The Archers - 23/12/2008

Alistair's in a hurry. Chris reckons he's off to buy Shula's Christmas present and teases Alice that he hasn't bought hers yet. Alistair's not shopping though. The panto technical rehearsal means Alistair can't make tonight's Gamblers Anoymous meeting, so Alistair asks Maurice to keep an eye out for Ryan. Maurice points out Ryan is not Alistair's responsibility but agrees to help. Eddie's uncomfortable in the cow costume, Alistair's struggling to control the giant hands and Lynda's exasperated. The rehearsal's not going well. Things improve when Eddie gives Alistair a hand with the hands, but soon Eddie's needed back in the cow costume. Alistair insists he still needs Eddie's help, so Lynda decides she'll have to take over the back end of the cow. This suits Eddie but Clarrie's not prepared to be so intimate with Lynda. Lynda makes more decisions. Robert can be the front end of the cow and Christopher can take over calling the cues. Christopher can't see how he'll have time, so Alice offers to play in the music and sound effects. Clarrie's not upset at losing her part. In fact, with William coming home tomorrow, things are looking up. Episode written by Keri Davies.