Brian is forced to confess to the family. Shula finds it good to talk to Philip

Radio Times: The Aldridges implode and Philip offers comfort

Characters: Adam, Alice, Brian, Jennifer, Philip, Ruth, Shula

• At last Brian convenes a partnership meeting, though Debbie is still in Hungary and Kate has not returned from dropping Ruairidh off somewhere. Brian says he has spoken to Debbie earlier and that the estate arable contract is under threat. Martin Gibson is trying to seize the chair from Brian, and Andrew Eagleton appears to be supporting him rather than Brian. The Price Baumann matter has not helped – cries of woe from Alice ensue. Al in all, Brian thinks the best thing is for him resign as Chairman and for the partnership to set up a separate company for the arable work, with Adam at the helm. Jennifer urges Brian not to give in to pressure. Amidst the various raised voices, Ruth requests a private word with Brian and Jennifer.
• At the stables work commences on the damages stable wall. Shula offers Philip some lunch, which he gladly accepts. When he comes in for lunch, he immediately puts Shula in the picture regarding his conversation with Alistair. Oddly, Shula seems pleased. She has so many family members around her while Alistair has only Jim. She asks Philip not to tell anyone until she and Alistair have told Daniel. Philip tells her of his own marriage failure, and make some generally sage and comforting comments. Shula finds it ironic that both she and Alistair chose Philip to confide in. Philip assures her he is taking no sides.
• Outside the Home Farm meeting, Ruth lays her views on the line. Brian must tell his children the truth. Brian blusters as usual, but when Jennifer sides firmly with Ruth, he is forced to back down.
• When Brian confesses all to Alice and Ada (Kate having failed to appear), pandemonium breaks loose. Alice shouts at him while Adam attempts to be the voice of reason, while making it clear that can scarcely believe Brian’s duplicity. He thinks they must put all decisions on hold until they have spoken to Debbie and Kate. Everything has changed.