The Archers

Neil’s conflicted. Part of him feels he doesn’t need to know anything about his birth parents; his foster family were great and gave him everything. But he does acknowledge the genetic connection with his birth family. He’s torn between nature and nurture. Hearing this prompts Susan to ask Adam about finding his half-sister, Erin. Susan explains Neil’s vacillating mindset, and Adam confirms he’d be happy to chat with him. Later Adam’s story illustrating the pros and cons of reconnecting doesn’t put Neil off. He feels he’s got nothing to lose by pursuing this, and he and Susan agree they’ll start the search.Rex reckons he’s too busy for Rochelle’s picnic – they’ve got the green light for the beaver scheme and he has lots to do. Even more reason to share her hamper, asserts Rochelle. Rex folds, and they enjoy their time together. But when Rochelle suggests they do it again sometime Rex obfuscates. Rochelle can’t understand it – they’re both feeling something aren’t they? Rex agrees they are. With difficulty he admits that Joy has warned him Rochelle is vulnerable. Shocked Rochelle confronts her mum, accusing her of humiliating her and effectively labelling her to Rex as damaged goods. Joy insists she can see Rochelle’s vulnerability, away from her children with no job or proper home. She needs to stop being distracted and focus on Harper and Noah. Rochelle retorts that Joy was a useless mother, and now she only cares about her grandkids. She accuses distraught Joy of letting her down, and orders her out.

Miranda humours grumpy Brian as they get ready to go to her bridge club open session. She guesses his mood is to do with her lack of support over his opposition to the beaver scheme. He protests at her description of him as old fashioned, and confesses he didn’t like her disagreeing with her in public. She bats back that she enjoys a bit of lively open debate. However after the game Brian has his revenge when Miranda quizzes him on his erratic and unpredictable play. She has to admit when it comes to brass neck he’s in a category of his own. Though she concedes that with some proper lessons he might make a bridge player yet.At the rewilding office Ruth continues her case against releasing beavers while Kirsty and Rex do their best to assuage her doubts. Justin looks on, suggesting they view the planned release area. Even when she sees where they plan to put the protection in, Ruth’s still not entirely convinced. When she leaves Kirsty comments that at least she seemed to listen, if not agree. Justin suggests they reconvene after lunch for his decision. Rex and Kirsty brace themselves for a rebuttal, but to their surprise and delight, Justin agrees to putting things in motion for the scheme. He admires their tenacity and commitment. They all acknowledge there’s a long way to go but for now they’re overjoyed – they’re really doing it!

GP Azra confirms Neil’s blood pressure’s back to normal. Neil’s relieved. Susan’s taken it particularly seriously as they don’t know his family medical history. Azra asks if Neil’s curious about his birth family. Neil asserts it was a long time ago and his foster family couldn’t have been better; they’ve perhaps made him who he is today. He admits he does sometimes wonder about his mum – but at least he can stop worrying about his blood pressure.Susan arranges for Joy to cover her at the post office so she can take Neil out for lunch. He’s a bit out of sorts and needs cheering up. She tells Joy about Neil’s family history and Joy feels sorry for his birth mum. Thinking about her own family, Susan assert she follows the ‘keep calm and carry on’ motto. Joy agrees heartily. Later Neil says he’s going to stop worrying and be grateful for what he’s got. Rochelle has tracked down busy Rex to Lower Loxley, where he’s installing a heat lamp for some piglets. She offers to help him with the lamp. He hesitates, but she makes him laugh and he gives in. They chat about her wellbeing event, and the rewilding. Rochelle remarks that Rex’s face glows when he talks about it. She invites him for a picnic on Thursday so he can show her the longhorns. Rex reluctantly agrees. Later Rex calls Joy, explaining he’s had to accept lunch with Rochelle. Joy quietly despairs.

Helen can’t believe Justin appears to be dictating the future of the rewilding. Kirsty reckons Justin’s mellowed, but she’s still very wary. She reports all is proceeding with the Willow Farm purchase. Helen’s pleased for her. She’s fine about living with Tom and Natasha for a while. She’s no longer annoyed at them for not keeping her in the picture about wanting the house. It’s how they operate. She doesn’t want to move back to the farmhouse with her parents. She needs to be living her life on her own terms before she can move on. Kirsty understands.Tom wants Helen’s house key to do some measuring up. She suggests he gets the spare from Joy. She asks Tom if he can look at some homework Henry’s struggling with. That’s fine, says Tom. Mick’s preparing to get in the hot tub and surprises Tom by appearing in just a towel. Mick gives him the key and Joy offers their assistance if he needs anything; they’re looking forward to his family moving in. Tom asks that they don’t make any noise after 7pm. Affronted Mick assures him they’re not loud people. Later Mick and Joy have been disturbed by Tom’s squealing girls in Helen’s garden, and they acknowledge it’ll be different having little ones next door. Later Tom’s reluctant to return the key but Joy insists. Mick admires her tenacity. He can’t see Rochelle getting on with Tom. He mentions the chemistry between Rochelle and Rex, but Joy brusquely brushes this off. Mick asserts everyone deserves a bit of happiness.