suppose Freddie, he didn't. Still doesn't. And I didn't know that that was a thing. Did you really not? No. I had no Idea. I'd never. So you as an actor. I've always thought of Nigel as this lovable, well loved Bertie Wooster. Yeah, that's right. And actually it's very strange because when I met the fans at, you know, conventions, things like that, it was always the slightly older woman who said, you're the sort of person I want my daughter to meet. Now, they obviously hadn't listened to that episode with Caroline. No, I can assure you that nothing else did happen. Nigel didn't stay the night and he got a taxi home. And later that year, Nigel tried to prove his renewed commitment to Lizzie in the most Nigel way imaginable. Graham, do you remember what you did? Oh, something crazy. Was it a Jew? Gosh. Did I dress up as a knight or. You faced your full fear by taking part in a bungee jump at the village fete. And if you missed it, we played the clip on episode 45 of this podcast. Yes, I heard. You were never an outright cad, though. You split. You split a fine line that night. Thank you. But. But it was shoddy behavior. But. But you didn't. You looking so sick. What are you doing? I mean, I'm loving quite how Nigel you are. Graham. 12-12-1999. Saw what Toby. That would have been Freddie and Lily being coming into the world. That's your birthday. Elizabeth and Nigel's twins, the mother in laws from heaven and purgatory respectively. That's Julia Pargetta and Jill Archer were both at the hospital anxiously awaiting news. And hard as she tried to hide them, Julia's priorities were all too clear. Darling, are they boys? Yes, Mummy. I mean, no. One of them is and one's a girl. Oh, that's wonderful news. Congratulations. Isn't it marvelous? Well done, darling. A son and heir. If only Gerald was still alive. How he'd love knowing that the line was assured. Mummy, I'm afraid there's a bit of bad news too. What's that? Our little boy is having difficulty breathing on his own. Oh, no, he's not going. No, no, no, I'm sure he isn't. But he's in an incubator to make sure he's getting enough oxygen. Oh, I can't bear it. Oh, Nigel. He's not going to die. Julia. I mean, unbelievable. It's all about her. Yes, and I can't bear it. Sorry. I know. Graham, I have a little bone to pick with you on this. So, when you died and your will was read, you gave Lower Loxley to Freddie and you gave some money to Lily. It's shocking now, but back when you wrote that will, can you access how it would have felt culturally, okay then. Or were you being upper class twit when you wrote that will? It's very unfair of you asking me that. I'm just an actor who says I had no idea about the will. I'd. Well, I'm gonna. It was bad enough to listen to my funeral. I couldn't remember. I'm going to ask the same question of you then, Julie. So it was a very shocking decision that Fred instantly. In the will, Freddie gets the house, the grounds and all of that, and Lily gets, you know, a bit of pocket money. I think first of all, we assume that that's what happened. And when Nigel inherited Lower Locksley, because Camilla doesn't even live anywhere nearby, his sister. Oh, that's true. So I imagine that is the way the family have done it. And there is definitely a streak in Nigel. There was. Sorry. Definitely a streak in Nigel that followed that status quo, that did what was right for the family, even if it wasn't right for the times, for his children, for the culture, for the world. I think we played that. I think we. I think we had those discussions. I think we did. Certainly. Certainly when we revealed what Nigel had written in his will, I don't think we did the story of Nigel writing his will, but we revealed what he'd written. And I think so. I think that's from Nigel's point of view. It was. That's how it's done. And that's what Mummy and Daddy would have wanted and a little bit of him wants as well. It's also fantastic story for the future. Okay. We cannot avoid it any longer. Graham, we have to talk about your death. Gosh, Julie, you were there. I was. You were in the room when those decisions were being made that the most beloved character in the Archers was going to die in order to celebrate the 60th birthday of the Archers. You're not making this easy for me. How did it. It happened around the script table. It was a team decision. Graham. I'm so sorry, but it was a team decision. But in that case, hang on a second. I had most people, including yourself and lots of people saying, it wasn't my decision, I didn't vote for it. So you see the politics of this. Listeners, be very careful about what you believe in this program. Anyway, so we were sitting around the table and we discussed it for a long time. And the idea was, was that for the 60th anniversary, we would have a birth and A death. The birth was easy because we had Henry on the way. And so Nigel's death. The distance from Nigel's death is measured by the number of years Henry has lived. So that. That was a given that we were. We had decided we were going to do, and we had to decide who. And it took a long time, and it was not an easy decision. I was somebody who had enjoyed Nigel throughout the time he'd been in the program as a listener and then as somebody working in studio with Graham. But the same would have applied to anybody. There was nobody who we were talking about who it wouldn't have been hurtful for and difficult. It was a hard decision to make. Did it strike you when you were taking it that he was the brightest jewel in the firmament and you were hurling him off the roof? That of all the characters you could have taken, he was probably the most beloved? Him and Joe Grundy. I'm not sure we talked in those terms. I'm not sure that we talked in those terms. Lots of our characters are beloved for lots of different reasons. Do ask me, Graham, when Vanessa told me, yes, and I said, why me? Was it on the day. No, no, I was walking down Tottenham Court Road, actually. My mobile rang when I heard that I was going to be killed off. And I said, why me? And Vanessa said, well, don't be silly. We have to kill off someone who is much loved. Otherwise there's not much of an impact. Same argument probably for Grace Archer 60 years earlier. Very similar. This is what I was going to say. And difficult, though the decision was for us to make, and very difficult as it was for Graham to hear that on the Tottenham Court Road on his mobile. We're still talking about it now. Do you wish you were still in it, Graham? Oh, yes, of course. I was very disappointed. That's a polite word for the BBC. I was very disappointed to be taken away from the program because I put a lot of. Well, every actor does. But I thought I had that program for a long time to grow into the right age for Nigel, because he would have been a good character in his 70s and 80s. And yet, like James Dean, you sort of became more famous from your death than from your life. It's ghastly, isn't it, when I. When I do die, he's a man who screamed, isn't it? That's. That's. That's all it. But I. I was very privileged. I mean, I, you know, to play Nigel all those years and get an award of broadcaster of the year for My contribution, you know. But no, of course I miss Nigel now. It. It's. You never appreciate the things you've got until you lose them. And as a young actor, you want to do so many things. And I remember I contacted William Smethurst and I said, oh, I'm getting a bit bored of this look. It's getting in the way of my theater work and things like that, and maybe I've had my day now with it. And he wisely wrote, he said, you were put on this earth to make people smile as Nigel Partitter. And I couldn't handle my notice after then. Yeah, that's very interesting. But ultimately it does still hurt. I can hear that, probably. Yeah. But actors, we always move on to other jobs, don't we? And thank God I. I did do a bit of theatre now and then because it keeps you going. I miss radio. Do you know who your widow goes out with now? No idea. Who is it? He's called Vintage and he. Vince. Vince Casey. And he is the owner of Casey Meats, the abattoir. Mummy would turn into grave. He's a brummy. He's a brummy. Neat man. Quite wealthy. But do you know what? This is funny. Freddie and myself has come round to him a bit. I think he's actually. He's a good. He's a good. All right, that's enough now. I don't want to hear about this man. Okay? You know me sort of turning my grave. I know. I'm sorry, Daddy. Oh, you just called your dad Daddy like you called his mother. We would have had such fun. We would have gone out fishing and. And I would have tried to put you right about. Life is very difficult game to play. Freddie could have done things right a few times. I think Freddie has profoundly missed healing of horror. Yeah, he's been keel less. And, yeah, that's a very saddened, very true human situation to be in. But it's been complicated for Freddy. When Freddie was 11, when Nigel died, so he remembers him, but at times he's clearly felt that his father casts too long a shadow. This is one of those moments from 2018. Freddy's in the Bull with Johnny, whose dad, John Archer, died in a tractor accident before he was born. So he's another young man with no father. And Freddie reveals to him how he sometimes feels haunted by Nigel. I mean, I know I've got memories, but it's as if because he's not around anymore, I'm expected to be just like him. All I ever hear is how he was this brilliant, witty, successful person. How inventive he was, how he always used to stick to his principles. The stories my lot tell me are all about his harebrained schemes and how he loved dressing up in stupid outfits. Really? There's one about a gorilla costume. Yeah. Something about a fancy dress ball. I'd forgotten about that one he burst in on. God, Grandma and Auntie Sheila. Come on, it sounded like you've got anything to live up to. You're heir to a massive country estate, you can just bum around, do nothing for a while. Who cares if you're not going back to college tomorrow, down the road, you're still going to be Lord of the Manor. You know what? You're right. Seriously, mate, compared to the rest of us, you've got it made. It's quite a lot of baggage to carry though, isn't it? It is. And that. That last line, come on, mate, you've got it made. I think almost makes it worse because he. He's palpably aware that he's not. He's not really allowed to feel sorry for himself. And he's troubled. Yeah, because he lost his father and he had to live through the grief at a really difficult time while he's grieving himself. Yes. Graham, you don't listen, but. But I do occasionally, if I'm in the car. Are you aware that your son went through. He went to prison? Yeah, yeah, I'm aware of that. And that there are echoes and I can only say that the part of the triptych, he's most concerned about his son because he sees him as a ghost and says, I wish she could lean out and touch him. And so I like that. I like that continuity of damage that they both have. Yeah, so do I. Is there. Is there still a Nigel shaped gap in Ambridge, Julie? I think that, yes, there probably is at Lower Loxley, following that succession story that tries to fill that gap or achieves filling that gap as Freddy grows up and we find out what happens next. No, be careful, they'll make you slip and drown in the river. Just watch out. Don't trust them. Thank you to all my guests, the not dead Graham Seed, the yet to inherit Toby Lawrence and the Archer's queen, Julie Beckett. Oh, thank you. That's almost it for today, but there's still time. If you're quick to enter the drawer for tickets to attend a unique event celebrating the life of June Spencer, who first played Peggy Woolley 74 years ago and who died last year at the age of 105. The celebration will be at the BBC Radio Theatre in Central London, London at midday on Wednesday 17th September. And to get a link for the draw, for a ticket, just email the archerspodcastbc.co.uk. it's free and it closes on Monday 8th September at 9am, so do that quickly. It turns out that one of the speakers at the event is me and I would love to include some of your memories and feelings about Peggy across the decades. So please get in touch if there's anything you think we should know about her. What she meant to you, what she brought to the Archers, what she brought to the uk, either good or critical, and you can be completely honest, I would just remind you she was fictional. Email us on this or any other questions or suggestions about the podcast at the archerspodcastbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08289044. And finally, Graham and Toby, we're going to ask you something we've never asked anybody on this show before, which is we're going to ask you to decide how we end it. You have three options for our final clip of Archive. Do you want to hear the romantic scene between Nigel and Elizabeth leading up to the moment where Freddie was conceived. Do you want a very early scene between the two of you when Freddie was a crying baby and Nigel was trying to get him to sleep? Or do you want to hear one of the eulogies that took place at Nigel's funeral? The choice is yours. Well, I don't want to hear the eulogy at my funeral because that won't be my voice. So we don't need that one, do we? I'd quite like. I'm so vain. I'd quite like to hear the first option that you gave. That's a vote for the sexy scene. And what are you gonna go with, Toby? I suppose I quite like to hear Nigel talking to Freddie as a baby, I suppose would be my vote. And Julie, you are going to decide which of the two of them get it. Oh, no, no, no. That's very hard. Well, provided we can all hear both of them. Even if it's. No, we're only going to hear one. I would like to hear Nigel talking to Freddy. Okay. It's May 2000. It's the night before Lower Loxley opened its theme park for the first time. But six month old Freddie was awake and Nigel got up in the middle of the night to comfort him from me and my producer, Jess Bunch. Have a very good week and may your listening be uninterrupted. And when they were up, they were up. And when they were down, they were down. And then they were over the half they were neither up nor down. That's better. You see those funny little tin soldiers, Freddy? I used to play with them in here. I'd march them up and down for hours after tea. Sleepy boy. Me too. It is 4 o' clock in the morning. You know. We've got a very big day ahead of us. You and Lily must be especially good for Grandpa Thunder. Please, no. That was a lovely scene. A lovely scene that, you know, I had 28 years that I forgot about. What happened to 28 years in this program? But also you had 28 years where you were speaking to 5 million or so listeners. Forget that the following advertisement feature is presented by Go Turkey. Ever thought about taking a detour? Turkey is known for its breathtaking beaches and mouth watering kebabs. But did you know it's also a hub of ancient histories, a verdant land for produce and wine, and home to Michelin star cuisine that surprises and delight. What more could you ask for? Look no further than the Aegean region of Turkey. It has it all. 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