22/07/2018

At the village hall, Lynda and Lilian prepare for Pets' Party Pieces. Lynda notices that Lilian is putting peanut butter in Ruby's mouth so she appears to be lip-syncing. Lilian realises that Monty isn't actually counting - Robert is signalling to him from the crowd. They both complain to a long-suffering Neil that the other's act is a trick. He docks them both points for trying to nobble the judge. Meanwhile, Lavinia won't stop winking at Alistair during her performance, sending the village rumour mill into overdrive. When she wins, an embarrassed Alistair hastily retreats.

Emma complains to Neil that "beat the goalie" has turned into more of a description than a challenge. She tries to remain upbeat though - both Hannah and the reporter from the Echo are sympathetic to her affordable housing campaign. There should be an article about it in Thursday's paper.

At the fete Pip gets frustrated with everybody commenting on her size - Neil exclaims that she looks "ready to pop". She complains to Emma that she's having Braxton Hicks again, and goes home alone. By the time she reaches Brookfield her labour has started. Ruth's left her phone at home, and Pip can't get hold of Toby. She leaves him a panicky voicemail - the baby's coming, she needs him here now!