Matthew seems to share many professional interests with Pip; the Christmas Show rehearsals move rapidly towards “that” scene.

Radio Times: Someone is at the Brookfield door, while the ‘Calendar Girls’ are getting nervous.

Characters: David, Elizabeth, Lynda, Matthew Holman, Rob, Susan

• Lynda and Susan are stocking the village shop in readiness for the opening on Friday. Lynda expresses her disapproval of sugary breakfast cereals and chocolate advent calendars. Bah humbug! The arrival of a stranger looking for bread has them both wondering if this could be Kenton’s mystery guest, due at the switching-on of the village Christmas lights.
• Rob drops in at Brookfield to offer David help with milking, just as the new contractor arrives, Matthew … the visitor at the shop. He takes him to see Rickyard Cottage, only to find some of Pip’s more personal items of clothing strewn around. David feels that it could be awkward if Matthew’s girlfriend ran across them, but he needn’t worry. Work commitments mean that Matthew is single at present.
• Rob delivers cheese to Elizabeth for the forthcoming wine festival. He can’t resist mentioning that Helen is grounded as her pregnancy has affected her ability to drive safely. He wanders off to deliver his goods to the kitchen just as Lynda is spotted making off with a lamp from the tableau. While insisting on its return, Elizabeth glimpses Robert’s proofs for the show. She’s happy with her own image, but isn’t so sanguine about Susan’s and doesn’t think she will be either.
• Matthew relates his work experience to David, almost entirely dairy with considerable time spent with robotics. He’s sure that Brookfield will hold no surprises. David explains that his broken arm comes on top of Ruth being away in New Zealand. Hearing Pip next door, David is sure that she will be able to show him the ropes.
• Lynda is rehearsing Susan and Elizabeth. She’s pleased that they’ve discovered such depth, such down to earth humour combined with an obvious mental struggle! They’re finding truth in their parts. Susan suddenly realises another truth. Tomorrow they rehearse the photography scene, the one they’ve all been dreading.