27/09/2026

The Archers

The episode centers on the dramatic and intense labor of Amber, culminating in the successful birth of her baby boy. Parallel storylines inv

Key takeaways

• Amber undergoes a difficult labor without an epidural, eventually giving birth to a healthy boy.
• Anna struggles with the emotional weight of Carol's recent passing while preparing for a trial in Bristol.

Main topics

• Childbirth and new life
• Funeral arrangements and bereavement

Notable quotes

We've got a lovely baby boy.

Conclusion

A high-emotion episode that balances the joy of a new arrival with the

Transcript preview

Speaker 4 (0:00) This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. Speaker 1 (0:06) What's it like to see an El Nino on the horizon? I'm Tristan Redmond, one of the hosts of the Global Story podcast from the BBC. And on today's show, we speak to a climate scientist who's worked for the US government predicting extreme weather events like this year's El Nino. Of course I'm worried because I know these extremes impact Speaker 3 (0:24) people and you can't not be worried about that. Speaker 1 (0:27) What does he see coming? Search for the Global Story on bbc.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Speaker 3 (0:36) You're listening to The Archer's Omnibus from BBC Radio 4. Speaker 4 (0:58) What a swap. No, you're all right. Not Speaker 2 (1:01) getting scared of heights, Grandpa. There's plenty I can reach from down here. And I'll have enough Speaker 4 (1:07) time up that ladder when you've gone. I ain't going nowhere. Speaker 2 (1:10) Not till tea time, anyway. Oh, Speaker 4 (1:13) I thought Amber would want you back soon. Nah, Speaker 2 (1:16) I'll nip off if she calls, like. Speaker 4 (1:18) But she's all right at the moment. You sure about that, George? Well, Speaker 2 (1:22) yeah, OK. She's the size of a tractor. And really hot all the time. Must be dead uncomfortable. She just wants it to happen, though. Especially Speaker 4 (1:32) as she's passed her date. How would you, then? Speaker 2 (1:35) Not really. Anything up to two weeks after, they still reckon is normal. Can't blame her for getting fed up, Speaker 4 (1:41) though. Nope. Are those cider apples? Certainly Speaker 2 (1:45) are. Don't let your Speaker 4 (1:47) dog eat them. Give Speaker 2 (1:48) her a tummy ache, they would. Thanks for the warning. Sit. Good girl, Cleo. Speaker 4 (1:53) Come to get your turkey order in, Stella. My what? Christmas turkey. Speaker 2 (1:58) We can offer you a special early bird discount. Speaker 4 (2:00) Early bird, get it? Honestly, I haven't Speaker 2 (2:03) given Christmas a thought yet, and I don't expect Pip has either. Speaker 4 (2:06) We'll get the wedding out the way first. Speaker 2 (2:08) It's nearly Speaker 4 (2:09) October. I wouldn't say nearly. Christmas will soon be here, won't it, Grandpa? Yeah, I guess. You don't want to miss out. Thanks for the warning, Speaker 2 (2:16) George, but I'll take that risk. Up to you. I love to live dangerously. How about some cider for the wedding, then? Speaker 5 (2:23) It's at Lower Loxley, so you'd have to talk to them. I have drunk your Speaker 4 (2:27) cider, though, and I remember it being pretty Speaker 5 (2:28) good. It is good. If rather strong. Well, that's one Speaker 4 (2:32) of the things that makes it good. So, Speaker 5 (2:34) are these apples going to make your cider? That's Speaker 4 (2:38) right. It's just, Speaker 5 (2:39) I thought this was the community Speaker 4 (2:41) orchard. Oh, it is. It's the same thing as the Grundy orchard. Speaker 5 (2:45) I see. Them that takes part in the must-picking Speaker 4 (2:48) gets a bottle or two of Stanks. But there's Speaker 5 (2:50) some trees we keep back for our Speaker 4 (2:52) specials. Ah, the under-the-counter stuff. There's nothing under Speaker 5 (2:55) -the-counter about it. It's all perfectly legal. Oh, Speaker 4 (2:58) yeah. No, I didn't mean... Sorry. Speaker 5 (3:01) Isn't it awkward for you with that Speaker 1 (3:02) cast Speaker 4 (3:03) on, George? It is a bit fiddly, yeah. But it's coming off on Tuesday. Speaker 5 (3:07) Ah, that'll be good. Can't wait. I bet. Well, I'll leave you to it. Come on, Cleo. See you. Speaker 4 (3:11) Bye. Speaker 5 (3:12) No, they're not for dogs. That's not like you, Grandpa. What's that, lad? Missing a chance to flog a turkey. Speaker 4 (3:19) Oh. Speaker 5 (3:20) Thought we were going to give Stella the old one-two. I cross the ball from the wing, you bang it in the back of the net. She is right, it is a bit early. Speaker 3 (3:28) You Speaker 5 (3:29) OK? Me? Speaker 3 (3:31) Yeah, Speaker 5 (3:31) because now I think about it, you've been pretty quiet since I got here. Is it because of Esme? Esme? No. Getting Speaker 4 (3:37) shot of you like that. No, I mean, the money was useful. Any money always is, Speaker 5 (3:43) but it's Speaker 4 (3:43) a bit daft. Go on. Speaker 5 (3:47) Well, what it is, Speaker 4 (3:49) it was great-grandad Joe's birthday Speaker 5 (3:51) Friday. Was it? 105 it had been. Wow. This tree here. The Borsetra Beauty? He planted it over 60 years Speaker 4 (4:01) ago. Oh, I didn't know that. Speaker 5 (4:04) I still miss him, George. Speaker 4 (4:12) Yeah, Annie just had to take a phone Speaker 5 (4:14) call. She did apologise, but it seemed urgent. Yeah, she's having a bit of trouble with her leave to remain. Speaker 4 (4:20) But Speaker 5 (4:20) she's been here... Well, as long as I can remember. A lot longer than me, for certain. She's Speaker 3 (4:27) trying to track down some original documentation. Ah, I see. It'll be fine, I'm sure. I hope so. Are you in a rush? Well... I can put those through the till for you. Oh, would you, Natasha? No problem. There's just a few things to go with dinner later, but I do need to get back. Pulsator was a bit ropey this morning. In the parlour? I want to clear it before afternoon milking. No-one wants a ropey pulsator. Speaker 4 (4:50) They Speaker 3 (4:50) do not. How's Jill? Er, all right. Only wasn't she good friends with Carol Tregaran? Ah, I see what you mean. Speaker 4 (5:01) Well... Yeah, she was a bit shocked. We all were. What will you be doing with Glee Cottage now? I don't really Speaker 3 (5:09) know. We haven't discussed it. Speaker 4 (5:11) A bit early, I suppose. We'll probably leave it till after the funeral. Then talk to Anna. But you've reminded me. I need to go home via the village shop. I hope they've got some nice condolence cards. And on the other hand, there's George's Amber. Speaker 5 (5:25) About to pop any day. Speaker 2 (5:28) I know it's a cliche, but... The circle of life. But don't worry, I'm not going to break into song. Well, I'm certainly Speaker 5 (5:35) not. And the Speaker 2 (5:36) wedding's not far away now. Yeah. Oh, we're so Speaker 5 (5:39) looking forward to it. But probably not as much as Pip and Stella. At least all you have to do is turn up. Yeah, bet they're in a planning frenzy. Although lower, Loxley. They're on to a winner just having it there. Elizabeth and her team really know what they're doing. Sarah and Innova are so excited. Speaker 5 (5:58) Serenadova. They've never been to a wedding before. Something I remember. When Baz died. It was a long time back. I Speaker 2 (6:10) was so sad. Yeah. He was all worried about you. You loved that dog. But great-grandad Joe got Speaker 5 (6:19) me helping sort Bartleby out for the winter, into his stable and that. Gave me something else to think about. For a miserable curmudgeon, he could be a kind old blighter when he wanted. Speaker 2 (6:29) Yeah. I really miss him too. I know you do, George. And now here's another Grundy just about to arrive. Speaker 5 (6:39) And I think... I've worked so hard all my life. What Speaker 2 (6:44) have I got to pass on to your little one? Nothing. Speaker 5 (6:52) Sorry, didn't realise anyone was in here. Just me. Don't let me stop you, Ruth. No, it's all right. Just need a quick squirt of lubricant for Speaker 2 (6:59) Cleo's lead. Clip's Speaker 5 (7:01) getting Speaker 2 (7:01) a bit stiff. Help yourself. Thanks. Speaker 5 (7:04) Paul's later problems. Speaker 2 (7:05) And Speaker 5 (7:06) I think I know... Speaker 5 (7:11) Yep, there you are. Look, the porch's Speaker 2 (7:14) blocked up. All that grit and muck. Not much air going to get through that. Won't take long to clean. Actually, I'm Speaker 5 (7:22) glad you're here, Speaker 2 (7:23) Stella. There's something I need to ask you. I was at Bridge Farm earlier, saw Natasha. Yeah? We were chatting about the wedding. Didn't you say it was going to be adults only? That's right. They don't Speaker 5 (7:35) seem to have got the memo. What do Speaker 2 (7:36) you mean? They're planning to bring Sarah and Nova. Oh. No, no, that's wrong. It'll have been really clear on the invitation. Will it? Theirs will have just said Tom and Natasha. So it doesn't actually say specifically that kids aren't invited? Well, no, but it's obvious, isn't it? I'm not so sure. They've certainly assumed it meant them all as a family. Don't see how, but thanks for mentioning it. You're welcome. I'll have a word with Natasha. Soon get it sorted. Speaker 2 (8:05) The way you got to think about it, what did your dad pass on to you? Well, a few apple trees Speaker 5 (8:12) and a dodgy hangover cure. But look how much we still love him and remember him. You don't just pass on money and stuff. That's true, George. It's about memories and laughs and that. And that's what you'll pass on to our kid. In 30 years' time, I'll be standing in this orchard... Telling them about all the funny things their great-grandad used to do. Oh, that's Speaker 2 (8:33) a nice thought. And, look, we ain't told no one, so Speaker 3 (8:38) keep it to yourself. But Amber and me, if it's a boy, we're thinking about calling it Joe. Really? Or Josephine, if it's a girl. Keep his memory alive, like, down to the next generation. Oh, George. Oh, you're a good lad. You really are. Speaker 4 (8:59) Sorry about the Speaker 3 (9:00) mess. Oh, Speaker 4 (9:01) you should Speaker 3 (9:01) see my kitchen. And I haven't got any kids to blame it on. Actually, Tom's probably the untidiest of all of us. So? Yeah. Speaker 4 (9:11) Oh, Pip tells me you're developing your own skincare range. Yeah. Bridge Farm Botanicals. Speaker 3 (9:17) Sounds great. All made on the farm? No, it's Speaker 4 (9:21) far too technical. We'd be using a contract manufacturer. Oh, that sounds sensible. My first idea was that they'd include botanical products actually grown on the farm, but Speaker 3 (9:32) the more Speaker 4 (9:32) I learn, Speaker 3 (9:33) the less sure I am about that. I really need some seed corn investment before we can get on with the development and testing. Well, good luck with it. Speaker 4 (9:42) Thank you, Stella. Bet you didn't make a special trip to talk about skin care, did you? No, I actually wanted a Speaker 3 (9:49) word about the wedding. OK. What it is, is it seems there might have been Speaker 4 (9:54) some confusion. Ruth said you Speaker 3 (9:56) were thinking you could bring Sarah and Inova. Thinking? The thing is, the whole day's going to be adults only. That's what your invitation said. No, it didn't. Oh, no, no, I mean it was only addressed to the adults, you and Tom. Speaker 2 (10:09) But it's a family wedding. Well... I get that you might not want random children running around, but surely this isn't the same. Children are children, though. But they're relatives. Speaker 5 (10:20) Yeah, but, you know, they don't have a label on their head saying that. I mean, it could be awkward if people Speaker 2 (10:25) arrive and find kids there when they couldn't bring their own, do you see? Not really. Surely the fairest thing to do is not have any children there, rather than just a few. But Sarah and Anova are really looking forward to it. They've been counting down the days. Well, it's still a while off. I'm sure if you explain, there'd been a misunderstanding. Speaker 5 (10:44) And I've already bought some pretty expensive outfits for them. Oh. Well, maybe they'll come in handy for some future event. Hardly. You know how fast children grow. Oh, yeah. I can see that might be an issue. And if they don't come, who am I going to get to babysit if all the adults in the family are going? Erm... When you say adults only, you're not telling me Rosie won't be there? Well, no. Yes, I mean... She'll be there, of course. And she won't want to be stuck with just grown-ups all day. Surely she'll want someone to play with. Speaker 4 (11:20) Yeah, fair point. And I do understand your other arguments too. So they can come? Speaker 5 (11:27) Just, um, leave it with me for a bit. I'll talk it Speaker 4 (11:31) through with Pip and I'll get back to you. Speaker 4 (11:47) Oh, what? Speaker 2 (11:48) Sorry, I didn't mean to just walk in. Speaker 4 (11:50) Ruth! But the front door was unlocked. How on earth Speaker 2 (11:53) did I do that? I was just dropping this card off and... Speaker 4 (11:56) What time is it? Speaker 2 (11:57) About half-ish. Oh, Speaker 4 (11:59) I'm due in court this morning. Speaker 2 (12:01) I'm sorry. Speaker 2 (12:03) Stupid. You're working today? Yes. In... Rochester? Bristol. Bristol? Speaker 4 (12:09) Crown Court. First day of the trial. I thought Speaker 2 (12:11) I'd set an alarm. Maybe you slept through it. No time for a shower. You're surely not still going in? Of course. But Bristol, it must be two hours' drive away at this time of day. Yeah, very nearly, yes. Pass me that hairbrush. On the table. Yeah, I can do my hair in the car, change at... Caught? Can't you call Speaker 4 (12:31) in sick? I'm not sick. No, Speaker 2 (12:33) but you're very recently bereaved. Speaker 4 (12:35) That's irrelevant. Can't you request compassionate leave Speaker 2 (12:38) or something? It doesn't work that way. Speaker 4 (12:40) Or ask for the trial to be postponed. Bereavement isn't sufficient excuse to request an adjournment, and there's certainly no time to instruct alternative counsel, even if I wanted to, which I don't. Is this Speaker 2 (12:50) the best thing for your client? No. My client has waited Speaker 4 (12:54) 14 months for her case to come to trial. Her suffering vastly outweighs anything I might be going through. I have no intention of adding further delays Speaker 2 (13:04) to that poor woman's burden. Speaker 4 (13:10) I don't want any toast. Thanks, Mum. It's OK. This is Speaker 3 (13:12) for your grandad. I thought you'd already done him some. Not brown enough. What? He hasn't been back two minutes. I know. And he's already complaining? Yeah. It's like he's never been away, innit? Well, I can take it through to him if you like. No, it's all right, Brad. I've got a few minutes before I need to leave for work. Everything all right there? Yeah, great. Speaker 1 (13:32) Starting to get busy on the cheese now. Yeah? Ready for the Christmas rush. She's a big thing at Christmas, is it? Oh, yeah. Probably our best time of year, Helen says. Well, she should know. She's always got something useful to say, as Helen. Can't always say the same thing about her sister-in-law. Um... Natasha. Ah, yeah. She got me in a corner last week, banging on about the adorable little dresses she bought for the twins. Sorry, Sarah Ninova. Dresses? Speaker 3 (14:00) For Pip and Stella's wedding. Showed me them on her phone. Speaker 1 (14:03) Front, back. Why she thought I'd be interested, I couldn't tell you. Anyway, works fine, yeah. Good. How about you? Getting excited? What about? Term starting. Oh, that. And you're looking forward to it? Is it because it's the final year? No, no, it's not that. I mean, yeah, this is the big one, but... You know, it's just getting to uni. Bus company have changed the timetable again. Oh, I didn't realise. So, if I had a lecture first thing, I used to get the 0737, which got to Feldbusham 0833. But now, they've moved it to 0754, which doesn't get in until 0851. OK. So by the time I've walked from the bus station, I'm always going to be late. And that's if the buses run on time, which they don't always do. But if you explain... I don't like being late, though, Mum. You start the lecture in a jumble. No, I get that. I like to take time. Get settled. Yeah. So I've decided I want to start driving lessons. Driving lessons? They're so expensive, though. I know that. So, can you insure me for your car? What? And teach me yourself? This is all a bit sudden, Brad. Yeah, I know. I wish I'd known about it a few months ago. I could have had my licence by now. Well, yeah, maybe. But even if... Once you pass, how are you going to afford a car? Well, I wouldn't need one every day. I was hoping when I did, I could use yours. And maybe you could use the Riley. Jazza would have to get it running again first. Or maybe I could do some sort of deal with Chelsea and hers. Don't worry about the insurance. I'll pay whatever the extra is. I've got some savings from all the hours I did at Grey Gables over the holidays. No, no, it's not the money. We can probably get cover for a limited period, can we? Like you did with Chelsea. Chelsea? Yeah. So, as soon as we get that sorted, can you take me out? I suppose so. Like today? No, I've got work. After that? I'm doing a shift at the ball tonight. OK. And I don't want to mess them about with all this Harrison Lily rumpus. It's still a bit eggshells there at the moment. So, tomorrow then? Let's get the insurance sorted first, eh? OK. I'll crack on with that right away. Where do you keep the policy details, or is it all online? Speaker 1 (16:24) I really don't think this is a good idea. Please don't interfere, Ruth. I'm glad you woke me when you did, but let