20/09/2026

The Archers Omnibus

This episode of The Archers Omnibus is marked by profound personal tragedy and interpersonal conflict within the Ambridge community. The cen

Key takeaways

• Carol Tregorran passes away unexpectedly while Anna is away from her side.
• Harrison Burns decides to move back into the pub with Fallon despite their recent split.

Main topics

• Death of Carol Tregorran
• Relationship fallout between Harrison and Lily

Notable quotes

Why couldn't you wait for me?

Conclusion

A heavy and emotional episode that explores the fragility of life and

Transcript preview

Speaker 1 (0:00) This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. Speaker 6 (0:09) Welcome to the Haunted Library. Have you come in search of a tale? This podcast invites you to browse the shelves and find stories that will linger long after you've left this place. From gothic masterpieces to pulpy penny dreadfuls, join me, Colin Morgan, with new episodes twice a week. Find The Haunted Library wherever you get your podcasts. You're listening to The Archer's Omnibus from BBC Radio 4. The Speaker 7 (1:00) last one is Jean Harvey's umbrella. Righto. Spokes straightened and rethreaded. Actually, I might say that's her limit if she brings anything else. Surely not. Well, we've been rushed off our feet with the repair workshop this week. Ever since Dom showed up at the flower and produce. Yeah, and I'm not sure we can keep up with the demand. This is supposed to be a hobby, not a full-time job. Oh, I expect we'll manage. Now, I meant to say... Tom's new greenhouse. Very impressive. Honestly, Leonard, it's a game-changer for the farm shop. And bridge-fresh, I expect? Absolutely. Oh, afternoon, Anna. How's your mum? Anna? Speaker 3 (1:45) Oh, sorry, Tony. Leonard, what did you say? Speaker 7 (1:50) We were wondering how Carol's doing. Speaker 3 (1:52) Oh, I've just come back from the hospital now. How's she recovering Speaker 7 (1:55) from her operation? Speaker 3 (1:56) Oh, it's hard to say. She's either in terrible pain or away with the fairies on morphine. Oh, dear. But today the yoghurt was too sweet and the pillows were overly flat. Right. And for some reason she wants me to find Richard's old watch to have with her on the ward. Well, so if Speaker 7 (2:12) she's started to complain about things... I Speaker 3 (2:15) know, I know. Maybe she's feeling better. But I'm afraid Mum could find something to complain about, however poorly she is. Yeah, I think you might be right. Which is incredibly stressful, because I just have to sit there feeling helpless. Speaker 7 (2:30) I'm sorry, Lily. Speaker 4 (2:31) You said that on Friday. I just don't understand why you had to tell Fallon about me. Speaker 1 (2:37) Well, I suppose we were getting everything out in the open and... I don't know, I felt like dodging it weren't right, not when you're being honest with someone. OK, Speaker 4 (2:43) but... Speaker 1 (2:44) So it just sort of came out. The Speaker 4 (2:46) thing is, Harrison, even we don't know 100 % what's going on here, do we? Don't Speaker 1 (2:51) we? Speaker 4 (2:52) Not yet. Not exactly. Speaker 1 (2:55) I know how I feel. Sorry, can you maybe stop sweeping for a minute? Speaker 4 (3:00) Sorry, I've finished now anyway. One lovely, clean path. Speaker 1 (3:04) Very Speaker 4 (3:04) nice. I'm due at Brookfield shortly because it's Josh's birthday and he's doing a video call from wherever he is in South America. Speaker 1 (3:12) OK. Speaker 4 (3:12) Ben's made a cake and we're having an intercontinental party. Speaker 1 (3:16) Sounds like fun. Speaker 4 (3:17) Yeah, it will be. Speaker 4 (3:20) Look, you do realise how horribly awkward this is for me, with Fallon working for my mum, and she's my cousin, step-cousin, whatever that's called. Speaker 1 (3:31) There's going to be some fallout, of course there is. Speaker 4 (3:34) Fallout doesn't cover it, Harrison. Well, Speaker 1 (3:37) yeah, and I'm sorry, but the truth is, I am serious, you know. Speaker 4 (3:43) Serious about what? Speaker 1 (3:44) About you. Speaker 4 (3:46) Oh. I Speaker 1 (3:47) don't think this is a fling. Speaker 4 (3:49) No. Do Speaker 1 (3:50) you? I Speaker 4 (3:52) don't know. Speaker 1 (3:53) No? OK, it's early days. Speaker 4 (3:55) Just slightly. Speaker 1 (3:56) But I already know this feels great. Speaker 4 (3:58) Yeah, it has been great. Has Speaker 1 (4:01) been? I Speaker 4 (4:02) mean, it is great. It's really great. Speaker 1 (4:06) Phew. Speaker 4 (4:07) Sorry. No, Speaker 1 (4:08) because to me it feels, well, maybe long-term. Speaker 4 (4:13) Wow, you're taking honesty to a whole new level now. Too Speaker 1 (4:17) much? A tad. Sorry, scaring you off, am I? Speaker 4 (4:20) Yes, I'm terrified. Speaker 1 (4:22) Look, I'm sorry. You can tell me to back off and I will. Speaker 4 (4:28) I don't want to say anything until I've thought about the whole situation properly. Right. It's just, it's a lot, OK? No, Speaker 1 (4:36) it is, I know it is, but this would have come out at some point. Speaker 4 (4:41) Yes, but I'd have prepared myself. Oh, Ben got the time difference wrong, idiot. They want me at Brookfield right now. Oh, look, I'm sorry. To abandon you, Harrison. Oh, Speaker 1 (4:54) no worries. No, you go, but give me your ring, yeah? This is typical Speaker 4 (4:58) Ben. Speaker 1 (4:59) Just call me when you can. Yeah, Speaker 4 (5:01) OK. I'm sorry. Bye. Yeah. Speaker 1 (5:04) Yeah, bye. Speaker 8 (5:09) Yeah, she's OK, is Max. Cooked in pubs all over, but most importantly, she gets on with joy. Oh, good. Speaker 5 (5:17) There you go, darling. Thanks, Mum. You sure you don't want nothing stronger? This is fine, ta. No, I'm glad Mags is working out. Speaker 8 (5:26) Well, the customers seem to like her specials. I must thank Nick for recommending her. Okay, Fallon, you seem a bit... What? Distracted? Works Speaker 5 (5:40) full on, is it? Everything's a bit full on at the moment. I'm sure. Hey, look, when Kenton Speaker 8 (5:47) gets back from Sunderland, let's go to Birmingham for a day out, yeah? Maybe. Oh, yes, Harrison. You fancy one of our roast chicken sandwiches, my darling? Oh, I'm not sure. Well, Mag's chicken is that moist. You have to try it. And a Shire's, Speaker 5 (6:05) yeah? Speaker 1 (6:05) Yeah, if that's OK, Jolene. Speaker 5 (6:07) Shall I get a sandwich for you and Alder? Oh, no thanks, Mum. I'm not hungry. Well, Speaker 8 (6:13) you have one a bit later, then. There's plenty. Speaker 1 (6:19) You haven't told her, Speaker 5 (6:20) then? Me? Really? I mean, you're living under her roof, so I kind of assumed that you'd have mentioned it yourself by now. Speaker 1 (6:28) I am going to. Speaker 5 (6:29) How come you're not shacked up at the stables? Speaker 1 (6:32) Actually, a mate in Borchester said I could stay at his gaff, but then he went on holiday and forgot to leave a key. Listen, I wanted to tell Jolene and Kenton together, you know, but it turns out Kenton's not back till midweek now. Speaker 5 (6:45) Mum said Shula wants to show him some of the projects she's involved in, so... Speaker 1 (6:48) I'm sorry, Fallon. I know I'm making a mess of this. Speaker 5 (6:52) Look, I want to be able to have an honest conversation with my mum, OK? So... You need to come clean. I Speaker 1 (6:59) know. Speaker 6 (6:59) I Speaker 1 (7:00) know. I will. Speaker 5 (7:01) Oh. Right on cue. That's Lily now, is it? Speaker 1 (7:06) I'll take it over there. Speaker 5 (7:07) Yeah, you do that. And when you come back, just tell Mum the truth, OK? Because if you don't, I will. Speaker 3 (7:17) And now I've realised I need to drive back to Warwick to fetch some more clothes and other bits if I'm staying at Glebe while she's in hospital. Speaker 7 (7:23) When are you going to do that? Speaker 3 (7:25) Well, it's better tonight because the traffic's easier on a Sunday, but can I face driving there and back in one go? And I'm not sleeping that well at Glebe because the place feels completely soulless without her. Well, you know you can Speaker 7 (7:38) stay here, Anna. Speaker 3 (7:39) Oh, thanks, but no. I mean, it shouldn't be for long. Although, who knows? Obviously she can't come home yet, or possibly ever. Speaker 7 (7:48) Well, it wasn't really suitable for her before, was it? Not Speaker 3 (7:52) since her first fall, no, but surely impossible now. But is she going to see it like that? Speaker 7 (7:58) Unlikely. When it comes to it, reality does kick in, you know. It did with my mother. Did it? Oh, yeah. We had quite a struggle with Mum. Then suddenly she just decided it was time to move to the Laurels, and that was that. Speaker 3 (8:11) Well, I hope that'll be the same for my mum, but... Knowing her? Speaker 7 (8:15) Hannah, would it help at all if I visited Carol tomorrow? Seriously? Of course. I'd like to see her. And if you give me your brother's watch, I can take that in with me, can't I? Speaker 3 (8:27) Oh, that would be fantastic, Leonard. Speaker 7 (8:29) And how about I come into the hospital with you on Tuesday? I can tell her about Peggy's experience at the Laurels and how having proper care and support made all the difference to her. Would Speaker 3 (8:40) you? Oh, I'd be really grateful, Tony, because you won't listen to me, I know that. But if someone else says it... That's settled, then. You're not on your own with this, Annie, you know that, don't you? Thank you so much, both of you. This is just so kind. I'll go and fetch that watch now. No rush. Thank you again. No trouble. Oh, Speaker 7 (9:01) Pat's messaged. Everything OK? Er, yes, fine. Except Sabrina Thwaites dropped off some broken jewellery for repair and we don't do jewellery. Well, not so far. This is what I was talking about, Leonard. It's all too much. From now on, if it's not something we do, then we have to turn people away. Speaker 4 (9:25) Harrison, I don't want you to think this is me giving you the brush off, because it's not that. I really don't think it's that. Speaker 1 (9:32) I wouldn't blame you if it were, Lily. I'm finding it pretty overwhelming myself. Getting close to you, it was totally unexpected. Speaker 4 (9:40) Totally. Sometimes unexpected is amazing. Speaker 1 (9:46) It is for me. Speaker 1 (9:48) I'm sorry about my stupidly complicated, whatever it is, baggage and how it's affecting you. Speaker 4 (9:55) I'm still here, aren't I? Hopefully we can stay under the radar a bit longer. Speaker 1 (10:01) Yeah, I'm afraid that's not going to happen. I'm going to have to tell Jolene. Speaker 4 (10:05) Well, we'll just have to survive the storm, won't we? I Speaker 1 (10:09) really hope we can. Speaker 4 (10:12) Look, Speaker 1 (10:13) I need to go. Speaker 4 (10:14) Me too, Speaker 3 (10:15) but good Speaker 1 (10:16) luck. Speaker 3 (10:16) Thank Speaker 1 (10:16) you, and bye, sweetheart. Here we go. Speaker 5 (10:24) Don't it smell delicious, Fallon? My mouth's just watering carrying these out from the kitchen. It smells great. Jolene? Speaker 1 (10:32) Listen, I need to tell you something. Speaker 5 (10:35) Sure. Speaker 1 (10:36) It's about me and... Speaker 5 (10:38) You and Fallon, yeah? No. Sorry? And not me. Eh? Speaker 1 (10:42) What are you on about? I, um... I'm seeing someone. Speaker 8 (10:49) What? Speaker 1 (10:50) It's very recent, but it's happening, so I thought you should know. Speaker 5 (10:55) But already? Better believe it. Are you OK about this, Fallon? Is this why you're so distracted? Um, well, I was surprised that he's moved on so quickly. I bet you were. But there's a bit more to it than that, isn't there, Harrison? Speaker 1 (11:11) Um, yeah. Speaker 5 (11:12) Mm-hm. Speaker 1 (11:13) Well, Speaker 5 (11:13) go Speaker 8 (11:15) on, then. Who is she? Someone at work? Speaker 1 (11:20) No, no. Well, look, because that's why I wanted to tell you. Speaker 5 (11:24) OK. Spit it out, then. Speaker 1 (11:29) It's... It's Lily. Speaker 5 (11:33) Sorry? Lily who? Lily Pargeter. Our Lily? Kenton's niece? Speaker 1 (11:43) Yes. Speaker 5 (11:44) You and Lily? Oh, you have to be joking me! He's not. Speaker 1 (11:49) I thought you should know. But... Speaker 8 (11:52) But she's been in here recently. Speaker 1 (11:54) I know. Speaker 8 (11:55) Yeah, she came in for them chairs last week. Speaker 1 (11:58) Yeah. Speaker 8 (12:00) Hang on. So, have you been carrying on with her while Speaker 2 (12:05) you've been living here? I Speaker 1 (12:07) wouldn't put it like that. Speaker 3 (12:08) Wouldn't you? We offer you our hospitality here. And all the time. I can't believe this. Speaker 1 (12:16) I'm sorry, Jolene. Speaker 1 (12:19) Pack your Speaker 8 (12:20) bags and Speaker 1 (12:20) get Speaker 8 (12:21) out of my pub. Speaker 1 (12:22) I was going to tell you. You've Speaker 8 (12:23) got five minutes to get your stuff or I will burn the lot, right? Copper or not, you see if I don't. Now get Speaker 1 (12:31) out! Speaker 2 (12:39) And has bought a few of these chocolates for her ma over the last few months. Speaker 7 (12:42) Oh, well, that's wonderful. Thanks very much. Speaker 2 (12:45) You're going to see her now, are you, Leonard? Speaker 7 (12:46) I told Speaker 2 (12:47) Anna I'd visit today so she could have a day off, you see. Oh, that's nice of you. Speaker 7 (12:52) She was feeling very stressed. I'm Speaker 2 (12:54) sure. Poor Anna. Speaker 7 (12:56) And Speaker 2 (12:56) poor Carol too, obviously. Speaker 7 (12:58) It's very difficult for them both. I'm taking her son Richard's watch over to her. Speaker 2 (13:03) Is that the son who died? Speaker 7 (13:05) Hmm. A few years ago, in France, as I understand it. Anyway, the watch seemed not to be working, so Tony and I had a look at it last night. Took ages, mind you. But eventually we got it fixed. So that's bound to cheer her up. I'm Speaker 2 (13:19) sure it will. Speaker 7 (13:22) Now, I keep meaning to say, Joy, we're still pondering your doorbell conundrum. Speaker 2 (13:27) It Speaker 7 (13:27) could be the electrics, but I'm afraid that's not our 40, Tony and me. Speaker 2 (13:32) Oh, it's not the electrics, cos it defeated my make. Speaker 7 (13:35) Ah, he's an ex-roady, isn't he? Speaker 2 (13:37) Oh, yeah, he's very handy as Mick. But anyway, you are good, you and Tony, with your repair workshop. Speaker 7 (13:44) Tony thinks we've become a victim of our own success. Speaker 2 (13:47) Really? How do you mean? Speaker 7 (13:49) Well, take yesterday. Sabrina Thwaite brought over a grandmother's silver brooch for the catch to be mended and some little bracelets with dodgy links, all very delicate. But we don't have the skills for that kind of thing. Speaker 2 (14:02) Well... I could help with that, no bother. Speaker 7 (14:06) Could you? Speaker 2 (14:06) Oh, yeah. I worked in a jeweller's in North Shields for a few years and the owner struggled with his cataracts, so he'd get me to help with the repairs. Speaker 7 (14:15) So, could you have a look at this brooch? I Speaker 2 (14:17) can give it a try, Leonard. Speaker 7 (14:19) Well, that's excellent. I might see what's come in electric-wise if you're, Mick, willing to have a go too. I think you'd enjoy that, yeah? Wonderful. Right. I'd best pay for these and get off to the hospital. No, Speaker 2 (14:31) I'm paying for them myself. No arguments. And you send my very best to Carol. Is that a deal? Speaker 7 (14:38) Thank you, Joy. Yes, very good deal. Speaker 5 (14:45) Right. Well, table's nice and clean. Cheers, ma'am. I couldn't face doing any cleaning over the weekend, so the place was a tip. Oh, it weren't so bad, Fallon. Thank goodness for an afternoon off. Speaker 5 (14:58) those Harrison shirts? Yeah, they were still in the dryer from last week. Well, Speaker 8 (15:02) don't start folding them. I'm not. Oh, shove them in one of them bags here. This one's got some space. I have a good mind to cut all his buttons off. What? Come on, Mum, you're worse than me. Oh, I know. I'm sorry. I just wish you told me about this Speaker 5 (15:19) the minute you knew. Speaker 8 (15:21) Well, Speaker 5 (15:21) I needed some time to think. And anyway, you were super busy with Kenton being up north. I'm never too busy to listen to you. I know. I'm sorry. But to be fair, I really thought Harrison was going to tell you himself. Not a single word till yesterday. When I forced him. Can Speaker 8 (15:36) you believe I felt reassured having him at the pub while Kenton was away? I haven't told him yet. Because he'll go ballistic. Speaker 5 (15:45) Yeah. Let's not spoil his time with Shula. Agreed. But come Wednesday, I'm telling him everything. Fair enough. Right. Is that all this stuff bagged up, then? Most of it, yeah. I feel like chucking it out the window. You're going to have to calm down about this, Mum. I need to keep it civil because this is a joint property and we still need to untangle our finances. Plus, he's still paying the majority of the bills. You got paid from Lower Loxley, yeah? Yeah, but what I agreed with Elizabeth depends on the participant numbers. Does it? But you're not launching till New Year. No. So until then, the salary's not huge, I'm afraid. Oh, Fallon, this is really bad timing for you. I was actually feeling positive about my life last week, despite everything that's happened. But now, I just don't know anymore. Speaker 7 (16:40) Yes, Pip was telling us they'll say their vows in front of the Jacobean fireplace in the great dining room. My Speaker 3 (16:47) favourite room in Lower Loxley. How lovely. Speaker 3 (16:53) I won't see any of it, will I? I'll be stuck in here. Speaker 7 (16:57) In mid-October? No, you'll be in rehab by then, Carol. Or intermediate care, whatever they call it. They don't keep you on the ward longer than they have to. Oh, Speaker 3 (17:08) I know that, Leonard, but I'm not sure I'll be going to rehab. Speaker 7 (17:12) Huh? Speaker 3 (17:13) At least I don't think so. Oh, my back aches. Speaker 7 (17:17) Oh, poor you. Speaker 3 (17:18) Oh, and they'll be putting me in nappies as soon as they can. I'm sure they Speaker 7 (17:24) won't, Carol. Speaker 3 (17:24) Oh, yes, they will. Everyone seems to be in them here. Nappies? I've gone full circle from babyhood to decrepitude. The final indignity. Oh, I Speaker 7 (17:38) nearly forgot, Carol. Speaker 3 (17:39) Anna Speaker 7 (17:40) found Richard's watch at Glebe and asked me to bring it in for you. Speaker 3 (17:44) Oh. Thank you, Leonard. Oh, that is kind of you. Speaker 7 (17:49) Right, where did I put it? Yeah, Speaker 8 (17:55) we're very proud of our award-winning range of smoothies. And the punters love them. Speaker