Alice recruits for the Christmas show. Rob fails to wheedle concessions out of Tony.

Radio Times: Alice has a job on her hands, and Roy strikes a pose.

Characters: Alice, Eddie, Joe, Kirsty, Rob, Roy, Tony

• It’s Apple Day in Ambridge. A good profit would be welcome for the Grundys: Eddie would like to treat Clarrie for their 35th anniversary next month but with a vet bill looming that might be difficult.
• Although Kirsty has reserved his usual table, in the corner by the toilets, Rob decides on a more prominent position for his three hours with his son.
• Among the visitors to the orchard is Alice, recruiting for the Christmas show. Roy and Kirsty are on a photoshoot, for his dating profile; he has hired George’s dog Mollie but is struggling to look comfortable with her, especially as she has rolled in something disgusting.
• Why is Lynda not there? Alice explains that Coriander has tripped in New York and broken her ankle; she is travelling back with Oscar today and needs meeting at the airport and generally looking after.
• During the clear up, Alice reports poor results. Emma had been particularly emphatic in her refusal. She tempts Eddie with a solo song and the prospect of Clarrie being a fairy godmother. That’s bold, considering that they have yet to decide what the show will be. It’s bound to be a panto; oh no it isn’t; oh yes it is.
• Rob hands over a tired baby, attributing his crying to being parted from his daddy. He is house-hunting and can’t wait to get away – but not far because of this little chap. He starts his new job on Monday and the midweek contact might be difficult. Too bad; Tony is not prepared to stray from what the court has established. Rob wonders if Tony might bring Jack to Blossom Hill Cottage rather than the tea room. Certainly not!