12/01/2022

Alice is coming to terms with the news that Stella and her father have withdrawn the offer of work at Home Farm. She assures Brian it’s not his fault and that she’s not upset. Admitting to Amy that although she’s sure Ed had his reasons for speaking to Stella, she feels she stands little chance of finding work in her position. Spotting a judgemental Sabrina in the distance only serves to bear out Alice’s fears. Amy rushes to Alice’s defence, sending Sabrina running. Alice doesn’t know what she’d do without Amy. Hazel confesses to Peggy she’s finding living in the flat above the shop uncomfortable, and the shop volunteers unfriendly. Peggy sympathises and recommends she finds somewhere more suitable to live. Tony pops in and is wrongfooted to find Hazel there. He’s not warm with her but remains polite. Out of her earshot he asks Peggy to a belated birthday tea for Pat, whilst acknowledging it’s likely to be full of talk about the expected twins. Peggy’s delighted to accept, but asks if lonely Hazel might be invited too. Tony’s appalled. He reminds Peggy how manipulative Hazel’s been over the years; in turn Peggy reminds him she’s all Hazel’s got. As Tony hesitates, Hazel comes in and it’s clear she’s overheard the conversation. She won’t go where she’s not welcome. She wishes she’d never moved to Ambridge. Everyone in the village is petty and mean spirited, and a chunk of her father’s money had gone to a ludicrous scheme. She’s had enough.