The Wyldes descend on the village

As the Thomases make their final arrangements to leave, the Bishop is seen inviting an unknown man and woman into the church. The gossip machine is soon in full swing as Katie mentions that she’s met the new owners of Home Farm and the other villagers speculate whether the church has been the couple’s second purchase.

After sweeping into the village on horseback, Mark and Natasha Wylde interrupt the Thomases leaving party and brashly order a round of champagne.

As the villagers become more irate, the Wyldes try reason with and calm the baying mob but the Woolpack soon rings with a chorus of boos.

Determined to silence the unruly regulars, Natasha explains her intentions: they bought Home Farm to live in and they bought the church to give back to the community.

The villagers are joyous and full of praise for the Wyldes and as Natasha charms her new neighbours, Mark is disgruntled as it’s clear that Natasha has made the church arrangements up on the spot.

Afterwards, the Wyldes bask at Home Farm, confident that they have the villagers eating from the palms of their hands.

Meanwhile, Rodney is bemused when Paul refers to the supposed terminal illness that Val has invented. Later, Paul is worried when Rodney answers the door out of breath, only to discover that his father’s quickened pulse is due to a keep-fit session.

Covering for herself, Val tells Paul that he needs to think of an excuse to stay in the village as Rodney wouldn’t forgive himself for holding him back. Will Val’s lie last long enough to keep Paul in the village?

Elsewhere, Lisa is cautious when Aaron offers to take care of Belle after school. Enjoying spending time with her, Aaron agrees to help with the dinner. When Belle points out that the sausages are about to burn, Aaron tells her to take it easy and heads upstairs.

Belle takes it upon herself to lift the heavy grill pan, just as Lisa and Chas return home. Aaron receives the full brunt of Lisa’s frustration and reacts badly to the dressing down, leaving Chas upset to once again find her son in the doghouse. Can Chas make the Dingles love Aaron too?