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Episode details

Radio 4,05 Aug 2026,12 mins

05/08/2026

The Archers

Available for over a year

When Eddie visits Ed at Home Farm, he deliberately puts Ed in a difficult position by letting Brian know about Ed’s tree surgery job for Martyn Gibson. Ed comes clean – that he’s been well paid on the understanding that he tells Martyn how things are going at Home Farm. Martyn wants to see if the BL contract is under control. Brian is furious and feels betrayed by Ed. However, Eddie hatches a plan with Brian. Ed should keep supplying Martyn with information – but only information authorised by Brian. Ed’s sceptical as he’s a terrible liar. Brian retorts that Ed owes it to him, even if it makes him uncomfortable. It’s payback. Chelsea is making final plans for her hairdressing venture launch ahead of the fete, including an introductory offer. Entering the horsebox, she’s horrified to find it ransacked and her hairdressing bag of equipment missing. Everything she needs to launch the business has been taken, including her hairdryer. Later, when Harrison helps her retrace her steps, she reveals that although she visited a DIY store the day before, she couldn’t fully remember locking up outside the house last night. She blames herself, knowing that she’s probably made an insurance claim invalid. Harrison reassures her, telling her ways to make the horse box and contents more secure in the future. Jazzer encourages her to get help from family – for example borrowing her mum’s quality dryer. Distraught, Chelsea realises it will take her ages to get the funds for replacement equipment but is determined that it’s her problem to fix.

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