Episodes
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There’s a race against time for Fallon, and Lily struggles to maintain control.
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Chelsea is doing Fallon’s hair before her stay at Grey Gables tomorrow, and has pictures to show her for inspiration. Chelsea spots a notice on the tea room door and Fallon explains they’re looking for cover for Emma while she does her tree surgery course, and then potentially a permanent job. Chelsea’s interested, so Fallon offers to speak with Natasha. Later, Jazzer also spots a job going at the Bull, and they’re keen to speak to Chelsea. Chelsea has an interview on Thursday at the Tea room, though – but has a cunning plan to go for both jobs and expects two offers.
Alice has forgotten about Harry’s meeting tonight so rearranges childcare to go with him. Alice makes something up and asks Chris, but he’s busy tonight. He eventually misses his drink with Hannah to help as a last resort, leaving Hannah to chat with Fallon at the pub and mention she was meeting him – just as mates.
Alice phones Chris to check in, keeping up the pretence about work as she waits in her car for Harry after the meeting. Harry gets in the car and explains he hung back to find out about the next meeting. Harry’s so grateful and offers to come to Alice’s meeting later this week, but as she has been to his she doesn’t need another one. Harry vows to support himself from now on, as he doesn’t want to complicate Alice’s life. Alice would just like to stay in touch occasionally to check in. Harry agrees and says not to worry – he is on the right track.
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Missing episodes?
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Oliver is keen to impress the Lord Mayor of Felpersham and her husband on Wednesday. Fallon and Harrison are also staying at the hotel on Wednesday, after Chris donated his prize to them. Harrison and Lily get chatting, as he’s at Grey Gables today giving a talk on crime prevention. Lily assures Harrison he and Fallon with have a memorable stay at the hotel, and he suggests he may put more business her way, with the Police ball coming up later in the year. Lily gives Harrison a tour of potential spaces, but finds herself talking down Grey Gables and making a case for Lower Loxley. Harrison warns Lily not to play a dangerous game, but Lily is confident she knows what she’s doing.
Alice drags Kate with her to see GP Azra, who’s not impressed by seemingly being used to settle a family argument. Azra wants to see Alice alone, and Alice apologises to Kate, who reassures Alice she’ll be waiting for her in the waiting room. Alice admits to Azra that she knows why she flared up at Kate and Lilian – she does worry about staying sober and has a fear of falling. Later they bump into each other by chance at the shop, and Azra talks about possibly moving to Ambridge. Alice is contrite and it seems to be a day for apologies. Azra seems aware that Alice has used her experience to help others struggling with addiction, and she warns Alice to be careful and look after herself first – she may need to keep her distance to be safe.
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Lilian and Kate catch up to discuss their worry about Alice potentially drinking again. Lilian thinks they should share their concern with Chris, for Martha’s sake, but Kate thinks they should talk to Alice instead, and put their concerns to her carefully.
Alice quickly realises what’s going in and contains her fury at their assumptions, and and her family turning on her. Alice is not finished with the conversation and makes them wait as she attends to Martha’s tea. Alice decides she’ll prove to her untrusting relatives that she’s staying sober – they can come with her to her check-up with the doctor tomorrow morning.
Hannah makes an impressive catch and the Ambridge cricket team stands a decent chance today against old rivals Darrington. Jazzer thinks Harrison is too soft on the opposition as a skipper, and thinks a bit of ‘sledging’ is in order. Things seem hopeless as Ambridge go in to bat, and nervous eleventh batter Hannah hoped she wouldn’t be needed, but holds her own next to Chris. The pressure is on her for the last over, as they need three runs to win. Looking on, Jazzer and Harrison argue, with Jazzer insisting Hannah whacks the ball for glory. After a couple of sensible defensive hits, Hannah gets a bounce and sends the ball for four, securing the win.
Chris admits to Hannah that he was a bit off with her when he declined her offer of a drink, and suggests they go for one this week – as mates, and to talk about the match. Hannah happily agrees to meet on Tuesday.
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Alice is struggling to untangle a bridle -equipment she should have put away properly yesterday - when Lilian says they need to be on their A-game for a vet inspection today. If she is tired she should have a strong coffee. Later, as Kate and Alice discuss plans for pet yoga at Spiritual Home, Lilian arrives, furious. The inspection was a disaster; the medicine cabinet was left unlocked, the feed bin unlabelled and there was an out-of-date riding hat. All things Alice should have been on top of. She is apologetic, explaining Martha has been difficult. Lilian says she’s confused as Chris knows nothing of this. Alice covers, saying Chris fusses about Martha so she doesn’t tell him unless she needs to. The inspector will submit a report to the council which gives them time to put things right. But if Alice doesn’t pull it together they could lose their licence.
Later a worried Lillian seeks out Kate. She is concerned about the stables and Alice’s lies about why she’s not sleeping - she fears she might be drinking again but doesn’t want Brian to know. Kate agrees to keep an eye on her.
Ed and Emma win an online auction for a chainsaw and Ed says he’ll pick it up as the seller is local. Later when he and Will are separating lambs from ewes for weaning they discuss the business. But Will is horrified at plans to name it after Ed and Emma – he favours Ultimate Aboriculture. Ed is outraged, but Emma is diplomatic – despite thinking the suggested name is bobbins - and Will leaves, satisfied.
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During breakfast Will and George chat about Ed and Emma’s meeting with Jamie Perks. George says Will should concentrate on strategy rather than the day-to-day work. He pontificates about what he’s learned on his business course about thinking big – and how a firm’s name should reflect that. Susan arrives to edit her shop testimonial videos with George, but he says they are unusable.Fallon tells Eddie that she has a staffing problem: Emma’s away so she’s on her own in the tea room. But Eddie has an idea. Fallon calls George and he says he’ll get there as fast as he can, much to Susan’s annoyance. George tells her she’d be better off scrapping her videos and starting again. At the tea room, he couldn’t be more helpful. Fallon says he’ll soon be too successful to wait tables. He tells her he wants to earn enough money to make life easy for his family. Before he goes, she asks if he'll clear the air with Jolene. He agrees to pop in to The Bull on his way home. He suggests he could come back to help again when Emma is away on her course but Fallon needs to find someone full time.Will and Eddie are working on a patio, with the younger Grundy doing most of the grafting. Eddie is thinking about Bartleby’s next video, with Justin Elliott as the intended target. Eddie says Ed and Emma seemed frosty towards each other before they left this morning – something to do with Grey Gables, Will suggests.
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Fallon chats to Emma about her plans for the new tree surgery business and how happy she is to be working with Ed as equal partners. But she won’t let it interfere with work at the tea room. On the plus side, the weight training she is doing is improving her figure, and her romantic life. She praises Chris for helping her with it, until Fallon adds he’s a great friend, giving her and Harrison his prize of a night at Grey Gables.Later when Emma is doing her workout, George teases her. She is annoyed, even more so about Bartleby’s latest video lampooning Susan. Chris turns up and says he’s got Martha this evening, he wants to make sure she’s all right but is evasive about why. Emma berates Chris for not offering her his Grey Gables prize. Chris tells her he would have but for Ed slagging off the hotel before he had the chance.
Harrison calls Hannah to check that she will be at nets later. He asks her to come early so he can have a chat. He makes a similar call to George. When they arrive he explains that he wants to pick their brains about strategy for the match against Darrington on Sunday. He then tells them he wants them to do some drills together. George can’t resist an attempt at sledging but Chris lays down the law: there’s to be none at practice nor the game against Darrington. Afterwards Hannah suggests to Chris they might go out for a drink. Chris refuses awkwardly and Hannah is embarrassed.
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Lilian is concerned after she hears Alice being brusque during a riding lesson. Alice admits being tired but is evasive. When Lilian asks about Martha, Alice claims she has a bit of a cold. Lilian suggests she take the rest of the day off. Alice is reluctant initially but agrees. Later, when Chris pops into The Bull looking for a lost knife, Lilian mentions about Martha keeping Alice up during the night. Chris tells her that Martha was with him all weekend and seemed fine. Lilian wonders if Alice was confused because she so tired. Later, Chris quizzes Alice about Martha. Flustered, she claims Lilian was confused: Alice is fine, Martha’s fine so there’s nothing to worry about.
There’s no love lost between Lilian and Miranda when she turns up at The Bull with Brian for their dinner with Kate. Once they’re at their table, Kate grills Miranda about how she sees their relationship progressing. Miranda is happy to answer questions and says it would be unusual if the family didn’t have them. She tells Kate she isn’t thinking much further than the next rendezvous with Brian. Miranda turns the tables, asking about Kate’s business and how many children she has on how many continents. Kate apologises. Miranda tells her that she has no intention of replacing Jennifer and is only there for Brian.
Will’s concerns about buying second-hand equipment for the tree surgery business are allayed when Ed and Emma show him some barely-used chainsaws on sale on the internet. They want to launch the business properly but need to be cautious with cash.
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Chris is catching up with Susan in the shop and asks about her testimonial videos. She says Brian did one yesterday and that he and Miranda now appear to be an item. Chris mentions George’s Bartleby videos. She plays the latest, and is horrified at gossip about Derek Fletcher’s fling with Jean Harvey. Harrison says Derek has collared him about the video, but it would only be libellous if untrue. Chris offers Susan his prize of a night at Grey Gables but she suggests he give it to Ed and Emma. Chris offers to buy Harrison a drink to celebrate keeping his job and thanks him, saying that his actions – while not by the book - probably saved Martha and Alice’s lives. Chris admits he is still in love with Alice but telling her would be too difficult and might upset arrangements with Martha. He offers his prize of a night at Grey Gables to Harrison, who is delighted.
George and Eddie comment on how well Bartleby is looking – the new diet and medication seem to be working well. Eddie complains how expensive it all is but George hopes his social media channel will make enough money to pay for it. They start recording the next video and it’s obvious the target is Susan. The pair are chatting about how well the videos are doing when Susan storms in, furious. She demands they take the latest down. When George refuses she demands recompense: George will have to edit together all of her shop testimonials, complete with backing music and captions – a proper, professional job.
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Harry calls Alice in the middle of the night, telling her he wants to drink. He apologises - he has been staring at a bottle of whisky he bought at the all-night garage. She talks him through pouring it away. He couldn’t have done it without her, he says. He hasn’t been able to sleep, he doesn’t think he can do it. But Alice reassures him he’s not alone. He needs to get to an AA meeting and cultivate healthy habits that might distract him from drinking. She suggests they do a crossword together. Later when they speak on the phone, Harry is euphoric – he hasn’t wanted a drink all day and he has Alice to thank for that. But it’s clear Alice is hiding something: she hasn’t told her sobriety buddy Lisa about Harry. It’s obvious he’s still hoping they’ll get back together.
Kate is up early to run her inner child retreat so she’ll be out all day. Brian confirms Miranda is coming over and Kate wants to meet her properly. Later Miranda has some suggestions after riding the cross-country course. She heads off for lunch with Brian. Over lunch Miranda jokes about Susan’s mission to collect video testimonials for the shop. She has no interest in that but is a good deal keener to meet Kate. The discovery of Miranda’s hairbrush sets Kate off - Brian is whisking her away before she has the chance to meet her. Brian says Miranda also wants to meet, suggesting Tuesday evening, but he doesn’t want Miranda grilled. Kate promises to be charm personified.
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Fallon, dressed up, greets Harrison with a cocktail, after the week he's had she wants to pamper him with a romantic evening. They are interrupted by Robert who’s determined to update Harrison on community vigilance. Robert is oblivious to the atmosphere and Fallon and Harrison listen patiently as he drones on about people staying safe. He mentions that it's his birthday and he's been asked to make himself scarce while Linda cooks him a meal. A problem with the food means he has to stay out longer and Harrison and Fallon generously invite him to stay for a cocktail to celebrate.
Alice is dropping off some leaflets to Harry’s flat. She’s reluctant but Harry convinces her to go through the leaflets with him. She suggests he get a buddy when he tells her he can’t stop drinking on his own. He confesses his family have given up on him and Alice reveals she visited Eve. He guilts Alice, telling her that he should just drink till his liver fails. She urges him not to give up - he will have the confidence to manage his addiction soon. He pleads with her to be his mentor - he knows she can help him. Reluctantly she agrees until he can get someone else.
George is still annoyed about Chris winning the night at Grey Gables. Eddie suggests he jazz up his Bartleby videos with voiceover. Later Eddie tells George he has hit upon the perfect voice. Even George has to admit Eddie’s scandalous gossip - in a voice that sounds like Oliver Sterling - is pretty funny.
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Justin is distracted by Miranda's presence in the village. After much needling, Lilian manages to extract the truth from Justin... he went to visit Miranda when he should have been playing golf on Monday. Lilian is furious… he’s obsessed with her but calms down when Justin says she doesn’t hold a candle to Miranda. Lilian says that Justin will just have to keep his distance. But Justin can't wait to say 'I told you so' to Brian.
Alice arrives at Eve’s home unannounced and discovers Harry lied to Azra about telling his mother he might have cirrhosis. Eve knew he had a drink problem but thought it was under control. Alice admits her family worry about her too but their love and support has bolstered her. Eve is unconvinced: Harry’s addiction has completely crushed the family. He’s been deceitful, insulting, and cruel. Whenever Eve and Harry’s father, Graham, hoped things would change he would simply self-destruct. They have accepted it’s a hopeless cycle. Alice is outraged – how could they turn their backs on their child. But Eve says they gave him so many chances. They can’t do that anymore. Otherwise he’ll pull them all down with him. Eve reveals even Harry’s sister who idolised him has lost faith in him. Alice suggests maybe the warning from a doctor might be the incentive Harry needs to change. But Eve is beyond the point of trusting anything will be different this time. She hopes he gets sober, but his family can’t help him any longer.
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Kenton is rattled about Jolene’s revelation of Markey’s threats. But he’s relieved that she had Harrison to confide in and that he took her to give a statement to the police. Jolene worries the stress of knowing might impede Kenton’s recovery from the dog attack. He’s just relieved that there’s a reason behind Jolene’s behaviour in recent weeks. That’s until she reveals that Markey followed her into the supermarket. A furious Kenton wants to confront Markey, only calming down when he's told that both them and the pub are on a police priority list. Jolene just wants to get back to normal and Kenton proposes they man the pub together, sending Lilian home.
Harry’s picking up his dropped keys when Alice checks to see if he’s okay. He seems unwell/complaining of nausea telling Alice he has an appointment with Dr Malik. Suspecting he has been drinking, she insists on driving him to the appointment. She feels uncomfortable when he begs her to stay in the room during the appointment. It’s bad news: his blood tests show his health hasn’t improved. He’s forced to be honest about his drinking. Azra refers him to the liver clinic for further tests. They need to establish whether he has or is heading towards cirrhosis. He's in denial, but Alice insists he faces the music. He is adamant he can stop/ he saw it coming. Since they broke up he’s been drinking more, but this time he can stay on the wagon and he’ll go to the hospital. Foolishly, Alice agrees to make sure he does.
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A nervous Harrison thanks Alice for coming to his hearing as his barrister greets him. Alice and Fallon follow him into Police Headquarters. The inquiry panel begins questioning Harrison, laying out gross misconduct allegations against him. And there’s no sign of Harry until he is called as a witness against Harrison. Despite his efforts to speak up for Harrison, the initial questioning is pretty damning. Fallon is not impressed – from where she’s sitting it looks like Harry threw Harrison under the bus.Later however, Harrison’s barrister recalls Harry. He says he has more to add. He wants to take the blame for the entire situation. None of the panel should blame Harrison, he says. He was only trying to protect Alice and Martha. Harry also confesses that he threatened to report Harrison and he fully understands his decision to tell Alice about him.
Harrison is pessimistic about his chances, despite Fallon’s optimism. Alice is relieved that Harry spoke up but Harrison says being a good colleague or a good person makes little difference. The panel finds he breached standards by disclosing confidential information but accepts he did so because he was concerned about a vulnerable friend. Although he’s guilty of misconduct, he should keep his job, with a written final warning that will stay on his file for two years. Hugely relieved, Harrison hugs Fallon and thanks his barrister. But none of them have any time to spare for Harry, who waits nearby. Alice stays just long enough to thank Harry but says she, too, has to go.
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Brian and Miranda are enjoying a lazy morning in bed, laughing at how delicious it was causing a stir at their age. Brian tells her he enjoyed watching Lilian award her a raffle prize. Miranda hopes that Justin doesn’t put Brian off her. He tells her there’s not much chance of that and he’s looking forward to them spending more time together. Later, Justin comes to Blossom Hill to try to persuade Brian to play golf. He notices Miranda’s perfume in the air and tries to warn Brian off, telling him that she might be sweetness and light but that it hides a malevolent soul. Brian loses patience and snaps that it is none of his business. Agitated, Justin arrives at Miranda’s door. He tells her he won’t allow her to use Brian as a pawn against him. She sends Justin away with a flea in his ear.
Jolene pleads with Emma to reconsider leaving The Bull but Emma is determined to put all her efforts into the new tree surgery business. Then Robert arrives to say so far there has been no luck with doorbell camera footage he’ll continue the hunt. Agitated, Jolene tells him she doesn’t want him to until, eventually she breaks down. She tells them both about Markey and tries to swear them to secrecy. But they persuade her the only way to cope is to go to the police. She says that if she’s going to tell anyone it must be Harrison. But it must wait until after his hearing. In the meantime, she insists, Kenton can’t know.
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The village green is packed and Fallon and Lilian are highly amused by Martha’s efforts to get a head start collecting chocolate eggs – the ones Easter hunt contestants are supposed to find. Jolene seems down and distracted though, despite the large turnout and brilliant weather. Despite Lillian’s efforts to buck her up Jolene’s mood remains sombre. On top of everything else she’s worried about staffing now that Emma has handed in her notice, despite Lilian’s breezy assurances that they’ll cope. Lilian’s own good mood evaporates when Miranda Elliott turns up with Brian - and wins a bottle of fizz in the raffle. When Miranda starts talking about spending more time at The Bull, Lilian pleads with Jolene to talk Emma out of leaving. But Jolene is too exhausted to think about Lilian’s concerns.
Harrison also has a load on his mind – the police hearing on Tuesday could mean the end of his career. Fallon is rattled enough to have asked Kenton if he might loan them some cash should they need it. The only certainty is they’ll face what comes together.
George has a sure-fire plan to win the race and is already planning an early birthday celebration with Tilly Button. More importantly, a win will be sweet revenge against Jolene for barring him; Hannah, for breaking his phone, and his uncle Chris for hogging the limelight on YouTube. He seems set to win when Lilian smells a rat – George has used chewing gum to cement his egg to his spoon. Robbed of this advantage he loses. To make matters worse, Chris takes the winner’s prize.
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Hannah’s pleased to join Chris for training but is thrown to see George turn up. George plays down their acrimonious ‘history’, as Chris encourages teamwork. George acts extra keen to be paired up, with Hannah begrudgingly agreeing. Hannah enjoys mocking George’s lack of fitness, but he gets his own back by racing off ahead when they’re supposed to be running together. Later after words of encouragement from Chris, George mocks Hannah for clearly being ‘into’ Chris, suggesting Chris would never be interested – wouldn’t it be interesting if Chris found out about her little crush? Wound up Hannah denies it, as George goes and says he’ll see her at the next training session.
Robert has been making doorbell camera enquiries but realised the Police have already tried it. But he won’t sit back and do nothing – he’s been researching ways to prevent further crime, and how other communities have been assisting the Police. His plan is to walk around the village to do a security check. Lynda worries about him but agrees to come along. Jolene bumps into them and as they discuss Kenton, well-meaning Robert assures Jolene he’s going to do what he can to bring Kenton’s attacker to justice. Jolene becomes more concerned as Robert elaborates on what he’s been doing, including going round the village getting people to check through their doorbell footage. He and Lynda are oblivious to flustered Jolene. They head off, assuring Jolene that they’ll catch the criminals – but Jolene mutters to herself that that’s what’s worrying her.
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Robert proudly introduces to Jolene Ambridge’s new Cricket Club Chair – a rather frustrated Lynda. Emma’s keen to check that George has been into the pub to see Jolene, and he eventually pops in on his way to nets practice. Robert catches up with George about the Bartleby research and presumes George and Brad are joining the cricket team. George is non-committal, and even more so in his non-apology to Jolene. Brad’s is genuine, so he’s ok, but defiant George makes it worse for himself by offending Jolene again and staying barred. Emma follows him out, wondering what’s happened.
Jolene treats Robert and Lynda to dinner and wine as a thank you for all they did for Kenton recently. Robert toasts Lynda’s success as Chair and she encourages him to find a new hobby for himself. Robert remarks that Jolene doesn’t seem herself, and they speculate on the recent attack at the pub and bringing the perpetrators to justice. Robert’s keen to help and wonders about following up on local CCTV and doorbell cameras.
Jolene’s keen to bury the hatchet with Emma over George, but Emma has decided to hand in her notice at the Bull. Jolene can’t persuade her to reconsider – she’ll work her notice and that’s it.
George and Brad watch the players at nets practice, with George mocking from a distance and secretly filming. A well-aimed, possibly accidental ball knocks George’s phone out of his hand and the screen is damaged. Hannah offers an insincere apology to rattled George, who insists she buys him a new phone. Fuming George complains to Brad about smug Hannah. He’ll make her pay, and he decides to join the team and training tomorrow, purely to mess with her.
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At the Bull, Emma tries to appeal to Jolene about George’s ban. But Jolene won’t stand for George’s backchat. Upset Emma swears George has grown up and argues with Jolene, with Kenton caught in the middle. Jolene tells Emma that if she has a problem with her decision, she knows where the door is.
Kenton challenges Jolene on her mood swings. Jolene doesn’t want bad people in the pub, and Kenton realises what’s up, thinking back to his attack. It’s time to move on, and there’s no point alienating anyone, including Tracy and Emma. If Brad and George apologise, will Jolene let the matter go? She agrees – they had better mean it, though.
George sets up his next video, with Chris all dressed up to demonstrate his work as a farrier, attending to Bartleby. He tells Chris about being barred from the Bull and Chris chats about the Cricket Chair nominations – he’ll vote for Lynda, and Harrison wants to recruit younger players. In return for today’s filming, Chris wants George and Brad to come along to cricket nets practice tomorrow and watch the team. Chris is a natural on camera, even adlibbing and giving George instructions to join in with what he’s doing, filing Bartleby’s hooves.
Emma asks about the video and George is annoyed that all the comments are about ‘fit’ Chris. Emma’s pleased to receive a text from Kenton, offering George an olive branch. But George stubbornly refuses to go and apologise to Jolene. Emma seethes and threatens to cancel his phone contract if he doesn’t say sorry.
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Lynda and Robert both turn up at Lower Loxley to speak with Freddie and campaign on each other’s behalf for the Cricket Club Chair position. Freddie cheekily asks them both for a practical demonstration to help him decide who to vote for – he needs to see some cricket skills, starting with a warm up! They reluctantly join in, and Freddie sends them off on a brisk walk around the house before they take turns batting and bowling to each other. Lynda makes the stronger hit, but the ball hits Freddie in a very delicate area, so he goes away to recover. This leaves Robert to wryly comment that Lynda’s skill makes her favourite. She feels awful.
Jolene gets herself dressed up and Kenton notices how much more upbeat she is. She’s raring to go on Sunday and needs an Easter bonnet! Jolene even considers providing some musical accompaniment. She’s also been thinking about the event rules and is upping the ante with prizes. Kenton’s delighted to see Jolene throwing herself into it.
At the Bull, George can’t persuade Brad to bunk off his studies tomorrow and help him film Chris for his Socials. However, Brad is the one buying their drinks, prompting a suddenly sterner Jolene to refuse, as Brad’s too young to buy George’s alcohol. George’s backchat offends Jolene, and she threatens to throw him out. Kenton appears to see what’s going on and Jolene’s unhappy that he doesn’t share her vehemence. George continues insulting Jolene as she insists to soft Kenton that this isn’t just a slap on the wrist - both George and Brad are barred!
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