The Archers

Ruth has the rug pulled out from under her and Peggy remains tight lipped

Brian spots an odd communication coming off the printer at Willow Cottage, but says nothing to Jennifer. Later at dinner with Neil and Susan, he drunkenly confesses to Neil he read the letter, which he believes is to the Courier agony aunt from Jennifer, and calls into question her satisfaction with their intimacy. Jennifer’s mystified when he makes an attempt later to seduce her, until he tells her what her saw. Amused Jennifer explains she was the recipient not the sender – she’s the agony aunt. Hugely relieved Brian’s happy she’s using her talents to help others. They agree there’s always room for improvement in a marriage, and continue their evening. Susan worries for George and Will, and is clearly unsettled. Chris asks what’s wrong, and she admits she and Neil aren’t on good terms after he implied she was a gossip. She hopes this isn’t how the village really sees her. Chris assures her they wouldn’t change her for the world. Cheered, she enjoys her dinner with Brian and Jennifer, and her and Neil reconcile. On reflection, she feels she’s just naturally interested in the world around her, and resolves to be present at the bids for Peggy’s Trust money on Friday. People coming into the shop will want the full low-down.

It’s Tracy’s first day at Grey Gables, and she’s impressive as her slightly unconventional style results in her succeeding where Lynda’s failed with a guest’s complaint. Tracy solves his air conditioning problem efficiently and disaster is averted. Lynda’s been distracted by a competition with Jim to see who could take the role of Brainboxes captain. As they battle to a tie-break with tough questions, they agree they both make the grade and maybe their team doesn’t need a captain. Emma takes muffins and some toys for Poppy to Greenwood Cottage. She wants to help Will all she can. George isn’t keen on the idea of their games night, and Emma doesn’t want Will to find out. She thanks him again for buying all her unsold stuff at the sale. Will observes they’re still family. Emma’s noticed Poppy’s getting a bit restless while she’s off school, but Will doesn’t want her mixing with other children until she’s completely herself again. Emma tries to persuade Will to allow Bev to have Poppy for a few days, but with no success. Will admits he worries all the time about Poppy; he’d never forgive himself if anything happened to her. He didn’t pay enough attention to Nic’s symptoms – things might have been different if he had. Emma tries to reassure him Nic’s death wasn’t his fault. Emma worries about him as he ushers her out so he can check on Poppy again.

Lilian’s finding the amount of work involved in being Chief Operating Officer for Peggy’s Trust tiresome, but she admits it’ll be fascinating to see the presentations. Testing Jim, Lilian’s impressed with his classical knowledge, but notes his popular culture falls short. She points out that to be a Brainbox he’ll need a broader range. She’ll have to get him match fit. Having watched a little reality TV Jim declares it an abomination. However losing is not an option, so he sees he’ll need to continue with it. And if he’s to get some serious research in, he’ll need an incentive. How about free coffee at the Bull for a month, Jim suggests. You’re on, agrees Lilian. Clarrie cooks a meal for Will, and tries to reassure him about Poppy’s health. Perhaps Bev could see her again soon? Will’s adamant Poppy’s not going anywhere, and he won’t return to work, until she’s properly better. Clarrie’s bemused by Emma’s behaviour. Will points out she’s just hurting. Phoebe’s trying to run through her bid presentation but is getting barracked by Pip and Rex. She’s frustrated that Pip’s splitting her time with Brookfield. Phoebe needs her commitment. When she discovers Pip hasn’t told her parents she’s involved in Rewilding Ambridge, she’s furious. If Pip doesn’t tell them before Friday, she will.

Ed apologises to Jazzer for the shearing debacle a few weeks ago. No need, says Jazzer. Ed feels revenge against Tim would be sweet, but Jazzer counsels it might make things worse. Hard to see how, replies rueful Ed. He’s hurt Emma badly, and he’s not sleeping or eating. Jazzer encourages him not to give up; he and Emma are meant to be together. As Emma prepares for the sale of all her items from Beechwood, Susan can’t help but ask her if she really wants to go through with it. She disapproves of Tracy’s encouragement of it; none of this feels right to her. Susan overhears what she perceives to be Shula and Jazzer gossiping about Emma’s plight, and gives them short shrift. But later when Shula buys some brandy glasses at the sale, Susan apologises. Shula understands; Emma’s going through a tough time. At a time like this the community needs to rally round. Without Emma knowing, Ed asks Will if he’ll buy up all the unsold items so that Emma can keep the money and perhaps get them back in the future. Will agrees and Emma’s touched when he does so. Amongst the spoils is Emma’s beloved coffee table. Afterwards it dawns on Emma that there’s nothing left – but maybe that’s what she deserves. She feels like she’s nothing.