Customers flock to Ambridge’s latest outlet. Joe is forced to face facts.

Radio Times: Here’s to Helen Titchener, though Joe doesn’t feel like celebrating.

Characters: Clarrie, Eddie, Helen, Joe, Pat, Rob

• At last the Bridge Farm shop is open. Helen is on edge and Rob unpleasant about Fallon and Harrison moving junk into the café. Pat defends Fallon, somewhat half-heartedly, but Rob persists – it all about image. Yes, I suppose so murmurs his mother-in-law.
• Joe interrupts Eddie’s search for a home. They are not selling enough turkeys, and anyway they have nowhere to draw them. Clarrie comes in from work, but is vague about the new shop. Joe has heard there are free drinks and wants to go; Clarrie will take him later. Now they need to sit down and have a serious talk. That is the cue for Eddie to rush out. He has found a flat in Hollerton and needs to see it.
• As always, Rob once again orders Helen to sit down and rest, seeking Pat’s support. Pat comments that they are lucky to have Rob to look after Helen. Yes, says Rob smugly. That is why I turned the job down. Pat is speechless.
• As always, Joe demands refills of his complimentary glass of wine at the shop. He likes the old tables but not Rob’s sleek décor. It looks like a place to sell computers.
• As the customers pour in, Helen makes a speech, followed by one from Rob, praising the Archer family’s hard work, and especially that of his lovely and magnificent wife. A toast is drunk to Mrs Rob Titchener. Pat kisses her beloved son-in-law. They are so lucky to have him …
• A dejected Eddie returns. The flat was a damp basement. Clarrie tries to be firm. They must sit down and tell Joe he has to go into care while she and Eddie find a one bed flat. Eddie is reluctant, but Clarrie insists. Joe is distraught when he realises the import of what Clarrie is saying. Clarrie is in tears as Joe says he has no choice. So be it.