Now the family relationships in Ambridge are always slightly complicated, but the announcement that Heather (Ruth's mother) and Jim (the Prof) are to meet up means potentially that David's mother-in-law could also turn out to be his sister Shula's mother-in-law too. Now how does that make them related exactly? Whilst we're on the subject of Heather - what time era is she in precisely? Do people from the North East really talk about children as 'bairns' or is this just another example of Archers tweeness - I do find it so irritating. Of course I have to have the sick bucket close to hand all the time whilst listening to this everday story while Ruth goes through the trauma of her operation. I do find the constant loveydoveyness nauseating when we recall how recently she was having interesting liaisons in the cowshed with herdsman Sam. But then her mother also tried to alienate the affections of Phil not that long ago. 
to get into Kathy's house and 'surprise' her. Has he gone totally insane? How will this help his court case? Unfortunately for us listeners Elizabeth was the instrument of Kathy's release - by 'happening to pass by' her house just as the alleged rapist was worming his way into her house by playing on Jamie's youth and innocence. Does this mean Elizabeth and Kathy will be friends again? I hope not!
So now we know why Alastair is such a huge bore and whinger - his father is one too. The epitome of your elderly curmudgeon, Shula's father-in-law has come to stay for the duration. However, those of us who hate this poisonous pair with a passion he could carry out all those major irritations that we'd love to impose ourselves. He does all those things intended to really rub them up the wrong way - doesn't show gratitude, he's rude and opinionated, disapproves of both his son and daughter-in-law but bizarrely believes Kenton is 'charming'. There will be blood on the carpet we can guarantee!
Emma Carter is out on the pull at the moment - as ex-husband Will has got a new girlfriend slash clinging goldigger. She's now caught a new squeeze called Calum. What she's failed to tell him is that she is a single mother and left her husband after a few months. She's disguised the fact that she's living with her mother and is a waitress/cleaner (part-time). She is having to keep a watch on the lies and keeping her story straight. Things could turn out nasty when he finds out the truth. Talking of something nasty Kathy's past has come to haunt her. The appalling Owen King who sexually assaulted Kathy during the pantomime a few years ago has now done the same thing to a woman in Bouremouth. Ex-husband Sid came to the rescue and 'ran him out of town' (Kenton was down under at the time). Dorset detectives are in the area wanting to find out about Owen's past (he uses a variety of aliases) and despite talking to Kathy she has refused to reveal the truth about the man. Will she come clean, and get rid of her demons?
Mike was having his first dates from the personal ads that he and Hayley placed. That didn't quite turn out as he might have wished - perhaps better and certainly no worse than he anticipated, after his first attempt a while ago turned out so badly. Perhaps you might have your own view - vote in my poll!
Meanwhile at St Stephen's Church the motorbike riding Vicar is causing great waves. He's suggesting that the pews are removed (and sold off) and the new open space is converted into a medieval multi-purpose community centre. Events ranging from rock concerts to badminton were on his agenda. This all provoked the appalling Susan Carter into aopoplexy and Jill to agitation. They were worried about profanity in the shape of a shuttlecock and competition to the village hall. On the other hand at the moment the Church seems to be used only once a week for services (even though these are remarkably well attended - most Anglican village priests would be surprised to see the kinds of numbers that turn up at Ambridge in total over several parishes in the wilds of the West Midlands). There's going to be trouble.
By the way - how long does it take to reveal the contents of a will?
Jennifer is in South Africa to join errant daughter Kate and see her new granchild (she's unlikely to get any from Adam, Alice or Debbie after all!). Now what we're all interested in is what Brian will get up to in her absence - he was extremely keen to get her out of the country. Perhaps he has plans for lovechild Ruairi? Am I alone in finding nauseating the attempts to force Debbie to cosy up to her 'new' half brother 'Oh darling aren't you going to give him a kiss?' Yeuk! Brian is so keen for Debbie to accept this new child as part of the family - surely he must realise that Debbie just sees him as a rival to her takeover of the farm - she needs allies though, hence her new found love for Adam. I don't think Ruariri will be spending much time with Adam & Ian in Jennifer's absence though - Brian is very wary of their 'influence'. How will Ruairi be entertained though - playing with the balers, or driving the combine?
