The Archers

Chelsea offers her support, and Fallon is in a delicate position.

At Meadow Farm Esme tells David how stressed she is about today’s TB tests on her herd, before Paul turns up on his bike and explains to Esme about having a driving lesson with Ruairi on Wednesday. Nervous Esme then starts sending cows through to be tested, while Paul checks them off. She’ll have the results by Thursday, Paul tells her when they finish.
Fallon covers to Lilian about Harrison coming back last night and not staying over. They discuss Burns Night with Jazzer, who’s asked Kenton to provide floodlights for The Green. Eddie then tries to sell some hay to Lilian for the Stables. She complains later to Jazzer about the price Eddie’s charging, meaning she turned him down.
Jazzer encourages David to take part in the Highland Games on The Green on Sunday, though Lilian’s pessimistic about the floodlights. When Fallon asks if Lilian’s okay, she confesses her unease over what happened to George after she’d been so horrible to him – plus the wine bottle used to hit him was one she’d provided. Fallon reassures Lilian, before they both admit hating this time of year. Later, Fallon suggests Lilian come over on Thursday night for a drink and snacks, when they can raise a glass to Jennifer on the third anniversary of her death. Fallon then leaves a message for Harrison, worried at how they left things last night and the fact he hasn’t been in touch since. Fallon insists she believes he didn’t attack George. She loves Harrison and just wants him to call her back.

Susan’s convinced the police have George’s attacker, Markie, in custody, but Amber isn’t sure it was him. They both worry about the effect Clive could be having on George, as does Brad, though at least Clive appears to have gone now.
Brad then pushes Amber to go for a walk, so they can talk about what happened on New Year’s Eve. Brad hasn’t seen George since because of how horrible he’d been. Amber reckons George was right to be suspicious about them though, wasn’t he? They were kissing each other while George was lying out cold. When pressed Amber tells Brad she wants to stay with George. Brad then declares he loves Amber, who admits she loves him too. But she can’t be with Brad, because she’s pregnant – and that changes everything.
Harrison makes a surprise return visit, accusing Fallon of knowing more about George’s attack than she’s letting on. That’s why she reacts weirdly every time George’s name comes up. Fallon stuns Harrison when she tells him she knows he attacked George. She’s seen the CCTV footage showing a man walking across the Bull car park, bottle in hand, at exactly the right time – and it was Harrison. He denies it vehemently, but Fallon points out how volatile he’s been recently. Devastated by the accusation Harrison assumes it was Fallon who deleted the CCTV evidence. He should report her, because if anyone found out he was hiding something he’d lose his job straight away. Not only that, Fallon would be charged with a criminal offence too.

Susan wonders tentatively to Brian whether things might be better since the family meeting with George. Brian doesn’t know – he’s not sure George can make a life for himself in Ambridge after all that’s happened. Susan points out how Alice has turned her life around. Brian admits there’s something to be said for being close to family when life gets tough. Susan notes that one member of her family is too close for comfort – she supposes she can’t stop Clive from seeing George. To Susan’s alarm, Brian admits he saw them heading to the river with fishing gear.
Clive recommends George doesn’t grovel to the very people who are making his life a misery. Saying sorry is weak. Susan calls George, and George fobs her off about his whereabouts. Clive accuses Susan of being toxic and controlling. He offers to take George for a few beers, but George makes his excuses; he has to meet someone.
George’s probation officer Reg arrives in Ambridge and tracks down Kenton. He’s received a complaint about George’s behaviour on New Year's Eve. Kenton dismisses the incident as high spirits, and Reg leaves. Jolene disapproves, but Kenton reckons they owe George. Reg catches up with George, who admits confidentially he’s terrified not knowing who wanted him dead. Reg says it’s important George asks for the help he needs. They’re interrupted by shouting outside as Susan and Clive argue. George intervenes, and as Clive starts telling him his theory on who attacked him, Reg appears. Clive hisses that George needs to keep his wits about him.

In the shop, Chris informs Susan he’s finally got through to Hazel. His flat won’t be ready any time soon – he’s ready to give up and look for something else. Suddenly David spots a familiar face on the Green. Chris confirms it’s Clive. Horrified Susan confronts Clive, suggesting he disappears as quickly as he arrived. Clive informs her he’s come to see George. Susan assures him George is fine and doesn’t need him hanging around. Clive counters he understands George better than anyone. He knows what it’s like to be a victim of the justice system, and to have a near death experience. He accuses Susan of treachery. Chris approaches to help his mum, but Clive won’t be moved, declaring his intention to visit Bert and pronouncing Susan selfish for leaving the care of their dad to Tracy.
Ruth and David tackle the daunting topic of succession.They mull over possible scenarios. David admits to feeling a bit side-lined some days with Pip and Ruth responsible for the dairy herd. It’s not the mixed farm that Brookfield was built on. Ruth points out it makes them money. They joke that if they row about this they won’t have time to make a decision about succession. David’s up for that!
Later Clive claims he’d noticed guilt cross Chris’s face at the mention of George. He implies Chris was responsible for the attack. When he goads Chris about Alice, it’s almost too much for Chris, and Clive accuses him of threatening him with a hammer. Clive urges him to confess to the attack.