← The Archers Omnibus
The Archers Omnibus
26/10/2025
01:13:00
It's clash of the titans at The Bull and reality sets in for Alice
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In the ancient city of Patara, the capital of what's recognized to be the world's first democratic system, discover the heritage of none other than Santa Claus. Oh, sorry, we meant Saint Nicholas, who was actually from Anatolia, not the North Pole. Patara's also home to the longest beach in Turkey, where Careta Careta turtles come out to play. Experience even more history. Along the St. Paul Trail through mountains and forests, follow the same route the saint took on his first missionary journey. Nowadays, it's also a trail for the energy gel lovers. A bike tour around here is definitely set to work up a sweat. So there you have it. Turkey is med flavor history, St. Paul and St. Nick. Time to start packing. You're listening to the archers omnibus from BBC Radio 4. Esme, this is my son, Josh. Hi. Pleased to meet you, Josh. Likewise. Josh is going to give us a hand with the milking. I am sorry. I really am. I'm currently just this massive burden to Brookfield. Esme, you're not. I am. I am. And I feel so bad about it. Everyone's been so generous and so kind. I bet you any money that if I had anyone else's neighbours, they'd have just left me to it. Well, you're lucky you got us then, eh? You. You haven't even done anything yet. But I'm going to. I'm just about to. Okay, well, you can go and bring the cows to the yard then. Alright, alright. You're not the boss of me. Thank goodness for that. You're practically unmanageable. Don't say that in front of Esme. You're trying to make a good impression. Well, why would I want to make a bad impression. Hi, Jolene. Oh, George. How's it going? Yeah, not. Not bad. Not bad. That's good. So I wondered if you'd had a chance to talk to the others about, you know, giving me a job here. Uh, yeah, yeah, we did have a chat about it, yes. Oh, yeah, great. Thanks. That's. That's great. Well, it's not really, George, I'm afraid, because there were some objections from some of the team and. Well, I'm afraid the answer is no. Right, right. Right. I'm sorry. It's okay. It's. It's just too much, you know? Yeah, yeah, no, I get it. Sorry. To be honest, I wasn't all that hopeful in the first place. No, I knew that was maybe not gonna happen. I just think you need to widen your job search, you know? Yeah, yeah, no, I know. I mean, I'll be fine. I've got loads of other ideas, you know. Good. That's good. Yeah. This. This just in the right place for you right now. Yeah, yeah, yeah, fair enough. Okay. What's your cheapest pint? Sorry? Well, I'm low on funds, as you can probably imagine, but I think I've got enough for a single pint. You got anything on offer? You want a pint of beer? Yeah. Ale lager. Doesn't matter what it is. George, listen, I do apologize. I really do, but I. I can't serve you in here anymore. What do you mean? I mean, what exactly is her plan? I don't think she's got one. Not yet. She only found out on Wednesday that her dad had died. Does that mean we're just going to be milking these cows indefinitely? What about getting a relief milker? Well, that might be an option at some point, when Esme gets the money sorted. Has dad talked to her? He's not had much chance. He's been here twice a day? Yeah, at 5am 5am doesn't come around twice a day, Mum. Thanks for that, Josh. I don't know what I'd do without you giving me that kind of crucial information. I am a bit worried that it's too much for your dad. Try stopping him, though. I have. I said Pip could do our cows and I do this lot. She's not what I was expecting. What were you expecting? Don't know. Someone older. Is that your phone? My fault. Your phone's ringing. Missed it. Who was it? Pip. Ring her back. Oh, she's left us four messages. Is she okay? She says, did you forget you've got a meat With a bride to be. Are you on your way back? Yeah, yeah, I did forget. Oh, just go. Go now. You'll be there in five minutes. What about the milking? I can do it. I can manage fine. Really? Yeah, of course. Look, you don't need two people. Really don't want to lose a wedding, do you? Okay. Thanks, Josh. Thank you. You're a star. I'll come back and fetch you in the car. Give us a call when you're done, okay? Yeah, yeah, but. Go, go, go. But, like, how can you do this? I'm afraid you've upset a lot of people, George. I understand that. I do. But I've done my time, Jolene. But it's not that simple. Then what's the point? What's the point in going to prison? What's the point in saying sorry? What's the point in me risking my own life to rescue Fallon from the river? And then risking my life again to protect you and this pup from someone like Marky? Come on. I don't have to explain to you the point of rescuing my own daughter from a life threatening situation that you created. Okay, fine. No, that wasn't a good example. But the others. I mean, because of what I did to Markie. Someone tried to frame me when I was inside. Put a knife in my cell. Would have got me an extra month on my sentence. Have you forgotten that already? No, I haven't forgotten. And you can still bar me knowing that you need to leave. Oh, Lillian, what's going on? George was just leaving. Weren't you, George? Not without a fight, no. Well, if it's a fight you want, George, I'd be very happy to oblige. Me and you in a fight, Lillian. You'd have no chance. Well, I don't know about that. I think you'd be surprised. Look, no one is gonna have a fight. Let's not get carried away here. He's backing away already, George. Backing away. Yeah, right. Yes, you are. Just look at you. For goodness sake. I didn't mean to do that. Okay? It's okay. Well, you can see I didn't mean to do that. Of course you didn't, Lillian. What you could see, you saw, didn't you? Jolene, it was an accident. It's fine. George, can I have a dustpan and brush? Don't worry, I'll clear it up. I don't want you to. I want to do it. Look, the best thing that you could do right now is just go. I'm not going till one of you gives me A dustpan and brush. George, you need to leave now. You go now or I'm calling the police. The police? Yes. You'd really do that? In a heartbeat. Fine, I'm going. Just wanted to let you know that the cows are all milked and the yard is cleared. Oh, great. Thank you. Thanks so much. Do you mind if I wait in here for my mum? She had to pop back to Brookfield. Your mum's coming back to fetch you? Yeah. Up, please. Let me give you a lift. Really? Absolutely. It's the very least I can do. Okay, great. Thanks. I'll message her. Okay. I've literally just made some tea if you want a quick brew before we go. Oh, yeah, thanks. That'll be good. Actually, it's gone really cold out there. Should I just take these off? No, no, no, no. Don't worry. I've got biscuits, too. New ones, I hasten to add. Not like the ones that my dad had bought and let go stale in an old tiny. That's good to know. Sorry, why did I say that? I think I've lost all my social graces, if I ever had any. I mean, I had more than my dad, but that's not saying much. It's just such a weird situation I'm in. It is. It really is. Do you want to sit down? Yeah. Yeah, thanks. Oh, sorry. I'll just move all these papers off that chair. Why has he got so many newspapers everywhere? I've got to get them all in the recycling for tomorrow. But they're all over the house. I can help if you want. I mean, how much is there? Every single room is choker. Every room? Yeah. Forget it. It's a skip I need, not a recycling bin. I'm impressed that you used a teapot, not just a tea bag. I love that teapot. We've had it forever. Thanks. I'm trying to think about the funeral. Right. But I've never organized one, have you? No. It's cus we're too young. Well, you're really young. I'm not that young. But I've just been looking it all up and it seems like if you have a funeral director, then it's twice the price. And a burial is more than a cremation. And you can get a dead cheap coffin, but you know what I mean. That's not even wood. But if it's not even wood, then what is it? I've no idea. Are you regretting saying yes to this cup of tea? Not necessarily. Not necessarily. I mean, I'm learning a lot about Funerals. You can be buried in a shroud, you know, and that's really cheap. What did your dad want? I don't know. Didn't he leave any instructions? Well, I haven't found anything so far, but, I mean, the house is quite chaotic. What about on his computer? I can't get into his computer because it's password protected and I don't know the password, so I can't find loads of stuff. Not just, like, funeral instructions, but I can't get into his emails, all his communications. It's a nightmare. Could we try and guess the password? I've tried, like, all the obvious stuff. Such as? His birthday, my mum's birthday, my mum's name, my mum's nickname, my nickname, my birthday, his dog's birthday. What's your nickname? Boo. Boo. Yeah. Cute. Thanks. But too short for a password. Are you okay? Sorry. Please don't say sorry. Is it my fault, asking what your nickname was? No, no, no. It was. I just. I just got a wave. You know, of my dad. I mean, he wasn't always grumpy. He was. He could be gorgeous, you know, and I'm not gonna see him again. I'm never gonna see him again. Happy now, are we? Sorry? I said, are you happy now? Yes. Yes, I'm thrilled, George. Really? That's my idea of a good time? Throwing thuggish young man out of my pub? Seems like it is. Seems like you loved it, actually. Listen, George, you need to know this. What? It wasn't Julene who wanted you barred. It was you. Yes, well, that doesn't surprise me. Well, I just don't want you to be taking it out on her when it's come from me. She stuck up for you. Well, she owes me. She does not owe you. Nobody owes you anything. Good luck with the job, Serge. You are gonna need it. I've done my time, all right? I've done my time. When do I get forgiven? Maybe when you actually understand what you've done. I do. I do understand. How much more understanding am I supposed to be? You nearly destroyed Alice's life. It's not my fault she's an alcoholic. No, it isn't. But she was spiraling downwards because of you. And because of you, she might have drunk herself to death. And Martha would have lost her mother. And I can't forgive you for that, George. I really can't. Frankly, I can't even bear to look at you. So I'm hardly gonna let you just sit there, lording it in my very own pub. I can't believe Brian's not been in touch with us once. I mean, we were pretty clear that we just wanted to crack on without him. Yeah, but I didn't think he was actually capable of doing that. Well, that's basically why we sent him on holiday. No, I know, I know that. I'm just not used to it. Well, get used to it, baby. Well, let's see. I mean, it's one thing to be hands off while he's living it up on the Algarve with the glamorous Miranda. The real test is when he returns. Yeah, but it's gone well, hasn't it, Adam? We've shown him with the dream team. Yeah, yeah, hopefully we have. And nothing whatsoever has gone wrong. Don't say that. And we've got loads done. Well, that's true. I think he's going to be impressed. I really think this is the start of a new era. Hang on a sec. It's Xander's school. Hello. So how many people are we expecting for Oliver's birthday buffet? Just family and friends. Perfect. I told you, didn't I, that Zaynab and Brad have managed to track down three of Oliver's foster kids? You did? Yeah. It's lovely they can make it. He'll be chuffed up bits. And do we know who else is coming? The usual suspects. Linda and Robert, Brian, the Grundies. But not George, obviously. The Clary and Eddie know yet that George is barred from here? Probably. I'm dreading Emma coming in and having a right go. Well, send her to me. Really? Yeah, yeah, send her to me, honestly, because I don't know what she expects. Awful yesterday. Well, you shouldn't. Well, the thing is, at the end of the day, it's not just up to me, Tracy. Oh, no, I know it's not. If it was, then I would have let George drink in here same as everyone else. That's because you're softer. Oh, you are. Lillian said she saw him again on the green after we asked him to leave. Oh, yeah, and he weren't nice. Wasn't nice at all. She was quite shaken. Shall I have a word with him now? No, I. I don't think that's a good idea. Let's just leave it. I hope it blows over. Yeah, I think there's fat chance of that, if I'm honest. Well, let's not worry about that now. No. All right. Sorry. So what have you told Oliver about Saturday? Yeah, nothing yet. Cuz it's a surprise. Is it? But he's told Brad and Zab he's got no plans, so should all be fine. But what if. Well, what if he's made plans since then? H. Maybe I should just get him a ring. Alice? Oh, hey, Ry. Hey. Sorry to bother you. What's wrong? It's the tractor. What's happened to the tractor? It's just a tiny bit on fire. A tiny bit on fire? Well, there's smoke. There's no flames yet. Rory, switch the engine off. I have, I have, I have. I'm not an idiot. And has the smoke stopped now? Yeah. Where's Adam? Well, he had to go to school because Xander might have broken his wrist. Oh no. Poor Xander. Yeah, no, I know. So what were you doing with the tractor? I was just. I was just. Just having a go. It's not a toy, Rory. I know it's not. I know it's not. I was just. I was just getting some practice in. Practice at what? Well, driving a tractor, obviously. Wait there. I. I'm coming over. Dune not. Switch it back on. Okay. I can't get hold of him. Oh, did you leave him a message? Yeah, yeah, that was breezy, you know, casual, so I don't think he'll suspect anything. Well, that's good. Yeah. Yeah. I hope he's still free though. Cuz if he in, that will sort of. You know, there's something nice about organizing this thing for Oliver. Cuz Oliver is a bit like everyone's dad and he. Yeah, I know what you mean. To all those foster kids, the ones that are coming, the ones that aren't. And to all the grundies, you know, and Brad and Chels. And to me, I mean, it's endless really. How kind he is. He's practically a saint. Exactly. Wish my dad was like him, not a useless lump. Right. Okey doke. I need to go and look for the Halloween decorations. No. Yeah, because I always end up digging them out last minute and it's a panic. You thinking you'll do anything special for it this year? Nah, just the usual. Apparently Lower Loxley are going all out for Halloween week. Some kind of witch themed treasure hunt for the kids and everything. So we'll be here for the people who just want a quiet one. Great. Oh, oh, Oliver's ringing me back. Hello, Tracy. How are you doing, Oliver? Oh, all right. Bit snowed under, but all right. What can I do for you? Ask not what you can do for me, but what Tracy can do for you. Sorry, I wondered what you were doing on Saturday afternoon. This Saturday? Yeah. Nothing. Nothing at all. No. You do realise that it's your 80th birthday, don't you? How do you know that? A little birdie told me. Was that little birdie Brad or Zane Hamper by any chance? I'm saying nothing. I just can't face it, Tracy. I've got so much going on at the moment, I haven't got the energy. But that's terrible, Oliver. Doing Nothing on your 80th birthday. I can't allow it. Honestly, Tracy, I'm perfectly happy about it. I've got the day off from Grey Gables. I'm going to collapse in a heap on the sofa with a whiskey and a war film. No, no. Sorry, Oliver, but no, please. I insist on at least taking you out for that whiskey. Meet me at the ball at 3pm how long did you let the engine run for? Not long. Okay. Okay. So it could just be condensation in the exhaust system, right? If the puffs of white smoke disappear once the engine warms up, then it should be fine. Okay. And if it doesn't? Well, then there's some kind of coolant issue and we need to call an engineer. Okay. But thanks for doing this, Alice, for coming straight over. Oh, no, it's fine. It's nice, actually. It's nice to be back. Yeah. Yeah, it is, isn't it? I'm really enjoying it. Oh, no, I meant it's nice to be back here as a farmer. Yeah. Yeah, well, that's what I meant too. But I mean, you never actually worked here before. I mean. Well, I did help out sometimes. When? When I was a kid. Yeah, but I completely grew up on the farm. Farm and part of the furniture. I never said you weren't. But I've grown up on this farm too. I've spent a lot of time here, so of course I've picked stuff up. You were at boarding school and then you went to uni. Okay, okay. Well. Okay, fine. I'm not going to argue about it. I'm here now and I've learned tons in the last few weeks. I mean, at this rate, I reckon I'll basically be ready to manage the place in a couple of years. A couple of years? Yeah, why not? And where does Adam fit in with your vision of the future? I don't know. I mean, well, that depends on him. He might want to move on to another farm. Yeah, maybe. Or maybe he'll want to think about retiring himself. He's already late 50s, isn't he? So you're mad if you think Adam will just retire whenever you want to take over. Look, me and dad have kind of. We've got an understanding. What do you mean? Dad has basically promised me the running of the farm one day. Has he? Has he really? I'm only telling you that because I don't want you to think I'm being this cocky, entitled git. Okay, well, then you should know that he's promised me exactly the same thing. What? When I'm ready, which I wasn't, but now I'm starting to think I am. I am actually ready. So he thinks he's just coming to the ball for a drink with you at three, and then surprise. Oh, that your fault, is it? Oh, yeah. What, it's all over again? Well, answer it. Yeah. Yeah, okay. Hello? Oh, hi, Tracy. You're not cancelling our drink, are you? Well, yes, I am, actually. I was joking. I'm sorry. Sorry, but could we take a rain check? I do appreciate the offer. I really do. But, well, after you called, I thought. Well, she's right, you know. Tracy Horriban is absolutely right. It's my birthday and I should be celebrating, and I can't let great Gables get in the way of that. So I booked a flight to New York. New York? How does it sitting on the sofa, nursing a scotch and watching an old film morph into going to New York? Oliver, it's where my daughter lives. I'm flying out on Friday. Wow. Right. Wow. The question is, do I tell her I'm coming or do I just surprise her? I would. I would tell her. All Oliver surprises are overrated. Alice, what are you doing here? Oh, Rory thought he'd set the tractor on fire. What? It's fine. It was just condensation in the exhaust system. Why were you mucking about with the tractor? I was not mucking about. I was practicing. How's Xander? Oh, he's fine. They X rayed him at the minor injuries unit. It's a sprain, not a break. Oh, good. Now he's home watching telly with Ian. Result. Yeah, exactly. He's happy as Larry. So, Adam. Yeah? What exactly has dad said to you about the future of the farm? I mean. Well, we all know what he said. We were all together, weren't we? Wasn't it your birthday? Yeah, it was. It turns out that dad has promised Alice she could run the farm. Farm? When she's ready. When was this? Ages ago. Actually. Only a few weeks ago. But before I gave up Bridge Farm to come back here. Right. I'm not sure. You're not sure? I can't remember. Maybe it was. I mean, Alice no offence, but I am the most qualified person for this role. And not just in this room right now. I'm perfect for it. Well, I think I'm actually also perfect for it. Possibly even a bit more perfect, because I have. And I'm sorry to say this, and I really am sorry to say it, I think I have a better relationship with dad. What, so that means you're just entitled to my job? No, I didn't say that. Okay, okay, okay, before you two start punching each other, but no one is gonna punch anyone. But Alice, you have a job. Yeah, but the stables isn't necessarily where I seem future. Well, I didn't know that. Neither did I. Yeah, well, why would you? I mean, nobody consulted me. We did consult you. That's what I said. No, you two went and announced out of nowhere that you were going to manage this place together forever on my birthday. Oh, so that was nice. That was lovely. That was a great birthday present. Why didn't you say something? I don't know. I actually don't know. Maybe because everyone was like, oh, it's a done deal. We've talked to Debbie and Kate and everyone's happy. I was gonna have a quiet word with dad on my own, then he went on holidays. I'm really sorry, Alice. Yeah, but that's not all. What do you mean? Rory, you have to tell Adam what Dad said to you. Oh, Alice, it's got to be talked about. It's ridiculous. It's secrecy and it's not fair. Hang on, hang on, hang on. What? What did Brian say to you? Rory, He. He basically said, you know, if I get trained up, the management job is mine. Are you joking? I kind of assumed you knew. Right. I mean, really, this is on dad. He's the one who's basically promised us all the same thing. Well, he hasn't actually promised me anything. Well, so he's the one we should be having a go at. You're right, you're right. I mean, what the hell is he playing at? What are you doing? Just replying to people. What people? People who expect a response. Do you have to do it now? Well, yeah, because I can't do it at work, can I? Alright, this is what it takes. George, you've done social media stuff yourself. I thought you'd get it. I do, I do. I do get it. Really? Sorry. When I'm at work, I can't do anything till my lunch break, so there's three or four hours away from my phone. In terms of social media, that's like Three or four weeks. It's just. Were you working and everything? And then with a side hustle. We don't get that much time together, do we? Oh, okay. Okay. Well, why don't we go out tonight? Go into Felpersham, have a few drinks, just have fun. I can't really afford that. Or my treat. No, no, you can't be paying for everything all the time. I'm not. I haven't. I just want to go to my local pub for a pint with my amazing fiance. Not spend loads of money, but at least buy you a drink. Well, we can do that. We can't because I'm barred. There's other pubs. George, we're surrounded by pubs. But you have to drive to the others. So? So I can't drive either, can I? But I can drive us there. And I don't want you to have to drive me round or pay for everything like I'm a little kid. George, it's not going to be like this forever. It's just right now. Sometimes I think I shouldn't have come back to Ambridge. I think I should have just gone somewhere new, start again. But what about me? Well, you'd have come with me, obviously. I'm not going anywhere without you. Good. Of course not. I wouldn't. I'm glad to hear it. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, Amber. Really? Swear in my life. Oh, that's very romantic. That's me. We still could, you know, just go. Move somewhere else. Somewhere nobody knows my name, knows what I've done. All that and then I could walk into any pub and ask for a pint and no one would start having a go at me or remind me that I nearly ruined the precious life of their precious Alice. Hmm. Is that nice? You enjoying that? Oh, Alice. Oh, hi. I'm just about to make a coffee. Do you want one? Yes, please. Shall I bring it out to you? Oh, do you mind? I said I'd tack up for Oliver. Oh, good. Oh, Duke will be happy to see Oliver, won't you, eh? He's not been riding much, has he? Well, I think Greg Abels has been a bit balmy lately. Actually, I've got to leave you to it and go and look after the Bull in a bit. Julene's got the day off to spend with Kenton. Oh, I didn't know he was back. Got back last night. I think it's been good for him spending that time with Shula. Oh, and I haven't told you about George. Grundy. Have I? What? What's happened? Oh, it's nothing awful, but I made an executive decision and he's now barred from the ball for the foreseeable. Really? So you needn't worry about bumping into him at the pub quiz or something. But you. You didn't do that for me, did you? Well, I did it for all of us. He was quite causing upset in lots of ways. And I won't have it. I just will not have it. I mean, he needs to know. He just can't waltz through the door, order a pint and a packet of cheese and onion crisp and all's forgiven, you know? Right. Yeah. Right. I haven't upset you, have I? Me? No. Why? Well, you suddenly seemed a bit. I don't know, low or maybe just distracted. Oh, maybe I am a bit distracted. Sorry. Is everything all right? Oh, it's just I had a slight falling out with Ruri and Adam yesterday. But it's fine, it's fine. I'm sure it'll get resolved. Well, what happened? Nothing. It doesn't matter. It's just. Well, you don't have to tell me. No, it was about Home Farm and who runs it. Well, I thought Adam and Rory were supposed to be running it. Well, they are for now. But dad has effectively promised both me and Rury that the job will be ours in the future. I couldn't. I just don't understand it, Auntie Lillian, because Ruri isn't a farmer. I mean, he's never shown the slightest interest before. And obviously Adam's not at all happy. I must admit, I no idea you were still thinking about farming. Alice, if I'm honest, I imagined you'd have eventually take over from me here at the stable. Well, yeah, that's one of the reasons I didn't mean to talk about it. And it's not like I've made any kind of decision or anything. Far from it. It's just the way that dad throws these promises around and they don't actually mean anything, you know? Yeah. Yes. Morning, all. Oh, Oliver, hi. Good morning, Oliver. Look, shall we talk about this later? Oh, sorry. Sorry. I interrupted something, didn't I? No, not at all, not at all. Look, I'll catch up with you at the end of the day, Alice. How about that? Sure, yeah. I mean, it's not just about ordering a pint in a different pub. Of course not. It's about a whole life, a whole new life with you. But I've got a life already. I've got a life Here. And so have you. But I haven't. I haven't got anything. What are you talking about? You've got your family who love you to bits. My Aunt Tracy is one of them who didn't want me there. But she doesn't own the pub, does she? No, but I bet she didn't. I've got to get up. Really, George. And get dressed. I don't want to be late. It's gone eight. Will you think about it, though? About moving away? Yeah. Honestly? Yeah. I don't need to think about it because I can't just quit my job. Because influencing is not going to pay the bills. Not yet. And here we don't even have any bills because your dad is letting us stay rent free. I mean, do you understand how amazing that is? Not everyone's dad would do that for them. My dad didn't. Your dad charged you rent. Yeah, but he's rich. Yeah, and he's really tight. Unlike your dad. Is that why you moved in here, then? Because it was free rent? Are you serious? Dunno. I moved in because I love you and I want to live with you and I want to see you every day. You just never told me that before. About your dad. Because I was embarrassed. Why? Because it's embarrassing having a dad who's so mean and clearly doesn't love me like Will loves you. George, you're luckier than you think you are. It was Tracy who inspired me to book my plane ticket. No. What did she say? Well, she was just so hot, horrified that I wasn't doing anything to celebrate. And I thought, good grief, Oliver, what are you waiting for? Life's short. Well, I think it's brilliant. Eleanor, my daughter, she knows I'm coming. I thought about making it a surprise visit, but Tracy counseled me against it. Yeah, I think that's probably wise. I can't wait to see her. Oh, it'll be fantastic. I must confess, I've always been pretty jealous of Bran's relationship with his children. Really? Well, I'm sure it's not perfect. It's really not. But you do seem incredibly close to him. And. And particularly you, Alice. Yeah, well, yeah. I mean, I am. I have no contact, you see, with two out of three of my children, they just don't want to know me. Yeah, I know. It's very sad. Well, I just have to live with it. They're mad because you're the loveliest to people, Oliver. Nonsense. You are. You're practically a saint. Good Lord. I am not. I've made all Sorts of mistakes. Well, my dad's made mistakes, too. Some pretty awful ones. So maybe he's just been a lot luckier than you and that we're all still talking to him. Morning, George. Tracy. Where are you off to? What do you care, George? I do care, actually. Well, you've got a funny way of showing it. Listen, Oliver's party is cancelled, okay? Yeah, well, I wasn't gonna come anyway because you never invited me. And besides, I'm barred. I know that. This is not about you. It's about Oliver. He's decided last minute that he's flying to New York, see his daughter. So don't say anything to him about the party, okay? I don't want him to find out later that we did all this organizing for him and then feel bad. Okay? Okay. Now I've got to get to work. Wait. What? I need to know. Are you one of the people who got upset about me being in the pub? No, of course not. But I don't disagree with Lillian's decision. The ball is not the right place for you right now. But it's the village pub, Tracy. It's like the heart of Ambridge. I know it is. Well, I think it's cruel. Cruel and unnecessary to keep me out. No, George, No. What you did to Alice was cruel and unnecessary, and. And Lillian cannot forgive you. And I don't blame her for that. I really don't. I've got to go. I'm late for work. Hi. Oh, Alice, you left your phone at the stables. Oh, thanks so much. No problem. Lillian, do you mind if I go make a couple of calls about Oliver's birthday? No, go ahead. We're hardly rushed off our feet, aren't we? Oh, no. I thought I could maybe salvage something from the wreckage. What? Rickage. Oliver's surprise party. I'm gonna see if any of his foster kids could pop over to Ambridge before he goes away. Wish me luck. Good luck, Auntie. Lillian. I just wanted to say sorry. What for? Well, I didn't mean to just spring it on you. The possibility of me leaving the stables. Oh, don't worry. I mean, of course I'd love it if you took over from me. Wonderful. But you're your own personalis. You have to make your own way. And I don't want to dictate your life in any way. Thank you. You are lovely. Have had you talk to your dad since all this came out? No, no, he's still away, and we didn't want to bother him while he's with Miranda when's he back? The day after tomorrow. And you're not going to speak to him till then? Well, he's on holiday, isn't he? I'd be tempted to phone him up and give him an fearful if I were you. It's what it deserves. It was just a shock to find out that dad has promised us all the same thing. It doesn't sound like he's promised Adam anything. Well, maybe not in so many words. He didn't mind Adam hoping, did he? No, it just seems so manipulative. I mean, this is your father we're talking about. I just didn't think he was like that. Really? Well, I mean, I know he's done some awful things, but I never thought he was dishonest. Sweetheart, Rory's existence is a very clear example of his dishonesty. Yeah, no, I know, I know that. But I don't want to beat him with that stick. Well, I'm not saying you need to beat him with any sticks, just that he's clearly capable of deception on a big scale. Oh, you're right. 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His venue never misses a beat. Call quickgranger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done. Do we know what time Brian's flight gets in tomorrow? No, why? You're thinking of meeting him at the airport? Yeah. With a sign saying, what the hell are you playing at? That's a great idea. Where's he flying from? Faro, presumably. I could look it up. I mean, how many flights can there be from Faro in October? I've no idea. Have you heard from him at all? No. Nothing? No, me neither. What? Oh, this is brilliant. This is brilliant. What's brilliant? I've just had an email off the Castle. What castle? What do you mean, what castle? The castle. The Scottish castle where we're all going on holiday and they're offering us a massive discount. Really? If we can go in three and a half weeks. Three and a half weeks from now? Yeah, which is great because 2027 is ridiculously far away and this is so soon. Yeah, it's way too soon. And it's November and all the kids will be in school. Oh, come on, Adam, this is really exciting. I need you to be on board. Well, I need you on board with the fact that I've got a six year old kid who's already pretty reluctant to go to school and would have used a sprained wrist to get out of the rest of this week if he could. I hardly need to give him the idea that it's cool to take a week out if someone offers you a castle. What, so that's it? Just like that? Sorry, yeah. And what about everyone else? Well, anyone with kids is going to feel the same. You don't know that. I do, because we went through all this when we were trying to work it all out in the beginning. Well, I think we have to at least put it to the vote. Put it to the vote? Yeah, of course. I can't just turn this down without everyone else's input, can I? We are talking about Scotland here. It'll be absolutely freezing there's underfloor heating everywhere, but it's still a castle. Oh, could you not just be a bit more wild and free for once? Oh, forgive me for not being as wild and free as you are, Rory. Well, whatever you think, we have to ask everyone else before we go and turn it down, don't we? Do we, though? Yes. I mean, this is a democracy, Adam, not a dictatorship. Right. How are you doing, David? Oh, yeah, good, thanks, Esme. How are you? Yeah, I'm getting there. I'm getting there with the funeral planning, if nothing else. Well, that's good. I still haven't got into Dad's computer, so that's stressing me out. Can't you just take it to someone techy? I'm supposed to be someone techie, but, yeah, I might have to. Listen, I'm afraid I might need to get Alistair to look at one of the cows. Really? But I know that money is a concern. Yeah, well, yeah, it is. How about I. How about ask him to drop by when he can? You know, maybe. Maybe unofficially. Can he do that? Well, I'll ask him. Let's see. Thank you, David. So, have you got a sense of the finances now? Kind of. It's quite tricky to work it out. Sure. I mean, the thing I desperately need to find is his will, and if it's not on his laptop, then I don't know where it is or what I'm supposed to do. And if I can't find his will, then I can't apply for probate. It's all a bit mad. Look, I could stop for a cuppa now and try and give you a hand, if you like. Oh, no, no, it's fine. David, I don't want to keep you. Oh, it's okay. I don't mind. I'll just finish clearing the yard and I'll come in. Thank you. You're so good, you are. I'll get the kettle on. Right. Hi, Alice. It's Kate. I know. Oh, have you seen Rory's message about the holiday on the group chat? Yes, I have. Yeah. Well, what do you think? It's exciting. Isn't it exciting? Yes. Because 2027 was so far away. Kate, I'm not taking Martha out of school. Oh, not even for this one time? She's only in reception. All they do is play with sand and sing songs. Anyway, that's not all they do at all. They do literacy, they do maths, they form key relationships. And it's not easy for Martha. She struggles. So I'm not making it any harder for her. But she seems to be doing great. She loves school. She's full of it when she talks to me. I think you need to relax, Alice. Well, I can't. I just can't. Also, what about Phoebe? Well, it's perfect for Phoebe because she lives in Scotland, but she'll be just about to give birth. The baby could be born in the castle. Imagine that. Yeah, I can imagine that. And it sounds like a nightmare. She could call the baby Macbeth. Oh, no, not Macbeth, because he was awful. Macduff. Wasn't Macduff the one whose family were all murdered? Oh, was he? Okay, sometimes I think you're proper crazy. Oh, I was only joking. Look, shall we talk about this more later? Later? Yeah, you're all coming to mind for dinner. You and Rory and Adam. It's perfect. Is that tonight? Did you forget? No, I just. I thought. I thought that was tomorrow. We said Wednesday. No, we said Thursday. No, we definitely said Wednesday because Kirsty's out for the evening. I've got a lovely big kitchen rather than that pokey galley at Dad's, and I'm cooking up a storm. It's bliss. I'll see you at seven. Okay? No, no, no, no. You are not allowed to back out. I've already started cooking and I'm really excited about the four of us hanging out. Okay? Okay, fine. But I'm not going to change my mind about this holiday. Come on in. Thanks. Oh, well, this looks a lot more organized than last time. Yeah, don't be deceived. Well, the kitchen's definitely a hell of a lot cleaner. It was so dirty, wasn't it? I really, really scrubbed it, like, for two days. And then I felt awful that I didn't do this when dad was alive. Would he have let you? No. Well, that's probably why you didn't do it. Maybe. I mean, I did beg him to get a cleaner. Bet there was a fat chance of that. He practically spat on the ground cleaner. I can imagine. Plus, of course, he didn't have the money, did he? If you're behind on your feed bill, you're not gonna get a cleaner. No. Did Josh tell you that I cried the other day? No. No, he didn't. Oh, that was nice of him. I really, really cried. I was so embarrassed. But he was brilliant. Like, really not phased. Well, that's good. He's a lovely postern, isn't he? Josh? Yeah. You sound surprised. Sorry. No, no, he is lovely. Of course he is. He's just not always. Well, obviously lovely. Well, I must have got him on a good day. Yeah, you must have. I've made dal, rice, chapatis, sagaloo and a cauliflower bhaji. And there's poppadoms with chutney and mint sauce. A homemade mint sauce. Oh, you've gone to town. That smells amazing. It really does. Well, this is special, isn't it? Us four together. It doesn't happen often. Actually. It's quite a good chance to meet up without Dad. I mean, I love dad, obviously I love dad, but sometimes you just want to be able to talk freely, you know? Yeah. How's Zander's arm? Adam? Oh, his wrist. Yeah, it's fine, thanks, Kate. It's absolutely fine. Oh, poor Xander. It's so heart stopping when you get a call like that from school or nursery. No, nightmare. Oh, Lillian's just replied to the holiday question. What does she say? Her and Justin are up for it if everyone else is, but everyone else isn't. Have Tom and Natasha said anything? Yeah, they're up for it too. It's okay for them because the twins have haven't started school, have they? Pat and Tony said they might struggle to find cover, but it's doable in theory. Okay, so Pat and Tony and Lillian are definite. Yes, that. Well, I wouldn't say that. Well, you're not saying that. They're saying that. No, they're not. You need to check with them. That's the thing about a group chat. Sometimes things get lost. I mean, obviously not a Tando and Sipo won't be able to make it in three and a half weeks time. But then there's no guarantee they could make make it in two years time either. Exactly. I mean, who knows where we'll all be in two years? But you know what time is like. It comes around so fast. That'll be 2027 before we know it. But Rory's point still stands that we don't know what the future holds. Carpe diem and all that. That always makes me think of fish of the day. Me too. Really? That's so funny. Well, we're not going to resolve this tonight, are we? No, no chance. I mean, we could. Dad hasn't said anything, has he? He's not looking at his phone while he's away. Oh, I know, it's fantastic. I'm so impressed that he's actually relaxing for once. Ah, yeah. What? Nothing. No, what is it? Dad's kind of promised the management of Home Farm to both me and Alice on the quiet. But I thought Adam and Rory were like, officially in charge now, together. Yeah, we are. But I was really disappointed to have the news just sprung on me with zero consultation. I still don't understand why you didn't just say something. Also, can I make the point that in the current situation, we're not equal partners. Rory is an apprentice with a few weeks experience. So if anyone is being promised the top job long term, then it should be me. Yeah, but I do think when I'm trained up, I could do a really amazing job. What? I do. Sorry, but I do. Of course you do. Of course you do. Because one thing you don't lack is confidence. But actually, really, when you think about it, why should any of you be promised the top job? What do you mean? Well, what about me? You? Yes. Well, you're not a farmer, Kate. Well, neither are you, Alice. You're the manager of a stables. But I have a background in farming. Whereas, Kate, you've never been remotely interested. If only I could just sell the cows today or tomorrow. Yeah, that would solve a lot of your problems, wouldn't it? I know it's not that simple, but feeding them is costing so much and you're having to milk them twice a day and I mean, I hope I don't sound awful, but you look absolutely knackered. Yeah, I'm pretty tired. Would you want to buy them if you could? Because that's a solution, isn't it? I mean, that's a great solution, actually. Unless you don't want them. But I could do you a great deal. Mates rates. Mates rates for cows. Okay, slow down, slow down. Hold my horses. Yeah, exactly. You can't afford mates rates. You need to get the best price you can get. And I'm not currently in the market for more cows. Wow. Shame. You know, it might be easier to think clearly long term when you've got the funeral out of the way, but I'm gonna have to put that on a credit card. The entire funeral? Oh, Esme. I mean, maybe he's got some money stashed away somewhere, but it doesn't look like it from the state of things. No, I think the moral of the story is. What? Don't become a farmer because you might not be able to pay for your own funeral. Oh, that's bleak. I know. I didn't mean it. I'm sure you'll be fine, David. You seem very sensible. Don't know about that. But I can probably at a push, afford my own funeral. Well, there you go then. You're a success story. Yeah, but I'm not a tenant farmer, so I'm in a completely different boat. Yeah, yeah, well, I'm glad. I'm glad you're not in this one, because I'm really worried that this boat might be sinking. Oliver. Hi, Tracy. Sorry to bother you, but it's quite urgent. Everything all right? Well, that depends, see? On what, exactly? Whether you come to the ball for lunch today. Sorry? Basically, I need you to come to the ball for lunch today and you're not allowed to say no. Tracey. Sorry. No, no, no, no. Did you not hear me? But I've got a horrendously long list of things to deal with the great Gables before I go away. I'm sure that's true. I'm sure it is, but I'm afraid that for a couple of hours that you're going to have to delegate, so. Ask Zayneb, Ask Brad. My to do list is not really in Zaynab and Brad's remake. Oh, they won't care about that. I care about that. Well, there must be something they can do to help, Oliver, because I need you. I need you to be at the ball at one o' clock sharp. Okay? Okay. Okay. Good morning, all. It's nearly one. Sorry? He said it's nearly one. It's not the morning. Oh, yes, I see. Yes. Sorry. Well, good afternoon then, I suppose. Nice tan. Thanks very much. Good holiday? Gorgeous. Thank you. Relaxing? Fantastically, sir. Decent weather? Delightful. Good. I mean, the Algarve is remarkably temperate this time of year. It's practically perfect. Really? Good for you. Not sure the Algarve's quite Miranda's cup of tea, but actually we got on a treat. Great. So, how are things? All under control? Yeah. Everything been fine. Yep. Yep. Sure. Yep. Well, I must say, this is quite a cool reception. I was hoping for a bit more. What? Transparency, honesty. Clarity. Am I missing something? Yes, you are. You definitely are. What is it, Rory? What would you say he's missing? Oh, I don't know, Adam. Integrity. Well, that could be. Hang on a minute. Hang on a minute. What is going on with you two? Wha. What's all this? Your table awaits you, sir. Oh, Tracy, please take a seat. Are these for me? They are. What, all these presents? Yeah. And the cards and the flowers. And the banner, though, since it says Happy Birthday, Oliver, that's not really open to interpretation. Oh, you really didn't need to do this. Well, actually, it was Zainab and Brad who started it, and then it just snowballed. So that's why Zaynab was quizzing Me last week. Maybe it was and maybe it weren't. And are you joining me for lunch? Me? No, no, I'm just your humble waitress, Oliver. Oh, no, you've got a very special guest, actually, who should be walking through that door any minute now. Oh, look at that. She's bang on time. Is that. That's Carly. It is? Yeah. I can't believe. Hi, Oliver. It's been too long. Happy birthday. Listen, you've both got completely the wrong end of the stick. Honestly, dad, you offered me the running of this place. You said it's yours if you want to, when Rory has no farming experience whatsoever. I did grow up here. No, you didn't. And that wouldn't make you a farmer even if you did. Steady on, Adam. I think I'm entirely to be a little unhappy about the fact that someone as young and clueless as Rory is being offered the future of the farm when I'm incredibly well qualified and I'm right here doing the job already. Adam, can I just say, I am not clueless. I'm doing brilliantly. You said so yourself. That doesn't translate into you should be handed my job on a plate. Can we just calm it down, please? It's not like any of these conversations were intended to be secret. They were just conversations. Nothing was fixed. Nothing was certain. I mean, a few weeks ago, none of you seemed to know what you wanted or when you might work it out. You can't blame me for trying to cover all bases. Cover all bases? Is that what you call it? Well, I don't know what you call it. Perhaps that wasn't the right phrase. But this farm's your inheritance, your heritage. What good would it serve you if I didn't make the best decision over who ends up in charge? But the point is that you didn't make any decision at all. You just hedged your bets. Didn't it cross your mind that in the end we'd all end up talking to each other? Well, why shouldn't you talk to each other? As I said, I was simply discussing possibilities. Rory, you were in London with no sign of coming back. Alice was at the stables. She still is at the stables. And, Adam, you were at Bridge Farm. Yeah, a job which I gave up to come back here when you were in crisis. I didn't ask you to do that. Oh, thanks. Thanks a lot, but I didn't. You were grateful enough when I stepped up, though, weren't you? Of course I was. You can't assume that means you're in the job for Life, surely. Oh, Rory, please. Look, Adam, Adam, you're a brilliant farmer. I know that. Yeah, but I'm not your kind of farmer, am I? What's that supposed to mean? You know exactly what it means. We've never seen eye to eye on how we want to run things. You were very sniffy about the herbal lays. Oh, please, not that again. Anyway, Stella assures me they're a groundbreaking. But it took Stella to convince you. I can't convince you of anything that's not remotely true. Okay, okay, okay. How about we change the subject for a minute? Yes, please. Dad, what do you think about us booking this castle? It's really not important right now. Well, it is, actually. It's pretty urgent because we're going to lose the place if I don't reply by 5 tomorrow, and I want to know what dad thinks. And. Dad, you haven't said anything on the group chat. Yes. No. Well, I couldn't keep up with it all. Well, now you're back and we need an answer from you. Are you serious about booking him? He is. And he doesn't seem to care that no one else wants to go. Loads of people want to go. But it's such short notice. Exactly. And I don't want to take Xander out of school. Oh, but it's only a wee. Alice doesn't want to take Martha out either. How is Alice, by the way? Furious. Furious with you. Really? Of course she feels the same way we do. Oh, Laura. I better call her. I better call her right now. But what about the holiday? Give it a rest, Rory. Hang on a sec. Rory. I really must call hers. Peggy's money will pay for the COVID dad. And where's all this cover going to come from? Agencies. It might not be that easy. Exactly. And it'll be really expensive because it's so last minute. But even if it does cost a bit more, the castle itself is 10 times cheaper than it would be in 2020. 2027. She's not answering. He's probably working. And also, who knows where we'll all be by 2027. Or he'll be running Home Farm. Eh? I mean, I had no idea. Absolutely no idea. Well, that's good. That's the way it was supposed to be. I'm so impressed you managed to keep this quiet. Well, it was all Tracy and her son Brad. Oh, and Zainab, who works for you. Really? Yeah, it was Brad. And Zaynab got in touch with me. I didn't have to think twice. Ah, Carly, that's kind not at all you and Caroline made a huge difference to my life. So I really wanted to come and celebrate, you know, your existence. Well, I. I mean, you weren't with us for very long, were you? But it was sort of a turning point, I suppose. You made me think that things could get better, that I could make some something of myself. Well, you certainly did that. I suppose I did. But I wouldn't have done it by myself without that time with you. That's very lovely to hear. I can't believe I haven't seen you since Caroline's memorial. When was that? 2017 or 2018? 2017. Eight years. I'm sorry I've left it so long. Oh, please don't apologize. I've been no better. The kids still love that giant bear you sent them. They're too old for it, really, but they won't get rid of it. Well, that's nice. And they know that you bought it for them. They've never met you, but they know how important you are to me. They called the bear Oliver. You know that, right? Oh, I forgot. Well, I'd love to meet them. Yeah, I know I must bring them next time. Exactly. Next time. But it can't be like eight years before. Before I see you again. Well, it better not be. So, how. How are they? Your children? Yeah, they're good. They're great. They've coped really well with the divorce. It's been five years now, and they're used to it. And we've got a really good relationship, me and their dad. Well, that's no small achievement. More than I've ever managed with my ex. And two out of my three children. Oh, all of them? Never mind. Never mind. You were an amazing foster father. Don't ever, ever forget that. Thank you, Carrie. Oh, Nick and Bruno send you loads of love. Nick and Bruno. They would have come today if they could, but they couldn't get time off work. You're in touch with Nick and Bruno? No, no. But Zainab and Brad put us all on a group chat for the party. The party? Ah. I wasn't supposed to say anything. What? When is this party? It was supposed to be this Saturday, on your actual birthday, but then you went and booked that flight. Ah, I see. Zaynab and Brad tracked down a few of the foster kids, and Nick and Bruno were going to come. I can't believe it. Tracy's going to kill me now. I'm quite sure she's not. How lovely that they were going to drive all this way. I mean, isn't Nick in Devon? Yeah, he is. Yeah. But they both love to see you. Well, I'd love to see them, too. White wine spritzer for the lady. Half a shire's for the gentleman. Thank you, Tracy. Are you ready to order? Oh, we haven't even looked, have we? We're too busy catching up. Take your time. Take your time. There's no rush as far as I'm concerned. I'm afraid I've accidentally given it away about Saturday and the cancel party. Oh. Oh, right. Why didn't you say you'd organize the whole thing for me? Oh, because it was supposed to be a surprise, Oliver. And you were so happy you were going to see your daughter. Didn't want to take away from that. Well, thank you, Tracy. Thank you to everyone, really. I'm sorry if you went to a lot of trouble, but for me, everything's worked out beautifully. I can't get hold of Alice. Maybe she's at lunch. Well, I hope she's not deliberately not answering. Do you think she is? I don't know, dad. Talk about taking the shine off a fantastic holiday. Sorry about that. It's like there's some rule about how if one part of your life's going really well, another part has to fall to pieces. Yeah. Listen, I was going to tell you both some news, you and Adam. But then we got in the hunt. Future of the farm debacle. You and Miranda gonna get married. Married? Is that your news? No, no, no, no, no. It's about the farmhouse. What farmhouse? Home farm. Our old home. Oh. Are you buying it back? No, not exactly. But Miranda's just put an offer in. Miranda? Yes. So would she. She live there? Well, yes, that's the idea. Yeah. I'd live there with her. Oh, right, right. And you could live with us if you wanted to. That's. That's what we were thinking. But it's up to you, of course. There's no pressure. I always. What? I always dreamed I'd be the one who brought it back, you know? Did you? For you and Jenny. Ah, well, not to be that dream. I guess not. So how do you feel? About what? Miranda buying the house, us moving back in. Dad, honestly, right now, I don't have a clue. You okay? Yeah. Yeah, fine. Did you get hold of Alistair? No, he's not answering. We really need him to come today. I know. I know what we do. I think there's more than one case of mastitis. Is there? Yeah. I mean, I'm not an expert, but did your dad tell you what time he was hoping to get here, he didn't. It's really tricky cuz Alice is basically doing it for nothing. How can he even do that? I think it's okay as long as he comes to see the cows. As a friend. A friend to the cows? Yeah, Josh. A friend to the cows. Hi, Alice. Dad. How are you doing? Yeah, fine. Nice turn. Thanks. What are you doing here? Well, you're not answering your phone. Oh, I'm not not answering my phone. I was really tired last night so I went to bed early and today I've just been really busy. Alice. Dad, I'm at work. I know, I know, I know. And I don't want to stop you working. Well, you are stopping me working. Well, what time do you finish? Not yet. Not usually done by five. Not today, no. I mean, I just wanted a very brief chat about the farm. Yes. Well, I don't want to talk about that now. Well, then when are we going to talk about it? Honestly, dad, you can't just come back from your lovely holiday with your great tan and Matt in here demanding to talk to me because you. You're panicking that you screwed up. I'm not demanding anything. And I'm not panicking either. I'm simply concerned. I just don't know what you were thinking. But it's not like I planned this. Well, maybe that's part of the problem. Okay, so Alistair should be here at 6. Great. So we could just go. Shouldn't one of us wait for him? No, it's fine. We can just take him which cows and leave him to it. I mean, I. I don't mind being the one to wait. Really? Yeah. I'll just go and sit in the kitchen with Esme. What if she doesn't want you sitting in the kitchen? Why wouldn't she want me sitting in the kitchen? Because. What? I don't know. Because she's quite sad right now and maybe she needs space. I don't think she needs space. I think she needs company. Even if it's me. No. Also, it would be pretty mean to refuse me a cup of tea in a warm kitchen when we're doing all this work in the cold for free. That's very true. So I'll wait for Alistair and provide, if necessary, a shoulder to cry on for Esme. Okay, I can do that. I never said you couldn't. Honestly. And it is better if someone's here to talk to Alistair. Exactly. Hi. Oh, it's me. Can you just tell me? What? Which is better? Bread of heaven or abide? With me. Bread of heaven, surely. No contest. Great, thanks. It's an absolute banger. Which is just what you want at the funeral. I just hate to think of you so upset on your birthday of all days. Yeah, Wasn't the best birthday I've ever had. I wish you'd said something. Why couldn't, dad? But why? Because you were so pleased with Ruri and Adam's pan, yet you said, let's go celebrate together. Oh, I'm sorry. Sorry. I really am. Can I just ask? Go on. Was my addiction part of it? Part of what? Your hesitation, your doubts about me. Alice, I have zero doubts about you. Then why offer the farm to Rory, too? Because no one was actually prepared to commit at all at that stage. I. I mean, I didn't have a solid commitment from any of you. Well, you kind of did, actually. From Adam? Not really. Nothing had been discussed. But you knew he'd love it. Well, I didn't know that. Not necessarily. He seemed so content at Bridge Farm. Which he gave up at the drop of a hat to come and work with you. Yes, but I thought that was purely because it was an emergency. Really? Really. I had no idea. He was basically expecting the place to come come to him. I mean, it's what he's always wanted, dad. Is it, though? Yes. Yes. How do you not know that? Well, he and I have never had that exact conversation. Then I guess you need to. Yeah. Oh, it's tricky, but I'm. Well, let me be really clear now. I do want you to consider me for the job. What about the stables? I mean, I love working here, but it's not career. And you're sure about that? I miss the farm, Dad. I miss it. Okay, well. Well, let's keep talking. Sure. Let's work it out so that everyone is happy. Well, good luck with that. I know, I know, but we'll do our best, eh? Listen, darling, there is actually something else. I know need to talk about. Miranda's buying the farmhouse. Oh. Oh, you already know. Adam told me. Right, right. Okay. I mean, nothing's final. She's only just put an offer in. Sure, we'd live there together, Miranda and me, but the house would belong to Miranda. Of course, if it even happens. Yeah, sure. And Rory might join us. Big old house just for. Too. Yeah, it is. Sorry you heard it from Adam and not me. Well, I wasn't answering my phone. So you admit it now? I admit nothing. Good policy. Do you hate the idea of it? Miranda buying the house? Yes. No, Dad. I mean, I would have Loved to buy it back while your mother was alive. I would have loved that. But it wasn't to be. I know. When Adam told me, I straight away thought of Mum's amazing kitchen and how upset we were that it all got ripped out to see Miranda in there. Probably won't be as painful anyway, because it would all look so different. Well, I don't want to sound harsh, but frankly, she's not much of a girl, so you're more likely to see me in there. Well, that would be different. I'm not bad now, you know. I know you're not. I mean, I. I don't have a great repertoire. Well, shepherd's pie, lasagna and fish pie. Yeah, yeah, they're all quite heavy, aren't they? And two of them involve mashed potato. Oh, it's Rory. Answer it. I'll talk to him later. No, honestly, dad, answer it. It's fine. It might be urgent. Hi, Rory. Everything all right? Oh, hi. I've just had a call from the guy who owns the castle. Oh, yeah? He wants to know if it's yay or nay. Well, it's a nay, isn't it? It has to be. We won't get another chance like this. Rory. I'm just with Alice. Oh, well, do you want to just check it's definite no from her? Sure. Rory says he has to say yes or no to the castle today. Well, I thought he already said no. Well, he wants to know if you're sure you don't want it. Yes, I'm sure. How many more times? Okay, just say no, Roman. Rory, for heaven's sake. Well, it's such a shame. I'll see you later, Rory. And I'll see you at home, okay? Okay. Bye, then. Good grief, that boy does not give up. You're telling me. Listen, what are you doing this evening? Nothing. I mean, Martha's with Chris, and I thought I'd just slob out in front of the tv. Well, why don't you come to mine for supper? Okay. Shepherd's pie sound all right? Yeah, it sounds good, Dad. I don't know who I should be inviting to the funeral. Yeah, I mean, dad seems to have alienated most of the farming community one way or another. He didn't alienate us. Yeah, why is that? I think my dad liked him. But why? I think he respected him as a farmer. Well, your family will be the guests of honour. Can you have guests of honour at a funeral? I have no idea. Can I have another biscuit? Oh, please, please eat the packet. I Think I'm grief eating. Oh, sorry. Probably shouldn't laugh at that, should I? I don't mind. Well, sorry, anyway. Okay, let me ask you this. Go on. Would it be weird to play Bring Me Sunshine at the very end? Why would it be weird? People play all sorts of stuff, don't they? I know, I know they do. And dad, well, he loved Morecambe and Wise, especially Eric Morcambe. We used to watch their shows together every Christmas. It was the only time I ever saw him cry with laughter. But the thing is that dad didn't really bring sunshine because he was a miserable old so and so most of the time. Yeah, but the. The song's asking someone to bring them sunshine. It's a request, not an offer. That's true. So maybe it's perfect. Yeah? Yeah, great. Thanks, Josh. You know, you could do a side hustle in funeral planning. I could, but you don't fancy it. Funerals and chickens might be an interesting combo. One of the password on his laptop is Eric Morcom. Try it. Yeah? Yes. Okay. It worked. What? It worked. Oh, dad, well done. I mean, that's amazing. You've got to use Bring Me Sunshine now. Absolutely. Okay. Okay, so if the will's not on here somewhere, then I don't know what to do. It'll be there. Let's see. Oh. Oh. I found it. I found the will. You okay? Yeah, yeah. It all looks pretty straightforward. No nasty surprises. What were you expecting? Dad's secret? Millions, maybe. You'd be lucky. Right. You sure you're okay? Totally. Yeah. It's good. I can get on with applying for probate, but without the will, I've been in a kind of stasis. But now I've got no excuse. I'll have to start making sense. Some big decisions. Right. I'm giving up on Rory and putting the peas on a. I hope he's not avoiding me. Why would he be avoiding you? Because I've kind of put spanner in the works over this holiday. Oh, no, he won't mind about that. Anyway, it wasn't just you, was it? Well, I think I was the most vocal. Oh, is that him now? Hi. What time do you call this? Oh, sorry. No, no, it's good, really. I literally just put the peas on. How you doing, Alice? Yeah, good, thanks. You? Yeah, really good. Where have you been? Oh, just had a quick drink with Tom and Kate and Jakob. All right. Don't mind us sitting, waiting to eat. You just told him his timing was perfect. Don't try and defend him, Alice. So this is the thing, right? Lots. It's nothing bad. It's nothing bad, but I'm a bit nervous of your reaction. Me and Tom and Jakob and Kate were talking again about this holiday and we all agreed that we should go for it. Ruri, this is ridiculous. No, I'm sorry, but so many people think it's too good a chance to miss and plenty of others don't feel that way at all. Well, I thought it was too late anyway. Well, turns out it isn't. Or it wasn't. So I've booked it. Sorry, You've booked the holiday? I've paid the deposit. Are you joking? Look, I really think we'll have the best time. You booked the holiday that loads of us can't actually go on. You can. You can. Look, just tell the school Martha's got chickenpox because chickenpox last ages, doesn't it? Doesn't it? You're so selfish. You're so unbelievably selfish. This isn't on Rory. It really isn't. Well, look, someone had to make a decision. An executive decision. But you're not an executive. You're a 22 year old kid who doesn't even know when a tractor's on fire. Sa how did Bruce Springsteen become the Boss and what did it cost him to get there? Maybe I was the guy that gets the guitar. I get the car, I get the girl. Then it adds up to a big so. From the makers of the award winning first season of Legend. Join me, Laura Barton, for the story of my favorite artist, Bruce Springsteen. We'll get to know the life beyond the legend to discover how a scrawny, long haired introvert from small town New Jersey transformed into the iconic rock star figure of his 80s glory. We're all going, he has muscles now. Which was a little hard to take because we were scrawny. Do we have to go get muscles? Legend, the Bruce Springsteen story from BBC Radio 4. Listen first on BBC Sounds. The customer journey isn't just changing. The journey is change. New ideas spread in an instant. Expectations rise overnight. Decisions are made in the blink of an eye. That's why companies need sitecore. We put your brand in the moment right when your customer is ready to act. So every message feels personal, timely and makes your brand unforgettable. The Journey is change. Sitecore moves with it. See how@sitecore.com Journey AI agents are everywhere, automating tasks and making decisions at machine speed. But agents make mistakes. Just one rogue agent can do big damage before you even notice. 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