Robert is magnanimous in defeat.

Radio Times: Alan’s hopes are dashed

Characters: Alan, Emma, Lynda, Nic, Robert

• Election day in Ambridge brings certain tensions as the two candidates and their adherents gather at the village hall for the declaration. Lynda is still annoyed at Lilian’s refusal to tell her the colour of her wedding flowers. She is overheard by Jim, who informs them that weddings need a bridegroom but Justin Elliott is a prime suspect in the attempted Matt Murder case. Robert retorts that this is malicious gossip; Lynda adds that Jim is also on the wrong side of the law by canvassing for Emma.
• Emma is understandably nervous, fearing that the voters will mainly be older and so will back Robert. Nic does her best to keep Emma’s spirits up and they are joined by Alan. Asked how his auditions went, Alan is forced to admit that, despite extensive advertising, only Susan Carter showed up. He asks how Nic’s nativity play is going, and with a certain pride, she tells him that the whole thing is sorted, adding kindly that it’s still early days for Alan. She recommends the face to face approach. he takes her advice and before long has Eddie signed up too.
• Emma goes off to make tea while they await the declaration, and Lynda is quick to say she will lodge a complaint about it, since Emma is making it for the election officials. She manages a jibe at Alan’s failure to cast his panto, and offers her advice: be ruthless, wear people down. Alan mentions that he will be using a script written by a friend in preference to Lynda’s. Dumbing down is her description.
• A re-count is called for and tensions rise further. Emma and Robert have an amicable conversation, in which she mentions her busy day tomorrow – an early breakfast party, speed watch, picking up children and a shift at the chicken factory. Robert is full of admiration, but Lynda can’t resist another jibe. Emma gives every bit as good as she gets before sweeping off.
• Nic finds Emma in the ladies, too scared to face the count, so sure is she that she has lost. Nic does her best to encourage Emma, seemingly in vain until Jim calls through the door. Emma has won by three votes. Veni, Vidi, Vici indeed.
• Lynda continues in her tirade against Emma, Jim and virtually everyone else who, in her eyes, denied Robert his rightful place on the Parish Council. Robert will reward her loyalty with dinner out, but meanwhile he is fulsome in Emma’s praise. She managed to double the turnout and to interest the younger voters. That’s why he voted for her.