26/02/2026

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. This is not the future we were promised. Like hell that out for a tagline for the show. From the BBC, this is the interface, the show that explores how tech is rewiring your week and your world. This isn't about quarterly earnings or about tech reviews. It's about what technology is actually doing to your work and your politics, your everyday life. And all the bizarre ways people are using the internet. Listen on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts. You're listening to Thursday's episode of The Arches from BBC Radio 4. So Tracy stepped into the breach. She's done two training shifts now, which I think went well. You think? Didn't get the impression that Susan's all that keen on employing her little sister. But the truth is, Tracy hasn't put a foot wrong. And Susan is really putting her through her bases. I'll be a right pair in the dairy, Helen. Never a dull moment. I know. Just have to see if sisterly love shines through. Anyway, much sort of hearing about the dairy. I actually came to ask you about you know who? Oh. What are you seeing him tonight, aren't you? I'm not sure I've got time. What? That's too busy, Kirsty. But you said you'd meet him. Yes, but. What do you think? Should I take Dane? What? Why on earth would you take Dane? I feel uncomfortable about meeting up with another guy without mentioning it to him. I mean, nothing's gonna happen, so I've got nothing to hide, have I? Fine. Take Dane then. But I thought the point of seeing Finley was to find out if what you felt in Scotland was real. Because it did sound. I don't know. Pretty amazing. Yeah. Yeah, it was. I mean, even if nothing happened. Oh, something happened, all right. I don't know which chemical reaction took place exactly, but it was definitely something. It's all too difficult. Oh, come on, Helen. Having Dane next is hardly gonna help you come to any conclusions. I'll cast it as him. It's Finley. Well, answer it. What would I say? Whatever comes out of your mouth. Finley, hi. Helen, ask. Great to hear your voice. Oh, yeah, same. Listen, I got an earlier train, so do you want to meet up, Herr Lear? Unless you've got too much work on. No, no, no, early as fine. Because if you're busy, we. No, I'm not busy at all. Great. Well, could we meet at five-ish? I'm staying at the Fox and Hounds in Borges, though, which is probably a right dive, but my mate is booked and paid for it, so I can't even blink. It's actually pretty decent. Oh, really? Well, that's a tunnel for the boots, because this guy's the original skin-flame. Oh, well, we're coming in this station now. Shall I see you in the bar? Uh, yeah, okay, see you there. Can we? Yeah, me too. Bye. Bye. So now you're not busy at all, eh? My brain went to Marshcresty. This is so not me. Oh, I think it's sweet. And if you need a lift into Borges, then I'm your woman. Yeah. You're great. Thank you. Yeah, then I can get a taxi home. No, that's fine, Alice. Chelsea's left some cleaning stuff. I need to drop to the Dower House. Long story, and I'll tell you later. When are you getting to the pool? Well, I'm already here. Your dad's bringing Miranda to discuss a rewilding walk, which is also a long story, tell you later. Right. Well, I'll see you there. Oh, Rex, good to meet you. Okay, bye. Hey, Brian. Unfortunately, Miranda couldn't make it after all. Oh, well, well, printed out the trail page from our website, and I've written my contact details on the back. Piedish hours? No, no, no, no, you don't have to. We can save it till she's available. What's the least I can do after all your help yesterday? This poor old chap was very grateful. Oh, I'm not sure you've ever struck me as a poor old chap, Brian. Ah, music to my ears. Look, you grab a table, and I'll bring over the drinks. Sure. Thanks, but just half a shirly for me. I'm driving. Right, you're up. Let's see. Ah, yes. No, no rush, Kenden. Dad, everything okay? Absolutely fine, darling. I'm just wondering, can you meet me in the ball? Well, what now? Something wrong. Not at all. But it's easier to talk in person. Well, I'll be at the ball soon anyway. Oh, will you? I'm hoping that the Fallon has time for a drink. Then we'll see you shortly. Sorry. Who's we? By darling. I don't know why you let you drag me in here, Helen. I was only supposed to be dropping you off. What if I take one look at Finley or all of his first son? We regret arranging to meet? I don't see if that's going to happen. Could have been in my head, Kirsty. Just stay and finish your drink. All right, I warn you. I cannot stand being a goosebree. So if I'm not needed, I'm out of here. Deal? Deal. Oh, it's mocktail's delicious, so thanks. Okay, where is he? Can you see him? Oh. Helen. Ha, you made it. Is that? Wow. Oh, thanks for pitching up on this freezing weather, honey. Oh, hello, what are you doing? Great. Thanks. Love you to see you. I bet it's a lot warmer here than it is on your craft. Oh, wow. I can't argue with you there. Hello. Oh, hi. I'm Kirsty, Helen's friend. Oh, hi, Kirsty. Nice to meet you. Good Scottish name you got there. Sadly, I'm a complete fake. Oh, I'm sure there's some Scottish DNA in you somewhere. I'm glad you're dear. So, it's Tony Helen. How's your boys? Yeah, they're all doing fine things. Oh, can you, and you've got a new reenie, see? Oh, little Peggy. She's actually my first cousin twice removed. Really? I think she is, is she? Don't ask me. They're your relatives. Helen has got aunties and uncles. And the cousins pretty much everywhere in Ambrice. Yeah, it's true, I'm afraid. Oh, it's the same for me, up and down. Well, I'm jealous. Anyway, how is my all-time favourite sheep doll? Oh, Dash sends his very best regards. Oh, I don't see. She's going to pop to the floor. He's as dashing and faithful as I've heard. Oh, I'm glad to hear it. The naughty settle then. Oh, I complete natives now up and down the carriages and all the worries. Brilliant. Well, I leave her. Yeah, I must tell you, Annie. Oh, where's Kirsty? Oh, I didn't see. Maybe she's gone to live. So, as if I'm doing still churn a note, you'll lovely cheese or who? Ah, well, I brought you a selection, Finley. What? Oh, amazing. Yes, stylish little gift pack. You'll train journey home. Oh, that's beautiful. I love it. Alice darling, how you took your time? Dad, you okay? What did you want to see me for? Well, first things first, I got you an orange juice. Is that okay? That's fine, but what did you mean we? It's Adam here, Rory. Actually, I'm having a lovely chat with Rex over there. Rex? We've already had a drink. He's a very interesting chap, you know. Now, why don't you take those drinks over and I'll join you both in a minute. Rex has been a godsend, you know. Help me out no end in my car, ran out of petrol. When was that? You realise he's a sportsman, don't you? I mean, obviously he's all about rugby as opposed to riding, but you're all out of lots in common, I'm sure. What are you up to, Dad? Nothing, darling. Absolutely nothing. Is this you matchmaking, please tell me it's not. Not at all, but I mean, he's such a good egg, Alice. Why not get to know a bit better? What for? Well, you never know. You are matchmaking. I knew it. Dad, don't take this the wrong way, but please don't ever try setting me up with anyone ever again. Ah, Rex. Hey, Kirsty. I've had a really awkward trip out, so I am gasping for a drink. Do you want one? No, Brian's getting me another thanks. Brian? He reckons Miranda wants to bring a walking group for our wildflower trail. Oh, well, they'll love it. Oh, that's where I said. Or by the way, we need to decide when to post another beaver video. Justin's just emailed. Tonight's probably not the best time to chat. Oh, you are far out. Where are you going? Well, I thought maybe a film. Oh, hey, Kirsty. Hi, hi. Hey, hi. Rex, this is from my dad. He's disappeared now. Thanks. Hi, sit down, Alice. Rex is off to the pictures, so I'll be left on my own. Oh, okay. He has a very reluctant gooseberry and bought just a little earlier, so I need some friendly company. Really? What happened? Oh, ignore me. Doesn't matter. You know, I haven't been to the cinnamon ages. What are you seeing? Oh, he's not actually a cinnamon. Right? It's a dry, then. Oh, that sounds great. Who are you going with? Yeah, Rex. Well, I'm not sure I'm going yet, Alice. I think you should. What's the film? It's an animation. Oh, I love animation. Oh, is that the one at Truman's Manor? Yes, it is. I've heard about that. Is it Wally? No, I love that film. I'm not saying it myself. Let's all go. What's Ricken? Unless that's annoying, Rex. Sorry, we don't need to take over doing. Actually, Kirsty. Yeah, well, I'm sure it's fine to bring your gang along. Is it? Yeah, apparently. Oh, please, Rex. I live a bit of a scape-a-zum. Yeah, it doesn't look like you've got a choice. Okay, but we'd need to leave in ten minutes. I've got brilliant. I've got camping chairs in the shed and I'll grab some blankets. Then we don't have to be stuck in the car. Oh, perfect. Pick me up at my house, yeah? Yeah, we'll do. Thanks. Alice, you did that on purpose. Oh, yeah, but we can't desert Paul Kirsty. And I couldn't resist to pay back for last week. It was very funny watching you scrum. Oh, no. That's not all we. Anyone would go to her taxi from Scotland to Blackpool. Well, she did. I know what you meant, Kate. Why in person? She is a law hunter. I would. Was it her? Cooking the vegan high-guess. Yeah, that's right. Then I'll believe anything. A little Peggy's three months old now, but we've only seen photos. Well, take a trip to see her. You can stay with me for a few days. I'd love to. Vinnie, if I could. You still seeing that guy? Dane. Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, I wanted to ask why you left Scotland without seeing goodbye. I really hoped to see you, you know, talk to you one more time. Okay, if you want the truth. Yeah. I actually couldn't bear to. If I'd seen you, I'm not sure I'd have wanted to come home. And you should know I felt exactly the same way. So, what's your room like here? It's a lot nicer than I thought. Good. You want to see it? I mean, it is totally up to you, but I'd love you to. You'd all have been thinking about since November. Me too. So. Yeah? Should we go? If you're sure. I am. Really sure. Just need the loo that we can head home. Thanks so much for bringing us Rex. That was so good. Yeah, brilliant film. I wish I'd come clean with Kirsty. I'm an emotional wreck now and not because of the film. Well, I'm very glad you didn't tell her. Really? Why? It turns out my dad was setting us up tonight. What? I mean, I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that. [MUSIC PLAYING] This is not the future we were promised. Black hell that out for a tagline for the show. Listen on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts.