29/10/2020
Rex is gutted to learn from Pip that the tenancy at Hollowtree is coming to an end. Pip’s about to tell Toby when she’s interrupted by a message from Ruth – the Herefords have got out. Toby already knows about the tenancy from Rex. He understands, for which Pip is hugely grateful. Driving back from Felpersham, Ben takes a call from Ruth. She wants to get Ruairi a shirt for his 18th birthday but Ben thinks it’s a terrible idea. Ben’s feeling sorry for Ruairi about the birthday dinner party that Jennifer’s hosting – he’s turning 18 not 80! Suddenly Ben spots cattle all over the road. Once they’re all safely returned to the field Ruth and Ben discover the padlock securing the gate has been smashed. Ruth immediately connects the break-in with Ben’s radio interview, but he plays it cool, saying it could have been anyone and was probably a one-off. Rex questions Pip about how she will benefit from he and Toby leaving Hollowtree. He’s annoyed she let him believe that she stood up for the Fairbrothers when her family were weighing up the decision to take back Hollowtree. Pip tries to explain but Rex is too angry. He no longer sees her friendship as genuine. Pip accuses him of taking the moral high-ground which he has no right to do. Her family’s duty to the farm and its future is paramount. Rex should stop wallowing in self-pity.