Lynda solves Alan’s casting problems but she seems to be taking over rehearsals and short-tempered Pip is refusing to move back to Rickyard.

Radio Times: Alan does some award-winning buttering-up and David puts his foot in it

Characters: Alan, David, Harrison, Lynda, Pip, Ruth

• Pip is working hard and is too tired to think about redesigning the milking parlour when Ruth tries to bring it up. David encourages Pip to move back home sooner than later. Pip is noncommittal.
• Harrison meets Alan at The Bull and they discuss the poor rehearsal last evening. Fallon is still angry with Harrison for volunteering her for a major role. That is why Harrison is avoiding the tea room. But Alan’s immediate problem is the pivotal role left to be filled. Alan is on the point of despair when suddenly he thinks of the perfect person.
• David asks Ruth if Pip is finding excuses not to move back home to Rickyard Cottage. Ruth agrees but doesn’t feel they should push her. They need to go a bit slow on this one. David thinks there is more to it than fatigue. Ruth worries Pip feels her family will interfere in her love life.
• Alan’s big idea is to ask Lynda to take on the last major role. She declares she is too busy with her other projects. Reading Anna Karenina, for example, and opposing the new housing development. Alan plays his final card: without Lynda, this year’s panto will not happen. This is the chance to bring people back together. Lynda is the only person who can save us, declares Alan. His flattery is shameful.
• David tries some small talk with Pip then he apologises for trying to rush her. David compliments Alfie as a really nice guy. Pip snaps at David and wants him to stop talking to her.
• Alan comes back to Harrison and won’t reveal who his surprise choice is. He is waiting until he receives his answer. Lynda comes in and gives her assent but she wants a word first. She has one or two requests. The script is not good enough and the casting is poor. Lynda insists on giving her availabilities and she wants to determine dress rehearsals but she declares she has no intention of stepping on his toes. That would be good, Alan replies faintly. Come on, says Lynda as she sweeps out of the room, let’s put the cast through their paces, shall we? Alan runs after her, calling her name.