What Lies Beneath The Dumping Ground

-You're going to knock Ashdene Ridge down.

-This is our home.

We're not giving in.

-Save the DG!

-I've got a two-day pass from the barracks.

I told my CO it was an emergency.

We're moving the sale forward.

You lot will be allocated your new placements over the next week.

You've killed Christmas!

-Thought you'd never come.

-Elektra!

Yo, oldies, newbies!

Tee. Johnny.

And you must be Mr Dumbleby?

SNICKERING

-Dumbleby?

-Don't you know that's what they call you?

Elektra, president of Elm Tree House

and Ashdene Ridge's former resident action group.

Peter, somebody phoned.

You need to check your e-mail.

Oh, that's probably my MP.

She's a total legend.

Circumstances beyond our control.

Suspected site of archaeological interest.

Archae what?

The council are saying there could be Roman remains.

They're delaying the sale?

CHILDREN: YES!

Why did you lie about us?

Tracy has just given £500.

We don't even need it.

I mean, if there's history here, they're not allowed to build.

That's right. Right, Mike?

Yeah. I mean...

I guess.

That is ridiculous!

I mean, what am I going to tell the developers?

That there could be a Roman villa right beneath you?

CHEERING

Roman remains, my elbow.

I'm going to write to those numbskulls

in the council archaeology department.

And I suggest you don't put your packing on hold.

All right?

I'd best be heading back to the base now.

Right. Thanks for all your help, Johnny. Johnny's got to go, guys.

ALL: Bye, Johnny. Bye, Johnny. See you.

Come back another day.

-Can't you stay for longer?

-No need.

You guys have got this now. All right, see you.

ALL: Bye!

Don't say bye, then. Rude.

Roman remains. I'll have Roman remains, don't you worry.

-What the...

-Can I help you?

Oh, I do hope so.

I do well hope so!

We could be at the centre of a massive discovery,

bigger than Hadrian's Wall.

-I'm a Roman!

-Oh.

All hail, Artemis Maximus.

My boss is away.

Sorry?

He's just kiboshed the sale of

unwanted council property to a prestigious developer

and he's not even here to explain himself?

He's on a dig in York.

I have a copy of his e-mail stating

we are stopping the sale pending

further investigations.

Well, I know that. But what further investigations?

Where's your evidence of Roman remains?

-He saw it in the site report.

-Which is where?

My boss is writing it up.

Now, if you don't mind, I am very, very busy.

Right. Right.

Still got it.

Mission Save the Dumping Ground.

At least they didn't charge you.

-That's good.

-That's because they didn't have enough evidence.

-I've got to go back next week.

-We all know that you're innocent.

-Try telling that to Mike.

-He had to report it.

And, anyway, we don't even need the Christmas money to save the DG now.

Are you not coming in to celebrate?

In a bit.

I made you one of your calming teas.

Don't need calming. I've spoken to Brucie.

He's hiring one of his own archaeological experts.

Brucie? He owns the development company?

We'll crush those meddling weasels.

But what if his expert agrees?

Ah, money talks, my sweet.

Ashdene Ridge will be flattened by Christmas.

Hey, I've just had the news people on the phone.

They want to do a special report from here!

Make way for Cleopatra, the Roman Queen!

Cleopatra was ancient Egyptian.

Emperor beats Queen.

Who made you Emperor?

Playing Romans was my idea.

I've got it! Maybe we should all be Romans.

What are you doing? Give that back.

-He's working for Dumbleby.

-No, this is Frank.

I work for the council.

Archaeology department.

-I thought it was planning?

-Well, I got moved.

So you heard about the Roman remains?

-Is that why you're here?

-Yeah, on official business.

What's that? Cool.

Site report. Hang on.

Why is it blank?

You sent that e-mail.

Please don't tell me that this is a scam.

Look, Roman remains can stop building work for years.

-If they're real.

-We had to think quickly.

We?

Elektra.

It's worth it to save the DG.

-Anything?

-No.

-No?

-No.

-No.

-Do you want to say that again?

OK.

Who's going to tell them they're wasting their time?

Suppose they're not? We could always just plant a few.

What sort of old stuff are we talking about?

Coins, lamps, vases.

Frank, shut up!

We cannot fake the site of a whole Roman villa.

Maybe, if it's just a small one.

What other choices have we got?

LOUD BEEPING

Dig.

You've got some in stock now?

That's brilliant. OK, we're on our way.

For a plan B, this is pretty awesome.

I do wish you'd told us though, Tee.

Yeah, but then you might have given it away.

We need more than coins, though.

-Like what?

-Roman brooches.

-Arrowheads.

-They're 90 quid.

Can't we use the fundraising money?

Still saving the DG.

No, that's not ours yet. It's just pledges.

And we're not using donor money for a scam.

I can feel something.

-Treasure?

-Pull me out.

Got it?

It's a cup. It could have belonged to the Roman Emperor.

There's writing. Like Ancient Roman writing.

It's called Latin. I'll get my translator out.

OK... Hang on.

Edward Umbleby, year nine music prize.

Oh, really?

Come on.

All that time for this?

Hey, check it out.

You can't wear that on telly.

What?

-Telly.

-Yeah, a news interview.

-They'll be here in an hour.

-How did we not know about this?

She loves the Romans, apparently.

We're doing themed snacks.

Dormouse with honey.

The producer e-mailed again.

-He wants Alex.

-What?

You know, the boy that did the egging.

To show a different side. Now we're talking positive publicity, kids.

Alex!

We've got an hour to get these buried.

Right, focus, guys. How deep do these need to go?

-Tyler, research.

-Pretty deep,

seeing as they've been undiscovered for thousands of years.

Oh.

Forget that for now. We haven't got the time or the cash.

This is the museum's home page.

What?

Alex.

Say sorry first.

Why did you say we bullied Edward?

I was trying to be his friend.

-I know.

-So why did you lie?

Because Mr Umbleby asked me.

What century are you in?

Eddie used to say something like that.

He should be so proud,

-but he threw all these away the day he got into music college.

-Why?

Because he didn't want to go.

He begged me to let him stay where he was.

Then why did you send him away?

-That's horrible.

-It wasn't me!

So Mr Umbleby bullies all kids - even his own?

Ladies and gentlemen, please remember to call into

our new ancient Roman room, where you can see

some of the rarest artefacts from this period,

such as brooches, arrowheads...

Down that way, yeah. Just over there.

Don't. The police already think you're a thief.

And now you're trying to steal priceless relics?

-Are you nuts?

-Not if I can make people believe me.

It's like Frank said, anything's worth doing to save the DG.

You're an idiot.

Mike, I can't find Alex.

Oh, but there's all the other lovely young people.

-Guys, come.

-Excellent.

Most authentic.

Are we rolling?

Here I am back at Ashdene Ridge,

reporting on the latest surprising development.

It looks like a member of the archaeology team's here already.

Yep. That's me.

I'm going to do some standard soil tests and send them off to the lab.

No, this is Elektra. She's a former resident.

I know where buried treasure is.

No, no, you don't.

Is that a Roman coin?

OK, busted!

The little rats have been digging.

You know what young ones are like with their shiny things.

Wow, that's amazing, guys!

It shouldn't be shiny.

Roman coins only look like that when they've been professionally cleaned.

We've been hoaxed.

Drop the innocent act.

-Hoax?

-You must have been in on this, too.

-Some role model you are!

-No...

Well, you lot have truly excelled yourselves this time.

This is not the burger dive scam.

This could have cost the council hundreds of thousands of pounds!

Plan A didn't work, Mike.

-And we didn't have a lot of time.

-It's no excuse.

If we're going to save the DG, it had to be honestly.

-I'm appalled!

-So what do we do now?

Well, you'll lose your job.

That's a year's training down the drain.

I'm sorry, Frank.

-What about us?

-First thing tomorrow morning I'll start firming up

-your new placements.

-But, Mike...

There is nothing to stop Umbleby from selling us now.

Nothing.

Kids.

Just remembering it all.

You were a terrible roommate.

I wasn't.

Moody, grumpy, you wouldn't share anything.

I should probably go to work. See you on the other side.

You promised you'd keep looking.

Look, there's nowhere suitable.

I'm sorry.

The only place that's suitable for Chloe and Ryan

is too close to where you live.

And you have to think about your safety.

She can share my room.

That's not possible.

Candi-Rose needs me.

And just... Please.

It's OK. You go with Ryan.

You can visit. You know, it's an hour on the train.

Look, I promise, I'll phone you every day.

When you all leaving?

Whenever our social workers come to pick us up.

Can't believe you're going back to live with your mum.

-Cheaper for them, isn't it?

-Not if it stresses her out.

Sends her back to hospital again.

He's done seven deals in the last year.

Dumbleby's social media.

Just stop it now, Tyler.

Whenever they sell any land, they're the company that buys it.

That doesn't matter.

All that matters now is where we're going.

I don't want to be stuck in some manky flat without you.

Oh, shush, Jones.

-This is important.

-No.

You're just freaked out about living with your mum,

-but you won't even deal with it.

-I am dealing with it.

By trying to stop us leaving.

You can't.

It's over.

Dumbleby calls him Brucie, the boss of the development firm.

And he said money talks.

So he could be talking bribes.

Didn't you say Frank used to work for the planning department?

I don't want to be fostered.

I didn't like it last time.

Yeah, but we've met them.

And they've got no kids of their own,

so things are going to be different this time, remember?

Erm, May-Li.

There's been a change of plan.

I'm going with Elektra.

-What?

-She's fostering me.

Why not?

You're not a foster carer, for starters.

I'm family. We're a family of Dumping Ground kids,

that's what you and Mike always say.

You're not fostering Floss.

Well, not by midday today, anyway.

Can I go with Jodie instead?

Jodie's going into a semi-independent flat, Finn.

I can do that. I can be semi-independent.

Your new foster parents are collecting you both at 12, OK?

And it's not up for negotiation.

I don't understand.

I saw the plans in the town hall.

But for this page. You didn't check next door.

So Dumbleby's selling his house to the developers, too.

But it's more than just a house.

Mrs Dumbleby got left it by her aunt Agatha.

So Brucie must have made it worthwhile.

What do you get off a developer who owns prestige luxury homes?

A house?

This has got to be illegal.

Kids. Come down!

Is my social worker here yet?

-It's not 12 yet.

-I can smell roast turkey.

Can't let you go without a bit of Christmas dinner!

Have you found anything yet?

You said you could hack into the land registry title.

I am, there's no Umbleby anywhere.

Well, have you checked all the new Cruickman houses?

-Yes.

-You must be spelling it wrong.

It's U-M-B...

I know how it's spelled.

He's not getting a house. You're wrong.

I can't be.

I have to prove he's dodgy or we have nothing on him.

You've got an hour. Say goodbye to Jodie.

I can't.

Hey. Come on.

Let's do this.

Finn?

Come on, guys.

You were all going to leave some day.

This is just a bit earlier than planned, that's all.

Foster care, it could be great.

And I've seen those flats.

They're smart. Bit of independence.

No Mike and May-Li nipping at your heels.

We'll call you.

-Keep in touch?

-Always.

You'll bounce back from this.

It could be the best thing ever.

The next step in your amazing futures.

-Yeah?

-What about you guys?

Look, every single one of us will always have the DG.

Here, here.

It's not a building. It's an idea.

All the memories we've made, all the stuff we shared, friendships,

laughter, tears...

..will always be with you.

And us. Forever.

Wherever we are.

Family is family.

Are you OK?

It's Tyler.

He's not even here.

Right! Crackers, everyone, please.

I want silly hats on in five seconds flat.

Come on. Come on.

Three, two, one!

# I know there's somewhere better Cos you always take me there

# Came to you with a broken faith

# Gave me more than a hand to hold

# Caught before I hit... #

THUD

Wait. What's this?

Nothing, it's just a little Christmas gesture.

There must be hundreds.

Hang on.

The money that was nicked from Al's.

-It was you.

-No!

Mr Umbleby.

I told him about #SaveTheDG. He must have seen the money.

-I've got to go.

-Why?

Just tell me. It's all right for you, you can buy a new home.

But we get split up. Miles from each other.

Do you even know how that feels?

Yes, I do.

I miss Edward.

Well, then, why not try to stop him?

I found the money in Mr Umbleby's desk.

Maybe he paid for someone to do it, I don't know,

but he was the one who gave the eyewitness statement.

-He set Alex up.

-I just wish it would all stop.

I like living here.

I used to spend my summers here.

With my Aunt Agatha and Granny Goodridge.

Believe me, they would never have wanted any of this.

Frank, I've got a new name.

It was right under our noses the whole time.

Yeah. It's the flats.

Goodridge Heights. Search Goodridge.

G-O-O-D...

Mr Umbleby. The kids are refusing to leave

until the bulldozers force them out.

It's going to get nasty.

You really are the most incompetent man alive.

Make way.

Right. Listen, brats...

No. You listen.

We know you framed Alex.

Which is a pretty disgusting thing for an adult to do.

Do you want to say something?

Don't be ridiculous.

We didn't think you'd admit it.

What about your little house swap with Brucie?

-What?

-Yeah, Bruce Cruickman, your mate.

I've absolutely no idea what you're talking about.

And you have precisely 25 minutes to get out.

You can stop filming, you silly girl.

You must recognise this.

-What?

-It's yours.

Or, rather, your wife's.

As it was registered in her name - Goodridge?

Oh, and that's probably because you didn't want the council to know

you're getting a free five-bedroom executive mansion.

-Janet.

-You know, she doesn't actually want to leave here.

Have you even asked her?

You're a nasty man for sending your son away.

You have precisely 25...

Oh, no.

..24 minutes to stop that sale.

And resign from being councillor.

And get Frank his job back.

Or that baby goes viral.

No...

That's...

Janet!

ALL: Yes!

# Are you hanging up your stockings... #

Right, we have something for each and every one of you.

-Here you go.

-Thank you.

If the royals won't come to you...

Oh, very funny.

Alex, here you go.

Wow!

There we go. Perfect!

Rubber eggs.

Chuck as many of them as you want now.

I like your jumper, Frank.

Oh, well, I like yours.

You look beautiful.

Really? I want it to be this day forever.

I used to dream of a proper family Christmas.

And we had one all along.

Will I be here next Christmas?

Who knows what the future holds, but if you leave here,

it'll be because it's best for you, not for anyone else.

OK, Mike.

-Oh, my gosh.

-What do you think, Finn?

We forgot to get you guys presents.

Oh, well, lucky for you, we've got our gifts right here.

Oh, looking after all you lot!

Merry Christmas, everyone.

ALL: Yeah! Merry Christmas.

-Best Christmas ever.

-Yeah.

# So here it is, Merry Christmas

# Everybody's having fun

# Look to the future now

# It's only just begun. #