08/10/2012 EastEnders

Well, that's the hard bit out the way.

Now you've made your plea.

It's only a matter of time, ain't it, before this gets sorted out?

Only a mug's going to believe that Alexa girl over you. Here, mate.

Lovely. Thank you.

You know, I...

Lola?

-Hey, how you doing?

-I'm good. How are you? Hello!

Are you all right?

I better get going. I'll see you in a minute, I won't be far behind you.

Come on, twinkle. I know, sweetheart.

-How's Abi?

-She's a bit shaken up, but you would be, wouldn't you?

-Those girls need stringing up.

-Tell me about it.

From now on I want to know where you're going and who with.

Paranoid parent alert.

-Right, how many am I catering for?

-I'm thinking about 15 to 20.

That's unless Abs has invited any of her new sixth-form friends. Abi.

-This party tomorrow. How many people have you asked?

-I don't remember.

-Do you want a proper cake with candles?

-It's not even her birthday.

I know, but we didn't get to celebrate the actual birthday, did we?

How can you go on about a party when Lola's lost her baby?

-What did you say?

-Mmm. Yeah, Lola got into a fight.

Then the Social Services come and they just took her baby.

-They can't do that.

-Well, they did, and it's all my fault.

-Of course it's not.

-She only got into that fight cos she was sticking up for me.

Now, you listen to me. As much as I like Lola,

it was only ever a matter of time.

-Till what?

-Well, I'm not being funny,

but that kid can barely look after herself, can she?

You know, it only turns out Ben Mitchell is the father.

Lola is a good mum.

I don't doubt that, I don't. But let's face it -

what kind of life can she offer that kid, eh? I'll see ya later.

Oi! Wait there.

I'm going to be late for work, Mum.

I sometimes think all that lacquer you work with has gone to your brain.

Mum, I don't know what you...

That kid has done everything she can for her baby.

What she doesn't need is people like you casting aspersions.

I haven't got time for this.

You might not remember where you came from, but I do.

People round here, Tanya, they take care of their own.

They don't leave people hanging out to dry.

It's none of our business, Mum.

It's everyone's business.

Lo... What's the latest?

Can I have a word?

-What you said about Ben...

-Why don't you just leave her alone?

Not until I get some answers. Is it true?

You think she'd lie about something like that?

It wouldn't be the first time she lied to get herself out of trouble.

-How did it happen?

-How do you think it happened?

Are you going to let her do any of the talking?

Now, I'm going to ask you one last time.

Is Ben the father?

-I said so, didn't I?

-Why should I believe you?

Cos it ain't exactly something I want to be shouting about. My baby's father's a killer.

-There you are.

-Did they call?

-Eh?

-Social Services! Did they call?

-It's a bit early, Lo.

-I'm going down there, then.

-You can't.

-She's my baby.

Lola, listen to me, listen to me.

We've got to play this by the book this time. OK?

You go down there shouting the odds it's going to be even harder to get Lexi back.

Where you going, Lo?

What are you doing here?

Avoiding Christian and his to-do list.

-Oh, how's it looking?

-Better than last month.

So we're back in the black?

-Thereabouts.

-What about the money that I gave you?

That will see us right, so stop worrying, all right?

My clever boy. Don't know what we'd do without you.

-Sy?

-We're in here.

-Syed!

-AJ. Tamwar. Family meeting in the kitchen.

-I just need five minutes, Masood.

-Too late.

What? It's pistachio. It's very rejuvenating.

-Next time try cement.

-It may have escaped your attention,

but we're getting married next Tuesday.

Seeing as my husband to be

is too busy making his first million, I'm going to need your help, again.

For you, for you and for you.

"Flowers, favours and centrepieces". Favours?

"Candles, fairy lights and confetti".

-Table linen?

-Yeah.

All the hours I've put into this wedding and you task me with table linen?

Question - where's my list?

Answer - give him a cow and he'll bring home magic beans.

-Trust me. It's easier this way.

-You can help me.

How am I supposed to pay for any of this?

Sy?

-We'll put some in.

-No, you won't, all right? You've done enough already.

You've given us the Argee Bhajee for the day free.

-Now, come on. Chop chop.

-When do you want these by?

Yesterday. Now scarper. And you, come along.

-Table linens?

-Yes, table linens.

-You don't need anything else from me?

Christian, don't you think this is all just a bit extravagant?

-What was wrong with keeping it low-key?

-Tell you what, I'll nip down the charity shop

and see if they've got a couple of suits.

-It was just a suggestion.

-I've had to listen to you

banging on about investments, business meetings, plans for expansion.

Now would be a good time to put your money where your mouth is.

Your little clip is so cute, man.

-Do you like it?

-Frames your face lovely.

-Sure you're not laughing at me?

-All right, Mr Branning. We were just having breakfast.

I can see that, Arthur. But where does it lead?

I mean, it might be breakfast now.

Next it'll be an invitation back to yours to play records.

-She'll end up pregnant, and you'll end up hotfooting it up the M1.

-Dad!

What? I suppose you've heard about poor little Abi.

Is she OK?

Lucky to be alive.

But that is why I want you to have one of these.

But I've already got a mobile.

Ah, but this is a special mobile. This has a tracking device.

-A tracking device!?

-Yeah. That way I'll know where you are at all times. Good, eh?

And you, come and see me later. I've got some business for you.

Did I just hear that right about the tracking?

He just worries about me, that's all.

Morning.

-Hiya.

-Where you going?

It's my day off. I was going to go to the market.

-On your own?

-Yeah.

Give me 20 minutes and I'll come with you.

-Babes, it breaks my heart.

-What does?

-Seeing them suffocate you like that.

-What do you think?

-Old lady jumble.

-I don't really like anything too daring.

Every time you say that, a beautician dies.

-PHONE RINGS

-I can't stop this making noises.

All that work I put into your date with Anthony.

Is that why you've let things slip?

I didn't realise I had.

Classic case of denial. I see now the problems aren't just physical.

-They're psychological, too.

-I suppose I could get a trim.

Maybe get my nails done.

You see? You're talking like a fighter already. Come with me.

Your first fight, Abs. Now you really are a Branning.

That's not funny.

Someone to see you.

Oh! You scared the life out of me.

Lola, stay here if you like.

Beats sitting outside, don't it?

Feeling like everyone's looking at you.

Darling, you will get her back, you know.

-So you believe her?

-Well, why wouldn't I?

Cos Ben's...gay. At least he was.

-Ben's still gay, Mr Mitchell.

-How can he be?

What happened with Lola, it must've been a mistake.

What if it weren't? I always said that 16 was too young.

Kids get funny ideas in their heads these days.

-Ben was right about you. You never listen, do you?

-What am I supposed to think, eh?

He must've liked her. Otherwise how could he get her pregnant?

Unless you think she's lying?

Well, Lola wouldn't do that.

-Why didn't she say something before, then?

-Maybe she didn't want to.

Unless she's covering for Jay?

Them two are pretty tight, aren't they?

Lexi is not Jay's.

So I'm supposed to just believe that Ben's the father, yeah?

Do me a favour.

We were expecting a delivery this morning.

I told you all this before. I transferred the funds on Friday.

How am I supposed to run a restaurant without any food, eh?

Hello!?

-Ben Mitchell, a father?

-I know. Shocking, ain't it?

A gay man with a child.

-Are you serious?

-Come on, Mrs M. It's an open-mic night, you know.

-Chance to prove all your haters wrong.

-My haters!?

When I say haters, you know, what I mean is

all those that ain't got to see your warm affectionate side. You get me?

We are in the middle of a double-dip recession, Fatty Boy.

What exactly do we have to laugh about?

Oh, darling, I was very sorry to hear what happened about your little girl.

-And look, if there's anything we can do...

-She ain't dead.

-I didn't say...

-So why are you talking about her like she is?

Lo, she didn't mean it like that, babe.

Well, this is just a big misunderstanding, anyway. She'll be back tonight.

I'm very glad to hear it. Those are on the house, by the way.

-I don't need your charity.

-And you wonder why they took your baby.

-Zainab, that's enough.

-No, no, no.

If you've got something to say, then flamin' well say it.

What sort of example are you setting your little girl? Fighting in the street.

-You don't know what you're talking about.

-Social Services don't take these decisions lightly.

Lola! Lola!

What if she hates me?

You didn't ask her to smack that Alexa girl, did you?

How could anyone hate you, eh?

I just want everything to go back to how it was, Jay.

And it will. I promise you.

-We can't.

-Why not?

How can we be together when Lola's lost everything?

She'd want us to be happy, Abs.

-Lola?

-Go away.

-I know what you all think of me.

-Is that right?

You think Lexi's better off in care, don't you?

I do, as it happens.

What sort of mother gives up at the first hurdle?

-You don't understand.

-You're right, I don't.

Because if I was you, I'd be banging on that door to Social Services

until my knuckles were bleeding.

Maybe it's all for the best.

Why are you saying that?

Everyone's a winner.

Lexi gets a new mum and dad

and you get to drink yourself into oblivion with your mates.

But don't stop there. Why don't you get a tattoo?

Dye your hair blue, go wild.

That ain't what I want.

You could've fooled me.

I just want my little girl!

Then fight for her.

What if they don't listen?

Then make them listen.

You don't shout loud enough now,

you're going to regret it for the rest of your life.

I'm so scared.

I know you are, darlin'.

-Here you go, my man.

-All the sat-fat I can eat.

You think Kim'll get up and crack a few jokes?

-I wouldn't count on it.

-Fats.

It's you and a stuffed bird if you don't get some names down.

-Yes, miss.

-It's good to see you and Alfie making a go of things.

What's that supposed to mean?

Look, what's happened between me and Alfie is none of your business, all right?

I was talking about this place.

About putting the Vic back on the map.

Sorry I'm late.

Don't tell me. The pound shop has a special offer on doilies.

-Don't start, Christian.

-Babe, where've you been?

Well, let me see - sorting out the suppliers.

Trying to get the bank off our backs.

Isn't that Tam's mess? You should let him sort it.

PHONE RINGS

I've really got to take this call. Sorry.

Can I have a word?

Yeah.

If it's training you're after I do boot camp on a Wednesday.

It's about Ben.

What about him, Phil?

Well, you got to know him pretty well, didn't you?

You could say that, yeah.

What would you say if I told you that Ben was a father?

I wouldn't put anything past him, Phil.

You can ask who you like. Facts remain the same.

You are a granddad.

-Does the offer still stand?

-Lo, where you going?

Listen, I tried to call Trish, but she ain't got back yet.

Lo, where you going?

-I'm going to get my baby back.

-You give 'em hell, d'you hear?

All this pussyfooting around, it ain't helping.

If I want Lexi back I'll to have to fight for her.

And just don't take no for an answer.

Lo!

I'm so sorry. I can't seem to turn this off.

Oh, don't worry. No-one's going to recognise you.

What's brought it on, this makeover?

Suppose I'm a bit tired of being Daddy's little angel.

So come on. Who do you fancy?

I liked Anthony.

-So you like them dark? Yeah.

-I guess.

Sporty or more of a thinker?

I hate PE. I got a netball in my face in Year Nine.

Right. So someone who's read a book, then.

I bet you like a bit of danger, though. Yeah? Someone mysterious.

-I guess.

-So I'm thinking, yeah - Mr Darcy meets

-Ryan Gosling in Drive. Am I right?

-Maybe.

Good luck with finding that round here!

Right. I think we're done here, Tanya.

I think we are, Poppy. Right, then, what do you think?

I tell you what I think.

I think you've made my beautiful little girl look like some cheap tart.

Now, hang on a minute...

Alice, come on. We're leaving.

Come on, we're going.

I'm not coming.

What?

Me and Poppy are going out tonight. We might go up town.

Over my dead body.

You promised you wouldn't interfere.

No, I'm not interfering, love!

I just... I just don't want you to make a fool of yourself.

I'm 18. I can do what I like.

-Alice...

-You heard her.

Alice, please.

You ain't heard the last of this, you.

Right. Shall we get you a little outfit sorted, then?

Billy and Lola have gone down Social Services.

Is that right?

-She's telling the truth, Phil.

-So everyone keeps saying.

-So what are you going to do?

-Let's think.

I'm going to get a takeaway,

go home and put my feet up in front of the box.

Cos you know what? I'm sick of looking out for people.

From now on it's every man for himself.

-Zee. AJ and I, we've been talking.

-The answer's no.

You ain't heard what it is yet.

I don't need to. The answer is still no.

It's not right Christian and Syed having to fork out for everything themselves.

Our son is a very proud man. He wouldn't want us our interfering.

-But - what if it was a gift?

-What sort of gift?

Somewhere sunkissed. Hot, sweaty nights. Skinny dipping in the ocean.

-I'm sold!

-He's a genius, no?

-It's not my word for it, no.

-You know where the gays love, don't you?

-Gran Canaria.

-I'm sorry?

-It's an island off the north coast of Africa.

-I know where Gran Canaria is.

-What has it got to do with Syed?

-What better way of showing support than treating them to a honeymoon?

And how do you expect us to pay for this?

Tam and Kamil's savings that we put aside...

Masood, we can't touch that.

Come on Zee, he'd want to help his brother. We'll pay it back before he knows it's gone.

Well, I think it's a fantastic idea.

Great. That's decided, then. I'll call the bank first thing tomorrow.

I was hoping you'd call.

So what is this - business or pleasure?

That investment you were talking about.

I want in.

You all right, darling?

All that stuff I said earlier about Lola.

I do know she's a good kid.

I just don't want you getting caught up in it all.

I'm looking forward to meeting all your new friends.

-A couple more months and you won't have time to worry about Jay and Lola.

-Why's that?

Cos you'll have your exams, university applications.

Not to mention all the parties with the new friends.

Trust me, Abi. You're better off without them.

Ah! I hate my life.

You know what I hate? You moping around like a spoilt child.

That girl needs both of you fighting for her in her corner.

So why don't you drop these histrionics, get a grip

and help her!

So did he force himself on you?

What are you talking about?

-Ben.

-No. Of course not.

So how comes you and him ended up...

I don't know, Pops, all right. It just happened.

I can't get my head around this.

Ben! Our Ben!

You know another one, do you?

All the blokes you could've gone with...

Pops, please just drop it.

He's not even...you know.

Well, he did a good impression that night.

-Was it just the once, yeah?

-Pops. I told you.

I'm not going to talk about this any more. So just shut up.

Just drop it!

What's taking her so long?

Thanks, Kat. So how long have those two been giving each other evils?

-About two hours, I reckon.

-What do you reckon, Tam?

Reckon you can tickle them into submission?

-Bagsy the younger one.

-You should do our comedy night.

Me? Nah. Tam's the funny one here, man.

I'm just the Tom to his Jerry. The Tinchy to his Stryder...

-Oh, my days.

-Looks good, doesn't she?

She looks hot like fire! Where you been all my life?

What do you think of Alice's new look, Kat?

Proper little stunner, ain't she?

I should've known better than to ask you.

What's that supposed to mean?

You're not what you'd call an understated beauty, are you?

You'll be wearing that Scotch if you're not careful.

-I think I should go.

-No, you ain't going anywhere.

Take this and get a bottle of cheap Hungarian.

I've got something here for you.

All right. Me first.

-Jay Brown. Will you be my boyfriend?

-I said I wanted to go first!

You snooze, you lose.

Give me till tomorrow, yeah? Let me think it over.

I love you, you muppet.

I don't care what my mum says. You, Lola, Lexi. You're my family now.

Lola?

I'm sorry about what I did.

-Yeah. How is your hand?

-Nothing a tetanus jab didn't sort.

-Where is she?

-Let's talk in my office.

-You know Lola's pleaded not guilty.

-I just read the report.

-And her friend Abi, she said she'll be her witness didn't she, Lo?

-Yeah.

So when can she come home?

-It's not that straightforward.

-No, my solicitor said...

It doesn't matter what your solicitor says. We have procedures to follow.

-She loves that kid.

-I don't doubt it.

What's more of a concern is whether Lola's able to care for Lexi.

Sit down.

I think if my mum found out about this, she'd die.

Like, I mean literally die. And I don't mean quietly.

We're talking, like, spontaneous self-combustion.

So can I stick your name down or not?

Low-achieving Asian youth telling jokes in a backstreet pub.

Yeah, it can't be any worse than last time.

Disappointed, Alice. Very disappointed.

-Just ignore him, all right.

-I should go home.

No, no, listen, we've only just got here.

No, Dad's right. This just doesn't suit me.

Oi! You never let up, do you?

PHONE RINGS, THEN STOPS

-SHE SHRIEKS

-Oi!

You OK?

You all right?

-Can we have another one of these?

-Yeah.

You calmed down now? I'm just trying to look out for my little girl.

-Not that it's any concern of yours.

-You're suffocating her.

-Don't talk rubbish.

-Wrapping her up like she's some porcelain doll.

-Derek, it's just weird.

-You want to remember who you're talking to.

Does she? Why exactly?

Bottle of white to take away, please, Kat.

Threatening little girls, that's about your level, Del.

-You just can't keep that zipped, can you?

-Mum...

It's all right. I'm not scared of him.

What have you got to say, eh?

Carry on like this, and you'll frighten her away.

I don't need you to tell me how to look after my little girl, thank you very much.

I need some help here, guys!

Alice! Alice! Oh, my God. Sit down.

-Oh, my darling, look at your face.

-I'm fine, I just fell and hit my face.

-What's happened?

-Someone grabbed her bag.

-I'm going to kill him.

Mate, he was on a bike. I tried to grab him, but the scumbag was too quick for me.

-Let's get you sorted.

-You keep your hands off of her, you.

-I'm just trying to help, Derek.

-You've done enough already.

-What's that supposed to mean?

Come on, sweetheart, let me get you home. Come on.

Thanks.

All right.

So this interim care hearing tomorrow...

-Will determine whether Lexi remains in care.

-Till when?

Until we're satisfied you're able to parent her properly.

-How long?

-Up to eight weeks.

-What?

-No.

-During which time Lola will have our full support.

That makes everything all right, then, don't it?

She'll be asked to attend new parenting classes.

No, I don't need that. Tell her, Pops. I don't.

There'll be three weekly contact sessions with Lexi.

Lola will be assessed on her ability to care for her.

She hasn't done anything wrong!

Oi. My Pops is talking to you.

We don't need no care hearing. She's learnt from her mistakes.

-I'm afraid it's out of my hands.

-What are you writing about me?

-Lola, leave it.

-No, I want to know what she has to say about me.

"Nappy rash. Suspected hangover." You'll like this one, Pops.

"Bad timekeeping. Late for three consecutive meetings."

I'll tell you what I think of your poxy folder, shall I?

Now give me back my baby!

I don't think you realise just how serious this is, Lola.

Carry on like this and you'll lose Lexi for good.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd