Rob’s new professional appointment leaves the Archers reeling.

Radio Times: Rob has got some news for Henry, and Jill is thinking about Freda Fry.

Characters: Carol, Henry, Jill, Pat, Rob, Tom

• Pat, Tony and Henry have returned from their break in Wales. Pat happily reports to Tom that within a couple of days, Henry’s personality was returned to its former state and he was a happy, carefree little boy enjoying his holiday. Without Rob breathing down his neck, Tom can appreciate how relaxed Henry must have felt. Pat and Tony have also made use of the uninterrupted time to prepare Henry for the coming days of Helen’s trial and potential outcomes. Pat observes how smoothly the farm has been running in their absence and Tom is quick to share the credit with Neil, Jazzer and Kirsty who have all supported him without fail. Tom shares his news that he has reached interview stage for the Nuffield scholarship and Pat is delighted. Both she and Tony have absolute confidence and pride in Tom, but he seems doubtful about his abilities. The pre-interview work is daunting and they are asking for such a lot of evidence which he must pull together between now and October.
• There is a bumper crop of runner beans with both Bert and Jill offering Carol their spoils. Jill and Carol discuss the Flower and Produce show this coming Bank Holiday with all its usual competition categories. Carol has had an idea to honour Freda Fry during the show, but has yet to work out what would be a fitting tribute. Carol muses on the forthcoming Madame Butterfly performance at Lower Loxley and hopes for clement weather – as does Elizabeth whose property is hosting it. Elizabeth is also nervous about Freddie and Lily’s GCSE results, due this week. Jill shares with Carol that Shula is a bit down in the dumps at the moment, with Alistair working long hours to recoup clients he lost during his move to Penny Hassett. In turn, Carol shares her own woes about Anna’s unfortunate turn of events with Max. Helen’s case is also weighing heavily on Anna.
• Rob arrives almost an hour early to collect Henry. Tom pulls him up on it, but Pat manages to rise above Rob’s pettiness and agrees he can take Henry without delay. Rob frames Henry’s objection at leaving before having visited the pigs, as ‘unsettled’ behaviour which was not manifested prior to the holiday. He makes a show in front of Pat and Tom of telling Henry how much he has missed him, before announcing details of his new job. Astonished at this turn of events, a spluttering Tom and Pat can barely formulate their questions as Rob hastily bundles Henry into the car and leaves.