There is joy as the court rules that Jack and Henry are to live with Helen, and it seems that Tom and Kirsty might feel the same for a different reason. Poor old Rob.

Radio Times: Pat and Ursula clash, and Rob thinks about his new job.

Characters: Anna, Helen, Kirsty, Pat, Rob, Tom, Tony, Ursula

• Pat is much on edge as they set off to find out the court’s verdict on custody. Helen is remarkably calm, and Tony determined to be optimistic.
• At last the judge delivers his verdict; he considers that neither Helen nor her parents pose any possible risk to the children, while the same cannot be said of Rob. Where evidence diverged during the trial, he was minded to believe both the social worker and Helen and to disbelieve Rob. He considers that Rob does pose risk of harm and therefore the children are both to live with Helen, Pat and Tony. (Cue angry outburst from Rob.) Given that Henry is not Rob’s natural child, Rob will have no access to him. He may have limited but supervised access to Jack. Pat and Tony will provide that supervision. (Cue further angry outburst from Rob.)
• Fortified by tea and coffee from the vending machine, courtesy of Tom and Kirsty, the Bridge Farm Archers try to take in the news. Anna appears, and is overwhelmed with thanks and expressions of admiration. She thinks access will be little and often. Meanwhile they are free to fetch Henry. Tears all round ensue.
• Following the court’s ruling that Rob’s access to Jack will be three hours on a Sunday and one in the week, Ursula does her usual simpering and irritating mother act, which does little to calm Rob’s temper. He has learnt that Justin wants to see him. Something clearly is not right, and as he has no contract yet things are not looking good. Just look at the Archers crowing, he snarls, and did you see the way ‘that woman’ played up to the judge? What did I do to deserve this? Ursula accuses Pat of having destroyed Rob, and having at long last found her backbone, Pat tells Ursula exactly what she thinks of Rob – he is a disgusting human being and Ursula knows it. When Rob storms off to the car, Pat orders Ursula to have all Henry’s things ready for 6:00.
• Home at last, the clan gather, with Kirsty, to drink a toast to Helen. There are tear-jerking speeches, but also outpourings of happiness. As they drink a toast to brave, strong and beautiful Helen, laughter returns when Henry asks if he can have a drink too.
• Tom runs Kirsty home, and thanks her for being such a good friend. As they arrive he kisses her, but is puzzled by Kirsty’s response. Slowly the truth dawns on him, and much kissing ensues. Does Kirsty want him to come in with her? Of course she does. Can there be a dry eye amongst ‘The Archers’ devotees?