Jan 3, 1977
Emmerdale Farm basks in the hot summer sun as the Sugden family and the people of Beckindale return for a new series, with the start of events that could change their lives in the months ahead.
Jan 4, 1977
After Henry's surprising announcement that he plays bowls, Sam watches him play and is encouraged by his skill, prompting him to consider his selection for the annual cricket match. At The Woolpack, Henry's intrigued to find out why Tom and Lucy are talking about Hawthorn Cottage because Joe has said nothing to him about selling it.
Jan 10, 1977
Speculation is rife as the news spreads that Kathy is back in Beckindale. Meanwhile, in the middle of the night at The Woolpack, Amos wakes Henry because he's heard something. They investigate, find nothing but Amos is now still more certain that there's something supernatural going on.
Jan 11, 1977
Henry is hurt because Joe has not informed him about the impending sale of Hawthorn Cottage and tells Annie that he will give him a talking to about how to conduct business. Annie gives Kathy a lift home from the shops and tells Joe of her return to Beckindale. Soon after the phone rings and it is Kathy to say that she has left her bag in Annie's car. Seizing his chance to see Kathy again, Joe offers to deliver it personally.
Jan 17, 1977
Sam is a man with things on his mind. He tells Annie of his disgust at the behaviour of young people although Annie makes it quite clear that Joe and Matt are grown men and can do as they like. This does little to disguise Sam's anxiety though because really he is worried about the appearance of Phil Kiston at the cricket match.
Jan 18, 1977
The evening of the great day has arrived and the cricket match is in progress, with Beckindale batting - but not with stunning success, especially since Phil Kitson is playing. Meanwhile, Joe and Kathy discuss their plans on the way to The Woolpack for the celebrations. Kathy is having a hard time at home so they agree that if Joe can find a suitable place to live together in the village, they'll shack up as man and wife, no matter what anybody says.
Jan 24, 1977
Amos is insistent that The Woolpack ghost maybe a poltergeist. Henry goes birdwatching and spots Janet Thompson, an old flame of his thirty years ago.
Jan 25, 1977
Janet and Henry are doing their very best to re-establish their relationship of some thirty years ago. While driving Henry back to Beckindale, Janet invites him to her hotel in Bradford for supper. He declines the offer and instead suggests lunch the following day. Annie is intrigued as to Joe's determination to find a cottage in the village.
Jan 31, 1977
Annie is determined to pump Joe for information about his plans for the new cottage. But Joe is very reticent, only admitting that Kathy might be involved, which satisfies Annie - for now. Later on at tea, Janet tells Annie that for years she's been saddled with an ailing parent but at last she's free and now she's met Henry again.
Feb 1, 1977
Henry is looking for an excuse to go see Janet in Bradford but Amos is in no mood to give way to him, especially as the poltergeist seems to have been active with some bottles of fruit juice.
Feb 7, 1977
Amos confides to Annie that Henry is getting more and more involved with Janet so his surprise is understandable when he discovers that Annie has invited both Janet and Henry to the farm for lunch. Joe arrives back from Hotten with the news that a deal has been agreed for the sale of Hawthorn Cottage and that he's made an offer for the cottage in Demdyke Row. After lunch, Henry and Janet go for a walk, and after a good deal of trying, he persuades Janet to stay at The Woolpack.
Feb 8, 1977
It's the morning after the night before and Amos is grumbling at Henry that he can't get on with the cleaning because Janet hasn't come down for breakfast. Joe's informed that his offer for Demdyke Row has been refused prompting Annie to warn him not to do anything that may turn the village against him, a clever hint about her disapproval about his reformed relationship with Kathy.
Feb 14, 1977
Joe informs Kathy that he is reconsidering his offer for the cottage in Demdyke Row despite Kathy's remark that them living together in the middle of the village would raise a few eyebrows. Meanwhile, Amos is far from impressed with the arrival of George Bailey, an old friend of Henry's and director of Oldbastons Brewery, in The Woolpack.
Feb 15, 1977
George looks set to ruffle a few feathers in The Woolpack after he suggests to Henry that the pub needs a barmaid, an idea that Henry thinks will horrify Amos. Joe is confused as to why the bank has refused his loan application. Annie is defensive about the subject but suggests he approaches Henry for the money.
Feb 21, 1977
Early in the morning and unexpectedly, the new priest in charge, the Reverend William Hockley arrives at the Vicarage. Joe is trying to find the right moment to tell Annie about him and Kathy.
Feb 22, 1977
Joe finally tells Annie that he and Kathy are moving in together, but only with the help of Sam. She takes the news better than was expected but still suggests that Joe should think again. On his way out of church, Matt bumps into Dolly Acaster, who is on her way to Beckindale and looking for Henry. It isn't long before word gets around - helped nicely by Amos - that she is to be employed at The Woolpack as the new barmaid.
Feb 28, 1977
William seems determined that things will be seen his way, which upsets Sam. Meanwhile, Amos is still struggling to come to terms with the idea of Dolly working in The Woolpack. Joe and Kathy prepare for their first night in the cottage in Demdyke Row.
Mar 1, 1977
Word starts to spread that Joe and Kathy are shacking up together. Henry is upset that Joe didn't tell him that Kathy was moving in with him. Sam has gone missing but is eventually found by William who invites him into the Vicarage to spend the night. Sam tells him of his feelings about what Kathy and Joe have done.
Mar 7, 1977
Annie decides to pay Kathy a visit in the new cottage. Amos has gone to follow Matt and William who have responded to a rescue call about a cow stuck on the fell. Eventually, Matt and William, returning with a dead cow in the back of the landrover, discover a lost Amos and in answer to his plea for help tell him that he's only yards from the village.
Mar 8, 1977
Sam is still making his angry feelings about Joe and Kathy very clear. It is Remembrance Sunday and despite Annie's determination not to let the village gossip get the better of her, Sam is deep in thought about the day of judgement and this is when Joe will see the error of his ways.
Mar 14, 1977
Amos can't believe his eyes when his Swedish visitors, Asta and Olof, arrive. They also make a very unusual request - to go pot-holing.
Mar 15, 1977
Kathy's brother Martin calls round at Demdyke Row to inform her and Joe that he is off to join the army. Shortly after Henry comes round to discuss the ball but it is not too long before Kathy decides that she should go and attempt one last reconciliation with her parents.
Mar 21, 1977
It is the night of the ball in Harrogate and Kathy and Joe are dressed up and determined to enjoy themselves despite Kathy being told by her parents that they don't want to see her again. A night that is meant for enjoyment quickly turns to concern as the two Swedish men, Olaf and Asta, become trapped down a pot-hole. Amongst the concern though is delight for Amos who is called upon by the Hotten Courier to cover the rescue story and is promptly taken to the pot-hole mouth by Henry. After many hours Olaf is dragged above ground with injuries but there is still no sign of Asta.
Mar 22, 1977
The rescue search continues for Asta but conditions are beginning to worsen. As a hope of finding her alive fades, the rescue team decides to enter the cave from a back entrance to try and find her. The rescue ends in success when Matt finds Asta on a ledge. As the celebrations commence for the rescuers Joe and Kathy sit quietly in the bar, discussing what's happened to her family following the news that Freda has finally left Jim and gone to live with her aunt Carrie.
Apr 12, 1977
Sam's down in the dumps when a mystery letter from France brings back memories of the First World War.
Apr 14, 1977
The arrival of an old friend of Sam's spells chaos and confusion for everyone - but he's bringing the most remarkable news.
Apr 19, 1977
Sam goes to meet his old pal Gilbert at the airport.
Apr 21, 1977
Basil has fixed everything - there's going to be a meeting at The Woolpack, but landlord Amos doesn't want any rowdiness.
Apr 26, 1977
It's the morning after the old soldiers' reunion and there are thick heads all round, but what Basil has arranged now puts the cap on it for Sam.
Apr 28, 1977
Gilbert returns to France today, but first he attends an official reception at the Civic Hall in Leeds, accompanied by Sam and Basil.
May 3, 1977
Kathy is struggling to come to terms with the hostility that her and Joe are receiving from some of the other villagers, despite the fact that it was expected. Annie and Henry take a trip to Bradford and while they are there, Henry receives an offer for The Woolpack from his friend Mr Gunnarson which stuns Amos back at Beckindale.
May 5, 1977
The Gunnarsons come to Beckindale to meet Matt in order to thank him for saving their two children Olaf and Asta in the pot-hole accident. A meal is organised at Emmerdale Farm for all the involved parties to congregate. It becomes clear by the end of the evening though that Mr Gunnarson has business on his mind as well as thank you's.
May 10, 1977
Annie and William come to blows over how the one thousand pounds that George Barrett left the church should be spent. Meanwhile, in The Woolpack, Dolly gives Henry an ultimatum - either Amos starts treating her with more respect or she will leave.
May 12, 1977
Kathy is far from pleased at the fact that Joe is staying up at Emmerdale. An argument is inevitable and when Joe goes to the cottage a fight begins until Joe leaves to go to Leeds. Mystery surrounds Amos's absence from the pub. He has told Dolly that he will be back later but not when and where he is going. He can't keep his destination secret for long though when he is seen by Mr Gunnarson with the driving instructor Mrs Morphet. Mrs Morphet says that he can't start driving until until he has had his eyes tested and just when things couldn't get any worse his bike is stolen.
May 17, 1977
Dolly is becoming disillusioned with her job at The Woolpack and Kathy is becoming disillusioned with her relationship with Joe and contemplates moving back home with her father, despite their previous problems.
May 19, 1977
It's time for the Emmerdale AGM. The financial situation is dreadful so Henry suggests the idea of the boatyard business. Meanwhile, Amos is called to a road accident in his role as Beckindale reporter.
May 24, 1977
Annie tries to persuade William that there is enough talent in the village to support a concert. A health inspector visits Demdyke Row following complaints that there have been mice emanating from there. Kathy tries in vain to stop Joe from finding out but in Beckindale your business is everybody's business.
May 26, 1977
Amos drops a large hint to Henry that since his driving lessons with Mrs Morphet have been terminated he will need somebody else to teach him. Meanwhile, Dolly receives a phone call from George Bailey who appears to be offering her a job at his pub.
May 31, 1977
Henry persuades Annie to appear in her own concert after being impressed with her piano playing skills.Lucy finds Matt and Dolly in a compromising position in the Village Hall after spending the evening at Emmerdale with Annie and Sam.
Jun 2, 1977
Sam is furious with Amos because of a misprint in the Hotten Courier and Amos makes the mistake of taking it out on Dolly.
Jun 14, 1977
As the concert draws closer more acts are recruited to perform. Without even realising he has done so, Amos agrees to do a comedy routine and following yet another row, Kathy reveals to Joe that she is learning to sing in public again so that she can perform at the concert.
Jun 16, 1977
Henry prepares to be a last minute stand-in in one of the sketches after a performer drops out with flu. Kathy is extremely upset after Henry's quips about selling the cottage reaches her as a true statement from Joe. Joe says its all a misunderstanding but Kathy doesn't seem convinced.
Jun 21, 1977
Kathy and Joe's relationship reaches a new low following the news that Jim has committed suicide and she is so upset at his death that she returns to pack her bags in preparation for departure.
Jun 23, 1977
Joe fails in his attempt to reassure Kathy that Jim's suicide wasn't her fault. She is still adamant on leaving and returning home to her farm and in a further bombshell to Joe she tells him that she can't marry him. Amos takes a stand against the editor at the Hotten Courier as he refuses to pry into the private lives of the Gimbels in order to fulfll his role as a reporter.
Jun 28, 1977
William announces that Freda has left the village, Amos announces that he has been asked to write an obituary of Jim for the Hotten Courier. Meanwhile, Annie is concerned when she attempts to wake Sam from his sleep but there is no response. She calls the doctor out. Also, Joe is smitten to meet the new owner of Hawthorn Cottage - Lesley.
Jun 30, 1977
Henry suggests to Matt that Lucy could move into the farm. Annie falls down the stairs and breaks her arm, and Henry has to take her to hospital which means that Lucy has to man the fort with Matt.
Jul 5, 1977
Help is on hand for Annie as Lucy has taken two weeks off work to come on help on the farm until Annie is better. Seizing his opportunity, Henry persuades Annie and Sam to go to Rome for a relaxing holiday, with the help of a little white lie from Jack who is already there. At The Woolpack, Amos is given a cryptic message by Lesley about the Ephraim's Brewery.
Jul 7, 1977
Preparations for the holiday are in full swing but Annie is concerned about what gossip will spread if Matt and Lucy are left to stay at Emmerdale on their own. Henry takes her heavy hints and agrees to stay at the farm for the duration of her absence. Amos receives a blow when Lesley reveals to him that her family owns the brewery which supplies a lot of The Woolpack's beer.
Jul 12, 1977
As Matt and Lucy prepare to spend their final day living together it is clear that they have grown fond of one another. There's a suspicious character in the area and it comes in the form of Syd Harker who has been released from jail. He's the last person Joe wants to see again but it isn't long before he's hanging around Emmerdale Farm. At The Woolpack, Amos announces that he's been given an assignment by the Courier but he can't talk about it on the grounds that its secret and dangerous.
Jul 14, 1977
Syd is ruffling a few feathers since returning from prison, not least Joe's and their inevitable meeting is a heated exchange of words but this is only a taster of things to come! Meanwhile, at Emmerdale, Lucy has returned after an unsuccessful spell as a lodger to Mrs Lumley. She has also given up her job so her and Annie set about deciding what she is going to do in the future.
Jul 19, 1977
Joe informs Annie that Syd has been sleeping at Demdyke Row and speculation mounts that it is more than just a coincidence that Syd has arrived back in Beckindale at the same time as the sheep have been stolen.
Jul 21, 1977
Syd casually admits to William that he is responsible for the sheep thefts. He is calm because he knows that until evidence is found to prove that he did it then he is in the clear. Joe is determined to find that evidence but first he has to convince Annie and the rest of Emmerdale Farm that his obsession isn't just an act of revenge.
Jul 26, 1977
Annie speaks to Syd and is now convinced that he is trying to be a good lad after he tells her that he has got a job as a sheep loader and has moved back in with his mum. Henry visits the butchers in Manton but his reaction to his entrance makes him even more suspicious about the sheep stealing. Sam goes to The Woolpack for the darts and dominoes evening, but the pub is so full there is no room to play the games.
Jul 28, 1977
As Lucy prepares to leave Beckindale for the final time, Annie tells her that everyone notices the way William has been looking at her but she denies any type of romance. Joe and Matt take up a vantage point above where they expect the latest sheep theft to take place. They get what they came to see but it seems that the police have already beaten them to it.
Aug 2, 1977
Clearing up after the storm, Annie also faces the problem of repairing Ray and Sarah's lives.
Aug 8, 1977
Henry and Joe are hatching a surprise for Annie, but her attention is focused on the imminent arrival of Sarah's baby.
Aug 9, 1977
Annie feels a mother's concern at Joe's thoughts of a move, but she decides she won't hold on if he wants to leave Beckindale.
Aug 15, 1977
Drama in the night as everyone waits for the birth of Sarah's baby, but the one person who should be there is missing.
Aug 16, 1977
Amos is up in arms over Ray's refusal to co-operate with the Hotten Courier, but that's all forgotten when the baby comes back to Emmerdale.
Aug 22, 1977
Amos has problems with The Woolpack clock, but that is soon forgotten when he gets an odd invitation which leads to an even stranger meeting.
Aug 23, 1977
There's a surprise phone call from Jack in Rome. He wants to write Sam's biography - to the astonishment of Amos and Henry. Amos goes for a tour around Ephriam's and is stunned to discover that his host for the duration will be Dolly. He is even more stunned when she asks for her job back at The Woolpack.
Aug 25, 1977
Sam prepares to embark on his trip to Rome so that Jack can write his biography. Henry and Amos are in conflict once again over whether or not to employ Dolly who has smoothed her path back into Beckindale by apologising to Annie for the events that occurred at the concert.
Sep 6, 1977
There is a new vicar in Beckindale to replace the departed Reverend Hockley and he goes by the name of David Cowper but his entrance is not noticed because the rest of Beckindale is celebrating the Jubilee. Matt and Dolly enjoy a romantic afternoon picnic during which Dolly tells Matt that she's sick of working at The Woolpack but she doesn't want to leave Beckindale. There's a surprise call from Sam but he wants to speak to the vicar for a reason that is unknown to everyone else.
Sep 8, 1977
Henry is keen on having a barbecue as part of the Jubilee celebrations but he is stopped in his tracks by Amos and Mrs Bullock. Amos reaches boiling point with Henry over Dolly and the final straw comes when he finds her smalls hanging out in the yard! Up at Emmerdale Farm, Joe and Matt discover Basil Ackroyd's car in the farmyard and it's piled high with luggage.
Sep 13, 1977
Annie receives an odd phone call which may have something to do with the new vicar. Joe and Matt are determined to establish the real reason for Basil's arrival in Beckindale.
Sep 15, 1977
It emerges that the malicious phone calls that Annie has received are about David and his activities outside church. Annie tells Henry that the caller mentioned a girl called Julie and they speculate about who the caller could be. They also discuss why the landlord of The Malt Shovel received an identical phone call. Matt and Dolly enjoy some time alone by the river but as they begin to head back it emerges that they have not been alone at all. A woman has been spying on them all the time.
Sep 20, 1977
Jubilee day has arrived and Basil is keen to make sure that he is celebrating at Henry's expense by inviting Annie to dinner the following evening. Later on in the day, Joe receives a phone call from David who tells him that Dolly has fallen off her scooter. Joe tells Matt who immediately departs to see her. The doctor tells Dolly not to use her leg for a bit so work at the pub is out. At this point, Matt departs from the Vicarage to collect the damaged scooter and tell Henry. Leaving David and Dolly alone, David offers a spare room to Dolly.
Sep 22, 1977
The controversies surrounding David continue with Mrs Bullock demanding a reprimand for him following his 'antics' at the dance in Hotten. Joe assures Annie that nothing untoward happened at the dance but she points out that Vicars have to set an example. In the meantime, Dolly has decided to accept David's offer of a room at the Vicarage. David also speaks to Amos about a room at The Woolpack. The phone calls are continuing as well, and it is only through strong persuasion from David that Annie and Henry agree not to phone the police. They agree to a delay of two days. David thinks he knows who are behind the calls. Suddenly, things come to a head as Amos receives a call at The Woolpack that horrifies him.
Sep 27, 1977
Allegations are being made by the caller that David has done a girl wrong. He explains to Joe that it was a girl that he was supposed to marry but he changed his mind and someone is still holding a grudge.
Sep 29, 1977
Joe and Matt are still deliberating over why Basil has really come to Beckindale with Joe overhearing Basil talking about his home life only fuelling their intrigue. Dolly packs away her things at The Woolpack as she prepares to move to the Vicarage. The explanation for the malicious phone calls is now beginning to work its way around the village. Henry informs Amos that the phone calls came from a girl that David once nearly married but she is now mentally ill and has just been released from a mental home. Meanwhile, Basil is doing everything he can to avoid his daughter Renee Barstow, who is searching for him. According to her, he left home after the rest of the family tried to put him on a diet!
Oct 4, 1977
A fire brakes out at Emmerdale Farm in a stack of straw and the Beckindale Volunteer Fire Service is manfully fighting the blaze. During the fire fighting one of the members of the team is burned.
Oct 6, 1977
David is becoming frustrated at the length of time it is taking the people of Beckindale to accept him. Frank Armitage causes a stir in Beckindale when he announces to Amos, in his reporter role, that he plans to build a caravan site on his land in order to fund his passion for stock car racing. Despite the problems that it could cause Joe is convinced that Frank won't budge and Annie is worried that the whole issue is going to split the close knit village.
Oct 11, 1977
Amos interviews Ted for the courier. Matt and Joe discuss Frank's planned caravan site. Just as Joe is about to have dinner, but he receives a call about another fire in the village. Amos is also called out to the fire. Joe gets a hands-on lesson from Ted as he puts out a potentially dangerous barn fire.
Oct 13, 1977
Joe reveals his idea for stopping Frank's caravan site. He proposes that Emmerdale Farm should also apply for a licence for a caravan site, reckoning that they've got a field that's more suited and that if there is to be a site, it might as well be run properly. Henry is impressed but Matt is sceptical. Matt is also unhappy about Dolly's advancing relationship with David, especially when he finds out that he is taking her to Leeds on a night out.
Oct 18, 1977
Frank has an inkling that Joe is up to something but has no idea to what extent his secretive antics will effect his caravan plans. It's the Robblesfield Gala and Amos is there in his roving reporter role to cover the procession of vintage fire engines which Joe is part of. Amos then proceeds to ruin Joe's afternoon by telling him who may be his new next door neighbour - Henry.
Oct 20, 1977
Annie puts a dampener on Henry's plans to buy the cottage next door to Joe's, her reason being that she doesn't believe that the rich should corner the market for cottages and suggests he thinks again. Ted Barker launches a scathing attack on Amos in The Woolpack after the Courier publishes an article, written by Amos, quoting Ted as saying the recent spate of fires have all been caused by the tourists. Meanwhile, Frank's plans for a caravan site have collapsed following a fire at his farm leaving Emmerdale as the only applicant for planning permission. A caravan site is theirs - if they want it.
Oct 25, 1977
David's scheme for bringing children to the Dales for holidays has come unstuck with one of the families and a girl called Angela has been left homeless. Somewhere else has to be found for her, which won't be easy as she's a difficult child from a broken home. Dolly suggests Emmerdale and, though doubtful, agrees to ask. Annie says yes, as always, much to the delight of Joe, especially after he sees what the girl called Angela looks like.
Oct 27, 1977
Sam is back from Rome. He descends the long hill behind the farm and spots a girl in his vegetable garden. When he reaches her perplexed as to who she may be, he speaks brusquely to her, but all she will say is that she's staying at the farm. Sam decides to go investigate.
Nov 1, 1977
Amos is horrified when Sam says that he might write a piece for the Courier about his experiences in Italy instead of letting Amos interview him for his piece. Angela appears to be finally coming out of her shell after Henry takes her out birdwatching and rewards her for her good behaviour with a shandy in The Woolpack.
Nov 3, 1977
There's a change of vicar in the village and it puts Dolly's living arrangements in jeopardy once again. Angela and Sam go for walk up on the fell. All is going well until Angela continually plays with her radio and this prompts Sam to get cross. Angela responds by running away from him. She then walks through a field and leaves the gate open, frightened by the cows, which start to escape.
Nov 8, 1977
There's plenty of cows roaming about after she left the gate open, but Angela hasn't been seen since she ran away from Sam. It emerges that a pregnant cow has fallen so the Fell Rescue Team has to be called out. Amos immediately smells a story.
Nov 10, 1977
The post induction-party gives the new vicar, Donald, a chance to introduce himself to Beckindale. One person that is missing though is Angela. She has decided that following the previous nights dramas on the fell, it would be best if she returns home which she did that afternoon. On her way back to The Woolpack, Dolly bumps into Matt who is on his way to the party. They exchange pleasantries and it isn't long before Matt realises that The Woolpack is a more appealing evening than the post-induction party.
Nov 15, 1977
It is night time, and Matt has just dropped Dolly at the Vicarage after a night out. As he drives past The Woolpack, a shadowy figure passes in front of his headlight, going away from the pub. Meanwhile in The Woolpack, Henry discovers that the front door is open. He accuses Amos of having neglected his duties but Amos fervently denies this. He wants to call the police but as nothing seems to have been stolen or damaged, Henry tells him not to be so silly. Amos' fears are proved justified the next day though when Sam, in The Woolpack, spots a vacant niche where the Butterworth Ball should be and realises someone has taken it.
Nov 17, 1977
Joe and Matt come to the conclusion that the Butterworth Ball is in the hands of someone in Robblesfield. Then all of a sudden a girl appears and turns out to be Lesley. She is staying at Hawthorn Cottage with her grandparents. Dolly is not getting on with Donald. So much so that she tells Matt she is thinking of leaving Beckindale altogether to work somewhere else.
Nov 22, 1977
Annie receives a mysterious phone call at Emmerdale Farm but whoever the caller wanted is out. Meanwhile at The Woolpack, Amos is in big trouble when Fred Teaker enters the pub to examine the Butterworth Ball. When Amos prevaricates, Fred leaves, with threats that if it isn't the real ball, Amos is in big trouble!
Nov 24, 1977
In the middle of the night, there is a disturbance in the Vicarage garden which brings out Donald and Dolly. Getting no answer, Donald goes inside and phones the police while the intruder slinks away. Lesley is given a helping hand by Annie when she goes to the vicar's to start preparations for her grandparents' re-marriage. Meanwhile, Sam thinks Little Teaker knows where the Butterworth Ball is.
Nov 29, 1977
Amos is fighting a rearguard action against the Hotten Courier who are demanding that he produces an article about the Butterworth Ball. In the evening, Annie approaches Sam with a proposition. Mr and Mrs Gibson are getting married again and Annie wants Sam to be the best man.
Dec 1, 1977
Lesley informs Joe that she's got a secret to tell him but Amos is in earshot. After Sam's refusal to be best man at the wedding, Annie turns to Henry who readily accepts. The only problem is that the football team will be left without a trainer. Henry quickly solves the problem though by suggesting that Amos could do it instead and Sam agrees. Amos gets the wrong end of the stick when he sees Annie and Henry setting off in their finery for the church. He decides to stick around and see what develops, totally forgetting about the football match.
Dec 6, 1977
Amos complains to Dolly about how the whole village seems to be obsessed with the play. Up at Emmerdale Farm, Joe is repairing the drive when a young man, Richard Roper, drives past in a car, stops a bit down the road, then comes up. He tells Joe that he's merely looking around then drives off again as Henry arrives. Joe tells him that Richard has been driving past the farm several times and Henry replies that he's seen him in the village too.
Dec 8, 1977
Amos continues with his negative attitude towards the play but it turns out that his real grouse is that no one asked him to be in the play in the first place. Rumours persist about the man called Richard. Amos emerges with the theory that he is Dolly's fiance and thinks that she's led Matt a bit of a dance but Henry points out that Richard may be only an ex-fiance
Dec 13, 1977
Dolly continues to fend off Richard's attempts for a reconciliation. He comes up against some stern opposition though in the form of Annie. When he tells her that he wants to marry Dolly, Annie turns on him and tells him that she knows about the baby and that he was never much of a father and that he can't own people, like he wants to own his son and Dolly. Later on that evening at the farm, Dolly drops her bombshell on Matt, telling him that she won't be staying for Christmas after all and that she has a child.
Dec 15, 1977
Richard is all set to meet up with Matt to inform him of his plans to marry Dolly but Dolly intervenes and strikes a deal with him. Dolly promises Richard that if he doesn't meet up with Matt, then she will meet him in the New Year to discuss the future. Richard agrees and a date is set for the two of them to meet in January at Brassington. That evening the play takes place and Matt is one of the stars of the proceedings, but despite this Dolly can't bear to watch despite Annie's pleas. She needs time to go away and think about what she wants. At the end of the play, Henry comes out to take Dolly down to Hotten for her bus.
