Ladies of the Day Doctors

MUSIC BLARES THROUGH HEADPHONES

You'll make me late, you will!

You want a lift to school? No, I've got an online tutorial.

Everything's online these days.

Oh, did I tell you? The King's Arms has block-booked us until Christmas.

Oh, that's terrific!

Ooh, you'll be on Top Of The Pops next!

That's not been on for, like, a decade.

You know what I mean.

There, all finished.

Mum, I've, er...I've been thinking.

With the music going so well and that, I want to focus on it.

You know, like, proper focus on it.

I-I don't want to go to sixth form.

What?!

The band's gathering momentum. We're getting a real fan base.

We want to make the labels sit up and take notice of us.

You've got plenty of time for that further down the line.

I want to give the band a proper go now.

It's two years. Hanging out with your mates, smoking whatever.

It's hardly a prison sentence.

I don't know why you care so much about a bit of paper!

You don't understand. Education's important.

It'll open doors, give you some security.

I thought you'd be pleased. School fees are, like, massive.

You wouldn't have to work such long hours.

I've told you, that's not a problem.

I really enjoy my work.

Do you?

Um...Ruhma's on visits.

Is Heston about? Yeah, yeah. Come on in. Visitor.

What a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you?

Did Mum tell you her and Alia are going shopping tonight?

Yeah, she mentioned it. I thought I might join them.

I could do with a pair of new shoes. This is what she does!

Lures you in and before you know it,

you're trapped in The Bullring for hours on end.

No. Me and you need to avoid it at all costs.

It can't be that bad.

I'm telling you, they take ages. It's so boring!

We need something to do. Something Mum-proof.

Well, what do you suggest?

Well, I was thinking bowling.

Pitch it as a boys' night.

You know, me and you bonding and that.

Bowling? Ah, it sounds wonderful. Shall I book?

I'm on it.

I want to make up for the other day.

Um...I'll text you the deets,

but you'll tell Mum, yeah? See you later.

Gosh!

The only time Chris would ever spend with me at that age was under duress.

I think that boy is up to something.

No, he wants to get out of shopping. It's perfectly understandable.

If you say so. I think it's nice.

He obviously sees you as part of the family.

Right, I've got to go. I've got that foster-training thing.

You would think that having a family already would count for something.

At least they're being thorough. That's one word for it.

MUSIC BLARES THROUGH PHONE

I think I'm a bit old for this.

I mean, I wouldn't know how to dance to it.

You all right, petal? You seem a bit...you know.

Oh, it's nothing.

Teenagers, eh? Mm.

Over 5,000 likes.

When he becomes a global superstar, make sure he remembers his old ma.

I'm not old yet, ya cheeky mare!

Let's crack on.

Oh. This came for you this morning.

Right! We've got a few regulars.

Mr Potts at 4:30.

Oh! Sheila, the usual.

Mr Townsley is at five, Grace.

He's new - to us, anyway.

He requested The Girlfriend Experience.

Annie, you've got the Marshalls at six.

Sweet married couple.

And I've got my usual Monday lot.

DOORBELL

THEY CHUCKLE

Hello, gorgeous. My name's Roxxie.

Do you know what you're after today?

Everything.

OK, gorgeous. This way.

And off you go.

Turn around 180 degrees.

Stop, stop, stop! Feet together. Right, OK. Three steps forward.

Two, three. Take two steps to your left.

No, your other left! Other left.

I don't know my left from my right.

That's all right. One more.

Stop! Three steps forward.

What...? Where in the flipping...? Stop! Stop! Stop! Stop!

One... Now, more step to your right.

No clues, remember. This is about trusting your partner.

And stop. Walk forward.

One... Stop! Feet together.

Right, get down on your hands and knees. What?! What do you mean?!

Just get on your hands and knees! Yeah, yeah. Oh, whoa! Yep.

That's it! On your hands and knees. Oh, my God! If I hurt myself...

Yes, I'll never hear the end of it. Come on, crawl forward.

Keep going, keep going. Quick, quick, quick!

And stand up, stand up, stand up, stand up!

Wahey! Oh, Martin!

Done! High five!

We have our winners! Everyone else, carry on.

We won?! Ha-ha!

Trusting someone completely is really hard. You did great.

Who'd have thought that she takes orders well?

Don't get any ideas. HE CHUCKLES

It's not so bad here, you know, once you settle in.

Get out! Argh!

Grace? Grace!

You OK?!

What happened?

Thought he could get a freebie. I told him where to go.

Is it bad?

It's not deep. It might need a couple of stitches.

I think you need to go to the hospital.

It's OK. I know someone I can go to.

I'll come with you. It's fine.

Anyhow, you need to hold the fort.

Keep an eye on Sheila. I'm worried about her.

She'll toughen up.

Remember when you first started?

I didn't think you'd last a week.

And look at you now.

You all right, petal? Honestly?

The blindfold exercise is a challenge, isn't it?

But when you get a foster child,

that's how you start off - in the dark.

So trust is really important,

working together to do your best for that child.

Are you ready for the next task?

OK. Let's go around.

I'd like you to share with the group

your partner's traits

that you think will help them make an excellent foster carer.

Karen. Um...

this is Rob, my husband.

And...I don't know what I'd do without him.

He's strong for me, and our family.

And despite the roughty-toughty exterior, he's a real softie.

And that's what makes him a great dad and, um...

I think it'll make him a great foster dad.

Thank you. Rob.

Oh. Er...I don't know. My mind's gone blank.

Er...there's too many things to mention, I would say, really.

I think the foster kids would really like

how many times you change the colour of your hair.

No, I'm not... I'm joking. No, seriously, though, er...

Yeah, er...she's got a good sense of humour

and she really, really, she REALLY knows her own mind.

Which I suppose is another way of saying that she's bossy.

Oi! And you can never get the last word in.

Thanks, Rob(!) Ooh, you see what I mean?

HE CHUCKLES Thank you, Rob. Maria.

You make me sound like a real harridan.

SHE SIGHS

Ow! Sorry.

So, go on, then. How did it happen?

The usual. Punter wanting something for nothing.

Well, you're lucky it's not going to need stitches.

Was it a regular?

Think it was his first time.

He didn't have enough so I said, "No can do."

Smacked me right there. I think his nail caught me.

What a scumbag.

Oh, it's nothing. I've had worse.

Well, I think you should take the rest of the day off.

Yeah, think I will.

How are things?

You know. I'm coping.

You got friends and family here who can support you?

I'm used to getting by on my own.

How old's your boy now? He must be, what, 16?

15. Growing up so fast.

Grace, does he know?

No, he doesn't. And he mustn't find out.

Tony's a good kid.

I love him to bits, but he's got his head in the clouds.

Thinks he's going to be a rock star.

Maybe he will be.

So what does he think you do?

Personal assistant.

Look, I best be off.

OK. Well, keep it clean, yeah? Thanks, yeah.

Grace? PHONE RINGS

Hello?

Ha! Looks like you're about to do the moonwalk.

I'm trying to get in the zone.

It's been a while since I went bowling.

Yeah, yeah, get your excuses in early, man.

Or are you just bluffing?

Well, we'll see.

PHONE MESSAGE TONE

OK, that's your mum. She says they're going to be late -

we should eat without them.

What did I tell you? Anyways, you're up.

Oh!

Never much good at sport.

Bowling's not a sport.

It's not like it's in the Olympics or anything like that.

So, how's school?

Almost got thrown out of chemistry.

Got the wrong amounts of hydrogen peroxide and potassium iodide.

Foam everywhere!

My teacher said something like I've got no common sense.

I was chatting about you,

about how you're a doctor and all of that.

And he said he'd be terrified if I followed in your footsteps

as I might amputate an arm instead of a leg.

Oh! Damn!

I think you need to work on getting into the zone.

What are you doing?

You should be at home with your feet up.

You know what they say -

best to get straight back on the horse.

You can help me with transformation time.

You'll look like Dita Von Teese by the time I'm done with you.

DOORBELL RINGS

You're not going to be done in time.

How's about you sit this one out?

Sheila! Do you mind, love?

Why do you do this?

You could've got out years ago.

It's not like you haven't had offers.

SHE LAUGHS

I know you're not short for cash.

The hours are unsociable,

you've got strangers constantly coming and going

and you always have to put on an act,

even when you don't feel like it.

Especially when you don't feel like it.

Well, we have a laugh, don't we?

You girls are like family.

We look out for one another.

Only cos we have to.

I like to think that whenever I take a girl in,

I don't just give her a job -

I give her a support network,

help her get back on her feet.

Like you.

If you didn't do this, what would you do?

Well, this is me. I don't want to do anything else.

You've got to retire at some point.

Well, then I guess I'll have to start charging you girls commission.

It's the shock, petal. You'll be over it in no time.

Look at me.

Beautiful.

Hello. Oh, hi. Is Grace in? I've got a package for her.

Oh, it's all right. I'll take it.

Erm...she left it earlier. It's OK, I can take it to her.

I thought she was at work?

She is. She stopped by for a cuppa.

Sorry, you are?

I'm a friend - Ayesha. You must be Tony?

Yeah. How do you know her?

We go way back.

Well, that's her name, but that's not our address.

Oh, erm...

Will you tell her I stopped by? Have a nice night, yeah?

Oi, wait. What's this?

Grace, it's Ayesha. Will you call me as soon as you get this, please?

Listening is the secret of being a good foster parent.

How many of you think you're good listeners?

Brill. Let's do a listening game. Everyone stand up.

Follow my words.

Raise your hands in the air -

like you just don't care. THEY CHUCKLE

Right, now, put your right hand, touch it to your left knee.

Great.

OK, take your right index finger and place it on your forehead.

THEY CHUCKLE

See how we take listening for granted? Take a seat.

OK, it's important for a foster parent to communicate well -

not only with your foster child

but with the multidisciplinary team around you,

such as social workers or teachers or the like.

So, I've got these.

Tonight, Matthew, we're going to have a debate.

Thank you.

OK. I love a debate.

Hey.

Why are you following me? It's weird.

I can give her that.

I'm here now. Might as well.

Wait. Look. I wouldn't.

What's going on? It's my mum, isn't it?

Tell me.

You've got to understand.

Mums try their best, but it's not always enough.

So?

Grace, she's a great mum. Always puts you first.

I can't stop you going in if you want to,

but whatever's behind that door, it doesn't change anything -

she's still the same person.

Pandora's box.

Once it's open, there's no going back.

Wait a minute, this is supposed to be my turn.

What if there's an emergency? What if there's an accident?

What if the child is in danger? What if the accident is caused...

All should be allowed a mobile... ..by a little kid with a mobile...

..regardless of their age! ..not paying attention?

Let me stop you there. Well done, a very heated debate.

And I know that you've both taken opposite sides

for the purpose of the debate.

Yeah. But what I wanted to ask you, Rob,

is how did you feel about Karen talking over you?

Well, I'm used to that. She never listens to my point of view.

Karen, sometimes you can be too focused

on what you're going to say next.

Active listening is about really hearing someone else.

Will you stop showing off? I'm not showing off.

You're being insufferable. I want my husband back.

Hello, gorgeous, what you...?

Mum?

What are...what are you wearing?

JOJO: You all right, doll?

What's going on?

Mum, no, you'd never...

You're a prostitute?

CRYING: I'm so sorry.

Tony!

Tony! Stay away from me!

Grace, I'm so sorry. I couldn't stop him.

Tony... Grace, I need you to calm down, OK?

I need you to breathe with me, OK?

Tony - go after him!

Look after her, OK?

Tony? Tony, wait!

It's all right.

How could she do this?

Listen, I think you need to come and talk to her.

It's not like your Michelin star, or whatever you call it, but I like it.

Oh, it was very good.

Would be nice to have a proper knife and fork.

We used to come to places like this when we were little.

Dad used to let us eat with our fingers.

Funny how you remember the small stuff.

Haven't seen him much, though, since we left.

Not that I blame Mum.

She had a tough time.

But she always put me and Alia first - no matter what.

I hope she knows that we really appreciate her.

I'm sure she does.

She protected us from the worst of it.

I'm not too sure if she told you what he was like.

Not a great deal.

Mum never talks about him. Doesn't mean we don't know.

I'm just pleased she had the courage to move on.

Yeah. Well, it's made her the woman she is. Exactly.

How much do you actually know?

Well, it's hardly a secret, and it was a long time ago.

But we left when I was still in nappies.

And yet you remember being allowed to eat with your fingers?

I know this has been a shock. For both of you.

I'm sorry you had to find out like this.

Why didn't you tell me? How could I?

What's that? Present from a satisfied customer?

It's nothing.

And I'm guessing you're not really a friend, either.

I'm a nurse at the Mill.

Your mum came in to see me earlier.

All these lies.

You going to work every day, but really you're just coming here.

Was my dad a punter? No.

No, your dad was just...

We were young. He couldn't cope.

I don't get it.

Why? How long?

Please, Tony. I'm sorry.

Tell me.

Since you were little.

The reason I've never told you...

was because I wanted to protect you.

The only person you're trying to protect is yourself.

So, how many other people know this is what you really do?

I'm ashamed.

Grace, explain.

Explain what?

I want you to tell me about Dad - the truth.

Mum refuses to tell us anything.

I'm sure she's got her reasons.

I don't even know what he looks like.

I could've walked past him on the street

and I wouldn't have even known.

Have you tried talking to her? Dad's off limits. You clearly know.

Tell me, please.

Shak, even if I agree, it's not my place.

It's just...how am I meant to know who I really am

if I don't even know where I've come from?

Whatever it is, I'm old enough to deal with it.

Shak, I'm really sorry, but...

Has this whole "boy's night" been an elaborate attempt to butter me up?

Being constantly broke...

..it's all you can think about.

It's exhausting.

One day I just thought..."No more."

That's when I started.

It was the year I took you to Weston for your birthday.

Our first-ever day trip.

But, Mum, it's not like that any more.

We're better off now.

You've seen where we live.

Why are you still doing this?

The house doesn't pay for itself.

Then there's the school fees.

I don't even like it there. I'd rather be at Selwood High.

I don't get it.

I'm happy doing what I'm doing.

This is me.

How can you say that?!

He's right, you know. You can find something else.

You told me this morning that you didn't want to go to sixth form

and all this time I'd been telling myself that I was doing it for you,

to give you a better life and a better future.

This is all cos of me.

I'm...I'm so sorry.

No. It's not your fault.

Please, sweetheart, understand.

This is my choice.

It's always been my choice.

Thank you for today. How did you find it?

Possibly harder than we thought.

Don't be too hard on yourselves. You did brill.

I feel like we messed up.

What's really great about you two is that you really trust each other.

That's a great foundation.

Thanks. Thank you.

And I'm sorry, love. I didn't mean to show off.

I was just...well, trying to make a good impression, that's all.

You were nervous after last time.

See, I know you very well.

And I know that you don't have to worry -

you're going to be a great foster dad.

Thank you. SHE LAUGHS

Go on.

Look after yourself, yeah?

Come on.

You all right?

Bit of a shock, that's all.

I thought you'd be going with them.

Can't walk out in the middle of a shift.

And anyway...after everything that's gone on today,

I've decided this is what I want to do.

Really?

Yeah, of course.

You're not like the other girls, Grace.

You always said this was short term,

a vehicle to something else.

I thought you were on my side.

I am. And trust me, I...I don't want to lose you.

But why are you still here - really?

I'm scared.

We're all scared, petal.

I've done this so long.

What else am I good for?

You can do anything. Finish your education. Re-train.

It's too late for all that. No such thing.

When I first came here, I was petrified.

More scared than I've ever been.

And I've got through it.

You're right.

It's time for me to go.

I'll miss your ugly mug.

Thank you.

For everything.

Should have listened to you. "Pandora's box".

You going to be OK?

Wait, Tony. Wait.

Look, it was the only way I could think of to get answers.

This scheming - it's not like you.

And how would you know what I'm like?

You know what, I thought we got on, that you could help.

But forget it. My dad's not your problem.

Shak, come on.

It's family stuff. Nothing to do with you.

Shak! Shak... Shak!

SHE CHUCKLES Thank you.

Please(!)

Ten days ago, and you didn't tell me?

I could kill you sometimes.

We've got his name and place of birth from the wedding certificate.

Can't be that difficult to find.

Find what?

I've got no problem with recruiting an in-class spy.

You'll be head of the governors in no time.

BEEPING

What exactly happened? No idea.

How are we supposed to treat him when we don't know what's wrong?

If something happens to me... I'd love it if you took the kids.

BEEPING Dad...! Anyone!

His throat's swelling. Fletch, you've got to help me...

Don't miss Holby City,

next Tuesday at 8:00 on BBC One.

The stars are out for a glittering night of awards,