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?

Spoiler time again. Interesting new name in the cast list for three weeks hence.

16th February 2025 - 21st February 2025
16 Feb There’s a ray of hope for Bridge Farm, and Mick is handed the keys to the castle.
17 Feb The pressure mounts on the Tearoom, and Robert offers a solution.
18 Feb There’s a blast from the past for Helen, and Joy faces an unexpected issue.
19 Feb Jolene is not impressed, and one resident is forced to eat humble pie.
20 Feb There’s a changing of the guard at The Bull, and Zainab surprises herself.
21 Feb It’s action stations for Pat, and the walls close in on Joy.

WRITER: Keri Davies
DIRECTORS: Jessica Bunch & Dave Payne
EDITOR: Jeremy Howe

Helen Archer…. Louiza Patikas
Jolene Archer…. Buffy Davis
Kenton Archer…. Richard Attlee
Natasha Archer…. Mali Harries
Pat Archer…. Patricia Gallimore
Tom Archer…. William Troughton
Tony Archer…. David Troughton
Mick Fadmoor…. Martin Barrass
Clarrie Grundy…. Heather Bell
Emma Grundy…. Emerald O‘Hanrahan
Tracy Horrobin…. Susie Riddell
Joy Horville…. Jackie Lye
Alistair Lloyd…. Michael Lumsden
Khalil Malik…. Krish Bassi
Zainab Malik…. Priyasasha Kumari
Kirsty Miller…. Annabelle Dowler
Fallon Rogers…. Joanna Van Kampen
Robert Snell…. Michael Bertenshaw
Celia Sparrow…. Toni Midlane <<< Provisionally identified above as Helen's Cheese Rival

Radio Times Ambridge Diary 16-21 February
Chaos continues at Bridge Farm and soon the pressure also builds at the Tearoom. Helen is offered help but there's a huge catch. As problems mount, Pat realises that decisive action is needed. Joy and Mick find fortune falls into their laps, there are overcrowding issues at the B&B, and the Maliks face an unexpected opportunity.

23rd February 2025 - 28th February 2025
23.2 Lynda has a controversial suggestion, and Natasha is forced to think outside the box.
24.2 Fallon faces a dilemma, and Vince makes an unexpected statement.
25.2 Emma struggles to keep up, and Lilian struggles to let go of the past.
26.2 Natasha faces disappointment, and battle lines are drawn for Brad.
27.2 Azra makes an emotional confession, and Robert tries to pick up the pieces.
28.2 Tracy galvanises a friend, and there’s double trouble for the cricket.

Writer: Avin Shah
Director: Julie Beckett
Editor: Jeremy Howe

Natasha Archer…. Mali Harries
Tom Archer…. William Troughton
Lilian Bellamy…. Sunny Ormonde
Vince Casey…. Tony Turner
Justin Elliott…. Simon Williams
Emma Grundy…. Emerald O’Hanrahan
Brad Horrobin…. Taylor Uttley
Tracy Horrobin…. Susie Riddell
Joy Horville…. Jackie Lye
Azra Malik…. Yasmin Wilde
Khalil Malik…. Krish Bassi
Zainab Malik…. Priyasasha Kumari
Kirsty Miller…. Annabelle Dowler
Freddie Pargetter…. Toby Laurence
Fallon Rogers…. Joanna Van Kampen
Lynda Snell…. Carole Boyd
Robert Snell…. Michael Bertenshaw

2nd March 2025 - 7th March 2025
2.3 There’s a surprise for the Malik family, and a new experience for Lynda
3.3 There’s a silver lining for Pat, and Jazzer has reservations.
4.3 Zainab wishes she could turn back time, and there’s panic at the Tearoom.
5.3 Brian puts his foot in it, and tension mounts at Bridge Farm.
6.3 Natasha plays her trump card, and Lilian attempts a cover up.
7.3 Kirsty finds herself out of options, and Joy finds a ray of hope.

Writer: Naylah Ahmed
Director: Dave Payne & Jessica Bunch
Editor: Jeremy Howe

Brian Aldridge…. Charles Collingwood
Natasha Archer…. Mali Harries
Pat Archer…. Patricia Gallimore
Tony Archer…. David Troughton
Lilian Bellamy…. Sunny Ormonde
Eddie Grundy…. Trevor Harrison
Emma Grundy…. Emerald O’Hanrahan
Brad Horrobin…. Taylor Uttley
Tracy Horrobin…. Susie Riddell
Joy Horville…. Jackie Lye
Jim Lloyd…. John Rowe
Akram Malik…. Asif Khan <<<<<<<<<<AT LAST!
Azra Malik…. Yasmin Wilde
Khalil Malik…. Krish Bassi
Zainab Malik…. Priyasasha Kumari
Jazzer McCreary…. Ryan Kelly
Kirsty Miller…. Annabelle Dowler
Freddie Pargetter…. Toby Laurence
Lynda Snell…. Carole Boyd

I'd been wondering about 'the castle'.

Thanks for the spoilers @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g .

Thank you @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g

If Emma Freud is on here, Henry was not conceived by IVF.
I enjoy the podcasts, but get your facts right.

Did she say turkey baster?

AID?

Helen conceived by AID. People say IVF when they mean AID but they are not the same at all.
Xander was conceived by IVF (donated egg, Adam's sperm, surrogate mother).

I know several couples who have had a child via IVF, and I find the misuse a bit thoughtless.

Sorry for spoiling your early morning.

I think some people assume IVF is a shorthand name for all forms of fertility treatment, not just in vitro fertilisation. Precision of language is not important to everyone, unfortunately.

No, but it should be. I've re-listened and it's 17 mins in.

Re shorthand, I think it bugs me because someone suggested it to me when I was single and not particularly wanting a baby. Like I could just go to a clinic on a whim, magically have an embryo conceived, then pop out a baby.
Also, because I know a couple who had several attempts at IVF before being finally blessed with a child, and the father was not an anonymous sperm donor.

People can be dim and careless, but EF is not ignorant, and presumably paid to do the podcast, but at times she comes across at not quite being enough of a 'TA addict'.

I enjoy the podcast, but it annoyed me.

** Helen did go to a clinic on a whim but it wasn't IVF.
Rant over.

Is Emma Freud not the superfan she claims to be?

Henry is 14. Does anybody else find it odd that he has never asked about who his father is? He might not ask Helen directly, but I feel sure he would be discussing it with somebody.

Whilst double checking his age I notice that Keira is the same age and at the same school. Has she ever spoken?

I keep thinking that Zainab is Khalil's mother, so I would welcome some younger-sounding female voices who aren't Mia.

He has asked more than once but it was off-air, and it has never been mentioned but it will.

Keira and Henry are the same age. I remember Helen giving Emma plenty of advice during their pregnancies.

Yes, in spite of the fact that Emma already had George!

Indeed!

I can't remember ever hearing Keira speak. I don't think we've heard Poppy either have we?

I definitely remember Mia/Jake/Andrew conversations with Will when Nic died, but Poppy would have been tiny. Perhaps we were too rude about pre-teen Henry and his "aaawright" responses to just about every situation.

The "silent Keira" is odder. Did she spot that George was lying after the accident? How is she coping with having a brother in prison?

I suppose child actors plus chaperone aren't cheap, but I'd like her to be mentioned once in a while.

Keira will be 14 in April, so they'd probably cast an adult.
The Mia actor is about 25.

Update time.

23rd February 2025 - 28th February 2025
23.2 Lynda has a controversial suggestion, and Natasha is forced to think outside the box.
24.2 Fallon faces a dilemma, and Vince makes an unexpected statement.
25.2 Emma struggles to keep up, and Lilian struggles to let go of the past.
26.2 Natasha faces disappointment, and battle lines are drawn for Brad.
27.2 Azra makes an emotional confession, and Robert tries to pick up the pieces.
28.2 Tracy galvanises a friend, and there’s double trouble for the cricket.

Writer: Avin Shah
Director: Julie Beckett
Editor: Jeremy Howe

Natasha Archer…. Mali Harries
Tom Archer…. William Troughton
Lilian Bellamy…. Sunny Ormonde
Vince Casey…. Tony Turner
Justin Elliott…. Simon Williams
Emma Grundy…. Emerald O’Hanrahan
Brad Horrobin…. Taylor Uttley
Tracy Horrobin…. Susie Riddell
Joy Horville…. Jackie Lye
Azra Malik…. Yasmin Wilde
Khalil Malik…. Krish Bassi
Zainab Malik…. Priyasasha Kumari
Kirsty Miller…. Annabelle Dowler
Freddie Pargetter…. Toby Laurence
Fallon Rogers…. Joanna Van Kampen
Lynda Snell…. Carole Boyd
Robert Snell…. Michael Bertenshaw

Radio Times Ambridge Diary 23-28 February
Natasha has some more off-the-wall ideas as she fights to get the business back on track and one village resident spots an opportunity to stick in the knife. Lynda hears of the Maliks' Ramadan plans and joins Zainab in putting forward some controversial suggestions, before Azra makes an emotional confession. Lilian struggles to let go of the past and risks trouble when Justin gets involved.

2nd March 2025 - 7th March 2025
2.3 There’s a surprise for the Malik family, and a new experience for Lynda
3.3 There’s a silver lining for Pat, and Jazzer has reservations.
4.3 Zainab wishes she could turn back time, and there’s panic at the Tearoom.
5.3 Brian puts his foot in it, and tension mounts at Bridge Farm.
6.3 Natasha plays her trump card, and Lilian attempts a cover up.
7.3 Kirsty finds herself out of options, and Joy finds a ray of hope.

Writer: Naylah Ahmed
Director: Dave Payne & Jessica Bunch
Editor: Jeremy Howe

Brian Aldridge…. Charles Collingwood
Natasha Archer…. Mali Harries
Pat Archer…. Patricia Gallimore
Tony Archer…. David Troughton
Lilian Bellamy…. Sunny Ormonde
Eddie Grundy…. Trevor Harrison
Emma Grundy…. Emerald O’Hanrahan
Brad Horrobin…. Taylor Uttley
Tracy Horrobin…. Susie Riddell
Joy Horville…. Jackie Lye
Jim Lloyd…. John Rowe
Akram Malik…. Asif Khan <<<<<<<<<<AT LAST!
Azra Malik…. Yasmin Wilde
Khalil Malik…. Krish Bassi
Zainab Malik…. Priyasasha Kumari
Jazzer McCreary…. Ryan Kelly
Kirsty Miller…. Annabelle Dowler
Freddie Pargetter…. Toby Laurence
Lynda Snell…. Carole Boyd

9th March 2025 - 14th March 2025
9.3 The abattoir plays host, and Lily offers a suggestion.
10.3 A sensitive issue is raised at Bridge Farm, and there’s optimism for the dairy.
11.3 Tempers flare at the protest, and Pat considers her next move.
12.3 There’s a breakthrough for Tony, and George’s attitude comes as a surprise.
13.3 Emotions run high for the Maliks, and Freddie has a brainwave.
14.3 Helen comes to a terrible realisation, and Jim offers his expertise.

Writer: Sarah Hehir
Director: Peter Leslie Wild
Editor: Jeremy Howe

Helen Archer…. Louiza Patikas
Henry Archer…. Blayke Darby
Pat Archer…. Patricia Gallimore
Ruth Archer…. Felicity Finch
Tony Archer…. David Troughton
Emma Carter…. Emerald O’Hanrahan
Susan Carter…. Charlotte Martin
Clarrie Grundy…. Heather Bell
Eddie Grundy…. Trevor Harrison
George Grundy…. Angus Stobie <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Look who it is!
Brad Horrobin…. Taylor Uttley
Jim Lloyd…. John Rowe
Akram Malik…. Asif Khan
Khalil Malik…. Krish Bassi
Freddie Pargetter…. Toby Laurence
Lily Pargetter…. Katie Redford

Oh, wonder what George will be gracing our ears for.

Thanks @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g .
No Brookfield Archers. No Pip

If George has been in prison for 5 months, expecting to be there for a year(?), could they release him with a tag quite soon?

I'm not sure how this sort of thing works.

Alternatively they could move him to HMP Leyhill (which can't be too far from Ambridge) so that he can develop a hitherto undiscovered love of gardening.

George was in court on 10th October, 2024

The sentence passed on him was, "for the charge of dangerous driving, one year, and for the charge of perverting the course of justice, two years, to be served concurrently."

I don't think he'd be out so soon, but maybe the MP has got him moved.

If she hasn’t helped him move then I’m not really sure what the point of the MP appearing was

This may make little sense*, but has just popped into my head. I've often heard of people trying to spend their whole budget before the end of the financial year because if they have an underspend they're likely to have the budget cut for the following year, and they can't carry any money forward. I wonder if the TA team is in a regime like this. They have had to cut back on the number of actors at recordings, IIRC, so maybe they are finding that some of the regular cast are just not available as much, as they need to find other work to plug the gap. So they fill in the holes with other actors, probably people who are working in or near Brum at the time so can fit in an afternoon at the Mailbox doing a cameo.

*Why change the habits of a lifetime?

Possibly, @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g!

Thanks for the bumper selection of spoilers.

I’m relieved to see that Natasha’s trump card doesn’t appear to involve more bullying or upsetting of Fallon. So I guess it will be Kirsty who bears the brunt of her increasing desperation?