Vicky has plans for the future. Susan has a startling new look. Roy has much to worry about.

Radio Times: Mike cannot believe what Vicky is saying, while Susan takes Neil’s breath away.

Characters: Mike, Neil, Roy, Susan, Tony, Vicky

• While Neil is busy tagging pigs, Susan and Emma return from the hairdressers, where Susan has undergone an extreme makeover. Neil fails to listen to Susan’s exclamations about Fabrice’s salon and JJanine with two Js, who restyled and recoloured her hair, but when he does take a minute to look at his wife, Neil is unable to find the words to convey his shock. Nervously he asks for reassurance that the colour will wash out … won’t it?
• Vicky helps Mike cut the hedge, and Mike admits he would be glad of more time for jobs like that – and time to take Beth to nursery and school. This gives Vicky her chance, and she begins to unfold her plans for Beth’s education when Susan appears. All Mike can say is ‘O my Lord.’ Vicky is somewhat more diplomatic, and Susan promises to drop JJanine’s card in to her later.
• Neil gives Tony a hand to move Otto to inspect the cows. Otto seems delighted, like Jazzer on a speed dating night, as Neil puts it. Neil, however, confides to Tony that he is dreading Jennifer’s kitchen party, not just because it is a cocktail party, but on account of Susan’s new look.
• Mike and Vicky have tea while Beth sleeps, and Vicky informs Mike that Loxley Barratt will not do for Beth; she needs to be somewhere with specialist resources. When Mike retires they need to move somewhere bigger, like Birmingham.
• Roy calls on a stunned Mike, and they look at the Echo, which has reported on the Loxfest lead singer matter, not entirely accurately. Roy is furious. How much damage has it done to them? Oddly, Mike seems to have other preoccupations.