Philip (Oliver Jackson Cohen) is becoming increasingly possessive of Laura

Tensions between Dorcas and Sir Timothy continue to grow as they review the history of their relationship, in tonight’s concluding episode of the adaptation of Flora Thompson’s magical memoir of her Oxfordshire childhood. A bitter argument gives way to a tender embrace, but Dorcas decides that she can’t go on living and working so close to Sir Timothy. She announces, to her devastated staff, that she intends to sell the Post Office and go travelling.

For Laura, meanwhile, love’s young dream is turning sour as Philip becomes increasingly possessive, and she expresses doubts about their relationship. Philip vents his frustration on Robert by demanding he tell Sir Timothy the identity of the poacher, but when he refuses Sir Timothy is forced to sack Robert from his job at the manor. This is the last straw for Laura, and she tells Philip she never wants to see him again.

It’s Zillah’s birthday and everyone visits the Post Office for a party. Sir Timothy also comes to tell Dorcas that he must put his family before their friendship and that he has decided to leave Candleford – he and Lady Adelaide will leave for London immediately. Dorcas is shocked but also relieved – perhaps now they can get on with their lives apart.

Caroline has been desperately hoping that her husband will return from sea before her baby’s born, but the baby won’t wait any longer and she gives birth at the Post Office during Zillah’s birthday celebrations.

Later, it emerges that Thomas didn’t post the deeds to the Post Office. Dorcas can stay and everyone is elated.

Dorcas Lane is played by Julia Sawalha, Sir Timothy Midwinter by Ben Miles, Laura Timmins by Olivia Hallinan, Philip White by Oliver Jackson Cohen, Robert Timmins by Brendan Coyle, Zillah by Liz Smith, Lady Adelaide by Olivia Grant, Caroline by Dawn French and Thomas Brown by Mark Heap.