ArcherphileApril 5, 2026 at 8:57 PM Surely that wasn’t the usual Adam? The voice sounded entirely different. I must look up the cast list to check. And a rather silly story about Robert and the budgie. SWs trying to lighten the mood a little perhaps?
REPLY
AmbridgesMrsPApril 5, 2026 at 11:13 PM I think the SWs are changing Roberts character. This is the second time within a few days that he has been ever so slightly unpleasant. Coming from a character who for ever has been mild mannered and emollient it’s a change to my ears.
OldWomanInAShoeApril 6, 2026 at 7:57 AM Robert likes watching birds in their natural habitat. That's rather different from having one in a cage. And animals require time and attention. I'd be pretty miffed if someone suddenly gifted me with an animal. (Although in this case, Lynda is clearly charmed by the new bundle of feathers and will gladly take on the caring duties.(Until Salieri/Constanza - the one that's not dead - runs rampant and eats Tweetie Pie.))
I had to look up SCOTUS to confirm Supreme Court, “OTUS, ie of the United States does invite lots of acronyms. Much local fund raising to restore our local church, took a few years
It wasn’t the context of Roberts irritation but rather the delivery, and not for the first time. Perhaps it is that I have not become accustomed to the new voice of Robert Snell. Not sure that I will !
Re the Budgie business ……. Who was it that gave Robert the budgie on his birthday ? I thought it was Akram, which seemed a bit strange. But now I hear it was young Kahlil, which is even more strange. How would Kahlil know it was Robert’s birthday? And from where did he get the budgie? It’s all a bit of a mystery to me. If Robert wants to give it back he could always say the feathers make Lynda sneeze, a sort of feathered hay fever!
I felt Usha was expecting Oliver to pay for the damage to the church roof 🤔, and now another mystery who is going to sue for compensation? George Birthday very mixed a lovely thoughtful gift and 2 cakes and then the matter of the truth regarding his fatherhood on the same day. I wonder how that will go down …..
I seem to remember he once promised Alice the overall management of Home Farm, and then she was surprised when he seemed to have forgotten that and put Adam and Rhuairi in charge.
I loo forward to the episode in which Brian is forced to confess how he adopted this modus operandi in response to changing circumstances - including the bitter realisation that Ruairi is a liability rather than an asset.
Whatever happens, Kate will be the one who'll react the most, purely as she's never been included in any way, well so it seems. Anyone know differently as to Kate + Home Farm, apart from her Spiritual Home enterprise?
Thank goodness for the end of the silly budgie SL! I think Ruth will be hurt if Pip does not confide yet I also understand her reluctance in case her lump is something benign. The SL message could be get checked out ladies (as Pip has found out a lump is not necessarily a cancerous one)
That would make a good feature in Lynda’s garden and provide a talking point for her guests. I suggest it should include a mynah bird that could copy Lynda’s accent!
So it seems Mrs P 🤦♀️ so boring all that budgie twaddle yet we didn’t hear Pip tell Ruth about her breast lump all done and dusted whilst bird talk went on and on and on. David had the devastated reaction though so I suppose that was the main parental reaction taken care.
LadyR - I think it was done in such a way because Pip had already told David, so we only heard Ruth's reaction. And yes, all juxtaposed with the budgie twaddle to lighten up. Lynda wasn't too keen to part with him either, so now she can visit.
That was my take as well as to the two very different scenarios. One was light-hearted/silly which was alongside the much more serious one. These seemed to have been done to offset one against the other. Interesting Dr Azra was prominent in the light-hearted budgie one + not the cancer scare alternative. My opinion is that it was cleverly written.
Which George MrsP, Osborne? (can't stand him) for not letting PM use his toilet or loo! ?because it was when he left his house that he sprinkled against the wall...
For the 1st time ever, I've sent a question to the podcast, which will probably go directly into the deleted bin! My question was related to this week's podcast when it was said that George had no hope of getting an inheritance in the near future. My question was - did Will actually put the £10,000 from Aunty Hilda's inheritance, into the trust he originally planned for George? If so and now he's 21yrs, will he get the proceeds from it? This will start his own flock, both sheep and new babe.
Family all barking up the wrong tree as we the listener knows! All to do with Rory and Brian of course and which one may or may not go to prison for bottle gate therefore the farm has to be in “safe” hands. I think and hope that Jack covering the Dementia SL in such detail was sufficient - it was done over the years of his illness so well in both a caring way while still sharing all the emotional trauma involved for the sufferer and close family and friends as I was living through it at the time it often bought me to tears…..
To add. I recall a timIain found Jack in the kitchen, where for some reason he'd emptied cereal packets, bags of flour etc. all over the floor. I just cannot imagine such a S/L with Brian. The "family" have no idea about the Ruairi/George situation + his own involvement, which is the crux of his strange behavior. Remember way back when, Brian said he'd always to everything + anything to protect is one + only true son. This is what he's now doing.
Another one complicit: when one knows only one does, when two - eleven know. That makes four of them now and they're all doing what George did, including him. What bothers me is that he still wants his sheep and thinks Brian owes him.
How history is repeating itself as to Brian's thoughts about Ruairi. It all sounded so familiar and I quote from episodes recently listened to from 2007 + 2008 with Brian saying:- "I'm Ruairi's father and he'll always have a home with me" "My duty is to do the very best for Ruairi" "Ruairi's my son" He's now saying exactly the same be it 18yrs further on now. A circle is being completed
I still don't understand what the actual evidence is, apart from some incriminating text messages, that the CPS have enough actual forensic evidence to go for a trial resulting in a possible conviction.
I read about the Archers' editor who said she introduced unpleasant characters, but people got used to them, so she had to bring in some more. This one can go away, please, soon.
Well, possibly a few years KP, in my experience it’s often the miserable and curmudgeonly who also have the longevity genes. And yes, a reincarnation of Joe Grundy, though without even the smidgeon of charm Joe possessed.
Well on the plus side if Susan and Tracey and their children have inherited his longevity genes then barring accidents they should all be with us for a long time.
Someone will have to remind me who Gary is if he’s about to re appear.
I was surprised at how subtle and delicate Lilian managed to be in reassuring Alice about Brian. Most unlike her ! I really expected her to pass on ‘ the secret ‘.
That's what I thought and didn't he try to con £300 from I think Oliver, for car repairs or something? There again he mght only have been mentioned for Chelsea to say,why she was home early at NY, which might become significant, if the truth about Ruairi becomes known ie she saw something but doesn't know it yet.
Tonight’s episode was excellent. Well done the TA team for not mucking it up with something silly to lighten the load. Tracey having her first mammogram was just the right touch, along with being at the clinic at the same time as Pip. Then with the addition of the information about genetic testing for breast cancer. I didn’t know about this so have learned with others.
I had a cyst, like Pip, and it was aspirated there and then on the same consultation. I didn’t find the lump myself, but the boyfriend at the time did, and was responsible enough to tell me. I worked at a veterinary practice at the time and the vet explained that these cysts often come about as a result of breast feeding. They are harmless. I wonder if this information will be revealed as well.
This is from elsewhere, but apparantly when Ruth was diagnosed her family history was looked at, which showed no female members anywhere in her entire family, had ever had breast cancer.
Is Brian intent on dragging George down when the truth about Ruairi becomes known, so George will be back inside when Amber gives birth? I can't work it out...
I am certainly not bored by this drawn out S/L, and am still of the mind that Brian will eventually be struck down with a heart attack, thus leading to an even further Machiavellian situation within the family.
I don't think Brian can drag George down, he just wants him out of Ambridge, that's why he was so against anything to do with the use of land. Lilian said at the start that Brian should have let Ruairi go to the police if he wanted to, but promised not to tell. Last night she said that if Ruairi confessed to Alice they could still keep it in the family - I don't think Alice would have been of the same mind, she would have taken him straight to the police station and not against his will. Now there are four of them in it and they can't see they're doing exactly what George did to Alice, because when it happens to you it's not the same when it happens to others - YOU are NOT other people. George isn't in the clear either, he told Brian about letting someone else take the blame, but he's doing just the same by trying to profit from it. I'm more disappointed in him then the other three.
I think that Alice worrying away at it, will get to the truth one way or t’other. Then I agree BASIA, she is likely to go straight to the police, or at least advocate for her father to do so.
To explain why I'm thinking Brian talking to Lilian etc is now getting tedious + boring, is that Ruairi has not been heard from for quite a time now. There's no idea how he's getting on at Berrow with the pigs with Neil + Hannah, who he socialises with and how, plus does he talk to Alice along with his best mate Ben. I just want to hear more from Ruairi and how his life is as it is now, plus is giving any veiled hints as to what he did.. Now that would be far more interesting than Brian.
Just got back from church. Some of the biscuits to go with the coffee afterwards were labelled as Jennifer Archer's biscuits so I had to have one. The person who cooked them said she has the Jennifer Archer cookbook, and she also listens to the Archers.
Thanks for your concern, Basia. My dodgy hearing has been down, ironically during preparation for earwax removal, so I couldn’t hear the radio properly and relied on the synopsis and blogs to keep abreast. I was impressed by the handling of Pip’s cancer scare and pleased it was given all the time it needed. Personally I could have done without the intrusion of Tracy Horrobin who I heartily dislike but I can see how she was needed to reinforce the message, and I appreciate that other listeners find her adorable!
I’m far from bored with the two-year-long George story and all its repercussions. Flaky Ruairi is another character I can do without so if he’s heading for prison as he should be, that’s fine by me. And I’m curious as to how the scriptwriters are going to resolve Brian’s position. I doubt he can lie or buy his way out of his current predicament.. However, I think we can be sure he won’t go to jail this time either.
Good to see that your OK ME although sorry about your hearing. I do hope you were able to actually listen to the episode with Pip at the hospital. It really was very well done. With no histrionics.
As you know I'm listening to older TA episodes. Today's listen was two omnibuses, when Will went off for 6months after violently attacking Ed who had just got back with Emma, but then there were the two celebrations of Alan + Usha getting married, interspersed with Chris's ceremony for becoming a qualified farrier, his guest being Alice. Now this was TA portrayed in a very different and enjoyable way - even though Brian was still as manipulative + overbearing as he is now, and Ruiari at just 5yrs, still being his priority. How TA has changed as to fun + light-heartedness, even though Lynda hasn't..
To add, George who was 2/3yrs then had issues, but these were due to the situation he was in then. So much makes sense now as to why + how he is in the current S/L.
Rex is an idiot, he as good as accused Chris of driving Alice to drink, while he can't hold his own. He won't drink around Alice and then falls drunk into her house. And why is it still necessary to be a good drinking partner when playing sports? Also, Brian now wants to leave the farm to Ruairi, having promised it to Alice and then Adam.
In 2008, Brian changed his will to include Ruairi but also made Adam + Debbie joint profit sharing directors of Home Farm as both were also inheritors with Ruairi. I wonder how many times Brian has changed his will since then?
I'm sticking to my thoughts and I'm not changing these. Brian is not following the diet he should be on as to his angina and is enjoying his whiskey + wine too much, but there again, why shouldn't he? I think he might have had a couple of TIA's which have gone unnoticed, which might perhaps be leading to something more serious in the near future and before he changes his will, yet again! 😄
Yes Miriam, this is what I’ve been saying for the last few months. That he is working himself up into a big heart attack. You may well be right that he has already had one or two TIAs
Never been much of a fan of Adam, but I felt really sorry, no, really outraged for him last night. The way Brian has used him is appalling, as is his treatment of his other children over the future of the farm and his will. I hope Adam does not just suffer this alone. He should inform the rest of the family what has happened so they can all understand the injustice Brian is showing. Then maybe they can all combine to force him to seek medical advice and/or intervention. 😡
Despite me feeling that Brian is heading for a heart attack or as Miriam believes, a stroke, it is not medical attention or intervention that he needs, but rather a complete overhaul of his moral stance. Brian is under extreme pressure and anxiety because he knows that he is very much in the wrong. He is deeply complicit in a crime and deliberately preventing that crime from being properly investigated. He reacted most negatively when reminded of his mistake years ago of the buried dangerous chemicals responsible for poisoning the Am, because he is very aware that he is repeating his actions from that time.
I do wonder if, after decades of Brian Aldridge walking on the wild side but never actually tipping over the edge, the SWs are about to give him, in his final years, a most almighty fall from grace, which he thoroughly deserves.
He does and this is my third attempt, so may be not. He's trying to protect his son. If Brian faces prison it'd would implicate George, who's still withholding his testimony. I hope Ruairi steps in.
I'd rather have Brian staying around even if he's being as bombastic, dictatorial and scheming as ever, instead of the sudden reappearance of Bert Horrobin. I'm still bemused as to why this has happened and what he will bring to TA, as I personally can't think of anything as to being constructive or interesting!
A prison sentence for Ruairi and a life changing event for Brian which would leave him wheelchair bound would give the scriptwriters the opportunity to confront disability and access that they missed with Nigel. And, after Pip’s cancer scare, a pregnancy scare for Kirsty. Buckle up, scriptwriters- you can do it!
Poor Tony. I really hoped he would bring Moira home. This took me back years when my brother was gradually learning how to run the farm but dad was still in charge. I was helping them move cattle down the lane to the waiting lorry, and my dad and brother were arguing about the sale of a favourite cow of my brother's ( bottle fed as a calf and tame). In the end my dad gave up and my brother drove it back to the field.
I'm so looking forward to, or then perhaps not, hearing how the monies from the Anguses will be utilised at Bridge Farm. This will include Pat, Tony, Helen, Tom and Natasha. I just hope Tony has a say, as he after all sold his beloved herd, to make this cash available for the future of Bridge Farm.
The big issue at the moment in the real world is menopause and perimenopause so it’s likely the SL could go this way 🤔 Shula had an ectopic pregnancy and we have had miscarriages and Downs! We shall just have to wait and see but maybe a straight forward pregnancy now that would be a shocker 🤣
After Pip's scare relating to breast cancer, along with Dr. Azra's mental health initiative, do us TA listeners have to now go through peri-menopause awareness? Let's get back to the problems of the farms with sheep, cattle alongside maintaining crops, not forgetting feed and milk costs etc. such as for example, at Meadow Farm, Brookfield and Ed with his Texels at Grange Farm. Also, how is the Tree Surgery business doing, as this has not been heard from for awhile and Ed + Emma still have to pay back Will after his input of cash, after remortgaging No#1 The Green.
And now Chelsea’s dad is back on the scene and a new stepmum! Let’s have more of the local Ambridgers that we have just not been hearing! I’m with Miriam on this one.
David mentioned Lizzies birthday bash this coming Friday at The Bull I think but she is not in this weeks cast nor any of the family they will be mentioned in passing no doubt…..
Isn’t George having a son? Not be around ooh don’t even think about it Miriam you are younger than many of us and even I don’t want to think such thoughts 🤦♀️ 🤭
Just to clarify, I meant the children’s gender, not why you wouldn’t be here! It occurs to me this could be a way of writing Kirsty out if she and the baby go to live abroad with Erik. I can’t think of any other reason for no less than three pregnancy storylines in so short a time. From what we learned of Erik. when he stayed in Ambridge, and Kirsty practically threw herself him, he doesn’t sound like ideal parenting material.
From what Kirsty said Erik sounded as if he wanted to leave his genes behind, but in his case it's more like jeans. As for who will have what baby they can always make a match, but feel the same as Miriam and couldn't careless.
I wonder if Alice is going to put two and two together. When she asked Miranda when she first noticed a change in Brian she said just after the start of the year.
Jakob's brother, stayed at his place, made a mess of it. Kirsty propositioned him after some wild swimming. They've been meeting in various places around Europe since.
It looks like they're going to let Kirsty have this baby, they wouldn't let her down again. It's to reflect the trend of women having children later in life. They've covered all aspects of pregnancy by now, apart from freezing the eggs.
Not sure they have covered every aspect BASIA. I recently met a couple who had a six year old son. Two women eggs from one woman implanted into the other woman who gave birth. I did not enquire as to where the sperm came from. Both women in their forties. However the lovely six year old is a serious gardener and puts his vegetables out on his stand for donations a % of which goes to charity. He is currently nurturing 260 tomato plants.
Remember though, Henry's biological dad is an unknown sperm donor, and then there's Xander with Lexi donating an egg + being the surrogate with Adam's little swimmers being better than Iain's, whose apparantly couldn't swim. What else baby-wise is there still to come, as this sounds intriguing.
Lexi didn't use her own eggs, she was adamant about it - so had the two combined ingredients implanted inside her, so that about covers it, there are various permutations . I really wanted to call the other "frozen assets".
Oh I didn't know it was a donor egg. This leads onto another possible S/L as to possible genetic inherited conditions, for both Henry + Xander. Thinking this as to Ruth + her possible genetic testing. A friend of mine gave birth to a son, who at 3 months was found to be deaf. 18 months later she gave birth to another son, equally profoundly deaf. There were no hint of a genetic inherited condition, until it was then found that her husband had been adopted and he didn't know this until that tike! His adoptive parents never ever told him he wasn't their biological son.
The husband was so angry at not knowing he'd been adopted as a baby, and blamed himself for his son's deafness as no idea of his bioligical family history. He went off the rails and tried to commit suicide, thankfully uncessfully. He though just couldn't accept things and the marriage ended in divorce.
Yes very very sad situation. And so very pertinent to adopted children having as much documented information for them to access if and when they wish to have further knowledge of their origins.
Helen used a reputable clinic with screened donors, same for Lexi, so probably safer from inheriting adverse medical conditions than ‘normal’ conceptions, Henry’s father is a lovely bloke, judging by his son, and I hope we get to meet him.
There are deaf people who carry on having children regardless. There are deaf people who want their children to be like them, but the children have no say. There are people who stutter (I know, not the same) who consider it a part of themselves. There's no accounting for human nature. Siobhan was up in arms about Brian's angina and threatened to turn up on his doorstep, but didn't think about it when having sex with him, he told her it was temporary.
ME. I was also thinking about the documented sperm donor, well screened at the time of donation, but has passed on a possible terminal condition to many of his conceived donor offspring. This condition didn't show up in the donor, until many years later and a genetic link was then found, which sadly has been passed on. I just thought it was worth a mention...
Brian - you're off your head, so I'm going to Hungary to see Debbie to secure the future of Home Farm. They could have had a video conference, with him there, but not dramatic enough.
I think a face-to-face talk between Adam + Debbie is just right. At least they can share quality time together in so many ways, along with having a massive big hug which can't be done on a video call. I can imagine them catching-up in a lovely Hungarian restaurant, as they've always been close and shared so much together, both about Brian + Home Farm, plus with their Mum, Jenny Dahling. No doubt they will say - What would Mum do?
That should read "What would Mum say", not do as written. Jennifer always helped + talked about her thoughts + ideas for them all, namely - Brian, Adam, Debbie, Kate, Alice + Ruairi. I just feel the sad loss of Jennife, is part of the current situation.
So a new Debbie, unsurprisingly as Tamsin Gregg is such a big name and therefore so busy now. It must be a current cast member though as the character is not listed in Fridays cast list! Apparently she has been played by other actresses before as her appearances are few and far between with Tasmin not available. The voice had shades of Debbie but a much lighter tone and sounded younger to me. Any others 🤔
I thought it was the real Debbie, so whoever it was managed a good sound-alike to my ears. I am confused about the farm - always thought it was Brian's property, and he must think so too, as he has now gifted it to both Adam and Alice. How can the children force him out? Is it because of the partnership? If so, would it need to be unanimous or a majority vote?
I like the analogy, and it was his youngest Cordelia who stuck by him and my betting is that the youngest here, Rhuairi, won't betray Brian. Ungrateful lot! Whatever Brian's faults he provided his children and stepchildren with a privileged lifestyle.
Ruairi might because he's not one of them and because he and Brian are complicit in GBH. I feel no pity for Brian. He's a womaniser and an offender himself. Privileged by money Brian thinks he's above the common lot.
So many persons have come out of the cupboard recently- Carol T, Bert H, Den "The Plonker" aka Chelsea's dad, so who's next? Johnny, Kathy Perks, Daniel, Midwife Amy Frank's (think 2 pregnancies) - the list is endless.
Our local church suffered more than a bit of the ceiling falling in a few years ago, now open again after a sympathetic rebuild
ReplyDeleteKP - did the locals contribute, financially or physically?
DeleteI hope George got his bike from the back of Chris's van, it sounded as if he walked off in a hurry.
ReplyDeleteArcherphileApril 5, 2026 at 8:57 PM
ReplyDeleteSurely that wasn’t the usual Adam? The voice sounded entirely different. I must look up the cast list to check. And a rather silly story about Robert and the budgie. SWs trying to lighten the mood a little perhaps?
REPLY
AmbridgesMrsPApril 5, 2026 at 11:13 PM
I think the SWs are changing Roberts character.
This is the second time within a few days that he has been ever so slightly unpleasant. Coming from a character who for ever has been mild mannered and emollient it’s a change to my ears.
OldWomanInAShoeApril 6, 2026 at 7:57 AM
Robert likes watching birds in their natural habitat. That's rather different from having one in a cage. And animals require time and attention. I'd be pretty miffed if someone suddenly gifted me with an animal. (Although in this case, Lynda is clearly charmed by the new bundle of feathers and will gladly take on the caring duties.(Until Salieri/Constanza - the one that's not dead - runs rampant and eats Tweetie Pie.))
BasiaApril 6, 2026 at 8:58 AM
ReplyDeleteYes, your first sentence OWIAS, Robert said so himself, but Lynda wants it, so it will stay.
maryellenApril 6, 2026 at 8:59 AM
Worry not! Llamas are herbivores.
Brian is becoming alarmingly like the POTUS with his constant changes of mind.
BasiaApril 6, 2026 at 10:29 AM
ME had to look it up, thought it was some character from children's literature, well...
ArcherphileApril 6, 2026 at 11:31 AM
I presume Melania is known as FLOTUS ?
Lady RApril 6, 2026 at 11:48 AM
Have checked the cast list AP usual actor for Adam listed, maybe he had a cold?
maryellenApril 6, 2026 at 3:14 PM
ReplyDeleteThat’s correct, Archerphile! And SCOTUS is.....?
AmbridgesMrsPApril 6, 2026 at 3:54 PM
I can’t cope with all these acronyms.
I had to look up SCOTUS to confirm Supreme Court, “OTUS, ie of the United States does invite lots of acronyms.
ReplyDeleteMuch local fund raising to restore our local church, took a few years
It wasn’t the context of Roberts irritation but rather the delivery, and not for the first time.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it is that I have not become accustomed to the new voice of Robert Snell.
Not sure that I will !
Thy synopsis says that George cycles off, so that's all right.
ReplyDeleteRe the Budgie business ……. Who was it that gave Robert the budgie on his birthday ? I thought it was Akram, which seemed a bit strange. But now I hear it was young Kahlil, which is even more strange. How would Kahlil know it was Robert’s birthday? And from where did he get the budgie?
ReplyDeleteIt’s all a bit of a mystery to me. If Robert wants to give it back he could always say the feathers make Lynda sneeze, a sort of feathered hay fever!
Great idea AP and very likely…..
DeleteOh KP!
ReplyDeleteI felt Usha was expecting Oliver to pay for the damage to the church roof 🤔, and now another mystery who is going to sue for compensation? George Birthday very mixed a lovely thoughtful gift and 2 cakes and then the matter of the truth regarding his fatherhood on the same day. I wonder how that will go down …..
ReplyDeleteAdam's told David, now I suppose it will all backfire on him.
ReplyDeleteAll I could think while listening was that Brian will change his mind or deny he ever said it.
DeleteI seem to remember he once promised Alice the overall management of Home Farm, and then she was surprised when he seemed to have forgotten that and put Adam and Rhuairi in charge.
DeleteYes Janice -precisely my point, that’s his modus operandi.
DeleteI just think Brian will definitely deny any knowledge of his conversation with Adam, about him inheriting Home Farm.
DeleteI loo forward to the episode in which Brian is forced to confess how he adopted this modus operandi in response to changing circumstances - including the bitter realisation that Ruairi is a liability rather than an asset.
DeleteWhatever happens, Kate will be the one who'll react the most, purely as she's never been included in any way, well so it seems.
DeleteAnyone know differently as to Kate + Home Farm, apart from her Spiritual Home enterprise?
Isn’t Kate one of the Home Farm partners?
DeleteWhat I want to know is, what happened between Keira + George, way back, when George was child- minding/keeping Keira company.
ReplyDeletePerhaps he told her she’d got a spot on her nose and the joke misfired.
DeleteThank goodness for the end of the silly budgie SL!
ReplyDeleteI think Ruth will be hurt if Pip does not confide yet I also understand her reluctance in case her lump is something benign. The SL message could be get checked out ladies (as Pip has found out a lump is not necessarily a cancerous one)
Don’t think it is the end of the budgie shenanigans Lady R.
ReplyDeleteNext stop Azra !
Oh no 😱
DeleteAkram could build it a nice aviary.
ReplyDeleteThat would make a good feature in Lynda’s garden and provide a talking point for her guests. I suggest it should include a mynah bird that could copy Lynda’s accent!
Deleteplus her signature sniff!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFletch, or Fletcher, is a cheep ( ! ! ! ) new character in TA.
ReplyDeleteHe won’t need a salary, just a greater use of the sounds effect operative.
He is not going away Lady R.
So it seems Mrs P 🤦♀️
Deleteso boring all that budgie twaddle yet we didn’t hear Pip tell Ruth about her breast lump all done and dusted whilst bird talk went on and on and on. David had the devastated reaction though so I suppose that was the main parental reaction taken care.
LadyR - I think it was done in such a way because Pip had already told David, so we only heard Ruth's reaction. And yes, all juxtaposed with the budgie twaddle to lighten up.
DeleteLynda wasn't too keen to part with him either, so now she can visit.
That was my take as well as to the two very different scenarios. One was light-hearted/silly which was alongside the much more serious one. These seemed to have been done to offset one against the other.
DeleteInteresting Dr Azra was prominent in the light-hearted budgie one + not the cancer scare alternative.
My opinion is that it was cleverly written.
Peter Mandelson has just been fined £300 for doing a George. Do you think. Master Grundy would have preferred that to his tag?
ReplyDeleteOoh goodness 🤭
DeleteHmmm yes I heard that too.
DeleteWas going to write a retort to George……….
Got distracted tho’
Which George MrsP, Osborne? (can't stand him) for not letting PM use his toilet or loo! ?because it was when he left his house that he sprinkled against the wall...
DeleteI meant George Grundy of course.
DeleteKnow nothing of the other business, just heard about a three hundred pound fine for the misdemeanour.
For the 1st time ever, I've sent a question to the podcast, which will probably go directly into the deleted bin!
ReplyDeleteMy question was related to this week's podcast when it was said that George had no hope of getting an inheritance in the near future.
My question was - did Will actually put the £10,000 from Aunty Hilda's inheritance, into the trust he originally planned for George?
If so and now he's 21yrs, will he get the proceeds from it?
This will start his own flock, both sheep and new babe.
We must all listen out for your question Miriam in next weeks edition of the podcast.
DeleteWell done.
It's probably something Will said at the time but he never actually did.
DeleteFamily all barking up the wrong tree as we the listener knows! All to do with Rory and Brian of course and which one may or may not go to prison for bottle gate therefore the farm has to be in “safe” hands. I think and hope that Jack covering the Dementia SL in such detail was sufficient - it was done over the years of his illness so well in both a caring way while still sharing all the emotional trauma involved for the sufferer and close family and friends as I was living through it at the time it often bought me to tears…..
ReplyDeleteOops brought 🫢
DeleteThe Jack Woolley dementia decline was so well done and one I also remember well, that I can't see how it can repeated with the same impact.
DeleteTo add. I recall a timIain found Jack in the kitchen, where for some reason he'd emptied cereal packets, bags of flour etc. all over the floor.
DeleteI just cannot imagine such a S/L with Brian.
The "family" have no idea about the Ruairi/George situation + his own involvement, which is the crux of his strange behavior.
Remember way back when, Brian said he'd always to everything + anything to protect is one + only true son. This is what he's now doing.
Another one complicit: when one knows only one does, when two - eleven know.
ReplyDeleteThat makes four of them now and they're all doing what George did, including him.
What bothers me is that he still wants his sheep and thinks Brian owes him.
'That makes four of them now and they're all doing what George did'
DeleteAh yes, Basia. But, as was mentioned at the time, people like the Aldridges don't get sent to prison ...
How history is repeating itself as to Brian's thoughts about Ruairi.
ReplyDeleteIt all sounded so familiar and I quote from episodes recently listened to from 2007 + 2008 with Brian saying:-
"I'm Ruairi's father and he'll always have a home with me"
"My duty is to do the very best for Ruairi"
"Ruairi's my son"
He's now saying exactly the same be it 18yrs further on now. A circle is being completed
Well I just hope that the admittedly dodgy but innocent bloke charged with the crime doesn't get sent down for it.
ReplyDeleteHear, hear, Janice!
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DeleteI still don't understand what the actual evidence is, apart from some incriminating text messages, that the CPS have enough actual forensic evidence to go for a trial resulting in a possible conviction.
DeleteLilian's first reaction was you should have let him, the longer they leave it the worse it gets.
ReplyDeleteWill Lillian keep the secret?
ReplyDeleteCan you remember Lilian keeping any secret ?
DeleteOh ! Perhaps the affair with Matts brother…. From Matt.
Why ?
ReplyDeleteAfter decades of hearing about smelly curmudgeonly Bert Horrobin, has he suddenly become a character with a voice.
Theories please.
I read about the Archers' editor who said she introduced unpleasant characters, but people got used to them, so she had to bring in some more.
DeleteThis one can go away, please, soon.
The “new” Joe Grundy perhaps!
DeleteI don’t suppose that the actor taking on the role of a ninety year old with health issues is anticipating a long term contract.
DeleteWell, possibly a few years KP, in my experience it’s often the miserable and curmudgeonly who also have the longevity genes.
DeleteAnd yes, a reincarnation of Joe Grundy, though without even the smidgeon of charm Joe possessed.
Well on the plus side if Susan and Tracey and their children have inherited his longevity genes then barring accidents they should all be with us for a long time.
ReplyDeleteSo Chris went out with Lottie, they can't bring any more in, now that Gary? might reappear.
ReplyDeleteSomeone will have to remind me who Gary is if he’s about to re appear.
DeleteI was surprised at how subtle and delicate Lilian managed to be in reassuring Alice about Brian. Most unlike her !
I really expected her to pass on ‘ the secret ‘.
From what Chelsea said, it sounds like Den might reappear.
DeleteYes, Den, Chelsea's father (not Gary), she did run away and stayed at his place when deciding about abortion.
DeleteThat's what I thought and didn't he try to con £300 from I think Oliver, for car repairs or something?
DeleteThere again he mght only have been mentioned for Chelsea to say,why she was home early at NY, which might become significant, if the truth about Ruairi becomes known ie she saw something but doesn't know it yet.
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DeleteTonight’s episode was excellent.
ReplyDeleteWell done the TA team for not mucking it up with something silly to lighten the load.
Tracey having her first mammogram was just the right touch, along with being at the clinic at the same time as Pip.
Then with the addition of the information about genetic testing for breast cancer.
I didn’t know about this so have learned with others.
I had a cyst, like Pip, and it was aspirated there and then on the same consultation.
I didn’t find the lump myself, but the boyfriend at the time did, and was responsible enough to tell me.
I worked at a veterinary practice at the time and the vet explained that these cysts often come about as a result of breast feeding. They are harmless.
I wonder if this information will be revealed as well.
That was an emotional episode on so very many levels, and was beautifully written + acted, getting the various feelings by all, so accurate.
ReplyDeleteNot a good nights sleep for Ruth though now with an unexpected decision to make…….🤔
ReplyDeleteA decision with so many implications.
DeleteThis is from elsewhere, but apparantly when Ruth was diagnosed her family history was looked at, which showed no female members anywhere in her entire family, had ever had breast cancer.
DeletePity Alice didn't speak to Ruairi, but the truth will out.
ReplyDelete..but when?
DeleteIt's now getting boring and dragging on far too long.
Is Brian intent on dragging George down when the truth about Ruairi becomes known, so George will be back inside when Amber gives birth?
DeleteI can't work it out...
I am certainly not bored by this drawn out S/L, and am still of the mind that Brian will eventually be struck down with a heart attack, thus leading to an even further Machiavellian situation within the family.
DeleteI don't think Brian can drag George down, he just wants him out of Ambridge, that's why he was so against anything to do with the use of land.
ReplyDeleteLilian said at the start that Brian should have let Ruairi go to the police if he wanted to, but promised not to tell. Last night she said that if Ruairi confessed to Alice they could still keep it in the family - I don't think Alice would have been of the same mind, she would have taken him straight to the police station and not against his will.
Now there are four of them in it and they can't see they're doing exactly what George did to Alice, because when it happens to you it's not the same when it happens to others - YOU are NOT other people.
George isn't in the clear either, he told Brian about letting someone else take the blame, but he's doing just the same by trying to profit from it. I'm more disappointed in him then the other three.
I think that Alice worrying away at it, will get to the truth one way or t’other.
DeleteThen I agree BASIA, she is likely to go straight to the police, or at least advocate for her father to do so.
To explain why I'm thinking Brian talking to Lilian etc is now getting tedious + boring, is that Ruairi has not been heard from for quite a time now.
ReplyDeleteThere's no idea how he's getting on at Berrow with the pigs with Neil + Hannah, who he socialises with and how, plus does he talk to Alice along with his best mate Ben.
I just want to hear more from Ruairi and how his life is as it is now, plus is giving any veiled hints as to what he did..
Now that would be far more interesting than Brian.
Thank you Miriam for your explanation, and I certainly agree with your final sentence.
DeleteYes, far more interesting !
Thanks for your approval 🤣🤣🤣 🧡
DeleteOooh !
DeleteThat sounds as tho’ I might have been patronising ?
Apologies if so. Certainly didn’t mean to be.
Far from it!
DeleteI just realised I hadn't explained my comment.
Just got back from church. Some of the biscuits to go with the coffee afterwards were labelled as Jennifer Archer's biscuits so I had to have one. The person who cooked them said she has the Jennifer Archer cookbook, and she also listens to the Archers.
ReplyDeleteMaryellen, what do you think, hope you're well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your concern, Basia. My dodgy hearing has been down, ironically during preparation for earwax removal, so I couldn’t hear the radio properly and relied on the synopsis and blogs to keep abreast. I was impressed by the handling of Pip’s cancer scare and pleased it was given all the time it needed. Personally I could have done without the intrusion of Tracy Horrobin who I heartily dislike but I can see how she was needed to reinforce the message, and I appreciate that other listeners find her adorable!
DeleteI’m far from bored with the two-year-long George story and all its repercussions. Flaky Ruairi is another character I can do without so if he’s heading for prison as he should be, that’s fine by me. And I’m curious as to how the scriptwriters are going to resolve Brian’s position. I doubt he can lie or buy his way out of his current predicament.. However, I think we can be sure he won’t go to jail this time either.
Thank you BASIA for noticing that ME has not posted for five days.
ReplyDeleteI hope that nothing is amiss. On holiday perhaps ?
Good to see that your OK ME although sorry about your hearing.
DeleteI do hope you were able to actually listen to the episode with Pip at the hospital. It really was very well done. With no histrionics.
As you know I'm listening to older TA episodes. Today's listen was two omnibuses, when Will went off for 6months after violently attacking Ed who had just got back with Emma, but then there were the two celebrations of Alan + Usha getting married, interspersed with Chris's ceremony for becoming a qualified farrier, his guest being Alice.
ReplyDeleteNow this was TA portrayed in a very different and enjoyable way - even though Brian was still as manipulative + overbearing as he is now, and Ruiari at just 5yrs, still being his priority.
How TA has changed as to fun + light-heartedness, even though Lynda hasn't..
To add, George who was 2/3yrs then had issues, but these were due to the situation he was in then.
DeleteSo much makes sense now as to why + how he is in the current S/L.
Oh Rex !
ReplyDeleteWhat have you said ?
Rex is an idiot, he as good as accused Chris of driving Alice to drink, while he can't hold his own. He won't drink around Alice and then falls drunk into her house. And why is it still necessary to be a good drinking partner when playing sports?
ReplyDeleteAlso, Brian now wants to leave the farm to Ruairi, having promised it to Alice and then Adam.
In 2008, Brian changed his will to include Ruairi but also made Adam + Debbie joint profit sharing directors of Home Farm as both were also inheritors with Ruairi.
DeleteI wonder how many times Brian has changed his will since then?
I don’t know Miriam but it is getting boring!
DeleteSmart, clever , scheming Brian Aldridge is turning into a bumbling and confused old man.
DeletePerhaps Kates prediction and Alice’s worries are correct.
I have occasionally wondered too MrsP but I am hoping not 🙏🏼 maybe some other physiological condition…….🤦♀️
DeleteI'm sticking to my thoughts and I'm not changing these.
DeleteBrian is not following the diet he should be on as to his angina and is enjoying his whiskey + wine too much, but there again, why shouldn't he?
I think he might have had a couple of TIA's which have gone unnoticed, which might perhaps be leading to something more serious in the near future and before he changes his will, yet again! 😄
Yes Miriam, this is what I’ve been saying for the last few months.
DeleteThat he is working himself up into a big heart attack.
You may well be right that he has already had one or two TIAs
A minor stroke is my thought rather than a heart attack.
DeleteNever been much of a fan of Adam, but I felt really sorry, no, really outraged for him last night.
ReplyDeleteThe way Brian has used him is appalling, as is his treatment of his other children over the future of the farm and his will.
I hope Adam does not just suffer this alone. He should inform the rest of the family what has happened so they can all understand the injustice Brian is showing. Then maybe they can all combine to force him to seek medical advice and/or intervention. 😡
Despite me feeling that Brian is heading for a heart attack or as Miriam believes, a stroke, it is not medical attention or intervention that he needs, but rather a complete overhaul of his moral stance.
ReplyDeleteBrian is under extreme pressure and anxiety because he knows that he is very much in the wrong. He is deeply complicit in a crime and deliberately preventing that crime from being properly investigated.
He reacted most negatively when reminded of his mistake years ago of the buried dangerous chemicals responsible for poisoning the Am, because he is very aware that he is repeating his actions from that time.
I do wonder if, after decades of Brian Aldridge walking on the wild side but never actually tipping over the edge, the SWs are about to give him, in his final years, a most almighty fall from grace, which he thoroughly deserves.
He does and this is my third attempt, so may be not. He's trying to protect his son. If Brian faces prison it'd would implicate George, who's still withholding his testimony. I hope Ruairi steps in.
ReplyDeleteI'd rather have Brian staying around even if he's being as bombastic, dictatorial and scheming as ever, instead of the sudden reappearance of Bert Horrobin.
ReplyDeleteI'm still bemused as to why this has happened and what he will bring to TA, as I personally can't think of anything as to being constructive or interesting!
Totally agree!
DeleteA prison sentence for Ruairi and a life changing event for Brian which would leave him wheelchair bound would give the scriptwriters the opportunity to confront disability and access that they missed with Nigel. And, after Pip’s cancer scare, a pregnancy scare for Kirsty. Buckle up, scriptwriters- you can do it!
DeleteGoodbye Moira, bye-bye Dane, hello last chance baby.
ReplyDeleteShe 45 !
DeleteMy immediate thoughts were ……. More worries about the possibility of a Downs Syndrome baby.
Agree absolutely with Miriam about Bert Horrobin.
Why ?
After decades of being a silent character ?
Please not DS they had their chance with that SL then just dropped it like a stone!
DeleteI hope not too Lady R
DeleteI suppose there will be the tests in a late pregnancy, like Jennifer when pregnant with Alice.
DeletePoor Tony. I really hoped he would bring Moira home.
ReplyDeleteThis took me back years when my brother was gradually learning how to run the farm but dad was still in charge. I was helping them move cattle down the lane to the waiting lorry, and my dad and brother were arguing about the sale of a favourite cow of my brother's ( bottle fed as a calf and tame). In the end my dad gave up and my brother drove it back to the field.
Yes, very sad, I was hoping too, especially that Tony picked her out from the herd.
DeleteBut for Helen it was: cows out, Dane out.
Helen also wants Cows In - more Montes to suit her..
DeleteI'm so looking forward to, or then perhaps not, hearing how the monies from the Anguses will be utilised at Bridge Farm.
ReplyDeleteThis will include Pat, Tony, Helen, Tom and Natasha.
I just hope Tony has a say, as he after all sold his beloved herd, to make this cash available for the future of Bridge Farm.
I actually hope Kirsty's hopes + dreams finally happen, particularly thinking about Wren and how this affected her.
ReplyDeleteThe big issue at the moment in the real world is menopause and perimenopause so it’s likely the SL could go this way 🤔 Shula had an ectopic pregnancy and we have had miscarriages and Downs! We shall just have to wait and see but maybe a straight forward pregnancy now that would be a shocker 🤣
DeleteAfter Pip's scare relating to breast cancer, along with Dr. Azra's mental health initiative, do us TA listeners have to now go through peri-menopause awareness?
DeleteLet's get back to the problems of the farms with sheep, cattle alongside maintaining crops, not forgetting feed and milk costs etc. such as for example, at Meadow Farm, Brookfield and Ed with his Texels at Grange Farm.
Also, how is the Tree Surgery business doing, as this has not been heard from for awhile and Ed + Emma still have to pay back Will after his input of cash, after remortgaging No#1 The Green.
Totally agree Miriam.
DeleteAnd now Chelsea’s dad is back on the scene and a new stepmum! Let’s have more of the local Ambridgers that we have just not been hearing! I’m with Miriam on this one.
ReplyDeletePlus as I keep saying - where are Lizzie, Vince, Freddie and all things at LL plus elsewhere.
DeleteI'm actually missing Joy!!
David mentioned Lizzies birthday bash this coming Friday at The Bull I think but she is not in this weeks cast nor any of the family they will be mentioned in passing no doubt…..
DeleteI hereby predict that George’s son and Kirsty’s daughter will make a match of it!
ReplyDeleteIt has to be George's daughter with Kirsty's son!
DeleteWhatever - I doubt I'll still be around to hear this story evolve in whatever way.
Isn’t George having a son?
DeleteNot be around ooh don’t even think about it Miriam you are younger than many of us and even I don’t want to think such thoughts 🤦♀️ 🤭
Why’s that, Miriam?
DeleteJust to clarify, I meant the children’s gender, not why you wouldn’t be here! It occurs to me this could be a way of writing Kirsty out if she and the baby go to live abroad with Erik. I can’t think of any other reason for no less than three pregnancy storylines in so short a time. From what we learned of Erik. when he stayed in Ambridge, and Kirsty practically threw herself him, he doesn’t sound like ideal parenting material.
DeleteFrom what Kirsty said Erik sounded as if he wanted to leave his genes behind, but in his case it's more like jeans. As for who will have what baby they can always make a match, but feel the same as Miriam and couldn't careless.
DeleteI wonder if Alice is going to put two and two together. When she asked Miranda when she first noticed a change in Brian she said just after the start of the year.
ReplyDeleteYou and me both Janice.
DeleteI could almost hear Alice’s brain cells ticking.
Can someone please remind me who Erik is?
ReplyDeleteMe too please is he another silent character about to join the cast!!!
DeleteJakob's brother, stayed at his place, made a mess of it.
DeleteKirsty propositioned him after some wild swimming.
They've been meeting in various places around Europe since.
But he has been silent - cannot remember if he spoke when first visiting Ambridge.
DeleteHe spoke and is due to speak again, I gather. Good looking and charming but irresponsible - the polar opposite of dear Jakob
DeletePS. We don’t know if he has any other mistresses as well as Kirsty.
DeleteJakob's brother! I’d totally forgotten about him but remember the mess debacle now it has been mentioned.
DeleteIt looks like they're going to let Kirsty have this baby, they wouldn't let her down again.
ReplyDeleteIt's to reflect the trend of women having children later in life.
They've covered all aspects of pregnancy by now, apart from freezing the eggs.
Not sure they have covered every aspect BASIA.
DeleteI recently met a couple who had a six year old son.
Two women eggs from one woman implanted into the other woman who gave birth. I did not enquire as to where the sperm came from.
Both women in their forties.
However the lovely six year old is a serious gardener and puts his vegetables out on his stand for donations a % of which goes to charity.
He is currently nurturing 260 tomato plants.
Remember though, Henry's biological dad is an unknown sperm donor, and then there's Xander with Lexi donating an egg + being the surrogate with Adam's little swimmers being better than Iain's, whose apparantly couldn't swim.
DeleteWhat else baby-wise is there still to come, as this sounds intriguing.
Lexi didn't use her own eggs, she was adamant about it - so had the two combined ingredients implanted inside her, so that about covers it, there are various permutations .
DeleteI really wanted to call the other "frozen assets".
Oh I didn't know it was a donor egg. This leads onto another possible S/L as to possible genetic inherited conditions, for both Henry + Xander. Thinking this as to Ruth + her possible genetic testing.
DeleteA friend of mine gave birth to a son, who at 3 months was found to be deaf. 18 months later she gave birth to another son, equally profoundly deaf. There were no hint of a genetic inherited condition, until it was then found that her husband had been adopted and he didn't know this until that tike! His adoptive parents never ever told him he wasn't their biological son.
The husband was so angry at not knowing he'd been adopted as a baby, and blamed himself for his son's deafness as no idea of his bioligical family history. He went off the rails and tried to commit suicide, thankfully uncessfully. He though just couldn't accept things and the marriage ended in divorce.
DeleteHow very sad Miriam and a true situation. The SW can have a field day with Henry then at anytime…..
DeleteThat is so very sad.
DeleteYes very very sad situation.
DeleteAnd so very pertinent to adopted children having as much documented information for them to access if and when they wish to have further knowledge of their origins.
Helen used a reputable clinic with screened donors, same for Lexi, so probably safer from inheriting adverse medical conditions than ‘normal’ conceptions, Henry’s father is a lovely bloke, judging by his son, and I hope we get to meet him.
DeleteThere are deaf people who carry on having children regardless.
DeleteThere are deaf people who want their children to be like them, but the children have no say.
There are people who stutter (I know, not the same) who consider it a part of themselves.
There's no accounting for human nature.
Siobhan was up in arms about Brian's angina and threatened to turn up on his doorstep, but didn't think about it when having sex with him, he told her it was temporary.
ME. I was also thinking about the documented sperm donor, well screened at the time of donation, but has passed on a possible terminal condition to many of his conceived donor offspring.
DeleteThis condition didn't show up in the donor, until many years later and a genetic link was then found, which sadly has been passed on.
I just thought it was worth a mention...
Brian - you're off your head, so I'm going to Hungary to see Debbie to secure the future of Home Farm. They could have had a video conference, with him there, but not dramatic enough.
ReplyDeleteAdam?
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DeleteI think a face-to-face talk between Adam + Debbie is just right.
DeleteAt least they can share quality time together in so many ways, along with having a massive big hug which can't be done on a video call.
I can imagine them catching-up in a lovely Hungarian restaurant, as they've always been close and shared so much together, both about Brian + Home Farm, plus with their Mum,
Jenny Dahling.
No doubt they will say - What would Mum do?
That should read "What would Mum say", not do as written.
DeleteJennifer always helped + talked about her thoughts + ideas for them all, namely - Brian, Adam, Debbie, Kate, Alice + Ruairi.
I just feel the sad loss of Jennife, is part of the current situation.
So a new Debbie, unsurprisingly as Tamsin Gregg is such a big name and therefore so busy now. It must be a current cast member though as the character is not listed in Fridays cast list! Apparently she has been played by other actresses before as her appearances are few and far between with Tasmin not available. The voice had shades of Debbie but a much lighter tone and sounded younger to me. Any others 🤔
ReplyDeleteI thought it was the real Debbie, so whoever it was managed a good sound-alike to my ears.
ReplyDeleteI am confused about the farm - always thought it was Brian's property, and he must think so too, as he has now gifted it to both Adam and Alice.
How can the children force him out? Is it because of the partnership? If so, would it need to be unanimous or a majority vote?
I cannot begin to imagine how betrayed he will feel, I am thinking of King Lear.
ReplyDeleteI like the analogy, and it was his youngest Cordelia who stuck by him and my betting is that the youngest here, Rhuairi, won't betray Brian. Ungrateful lot! Whatever Brian's faults he provided his children and stepchildren with a privileged lifestyle.
DeleteRuairi might because he's not one of them and because he and Brian are complicit in GBH.
DeleteI feel no pity for Brian. He's a womaniser and an offender himself.
Privileged by money Brian thinks he's above the common lot.
I thought it was Tamsin Greig.
ReplyDeleteIt was only a few lines and could have been recorded remotely.
Having listened again today I’m not so sure myself now but if so why not credit her in the cast list! Erik is in it though.
DeleteLadyR - that's precisely how I feel, Tamsin G, not Tamsin and not listed, odd, unless it'll be corrected later.
DeleteSo many persons have come out of the cupboard recently- Carol T, Bert H, Den "The Plonker" aka Chelsea's dad, so who's next?
ReplyDeleteJohnny, Kathy Perks, Daniel, Midwife Amy Frank's (think 2 pregnancies) - the list is endless.
I don't believe a word Erik said..
ReplyDeleteKirsty wants to believe so be it, but such a delayed reaction, also, he'll only be able to visit in two weeks' time.
DeleteGive Erik a chance..
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