31/07/2024

The Archers

As Jakob and Paul drive back from a vet call-out, Jakob admits he’s found the atmosphere at work unbearable. He knows how hard it must’ve been for Paul hearing that his parents’ marriage was over, but it’s their choice. And Alistair and Denise kept their relationship secret because they wanted to make sure Paul and John were told in the right way. Jakob suggests that he takes upset Paul to a nearby pub for dinner and a drink. Paul points out he doesn’t need a pity-drink and that he’s fine showing his feelings. But Jakob thinks Paul’s hiding what he really feels, and Paul ends up admitting that he feels left out – he was his mum’s go-to person. He can’t believe she didn’t tell him about the problems with her marriage. And then she got together with his boss and didn’t tell him that either. Jakob points out that Paul might be jealous, and Paul realises that he’s bottled his feelings up. He apologises saying he’s going to make an effort at work.

When Alistair can’t face being seen at the Bull, Jazzer and Jim share a drink with him at Greenacres. They chat about Denise’s husband John and Alistair’s relationship with Denise. Drunken Alistair wonders why Paul doesn’t like him and Jazzer and Jim remind him it’s because he lied to Paul. Alistair declares his love for Denise and says he’s always liked Paul, who’s fun and energetic. But he thinks Denise and Paul are really close and if push came to shove, Paul would win hands down.