08/05/2026 - podcast episode cover

08/05/2026

May 08, 202613 minSeason 1Ep. 114
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Summary

Natasha garners positive attention from potential investors for Justin's project and celebrates initial success with her online clothing venture. Meanwhile, Ben raises serious concerns about Ruairi's mental well-being, drawing parallels to his own past struggles, which Brian initially dismisses with anger. Brian later apologizes, admitting Ruairi's difficulties and expressing profound parental fears for his son's future, finding reassurance in Ben's unwavering friendship. The episode also features a domestic spat between Natasha and Tom over a sentimental jacket sale.

Episode description

At the Tearoom, Natasha’s positive about the group of potential investors she’s been showing round for Justin. Also there, Brian and Lilian are relieved the threat from George is apparently over, and that Ruairi’s in a better place now. Ben asks how Ruairi’s doing. When Ben last saw him, Ruairi confided he was talking to his mum. Ben mentions his own psychotic episode, but Brian plays down the comparison. Ben ploughs on about possibly missing signs of a serious mental health issue, before Brian reacts angrily. The heated exchange is noted by Tom, but Natasha’s enthusing about the investors and the fact she’s finally sold some clothes on the app. It’s not loads of money, but it’s a start.

Brian finds Ben and apologises for being rude earlier, admitting that Ruairi’s been struggling for quite a while. But he’s turned a corner in the last few days. Ben tells him Ruairi’s texted, saying the interview went well, before Brian suggests he’s not such a bad father. Ben then claims he wasn’t questioning Brian’s parenting skills, but Brian fears for Ruairi when he’s gone. At least Ben will always have his back, though.

Later at Beechwood, Natasha tells Tom the investors loved the Rewilding site – and Justin was really impressed by her efforts. She’d definitely be up for more work, if Justin offered it. And she’s sold a jacket, which Tom recognises as his favourite! Feisty Natasha says it’s too late to stop the sale, then criticises Tom for not helping sort through clothes to sell in the first place.

Transcript

Intro / Opening

B

This BBC Podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.

G

På Circle Key älskar vi att fira våra kunder.

🎵 Music

G

اشتركوا في القناة

A

Snälla, snälla, sluta! Jag kommer inte köpa utåt er!

B

اشتركوا في القناة

A

Är du dumme?

G

Det blir i alla fall inte värden så här. Ibland är ett nej, det finaste du kan ge. Systembolaget: annorlunda av en anledning.

Combien?

Investor Hopes and Ruairi's Progress

B

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

🎵 Music

D

Sorry about the wait, Lillian.

E

Uh two cappuccinos, please, darling. And no need to apologize. I can see you rushed off your feet. Mae'n ymwneud â'r ymwneud â'r ymwneud â'r ymwneud â'r ymwneud â'r ymwneud â'r ymwneud.

D

It's going great. Uh honestly, these foreign investors couldn't be more different to the British ones. They're so interested in everything, asking loads of questions about the history of Ambridge. Good job, I did my homework. I might have had to blag a little bit.

E

Careful. You sound like Justin.

D

I'm sorry. I just hope one of them makes an offer. Um six ninety, please.

E

Fingers crossed. Thanks, darling.

D

Yeah, sure thing.

B

What's with all the SUVs with blacked out windows and security men? I struggled to get a space outside.

D

Ah, that'll be the potential investors I'm showing around for Justin. Dripping with cash. They're over there having an afternoon tea, see?

B

All right, yeah.

D

He's hoping one of them might buy the BL shares which Damara is selling. They've come from all over the US, Italy, China, Australia. Really?

B

What do they want with Land in Ambridge? Wow. I dunno. It never occurred to me that global billionaires will be interested in buying land round here.

D

Oh yeah! Big time! Oh how are they getting on? Do they look like they need more cake, do you think?

B

I dunno, but I could use a sandwich.

D

Like I'm so sorry, Ben. Oh, I completely forgot to say if you what would you like?

E

Do you think George is genuine?

C

I don't know. Rory certainly thinks so. But either way, it doesn't seem that George is interested in going to the police, which is a relief.

E

Yeah. Well, I'm glad to see you looking brighter. I was genuinely worried you were going to have a heart attack yesterday.

C

I'm fine

E

Need to be careful.

D

Two cappuccinos?

Thank you.

C

To be fair, it was quite a stressful situation, but Fingers crossed, it looks like we can all finally move on.

D

Really hope so.

C

Absolutely. He was like a different person as he headed out this morning to his interview.

E

What interview?

C

It's on a farm in North Porsche. It's part of Stella's cluster.

E

I thought Rory was staying on at Berrow for a while.

C

Yeah, that was the plan. But when this opportunity came up, it was too good to pass up. Just hope he gets it. A new direction be good for me.

E

Yeah.

Ben Raises Mental Health Concerns

B

Hi Brian, Lillian, sorry to interrupt.

E

It's quite all right, darling.

B

I just wondered how Rory's doing.

C

Fine, why do I...

B

A bit awkward actually. I I don't want to betray his confidence.

C

What do you mean?

B

I saw him the other day. He was in a bit of a state.

C

Oh? Did he say what it was about?

B

No, not not really. But I keep thinking about what he said, and I'm a bit worried. I probably shouldn't be telling you this.

C

No, it's fine. I'm glad you did. Thank you, Ben. I'll speak to him. Okay. Was there something else?

B

Just the thing is, he said he's been talking to his mum.

C

Oh.

B

Yeah. And that could be, you know, fine, or it could be the start of something. When I had I don't know if you remember, but a few years ago I had this psychotic episode and it started with me seeing Bess, my dog. When she wasn't there, I mean. I was convinced I'd lost her.

E

I remember darling.

C

I'm sorry, I I'm not quite sure where you're going with this, Ben.

B

Well, it could be nothing. But Rory's obviously really stressed about something. And he started talking to his mum, which is something he's never done before.

C

And you're worried he might be having a psychotic episode.

B

No, no. Well I I mean maybe. Look, he's behaving unusually is the thing. He's maybe hearing things. Has he been sleeping, Norman?

C

Look, I think we're getting carried away here.

B

I just thought you'd want to

C

Rory's been under some stress, but he's actually doing very well. Did he tell you he's got an interview for a new job? Oh yes.'Cause that's where he is now. That's what he was dressed about.

B

I don't think so.

C

I'm sure that's what it was.

B

Maybe if you talk to him.

C

I'm sorry.

B

I just think hopefully you're right, okay, and that Rory's fine. But what if he's hiding it from you? Or if he doesn't even realise it himself? Like I say, I feel awful going behind his back. But I'd never forgive myself if something like this was missed. And the whole thing with mental health is that we should be looking out for each other, shouldn't we?

C

Ben, Rory does not have a mental health issue. And to be frank, I'm perfectly capable of looking after my own son.

B

Okay, sure. Anyway, back on.

E

Yes, bye, Ben.

F

I don't know.

C

You heard him. He was barking up the wrong tree, not to mention completely overstepping the mark.

E

He was concerned about his friend, and he's likely to be even more concerned after your little outburst.

D

Oh hello love, didn't see you there.

Business Wins and Brian's Deep Fears

B

How's it all going?

D

Oh brilliant. Really? Tom, they are absolutely loving Ambridge. Can't get enough of it. They even went into raptures over the cinnamon buns. Sheer enthusiasm, it's amazing.

B

Sounds exhausting. Uh are there any of those Brian Salami rolls left?

D

Uh Fredn.

B

Could you do me one?

D

Uh no I can't. You can have one of these in the chiller.

B

My mistake? I thought this was a cafe.

D

It's a tea room actually, and a very busy one. I can't disappear off to make you a sandwich. I need to be on hand in case one of the investors needs something. It might make all the difference in them deciding to make an offer.

B

I'm not sure about all of this. No, not the cakes. The whole thing. Foreign millionaires buying up the countryside.

D

Buying it up? They're just buying Justin's BL shares, hopefully.

B

Still, people won't take kindly to it.

D

Rydyn ni'n meddwl. Mae'r cymuned yn gweithio'n gweithio'n gweithio'n gweithio'n gweithio'n gweithio'n gweithio'n gweithio'n gweithio'n gweithio'n gweithio'n gweithio'n gweithio'n gweithio'n gweithio'n gweithio'n gweithio.

B

True.

D

Ooh, that reminds me. I made my first sale.

B

Oh w oh on the side.

D

Yeah, full price and everything. And not just one sale either. Someone bought a bundle of the girls' clothes, then someone else bought a few other bits. It seemed like the first sale made other people find my page. Because loads of stuff has been favorited as well.

B

That's great.

D

Well, it's obviously not loads of money yet, but it's a start. Oh, here's Emma to take over from me. I'd better make a move if we're gonna get to the rewilding. Wish me luck.

B

Good luck.

Thank you.

B

Alright, alright, I'll throw it one more time and then we need to go inside, okay? Hi Brian.

C

I just called by on the off chance. I didn't know if you might be in the surgery.

B

I just got home to find Bess begging me to bring her out for a play.

C

Yes, I can see she's enjoying herself. How old is she now? No, really? Seems like only yesterday you got her. Well, she's showing no signs of winding down. Not.

B

No, not ready for retirement yet, oh your best.

C

Uh look, I'll get to the point. I I I just wanted to apologize for earlier.

B

Right.

C

There was no need for me to be rude to you. I know you were only concerned about Rory. You'd you'cause you're a good friend, Benny. He's lucky to have you.

B

I wasn't suggesting that you weren't looking after him.

C

No, I know, I know. I shouldn't have been so defensive. The truth is, uh we've all been through the ringer a bit lately. And you're right, Rory's had a lot on his mind.

B

So he he has spoken to you about it?

C

Oh yes, yeah. He's he's had some some struggles over the last few months. Well longer than that really. I don't think it was Altogæder easy for him being in London.

B

No.

C

Did he talk to you about that?

B

A a little.

C

Right. Well that's good. You do seem to talk the two of you.

B

Yeah, we do.

C

Personally I I wasn't aware of the extent of it, London, until fairly recently. But I honestly don't think we need be worried that he's on the cusp of any kind of breakup.

B

Okay.

C

Good. Obviously I'll take on board what you said and keep an eye out for him. But in the last few days, Rory seems to have turned a corner. Probably help them talking to you.

B

Good to hear.

C

And there's a potential new job on the horizon fingers crossed, huh?

B

At the Arable Farm. Yeah, yeah, I messaged him earlier. He said his interview had gone really well. Did he?

C

Oh good. I picked up a couple of steaks from the bridge farm shop. I thought I'd do him a special dinner.

B

Well he'll like that.

C

Not such a terrible father, after all, then.

B

I never said it was.

D

Oh, this is a nice surprise. Thought it'd be ours, yeah.

Tom's Jacket and Friendship's Promise

B

Well Akram and I got through the planting in record time, so I gave us an early finish. Yeah, I feel a bit bad because Akram was keen to stay and discuss this care farm idea some more, but I haven't even had a chance to mention it to Helen yet. I don't want him getting his hopes up till we've worked out it's a possibility. Oh great go.

D

keeps booting it against the fence. I hope it is an annoying joy.

B

How was the rest of your afternoon? Great.

D

Yeah, really good.

B

What did the millionaires make of rewilding Ambric?

D

Rydyn ni'n cael ei wneud. Mae'r ymwneud â'r ymwneud â'r ymwneud â'r ymwneud â'r ymwneud â'r ymwneud â'r ymwneud â'r

B

Did they say one?

D

No, they only come out at dawn and dusk, don't they? But but we did see Justin. Tom, y you couldn't have walked past at a better time. I was in full sales patter, had them eating out of my hand. Afterwards he texted me to say he was really impressed.

B

Well good.

D

Just hope one of them makes an off for now. I think even if they don't, Justin might put more work my way in the future. Mm-hmm.

B

Do you wanna work for Justin Elliott?

D

Well, not full time, no, but it'd be great if you wanted me to do more of this kind of stuff. Yeah, you know the sale.

B

Another? That's great.

D

Well, they've paid the full asking price. I put it on for fifty quid.

B

Fifty quids? What was it?

D

That old wax jacket.

B

My white circuit?

D

Well don't panic, it was the old one that was in the loft.

B

Let me have a look at it! That's my good jacket! Tom!

D

It's been in the loft since we moved in. I thought you said anything up there was fair game to be sold.

B

I didn't mean my wax jacket. I can't believe you sold my wax jacket.

D

Stop saying wax jacket.

B

I'm just a bit upset that you sold my favourite coat.

D

Your favourite really? I love it. Well, I'm sorry. Obviously I didn't realise that or I wouldn't have sold it. But really, Tom, you said yourself that everything up there was fair game.

B

I didn't know it was there. It was practically vintage.

D

Oh, that's what I said in the list thing.

B

Well can you tell them it's no longer available? No I can't.

D

What? It'll affect my star rate.

B

Oh well, we wouldn't want that.

D

When we had the idea to sell our stuff, it was meant to be a joint venture. Both of us doing the work. And it's quite a lot of work actually, Tom, sorting the stuff to be sold, photographing it, listing it, posting it. But you haven't helped at all. You've just left it all up to me.

B

I've been busy.

D

Everyone in the world is busy, including me. But I've done it. If you didn't want me to sell the stuff in the loft, you should have helped me sort through it.

B

Didn't know it was there.

D

Again, not my problem.

B

Right well I better get her inside.

C

Yes, yes. Don't let me keep you. Well, have a nice evening, won't you?

B

O'Brien. I'm just trying to be a good friend. Rory's been there for me when I needed him and and I want to be there for him, that's all. I know. I wasn't saying that you weren't doing a good job or anything. No.

C

I sometimes wonder if I'm up to the job I really do. I mean there's no getting round the fact that losing his mother and then Jenny had a profound effect on him. Of course. And I'm not getting any younger. At some point in the not too distant future my children will have to manage without me. And I fear for Rory then.

B

Well, they've got each other. And Rory's got me, too. I'll always have his back.

C

I know you will.

🎵 Music

A

Snälla, snälla, sluta! Jag kommer inte köpa utåt er!

G

Det blir i alla fall inte vären så här. Ibland är ett nej, det finaste du kan ge. Systembolaget annorlunda av en anledning.

H

Mobiloperatören med bra vibrationer, men med lite taskig timing ibland. Just nu kostar alla våra mobilabonemang 20 kronor i månaden i 3 månader. Så nu får du snart lyssna på din musik igen.

🎵 Music

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