The Archers

Suspicions are raised for Harrison, and Joy realises a new approach might be needed.

Fallon tells Joy she’s just taken Martha to an uplifting advent service at St Stephens, before Alan headed off to a multi-faith prayer for peace at Felpersham Cathedral. George then comes into the shop, buying crisps and a big bottle of vodka, telling them pointedly he’s not going to New Year’s Eve at The Bull, seeing as he’s barred. Fallon follows George to the playground, where he’s demolishing the vodka, and mentions a job she’s seen that he could go for. George is negative and self-pitying, telling Fallon that Amber’s left and isn’t coming back, before implying Fallon’s been sleeping with Chris. He grabs Fallon’s arm, propositioning her himself. Fallon pulls away, accusing George of trying to provoke her. He needs to move on and stop blaming everyone else for his problems. George tells Fallon that instead of saving her that night he should have let her drown.At Home Farm, Ruairi is attaching a lotus flower made by Kate to their tractor for the upcoming Tractor Run, while grumbling light-heartedly to Adam about decorating the tractor without much help from the rest of the family. But what’s really bothering Ruairi is falling out with Paul after an off-road driving lesson yesterday which ended badly. Ruairi hopes that giving Paul an amazing Christmas gift will repair any rift between them – but first he’s got to work out what it could be. Later, Joy compliments Ruairi on his efforts with the tractor and asks if any of the family might want to be marshals on the day.

Emma and Susan share the hope that Chris might meet someone he can settle down with soon. Emma reports Keira’s mood swings. Susan reckons it’s normal for a teenager. Emma wonders if her mum will have time to come up to Grange Farm on Christmas Day when they have Martha. Susan observes they’ve come a long way as a family since last year. Emma wonders which is worse, Christmas without your mum, or your son. Susan observes the tough ones make the good ones even more precious. Emma agrees, but George is struggling so much without Amber, she feels like nothing she can do will make him want to celebrate. Tony’s hunting for some fairy lights for the Fordson. He starts to explain the intricacies, but Pat isn’t really listening. She’s had an idea sparked by something Esme said but wants to look into it before sharing. She wonders what’s going on between Helen and Dane but doesn’t want to pry. Meanwhile, Tony finds a tin angel John made at school, and they reminisce. They start to decorate the tree, and Tom and Helen join them. The four of them enjoy memories of childhood and John. Pat comments on what a strange Christmas this is, with John gone so long and now Peggy. They all agree it’s been lovely to talk about both of them so freely. Wondering how to mark John’s fiftieth birthday, they settle on a bonfire disco party and a homemade pig cake. They turn on the tree lights and wish each other an early Merry Christmas.

As Susan and Joy prepare for tonight’s big celebration of the shop re-opening, Joy hopes plenty of customers turn up. The marquee provided by Justin looks magical. Martyn comes in to help carry provisions and admires the newly refurbished shop. Ed and Emma arrive with Susan’s surprise celebration cake, and Joy declares it perfect. Emma receives a text from Keira wondering when they’ll be home. She tells Ed she’ll call Keira; she and George had another row this afternoon. She’s worried about both of them. When there’s no reply Ed nips home. He reports that Keira was tearful but won’t talk about it. They observe wryly that with two kids, things will never feel easy. Martyn’s enjoying being at the heart of a village event – it can get lonely living on your own. He offers Chris a listening ear. He’s pleased Chris is moving back in with his parents – it’ll give him time to get over Carly. Chris assures him there isn’t much to get over. It was finished before it really began. Martyn advises getting right back out there – no negative self-talk! Chris escapes but not before Martyn insists on a drink tomorrow, so that he can impart more of the excellent life-coaching advice he’s had from Chelsea and Zainab. Full of generosity he asserts he’ll be making a donation at the tractor run, declaring to Joy that giving to a worthy cause puts one’s own troubles into perspective. Delighted with her cake, Susan makes a rousing speech giving thanks for village life, community and their wonderful new shop.

David has concerns for a loved one, and Jazzer finds himself the subject of ridicule.