Ruth puts her marriage first.

Radio Times: In the 15,000th episode of the series, it’s decision time for Ruth.

Characters: David, Pip, Ruth, Sam

• As Ruth leaves for Oxford, she’s upset because Pip has chosen to go shopping instead of being there to see her off. With wonderful irony, the boys have made her a card saying ‘Have a wicked time’, and David tells her she should do this more often.
• Sam checks in at the hotel and orders flowers and champagne. Ruth rings to say she’s stuck in heavy traffic. Somehow she doesn’t seem enthusiastic about what awaits her at the hotel.
• Pip arrives home, and asks when Ruth is coming back. David persuades her to stay while he does the milking, and Pip admits that she thinks they’re splitting up. David assures her they’re sorting things out, that he and Ruth love one another and love the children. It will all work out. Pip seems convinced and agrees to text Ruth to say she’s safely home.
• Sam rings Ruth, who’s in another traffic jam. By now she’s even less enthusiastic. As Sam rings off, Pip rings her, and tells her brightly that things at Brookfield are fine. She and David are cooking. It’s the final straw for Ruth. As she reaches the hotel, she asks Sam to come down to the car. She can’t come inside; everything has changed. She can’t leave the children, and she can’t lie any more to David. She can’t go through with things, and is so, so sorry. It’s over.