Alf has left Ambridge. The curtain fund has gone missing. A guest praises Ambridge’s spirit and Lynda produces another masterpiece.

Radio Times: Lynda is kept in suspense and Alan gets a shock.

Characters: Alan, Clarrie, Ed, Eddie, Emma, Justin, Lilian, Lynda

• What a weekend Ambridge has enjoyed; festivities galore at Lower Loxley, innovations of the domestic animal kind at Bridge Farm and now the re-opening of the village hall by a mystery celebrity plus Lynda’s pageant. Stage nerves prevail, especially with Justin, whose apprehension about being cast as the villainous landowner grows by the minute.
• Alf, it appears, has upped and offed, though possibly Clarrie is not too upset. Meanwhile she plans to enjoy seeing all her family on stage. Lynda is becoming hysterical over the non-appearance of the mystery guest, and resorts to phoning Jean Harvey and imploring her to take the role as a ‘teeny favour’. Jean is abruptly and unceremoniously dropped as the celebrity appears – it is none other than Anneka Rice.
• Anneka makes a much appreciated speech extolling the Dunkirk spirit of Ambridge residents, and suggests that Emma (who reveals that she tweeted Anneka to suggest that she should come) take a selfie with her. The curtain then rises and the pageant begins.
• Justin’s villainy provokes boos from the audience; Brian is remarkably convincing as rich landowner, and Ed and Emma bring tears to many eyes with their portrayal of the downtrodden but triumphant rural poor. Clarrie is SO proud.
• Alan arrives to make an announcement about the £400 collected during Lent for the curtain fund. Unfortunately it has gone missing. The vestry is open and the biscuit tin has disappeared. Just like Alf.
• Lilian enjoys some gentle teasing of Justin and his nuanced performance. It seems that Ambridge has staged yet another theatrical coup.