12/10/2025

Summary

The Archers Omnibus – Episode Summary (12/10/2025)

Main Theme

This week’s Archers Omnibus is a highly emotional and momentous episode for Ambridge, centering on George Grundy’s release from prison after serving his sentence for dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice. The episode focuses on the build-up to his homecoming, the fallout for his family and friends, and the challenges of reintegrating into village life. It’s a week steeped in tension, relief, reflection, and lingering fractures as Ambridge reacts to the latest chapter in the Grundy saga.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Anticipation and Anxiety Before George’s Release

Timestamps: 01:35–23:14

• The emotional toll on his mother, Emma, and fiancée, Amber, is evident as they prepare for his homecoming.
• A shocking twist emerges when George is accused of possessing a homemade knife ("shank") in prison, threatening an extension to his sentence.
  • George: “Someone’s blaming me for something that I didn’t do and I really didn’t do, okay? I swear.” (08:24)
  • Emma: "No, surely you’re still innocent till you’re proven guilty. There’s gotta be an investigation." (08:53)
• Emma struggles to shield her daughter Poppy from further heartbreak, explaining her wish for things to be perfect for George’s return despite uncertainty.

2. The Grundy Family and Community Fractures

Timestamps: 03:30–20:58, 27:46–29:14

• Emma discusses with Jolene and others the sacrifices and support system, and the stress of running the pub with Kenton away.
  • Jolene and Emma reflect on George being "brave," yet some still question the decision to get him involved in certain events.
• Susan and Neil remain emotionally conflicted, supporting Emma but wary due to their own history (Susan went to prison decades earlier).
  • Susan: “Nothing is ever plain sailing with our George.” (18:29)
• Christopher, Emma's brother, admits he can't celebrate George’s release, believing George can never truly be family after the past.
  • Christopher: “I struggle not to hate him, Mum. I’m already gonna celebrate having him home.” (41:50)

3. The Homecoming

Timestamps: 23:14–51:19

• After a tense hearing, George is found not guilty of the “shank” accusation and his release goes ahead as planned, paving the way for emotional reunions.
  • George (from prison): “They found me not guilty.” (23:14)
  • Emma: “Oh, George. I never thought I’d be this happy.” (24:40)
• The family prepares for a heartfelt welcome—Clary’s treacle tart, Amber’s redecorated room, a banner from Poppy and Kira—illustrating the blend of tradition and hope for a fresh start.
• George expresses anxiety about his future, questioning his place and acceptance in both family and village.

4. Life “On the Outside”: Joy and Struggle

Timestamps: 62:21–74:10

• George and Amber share an intimate reunion, both elated and daunted by the reality of being together at last.
• George’s discomfort at the welcome-home party, which most friends skip, leaves a mark. The outcasts—George, Amber, and Brad—cling to their bond.
  • George: “I have an insanely gorgeous fiancée and the best of best mates. You two have kept me going through the worst months of my life.” (74:08)

5. Reflection and Moving Forward

Timestamps: 79:05–100:49

• Emotional catharsis occurs in a field with Ed, as George compares the harshness of prison to the solace of nature, likening his survival to migrating birds.
  • George: “I had to shut my mind down in there. It was the only way to survive. It hurt too much to think about home… But those that do [make it]—proper survivors.” (79:05)
• The post-episode podcast brings actor Angus Stobee (George), journalist Julian Warwicker, writer Sally Wainwright, and actor Tamsin Greig together to discuss George’s year, moral complexity, and character development.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

George’s Frame-Up and Exoneration

• George: "They found a shank in my bed... it’s not mine. I’d never even seen it before." (08:37)
• Emma: "You don’t know what it’s like. I thought I had four days left... I can feel those four days in my body. Like weights. And I just know I can’t hold anymore." (10:46)

The Pain of Exclusion

• Christopher: "He will never be family to me... I’m happy for her that she’ll have her son back, but he will never be family to me." (42:10)
• Emma (on the party): “So no one came? Who cares? ... It was actually been a pretty good party. I’ve got my two best friends here. What more could I want?” (72:54-74:08)

Fresh Starts & Survivors

• Ed: “Look over there. A red wing with worm... They fly here all the way from Iceland... It’s a tough journey. Lots don’t ever make it through the rough weather. But those that do, well, how amazing are they? Proper survivors.” (79:05–80:11)
• Host Emma Freud: “After a year holding my breath with George in prison, I could feel him finally exhale. Back in a field.” (79:56)

Moral Complexity and Vulnerability

• George (to Chaplain): “Sometimes it’s like that’s all I am to them, a bad choice. Like I don’t really belong in the family.”
• Chaplain: “Everyone belongs somewhere, George.” (97:07)

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Podcast Extras: Cast and Creatives in Conversation

Timestamps: 75:00–end

• Actor Angus Stobee describes the isolation of recording prison scenes and the complexity of George’s character.
  • “A lot of ways to cope. Amber being introduced really allowed him to sort of see it through... Now it’s, how do those around him react to him being reintroduced?” (81:00–81:24)
• Writer Sally Wainwright, actor Tamsin Greig, and journalist Julian Warwicker discuss Ambridge’s history of complex characters and multi-generational storylines.
  • Sally Wainwright: “There’s no drama in people being good. The best characters are ones who are carrying a lot of emotional stuff.”
  • Podcast Host: “The storyline has gripped us all for the last year.”
• The original “armed raid” storyline that sent Susan to prison is recalled as a root of the present-day drama.

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Important Segment Timestamps

• 01:35–03:30: Early week: Life at Home Farm; Kenton’s absence; treacle tart subplot
• 08:24–09:10: George reveals the prison frame-up to his mum
• 23:14–24:38: George declared not guilty, family reacts
• 29:14–30:49: Emma and Amber prepare for George’s release
• 41:50–42:39: Christopher’s struggle with forgiveness
• 62:21–74:08: George’s return, party, overwhelming feelings, and heartfelt gratitude
• 79:05–80:11: Ed + George’s “survivor” conversation in the field
• 75:00–111:20: Podcast discussion with cast, writer, and guests

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Final Thoughts

This episode delivers a deeply moving exploration of redemption, the ripples of past trauma, and the fragile hope for a second chance. George’s journey—framed for a crime, exonerated, and welcomed home—is set against the broader tapestry of Ambridge: its tight bonds, old wounds, and the complicated road back to acceptance. Family, friends, and the village itself are all, in their ways, “proper survivors.”

Transcript

[George Grundy]

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the uk.

[Emma Freud]

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[George Grundy]

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[Podcast Host]

Hello, I'm Emma Freud, host of the Archers Podcast, which celebrates everything about the Archers, from interviews with the cast and creators, 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 it, we'd love you to subscribe to the Archers podcast, only available on BBC Sounds.

[George Grundy]

You're listening to the Archers omnibus from BBC Radio 4. I didn't think I'd see you here today. Ryan said you were giving him and Miranda a lift to the airport. Oh, no, that was this morning. Dropped them off just before midday. Ah. And headed straight for Home Farm. Feels good to be walking beside a field we've planted up. Winter beans should be ready early August if the conditions are good. Oh, so not that long after the wheat harvest. A week or two, if all goes to plan. I've actually never felt as fired up about going to work. I'm not surprised. We're at the start of an exciting new era. Oh, and this week we'll get going on the maize harvest. That's right. So no rain dances, please. Oh, no fear of that. I'm still recovering from Saturday night. Paul and I danced our socks off. Can't think of anything worse, old man. Where were you? Phelpschen? Nope. Birmingham. The club was this cool little venue in Digberth. Really amazing music. Did you say you went with Paul? Vet nurse Paul. That's right. Farmer Adam. I didn't realize you two were friends. Yeah, yeah. Is that all it is? We're seeing how it goes. Well, I hear he's great. He is. Alistair speaks very highly of him, but I actually don't know him all that well. We've had the odd chat. Well, then, why don't you come and have a drink with us at the ball tonight? Get to know him properly. No, no, you don't want me there cramping your style. No, honestly, come. The more the merrier. All right then. If Ian's not made plans to be out, then I'd love to. Thank you. Oh, hi, Emma.

[Emma Freud]

How are you, Jolene?

[George Grundy]

Oh, I was worried that a shut.

[Emma Freud]

Up shop by this time on a Sunday? I know. I think they're open till five. There's no even song this week. I could kick myself, but I missed black peppercorns off the cash and carry order. I'm finding everything just that bit more.

[Podcast Host]

Frantic with Kenton away.

[Emma Freud]

Where's he gone? Anywhere nice? He's staying with Shula for a couple of weeks. Oh, lovely. Well, goodness knows he needs the break, but it leaves us so short staffed we'll run off our feet without him. Well, Jim's just popped to the storage room to grab me some caster sugar and vanilla. He shouldn't be long. Oh, what are you baking? Oh, it's not for me. Clary's making yet another treacle tart. She's determined to perfect it before Thursday.

[George Grundy]

Well, I thought she'd perfected it decades ago.

[Emma Freud]

She did, but it's George's favourite, so she wants it to be just right. Oh, so that's why she's making it for Thursday. Yeah, we've got a big week ahead. Well, I'll be thinking of you. Kenton and I appreciate what George did for us. It was a brave thing to do. Yeah, well, can't lie, I still wish you hadn't got him involved. But thank you for saying that about him. It's an emotional time for you. Any mum would understand that. Finally gonna get to hug my son again. I just can't wait to have him back. The way I see it, George has done his time now. He deserves a chance to get back on with his life. Yeah. Just wish other people could see it like that.

[George Grundy]

Adam, over here. Hi, Paul. What can I get you to drink? Oh, I'll have a Shire Stanks. Then you might as well take Rory's pint. He's had to dash back to Blossom Hill Cottage. We just ordered our drinks when he got a message from Brian from the Algarve. Oh, is everything okay? Oh, yes. The journey sounded smooth. No problems. And they're at the hotel now, but Brian convinced himself that he's left a gas Ring on. Wouldn't Rory have noticed? No, he came straight round to mine from the farm, so he's just checking. Yeah. Anyway, how's things at the vets? Yeah, good, great. And at the farm? Good, Yeah. I mean, Rory's probably told you all about the winter crops. Wheat, barley, beans. No, but, I mean, all is. Oh, I don't want to bore you. We had a rabbit in the surgery today with a dodgy stomach. Oh, right. And, well, how did you treat it? Well, the rabbit isn't really the story. It's more about the owner. He was like this manic 1970 seaside comedian. He had a million rabbit jokes he pulled out of his bobble hat, like, where do rabbits go for a trim? The hairdressers. Yes. That Xander had a dodgy stomach last night. Oh, bless him. Turned out he'd eaten most of the damsons Ian had picked yesterday. So then we debated about giving him some liquid paracetamol and then wondered if that might make it worse. Oh, I'm so sorry. No, no, I'm sorry. Not that thrilling a tale. Unless you have kids yourself. No, no, no, no, no. I'm interested.

[Emma Freud]

Are you too okay for drinks?

[George Grundy]

Yes, yes. I've inherited Rora's. Thanks. He's gone and abandoned us. Yeah. In fact, while we're waiting for him, I'll. I'll. I'll. I'll nip to the loo. Jolene, you have to help. Why? What's wrong? I don't know what to talk to him about. Paul Mack. Lost for words.

[Emma Freud]

I don't believe it.

[George Grundy]

I know, but it's true. I'm literally casting around for conversation topics. And now that I've just yawned at a story about his kid, he'll tell Rory that I'm not only boring, but rude, too.

[Emma Freud]

Do you know what? I think I have summit. That might help, but you'll have to give me two ticks. I'm rushed off my feet tonight. Take a seat, and I'll bring it over as soon as I get the chance. And what did you have for your tea?

[George Grundy]

Ham sandwich. Pretty much the same as I have every day and away for a biscuit.

[Emma Freud]

Just wait till you get a taste of your grandma's treacle tart. She did another test run today.

[George Grundy]

Great.

[Emma Freud]

Are you really okay? You sounded much brighter when I talked to you last week, though I was reading about how difficult these last few days can be. Like now you've got the end in sight, it starts to drag more than ever. Yeah. George. Hey. What is it, love?

[George Grundy]

I've been framed.

[Podcast Host]

What?

[George Grundy]

Someone's blaming me for something that I didn't do and I really didn't do, okay? I swear.

[Emma Freud]

Slow down. Who's blaming you for what?

[George Grundy]

You have to believe me, Mum.

[Emma Freud]

What are they saying you did?

[George Grundy]

There was a search in my room, and they found a shank in my bed.

[Emma Freud]

What, you mean a knife?

[George Grundy]

Yeah, yeah, a homemade knife, but it's not mine. I'd never even seen it before.

[Emma Freud]

Well, they can't just assume it was you.

[George Grundy]

I'm in prison, Mum. They don't have to assume anything. We're all criminals.

[Emma Freud]

No, surely you're still innocent till you're proven guilty. There's gotta be an investigation or something.

[George Grundy]

I've given my statement, and the hearing is tomorrow afternoon.

[Emma Freud]

A hearing?

[George Grundy]

If I'm found guilty, Mama could get extra time in prison.

[Emma Freud]

How long?

[George Grundy]

I don't really know, but weeks, maybe a month or more.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, love.

[George Grundy]

Would you like me to tell you some stories about when Rory was little? Oh, well, I love that, but breweries banned me from gathering this kind of intel. Apparently, hearing embarrassing tales of childhood diminishes your allure. Fair enough.

[Emma Freud]

Now, my darlings, I was hoping you two might be my guinea pigs. We're trialing a new initiative.

[George Grundy]

Oh, if it's taste. As for Fallon's recipes, I'm in.

[Emma Freud]

Not quite that enticing, I'm afraid, but still pretty good.

[George Grundy]

Oh, a game.

[Emma Freud]

It's a box of chatter. Every card guarantees to get you chattering.

[George Grundy]

Sounds like hell. But we'll give it a go, won't we, Adam? Yeah. Sorry, of course. Yeah.

[Emma Freud]

Well, you let me know while you get on.

[George Grundy]

Okay, so player one has elastic arms, and player two can see the future. Which would win in a fight. Maybe it is a bit ridiculous. Well, I'll be player one. With my elastic arms, I can attack from around corners. Because I didn't do it. Because it's not my shank. I just thought they'd find evidence to prove I'm innocent, like fingerprints or a witness or something.

[Emma Freud]

And what about your mates? Someone must have heard something.

[George Grundy]

They'd never risk grassing on whoever did it, even if they had.

[Emma Freud]

Okay. Yeah, yeah, of course.

[George Grundy]

I can't stand it, Mum. Not if they make me stay here longer.

[Emma Freud]

I know, but all you can do for now is focus on getting through tonight. There's no point thinking beyond the hearing tomorrow.

[George Grundy]

But you don't know what it's like. I thought I had four days left. And it. It sounds stupid, but I can feel those four days in my body. Like weights. And I just know I can't hold anymore.

[Emma Freud]

No, that doesn't sound stupid at all. I feel like I'm carrying those weights with you. But if we have to, we'll find a way to keep going. Me and you are strong. We'll get through this. And before you know it, we'll have.

[Podcast Host]

You home and safe.

[Emma Freud]

So how's the game going, huh?

[George Grundy]

It's good fun, actually. A lot of fun. Much more lively than dominoes. It's a great idea to have something like this in a pub.

[Emma Freud]

Well, that's what makes us award winning.

[George Grundy]

Oh, I meant to say congratulations for that. Lillian told me that you're all off to the. The awards ceremony in a couple of weeks.

[Emma Freud]

I'm telling you, recognition like this, after the year we've had, it means an awful lot to us.

[George Grundy]

I bet.

[Emma Freud]

Anyhow, I best get on.

[George Grundy]

HAPPY CHATTERING Right, next card. Players must argue who has the worst friends. That's easy. I'll start. So, Lily interrupts when you're talking and turns off the radio if she's not listening to it, even when everyone else is, which you might think would make her the worst friend. But no. Meet Josh. No. He's a slob. Genuinely disgusting. He's so bad at cleaning that Lily and I made a rotor, which was something we swore we'd never need. And what does Josh do? He ticks his jobs off without actually doing them.

[Emma Freud]

Jolene, I need a word.

[George Grundy]

Oh, of course. What is it?

[Emma Freud]

It's. Can we talk outside?

[George Grundy]

I'm sorry, my darling. I can't leave the pub.

[Emma Freud]

Is something wrong? Yeah, it is. I was right about you and Kenton putting George in danger.

[George Grundy]

What's happened?

[Emma Freud]

Grassing on Marky is what's happened. Of course that would backfire. You should know that. Haven't you had enough warnings? Has someone hurt George? No. Not physically. Not yet, anyway. Oh, thank goodness. Thank goodness, really? Yeah. So he's not been beaten up or worse. But I don't think you'd be feeling that great as a mum if your child was being framed for hiding a knife in his cell. Oh, they didn't. Yeah, they did. And now his release is under threat. He could get a longer sentence. More days stuck inside with the animals who did this to him. Completely vulnerable. Who knows what they're planning to do next.

[George Grundy]

I'm so sorry.

[Emma Freud]

What am I supposed to do now?

[George Grundy]

Oh, come here, Emma.

[Emma Freud]

No, no, I don't want you to sympathy. I just want you to pray that the hearing tomorrow goes his way. Hi, guys. Today I will Be going through what's in my bag. All the links are in my bio, so I've got my strawberry print bpa, free water bottle to keep hydrated, my mobile charger, car keys, of course. A girl needs her independence. My makeup bag. You never know when you might need a quick retouch of gloss. And don't forget your trusty SPF face cream. Just because summer's over, it doesn't mean that the sun rays have stopped trying to age our lovely young skin.

[George Grundy]

Amber. Oh, no, sorry, we have to record that again.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, yeah, but don't worry, it's often better the second time round. I was just doing a quick what's in my bag?

[George Grundy]

Like, literally telling people what's in your bag. Yeah, people want to watch that. Have you had any lunch?

[Emma Freud]

Oh, no, no. I've got much too much to do. I want the house to be immaculate for George coming home.

[George Grundy]

Well, you don't have to do that by yourself. Poppy and me are pretty good at mopping and hoovering.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, I know. But I've also got to put the finishing touches to our bedroom. Our bedroom? I love the sound of that. Can't believe we'll actually be here living together by Thursday night.

[George Grundy]

Amber, I think we need to be prepared for things to not go our way.

[Emma Freud]

No, no, please don't say that. I just keep whispering to myself, it will be okay and it will be okay.

[George Grundy]

I'd give my right arm for that to be true. But we have no control over this.

[Emma Freud]

What did Poppy say when you told her?

[George Grundy]

I haven't said anything to her yet.

[Emma Freud]

She'll be gutted. She adores George.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, she's really missed him.

[Emma Freud]

I hope she knows how lucky she is to be a Grundy girl.

[George Grundy]

Yeah. I just wish she could have had more time with her mum.

[Emma Freud]

Of course. So unfair. She showed me her photo album of Nick the other day. I couldn't believe how small Poppy was in the photos. Why does the world have to be so cruel?

[George Grundy]

It's lovely that Poppy wants to talk about her mum with you. She must really like you.

[Emma Freud]

Well, I like her too. I'd have loved a little sister. And I'd like to think Nick would have been pleased about me marrying George instead of completely shutting me out like my mum and dad.

[George Grundy]

They've not come round to the idea at all?

[Emma Freud]

Nope. They are being cold and distant. Terribly disappointed in me, to be honest. No change. There was pretty lonely growing up in that house.

[George Grundy]

I'm sorry.

[Emma Freud]

It's like the other day, I saw how you grinned When Poppy showed you her hedgerow project, you actually took it, looked through it, asked questions. My mum and dad would never have done that. I mean, they came to parents evenings because otherwise they'd look bad. But they were never really interested in anything I did.

[George Grundy]

Well, that sounds tough.

[Emma Freud]

None of my family have ever been warm. Except my cousin Lola, and she escaped to Ireland the first chance she got.

[George Grundy]

Well, whatever happens today with George, you're part of this family now.

[Emma Freud]

A Grundy girl.

[George Grundy]

That's right.

[Emma Freud]

No, he can't be found guilty, will he? Just can't. That's £1 50, love. Oh, thanks, Mum. Any news on the hearing? Did you find out what time it'll be? It's supposed to be early afternoon, but who knows when George will hear the verdict. Or when he'll be allowed a phone call to tell us. Love, you've just got to hang on in there. No point in fearing the worst. I still can't believe this has happened. Even when George does the right thing, it backfires on him. Do you want me to stick the kettle on? It's quiet in here this morning. We can have a cup of tea together. As long as you don't mind drinking it at the counter with me. Thanks. I better get off, though. Ed's waiting outside. We've got a job at a school in Borchester. All right, then. Hope that goes well. Yeah. And look after yourselves. Don't be getting upset when you're up a tree with a chainsaw in your hands.

[George Grundy]

I won't.

[Emma Freud]

I promise. And I'll message as soon as we hear anything. All right. Bye, love. Bye.

[George Grundy]

Morning, Emma. Oh, another decent day, is it?

[Emma Freud]

Sorry. Yeah, yeah, it's lovely. Morning, Meek. What can I get you?

[George Grundy]

Just me paper, thanks. Is your Emma all right?

[Emma Freud]

Not really. She's worried about George.

[George Grundy]

I thought he was being released this week.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, that's what we thought until yesterday. But nothing is ever plain sailing with our George.

[George Grundy]

That's an understatement.

[Emma Freud]

You can say that again.

[George Grundy]

It's at least 10 degrees warmer out there than it is in here.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, I know. I'm already in me winter woolies. To be honest with you, Mick, I'm sick to death of being in this church. God forgive me for saying it. Unless it's Alan's forgiveness I should be asking for. I just can't wait to be back in my cosy little shop.

[George Grundy]

Ah, yeah, but you might miss the atmosphere in here. There's definitely a quiet kind of calm you don't get anywhere else.

[Emma Freud]

Matt.

[George Grundy]

What?

[Emma Freud]

Over there Right, you filthy roach. I'm coming for you. Mick, pass me that candlestick. The brass one.

[George Grundy]

Watch it, it's heavy.

[Emma Freud]

When I catch you, you'll get a taste of my hellfire. You nasty scrap of fur. How dare you come into my shop.

[George Grundy]

Hold on a minute. What exactly are you planning to do?

[Emma Freud]

I'm going to wait until it backs itself between the font and the window and then. Bam.

[George Grundy]

Don't do it. Do you think that's all right? I mean, I'm not sure about crushing the skull of one of God's creatures in an actual church.

[Emma Freud]

Hiya, Will.

[George Grundy]

Emma. Is this a good time? I know you're out on a job.

[Emma Freud]

Yeah, it's fine. Ed's just filling up the van.

[George Grundy]

I don't know why I'm ringing, really. I just thought he. If anyone understands, you will.

[Emma Freud]

What is it? You don't sound great.

[George Grundy]

I was all right. Had a nice chat with Amber and felt okay. I mean, worried out my mind. But now I. I can't. I can't.

[Emma Freud]

Hey, take a breath.

[George Grundy]

Sorry?

[Emma Freud]

Another breath, nice and deep. Yeah.

[George Grundy]

Just so scared.

[Emma Freud]

Me too.

[George Grundy]

I'm sorry, Emma. Me ringing you like this. It's the last thing you need.

[Emma Freud]

Getting through this together is the only thing we've got. So don't you ever apologise for needing to lean on me? Or for loving our son so much that sometimes it's hard to breathe. He's under there. I can see the cloth twitching. Flush him out. Flush him out.

[George Grundy]

I don't feel all that comfortable about charging the ot.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, fine. You don't need to. He'll go for the bait anyway. Wait till I say now, and then you slam the cardboard box on top of him.

[George Grundy]

Right.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, look, he's poking his head out. Oh, no.

[George Grundy]

What?

[Emma Freud]

It's not the same rat.

[George Grundy]

Oh, it is. It has to be.

[Emma Freud]

No, this one's got a different expression. Oh, my. What if we're dealing with an infestation? Oh, there he is again. Right, are you ready, Mick? He's coming out now.

[George Grundy]

Yes. Oh, we've got him.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, you got him. Lightning reflexes. Impressive work, Mick.

[George Grundy]

Oh, you're more than welcome.

[Emma Freud]

Right, now what? How do we get him from under the box to out of the church?

[George Grundy]

Well, we could try and slide the.

[Emma Freud]

Box towards the door, including down the steps.

[George Grundy]

That'll prove tricky. All right.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, this is ridiculous. I'm going to have to shut up shop and go and break the news to Alan. Is Amber coming round?

[George Grundy]

I said she was welcome. I hope that's okay.

[Emma Freud]

Of Course, Ed will be here soon. He's still at home Farm.

[George Grundy]

What, on the Maze Harvest?

[Emma Freud]

Yeah. I keep thinking if I stare at the phone long enough, I can make it ring.

[George Grundy]

Well, they must have made their decision by now. Someone in the world already knows if George is coming home on Thursday.

[Emma Freud]

Is it okay if I come in? Is there room for me? Yeah, of course there is. Amber. Come in.

[George Grundy]

Did you manage to record that post again? I interrupted her video earlier.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, no. Oh, it was fine. My heart wasn't really in it anyway. So I posted about how to self soothe instead. Felt more genuine for today. Is that him? Yeah, I think so. Oh, it's just the message from the prison. Okay, I wish you could just cut to the. Yes, I accept the call.

[George Grundy]

Can you put it on speaker?

[Emma Freud]

Yeah, I will do. One sec. This is awful. Yes, I accept the. The call. George? George, are you there? George? George? What did they say?

[George Grundy]

They found me not guilty.

[Emma Freud]

Not guilty? Really? I can't. I can't. I can't take it in.

[George Grundy]

Well, is that it then? It's over.

[Emma Freud]

You're on speaker. Your dad and Amber are here. Hey, George. Oh, I'm so happy. Oh, I just I to need. They'd have to believe you.

[George Grundy]

When I woke up this morning, I felt sick. I was sure they were going to give me the worst punishment. They were allowed to like weeks and weeks stuck in this place. Yeah, but they didn't. And you're coming home on Thursday, son. For real.

[Emma Freud]

Three more sleeps, three more sleeves.

[George Grundy]

You better tell Kira and Poppy to put all my stuff back. I know they've been raiding my room.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, don't worry. I've been looking after your things. Your room. Well, I mean, Owl room. It's all ready for your big homecoming.

[George Grundy]

Did you send him the clothes I asked for?

[Emma Freud]

Amber got that organized weeks ago. Didn't you, Liv? Yes. I think they bring them to you on the day of your release. Which is Thursday. This Thursday. This week.

[George Grundy]

October 9th. I always knew that was a lucky date. Is that there? Well, he's at home Farm.

[Emma Freud]

I'll message him. Will he be going mad waiting to hear right?

[George Grundy]

Yeah. Not guilty. That'll do. And you're coming to pick me up, Mum?

[Emma Freud]

I am. Your dad and Ed will be busy with the harvest, so they'll have to work in the morning. But we'll message them when you and me get near Ambridge and we'll try.

[George Grundy]

To knock off early.

[Emma Freud]

And then we'll all be waiting here for you at Grange Farm for lasagna and Clary's Homemade treacle tart.

[George Grundy]

Oh, I can't wait.

[Emma Freud]

George. I never thought I'd be this happy.

[George Grundy]

Look, I don't have that long left on this call. Is it okay if I talk to Amber for a minute? I mean, not on speaker.

[Emma Freud]

Yeah, of course. I'll say goodbye and I will see. See you on Thursday. Hey, you need to get ready for the biggest hug of your life.

[George Grundy]

Well, hang in there, son. The end really is in sight.

[Emma Freud]

Emma, can. Can I take the phone outside? Of course. Love, your dad. Looks like he's won the lottery. Yeah.

[George Grundy]

It feels unreal.

[Emma Freud]

I've dreamt about you being here so many times. I can't believe it's actually going to happen. Like just hanging out with the family. Seeing you with your sisters in the fields, lifting hay bales. All those muscles in our bed.

[George Grundy]

Say that again.

[Emma Freud]

In our bed.

[George Grundy]

I love you so much, Amber. I can't wait to hold you properly.

[Emma Freud]

I love you, too. Oh, this is my favorite one, Jazza. Showering the pigs. I remember it felt hotter than the furnace that day.

[George Grundy]

I could send it to you. Then you could watch it whenever you like.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, no. Never get anything done if I had it on my phone. Look. Look at how they lift their snails to the water. So, so happy. Oh, thanks, Neil. You always know exactly how to cheer me up.

[George Grundy]

Well, I'm sorry you've had such a tough day.

[Emma Freud]

No, well, it could have been worse if things hadn't gone George's way yesterday. I hate to think what kind of a state our Emma would have been in. Evening, Mitch.

[George Grundy]

Evening, both. He waited for the sunset. It's gonna be a stunner tonight.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, red sky at night, Shepherd's delight.

[George Grundy]

How are things? All right. Not so bad on my way to work. Susan, have you heard any more about our furry friends? Joy told me the shop might be shut all week.

[Emma Freud]

Well, for a couple of days, at least. I have to say, I was quite surprised that Alan had no problem with the rats being exterminated in the church. So much for all creatures great and small.

[George Grundy]

I'm not sure he put it quite like that. I imagine he would prefer a humane solution. If there is one. Yeah, as long as that solution isn't you and me running around with the cardboard box and a candlestick.

[Emma Freud]

Alan's leaving any decisions up to the pest control people. They did a survey today and they're coming back tomorrow.

[George Grundy]

Should I be discreet about the problem? Joy said maybe we shouldn't mention it. They're not great for publicity. Well, I wouldn't shout it from the steeple, but I don't think there's any point keeping it quiet. There's going to be a big branded pest control van outside the church in there.

[Emma Freud]

To be honest, at this point, I feel like throwing in the towel. How many more problems can be hurled at me before I get the message?

[George Grundy]

You can't give up, Susan. The village needs a shop.

[Emma Freud]

So Thursday night will be just a welcome home meal with close family at Grange Farm. Ok. And of course you're invited, Brad.

[George Grundy]

Oh, if it's just close family.

[Emma Freud]

Well, George will expect you to be there. Clary and Emma are cooking all his favourite foods.

[George Grundy]

I think if I came out of prison, I'd need a couple of quiet days to get used to things.

[Emma Freud]

George isn't like that. Can you believe just yesterday there was a chance he wouldn't be released this week?

[George Grundy]

Yeah, I wasn't sure which way it would go.

[Emma Freud]

Anyway, Will says he'll stay at Grange Farm with Poppy that first night to give me and George a bit of space. So after the meal, we'll probably head back here for, you know, an early night. Anyway, there's only a few things left to organise. Poppy and Kira have made a welcome home, George banner.

[George Grundy]

You're not going to be hanging that outside here, are you? It just might not be sensitive.

[Emma Freud]

No, it will be in the dining room at Grange Farm on Thursday and then we will put it up in here for the party.

[George Grundy]

Okay, well, I can help with that.

[Emma Freud]

Well, thanks. And are you free at some point tomorrow to come and get some party snacks with me? Emma got some. But it would just be great to have some healthy alternatives.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, no problem.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, it's going to be brilliant seeing George every day, living with him and finally being able to do all the things we've dreamed of.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, that'd be nice.

[Emma Freud]

You know, we've never even been out to a restaurant or a club. Never been for a walk or a pint in the pub. Never eaten breakfast together. Oh, I want to take him to the gourmet brunch kitchen. I went there with Will and Emma. The food is amazing and George is going to love it.

[George Grundy]

Amber, I need to get going.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, yes, sorry. Course, I can get a bit carried away.

[George Grundy]

No, no, it's not that. It's just that I'm job shadowing Mick at work tonight. But give me a ring about the snacks. I'm studying at home tomorrow, so I'll be free whenever.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, before you go, Brad, I never really had a proper chance to thank you for how lovely you were on The Bartleby day. The hug.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, yeah, it's okay. I mean, I know.

[Emma Freud]

I just. I wanted to say it now because I don't really want to talk about that day in front of George. It still upsets him, of course, but the hug, it was nice.

[George Grundy]

Nice? Because everything else was so awful.

[Emma Freud]

Yeah.

[George Grundy]

This is the life. Cocktails on a Tuesday night.

[Emma Freud]

I worked all weekend and spent last night helping Mum plan Halloween for Lowell Locksley. It's a witch hat hunt, so I have to make the best of my night off. Though it's a long way from living it up in Birmingham class.

[George Grundy]

Oh, Lily, it was incredible. Well, you should come with us next time. You'd love it there.

[Emma Freud]

And that us would be you and a certain Rory Donovan or whoever I.

[George Grundy]

Happened to be seeing at the time.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, don't even try to play it cool with me, Paul. You blush every time we talk about him. And you talk about him all the time. So, how did it go in the pub with Adam on Sunday? Getting in with the family?

[George Grundy]

It was fine. Although Ruri abandoned us at one point and I thought we might have to sit in an awkward silence.

[Emma Freud]

Yeah, he can be a bit dull.

[George Grundy]

That's what I thought. He's actually pretty cool.

[Emma Freud]

Rose coloured spectacles. If they're even working on his family. You must really have it bad for Rory.

[George Grundy]

So, Brad, while you change your shoes, let's do a recap. What are the key things a security guard needs? A torch? No, I mean the qualities we've just talked through. Oh, yeah, sorry. They need to be very visible, observant. Like keeping an eye on people's body language and their behavior. Good, good. What else? Um, Brave. A bit of courage doesn't hurt as long as you don't start making reckless decisions. But what you're missing is common sense. I'm missing it from your list. Oh, okay. Like yours, the role is front of house. So in a situation like anything from, well, lost bag to a fire, you're there to keep things calm. Like the other week when that man had chest pains in the bar, it was important that his wife and son were looked after. The other guests were reassured and directed swiftly away from the scene. The vital thing in that situation was access for first aiders and then paramedics. Yeah, I get it. So it's not only about throwing out drunk people? Well, no, but in a fancy place like this, you can't guarantee how people will behave under the influence. Are you ready? As ready as I'll ever be. Oh, it's divine. It really Is Trent told me the blackberries and damsons were picked from the grounds of Grey Gables.

[Emma Freud]

I should have gone with the hedgerow. Me too.

[George Grundy]

But a cosmopolitan is timeless.

[Emma Freud]

You know, if we're ever forced to job shadow another time, I want to be on the cocktail bar or the health bar. Honestly, after last week, I never want to change another bed again.

[George Grundy]

If you are suspicious of someone and security need to be permanently suspicious, they become a person of interest. Right. Now the first step is to enter into polite conversation with them. What you're after is an assertive presence without being confrontational. You don't want to be obviously tracking your target, but you don't want to lose sight of the their whereabouts either. Right. Now, see Paul over there? Imagine he is your person of interest this evening. For whatever reason, he's on your radar. So what do you do first? Engage him in polite conversation. It's coming this way.

[Emma Freud]

Go on then.

[George Grundy]

Good evening. Where are you going? To the bathroom. Right. Is that a keybrad? Yeah, yeah, of course it is. Yeah. Thank you, Brad. Oh, it was awful. More like a psycho cop than a smooth operator. You could try to be a bit less blunt. It's gonna be hard with Clary and Eddie at George's homecoming drinks and the two of us like outcasts.

[Emma Freud]

What are we gonna about do? Spinning this yarn about seeing your Nelly?

[George Grundy]

Oh, well, we just have to pretend to be out Friday night.

[Emma Freud]

What? Can't sit in the dark all evening.

[George Grundy]

We could go to the cinema.

[Emma Freud]

Yeah, I suppose so. I hope that everyone's too absorbed in George's return to ask us about Nelly. Oh, Neil, I'm so tired of feeling like this.

[George Grundy]

Like what?

[Emma Freud]

Like I'm guilty of something.

[George Grundy]

We've got. Remember, it's George's choices that put him where he is, not ours. We got to always hold on to that.

[Emma Freud]

I know, but it's hard to feel good about anything we did.

[George Grundy]

You know what we need?

[Emma Freud]

What?

[George Grundy]

A treat. Let's go to Great Gables, eh? We can have a drink and one of your famous bridge farm cheese boards.

[Emma Freud]

They're hardly mine.

[George Grundy]

You're a bridge farm cheese maker. In my book, that gives you ownership.

[Emma Freud]

No, you're totally right, Paul. He is making notes about me.

[George Grundy]

He's been watching me all night. And when you went over to chat to Oliver, I had the most weird conversation with him.

[Emma Freud]

What did he say?

[George Grundy]

His actual words sounded like something out of a self help book on starting conversations. Like his body language was openly hostile.

[Emma Freud]

Brad. Brad. Me? Yeah. Can I have a word?

[George Grundy]

Is everything all right?

[Emma Freud]

We're not sure. You're making Paul feel quite uncomfortable.

[George Grundy]

Well, it feels a bit like you're stalking me. No, you've definitely been doing something. Well, I can see why you might think that. But it wasn't me. Not the real me anyway.

[Emma Freud]

What does that mean? Because this is becoming a bit annoying and embarrassing.

[George Grundy]

Evening all.

[Emma Freud]

Hi, Brad. Everything all right?

[George Grundy]

No, not really, Auntie Susan. Paul thinks I'm a stalker.

[Emma Freud]

A stalker? I thought you were on security duties tonight. Of course, your job, shadowing Mick.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, and he made me treat Paul like a person of interest. I didn't want to do it, but if your brief was to creep out customers, then you pass the test. I never had you. You down as a creepy Brad. So sorry. I feel awful. I hope I haven't ruined your night, Paul. Well, it depends what you've written in your little notebook.

[Emma Freud]

You'll have to hand it over, Brad. Freedom of information. Really? They're tasing you?

[George Grundy]

Well, I better go. Mick's waiting for me.

[Emma Freud]

Yeah, eagerly waiting for Brad's report on your dodginess. Pa.

[George Grundy]

I could never do your job. Well, you gave it a good go. I have no complaints. And I'm sure I'd struggle to do what you do. Oh, sorry, do you mind if I get that? Go ahead.

[Emma Freud]

Hi. Hi. Brad, are you still okay to come with me to the supermarket tomorrow evening? Sure. Ed's transferred some cash for the booze and we will choose the snacks for Friday and a few other last minute things like bubble bath and massage oil. Oh, I just can't wait to spoil him rotten.

[George Grundy]

It's about six. Okay, perfect.

[Emma Freud]

I'll pick you up. See you tomorrow.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, see you tomorrow. Is that your girlfriend? No. Sounded like it. Not my girlfriend. No. I don't have a girlfriend. It was. It was Amber, George's fiance. We were arranging his welcome home party. Party? Not party, I meant gathering. Just small, just. It's okay, Brad. I know the family have missed him. It's only right. They'll be happy to have him back. Mick, is it okay if I go back to my own job now? Yes, please do. Thanks. Look, you're a smashing lad with a bright future ahead of you. When George comes home, watch that you're not drawn into his world. I know you've been a loyal friend to him, but as a trained security operative, I'd mark George out from the moment I set eyes on him. So just be careful. That's my advice. At the BBC, we go further so you see clearer through Frontline reporting, global stories and local insights. We bring you closer to the world's news as it happens. And it starts with a subscription to BBC.com giving you unlimited articles and videos, ad free podcasts and the BBC News Channel streaming live 24. 7. Subscribe to trusted independent journalism from the BBC. Find out more at BBC.com Join the.

[Emma Freud]

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[George Grundy]

Right. What can I do to help?

[Emma Freud]

Oh, nothing. You sit down. How's Alice?

[George Grundy]

All right, I think. Martha started chattering to her about school the minute I opened the door. We could never get a word out of you about school.

[Emma Freud]

14 years of. What did you do at school today, Christopher? And you saying.

[George Grundy]

All right, I'm sorry. I get it now. I love it that Martha tells us pretty much everything. It won't last.

[Emma Freud]

Alice heard anything more about the Scottish holiday?

[George Grundy]

Oh yeah, didn't I tell you? It turns out this fabulous castle is not actually free until summer 2027. Now Rory thinks it's worth waiting for. No one else agrees with him. Right, that's the dishwasher done. Fancy a game of cards? I'm sorry, but Fallon finishes work soon. We'll have a drink at the pub and then we're desperate to watch the last episode in this thriller we've been binging on. Oh, another night maybe?

[Emma Freud]

Oh, anytime. You know that.

[George Grundy]

Well, thank you for dinner. And Mum, try not to worry too much about the rats. I know it's been a nightmare. She's been doing a brilliant job of handling everything and everyone. Of course she has.

[Emma Freud]

Yeah, well, I thought running the shop during COVID Was a challenge. But these last few months have been even more tricky. One thing after another.

[George Grundy]

I can't believe how long the rebuilding work is taking.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, no.

[George Grundy]

Right, then. I will let you know how Martha's trip goes tomorrow.

[Emma Freud]

No, to Hollerton train station.

[George Grundy]

She's so excited. You'd think it was around the world trip. You know what else is happening tomorrow, don't you?

[Emma Freud]

Course he does.

[George Grundy]

George's release.

[Emma Freud]

I did wonder whether Emma had talked to you about going round to Wills on Friday night. Before Georgie's friends arrived.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, she invited me.

[Emma Freud]

But you're not going.

[George Grundy]

No. No way.

[Emma Freud]

It'd mean a lot to Emma if you just showed your face. You wouldn't have to stay long.

[George Grundy]

I struggle not to hate him, Mum. I'm already gonna celebrate having him home.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, Christopher, please don't say that.

[George Grundy]

I don't trust him. And look at the way he's treating you two. No, I'm not going to raise a glass to his release. Are you?

[Emma Freud]

No. But only because we thought it might be better for everyone else if we stayed away from him.

[George Grundy]

Well, I don't know how you put up with it. Well, it's not easy. No, I know that. And I know it's hard for you and for Emma. But when she told me about the shank, my first thought was, great, now George will get a taste of his own medicine, framed for something he didn't do. And then, of course, I thought about poor Emma and felt terrible. I'm happy for her that she'll have her son back, but he will never be family to me. Well, we do understand. I'm sorry. It's just how I feel.

[Emma Freud]

It's all right, love. You go and have a nice evening with Faith, Alan. And we look forward to hearing about Hollerton Junction.

[George Grundy]

Yeah. Okay. Well, bye. Bye.

[Emma Freud]

Bye, love.

[George Grundy]

Right. I think we deserve a night of doing absolutely nothing.

[Emma Freud]

Sounds good. But first I just need to text Joy. I've had an idea. Remember how we did deliveries during the pandemic?

[George Grundy]

Susan, what are you thinking?

[Emma Freud]

I could nip to the church this evening and fill up the boot with essentials. There's enough stock we can rescue that's wrapped free. Then I can let the villagers know that a Covid style service is back on offer for this week only.

[George Grundy]

That sounds like a lot of hassle. And do we really want our house full of shop stock again?

[Emma Freud]

No, I wouldn't bring that down on us. I'm just thinking a couple of boxes. Biscuits, long life milk, sliced bread tins. And the papers of course.

[George Grundy]

You don't need to do this, you know. No one will expect it of you. You could take the day off for once.

[Emma Freud]

I need to keep busy, Neil. I need a distraction.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, all right. Well, if you're going to the church, I'm coming with you.

[Emma Freud]

Fallon Won't be long, my darling.

[George Grundy]

Oh, no hurry. I quite fancy having a pint anyway. Oh, Shires, please.

[Emma Freud]

Will you be coming to our bonfire on the village green? I started putting the posters around the village today.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, I saw. I. I think Martha and me are just gonna have our own little bonfire in Fallon's garden this year. Marshmallows, sparklers.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, sounds nice. Oh, hey, Chris. I didn't realize you were here. I was doing a quick stop check.

[George Grundy]

Oh, don't worry, I've only just arrived.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, yeah.

[George Grundy]

What are you having, Fallon?

[Emma Freud]

Oh, these are on me. Kind of. Showers would be great. Thanks.

[George Grundy]

Cheers, Jolene.

[Emma Freud]

How's Emma?

[George Grundy]

Yeah, good. Obviously everything is about tomorrow.

[Emma Freud]

She came in to see me on Sunday night. She was so upset. I felt dreadful about getting George involved.

[George Grundy]

In all our troubles.

[Emma Freud]

Well, thankfully the hearing went his way. I never thought I'd be so relieved to hear that George has been released.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, come on, Chris.

[Emma Freud]

You have to admit, the choice he.

[Podcast Host]

Made to help us was a brave one.

[Emma Freud]

And Emma's right. It wasn't really fair of us to.

[George Grundy]

Ask him in the first place. I'm amazed at other people's willingness to feel anything other than contempt for George. Even Alice felt sorry for him on Sunday, saying how awful it is to be accused of something he didn't do when that's exactly what George put Alice through.

[Emma Freud]

I know, I know.

[George Grundy]

Do you know what I hate? Is how upset I still get thinking about that time. I truly hope that George comes back a changed man, but I'm not holding my breath. Well, do you think we got everything? Two boxes of food and two big bags of toiletries.

[Emma Freud]

Yeah, yeah, I suppose it'll have to do. Should we get it loaded into the car?

[George Grundy]

In a minute. First you just come and sit down with me. How often do we get the church to ourselves like this, eh? It's so peaceful in here.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, cold, but in a nice way. Kind of cold that smells of ancient stone. All those years gone by, all those people who've seen sat in these pews.

[George Grundy]

And no worrying snuffles or scratches either. Your pest control team must have done a good job. Give me your hand. You know, I do love you, Neil.

[Emma Freud]

I love you, too.

[George Grundy]

It's been a tough couple of Years, huh?

[Emma Freud]

But we've coped. And we'll continue to cope.

[George Grundy]

Yes, we will.

[Emma Freud]

Certainly worth counting our blessings. We both got work and I kept my job in the dairy.

[George Grundy]

Jazza and Hannah are great colleagues and friends.

[Emma Freud]

You finally met Nellie.

[George Grundy]

Yeah. We got Martha and Kira making us laugh nearly every day.

[Emma Freud]

And we have George too.

[George Grundy]

Yes, George too. You know, no matter what, we'll never stop loving him. Wow. What a roller coaster ride of an episode.

[Emma Freud]

What are we gonna do now on all these long autumn evenings?

[George Grundy]

Find another series. Or we could talk.

[Podcast Host]

Radical.

[George Grundy]

Alright, I'll kick us off. How was work?

[Emma Freud]

Fine.

[George Grundy]

Is that all?

[Emma Freud]

Well, don't complain or my mum will.

[George Grundy]

Swoop in with one of her jolly conversation games. Okay, your turn to ask a question.

[Emma Freud]

Has Alice said much to you about Home Farm? She seems quite upset about Adam and Ruri being in charge.

[George Grundy]

I mean, what is Brian playing at? A couple of months ago, Alice told me he practically promised to farm to her and she was thinking about it seriously. It seemed like Brian really believed in her.

[Emma Freud]

Why would Brian have such a radical change of heart without talking to Alice first?

[George Grundy]

I suppose there's always the worry that she'll start drinking again. Maybe he got the fear.

[Emma Freud]

But why now? Alice is doing amazingly well.

[George Grundy]

I know, but there is always that worry. I mean, statistically, it doesn't look good.

[Emma Freud]

That's a huge thing for you to live with, Chris. That sense of being on edge all the time. I imagine anxiety must be burnt into your nervous system.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, it's not a bad way of putting it. I think deep down I knew Alice's drinking was becoming a problem long before the really bad stuff happened. But it was easy to convince myself I was a nag and a hypocrite, or controlling or too needy.

[Emma Freud]

Are you talking to anyone about this? I mean, like a professional?

[George Grundy]

No. I don't see how it would help. It's not like I'm pretending nothing happened. Having therapy won't solve the main problem I have, which is that I'll never love anyone the way I loved Alice. Oh, Chris, it's all right. I've accepted I love her but can never be with her because, well, even my love for her became part of the problem. I couldn't believe it wasn't enough. And trying to hold on to save us on my own was awful. Came close to destroying me. It was only when I stopped hoping love would save us that I started to get some of myself back.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, come here.

[George Grundy]

No, don't be nice to me. You make me cry.

[Emma Freud]

It wouldn't be a disaster. You know.

[George Grundy]

I'm only saying this to you because you love Alice too. And know I think she's amazing. I'm so proud of her. And she's a great mom. But. Yeah, I don't need to pay a therapist to tell me I can never be with her again. The sun's out, the sky is blue, and we get our boy back in the fold.

[Emma Freud]

I can't hardly believe it's real.

[George Grundy]

You've missed him, haven't you, dad? Oh, I really have. Something really special about our George.

[Emma Freud]

Amber won't be a minute. She's just popped to the bathroom. We've got loads of time. I just didn't want to end up getting stressed if we hit traffic.

[George Grundy]

I think Amber's really nervous. She was up before 5 this morning.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, bless her. It's nice of you to take her with you, Emma. And it will be a lovely surprise for George.

[George Grundy]

Oh, yeah, she's chuffed to bits you asked her.

[Emma Freud]

I'll be happy for the company. To be honest. It's gonna be be nerve wracking enough standing outside the prison waiting for him. Yeah, at least with Amber there we can distract each other.

[George Grundy]

Oh, sorry, I couldn't get the day off.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, George knows you and Ed are fully booked this week. It would be nice if you can get off a bit early and be.

[Podcast Host]

Here when we get back.

[George Grundy]

Well, send me a text when you're near the village and we'll do our best.

[Emma Freud]

Okay, I'm ready. You look lovely, Amber. George is a very lucky young man. Oh, thank you.

[George Grundy]

Tell him I got a paddock full of turkeys that will need bringing into the barn as soon as he gets home.

[Emma Freud]

I'm pretty sure he'd love that. He'd be doing no such thing. Not this weekend, anyway. All right, Ambro, let's get going. Oh, next time we're in Ambridge, we'll have George with us.

[George Grundy]

Well, best of luck. I'll be thinking about you.

[Emma Freud]

Give the lad a big hug from me. Good morning, Mr. Grundy.

[George Grundy]

Morning, miss.

[Emma Freud]

Big day today? Yeah, it was all looking a bit doubtful early in the week.

[George Grundy]

I know.

[Emma Freud]

So are you all sorted? Cleared out your cell?

[George Grundy]

Yeah, I gave my canteen stacks and shower gels to Cal last night.

[Emma Freud]

You must be excited. You nervous?

[George Grundy]

No. Well, maybe a bit.

[Emma Freud]

Well, that's normal. Most lads find it difficult at first being out in the real world again.

[George Grundy]

Right.

[Emma Freud]

Here's your discharge kit.

[George Grundy]

What are these?

[Emma Freud]

Prison issue clothes for release.

[George Grundy]

But my fiance sent in clothes for me from home. I was Told she could do that.

[Podcast Host]

Sorry.

[Emma Freud]

They either didn't get here or they got lost in the system.

[George Grundy]

Well, can you try and find them? It's really, really important. I'm wearing the clothes that she sent.

[Emma Freud]

I am sorry, but that is not gonna happen. We're short staffed today.

[George Grundy]

But I had it all planned out.

[Emma Freud]

Mr. Mr. Grundy. Be careful.

[George Grundy]

Sorry.

[Emma Freud]

You okay?

[George Grundy]

Yeah.

[Emma Freud]

Right. Now get changed, sit tight, and an officer will be here to collect you in the next couple of hours. Hopefully everything will go smoothly. Well, you know what it's like in here. And then he peers into the hutch at all the sleeping baby bunnies and he goes, that mummy rabbit is soporific. Soporific. I had to look up what it meant. He was four. Started to worry I might be saddled with raising a genius. I do think George is much cleverer than he makes out. Oh, I know that. But he gets bored so easily. That was his problem at school. Trying to get him to do his reading or his homework. Oh, it was like pulling teeth. I was in the top set for maths and science, and I always did my homework. Would practically have a panic attack if I got something wrong. But it didn't mean that I liked school. Oh, did I tell you I did a GCSE in English literature last year? Oh, I got a grade eight. That is brilliant. Well, it was so different studying without all the stresses and distractions of being at school and being a teenager. Like worrying that people are laughing at you or trying to avoid boys twanging your bra straps when you're walking to class. They're still doing that? Yeah. Yeah. I hated it. There is a service station in two miles. We've got time to stop if you want. Oh, I'm fine if you are. I'd rather just get there. Me too. Hey, did I tell you some of the things that I've got planned for me and George to do in the next few weeks?

[Podcast Host]

No.

[Emma Freud]

All I know is he wants to get back to his. His gaming. Ugh. He can do that while I'm at work. True. He's gonna have to get a job pretty swiftly. Especially if you've got a manic social life planned out. Don't worry, I can pay. Oh, Amber, you're gonna have to drive too, while he's still banned. I know. I'm sorry. I don't mean to sound negative. I just. I want you to be prepared. It's not going to be all roses and chocolates. And as much as we both love George, there are others who don't feel the same. Susan and Neil? No, I wasn't talking about my parents, actually. Whether you believe it or not, they're on his side. No, I'm talking about the people who were really damaged by what he did. Alice Fallon, Mick and Joy, Denise and Alistair. The list's pretty long. And his Uncle Chris still refuses to have anything to. To do with him. I know, but George has done his time. He shouldn't have to walk on eggshells. Surely he's allowed to have some fun without always feeling guilty. Of course. You're right. Hey, tell me what you got planned. Oh, well, we're going to go to my favorite sushi bar and then I want to take him to the cinema in Felbersham. You can book love seats and take cocktails in with. Oh, and when I was in the church last week buying bubblegum, that guy from Home Farm with the Irish name. Rory. Well, Amice's brother. Yeah, him. I don't think he knew who I was. He was telling me about a cool cocktail bar in Birmingham. Do you know Digburth? Have you been out around there? No, Amber, I'm lucky if I get to the ball for a drink on a Friday night. I think my going out days are long gone. Oh, okay, so we're nearly done. Now, have you read and understood your license conditions or do you want me to go through them with you?

[George Grundy]

No, it's all right. I've read them.

[Emma Freud]

Good lad. Right, can I get a signature here? Next is receipt of property. It's all in that clear plastic bag. Hang on. Have a quick check through.

[George Grundy]

Make sure you've got everything, ID, phone letters, photos. Yeah, it's all there.

[Emma Freud]

And the clothes you arrived in. Can't you wear those if you're not a fan of our prison issue range?

[George Grundy]

Nah, they're too small. Now, I must have looked the right weed when I first came in here. Only good thing about this place is the gym.

[Emma Freud]

Right. And this is the last form. Confirmation of address number one, the Green Ambridge.

[George Grundy]

Yeah. My dad's house.

[Emma Freud]

Look at you. Most lads get discharged to a hospital hostel. Unless there's someone looking out for him. They're back in here before you know it.

[George Grundy]

Not me.

[Emma Freud]

Glad to hear it. Right, so you're entitled to a small discharge grant. It's not a lot, but it's better than nothing. Don't spend it all at once.

[George Grundy]

Thanks.

[Emma Freud]

Is someone gonna pick you up or are you getting public transport? I can give you a bus timetable if you need it.

[George Grundy]

No, it's all right. My mum's coming to get me. She's probably outside already.

[Emma Freud]

Mums are great, aren't they?

[George Grundy]

Yeah. I promised her a big hug and she's promised me a proper fry up on the way home. Eggs, sausage, bacon, beans, toast, tea, maybe even chips.

[Emma Freud]

You're making me hungry.

[George Grundy]

And then we're gonna stop off in Borchester.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, lovely. I've never been.

[George Grundy]

There's this flower shop, like a florist or whatever, really expensive. And I'm gonna buy Amber their biggest, best bouquet.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, I'm guessing Amber is the one you propose to too.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, my fiance. We're gonna decide a date for the wedding now, mate.

[Emma Freud]

Ah, congratulations.

[George Grundy]

And I'm gonna need to buy some decent clothes before she sees me. I mean, I look like a ripe muppet in these.

[Emma Freud]

I am sure she'll love you, whatever you're wearing.

[George Grundy]

I've got it all planned out. When I get to my house, she'll be at the door and I'll give her the flowers. Then I'll kiss her properly for the first time.

[Emma Freud]

So you two only got together after coming in here?

[George Grundy]

Yeah, and every time she visited, some officer jumped in before we could get close to kissing.

[Emma Freud]

Yeah, well. Too right.

[George Grundy]

Well, she's the reason I didn't go completely out my mind in here.

[Emma Freud]

If it's not exactly as you imagine it straight away, it's still okay. Life ain't a fairy tale. Don't worry if your happy endings are a little bit messy sometimes.

[George Grundy]

You sound like my mum.

[Emma Freud]

Well, I take that as a compliment. Right, now, before they let you go out through the gate, you'll have your ID checked and you might get patted down one last time. Okay, Best of luck, George. And don't take this the wrong way, but I hope I never see you again. Seems so strange to be here in such a good mood. I mean, I'm a bag of nerves, but I'm excited. Nerves. Same. Oh, look at that little girl with her mum. Poor thing. Oh, I've seen them here before. At least Daddy's coming out today. Well, there he is now. Who, George? No, the girl's dad. Oh, sweet. She looks so happy. Straight up on his shoulders. Yeah, maybe they'll be all right. Oh, unlike that poor guy. Looks like there's no one here to meet him. So what, does he just have to make his own way home? Must do. Well, that's if he even has a home. So sad. He's free at last and he looks as miserable as sin. Oh, when is it going to be our turn? Feels like we've been here forever. I just keep dreading the phone ringing and a voice on the end of the line saying, there's been a problem. Emma. Oh, there he is. Oh, it's him. It really is George. Mom. Amber. Amber.

[George Grundy]

I didn't know you were going to be here. No one said.

[Emma Freud]

Well, we wanted it to be a surprise.

[George Grundy]

Well, I thought it was going to.

[Emma Freud]

Be just Mum, but this is even better.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, yeah, of course. It's just. It's just my clothes. Those idiots in there, they lost the ones you sent in.

[Emma Freud]

Well, that doesn't matter. I think you look great.

[George Grundy]

That's because you're my mom.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, you could have come out wearing a sack and I couldn't have cared less. You out. George. Oh, you're free. You look just perfect. My perfect baby boy.

[George Grundy]

Mum, don't. I was meant to have flowers.

[Emma Freud]

What do you mean it doesn't matter?

[George Grundy]

It's great you came to surprise me. Thank you. Now can we get out of this dump?

[Emma Freud]

It feels like waiting for Father Christmas to arrive.

[Podcast Host]

Ay, you know, like when they were.

[Emma Freud]

Little in their pyjamas with their noses pressed up to the window, asking questions about Rudolph or what time is it in Lapland.

[George Grundy]

And how does he deliver all the.

[Podcast Host]

Presents in one night?

[George Grundy]

I doubt George is going to arrive with a bag of presents.

[Emma Freud]

No, but I've got a few little things for him. Things I've been collecting over the year.

[George Grundy]

Now, that's a nice idea.

[Emma Freud]

Did you hear from William and Edward? Ah, poor old Edward. Still stuck on a combine. And I'm not sure William's seen my message.

[George Grundy]

I don't think George'll mind. Or the poor boy might want a shower and a kit before sitting down to a meal with the old family. Any road.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, come on, let's just go and wait for them outside.

[George Grundy]

We heard the car.

[Emma Freud]

We thought it was Emma's.

[George Grundy]

So they're not here yet? No. Oh, great. I really wanted to be here for him arriving. Oh, you have to feel a bit sorry for Susan and Neil.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, imagine.

[George Grundy]

It's all they're thinking about today. I'll send them a photo when George and Amber aren't looking. Ah, this is them.

[Emma Freud]

It is.

[George Grundy]

There's our George. Larger than life.

[Emma Freud]

Look who we have. Better than Father Christmas.

[George Grundy]

Oh, let me get a good look at you, Grandpa. Oh, Grandma, look at those muscles. Looks like prison. Suti Germs.

[Emma Freud]

Don't say that. What do you think, Will? We've got him back. Our son.

[George Grundy]

Hey, Dad. I missed you. I missed you. So much.

[Emma Freud]

I've got to get up. George, it's almost 4.

[George Grundy]

No, stay. Oh, it's so warm. You're so warm. And your skin is so, so, so, so, so soft.

[Emma Freud]

All right, one more minute.

[George Grundy]

One more kiss. You are the most beautiful woman in the whole world.

[Emma Freud]

Thank you. But that is not gonna keep me in your bed, sweetheart.

[George Grundy]

Hey, in our bed.

[Emma Freud]

Your mum and Brad will be here soon and I need to have a shower.

[George Grundy]

Okay? All right.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, remember, you're not to shower in your Bartleby bracelet.

[George Grundy]

I won't. I'm gonna treasure this forever.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, that'll be your mom now. Oh, she's gonna think we've been in bed all day.

[George Grundy]

Well, we have.

[Emma Freud]

It's just me. Is anyone home?

[George Grundy]

Hi, Mum. I'm upstairs in bed with my gorgeous fiance with her soft, soft skin. I'll be down in a minute. Hi, Emma. Is George here?

[Emma Freud]

Yeah, come on in, Brad. He's just out the shower.

[George Grundy]

Well, I thought he said he was going to message me about gaming together, but I haven't heard from him.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, that's what you get with a pair of lovebirds. I imagine time just ran away with them. But they're up now. They'll be glad to see you. Oh, hi, Brad. Thanks for coming round early.

[Podcast Host]

No worries.

[Emma Freud]

I've made a list of things that need doing.

[George Grundy]

Have you got music on the list?

[Emma Freud]

Yes. I have done the playlist for when the family are here having drinks, but we need to decide what kind of vibe we're going for after they leave. I'd suggest calm and respectful with a bit of peaceful and quiet mixed in. What? Why?

[George Grundy]

She's worried about the neighbours.

[Emma Freud]

I'm only joking. Joking. Only half joking. Well, don't worry. We've got it all under control. So, Brad, let's get the drinks and the snacks out first and then we can sort out the lighting.

[George Grundy]

Hey.

[Emma Freud]

Hey.

[George Grundy]

Great to see you, mate. Oh, yeah, yeah, you too, mate. Weird not to be sat at a table in a massive room full of people. It was always way too noisy.

[Emma Freud]

I hated it.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, well.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, you should have seen him when he walked out the gates yesterday. It was like a scene from a film. I just can't wait to see. See you back with your mates. Do you think they'll like me?

[George Grundy]

Of course.

[Emma Freud]

Well, there's a lot of people coming. Hopefully not too many. And you, George Grundy, are going to be the star attraction.

[George Grundy]

Rather you than me, mate. You know, I think I might go for a walk.

[Emma Freud]

Well, if you give me half an hour, I'LL come with you.

[George Grundy]

No, you're busy. I just need some. Some fresh air.

[Emma Freud]

No, really. I'll just grab my coat. Brad, do you mind sorting out the snacks by yourself?

[George Grundy]

Yeah, no problem. I can do that.

[Emma Freud]

There's loads of time before everyone, I think.

[George Grundy]

You know, I think I might not walk. I'll take Dad's bike instead.

[Emma Freud]

Yeah, okay. Sounds good. If that's what you want.

[George Grundy]

Well, it won't be long.

[Emma Freud]

I take care on the roads. Did I say something to upset him?

[George Grundy]

Oh, I doubt it. He can just be a miserable git sometimes. Or it'll be. Mate, I'm sorry I wasn't there. Hey, George. Is that Will's old bike? I didn't know it was still roadworthy. It's not, really. Maybe I'll fix the gears and give it a little respray. Good idea. What are you up to? Your grandpa asked me to look at a rotten segment of fence at the back of Bartleby's field. Ed? Yeah? Were you there with Borlby, you know, at the end? Yeah. Yeah, I was. And how was it? Well, it was sad, of course, but he had a lot of family around him. Including your Amber? Yeah. She said everyone was really kind and that he had his honey sandwich. Yeah. It was a nice goodbye. We did him proud. Good, though, Ed. I feel like Amber maybe didn't tell me everything. Amber found it hard to understand. You can imagine not growing up on a farm. It might feel like a brutal choice. I think it's the best way. Fast. Painless. I love Bartleby's old paddock. I used to come here whenever I got wound up. Did you? I always wondered where you ran off to. Yeah, I could proper lose it here, shouting and waving my arms around. You did have your moments. Being in the field with Bartleby always made me feel better. How are you feeling now? Kind of. I don't know. Not exactly wound up, but jumpy. A bit on edge. Which is stupid because obviously I'm happy to be home. And I had the most amazing day with Amber, but. But it don't feel as good as I thought it would. Yeah. I came downstairs this afternoon and they were all getting ready for the party. Mum. Brad. Amber. And it sounds weird, but I had to get out of there as soon as I could. Like, my chest felt tight, like if I didn't get outside I might choke. Well, that's understandable. After so many months locked up up in it. I had to shut my mind down. In there was the only way to survive. It hurt Too much to think about home. Especially being out here with Grandpa and the turkeys. Or helping you with the Texels, I mean. Smell that, Ed. There's none of that. No grass, no rain, nothing. Just the. The stink of sweat and metal. Here, look over there. A red wing with worm. Oh, yeah. Yeah, I can see it. The other night, me and your mum sat outside and we heard them arriving. They fly here all the way from Iceland, Russia, Scandinavia. Can you imagine that distance? Bad stuff. But we couldn't see them. But we could hear that noise they make, you know? Yeah. Yeah, I know it. That's the soda. When I was a kid. Your mum looked it up. It's about 500 mile flight they make across the North Sea. It's a tough journey. Lots don't ever make it through the rough weather. But those that do, well, how amazing are they? Proper survivors. You and Mum are pretty cool really, aren't you? To be sitting out listening to birds migrate. Can I have that in writing? I'm serious, Ced. I hope I can make Amber as happy as you make Mum. Of course you would. I don't know about that. I haven't got off to a very good start. What do you mean? She seems besotted with you. I mean, it's no small thing to move in with your boyfriend's family when he's not even around. That shows some commitment. I had this really romantic reunion all planned out. What? I was gonna wear the flowers that I'd give her. And in my head, it had to be here at Grange Farm, not outside the prison. I had nothing for her. No flowers, nothing. That's not too late. We can leave the bike here and I'll take you to the charging station. Underwood sell flowers. Really? Yeah. Yeah, thanks, Ed. That'd be great.

[Emma Freud]

And I win beginner's luck. Who said I'm a beginner? I've been playing this with Poppy for weeks now. And she would wipe the floor with you.

[George Grundy]

Oh, I know. In fact, she already has. It makes more sense now that I know you've been learning from the master. Another game?

[Emma Freud]

Yeah. Okay. Do you think George is okay? Feels like he's been gone ages.

[George Grundy]

I'm sure he's fine. It must feel good to be riding a bike around the countryside after being stuck inside his cell.

[Emma Freud]

Yes. Yes, you're right. But I'm already missing him. I come bearing straws and napkins. Oh, I can't believe I forgot them.

[George Grundy]

I really don't think anyone would have noticed.

[Emma Freud]

Any sign of George, Emma? Well, yeah, Ed. Just Texted and they're together. Oh. Okay. Well, that's good. You two all set? Yes, everything's ready. We just need time to get changed.

[George Grundy]

Do we? I was gonna wear what I'm wearing, but I can go home and change into something different if you think I should.

[Emma Freud]

Brad, you look lovely as you are. Oh, I agree. But remember that I am meeting George's friends for the first time and I want to make a good impression. So. Do you know how many people are coming? No, but I have messaged people again to remind them that it's by invite only, no plus 1s.

[George Grundy]

And Chelsea was at a party once where a bloke brought along everyone he'd been in the pub with, most of them. Random strangers.

[Emma Freud]

Yeah, thanks for that, Brad. The last thing George needs tonight is trouble. After the family drinks, Ed and me will be in the ball all night. So we're literally two minutes away if you need us. I'm sure it will all be fine. I'm just saying, if something happens, don't feel like you have to sort it out yourselves. I'd much rather you ring us and we can pop over and help.

[George Grundy]

Some of these bunches are lovely. Well, they're tiny. And they've got Underwoods all over the. What's it called? The cellophane. I can't get our supermarket flowers. Well, that's where my plan comes into action. The man at the till said to pick whichever wrapping paper you like. Me and you are gonna make a jaw dropping the massive bunch of flowers that's gonna have Amber's art melting. What? Stick a load of these together? I think officially it's called arranging. Okay, these sunflowers, these, these and these. She likes purple. And. Yeah. What paper do you want to wrap them in? This one with hearts. Oh, you're romantic. Right, we're gonna have to lay them out on the floor to arrange them. I think we should mix all the colors up. Yeah. Yeah, me too. Can you pass me sunflower and one of those spiky green things? Oh, yeah. There you go. It's really good to have you back. I missed you. I hope you know that. Thought you might have had enough. You know, all the hassle I bring. I'm not exactly a good example to Kira. Well, let's see if you work hard now. Stay out of trouble. It's a pretty good lesson for Kira and Poppy to learn that you. You can make mistakes and get back on track. Making a bad thing good. Yeah, that's what your mum used to say to you and Kira when You were little, wasn't it? You'd make a mess of a painting or icing a fairy cake and Em would help you make it into something good. She made it fun, like a challenge. Oh, there you go. And make sure that Kira and Poppy see their big brother making a bad thing. Good. Yeah. Thanks for coming. And Grandpa. I'll be over tomorrow to help you. The turkeys. Shouldn't some people be here by now? Yeah. What time did you tell them it started, Amber?

[Emma Freud]

I said from 7:30.

[George Grundy]

Oh.

[Emma Freud]

No one ever arrives at the start of a party. But it's gone 8. I thought someone would be here by now.

[George Grundy]

What's all the whispering about? Nothing. Just saying we better be ready for everyone to arrive at once. Your flowers look nice in the way window, Amber.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, I love them. All the colours of the rainbow. An impressive mix.

[George Grundy]

Right, well, we better leave you to it. You're going already?

[Emma Freud]

Yeah. If anything kicks off, you just message us the first sign of trouble.

[George Grundy]

Have fun. Okay, time for playlist two. What do we call it? Oh yeah, the party gets wild. So no one came? Who cares? I mean it.

[Emma Freud]

I care. Oh, I think it's just rude. Who says they're coming to a party and doesn't turn up?

[George Grundy]

To be fair, most people didn't even reply. We just assumed they'd be here.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, are you really okay about it, George, that I've managed to organize the worst party ever?

[George Grundy]

It was actually been a pretty good party. I've got my two best friends here. What more could I want? Oh stop, you'll make me cry.

[Emma Freud]

I suppose if I load of people had turned up, they might have trashed the place.

[George Grundy]

And then Derek Fletcher would have called the police and I'd have been arrested and dragged back to jail.

[Emma Freud]

Don't even joke about that.

[George Grundy]

No, seriously, forget those losers. I have an insanely gorgeous fiance and the best of best mates. You two have kept me going through the worst months of my life. Thank you. You don't have to thank us, mate. Genuinely, I don't know if I'd have survived without you two. Brad, you're like a brother to me. And Amber, well, you're better than sunshine. Come on. Group hug.

[Podcast Host]

Hello. And happy first birthday to us. It's a year since our first episode where we started with this.

[George Grundy]

George Grundy, the sentence I pass upon you is for the charge of dangerous driving, one year. And for the charge of perverting the course of justice, two years to be served concurrently. Take him down.

[Emma Freud]

No, it's okay, Mum.

[Podcast Host]

And this week we Got to this.

[Emma Freud]

You're out, George. Oh, you're free. You look just perfect. My perfect baby boy.

[George Grundy]

Mum, don't.

[Podcast Host]

Two moving moments between mother and son. But this story isn't over yet. I'm Emma Freud and for BBC Sounds, this is the Archers podcast. Well, what a treat and a privilege it's been to be shadowing Ambridge over the last 12 months. With me today are the newly released George Grundy, in the form of actor Angus Stobee. Angus, who did George miss least while he was in prison, do you think?

[George Grundy]

Well, I think the obvious answer is Susan and Neil. Because of how it all happened.

[Podcast Host]

Cause they got him in there.

[George Grundy]

Yeah. Yeah. Sort of dobbed him in in the end, so I think there was a lot of resentment there towards them. But I also would say, I think the final conversation he had with Alice was such a gut punch that I think facing her again will be such a difficult scenario because it's sort of making the whole thing so much more real. And so I think I would maybe say Alice.

[Podcast Host]

Do you know, I'd forgotten. I mean, I hadn't thought that there would have to be a chat between George and Alice. That is literally like giving me Christmas.

[George Grundy]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Something to look forward to every day till it happens.

[George Grundy]

I'm sure it's on the way. Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

We also have the BBC journalist and Archers fan, Julian Warwicker. Julian, on your Ambridge's most hated list, where does George sit?

[George Grundy]

Oh, I think George is quite low down. I've always quite liked George. I struggle seriously with Amber, who I'd put pretty high up. Although she did. I did warm to her a bit this week because she was talking more about her relationship with her parents, which is obviously very difficult, but she's still pretty high up.

[Podcast Host]

We're also joined by Sally Wainwright, the extraordinary TV dramatist best known for Happy Valley, who started her career writing on the archers in the 1980s. Sally, back in the 80s, who was your favorite character?

[Emma Freud]

I really liked Betty Tucker. I really like writing for Betty Tucker.

[Podcast Host]

She was fabulous. And who was your least favorite?

[Emma Freud]

Caroline Bourne.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, yes, I'm glad.

[Emma Freud]

Couldn't be doing with her.

[Podcast Host]

No, me neither. In fact, George damaged her commemorative bench, didn't you?

[Emma Freud]

Oh, well done.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, I think so. While back. Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

And you promised you'd fix it. Did you ever?

[George Grundy]

I don't know if we did.

[Emma Freud]

No, we didn't.

[George Grundy]

I don't think we did. I don't think we did. No.

[Podcast Host]

And we have the acclaimed actor that Sally is currently working with, it's Tamsin Greg, who we know as the elusive Debbie Aldridge. Tamsin, your favourite character in Ambridge.

[Emma Freud]

Well, I did manage to squeeze in a couple of scenes with Jack May, who played Nelson Gabriel, who was so extraordinary to be around. As extraordinary as being with him in his voice in the studio. I was so intimidated but so captivated by him.

[Podcast Host]

We did a special on him last week, so that's very lovely to hear you say that. So welcome to you all. Let's have a listen now to my scene of the week. It's George, obviously, the day after his release with his stepdad, Ed, reflecting on his time inside. I chose it because, having spent a year holding my breath with George in prison, I could feel him finally exhale. Back in a field.

[George Grundy]

I had to shut my mind down in there. It was the only way to survive. It hurt too much to think about home, especially being out here with Grandpa and the turkeys or helping you with the Texels. I mean, smell that, Ed. There's none of that. No grass, no rain, nothing. Just the stink of sweat and metal. Here, look over there. A red wing with worm. Oh, yeah, yeah, I can see it. The other night, me and your mum sat outside and we heard them arriving. They fly here all the way from Iceland, Russia, Scandinavia. Can you imagine that distance? Hard stuff. But we couldn't see them. But we could hear that noise they make, you know? Yeah, yeah, I know it. That's the soda. When I was a kid, your mum looked it up.

[Emma Freud]

Up.

[George Grundy]

It's about 500 mile flight they make across the North Sea. It's a tough journey. Lots don't ever make it through the rough weather. But those that do, well, how amazing are they? Proper survivors?

[Podcast Host]

Lots don't make it through, but those that do. Proper survivors. That's you, George.

[George Grundy]

You know, there's a lot of discussion on that. Cheap, cheap, cheap, cheap, cheap. And how to get it exactly right.

[Podcast Host]

Can you do it for us now?

[George Grundy]

It wasn't my line, so I wasn't the one rehearsing it. Super poignant in that scene. And I love his relationship with Ed and comparing the sort of harsh steel walls of the inside of the prison with being back in this sort of area that he loves and at one with nature and being outside, which is where I think he's the most sort of calm. And obviously being out in the paddock with Bartleby was such an amazing space for him just to be himself and, you know, speak his thoughts aloud. So I think it's quite a big deal being back in that environment once again.

[Podcast Host]

After a year, do you think he has the capacity, the mental ability, to be able to recover from what he's gone through?

[George Grundy]

Yeah, I would like to think so. I think he had a lot of ways to cope. I think obviously Amber being introduced really allowed him to sort of see it through and. But yeah, I think obviously now it's. How do those around him react to him being reintroduced?

[Podcast Host]

Julian, It's Ed's sort of saying it was the family that got you into this mess, but it's nature that will help you get out, isn't he?

[George Grundy]

I love that scene because it's the kind of scene and the kind of setting that if Angus, your character, had had that conversation, say, two years ago, it would have been quite routine. Nobody would have thought a great deal of it. And suddenly, because of what you'd been used to for the previous year, suddenly the rural, the relationship with Ed, the fact that this bird happened to come by suddenly mattered a lot more all over again. And I think that was. I thought that was very effective.

[Podcast Host]

Ed's not trying to rescue George, but he's kind of reframing where he's been.

[Emma Freud]

How did it strike you, Tamsin, listening to that scene? I could see, as you do on the radio, because it's got the best pictures, is that I was thinking about how that scene would be shot if it was on screen. And it's. It's brilliantly set up in the way that you do. You have difficult conversations with your. The young people in your life by going for a drive or going for a walk so you're not looking at each other and that thing of, like, see that bird, look that way. So then you've got this beautiful opportunity to see two men looking in the same direction in. At an unexpected thing. But they can be very small in this huge landscape with these tiny birds going everywhere. So you get that sense of the micro and the macro.

[Podcast Host]

Sally, how did that scene strike you? I thought it was beautiful.

[Emma Freud]

I thought it was beautifully written and.

[Podcast Host]

I thought it was beautifully acted.

[Emma Freud]

And I thought it was nice to.

[Podcast Host]

Hear two characters who, you know, you might not always think of as being thoughtful and articulate. It was nice to hear them being thoughtful and articulate. Thank you for that. I think it's probably time now to get up close and personal with George. I've waited a year for this, Angus. So what a year it's been. You've been talked about so much and we've heard so little from you. When you've recorded your prison scenes over the last year, what's that experience been like?

[George Grundy]

Well, there's been a lot of phone calls, so that means you're in a smaller booth around the corner, sat on your own, so it's been interesting. And also, I've only been in scenes with certain characters who would either call or visit George, so there's a lot of reunions in store.

[Podcast Host]

Has it made you feel quite isolated, the fact that you've been recording it? Slightly isolated.

[George Grundy]

There's just been a lot of people I haven't seen in a while. So, yeah, it's nice now to be back in the mix. And we were also talking about the fact that when you're in the visiting area, there's only a certain sort of volume you can reach because someone will. Excuse me, can you settle down, please? So everything has to be a little bit more contained, but it's an interesting dynamic to play with, to sort of push it to the point that someone would say, excuse me, settle down. And so, yeah, I've enjoyed that. But it's also nice now to let his true feelings out.

[Podcast Host]

That's so interesting. I never thought of that, that as an actor you have to turn your volume down in certain scenarios.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, yeah. And it's also with George and Amber, how close they can get. And that creates a lot of tension between them and obviously. Yeah, you kind of sort of sit.

[Podcast Host]

Apart and I was always so aware when Amber was visiting you that your fiance is someone you've never actually kissed.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, yeah.

[Podcast Host]

And you could feel that between the two of them.

[George Grundy]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Have you kept up with events in Ambridge over the last year? Do you know what's been happening here and there?

[George Grundy]

Is this where you test me?

[Podcast Host]

I'm not going to test you, Angus, because I'm actually quite nice. But I'm going to fill you in a little bit on what's been happening.

[George Grundy]

Great. Thank you.

[Podcast Host]

Ok, so you missed Poo Gate.

[George Grundy]

Okay.

[Podcast Host]

And that was acres of poo flooding out of drains and sinks and into Bridge Farm. And your mum dressed up as a loo roll for a protest against the Poo Gate Water Company. That was fun. Harrison got a job as an undercover cop chef, Wayne got sacked for faking his pastry, and Kate nearly massaged a vicar to death. But he recovered in hospital. Justin had a day of reckoning and became nice, but it wore off after about 20 minutes. Martin got ditched by his wife, bought a floral shirt and got off with a friend of Tracy Horribin's. Consuela the llama sadly died. Hilda the cat sadly didn't die. Henry got some baby goats and Clary knitted some ferrets. And there's been a lot of talk about beavers in the village, but we've yet to see one in the flesh. And that's about it.

[George Grundy]

That's exactly what I was going to say.

[Podcast Host]

Julian, have you learned a lot about prison over the last year?

[George Grundy]

No, I was just. Just jotting down the vicar and massage story, which I'd completely forgotten about.

[Emma Freud]

And the beaver in the flesh.

[George Grundy]

And the beaver in the flesh, yes. There's such a lot to look forward to. I think we did, actually, because, correct me if I'm wrong, but when other Archers characters have been in jail before, we've never been in jail with them.

[Podcast Host]

Like Freddy.

[George Grundy]

Like Freddy. So it was interesting to hear the character actually in prison. And I think you. I think you did get.

[Emma Freud]

I thought that. Because when I wrote it, you never tended to go anywhere other than where your characters would be within the village or, you know, if you went into Felbersham. It was a bit of a.

[George Grundy]

Yes, that was an outing event.

[Emma Freud]

Yes.

[Podcast Host]

Let's take you back to the beginning, shall we? Angus? The first time we heard you was as a 17 year old, George. And you were mean. Here you are with Brad helping out with Oliver's harvest.

[George Grundy]

You know what you remind me of this piece of a. You're both long and thin and don't say much. Well, that's because poor Brad can't get away. Word in. All right, go on then. What you doing at college? Sixth form. A levels. A levels, Very good. What's good about them? A levels can open lots of doors. University, for instance, if that's something you're interested in.

[Podcast Host]

Maybe.

[George Grundy]

I don't know. See, he hasn't got a clue. This is the thing, right? People get dead excited about going to college to study, I don't know, history or geography or dry old English for two more years. Then they go university for three more years and then at the end of it, they still can't get a job. What's the point of that?

[Podcast Host]

What do you think is driving that belittling attitude towards education in George's character?

[George Grundy]

Yeah, I think there's always, with Brad, a little bit of a chip on his shoulder with him going to university. And I think he's always. Yeah. Wonders what that would be like.

[Podcast Host]

But it's a big defensiveness, isn't it?

[George Grundy]

Yeah, yeah. He is pretty mean in that scene. I forgot how sort of we started off with that relationship being quite unforgiving.

[Podcast Host]

But you've Got a lot of nastiness in you. We're gonna have a little look at why in a minute. You actually auditioned for the part of Brad, though, when you first came to the Archers, didn't you?

[George Grundy]

Yeah, yeah. So I auditioned for Brad, and Taylor, who plays Brad, auditioned for George, and I think we both, at the end of our audition, swapped just for. Just for a little bit to. To try the. The other person's role. So I tried out George at. At the end of the day, and, yeah, just seemed to go all right, I reckon. So here we are.

[Podcast Host]

I bet you're glad you didn't get Brad on you.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, I think it's nice to be a bit of a troublemaker and have some interesting storylines.

[Podcast Host]

I love the way you're putting on this Scottish accent today.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, it's actually for a role.

[Podcast Host]

Julian, he's a difficult boy. He had a difficult start. Is he bad or is he confused? I know it's a big question.

[George Grundy]

I think he's confused. I think there's something quite likable about George, despite all the scrapes and more than scrapes that he's indulged in over the years. And even when he had done the terrible thing he did, involving the car accident and then pretending it was nothing to do with him, you could kind of see why he was doing it and how increasingly terrified he was about the fact that he was doing it. And that suggested to me that there was something slightly better underneath.

[Podcast Host]

And yet what's on top can be. I mean, I'm saying this is solid team George, which I am. But he's rude, he's angry, he's been horribly sexist, quite spiteful sometimes. Spiteful? Bullying. He's sloppy working. He got sacked by his own grandfather is how bad he was at work. He can be devious and sly and duplicitous. I mean, I still love him, but that's an awful lot of negative traits.

[George Grundy]

It's quite a long list, isn't it?

[Podcast Host]

Does it all go back to his parenting crisis when he was first born?

[George Grundy]

Well, that was a confusing moment, I suspect, you know, given the complicated arrangement that went on in terms of the two brothers and Emma, et cetera. But, I mean, I think what's fascinating now, and you touched on it a moment ago, is all the relationships that he had with people in that village, for good or ill, before he went behind bars. And there are some people who absolutely loathe him. And how will he deal with all of those encounters in the coming weeks and months? I mean, if You're a script writer, Sally. This must be a delight.

[Emma Freud]

Oh, it is.

[Podcast Host]

It's gold dust when you've got a.

[Emma Freud]

Character with all that baggage.

[Podcast Host]

So let's go back to the night of the crash. It's something we've looked at on this podcast so many times, but never through the eyes of the guy who caused it. Eighteen months ago, George was driving Alice's car as she was too drunk to drive. But while they were going over Hayden Bridge, Alice woke up, tried to grab the car door and caused George to crash, resulting in one car and five villagers in the water. George then jumped into the river to help rescue them and saved Fallon's life. It was an incredible episode. What were those watery scenes like to record for you?

[George Grundy]

You know, it was a lot of fun, a lot of adrenaline. We recorded that over two episode slots just because of all the practical effects we had to sort of think about. It was faces and buckets of water as Fallon and George sort of emerged and bath mats soaked in water to sound like the sort of riverbank as we crawled out of the river. Yeah, Ness was working very hard that day.

[Podcast Host]

The sound effects.

[George Grundy]

Yeah, yeah.

[Podcast Host]

He's on our show next week.

[George Grundy]

Oh, amazing. Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Did you know while you were recording it that you were going to end up in prison for it?

[George Grundy]

I don't think I knew as we were doing the actual crash episode, but I got a little bit of a heads up beforehand, which was, yeah, quite the shock because George had gotten away with so much up until this point. Was interesting to see it all sort of come crashing down with this.

[Podcast Host]

It's a shock to you. Imagine what it was like for us in that same episode. George went from hero to zero after rescuing Fallon from the Amazon. He got back into the car with a drunk and unconscious Alice and did something to her which would go on to change his life. And almost everyone's in Ambridge forever.

[George Grundy]

Come on, Alice, move your leg. I'm so sorry, Alice. I don't know what else to do. George. Yeah, over here. Is this the other car? Yeah, it's Alice. I tried to wake her, but she's out of it. Oh, dear. Alice. Alice. No point, Alastair. By the looks of it, she's necked the whole bottle of vodka. Damn it. She bought it from the village shop this afternoon. You were there?

[Emma Freud]

I was.

[George Grundy]

What do we do? Nothing we can do. We have to let the authorities deal with.

[Podcast Host]

Was a sliding doors moment, wasn't it? If you hadn't have dragged her from the passenger seat to the driving seat. Well, we wouldn't have been listening for the last year.

[George Grundy]

Makes me think he's quite a talented performer as well, the way he's able to sort of switch very quickly from obviously being quite distressed by the whole situation to then very easily talking about how he found her in the driver's seat.

[Podcast Host]

Do you know what struck me listening to it that time though? And I hadn't thought this before, but there's so much grundy in that particular action in that. That is a 19 year old boy who does not trust the system enough to think that if he was to say, I was driving, she was drunk, she woke up, she pushed me, we crashed the car, he can't believe that he would be allowed off. It's like he's thinking, they're just gonna blame me or whatever I say they're gonna blame me. I'm gonna go down for this. I can't go down for this. It was her fault ultimately for being drunk. I'm gonna put her into the driver's seat. Isn't that what must have been going through his mind?

[George Grundy]

It's a default position, isn't it? What's my way out of this? And that is very much a sort of grundy thing.

[Podcast Host]

Sally, I'm interested in your thoughts about that whole episode because it was like a stone that was thrown into a pond and the ripples have gone on and on and on. Which is. Which is one of the exciting things about continuing drama is that you can feel those ripples going through a community.

[Emma Freud]

It's a brilliant storyline. Stories like that are gold dust in a soap.

[George Grundy]

The ones that just go on and.

[Emma Freud]

On and on, they're the ones that are hardest to come by.

[Podcast Host]

Can I ask, was he also drunk.

[Emma Freud]

Or was he sober when he made this choice?

[Podcast Host]

He'd had one cider, he had one.

[George Grundy]

Drink, which was found, I think, in the door of the car.

[Podcast Host]

That almost makes his decision a bit.

[George Grundy]

Worse, I think that he was sober.

[Emma Freud]

It's not like he needed to find someone else to take the rap.

[Podcast Host]

But it's the ripples as well, isn't it? I mean, Tamsin, your character, Debbie, you know, was born out of wedlock and ended up being the stepchild of, you know, the most powerful man in the village. And the ripples of that went through your entire life in Ambridge, didn't it?

[Emma Freud]

Yeah, and they, and they've handled that so beautifully, you know, over the decades. That idea of Debbie can't trust a male role model, you know, her father has disappeared and then there's Brian, who purports to be a rock, but is actually, you know, a capitalist farmer, philanderer. And then Debbie is the one who exposes him, finds she works it out first about the affair that he's having with Siobhan, then she gets in with Simon Pemberton, then she gets in with Simon Gerard. She's obviously drawn to Simons and she's just drawn to that, the waywardness of the male figure. And they just keep on playing that out and it's, you know, it's not a surprise that she had to go to Hungary.

[Podcast Host]

This brings us to George's prison sentence. When he went down, our inbox was flooded with opinions both pro and anti George. And the debate still goes on. Even this week, Rose emailed us@the Archerspodcastbc.co.uk.com to say she thought the prison shank hearing was poetic justice. She hoped George would have stayed inside for a little bit longer, being the center of discussion like this. Is it fun to lean into the complexities and the darknesses in George's character?

[George Grundy]

Yeah, I think it's. It's interesting because you never quite know which direction he's gonna go in. I think everyone's always trying to work him out.

[Podcast Host]

Judge Rob Rinder told us in our first podcast episode that you were lucky you didn't get sent to a young offenders unit, as they're often more dangerous. But prison was still tough for George, and over the year, we've heard him become hardened and more vulnerable, opening up to Brad and to Amber, and then this deeply personal confessional scene with the prison chaplain.

[George Grundy]

Most of the village hate me. And I know why. Even some of my own family hate me. Can't blame them either. Or is it that you think they hate you? No, they genuinely hate me. My nana and grandad, for a start. My dad and my stepdad, they're brothers. And every time they look at me, they see the row they had over my mum. You can see it in their eyes. I remind them of all that trouble. Sometimes it's like that's all I am to them, a bad choice. Like I don't really belong in the family. Yeah, it's not uncommon. That feeling you're an outsider. Can take years to get over there. Maybe I never will. Everyone belongs somewhere, George. Yeah, and I'm in here. But you don't belong here. No, it's what I deserve. I did what I did and it was wrong. A terrible choice because that's me. Basically bad. Amber deserves better than that.

[Podcast Host]

Sally you're drawn to strong and flawed characters. What is it about flaws that allow you to explore characters in a way that happier and more perfect people doesn't?

[Emma Freud]

What I've discovered over the years is.

[Podcast Host]

That there's no drama in people being good.

[Emma Freud]

The best characters are ones who are carrying a lot of.

[Podcast Host]

Like George, obviously, is emotional stuff that they've had inflicted on them since childhood.

[Emma Freud]

And it's present in their. Everything they do, everything they say. And it must be so much more fun to play that as an actor. Like your early scene where you were.

[Podcast Host]

Being angry about Brad having been to university.

[Emma Freud]

That just comes from deep emotional baggage.

[Podcast Host]

And I suppose damaged people are attracted to damaged people and that's how you've ended up with Amber.

[Emma Freud]

Well, I think she's brilliant with George, you know, it's a fantastic pairing and, you know, it's a rocky road, I.

[George Grundy]

Think, especially because of the way in which they met and came together. I think there's definitely questions to be asked as to why someone would be. Would want to start a relationship in that setting and then obviously how that will continue in a. You know, after they got so used to being in that environment for so long and that was their relationship. How will that then blossom on the outside with all these different people added in and it's completely different environment. I doubt the scriptwriters are preparing for their silver wedding anniversary celebrations.

[Podcast Host]

No. Although the questions do continue though, don't they? I mean, like, what were they doing until 4 o' clock in the afternoon the day after he came out?

[Emma Freud]

Bird watching.

[George Grundy]

Oh, that little batching bird call.

[Podcast Host]

So, yeah, absolutely. Got it.

[George Grundy]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

And what now for George? No friends at his party? He's not. He's.

[Emma Freud]

He's. Georgie.

[Podcast Host]

No, mate. Can he settle back into Umbridge life?

[George Grundy]

Do we think it's going to take a while? Because it's all these different complex relationships and people are. Have been affected by this in completely different ways. I think he's going to take it sort of one person at a time and try and be good and do good. And as we were talking about earlier, it's that. Does he give in and accept himself being basically bad? It's that tug of war that he's always struggling with. And I think that chaplain scene was a slight turning point. It was a voice of reason telling him that you can't ever give in to that and there's always a way forward. I'd like to think that there is forgiveness for George in Ambridge, but, yeah, I think it will take some time.

[Podcast Host]

The storyline has gripped us all for the last year. Judge Rob Rinder, who passed judgment on the judge's judgment on our very first podcast episode, has sent us this message for George.

[George Grundy]

Hi, George. Rob Rinder here. Welcome back to Ambridge. A year ago, I thought your sentence was far too harsh, but it's been great to hear you change in prison and take some responsibility, finally. Even if it did mean tangling with Markie, I do hope you don't find yourself up before a judge again. And if you do, my advice is hire a better lawyer. Me, perhaps. Hope you and Amber are very, very happy together. And I wish you the very best of luck moving forward. Do stay out of trouble.

[Podcast Host]

He's so wise. I'm not sure you can afford his legal fees, though.

[George Grundy]

No, probably not.

[Podcast Host]

Now, we've often heard on this podcast that the George prison storyline was rooted in the prison sentence served by George's granny, Susan. Over 30 years ago. Susan was sent to prison for harboring her brother, Clive Horin, who'd led an armed raid on the village post office. So let's hear a moment from that explosive event in 1993, as Clive held Jack Woolley at gunpoint inside the shop, Debbie Aldridge was outside, desperately trying to call the police from a phone box.

[George Grundy]

I bet Mike's pleased.

[Podcast Host]

Oh.

[George Grundy]

What's going on?

[Emma Freud]

Shut up.

[George Grundy]

This thing's loaded. Oh, good grief. Oh, good heavens. You. Fill this bag up with money. Move it now. Start filling it, bunny fags. Move. Do as he says, Betty. Fast. Oh, dear. Oh, no. Fill it now or I'll blast your head off. Keep your hands above the counter. You.

[Emma Freud]

You. Fuck it.

[George Grundy]

Move over there.

[Emma Freud]

Oh.

[George Grundy]

Keep an eye on him. Come on, missus. You can move faster than that.

[Emma Freud]

I don't believe this. Look at it. It's wrecked. There's no sound. There's no signal. This is ridiculous. Stupid bloody machine. Kate. Kate. Kay, what are you doing? What the hell are you doing? Letting the tires down. Screw the thing off and put your fingernail on the valve. Only takes a few seconds. Come away. They can't get anywhere if we let the tires down.

[Podcast Host]

I love that clip so much.

[George Grundy]

We played it before, but could do it every week.

[Podcast Host]

Clive fled the scene and later bullied his sister Susan into sheltering him, for which she ended up serving six months in prison, which is why she took the controversial decision 30 years later not to hide her grandson's crime from the police.

[Emma Freud]

That's interesting.

[Podcast Host]

That original Armed Raid script was written by Sally Wainwright and starred Tamsin Gregg, who we heard there as Debbie Aldridge. What are your memories of that robbery storyline, Sally?

[Emma Freud]

I'd forgotten about the phone call with Tamsin and I'd forgotten about Kate saying.

[George Grundy]

Let'S let the ties.

[Emma Freud]

I don't remember who you are. I don't know.

[Podcast Host]

I'd got fixated on the business inside.

[Emma Freud]

The shop and trying to write someone with a gun and whether they were really going to use it or not and whether it really was loaded. It was. Oh, gosh. Yeah. It brought back memories.

[Podcast Host]

That thing that's amazing, though, is that you were a junior scriptwriter. That was your first ever job as a scriptwriter, wasn't it?

[George Grundy]

I wasn't junior.

[Emma Freud]

We were all the same, but I was the youngest.

[Podcast Host]

It was a big storyline to be given to the youngest member of the team.

[Emma Freud]

Well, I came up with it. It was my idea, so I think.

[Podcast Host]

That'S why I got to do it.

[Emma Freud]

But I was very proud of it. I was really very pleased with it.

[Podcast Host]

I was very pleased with the idea.

[Emma Freud]

Of Debbie and Kate coming along. You know, the idea that these two girls are there to sort things out. Although I didn't remember actually that bit on the phone. Sorry.

[George Grundy]

And Jack Woolley.

[Emma Freud]

I loved writing for Jack Woolley.

[Podcast Host]

Listening to that story now and knowing that everything we've been talking about for the last half an hour happened as a result of your idea for that storyline. That is quite the legacy. It's brilliant.

[Emma Freud]

You know what's really exciting, listening to Angus and Julian talking, is how the.

[George Grundy]

Show, unlike other soaps, it just feels.

[Emma Freud]

Like it is all a continuum of the same stuff, the same families that I was writing for, I was writing for Eddie and Joe and that generation.

[Podcast Host]

And you were.

[Emma Freud]

You weren't even born. Your dad was a baby. And it's lovely to know that that's.

[George Grundy]

It's still ongoing.

[Emma Freud]

And, you know, we always did five episodes a week. The other soaps started doing five episodes a week and they kind of didn't know how to deal with that volume of story. And the Archers has always done that so beautifully because the stories are just.

[George Grundy]

That bit slower, but in a good way, so that people do get.

[Emma Freud]

You know, you can sit and chat about the birds and it's still poignant and interesting.

[George Grundy]

So it's.

[Emma Freud]

I. I feel really touched by the idea that even though I'm not familiar with George as a character, it's like I know where he came from.

[Podcast Host]

I know your parents, Tamsin, you. It wasn't your first acting job working on the Arches, but you have been in it for a very Long time. What's it brought to you and your career since then? Like, what did you learn from it?

[Emma Freud]

I knew nothing about radio when I first started on it and I came in thinking that I'd be there for maybe six weeks and 30 odd years later and they're still talking about the character. So that was really wonderful. But I was also with a kind of rep company of actors. That sort of continuity is unusual in the business, so to have that. I didn't know at the time that it was really valuable. But looking back on it, I mean, that's why I keep bobbing back in there.

[Podcast Host]

We're currently going through the Aldridge succession story, which is gripping. Are you worried that Adam and Rory are pushing you out?

[Emma Freud]

I think Debbie pushed herself out. You know, she was the cuckoo, learned to fly.

[Podcast Host]

I'd forgotten that Debbie wasn't Brian's biological daughter.

[Emma Freud]

Yeah, that was a clever. Yeah, he's done a lot of taking on other people's children, which may well somewhere psychologically think the way that he's. Can justify the fact that he's got. He's for. He forced Jenny to take on a non biological child in Rory.

[Podcast Host]

It's very exciting for Archer's fans that you, Sally, who wrote your first job, was on the show, and you, Tamsin, who's still in it, have now come together. Yes. In a new BBC1 film.

[Emma Freud]

It only took her three decades.

[Podcast Host]

It's the dream for us. So tell us about Riot Women, which is coming out on BBC1 this week.

[Emma Freud]

So it's the story of a group of midlife women who get together to form a punk rock band, kind of as a joke, to enter a talent contest to raise money for the refugees and they end up writing their own material about.

[Podcast Host]

Brilliant phrase you used the other day. The middle, mid, middle squeeze, middle squeeze.

[Emma Freud]

It's where women our age.

[George Grundy]

We're about 36. How old are we?

[Emma Freud]

You know, you're kind of pulled in all different directions. You've got.

[Podcast Host]

Like you've got.

[Emma Freud]

For me, it was my mum getting dementia, you know, having to cope with.

[Podcast Host]

That, kids, husbands, pulling bits of you.

[Emma Freud]

Away all the time.

[Podcast Host]

You're at the height of your career, all that.

[Emma Freud]

And in the middle of that, the menopause kicks in. Yay. And it's so. So I wanted to write about that experience, but I wanted it. I wanted to find a way of writing about it that was kind of uplifting. Androids and I don't want to write about a female rock band. It's been so joyous.

[Podcast Host]

It's been so wonderful.

[Emma Freud]

These women have all thrown their absolute hearts and souls into. It's been an absolute joy.

[Podcast Host]

And learned how to make a band, haven't you?

[Emma Freud]

Well, that was the thing when I got the, the original email through for my agent and it said, confidential, this is in capital letters, confidential. Sally Wainwright project. Before I got to the end of the word project, I'd thrown my phone across the room screaming and dancing and then thought, oh, no, it's a scam.

[Podcast Host]

And is that because of the quality of the writing that getting such script.

[Emma Freud]

Sally secretly just thought, imagine, imagine if I ever was asked, thinking, it will never happen, it will never happen. Because I've always loved Sally's stuff but it's very specific to the area and I, you know, my mum was from Leeds, but she left and would, you know, call me a daft apiath when I was, you know, kicking off. And Sally has said herself in an interview that she wasn't sure about me because she thought I was snooty and posh.

[Podcast Host]

I, I think I misspoke there.

[Emma Freud]

I think what, what I meant to say was that Tamsin's too cool because I always, I always wanted to look at Tamsin ever since she was Debbie. She was so cool having somebody young because we didn't have young people. Then Angus in the Archers, we're all middle aged. And then Tamsin turned up. It's like way. But you were in such cool stuff.

[George Grundy]

Like Black Books and Green Wing and.

[Emma Freud]

Episodes and Friday night dinners and it's like, I thought you'd be far too cool to be in any of my shows. Oh, well, I mean, you had no idea I was pining for you. So when it came through the email, I just, I didn't believe it and I carried on and I thought, no, come on. So I checked with my agent that it was a real email and they said you'll need to do a really good Hebdenbridge accent. Agreed to do a peculiar sex scene and learn to play the bass guitar. And the thing that frightened me the most was the bass guitar. And so I did, I did. I started with. I went on fender.com and got a subscription and did lessons on my own. And then I was given a brilliant teacher, guitar teacher, because I thought bass guitar, I mean, it's 35 strings. How difficult can that be? Just. Well, it's forcing. I bet it's seven notes. That's what I have to be fine. Honestly, it really hurt my fingers and it was much harder than I thought was. It's really? They look really cool. Heavy. So cool.

[Podcast Host]

Sally and Tamsin. Thank you. Right, women is stunning and starts on Sunday on BBC One. Once you've watched that at home, we would love you to head in person to the Cheltenham Literature Festival to join us for a live recording of next week's podcast on Monday 13th October. I will be there with actual David Archer Ness, the sound effects queen, and other special guests, not all of whom are human. Tickets are available from the Cheltenham Festival website. Please come and hang out with us. That's all for this week. Thank you again to Angus Stobee, to Julian Warwicker, Sally Wainwright and Tamsin Gregg from me and my producer, Nicola Holloway. Thank you for keeping us company and hopefully, here's to another year.

[Emma Freud]

Hello, Kate here, Just to remind you that you can only listen to the Archers podcast on BBC Sounds. So do subscribe and make sure you have push notifications turned on and we'll let you know as soon as a new episode is available. Oh, and while I'm here, quick reminder that the rates at Spiritual Home are very reasonable. 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 St. Paul Trail, my sight, Cyclists Chase the Thrill, or Urla, 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 [e-mail] for a gripping adventure.

[George Grundy]

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 [e-mail] unlimited.