The Archers

Kenton is rattled about Jolene’s revelation of Markey’s threats. But he’s relieved that she had Harrison to confide in and that he took her to give a statement to the police. Jolene worries the stress of knowing might impede Kenton’s recovery from the dog attack. He’s just relieved that there’s a reason behind Jolene’s behaviour in recent weeks. That’s until she reveals that Markey followed her into the supermarket. A furious Kenton wants to confront Markey, only calming down when he's told that both them and the pub are on a police priority list. Jolene just wants to get back to normal and Kenton proposes they man the pub together, sending Lilian home.

Harry’s picking up his dropped keys when Alice checks to see if he’s okay. He seems unwell/complaining of nausea telling Alice he has an appointment with Dr Malik. Suspecting he has been drinking, she insists on driving him to the appointment. She feels uncomfortable when he begs her to stay in the room during the appointment. It’s bad news: his blood tests show his health hasn’t improved. He’s forced to be honest about his drinking. Azra refers him to the liver clinic for further tests. They need to establish whether he has or is heading towards cirrhosis. He's in denial, but Alice insists he faces the music. He is adamant he can stop/ he saw it coming. Since they broke up he’s been drinking more, but this time he can stay on the wagon and he’ll go to the hospital. Foolishly, Alice agrees to make sure he does.

A nervous Harrison thanks Alice for coming to his hearing as his barrister greets him. Alice and Fallon follow him into Police Headquarters. The inquiry panel begins questioning Harrison, laying out gross misconduct allegations against him. And there’s no sign of Harry until he is called as a witness against Harrison. Despite his efforts to speak up for Harrison, the initial questioning is pretty damning. Fallon is not impressed – from where she’s sitting it looks like Harry threw Harrison under the bus. Later however, Harrison’s barrister recalls Harry. He says he has more to add. He wants to take the blame for the entire situation. None of the panel should blame Harrison, he says. He was only trying to protect Alice and Martha. Harry also confesses that he threatened to report Harrison and he fully understands his decision to tell Alice about him.

Harrison is pessimistic about his chances, despite Fallon’s optimism. Alice is relieved that Harry spoke up but Harrison says being a good colleague or a good person makes little difference. The panel finds he breached standards by disclosing confidential information but accepts he did so because he was concerned about a vulnerable friend. Although he’s guilty of misconduct, he should keep his job, with a written final warning that will stay on his file for two years. Hugely relieved, Harrison hugs Fallon and thanks his barrister. But none of them have any time to spare for Harry, who waits nearby. Alice stays just long enough to thank Harry but says she, too, has to go.

Brian and Miranda are enjoying a lazy morning in bed, laughing at how delicious it was causing a stir at their age. Brian tells her he enjoyed watching Lilian award her a raffle prize. Miranda hopes that Justin doesn’t put Brian off her. He tells her there’s not much chance of that and he’s looking forward to them spending more time together. Later, Justin comes to Blossom Hill to try to persuade Brian to play golf. He notices Miranda’s perfume in the air and tries to warn Brian off, telling him that she might be sweetness and light but that it hides a malevolent soul. Brian loses patience and snaps that it is none of his business. Agitated, Justin arrives at Miranda’s door. He tells her he won’t allow her to use Brian as a pawn against him. She sends Justin away with a flea in his ear.

Jolene pleads with Emma to reconsider leaving The Bull but Emma is determined to put all her efforts into the new tree surgery business. Then Robert arrives to say so far there has been no luck with doorbell camera footage he’ll continue the hunt. Agitated, Jolene tells him she doesn’t want him to until, eventually she breaks down. She tells them both about Markey and tries to swear them to secrecy. But they persuade her the only way to cope is to go to the police. She says that if she’s going to tell anyone it must be Harrison. But it must wait until after his hearing. In the meantime, she insists, Kenton can’t know.

Tension mounts at the Easter egg race, and Lilian is forced to play nicely.

WRITER: Daniel Thurman DIRECTOR: Marina Caldarone

Jolene Archer…. Buffy Davies Kenton Archer…. Richard Attlee Harrison Burns…. James Cartwright Chris Carter …. Wilf Scolding Emma Grundy …. Emerald O‘Hanrahan George Grundy …. Angus Stobie Jakob Hakansson …. Paul Venables Brad Horrorbin …. Taylor Uttley Elizabeth Pargetter…. Alison Dowling Freddie Pargetter …. Toby Laurence Hannah Riley…. Helen Longworth Fallon Rogers…. Joanna Van Kampen Lynda Snell …. Carole Boyd Robert Snell …. Michael Bertenshaw

Tensions mount at the cricket practice, and Robert has an idea.

At the Bull, Emma tries to appeal to Jolene about George’s ban. But Jolene won’t stand for George’s backchat. Upset Emma swears George has grown up and argues with Jolene, with Kenton caught in the middle. Jolene tells Emma that if she has a problem with her decision, she knows where the door is.

Kenton challenges Jolene on her mood swings. Jolene doesn’t want bad people in the pub, and Kenton realises what’s up, thinking back to his attack. It’s time to move on, and there’s no point alienating anyone, including Tracy and Emma. If Brad and George apologise, will Jolene let the matter go? She agrees – they had better mean it, though.

George sets up his next video, with Chris all dressed up to demonstrate his work as a farrier, attending to Bartleby. He tells Chris about being barred from the Bull and Chris chats about the Cricket Chair nominations – he’ll vote for Lynda, and Harrison wants to recruit younger players. In return for today’s filming, Chris wants George and Brad to come along to cricket nets practice tomorrow and watch the team. Chris is a natural on camera, even adlibbing and giving George instructions to join in with what he’s doing, filing Bartleby’s hooves.

Emma asks about the video and George is annoyed that all the comments are about ‘fit’ Chris. Emma’s pleased to receive a text from Kenton, offering George an olive branch. But George stubbornly refuses to go and apologise to Jolene. Emma seethes and threatens to cancel his phone contract if he doesn’t say sorry.

Lynda and Robert both turn up at Lower Loxley to speak with Freddie and campaign on each other’s behalf for the Cricket Club Chair position. Freddie cheekily asks them both for a practical demonstration to help him decide who to vote for – he needs to see some cricket skills, starting with a warm up! They reluctantly join in, and Freddie sends them off on a brisk walk around the house before they take turns batting and bowling to each other. Lynda makes the stronger hit, but the ball hits Freddie in a very delicate area, so he goes away to recover. This leaves Robert to wryly comment that Lynda’s skill makes her favourite. She feels awful.

Jolene gets herself dressed up and Kenton notices how much more upbeat she is. She’s raring to go on Sunday and needs an Easter bonnet! Jolene even considers providing some musical accompaniment. She’s also been thinking about the event rules and is upping the ante with prizes. Kenton’s delighted to see Jolene throwing herself into it.

At the Bull, George can’t persuade Brad to bunk off his studies tomorrow and help him film Chris for his Socials. However, Brad is the one buying their drinks, prompting a suddenly sterner Jolene to refuse, as Brad’s too young to buy George’s alcohol. George’s backchat offends Jolene, and she threatens to throw him out. Kenton appears to see what’s going on and Jolene’s unhappy that he doesn’t share her vehemence. George continues insulting Jolene as she insists to soft Kenton that this isn’t just a slap on the wrist - both George and Brad are barred!

Worried George plays Jakob a video of Bartleby and asks the vet to look at him. Jakob spots the evidence of Bartleby not eating properly and decides on a change of treatment and a special diet. George worries about the cost and tries to secure a free prescription in return for some social media publicity. Jakob reminds George to focus on animal welfare, not publicity. Without the care Jakob recommends, he doesn’t see Bartleby surviving another winter.

Kenton has a surprise to perk Jolene up. He’s come up with an idea for a special Easter community event. An easter egg hunt crossed with an egg and spoon relay race. He explains the details and Jolene wryly tells him to focus on his recovery. But he has it covered – Jolene is going to take centre stage to run the event. But she says no. Kenton’s disappointed he hasn’t cheered Jolene up.

Elizabeth pops in and Kenton opens up about distant and distracted Jolene. Elizabeth shuts Kenton down when he mentions that Jolene seems panicky about money. He asks Elizabeth to cheer Jolene up, and Jolene works this out, but enjoys Elizabeth’s company. Elizabeth asks Jolene about the Kenton attack investigation, and Jolene puts her off asking Harrison for an update, with Elizabeth changing topic to Kenton’s complicated Easter event plans. Jolene will surely host and adjudicate? Jolene says no, but as Elizabeth offers a pep talk Jolene remembers working the crowds in the past and starts to gee herself up. Okay, she won’t hide away any longer. Elizabeth’s delighted.

Lynda insists that Robert lets Harrison know he’s the only Snell running for Ambridge Cricket Club Chair. But as Robert leaves to make his phone call, Harrison shows up at the door to encourage Lynda to be chair. Harrison ignores Robert’s call as he continues to flatter Lynda, but she sends him away disappointed, insisting on Robert. Robert twigs that it was Harrison at the door just now, trying to court Lynda. He’s conflicted, so they eventually agree to both stand for the Chair position – with a twist – they’ll each campaign for the other.

Jolene doesn’t seem herself as Fallon and Kenton gossip about Brian and Miranda at the recent Ball. Kenton tries to engage Jolene as he encourages Fallon not to worry about Harrison’s upcoming disciplinary hearing – they all need to think positively. But grouchy Jolene snaps that they need more than positive thinking. If things turn out badly for Fallon and Harrison, Fallon wonders whether Jolene and Kenton would be able to lend them money. Kenton says they’ll make it work, but Jolene’s more hard-headed – they don’t have cash to spare. Alone with Jolene, Kenton ticks her off for being so harsh. Jolene points out their own situation and how they could suddenly need money themselves – they need to be prepared. Kenton doesn’t want to think like that, but Jolene says they may not have a choice.

Kenton goes to see Fallon to apologise and reassures Fallon – who’s like a daughter to him - that he and Jolene will help in any way they can. Fallon mentions how sensitive Jolene is right now, but Kenton shares that he has a plan that’s guaranteed to lift her spirits.