30/12/2024

The Archers

Pat senses things are tense between Helen and Tom and Natasha over the sale of the Beechwood house and her living arrangements. Pressed on her long-term plans, Helen sees herself and the boys living in the Bridge Farm farmhouse – she wants both boys to grow up farming. Pat points out Tom may have a similar vision for his own children. They discuss the subject of Pat and Tony properly retiring, and potentially making way for Helen. Helen doesn’t want them to feel she’s edging them out, and apologises for bringing up the subject. When she’s gone, Pat and Tony admit to one another that they knew this conversation was coming, from one of their children, but feel rather shell-shocked and discuss what they might do. Tony still dreams of building an eco-house, and Pat insists she isn’t past it herself.

Rex picks up Rochelle in his taxi and quickly realises who she is when she mentions Beechwood – she wryly comments that he’s probably heard lots about her. At Joy’s they get chatting as Rex waits to catch up with Mick and Joy about coming to his narrow boat party tomorrow. Rochelle is also pleased to be invited. Joy’s concerned about Rochelle, turning up after so long and acting like everything’s normal, when they know it’s not. But Rochelle won’t engage. Later, Joy presses Rochelle on how she should be trying to make things right with her kids, but all Rochelle cares about is that they are fine, with their Dad, and she doesn’t want to go there.