The Archers spoilers thread #10: Can't wait for 7.02pm? Join us here!

[Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g]

Spoilers thread for The Archers. All Archers listeners are welcome here, whether you post on our main Archers thread or not. There's just one rule: please keep all spoiler-related discussion in this thread and do not spill the beans on the main Archers thread.

Last thread: https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/radio_addicts/5071889-the-archers-spoilers-thread-9-cant-wait-for-702pm-join-us-here

Right! Round up of all spoilers I've found for the next few weeks.

5th January – 10th January 2025
05 Jan David receives some interesting information, and Jolene makes a rash decision.
06 Jan Brad has a confession to make, and there’s backtracking at the Bull.
07 Jan Harrison finds himself in a delicate situation, and Lily takes matters into her own hands.
08 Jan Leonard faces an emotional day, and there’s a surprise for Ben.
09 Jan Harrison reaches a crossroads, and there’s good news at Brookfield.
10 Jan Emotions run high for Fallon, and Henry is on a mission.

Writer: Shaun McKenna
Director: Peter Leslie Wild
Editor: Jeremy Howe

Ben Archer…. Ben Norris
David Archer…. Timothy Bentinck
Henry Archer…. Blayke Darby
Jolene Archer…. Bufffy Davis
Kenton Archer…. Richard Attlee
Ruth Archer…. Felicity Finch
Leonard Berry…. Paul Copley
Harrison Burns…. James Cartwright
Justin Elliot…. Simon Williams
Brad Horrobin…. Taylor Uttley
Tracy Horrobin…. Susie Riddell
Khalil Malik…. Krish Bassi
Kirsty Miller…. Annabelle Dowler
Lily Pargetter…. Katie Redford
Fallon Rogers…. Joanna Van Kampen
Inspector Norris…. Bharti Patel
Scarlett…. Beatrice White

Radio Times Ambridge Diary 5-10 January
Leonard is knocked sideways by some emotional news and all does not go well when he faces a difficult day with the Brookfield family standing by his side. Harrison has to fight to keep his emotions in check when he faces a challenging callout, but then receives a surprising offer from his superior. Lily takes matters into her own hands when Brad tells her he's struggling, Jolene makes a rash decision at The Bull, and Khalil's mouth runs away with him.

12th January – 17th January 2025
12.1 Justin faces a dilemma, and plans forge ahead for Ruth.
13.1 Joy isn’t herself at all, and Helen considers her options.
14.1 Rex is left confused, and Neil has questions.
15.1 The verdict is in for Kirsty, and Brian finds himself out of his comfort zone.
16.1 Emotions run high at Beechwood, and Adam offers the benefit of his experience.
17.1 Mick’s feelings are hurt, and Tom faces a tricky negotiation.

Writer: Liz John
Director: Jessica Bunch
Editor: Jeremy Howe

Brian Aldridge…. Charles Collingwood
Helen Archer…. Louiza Patikas
Tom Archer…. William Troughton
Ruth Archer…. Felicity Finch
Neil Carter…. Brian Hewlett
Susan Carter…. Charlotte Martin
Justin Elliott…. Simon Williams
Miranda Elliott…. Lucy Fleming
Mick Fadmoor…. Martin Barrass
Rex Fairbrother…. Nick Barber
Joy Horville…. Jackie Lye
Adam Macy…. Andrew Wincott
Azra Malik…. Yasmin Wilde
Kirsty Miller…. Annabelle Dowler

19th January - 24th January 2025
19 Jan The Carters debate the next step, and plans come together for Joy.
20 Jan Vince hatches a plan, and alliances are tested for Stella.
21 Jan It’s a life-changing day for one resident, and a seed is planted for Emma.
22 Jan Freddie faces an uncertain future, and Pip’s evening takes a surprising turn.
23 Jan Josh attempts to stir the pot, and Elizabeth considers her options.
24 Jan Disaster strikes for Joy, and Ben fears he has overshared.

Writer: Katie Hims
Director: Pip Swallow
Editor: Jeremy Howe

Brian Aldridge…. Charles Collingwood
Ben Archer…. Ben Norris
Josh Archer…. Angus Imrie
Pip Archer…. Daisy Badger
Neil Carter…. Brian Hewlett
Susan Carter…. Charlotte Martin
Vince Casey…. Tony Turner
Emma Grundy…. Emerald O‘Hanrahan
Joy Horville…. Jackie Lye
Zainab Malik…. Priyasasha Kumari
Elizabeth Pargetter…. Alison Dowling
Freddie Pargetter…. Toby Laurence
Lily Pargetter…. Katie Redford
Stella Pryor…. Lucy Speed
Fallon Rogers…. Joanna Van Kampen
Nelly…. Jill Baker <<<<< Professor, Dr, Mrs, Ms or Miss Bun the Baker's Wife/Daughter?

I wonder if that's a case of journalists who don't really listen misunderstanding the press release from the BBC. Re-reading the spoilers it looks to me as if Bridge Farm is going to have to make some staff redundant or cut their hours. The Terum is doing so badly it might make sense to close it altogether for a bit and re-open with a new concept. Clarrie is 70 now and Susan is 62 this year. Susan has another job at the shop so presumably only does part-time hours at Bridge Farm. In real life Clarrie would also be doing part-time at most, but we all know the SWs aren't hot on realism when it comes to employment and business matters. Surely even they must see, though, that Helen should be thinking about the future. Clarrie and Susan have worked at the dairy for umpteen years. Who is going to take over when Clarrie finally retires or drops dead in a vat of yoghourt?

That thought may have put me off yogurt for life.

They need new blood. A working farm with a dairy, farm shop and te rum would have more staff. They have staff we don't hear about (Anya?).

The dairy I know (small family farm and specialises in yogurt) is fairly industrial and they have several employees, including admin, and a decent web site. The yogurt is sold in some supermarkets about 300 miles away, but mainly local.
Yet the BF dairy sounds like they just have 2 part-time women making small batches.

Well it’s an issue with the archers that a lot of the core characters are old and they seem to live in a bubble of good health and longevity

nice they are introducing the teens but we really need a decent middle age group to be the new bedrock

This is the sort of thing a local (albeit doing quite well these days) dairy farm and cheese business with cafe gets up to: https://parkfarm.co.uk/

Bridge Farm also grows/sells veg boxes, albeit locally.

@Madcats , they do. I thought I'd covered that in 'farm shop'.
Thanks for the link. It looks great and now I want cake.

I'd provide a link, but it would out me. Not that I'm the only TA listener who knows them, but I've known them since before the dairy. Even before the farmer got married, never mind the DC and DGC. The site says it was set up by 'Tony Archer', when I know full well that it was mostly 'Pat'. (He's a bit of an arse, she's nice but a bit pushy. The DC running the business now is sound)

I don't think I've eaten for about 20 hours (was busy yester
day and forgot), and there's yogurt that needs eating in the fridge but Gasp has put me off.

Update time. As noted above, the RT and Total TV Guide appear confused about where Clarrie and Susan work.

16th March 2025 - 21st March 2025
16.3 Helen finds herself in a tight spot, and Lynda hatches a plan.
17.3 There are decisions to be made at the dairy, and Lily plays dirty.
18.3 Ideas develop for Pat, while confusion reigns for the Grundy family.
19.3 Freddie makes a difficult call, and Alan grabs the bull by the horns.
20.3 Tom faces a race against time, and Kirsty makes a surprising demand.
21.3 The bell tolls for more than one resident, and Emma has a fight on her hands.

Writer: Nick Warburton
Director: Rosemary Watts
Editor: Jeremy Howe

Helen Archer…. Louiza Patikas
Pat Archer…. Patricia Gallimore
Tom Archer…. William Troughton
Tony Archer…. David Troughton
Neil Carter…. Brian Hewlett
Susan Carter…. Charlotte Martin
Rex Fairbrother…. Nick Barber
Alan Franks…. John Telfer
Martyn Gibson…. Jon Glover
Clarrie Grundy…. Heather Bell
Emma Grundy…. Emerald O‘Hanrahan
George Grundy…. Angus Stobie
Akram Malik…. Asif Khan
Kirsty Miller…. Annabelle Dowler
Freddie Pargetter…. Toby Laurence
Lily Pargetter…. Katie Redford
Lynda Snell…. Carole Boyd

Radio Times Ambridge Diary March 16th-21st
The fallout from "sewage-gate" continues, with Helen facing an impossible decision and Pat deciding drastic action is needed. Clarrie and Susan face an uncertain future at the Tearoom, while Kirsty delivers Tom an ultimatum about the house sale. As Freddie struggles with the cricket, Lily makes a controversial suggestion. And Emma visits George - but it seems they're talking at cross purposes.

Total TV Guide March 16th-21st
Helen’s all at sea as problems loom but, at the end of her tether, Pat takes command of the situation. With the Tearoom losing custom, Clarrie and Susan are also feeling put upon, while Kirsty decides to put an end to Tom and Natasha’s prevarication over the house sale by issuing an ultimatum - but will she close the door on the deal? Having been flattered by Vince’s suggestion that he should go for the team captaincy, Freddie is overwhelmed by all things cricket. Will Lily’s daring suggestion save the day? Also this week, Emma is overjoyed when George allows her to visit him in prison - but it’s clear there’s a long way for mother and son to go when it comes to repairing their troubled relationship.

23rd March 2025 - 28th March 2025
Sun 23/3 Clarrie’s nerves are on edge, and Lynda has empty nest syndrome
Mon 24/3 Helen faces an impossible choice, and Robert makes his feelings known
Tue 25/3 There’s a surprise for Joy, and one resident has devastating news to impart
Wed 26/3 Mick is faced with the truth, and emotions run high for Khalil
Thu 27/3 It’s judgement day for Emma, and Eddie attempts to wave the white flag
Fri 28/3 Tensions mount at Beechwood, and Helen makes her decision.

Writer: Katie Hims
Director: Mel Ward
Editor: Jeremy Howe

Helen Archer…. Louiza Patikas
Pat Archer…. Patricia Gallimore
Neil Carter…. Brian Hewlett
Susan Carter…. Charlotte Martin
Mick Fadmoor…. Martin Barrass
Clarrie Grundy…. Heather Bell
Eddie Grundy…. Trevor Harrison
Emma Grundy…. Emerald O’Hanrahan
Joy Horville…. Jackie Lye
Rochelle Horville…. Rosie Stancliffe <<<<< She's back.
Alistair Lloyd…. Michael Lumsden
Khalil Malik…. Krish Bassi
Lynda Snell…. Carole Boyd
Robert Snell…. Michael Bertenshaw

30th March 2025 - 4th April 2025
30.3 Susan demands an explanation, and the Maliks face a complication.
31.3 Rex faces an awkward encounter, and Freddie ties himself up in knots.
01.4 The Grundys band together, and there’s debate at the Bull.
02.4 Emma decides to take the lead, and Khalil hatches a plan.
03.4 Mick struggles with recent events, while Vince makes a connection.
04.4 There’s a new opportunity at the abattoir, and there’s an unexpected moment for Fallon.

Writer: Shaun McKenna
Director: Pip Swallow
Editor: Jeremy Howe

Jolene Archer…. Buffy Davies
Lilian Bellamy…. Sunny Ormonde
Susan Carter…. Charlotte Martin
Vince Casey…. Tony Turner
Clarrie Grundy…. Heather Bell
Eddie Grundy…. Trevor Harrison
Emma Grundy…. Emerald O’Hanrahan
Mick Fadmoor…. Martin Barrass
Rex Fairbrother…. Nick Barber
Rochelle Horville…. Rosie Stancliffe
Akram Malik…. Asif Khan
Khalil Malik…. Krish Bassi
Freddie Pargetter…. Toby Laurence
Fallon Rogers…. Joanna Van Kampen
Lynda Snell…. Carole Boyd
Robert Snell…. Michael Bertenshaw

Thanks for epic spoilering, @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g!

So - is it going to be Rex or Rochelle who kisses Fallon on April 4th??

And will Vince’s ‘connection’ be with Akram, or Rochelle? Worrying if the latter, as we know she’s a trouble maker. Maybe she’ll conclude that a rich older man is a better bet than a struggling young one?

(Can feel my blood pressure rising already!)

Tom's not quite signed and sealed comment sounded ominous.

Indeed … !

Just a reminder that, a few weeks ago, many of us thought the “bell tolling” was going to be for a deaded Neil.

Neils Alive!

My Pollyanna moment has now passed, so I feel entitled to grumble about Rochelle (presumably she owes Ruth & David money for the barn hire for the event she “organised” before she flounced off).

They are toying with us. Harrumph.

I am preening slightly because I predicted this! I said

"The bell tolls for more than one resident..." That sounds ominous! Are they going to kill someone off, or is this going to be one of their typical cryptic summaries that turns out to be a bellringing storyline or something similarly anodyne?

I shall bugger off and stop being smug now

🏆 for you, @noodlezoodle!

Spoiler time. No clue what the devastating news might be, but it looks as if it involves Lynda and Robert. A llama death? Trying to summon up some enthusiasm for Rochelle's return this week. No, not managing it.

23rd March 2025 - 28th March 2025
Sun 23/3 Clarrie’s nerves are on edge, and Lynda has empty nest syndrome
Mon 24/3 Helen faces an impossible choice, and Robert makes his feelings known
Tue 25/3 There’s a surprise for Joy, and one resident has devastating news to impart
Wed 26/3 Mick is faced with the truth, and emotions run high for Khalil
Thu 27/3 It’s judgement day for Emma, and Eddie attempts to wave the white flag
Fri 28/3 Tensions mount at Beechwood, and Helen makes her decision.

Writer: Katie Hims
Director: Mel Ward
Editor: Jeremy Howe

Helen Archer…. Louiza Patikas
Pat Archer…. Patricia Gallimore
Neil Carter…. Brian Hewlett
Susan Carter…. Charlotte Martin
Mick Fadmoor…. Martin Barrass
Clarrie Grundy…. Heather Bell
Eddie Grundy…. Trevor Harrison
Emma Grundy…. Emerald O’Hanrahan
Joy Horville…. Jackie Lye
Rochelle Horville…. Rosie Stancliffe <<<<< She's back.
Alistair Lloyd…. Michael Lumsden
Khalil Malik…. Krish Bassi
Lynda Snell…. Carole Boyd
Robert Snell…. Michael Bertenshaw

Radio Times 23rd to 28th March
Lynda and Robert get empty nest syndrome when the Maliks go home, but then make a shocking discovery. A guilt ridden Khalil struggles to open up about what he’s going through. Emotions run high for Joy and Mick when a familiar face unexpectedly returns. Helen faces an impossible choice, and it’s judgement day for Emma.

Total TV Guide 23rd to 28th March
Lynda and Robert were the most solicitous of hosts when the Maliks were under their roof, even joining the family in fasting for Ramadan. Now their guests have been able to return home, they feel bereft - until they make a devastating discovery. Khalil faces a crisis that leaves him wrestling with his conscience, but will he feel able to unburden himself? There are emotional repercussions for Joy when she receives an unexpected visitor. Different versions of the past start to come out, and the trust between her and Mick comes under strain. Meanwhile, over at Bridge Farm, Helen is faced with a big decision. Also this week, it’s high noon at the Parish Council as Emma awaits its verdict.

30th March 2025 - 4th April 2025
30.3 Susan demands an explanation, and the Maliks face a complication.
31.3 Rex faces an awkward encounter, and Freddie ties himself up in knots.
01.4 The Grundys band together, and there’s debate at the Bull.
02.4 Emma decides to take the lead, and Khalil hatches a plan.
03.4 Mick struggles with recent events, while Vince makes a connection.
04.4 There’s a new opportunity at the abattoir, and there’s an unexpected moment for Fallon.

Writer: Shaun McKenna
Director: Pip Swallow
Editor: Jeremy Howe

Jolene Archer…. Buffy Davies
Lilian Bellamy…. Sunny Ormonde
Susan Carter…. Charlotte Martin
Vince Casey…. Tony Turner
Clarrie Grundy…. Heather Bell
Eddie Grundy…. Trevor Harrison
Emma Grundy…. Emerald O’Hanrahan
Mick Fadmoor…. Martin Barrass
Rex Fairbrother…. Nick Barber
Rochelle Horville…. Rosie Stancliffe
Akram Malik…. Asif Khan
Khalil Malik…. Krish Bassi
Freddie Pargetter…. Toby Laurence
Fallon Rogers…. Joanna Van Kampen
Lynda Snell…. Carole Boyd
Robert Snell…. Michael Bertenshaw

6th April 2025 - 11th April 2025
06.4 There’s a change of plan at Grange Farm, and Brian has something up his sleeve.
07.4 Rochelle struggles with the reality of her situation, and George has a brainwave.
08.4 It’s the end of an era at the dairy, and one resident has something to get off his chest.
09.4 Ed tries to look on the bright side, and Pat finds herself accused.
10.4 Joy attempts to build bridges, and one family find themselves out of their depth.
11.4 Elizabeth offers a suggestion, and debate rages for David.

Writer: Sarah McDonald Hughes
Director: Julie Beckett
Editor: Jeremy Howe

Brian Aldridge…. Charles Collingwood
Ben Archer…. Ben Norris
David Archer…. Timothy Bentinck
Helen Archer…. Louiza Patikas
Jolene Archer…. Buffy Davies
Pat Archer…. Patricia Gallimore
Susan Carter…. Charlotte Martin
Miranda Elliott…. Lucy Fleming
Mick Fadmoor…. Martin Barrass
Martyn Gibson…. Jon Glover
Clarrie Grundy…. Heather Bell
Ed Grundy…. Barry Farrimond
Eddie Grundy…. Trevor Harrison
George Grundy…. Angus Stobie
Joy Horville…. Jackie Lye
Rochelle Horville…. Rosie Stancliffe
Elizabeth Pargetter…. Alison Dowling
Freddie Pargetter…. Toby Laurence

Brian and some Brookfield archers at least

i I guess we will find out about Joy at last. Hopefully she’ll move away

the devastating news will be something pathetic no doubt

Not for another couple of weeks! It's shocking how little we hear about Brookfield now. When I first started listening properly in the early 80s Brookfield was the main focus of almost every storyline. Lots of arguments between Phil and David about farming, then it was Phil (supported by Jill) vs David and Ruth. Earlier it would have been Dan vs Phil. Lots of farming chats between all the Archers/Aldridges, lots of compare and contrast because most of the storylines involved farmers or people whose living depended on farmers.

• Brookfield - traditional family farm, tenanted originally, but Phil and his Dad Dan bought it from the estate, probably before I was born. They used to do a bit of everything but eventually consolidated down to dairy herd, beef cattle, potatoes and cereals, with hens and bees in the orchard - poor Phil never got over losing his pigs. I don't think they have sheep now, but of course they do have the events barn and they dabbled in B&B and had Rickyard Cottage as a holiday let before Pip move in there with Rosie.
• Home Farm - new-style mega farm, with sheep on high ground, deer and the pheasant shoot on ground they presumably couldn't use for arable, fishing lake, soft fruit (gone now), but mostly cereals in huge fields, lots of kit, lots of fertiliser in the old days. Also holiday cottages, which made a nice little enterprise for Jennifer to run.
• The Estate, which then became Borsetshire Land - lots and lots of cereals, but they also set up the dairy unit which Rob used to run, now converted to a pig unit which Neil and Hannah run.
• Bridge Farm - smallish farm, tenanted to start with, then Tony and Pat bought it from the Estate. They took the brave and interesting decision to go organic and grow mostly vegetables and salad crops with a dairy herd whose milk was used to make ice cream, yoghurt and cheese. Farm shop and deliveries. Now they have the Terum too.
• Grange Farm - struggling smallish farm run by lazy incompetents. They did a bit of everything, I think, and the reason for having them was so we could all see the difference in approach from the Archer/Aldridge clan, who didn't just have more money, they were also more professional and capable. Eddie and Joe had never been to agricultural college and it showed, They muddled through and took every shortcut available. It was another brave decision to let them fail in the end, which is probably what would have happened in real life. Then we ended up in Fairyland when Oliver bought Grange Farm but basically handed it back to the Grundy clan for a peppercorn rent and now meekly retreats to his bedroom when he isn't at Grey Gables and gives them free run of the place. I've lost track of what's supposed to be happening on the land there now. I think Ed keeps a small herd of cattle. Crops?
• Willow Farm - Neil Carter and Betty Tucker ran an egg business there, IIRC. Josh bought that from Neil but moved it to Brookfield land.

We hear next to nothing about any of this now. I miss it (as I have said a million times now, and will probably say again).

Yes me too - just put something on other thread but it also seems like they are focussing on the non farming activities at those places too

Ed has a small flock of sheep but no cattle.

That’s true - last year there was lots of lambing wasn’t there? That’s when the land issue came into play because of waterlogging? Or was that the year before

Wonderful, @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g! Hope you’ll post your summary on the main thread too. Will be useful for new listeners.

My listening began with innumerable cautious discussions between Dan and Phil on the future of the farm. And, in my memory at least, there was always a farmer having to dig deep for the latest tractor. Generally at least a week in a lambing shed every year. And everything in the context of wider farmers meetings (NFU?) - which were the occasions where Ambridge farmers learned about whatever was new and would need to be addressed; embraced or fought against. It was heavenly.

I haven’t been listening that long but there were always references to young farmers balls, impact of weather and economic factors, the year reflected the farming calendar with lambing, harvest etc

these days it could be based in weather field or Albert square

At the risk of wandering over into DadDadDad's territory, I've just gone through the cast lists since the new year up until 11 April to establish how many weeks (out of 14) various cast members have appeared:
9 weeks - Joy & Susan
8 weeks - Khalil & Lynda
7 weeks - Helen, Pat, Emma, Freddie & Fallon
6 weeks - Jolene, Tom, Tony, Mick, Clarrie, Tracy, Zainab & Kirsty
5 weeks - Ben, Akram & Robert
4 weeks - Brian, Lillian, Neil, Vince, Eddie, Brad, Azra & Lily
3 weeks - Kenton, Natasha, Ruth, Harrison, Justin, Rex, George & Rochelle
2 weeks - David, Henry, Leonard, Alice, Miranda, Martyn, Jim, Jazzer & Lizzie
1 week - Josh, Pip, Chris, Alan, Ed, Chelsea, Alistair, Adam, Stella & Hannah
5 actors just turned up for a week

Sewage aside, and some veg plating, I don't think they've covered farming for months.

I hope that Ian is okay; he hasn't been on at all this year.

Thanks, @Madcats. Shocking stats!