The Archers spoilers thread #12: 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.

We usually add the BBC teasers and cast lists for forthcoming episodes as they become available, plus the Radio Times and other previews when possible. Feel free to add anything else you come across, e.g. cast news, scriptwriter tweets!

It does. I used to be a tax accountant, a long time ago. I am not up to date these days, but at the time the Inland Revenue, as it was then, was cracking down on people claiming to be self-employed for tax advantages. There were some tests in place to determine whether they genuinely were self-employed. The ones I dimly remember are having their own tools, having more than one client (although that would vary by industry, I expect) and the amount of control the person has over how to do the work they've been taken on to do. If they decide for themselves what hours to work, where to do it, how to do it and so on they would probably be considered self-employed, whereas if the employer says 'You have to work here 9-5 with an hour for lunch, ask permission for time off and here are detailed instructions for the tasks you have to do' that would strongly suggest being an employee. I don't know how any of this ever worked in farming areas where casual labour and contracting are so common.

There's also the issue of paying your NI, which is generally quite a good idea if you want your state pension.

I probably used the wrong term. \what I mean is someone who gets paid for the work but gets taxed later. Not a contractor.

Someone who's self-employed, rather than an employee, who may have a variety of part-time jobs - like the chap who comes to do my garden once a fortnight, or my lovely cleaner. Their tax and NI is none of my affair!

@Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g ,just seen your post on the main thread. My thoughts are with you and your family. 🙏

Sending a virtual hug to Gasp0de. May the trains/planes/ferries run smoothly and the roads empty in front of you. I hope your DM is comfortable and not in pain.

Go gently @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g. This internet stranger has been in your shoes, and I'm sending my thoughts and best wishes to you and Gasp0deMum

Thanks all. On my way to Edinburgh at the moment. It sounds as if Mum's in good hands there. My brother's been doing sterling work at that end since she went into a nursing home near him. Anyway, distractions are good at a time like this, so here are the latest teasers from the BBC.

13th – 18th September 2026
13/9 Harrison has a confession to make, and Leonard hatches a generous plan.
14/9 Carol makes her feelings clear, and Jolene is far from impressed.
15/9 Tony attempts to get involved, and Lynda finds herself intrigued.
16/9 Alan is there for a friend in need, and Fallon is shocked by a controversial move.
17/9 It’s action stations for Lynda, and George waves the white flag.
18/9 There’s a race against time for Anna, while Lily is given some ground rules.

Writer: Liz John
Director: Mel Ward
Editor: Jeremy Howe

Jolene Archer … Buffy Davis
Kenton Archer … Richard Attlee
Tony Archer … David Troughton
Leonard Berry … Paul Copley
Harrison Burns … James Cartwright
Mick Fadmoor … Martin Barrass
Alan Franks … John Telfer
Usha Franks … Souad Faress
Amber Gordon … Olivia Bernstone
George Grundy … Angus Stobie
Joy Horville … Jackie Lye
Esme Mulligan … Ellie Pawsey
Lily Pargetter … Katie Redford
Fallon Rogers … Joanna Van Kampen
Lynda Snell … Carole Boyd
Anna Tregorran … Isobel Middleton
Carol Tregorran … Mia Soteriou

Mick and Joy! How blessed we are.

Thank you, @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g.

Still no word on Hannah? Perhaps she’s pitched a tent on the village green?

@TottersBlankly , I was scanning the cast and thinking 'Where is Hannah?' before I saw your post.

@Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g , thanks for the spoilers and the update. I can't imagine what you are going through. Grief is complicated.

So Leonard is back!

I like Leonard. Such a good voice. Good actor too even if he'll always be Egg's father to me.

It would suit the Grundy Style to have a series of jobs which are paid cash in hand on the assumption that someone else would be dealing with the tax. Sick pay would be pitiful. I can't imagine Esme & the like running a decent payroll. Ruth & David would though, so perhaps they're monitoring it

@Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g , Just letting you know I'm thinking of you.🙏

@HewasH2O , he'll be found out.

@CaptainMyCaptain , and Jack Davenport will always be Miles. I always thought Nigel Davenport had a bit of something.

Afternoon all. I'm back home now. Mum died peacefully in the hospital. A sad time, but she was well looked after there and my brother and I were able to spend time with her, which was good. Thank you for all your kind words.

Meanwhile, back in Ambridge, I see we have a few more spoilers for this week - most of this stuff has already happened, which makes it mildly interesting to read now. I wouldn't say Fallon is in a spin about Harrison's friend Leon visiting, for example!

Total TV Guide 29th Aug - 4th September
The arrival of a visitor in the village sends Fallon into a spin. Concerned, Jolene surprises her daughter with an offer, which Fallon knocks back. But then Jolene counters with a decidedly off-the-wall Plan B. Meanwhile, Henry and Khalil are plunged into gloom as the new school year looms - then a development leaves them both wishing they only had something as complicated as a lost PE kit to deal with. Lilian frets over Justin as his reaction to another villager’s actions leaves him reeling and making unwise decisions for the future. Can Chelsea and Natasha bring the banjaxed businessman round? Plus, a discovery by Esme leads to a showdown with George, and hell freezes over when Alan loses his temper.

TV Times 29th August to 4th September
It’s an unsettling week for Fallon, who feels a little out of place when a visitor comes to Ambridge. Meanwhile Henry and Khalil get into trouble - but will Pat make things even worse? And Lilian is concerned when Justin makes worrying plans for the future after his confidence takes a serious knock. Also this week, a resident is threatening legal action - and Alan loses his temper.

Daily Mail Weekend Magazine Archers update - August 30th-September 4th 2026
Natasha comes up with a plan, George finds himself in trouble, and Alan loses his rag - with surprising consequences.

You have all my empathy and sympathy, @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g.

Wishing you strength.

Thanks for the update and the spoilers, @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g .
It sounds peaceful and she had her dear children with her.

So sorry for the loss of your mum, glad you had your brother with you 💐

Condolences to Gasp0de. I fam glad you managed to make it to the hospital in time to say your farewells.

I've reminded myself that I should have looked at the Radio Times yesterday:
Ambridge Diary 6-11 September
It sounds as if the situation between Fallon and Harrison will ease as he moves out...into The Bull. He's not putting much distance between them and, when backed into a corner, he delivers uncomfortable truths to his ex. Robert and Lynda are facing the fallout from chucking the deliciously frightful Diane out of the B&B. Anna is reaching the end of her tether with Carol and even when disaster strikes, it's left to Alan to mediate.
David Crawford

Did we know that Harrison was moving to the Bull? There isn't much of a hint in the one-liners

6/9 There’s a surprise guest at the Flower and Produce Show, and Martyn makes his presence known.
7/9 Lily takes the plunge, and the Snells consider their options.
8/9 Carol takes surprising action, and Harrison is left in a tricky position.
9/9 Usha makes a shocking discovery, and Keira finds herself struggling.
10/9 Alan attempts to offer some comfort, and Khalil has reservations.
11/9 The ground shifts for Fallon, while Harrison struggles to keep the peace.

Thanks @Madcats. The Lily and 'Arrison thing is the SW at it again.
It seems a bit contrived.
Surprise guest?

Every sympathy @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g . Don't push yourself to do stuff, just getting through can be challenging enough.

Thanks all. Thanks also to @Madcats for the RT preview.

((( @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g )))

Update.

6th September – 11th September 2026
6/9 There’s a surprise guest at the Flower and Produce Show, and Martyn makes his presence known.
7/9 Lily takes the plunge, and the Snells consider their options.
8/9 Carol takes surprising action, and Harrison is left in a tricky position.
9/9 Usha makes a shocking discovery, and Keira finds herself struggling.
10/9 Alan attempts to offer some comfort, and Khalil has reservations.
11/9 The ground shifts for Fallon, while Harrison struggles to keep the peace.

Writer: Katie Hims
Director: Dave Payne
Editor: Jeremy Howe

David Archer … Timothy Bentinck
Jolene Archer … Buffy Davis
Tony Archer … David Troughton
Leonard Berry … Paul Copley
Harrison Burns … James Cartwright
Alan Franks … John Telfer
Usha Franks … Souad Faress
Martyn Gibson … Jon Glover
Clarrie Grundy … Heather Bell
Keira Grundy … Mollie Kruczek
Khalil Malik … Krish Bassi
Lily Pargetter … Katie Redford
Fallon Rogers … Joanna Van Kampen
Lynda Snell … Carole Boyd
Robert Snell … Michael Bertenshaw
Anna Tregorran … Isobel Middleton
Carol Tregorran … Mia Soteriou

Radio Times 5th to 11th September
It sounds as if the situation between Fallon and Harrison will ease as he moves out… into the Bull. He’s not putting much distance between them and, when backed into a corner, he delivers uncomfortable truths to his ex. Robert and Lynda are facing the fallout from chucking the deliciously frightful Diane out of the B&B. Anna is reaching the end of her tether with Carol and even when disaster strikes, it’s left to Alan to mediate.

Total TV Guide 5th to 11th September
The collapse of a marriage is always sad and complicated, as Harrison and Fallon continue to learn this week. Newly ensconced at The Bull, Harrison finds himself in a position he’d rather not be in - and must tell her something she’d rather not hear.
Meanwhile, all is not well chez the Snells, when a B&B guest cancels their booking. Khalil drops by, but will a well-intentioned gesture make him an unwelcome visitor? Alan also attempts an intervention to ease the tension between Carol and Anna, while Lily’s recent difficulties are exacerbated when Martyn ‘full name’ Gibson throws his weight around at the Flower and Produce Show. Elsewhere, Usha makes a horrifying discovery…

TV Times 5th to 11th September
Life gets ever more complicated for Harrison as he moves into the Bull - his house of cards threatens to come crashing down, until he has an emotional heart to heart with Fallon. Over at the Snells’, Lynda and Robert must face the consequences of their actions as a regular B&B guest cancels their booking. Elsewhere, Martyn Gibson’s presence is felt at the Flower and Produce Show.

13th – 18th September 2026
13/9 Harrison has a confession to make, and Leonard hatches a generous plan.
14/9 Carol makes her feelings clear, and Jolene is far from impressed.
15/9 Tony attempts to get involved, and Lynda finds herself intrigued.
16/9 Alan is there for a friend in need, and Fallon is shocked by a controversial move.
17/9 It’s action stations for Lynda, and George waves the white flag.
18/9 There’s a race against time for Anna, while Lily is given some ground rules.

Writer: Liz John
Director: Mel Ward
Editor: Jeremy Howe

Jolene Archer … Buffy Davis
Kenton Archer … Richard Attlee
Tony Archer … David Troughton
Leonard Berry … Paul Copley
Harrison Burns … James Cartwright
Mick Fadmoor … Martin Barrass
Alan Franks … John Telfer
Usha Franks … Souad Faress
Amber Gordon … Olivia Bernstone
George Grundy … Angus Stobie
Joy Horville … Jackie Lye
Esme Mulligan … Ellie Pawsey
Lily Pargetter … Katie Redford
Fallon Rogers … Joanna Van Kampen
Lynda Snell … Carole Boyd
Anna Tregorran … Isobel Middleton
Carol Tregorran … Mia Soteriou

20th – 25th September 2026
Sun 20th Sep - Natasha throws a spanner in the works, and Eddie is left touched.
Mon 21st Sep - Ruth has concerns for a friend, and Brad is the topic of debate.
Tue 22nd Sep - Alan comes to the rescue, while Pip and Stella face wedding complications.
Wed 23rd Sep - It’s action stations for Amber, and Kate takes on a mission.
Thu 24th Sep - Helen bears the brunt, and Kirsty is nearing the end of her tether.
Fri 25th Sep - It’s a big day for the Grundys, and Robert finds himself in the right place at the right time.

Writer: Keri Davies
Director: Marina Caldarone
Editor: Jeremy Howe

Pip Archer - Daisy Badger
Ruth Archer - Felicity Finch
Helen Archer - Louiza Patikas
Natasha Archer - Mali Harries
Alan Franks - John Telfer
Amber Gordon - Olivia Bernstone
Eddie Grundy - Trevor Harrison
George Grundy - Angus Stobie
Keira Grundy - Mollie Kruczek
Brad Horrobin - Taylor Uttley
Chelsea Horrobin - Madeleine Leslay
Tracy Horrobin - Susie Riddell
Kate Madikane - Perdita Avery
Jazzer McCreary - Ryan Kelly
Kirsty Miller - Annabelle Dowler
Stella Pryor - Lucy Speed
Lynda Snell - Carole Boyd
Robert Snell - Michael Bertenshaw
Anna Tregorran - Isobel Middleton
Midwife - Susan Jeffrey <<<<<ON AIR BIRTH KLAXON!

Oh wow!

(Though disappointing for Jakob of course. 😄)

Thank you, @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g.