'Kirsty is going to make a fab farmer's wife!’ - Listener discussions to 9 October 2013

At long last, Tom and Kirsty finally get it together and listeners are divided about whether this is a good thing. They think that caring Shula’s heart is in the right place, but boy is she getting it wrong.

Plus Helen’s still deluded, Emma’s a “delightful sourpuss”, and lookout! Here comes the Christmas panto!

Here’s my pick of online discussions between 3 and 9 October 2013

There’s a collective ahhh – and a few eughs – as Tom and Kirsty declare their love

@BBCTheArchers I wanted to say run for the hills Kirsty but instead I said awwwww.... #romanceinambridge(@gilly38 on Twitter)

Was wonderful. I absolutely adored it. It was meant to be. They will be fab second time around. Ahhhhh (January Jones on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Aw! Always really liked Kirsty and Tom as a couple.Here's hoping Fallon and Ed will get back together one day #TheArchers♡ (@tess_hs on Twitter) https://twitter.com/tess_hs/status/386798154743816192

Must admit I punched the air & cheered! Kirsty is going to make a fab farmer's wife! So glad as Brenda was never right for Tom- too restless (Maggie Mumford on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Oh dear. I can't help feeling that while poor Kirsty has genuinely always loved Tom, he's only taking her on in the rebound from Brenda. Not convinced that the little egotistical sausage-king is good enough for faithful Kirsty! Hope I'm proved wrong... (Sue Gedge on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Look out Kirsty; Tom's only in love with his brand @BBCTheArchers#thearchers(@ChristmasDavid on Twitter)

What is the matter with Kirsty, too? Does she not remember that Tom dumped her like a hot sausage for that buyer? #thearchers(@Lucyvfreeman on Twitter)

Over at the Stables, Shula’s praised for caring about Darrell, but most think she’s getting it wrong

Darrell isn't going to last five minutes at Shula's the way he is going. He'd annoy St Francis of Assisi #TheArchers(@AndromP on Twitter)

Getting a bit fed up of hearing Darrel wallowing in self pity. (Mark Jones on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Shula seems to have a low threshold for annoyance - the poor guy is trying, why's she so impatient? (Caroline Agazzi Brooks on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

'Sit down when I'm patronising you please Darrell' #theArchers (@jamspangle on Twitter)

A masterclass in how not to approach mental health issues from Shula there. #patronisingmuch#thearchers(@SparkleWildfire on Twitter)

She handled the situation really well. I wanted to give her a hug because the compassion felt so genuine. (Jozafeen Knights on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

Shula being an altruistic sort would not simply ask Darrell to leave, however frustrated she is, because she isn't a buck passer. (Katie Willow on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

Cannot believe nearly everyone is treating Darryl as an outcast and a leper ! He was a neighbour for heaven’s sake and he is HOMELESS ! (Trisha Lesley McCarthy on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Okay...this story line with Darryl is getting scary! Okay so he's a wuss...but he's so lovable...and now he might be going bonkers...poor guy!! I really like this story arc Well done writers! (Corin Warden on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

What’s got into “sourpuss” Emma Grundy? Listeners admit they love to hate her – some think her beef with Nic will continue through the generations… Kiera vs Poppy?

Emma did say that the Horrobins have better genes than others, didn't she? #TheArchers(@Airscaper on Twitter)

Thought Emma pretty awful tonight, but then on reflection Emma is pretty awful, Correction Emma is just awful. (Lizzie Hayes on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

Please can you stop this ridiculous bitching between Emma and Nic it's vile (Annie Gardiner on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

I'm loving the Emmur-Nic-Ed-Will storyline. It's setting the seeds for years to come. Keira vs Poppy through school etc. brilliant (Cheryl Beckwith on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

I rather love Emma as a character. So full of colour compared to dowdy little eager-to-please Nic. But that's just me. (Keera Highes on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

Emma is always a treat for sore ears- such a delightful sourpuss! #thearchers(@clioclothed on Twitter)

The debate rages on about Helen and Rob. Is he stringing her along? When is Jess going to turn up? And will Kirsty spill the beans to Tom?

You know, good for Helen and Rob, I hope they're happy together. God what's happened to me :) #TheArchers(@CarrDarch on Twitter)

I'm glad Helen is happy... oh hang on, Helen's happy? IMPENDING DOOM #thearchers(@archelina on Twitter)

Why does Helen think Rob will give her anything? He is so calling all the shots isn't he - is she really so dense that she can't see it? She deserves all she's got coming to her. The only thing they have in common is lust. (Jill Nicholls on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

We want Jess We want Jess #thearchers(@lindasgrant on Twitter)

Helen's past hasn't taught her anything because she is attracted to men that she can't have. Deep down she doesn't believe she is worthy of a loving relationship. (Christine Wilson on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

My only thought is how long before Kirsty lets the cat out of the bag about Helen and Rob after all she does work with Helen. Then Tom accidently tells mum and dad and well who knows where it will end. (Sarah Hall on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

It’s not just Emma Grundy coming under fire this week. Eddie is too. Is he pulling a fast one trying to get more compensation for Joe’s accident? And is Joe faking it or in real decline?

#thearchers A measly 1500 quid for Joe Grundy! Daylight robbery! (@Corporalhumble on Twitter)

Ho Hum what a try on with the cheque, send it back! (Gillian Holmes on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Eddie is always after something for nothing. Joe could go back with a counter offer of £5,000 and GG may go with it, to avoid prolonged litigation. If Eddie wants to drag it out through sheer greed, it's not fair on Joe who should be spending his latter years more comfortably. (Tracy Macheta on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

Still holding out hope that Joe is playing a very long con to get his mitts on as much moolah as possible... #thearchers (@paultrueman74 on Twitter)

I am getting a very bad feeling that Joe is about to fall off his perch.. I hope I am wrong (Diedre O’Brien on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

And finally, listeners brace themselves for the forthcoming village panto…

Aaaagggghhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not *another* Linda Productions bore for the run up to Christmas! Please, please, please... can these silly, village shows be stopped! Just how many *real* villages / villagers could ever rustle up enough people to do a show like Linda's! (Richard Hubbard on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

I like Lynda's shows and pantos. Lots of communities put on similar with all the many 'ups and downs' they involve. (Lorna McLaren on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

*makes note to book panto tickets this year* #TheArchers#teampanto(@ginandcrumpets on Twitter)

The thought of Lynda's Christmas panto fills me with cheer. My Christmas would not be the same with out it x (Emma Tuke on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Tayler Cresswell is The Archers’ social media host

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