The Archers: what happened last week

Natasha bumps into Fallon, who is about to meet Helen to discuss the rent for the Tearoom. Natasha doesn’t think Fallon will have any luck persuading Helen to extend the rent reduction. She’s proved right, Helen won’t budge on the rent. Fallon realises that she’ll have to sack Emma and wonders if their friendship will survive that. Before Fallon speaks to Emma, Emma hears from Natasha that her job is on the line. Emma feels furious with Fallon for going behind her back after all the work she’s put into the Tearoom. Lynda prepares a special dinner for her and Robert in the hope of reigniting their love life. Over dinner she feels shy and selfconscious. Robert puts her quietness down to tiredness, and so when Lynda suggests an early night, he offers to make some cocoa. The next day, Robert feels like an old fool. He tells himself that he does want to resume things, but that he doesn’t think any “unnecessary exertion” is a good idea for Lynda. Lynda feels humiliated and undesirable. Emma tries to confront Fallon about hearing from Natasha that she might be out of a job. Fallon explains the Tearoom’s dire financial situation and Emma ends up comforting Fallon instead. Lynda challenges Robert to write down what he doesn’t like about her. He struggles, finding no anger at how Lynda’s been during her recovery and worries he could lose her again. Emma comes up with the idea of seating the Tearoom customers in Bridge Farm’s old orchard. Fallon thinks this might be a winner.