Disaster strikes for Chris, and Mick tries something different.
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13:02
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13:02
04/11/2025
Tom and Helen worry over whether to employ George. Alice interrupts them with a question about the Scotland trip. Chris has agreed to have Martha, so Alice is now looking forward to joining the party. She confirms with Tom his offer to drive one of the vehicles. Alice detects their quiet mood and knows something’s up. Helen tells her they’re struggling to find cover on the farm, and Tom admits they’re considering George. Alice reassures them – she honestly doesn’t mind, if they think George is the best person for the job. Helen’s relieved; they don’t want Alice upset. Alice assures them she’s fine, though others might not be quite so sanguine about it. Helen’s not convinced, telling Tom they’ll have to think again. Tom spots Mick and has an idea.Apprehensive George turns up for his first day at the shop, admitting how nervous he is. Susan tells Alan she’s shaking like a leaf, though he reassures her it doesn’t show. George prepares to serve his first customer, Mick. However, Mick refuses to buy from him. Susan urges him to treat George with the same respect as the other volunteers, but Mick declares he doesn’t respect George, and he leaves. George doesn’t want the shop to lose customers on his account. Susan asserts he’ll be a valuable addition to the team, offering him some shifts. George is grateful to Susan for sticking up for him. Susan assures him it wasn’t special treatment. Alan praises Susan’s handling of the situation. Susan just hopes George will forgive them.
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13:04
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13:04
03/11/2025
Over-bright Henry teases Helen and Tom mercilessly about their fragile state. As they gingerly drink their coffee, Helen wonders what they were thinking – though they do agree it was a good night. They turn their attention to arranging cover for when they’re on the big family holiday. With Will and others busy, Tom acknowledges ruefully that it’s causing a lot of upheaval. Helen wonders again whether the boys could possibly come on the trip but they soon discount it as not an option. Helen can’t lie to their schools. Henry confirms later that he really doesn’t want to go. It will give them all a bit of space; he and Jack will have a good time being spoiled by Pat and Tony. He also suggests George might be an option for covering the work at Bridge Farm.There’s an awkward encounter between George and Susan at the church shop. Susan sighs as George quietly buys his goods and leaves. To Susan’s surprise he returns minutes later on the pretext of having forgotten something. He wonders whether the shop still needs volunteers; he’d like to be considered. He’s going mad at home and thinks villagers seeing him out and about might help him be accepted again. It works for Susan and she promises to run it past the committee. Later she reports to Neil that they have a majority in favour. Neil cautions Susan to be careful; is she sure this isn’t George manipulating her again? Susan thinks George is being brave. She isn’t asking for Neil’s permission – this is happening.
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12:59
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12:59
02/11/2025
Chris and Carly recognise each other from the past. Both now single and with their own children, they sit down for a drink together to catch up. Carly’s surprised to find out that Alice is Chris’s ex and Martha’s mum. They laugh over shared memories involving drunken behaviour, and Carly invites Chris to the Grey Gables fireworks event. Chris demurs; he plans to have Bonfire Night at home in the garden with Martha. When Jolene comments they seem to be getting on well, Carly admits she used to think Chris was the cutest boy she’d ever seen. And he’s improving with age. Jolene recommends seizing the day; Chris is a catch.Tom’s trying to get reluctant Henry to watch a film. Helen wonders why Henry’s grumpy. Henry admits he wanted to go to Scotland but it’s been booked in term time so he can’t. He gets why, but he was looking forward to it. Helen offers, not for the first time, to stay in Ambridge. They can all do things together. But Henry doesn’t want his mum to miss out. He and Jack will be fine. Exasperated with Tom’s bonding efforts, Henry wonders flippantly whether Helen can take him out on her date with Dane. Remarkably Helen takes Henry at his word, and she and Tom return later the worse for wear, having sampled some good brandy with Dane. Henry plays parent, fending off over-effusive hugs and advising glasses of water and an early night. As the pair giggle and follow his orders, Henry laughs too in spite of himself.
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13:01
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13:01
31/10/2025
At Lower Loxley, Chelsea’s wrestling with the right formula for her chocolate cauldron. Vince isn’t happy when people seem to be cutting corners by finding nine hats instead of the requisite ten. Chelsea asserts it’s not important – the point is to make happy memories for the kids so the parents will come back again. Vince persists with his argument, sending families back for the last hat. Freddie lets them know one hat’s gone missing, and agrees with Chelsea that it’s all just a bit of fun. He heads off to sort out disgruntled children. Vince reckons all this makes managing the abattoir seem like a walk in the park. It’s been mayhem. He’s impressed with the smart way Chelsea’s handled her side of it.Esme’s been looking forward to the Lower Loxley Halloween event; it’s a break from poring over her dad’s finances. They linger in the nursery as Rosie falls prey to the missing witch hat issue. As Pip and Esme chat Freddie informs them Rosie’s donated her hat, so they’re back on track with the trail. Pip points out it wasn’t Rosie’s to give away, but Esme’s delighted for her hat to have such an important role in Lower Loxley’s proceedings. However Freddie has a foot in mouth moment when he gives away that Pip’s been complaining about a needy woman at Meadow Farm. There’s embarrassment all round as Esme reveals herself as the ‘needy woman’. Pip tries to explain, but Esme concedes she needs to face reality. She can’t keep Meadow Farm going like this forever.
México