The Archers - 17/12/2008

After their Gamblers Anonymous meeting, Ryan admits to Alistair that he has lost his job and that he never stopped gambling. He has been lying at the meetings. Ryan is worried that when his wife finds out she will leave him. He asks Alistair to lend him 50 pounds, but Alistair refuses. Ryan would just take it straight to the bookies. At the Village Hall, Mike tells Shula that the builders have stopped work over Christmas but they have left a half built wall in the middle of the house. Lynda is worrying, as many of the cast haven't arrived for rehearsals and David is still not well. Shula approaches Lynda for her thoughts on the costumes, but Lynda is too preoccupied with the rehearsal and dismisses her. When Shula arrives home she notices that Alistair seems withdrawn but Alistair just tells her he's had a long day. Meanwhile Mike struggles to remember his lines on stage. Lorna tries to help him sort out his costume's lopsided bosom but they descend into giggles. When Mike decides he can't carry on without using his script Lynda is frustrated. If they don't make progress soon the pantomime will be nothing but a farce. Episode written by Tim Stimpson.