Ambridge falls in love with its new arrival.

Radio Times: Lilian has got her hands full and Brian gets another talking to

Characters: Brian, Fallon, Harrison, Jolene, Justin, Lilian, Ruth

• Brian assures Adam that he has almost completed the arrangements for Ruairidh; Ruth is coming round to tell him her decision. That conversation is interrupted by the appearance of Lilian and puppy, now called Pooch and apparently owned by a friend of Lilian’s. Brian is instantly smitten, but his cooing turns to bluster when Lilian oh-so-innocently comments that he and Caroline were very close. Ruth then appears and joins the Pooch admiration society.
• Fallon seeks sanctuary at The Bull from Jill’s endless calls about the new restaurant owners opening the fete, and again confides in her mother about being unhappy that she is unable to make a financial contribution to a house purchase. Jolene has to tell her that she and Kenton are not able to help.
• At Home Farm, Ruth makes her position clear; she is flattered to be asked, but if Brian thinks she would be there just to back him up or to be caught up in family squabbles, he must think again. Brian assures her that an independent stance is exactly what he wants, so Ruth accepts the offer.
• Justin calls to say he is on his way home, and overhears Lilian scolding the puppy for her destructive tendencies. Lilian again claims that she is looking after Pooch for a friend.
• Harrison tells Fallon he has been to enquire about a mortgage. It seems they could spend up to £K250. Fallon seems quite downcast, and repeats her worries about financial inequality. What if they married and split up? She would be legally entitled to half, which would be unfair. Sounding a little anxious, Harrison says he is not thinking of marriage, but he loves Fallon’s independent spirit. He believes in them as a couple now and for ever. Isn’t that what Fallon wants? Yes, it is, she admits.
• Justin returns and is instantly smitten by the puppy. An equally smitten Lilian reveals the truth; it came from Matt, so must be given away. Justin disagrees; a dog is just what they need and she will be called Ruby. She is there to stay.