05/06/2026

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You're listening to Friday's episode of The Archers from BBC Radio 4.

Uh

Adam, you okay? Sorry.

Okay.

No, no, not really. I haven't slept much, busy brain.

Me too.

Come here. I think that cuddle's called for, don't you?

Yes. Very much yes.

I've got you, you know.

So no mystery why I can't sleep. What about you?

Uh just Martin Gibson. Yeah, but It's just made me think he was so nice about when I messed up. He could have gone to Oliver, but instead he's given me some really good advice. Just management tips, you know, leadership stuff. I really wasn't sure at first, but it's turned out to be really useful.

Well be a bit careful. Martin isn't always as cutting edge as he likes to think.

He's a successful businessman.

Why do you need management tips? You're amazing with people.

I was just managing Grey Gibbles, Adam, even temporarily. I want to make it work.

You will. Of course you will. You're brilliant.

Thank you. Hang on. I'm meant to be the one comforting you. Is it horrible at home farm?

Weird, but not horrible. I haven't actually seen Brian this week, he's hardly been in.

He's probably had his solicitors cooking up some other mat scheme.

I've been out with the equipment most days, fulfilling our contracts.

The show must go on.

Huh.

It turned up yesterday. Apparently Brian's given him extra work. He clearly wasn't expecting me to be there. I've got a contract in he can't just sack me. I really am trying to do what's best.

I know, I know.

How's Kate getting on, by the way?

No, her trial shift went well. She's taking the job and putting her on the rotor for next week. Did you talk to Rory?

Yeah, I flattened him. He's staying out of it.

so it's all done

Only you.

Looks like it's not a little bit.

Brian's not gonna change his mind, is he?

Mm. I'm still hoping. Mm-hmm.

Maybe it's time for less hoping and more planning. The mantle and capacity route?

Wow.

You have in second thoughts?

The lawyer says the case isn't watertight. We haven't got a smoking gun.

Oof, that sounds horrible.

I mean something no judge could argue with.

Oh come on. I mean Brian obviously isn't fit to manage.

Here we go.

Ugh, you make the coffee. I'll get Sander up.

Do me one, will you?

Uh, who are you again?

Come on, Zayn Abbott, it's not been that long.

Feels like it. Exam's all done now.

Finally, uh I can get some more shifts in save up a bit.

Enjoy a maths free summer.

Yeah, I've still got reading to do. And I'm scoring for the cricket team. That's maths.

That's adding up Brad. Even I can do that. At least the Grey Gables coffee is good.

Yeah.

Oh I hope Ian doesn't lumber me with too many of these early shifts. Day never used to.

New manager, new style.

That's what I'm hearing. Now is it true? Has hein gone peculiar? Shiv in the bar says he keeps coming out with weird little phrases, like things you'd get on a fridge magnet. Let's pick that up and run with it. Well I think we should deep dive here.

Yeah.

I'm not asking what football team is supporting that. Oh, thanks. Is that alright? Shiv hates football. I'm so ready for this. Have you got the milk?

Yeah, just put it in the fridge when you're done.

Oh course. Any news about Fletcher?

Thank you.

No.

I'm so sorry.

Is it ridiculous to say I miss a budget?

Of course not. I miss my grandad. He's still at my Uncle Clive's.

That's not the same thing. Your granddad's a person.

I thought I'd enjoy the break, but the house feels empty. I might go over and visit.

Mm I wish I could visit Fletcher. Right, I'll see you at the staff meeting.

Hang on, there's a staff meeting.

That's right, mark it for my personal attention Brian Aldridge. And everything else in future too. Thanks.

Good morning, Brian. What?

Hell are you doing here? Get out, you're not welcome.

I may not be welcome but I am still the farm manager.

this bit of your fired with immediate effect, did you not understand? You got my email, right?

My contract is with the partnership, not you, and it remains in force until the partnership gives me notice.

This is pathetic. You're on notice. You're all on notice. thirty days in species.

In the meantime, I have a legal and contractual responsibility to manage the farm. You can't just sack me on the spot.

I can, and I have. You're not wanted at home farm, madam. You won't be ever again.

Whether you want me here or not.

I know you're not deaf or stupid

But thank you for that, Adley. I don't want to fight, Brack said. The barley needs spraying, so I'm going to seek to it.

I'll do that. Thank you.

It's my job.

You don't have a job how many times? Oh.

Oh well.

And you can leave the keys to the farm land rover here too.

Shiva's right, wasn't he? Ian was really weird in that meeting. I don't know. Share a secret you've never told anyone before with the group. You sounded pretty convincing.

Just my deal.

You mean you don't have a secret addiction to salt and vinegar, Chris?

I wasn't gonna share a real secret, was I?

Well I nearly did.

What secret?

Well I'm not telling you now, am I? Why not? Because it's a secret, say Nab. But you don't think every staff meeting is gonna be like this, do you?

I hope not.

Yeah.

Can you talk to him? He likes you.

Like him. I don't know what's going on, Brad. He's got some mad idea from somewhere.

But I can't have this all summer.

Hey.

Brian's unbelievable

But I've been thinking, maybe he's playing into my hands. Maybe this is the big one, the smoking gun. Wish I'd recorded the conversation. Home? No, no, I'm on my way to get the crop sprayer. Really?

But Brian said.

He he's not going to win here. I'm not having it. This is all I need.

What what's happened uh

No, no, just Martin Gibson. Uh I'd better go in. I'll call you back.

Adam! Why are you parked up in the middle of nowhere?

Oh, um there was something in the back seat I needed to get.

As you're here, Adam, I I've been wanting a word. I really

Can't stop, Martin. You know how it is.

No, no, I only need a minute. When I saw you last, you promised me that whatever was going on at home farm wouldn't affect the BL contract.

Hm, yeah, I did. It it won't. If you'll excuse me.

Uh sorry, Adam. I need a bit more detail. Some of the rumours flying round Ambridge are pretty wild.

I'm managing home farm, Martin. It's it's business as usual. The BL spraying is up to date, isn't it? I know it is, I saw to it myself. The contract will be honored. You have my personal assurance.

All right, Adam, but I am worried. If anything untoward does happen,

Be first to know, I swear.

Thanks. Oh hello, what's this? What are the police doing here? What have you been up to, Adam?

Morning, sir. Are you Adam Macy of Honeysuckle Cottage? Police Constable Nicola Truman, rural crime team.

What what's happened? Is it Xander? My son, is he okay?

As far as I know, sir. This is nothing to do with your son.

You're sure.

Yeah, quite sure. You're Adam Mason.

Yes?

Is this your vehicle, sir?

Yes.

You're sure about that, are you?

Yes, of course.

Only this vehicle has been reported stolen.

What?

Oh please. Uh don't tell me. Brian Aldridge, right?

You know Mr Aldridge.

I do indeed.

He named you as the thief, sir.

I don't...

What in heaven's name is going on?

Uh I'm fine, thanks. It's okay. They're not salt and vinegar. You're going to get hooked.

I don't know how George has done it, but the Borchester show is looking really interesting on socials.

Mm, country shows are interesting. You'd be surprised.

I think Amber must be designing the posts.

Yeah, she's talented.

How are they?

Fine, I think.

Haven't you seen them?

Not for a bit. Exams.

All right. What's the matter, Brad?

Everything's fine.

Is it to do with the secret?

Not secret. No, no. That was something else.

Well what then?

Wow. George and Amber are having a baby, right, and George, if it's a boy, he wants to call it Brad.

After you. That's amazing. That's amazing, Brad.

I don't want them to. George thinks it's this big grand gesture, but

but you don't

Well I can see why he likes the idea of it. But it feels wrong and I don't know how to tell him.

Just say.

I'd be upset.

Hm maybe for a day or two, but if you don't say something, how are you gonna feel every time?

I'll get used to it, I expect.

And why should you have to?

Hmm.

I wish it was more decisive, Zaynab seems to be a trait of mine.

Hmm. Let's look under the bonnet on this one, shall we?

Shut up, you

Well, have you arrested him?

It's not that simple, Mr. Aldridge. Mr. Macy claims the vehicle legally belongs to the partnership, and he is one of the partners.

Is that correct?

Technically, I suppose for a couple of weeks, Phil.

Then I don't think a crime has been committed, sir.

He drove the vehicle away without my permission.

Even so, I don't think this is a matter for the police at this time. I'm going to advise Mr Macy, as I advise you, sir, to try to resolve the situation amicably.

Cry out loud.

Sir? Mr Aldridge?

What did he say?

I would suggest that you return the vehicle to home farm and try to sort this out.

Am I legally obliged to do that?

Not as things stand, but I recommend it anyway.

Well thank you, officer. If that's all

That's all. Thank you, Mr. Macy.

You better tell me what's going on, Adam. The truth this time.

I didn't lie, Martin. I'll see the bail contract is honored as long as I manage.

That might not be long by the sounds of it.

What what can I say? Brian's lost the plot.

Seriously.

He barely makes sense any more. He's overwhelmed, disoriented. He thinks his children are his enemies. The paranoia's beyond belief.

Well if this is true.

Oh that's absolutely true. We've tried to keep it in the family, but well look how he behaved with Stella last year. Then Miranda The rumors aren't the half of it.

Careful, Adam. This is very serious.

Of course I'll always have Brian's best interests at heart.

Bye.

This can't go on. I have a responsibility as chairman of the BL Board. I'll be calling you in as soon as it can be arrived.

I'm sorry I've had to say any

I should have done it long before. I want to sit down meeting Adam, you, me, and Brian. This has gone far enough.

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