11/05/2025

The Archers

With Nova, Seren and the boys out with Helen, Tom brings Natasha breakfast outside. They speculate on plans for the garden. They might be able to use some of the money from Peggy’s will. And if Helen uses hers for a house deposit, she could be in her own place by autumn. Tom wants to laze around gaming this morning; Natasha suggests they go back to bed. Later at the cricket they admire the play of Kalathma and Rex, who look like a killer pairing. Natasha praises Tom for his brilliant fielding before heading off with the girls.

The cricket sees a small celebration at tea as Ambridge has put on a great performance in the field. Lynda’s not impressed by the showy spread offered by the Borchester Fourths side and looks forward to Fallon’s little local pies at the next home game. There’s more joy later as Ambridge celebrates a win. Rex admits it beats driving his taxi on a Sunday afternoon. Lily incautiously lets slip Vince’s secret sponsorship deal, and Lynda detects subterfuge. Rex tries to take responsibility but Lily comes clean, admitting she and Vince were the ones who arranged for Rex and Kalathma to be paid. She points out how well it’s all working and begs Lynda not to tell Tom. But Lynda’s disappointed. It’s against the whole spirit of village cricket and the antithesis of what’s needed to build a solid, trusting team. Lynda tells Lily she needs an evening to digest this information and then she’ll let her know what she plans to do.