26/02/2026

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

So Tracy stepped into the breach. Yep, she's done two training shifts now, which I think went well. You think? Didn't get the impression that Susan's all that keen on employing our little sister. But the truth is Tracy hasn't put a foot wrong and Susan is really putting her through her paces. We'll be a right pair in the dairy, Helen. Never a dull moment. I know. Just have to see if sisterly love shines through.

Anyway, much as I love hearing about the dairy, I actually came to ask you about you know who? Oh. Well you're seeing him tonight, aren't you? I'm not sure I've got time. What? Too busy, Kirsty. You said you'd meet him. Yes, but What do you think? Should I take Dane? What? Why on earth would you take Dane I feel uncomfortable about meeting up with another guy without mentioning it to him. I mean nothing's gonna happen, so I've got nothing to hide, have I?

Fine, take Dane then. But I thought the point of seeing Finley was to find out if what you felt in Scotland was real.'Cause it did sound I dunno, pretty amazing. Yeah. Yeah, it was. I mean even if nothing happened. Oh, something happened, all right. I don't know which chemical reaction took place exactly, but it was definitely something. Curtis, it's all too difficult. Oh come on, Helen. Having day next year's hardly gonna help you come to any conclusions.

Kirsty, it's him. It's Finley. Well, answer it. What do I say? Whatever comes out of your mouth. Finley, hi. Helen. Ah, it's great to hear your voice. Well yeah, same. Uh listen, I got I got an earlier train, so do you want to meet up earlier? Um unless you got too much work on. Uh no, no earlier's fine.'Cause if you're busy we No, I'm not busy at all.

Great, well could we meet a five ish? I'm staying at the Fox and Hounds in Borchester, which is uh it's probably a right dive, but my mate is booked and paid for. It's actually pretty decent. Oh, really? Well that's a turn up for the books because this guy's the original skin flip. Oh we're coming in the station now. Shall I see you in the bar? Uh yeah, okay, see you there. Can't wait. Yeah, me too. B bye. Bye.

So now you're not busy at all, eh? My brain it went to Marsh Kirsty. This is so not me. Oh, I think it's sweet. And if you need to lift into Borchester, I'm your woman. Yeah, that'd be great, thank you. Then I can get a taxi home. No, that's fine, Alice. Chelsea's left some cleaning stuff I need to drop to the Dower house. Long story and I'll tell you later. Um when are you getting to the ball? Uh well I'm already here. Oh. Your dad's bringing Miranda to discuss a rewild.

Uh which is also a long story tell you later. Right. Well I'll see you there. Ah, Rex. Good of you to meet me. Uh okay, bye. Hey Brian. Unfortunately Miranda couldn't make it after all. Oh Well, um well I've printed out the trail page from our website and uh I've written my contact details on the back. Pine de showers, is it? Uh no no no no you don't have to. We can save it till she's available. What's the least I can do after all your help yesterday?

This poor old chap was very grateful. Oh I'm not sure you've ever struck me as a poor old chap, Brian. Ha music to my ears. Look, you grab a table and I I'll bring over the drinks. Sure. Uh oh thanks, but just half a shandy for me. I'm I'm driving. Right you are. Let's see. Uh yes. No no rush, Kenton. Dad, everything okay? Absolutely fine, darling. I I'm just wondering, can you meet me in the bull? W what now?

Not at all. But it but it's easier to talk in person. Um well I'll be at the ball soon anyway. Oh, will you? Uh I'm hoping that uh that Fallon has time for a drink. Then we'll see you shortly. Sorry, who's we? Bye, darling. I don't know why I let you drag me in here, Helen. I was only supposed to be dropping you off. What if I take one look at Finley? Or or vice versa. I see if that's gonna happen.

I've all been in my head, Kirsty. Just stay and finish your drink. All right, but I warn you, I cannot stand being a gooseberry. So if I'm not needed, I'm out of here. Deal? Deal. Oh, this mocktail's delicious, so thanks. Okay, where is he? Can you see him? Oh then.

You made it. Is that? Ooh Wow. Oh thanks for pitching up in this freezing weather, eh? Hello, how you doing? Great, thanks. Lovely to see you. Um I bet it's a lot warmer here than it is on your craft. Oh wow I well can't argue with you there. Hello. Oh hi, I'm Kirsty, Helen's French. Oh hi, Kirsty, nice to meet you. Good Scottish name you got there? Uh sadly I'm a complete fake. Oh, I'm sure there's some Scottish DNA in you somewhere guaranteed.

So's Tony Helen, how's your boys? Yeah, th they're all doing fine, thanks. Oh great. And you've got a new wee niece, eh? Oh little Peggy. Well she's actually my first cousin. Twice removed? Don't ask me, they're your relatives. Helen has got aunties, uncles, cousins pretty much everywhere in Ambridge. Yeah, it's true, I'm afraid. Anyway, how is my all-time favourite sheep dog? Oh, Dash sends his very best regards. Oh, does he? He's as dashing and faithful as ever. I'm glad to hear it.

The Northeast settled then? Oh aye, complete natives now, up and down the crags, no worries. Brilliant. What a relief, eh? Yeah. I must tell Yaney. Oh, where's where's where's Kirsty? Oh I didn't see. Maybe she's gone to the lake. So how's the farm doing? Still churning out your lovely cheese, I hope. Ah, well, I brought you a selection, Finley. What? Oh, amazing. Yeah, stylish little gift pack for your train journey home. Oh, that's beautiful. I love it. Yeah.

Alice, darling, oh you took your time. Dad, are you okay? Well first things first. I got you an orange juice, is that okay? Yeah, it's fine, but uh what did you mean we? Is Adam here or Rory? W actually I I'm having a lovely chat with Rex over there. Rex? Uh we've already had a drink. He's a very interesting chap, you know. Now, why don't you take those drinks over and I'll join you both in a minute? Rex has been a godsend, you know.

Helped me out no end when my car ran out of petrol. When was that? You realise he's a sportsman, don't you? I mean obviously he's all about rugby as opposed to riding, but you all have lots in common, I'm sure. What are you up to, Dad? Nothing, darling. Absolutely nothing. Is this you matchmaking? Ple oh please tell me it's not. Not at all. But I mean He's such a good egg, Alice. Why why not get to know him a bit better? What for? Well, you never know. You are matchmaking. I knew it.

Dad, don't take this the wrong way. But please, don't ever try setting me up with anyone, ever again. Oh, Rex. Uh hey, Kirsty. I've had a really awkward trip out, so I am gasping for a drink. Do you want one? No, um Brian's getting me another, thanks. Brian?

He reckons Miranda wants to bring a walk-in group for our wildflower trail. Oh, well they'll love it. That's what I said. Oh, by the way, we need to decide when to post another beaver video. Justin's just emails. Uh tonight's probably not the best time to chat. Oh, you off out. Where are you going? Um I thought maybe a film. Um Oh hey Kerstie. Oh hiya Um Rex, this is from my dad. Ah. He's disappeared now. Thanks. Hey, sit down, Alice.

Rex is off to the pictures, so I'll be left on my own. Oh, okay. I was a very reluctant gooseberry in Borchester earlier, so I need some friendly company. Really? What happened? Oh, ignore me. Doesn't matter. You know, I haven't been to the cinema in ages. What are you seeing? Oh, it's not actually a cinema. Hey? Ooh. Oh sounds great. Who you going with? Yeah, Rex. Who you going with? Um well I'm not sure I'm going yet, Alice. I think you should. What's the film?

Oh I love animation. Oh isn't that the one at Truman's Manor? Yes, it is. I've heard about that. Uh isn't it Wally? No, I love that film. Yeah, I wouldn't mind seeing it myself. Let's all go. What do you reckon? Unless that's annoying, Rex. Uh sorry, we don't mean to take over, do we? Actually, Kirsty. Yeah, well I'm sure it's fine to bring your gang along. Is it? Apparently. Oh please, Rex, I'd love a bit of escapism. Yeah, it doesn't look like you've got a choice.

Okay, but um we'd need to leave in ten minutes. Oh brilliant. Um I've got camping chairs in the shed and I'll grab some blankets that we don't have to be stuck in the car. Oh perfect. Pick me up at my house, yeah? Yep, we'll do. Thanks.

Alice, you did that on purpose. Oh yeah, but we can't desert Paul Kirsty. And I I couldn't resist some payback for last week. It was very funny watching you squirm. Oh no. There's no way anyone would get a taxi from Scotland to Blackpool. Oh well, she did. I thought you met Kate. Well, in passing. She is a no one to herself. Yeah, that's right. Then I'll believe anything. Oh little Peggy's three months old now, but we've only seen photos. Well take a trip to see her.

You can stay with me for a few days. I'd love to, Vinny, if I could. You still seen that guy? Dane? Yeah. Yeah, they are. Yeah, I I wanted to ask why you left Scotland without saying goodbye. I I'd really hoped to see you, you know, talk to you one more time. Okay, if you want the truth. Yeah. I actually couldn't bear to. If I'd seen you, I'm not sure I'd have wanted to come home. Then you should know I felt exactly the same way.

So what's your room like here? It's a lot nicer than I thought. Good. You wanna see it? I mean, it's totally up to you, but I'd love you to. You're all I've been thinking about since November. Me too. So... Yeah. Shall we go? Are you sure? I am. Yeah. Really sure. Just need the loo, then we can head home. But thanks so much for bringing us, Rex, that was so good. Yeah, brilliant film.

Oh, I wish I'd come clean with Kirsty. I'm an emotional wreck now and not'cause of the film. Well, I I'm very glad you didn't tell her. Really? Why? It turns out my dad was setting us up tonight. What? He all but admitted it. That's why he was suddenly interested in the rewilding. You not the rewilding. But you obviously passed the test. Apparently you're a good egg. Oh, I can't bear Dad getting wind of this and thinking he got us together, you know? I mean i i if we are together

if we get together oh and now who's squirming? True. But we have the same taste in animated sci fi love stories, so That seems hopeful. I'd say it's more than hopeful. Than you? She was that long, I didn't bother. Should we just go? Yeah. Sure. Oh, great night, don't you reckon? I really enjoyed myself. Yeah. I did too. Good.

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