Is that a ferret in your (Gr)undies or are you just pleased to see me? Discuss The Archers vermin (so many possibilities!) here.

[PseudoBadger]

I'm not sure that ferrets cannot through a thumb sized hole - rats can, and mice can fit through a pen sized hole. But I know the SWs will have researched such a statement carefully

Only in Zero's fevered imagination estimation, Bore! Jolly good idea, though.

Richard Locke has already had a brush with the GMC, of course, when a patient's son reported him for giving his mum an overdose of morphine or similar when the mother was dying of cancer. She adored Dr Locke and left him a fairly large sum in her will, which was of course what the son was really miffed about. The Doc got off with a slap on the wrist that time.

Nah, I'm sure the SWs know that Shula isn't as nice as all that. She's only just morally compromised herself over the hunting fracas. There could be some fun ahead with Jim living in the same house.

Was anyone else surprised by the notion that Shula would consider borrowing a dress from Lizzie - apart from being 9 years older, I always imagine the latter as rather delicately built but shula on the chunky side (not fat, just a solid horsey type).

Bringing back old characters who were controversial at the time is a bit of an eastenders thing to do isn't it? Do we really need dr Locke?

I'm starting to despair again

Definitely BYOS. Next week it'll be Cameron Fraser, the week after will be Jood

Oh, I'd love Jude to come back!

Does anyone remember his fabulous 'Diaries' on the BBC site?

BYOS I'd agree if it were a long lost relative. And it's even worse when never before heard of relatives appear in Walford or Coronation St.

I admit that the regeneration of Carol has brought only limited entertainment so far - so I can't really explain even to myself why last night was so much fun. Perhaps because Elizabeth sounded so excited while Shula was somewhat mortified. There's so much potential for mischief!

Once Kirsty's back they won't need to do any more of this sort of thing for a while. Though I would have liked to get to know Bert's family.

Do remember Nigel went out with Shula before Elizabeth - maybe Elizabeth has some big thing about her sister's exs?
I agree about the dress - I was surprised they could swap dresses.

Oh that's a good thought. Yes, that may well be the piece of the archive SOC wants to demonstrate knowledge of next.

It would be excruciating.

I think Richard sounds like Alan!

They both sound like northern males but not that similar.

I want a scene with Richard, Alan, Harrison and Johnny - that'll sort out the southern sheep from the northern goats.

I thought they sounded similar and I'm northern!

I do hope this development means we get Usha back into play - apart from that one chat with Ruth she's been absent from our ears far too long (she's one of my favourite women characters).

They both sound like northern males but not that similar.

They are when you're not fully listening and not expecting a new voice.

Maybe that was it - especially as it was in church!

And I was putting shopping away at the time too

So you didn't notice Jenny squeaking excitedly about who it was? That was a bit of a clue! Will have to see if I can tell them apart with less signposting.

Does anyone know if Rory ever speaks? Seem to remember him gurgling and going on about trucks several years back. But he's been at boarding school for a while so can't be that young any more.

I think he did, with a nice Irish accent. They probably wanted to leave him off-air for a good while so that he can return from his boarding school with a different voice entirely.

Excellent point, Errol.

Yeah, I was surprised he needs 'looking after' - esp. by Kate! - unless he has SN - which I am sure Brine wouldn't want anyone to know about anyway. He must be 12 or 13 by now.

Vaguely interesting that Dr Locke's actor is married to Kate Lock.

I think Richard Locke has a lot of chutzpah showing up and saying hi to his exes (one of whom he cheated on) casual as you like!

The fact that Richard sounds like Alan is yet another reason why Elizabeth will ... like him. I specifically remember her saying to Usha that her soon to be OH was "a very sexy man".

Shouldn't be difficult to commute to Felpersham from LL. Until he sets up a surgery in Ambridge. (Which will bring more new characters.)

I hope they haven't dragged in a relatively big star for a quick shag and a disappearing act.

Did he say where he'd been? He did go to a job in Manchester but is he back in the area? - and it can only get worse as ds1 has just arrived to visit so we have a full house. And only 25% filial interest in TA despite my best efforts when they were growing up.

Yes, he's been back in Felpersham for the last two years.