24/10/2025

While Josh is milking the cows at Meadow Farm he tells Ruth he’s spotted another case of mastitis, so they really need Alistair. Later, Ruth confirms Alistair’s coming and Josh offers to wait for him there – he reckons that Esme might need some company. They talk about music for the funeral and Josh helps Esme decide what might be best. Then Esme suggests inviting the Archers to be guests of honour there and wonders whether the song “Bring Me Sunshine” should be played at the end. This inspires the thought that her dad’s computer password might be Eric Morecambe – and it works! Esme quickly finds the Will, acknowledging she’ll have to start making decisions now. Brian finds unhappy Alice at the Stables. She berates Brian for screwing things up over Home Farm. Brian chastises himself for ruining Alice’s birthday, asking her to celebrate Adam and Ruairi taking over. Brian’s excuse is that no-one had actually committed to running the farm, though Alice reckons Brian should have known it’s what Adam has always wanted, especially after he gave up working at Bridge Farm. Alice then tells him that she’s fine with the idea of Brian and Miranda moving into Home Farm together. Ruairi calls and they both tell him it’s a “no” to the holiday in three weeks’ time. When Ruairi turns up for supper later though he informs them he’s gone ahead and booked the holiday anyway, even though some people won’t be able to go. Brian’s unhappy and Alice explodes at Ruairi for being unbelievably selfish.