09/05/2014 EastEnders Omnibus

Right, you two can manage the kids today, can't you?

I'll only be over the car lot, if you need me.

Yeah. Course. Listen, Tiff's been asking a lot of questions.

Look, it's a bank holiday. Take them up the pictures or something.

Here you are. Treat yourself to some nosh afterwards.

No. I think they'd probably prefer it if we all stayed in together

-and watched a film.

-Whitney, have some fun. Go on, take it.

Right, I've got to go. See you later.

You can come through now.

I can't remember the last time

-you slept here.

-You standing in for Lady Di as the guard dog?

If you move in with her, you'll end up right back where you started -

black and blue and looking for an escape route.

I live here, Shirl. Me Bill, you Ben, remember?

We've got to keep it together. Yeah?

-You all right, Mum?

-Hello, darling. Yeah.

-Cheers, Abs.

-Whoa. Do we really need all this?

Yeah. I told ya, we're doing things properly today.

Your mum's dropping Oscar off.

It's going to be me, my kids and a tonne of grub.

Then, we just close the door and act like nothing bad ever happens.

Take them indoors, Abs.

Give me a break, Lauren, all right?

Got Carol in hospital, we're still waiting for the results of these gene tests.

-I'm trying to create a few happy memories from today.

-Some people don't have that option.

Let me take this round to Peter and Ian.

Oh, for crying out loud.

-Don't fuss, darling.

-How are you feeling?

Better, no thanks to you.

Sorry, Nurse. She's just feeling a bit guilty, blaming herself.

Who said I'm blaming myself? I'm not the oncology nurse.

I'm not the one trained to notice the signs of an infection like this.

Sometimes there aren't any signs.

This is not her fault. Just leave her alone.

Look, I know how scary this is.

But sometimes, these infections just take a hold without any warning.

So what are you saying - this could happen again at the drop of a hat?

Am I allowed some more water?

-Of course you are.

-How are we supposed to live like this?

One minute, she's fine - no fever, no pain,

-no nothing. Next minute...

-It won't happen again.

You don't know that, Mum. She did just say, these things can happen with no warning.

She said "sometimes".

We can't go on like this -

-practically destitute, Patrick on my back, if I so much as sneeze.

-Maybe if you talked to him, Nan...

Nah, Dexter, he wants us gone. And I was never one to beg.

We've got to find a deposit for a new place, sharpish.

Well, what if you didn't have to fork out for a two-bed, though?

-Be much easier for you to afford a bedsit?

-Where would you sleep?

-On the hot plate?

-No. Me and Jay have been looking for somewhere.

He's been feeling like a spare one ever since Sharon moved back in and Phil would lend him the money.

You know I love living with you, Nan, but what choice have we got?

Yeah. We've got to do what we've got to do.

All right. Hanging out with your nan again? Very street.

Says the girl who lives with her grandad. You give it, I'll give it straight back.

-You ready?

-We've still got to pick Jay up on the way.

-All right, Nan, see you later, yeah.

-Take care, kids.

Your mum said you'd slipped over here. I need you back in the bar.

-It'll be standing room only by lunchtime.

-Why can't Johnny do it?

He don't work for me no more. I pay your wages, liven yourself up.

-Don't worry. Laser Quest can wait.

-That is so not the point, at all.

Oi.

Give us a couple of them sticky buns, please.

-I had everything under control.

-Mum, you collapsed in the street.

That don't seem very

-in control to me.

-I was taking my temperature, like they told me to.

-And it was fine, yeah?

-I didn't want to stop

and make a fuss, for the sake of a couple of degrees.

-Mum, honestly!

-Why didn't you say something?

Cos I didn't think it was a big deal,

what with Sonia worried out of her mind about everything

and you two at each other's throats.

Tell me what you two were fighting about,

instead of getting on my back?

It was nothing.

Is it Carol?

Eh? No, we've had a break-in at the car lot.

-Place is in a right state.

-Did they nick any motors?

No, I keep all the keys in the safe. Scuppered their little joyride.

Did CCTV catch anything?

No. I've been going through the files on that,

but some of them appear to be corrupted or missing.

Could you come over and help me restore the backups?

-Did you not get to the pictures, then, Whit?

-No.

-Why?

They didn't want to. I got a DVD from that rental place, instead.

Listen, can we all go and see Carol later? For a visit, all together?

-The little 'uns are not allowed.

-Come on, Grandad, please?

-No!

-The kids want to know that their gran's going to be all right.

None of us know that, Whitney!

Come on. I've got other things to worry about. Sorry, but...

What's the matter with you?

You look like a bulldog that's been chewing a stinging nettle.

And not a good-looking one, like Lady Di, either.

I swear down, I am, literally, THE lowest rung of the food chain here.

You're co-landlady and I'm, like, plankton.

Tina around?

No, she's out. Said something about a hot date with someone who's not a scumbag.

Tina!

We need crisps, plankton.

I thought you were working?

Early shift. I'm meeting Aleks and Jake for a drink - trying to get us all bonding.

What, before you spring the washing-up rota on 'em?

Look, speaking of which...

The offer is still on the table.

But, in the meantime, I want you to be able to pop in whenever you feel like it.

What, until she's part of the furniture?

Sorry, big ears. Not an open discussion, actually.

Bill and Ben, remember?

Erm, it's a really nice idea,

but you'd probably better check with the lads first.

How're you getting on?

One sec.

That's it - all the footage since before Easter.

Someone must have deleted the original files by mistake.

Right. All right, mate, thank you.

Where do you get your brains from, eh?

Like I don't know.

I can sit here and do that, if you want to go and see Nan.

Eh?

No, she's all right. She's got your mum and Sonia looking out for her, ain't she?

I'm best off here holding the fort.

Thanks, Liam. Appreciate it.

She could've died, you know that?

Sonia!

There's no point being in denial.

Me and you, we've got to face up to the facts. We could've lost her.

You know, even when we weren't talking...

..I always knew she was there.

If I couldn't pick up the phone...

You and Mum mean the world to me. Do you know that?

I shouldn't have gone in all guns blazing.

Sometimes my mouth just works quicker than my brain.

I'm so sorry I've caused so much aggro between us.

If I ever lost either of ya...

It could be my little girl sitting outside that ICU room,

seeing if I'm going to pull through.

Don't say that. It might not even happen.

But what if it does?

What if Rebecca suffers cos I'm not brave enough to face the facts?

That's a shame about Laser Quest.

It's all right. I said I'd meet them in the Vic later,

so, this way, I get to spend time with you and my mates.

The market's packed. Everyone's just doing their shopping,

stuffing themselves with food.

It is a bank holiday. It's what people do.

Everyone's just acting like things have gone back to normal.

The police ain't doing nothing,

meanwhile Peter's just shut up in his house with no-one to talk to.

Lauren, all you need is a quiet day in with us.

You are all as bad as each other, do you know that?

All you care about is getting on with your own poxy lives.

Lauren, don't go.

I need some air.

What are you creeping about for, you weirdo?

You couldn't sneak me out a pint, could ya?

Only your old lady will make me put my hand in my pocket.

Too right she will. No free rides round here, Grandad.

I need to talk to my daughter.

What's this about you being treated like plankton?

There was me thinking Shirley might've kept her mouth shut

as some crazy experiment...

You are treated exactly the same as your brothers -

you always have, always will be.

Is that why Johnny's barely lifted a finger since we moved in

and Lee's been partying and pulling birds the whole time he was home?

You've all had to pull your weight.

It ain't my fault the boys have got other things going on.

Right. So just cos I'm here day in, day out, I get taken advantage of?

Nice one.

Oh go on, Tanya, it's only a couple of hundred, just so me

and Dexter can get a place of our own, yeah?

Go cap in hand to him? No, thanks.

I'll call you at the weekend. Have a proper chat.

Bye, darling.

You all right, sweetheart?

Peter's not answering the door. His phone's going straight to voice mail.

And everyone else is acting like nothing's happened.

That's the thing about life.

It's got a nasty habit of going on.

Yeah. Until one day it just doesn't.

She never saw it coming, Nan. She had plans.

I think I'd want to know.

I could... I could just drink that whole bottle.

And at least it'd be my choice. It'd be in my control.

All right, stop this right now.

Maybe I'd be better off.

What do you think Lucy would say?

If she had a choice, to be here or not? Go on.

What do you think she'd say?

It's just so pointless, Nan.

It doesn't make sense.

No, it doesn't. Not by a long shot.

Come on, darling, let's get you home.

How're you doing? All right?

What's the matter? Is it Carol?

No. It's not Carol, Max.

Can we go in the kitchen?

I should've known better than to believe anything that comes out your mouth, Max.

You and Lucy were over, were you?

Yeah. I told you already.

What's all this about?

When did you last see her?

I don't know. Ages ago.

Ages ago? Funny, cos I've just seen

footage of you two together on the car lot on Good Friday.

You forgot to delete the backups, didn't you?

Right little bust-up you had.

All right, fair enough. So what? I lied. It weren't over.

All she done was come over for a talk. We had a little spat and that was it, she left.

Nah, nah. No way. There's more to it than that.

-Otherwise you wouldn't have deleted the files.

-See, if you're going to jump to conclusions,

the police are bound to, ain't they?

All I'm doing is protecting myself, the business, and you.

You make a mug of me once - more fool me.

-You try and do it twice...

-What? What're you going to do?

-I'm going to the police. Let them deal with your mess.

-What's the matter?

-You ain't thinking straight!

-I'm done getting in the middle of other people's situations.

I'm washing my hands of this one.

So you want the car lot on all the front pages, do you?

Cos if that business goes down, how are you going to feed the family?

Dad.

Ladies.

There you are.

Cheers.

-Jay, you know the first thing to do when we get this flat?

-What's that?

Me and you have got to go and we've got to get a big fat dirty TV.

50 inches - nothing less. Reckon that'll do us.

50 inches?

I thought you lot were always saying size didn't matter.

Yeah, well it does. I'll let you play on my console any time you want, darling.

Wow! Do you know what? I'd rather fashion my own arm into a kebab

and eat it, but thank you so much.

Mate, if you was in a school playground now,

you'd be pulling her hair.

So? What's wrong with you, man?

Yeah, could you give me the number of Walford police station, please?

All right, darling? How's your mum?

She wants to see ya.

Eh? Why? What's happened?

Dunno. She just wants to see you.

-She never said nothing.

-She wouldn't do, would she? She don't, does she?

Just like she didn't say she felt ill before she collapsed.

-Like she didn't say she found a lump as soon as she'd found it.

-Darling, don't. Come on. Sh.

-Hey, hey...

-I mean, let's face it, even if her leg was dropping off she

wouldn't say anything, would she, until she was hopping or something.

Look, calm down. It'll be all right.

Look, just go. Just go. She wants to see you.

Don't worry, Bianca. Please, don't worry.

Do us a favour, Nance? You couldn't grab us a pack of salt and vinegar crisps, could you?

Thanks, Nance. You're making today a real pleasure.

Look, I've shared flats before.

Things'll be better for everyone if we have a drink now and again.

And if we've got any problems, we talk it out.

No passive aggression, no stealing each other's milk. Deal?

Deal.

All right.

Any chance of Tina moving in officially,

so we can make this thing cheaper for everyone?

Can I ask you something?

You and Tina - would you actually live together...

like a real couple?

Oh, ho! Wow.

You're not serious?

Oh! Hey, no, no, I'm all for it.

Anything to keep life interesting. I mean...

LAUGHTER

It don't matter, anyway.

Doesn't look like it's going to be an issue.

Oi. Watch the bar for a bit, I've got an errand to run.

Yeah, cos we're rushed off our feet!

Which is why I ain't had five minutes to myself.

Nancy's got the hump and I need to sort it. Family trumps business.

-Wotcher.

-Hey.

-Bianca said you wanted to see me.

Yeah. The consultant came past.

-My blood count's up.

-Good.

-And I'm responding well to the antibiotics.

So I should be able to come home tomorrow.

Oh, great.

Course, it doesn't mean much, not really.

I could be straight back here in a couple of weeks.

Well, let's look on the bright side, shall we?

I'd rather be realistic, David.

Either I pull through this or I don't - and we've no idea

which way it's going to go and no way to influence things.

We just have to wait and see.

Well, while we're waiting, let's try and be a bit glass half full, shall we?

My face is hurting from painting on a smile.

I can do it in front of Sonia and Bianca, and the kids.

But you and me need to admit the truth.

We can't keep pretending.

Not when the door's shut and it's just the two of us.

I really am scared.

And I know you are, as well.

All this running around after the kids, working all hours

is cos you can't bear to sit in this room with me.

That's... that's not true, Carol. It's not.

I think it is. I think it is, because when you're here, the truth

is staring you in the face.

Please stop. Stop...

I know - I know the future seems terrifying at the minute.

You don't have to be strong in front of me, David.

It's all right.

It's all right...

I love you.

-Come on.

-One of the things that I've learnt watching Sonia and Bianca the

last couple of weeks is how easily this family can tear itself apart.

And we can't let that happen.

Whether I pull through this or I don't, this family has to survive.

You, you have to do everything you can to stop it falling apart.

OK? Whatever it takes. For me.

What if I can't, Carol? What if I...?

Hey. Hey, look at me, David.

We've spent our lives running away, you and me.

But we're different now.

You can do this - I so believe in you.

Can I come in here with you?

They're watching the Muppets in there, it's doing my head in.

Dad, I'm sorry about before,

I didn't mean to take things out on you.

I know none of this is your fault.

Sit down.

You all right? You don't look very well.

I'm not the dad you deserve, Lauren. All right.

Dad, what's wrong?

Listen, I've done things.

I've done bad things.

I don't deserve forgiveness.

All that's in the past now, Dad.

We love you, you know we do.

Listen...

Right, I'm off. Can I have a word, Max?

No, Cora. All right. I'm right in the middle of something.

Just go, please.

A word, Max.

Well, go on. Make it quick.

I just caught Lauren staring at a bottle of wine,

-like it was a long-lost kin. You'd better keep an eye on that.

-I always do, don't I?

I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped at you,

I was just... Got my mind on things.

If you really want to thank me,

500 quid would do it.

Go on. Out! Go on.

Get out of this house!

What're you trying to do?

-You trying manipulate my kids, get money out of me?

-Dad, stop it!

Tanya told me to ask for the money!

-Oh, did she? Yeah, yeah, course she did!

-Yeah, she did!

And I'll tell you what, if I could go back in time, I'd beg her not to marry you.

You bring nothing but misery to any woman who gets sucked into your orbit!

Go inside, will you? Go indoors!

Now!

And you, just go home.

I would if I had a home.

Max, what am I going to do about the deposit?

You think I care about that, Cora? Go and rob a bank.

Pleased with yourself, are you?

See what you're going to do?

You're going to rip my family apart. Is that what you want?

You take that to the police, they'll be crawling round here for weeks.

They'll go through everything with a fine toothcomb.

Is that what you want?

Mate, this ain't just about me. It's about the business. My kids.

Lauren. She could be driven back to drink by all of this,

have you thought about that?

Right. Follow me.

-Have you been here all day?

-No, I've had one water and one shandy.

-I'm taking it slow, Nan.

-I've been on the phone to Tanya.

She's going to lend us the money for the deposit.

Now, there's a flat going above the doctors, looks just the job.

That ain't a problem, is it?

Nah, course not.

-You all right?

-Gents, couldn't borrow this one for a bit, could I?

L, take over here for me, please?

Upstairs.

You got a squint or something?

Didn't you used to drink in The Feathers on Old Kent Road,

'76 or thereabouts?

I never admit to anything before I got my bus pass.

Only, you remind me of a diamond girl I used to know.

Bit of goer she was, when you got her on the gin.

Stan Carter. Glad to make your acquaintance.

Cora Cross.

And I'll have anything except gin.

You're on.

I borrowed them from the gym.

Now, don't hold back. Whack these on, girl.

You having a bubble?

What's the matter?

Do you want to sit down, have a nice little kiss and a cuddle

or do you want to settle this like men?

Fine, but you better be ready, cos I am not holding back.

What you talking about? I was born ready.

I don't want you to hold back, I want you stick it... Ohh!

Ha! Get up, old man. Round two.

Come on. All hands to the pumps.

We've got a party to organise.

-Ah, Tina's 40th?

-Yeah.

Oh, you are so rubbish.

I don't know how we'll do it, but the Wicked Witch of the West wants us out of the equation.

We ain't going down without a fight.

-You are very lucky.

-What you talking about? You slung 'em. Liberty.

Lauren.

What are you doing with that?

You can't do this any more.

I know it seems like life shouldn't go on, but it has to.

What are you saying? I should just start the business back up

and act like nothing's happened?

I'm saying that, if Lucy was the one left behind, do you really

think that she would let life pass her by?

I thought it was really silly when she bought us the same suits.

I mean, who does that?

She said it'd make us more recognisable...

Build the brand.

See, Lucy believed in the business.

All right? So why don't you do this for her? Prove her right.

That'll do.

Start getting some of that wood.

Anything that'll burn. Come on, mate. Quickly!

Right.

Thank you, David. You're doing the right thing.

For me, for my family.

I ain't doing this for you, Max.

There's only one person I'm doing this for.

And it ain't you or your family. Yeah?

LINE RINGS OUT

LUCY: 'You've reached LB Lettings.

'If you'd like to leave a message for Lucy Beale or Lauren Branning,

'please speak after the tone.'

PHONE BEEPS

You've reached LB Lettings.

If you'd like to leave a message for Lauren Branning,

please speak after the tone.

Happy birthday, beautiful.

Thank you!

I don't mind being ancient if this is the sort of treatment I get.

I've changed shifts, I've got the whole day off.

-I thought we'd go up West and see a show later.

-You're amazing.

Better than Shirley. She guzzled all the milk then sent me

out for more, the cheeky mare.

At least one of us knows how to treat you right.

How about I give you a proper thank you for them flowers?

What, here?

The others aren't up yet.

Surprise.

THEY CHEER AWKWARDLY

Eh! THEY LAUGH

Did you really think I'd send you to the shop for milk on your birthday for no reason?

Aww. Come here, you.

How does it feel being 40? Your hip giving you gyp?

40 was the beginning of the end for me, health-wise.

Nice one, Grandad. Bundle of laughs as usual.

Dunno what all this talk about 40's about.

I'm 30, you bunch of planks. THEY LAUGH

We've got you a lovely big cake for later. Shop-bought.

Phew!

And...

Do-do-do-do! ..this is from all of us.

From all of you?

-Yep, I love it. I love it.

-Go on, go on.

THEY LAUGH

A doggie bag! That's wicked!

And tonight, we're going to throw the best Russell

this gaff's ever seen. Only the best for my Tina. All right?

But we've already got plans for tonight.

Tina, we own a pub.

You don't think we're not going to throw a party for your 40th?!

Babe, a party here'll be the business.

We can go to the theatre any time.

THEY CHEER

-What time do you call this?

-Sorry, mate.

-I was at the hospital, getting the result of the gene test.

-And?

It's good. It's all negative.

You really are blessed with good fortune, ain't you, Max?

I'll sort everything out later.

-I'll go down the PC place, get us some new gear.

-Yeah.

You'll pay on your own credit card, won't you? So it'll be

really easy for the Old Bill to figure out what's been going on?

I called a mate. He's going to bring over some new machines.

-Untraceable.

-Oh, right. Saves a job, don't it?

-Hi, Lauren.

-Hiya.

-All right?

-Mum's just picked up Oscar.

-She said you can speak to him at the weekend.

-Lovely.

You look like a young lady who's aiming to be

businesswoman of the year.

I'm just trying to do something to keep Lucy's memory alive.

Yeah, good.

Well, now you're here I'm going to shoot off and collect Carol.

-I'm taking the Saab, all right, Max?

-Yeah, no worries.

-You sure you can manage on your own today?

-Yes.

Good. See you later.

Give her my love, yeah?

Yeah, will do.

I've just been to the hospital, Lauren.

I haven't got the cancer gene.

You, me, Oscar, Abi, we're all in the clear.

All right?

Nan. Nan, listen.

The letting agency just rang and said if they don't get

the deposit by the end of the week, we're going to lose the flat.

They said they'd give me a fortnight yesterday!

I mean, we can always go back to plan B.

You and me are getting that flat, come hell or high water.

All right? Can I have 12 doughnuts, please?

Yeah. That's £9, please, gorgeous.

12? Slow down, fatness.

Shut up, they're not all for me.

We're planning a party later for Tina at the pub,

-if you want to come.

-All right.

I couldn't let you spend the night all on your own, could I?

OK... I'll see you later. Thank you.

Bye.

Just tell me, tell me, she didn't just invite me out as friends

and I just stroked up her arm like some weird lech?

HE CHUCKLES We've all been there, mate. Trust me.

Yeah, I'm just... I'm just a bit behind at the moment.

I haven't had a chance to go through my e-mails yet.

Well, I've got about 50 voice mails to get through as well.

Can I give you a call back when I find it?

Thank you. Bye.

PHONE RINGS

LB Lettings, Lauren speaking.

Yes. Hang on, let me just have a look.

Shall we do something when we get out of here?

Nothing too strenuous, just go for a walk, get some air.

No. No, I'd rather just get home.

See the kids and start getting back to normal.

Yeah, course you would. Sorry, daft idea.

DOOR OPENS

All set? The doctor will be along soon.

Good, good, good.

I hope it's not been too bad being with us the past few days.

No. You've been fantastic. Really. All of you.

Haven't they, Carol?

But don't be offended if we say we ain't planning on hurrying back.

I dunno. I dish out food, I clean, I stick a smile on my face.

Still no-one wants to be a repeat customer.

It's not that.

If it was just your smile on offer we'd be back like a shot.

Well, I would anyway.

SHE LAUGHS

What are you up to, Dot?

Just checking that the phone was functioning properly.

You know, cos we can't be unreachable,

not a busy establishment like this.

Trust me, the times you want the phone to ring the most, it don't.

You waiting on that grandson of yours?

You know what? When my nan was still alive,

I never visited her from one month to the next.

One day she rang me, said she'd gone down with the flu.

She sounded terrible.

I was round there like a shot.

-You and Mr Papadopoulos go back a long way, don't you?

-Mm-hmm.

Do you think he might be open to giving me an advance?

50-odd years I've worked here,

and not once have I asked for a penny before my wages was due.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a phone call to make.

Ah, no, no - secret party-planning meeting. And you're barred.

Orders of Shirley.

They won't be able to keep me in the dark all day.

No. Which is why Shirley already rang Jake

-and said you'd work a shift at the cafe this afternoon.

-On my birthday?!

Look, will you get off? Me and Fireman Sam have got this organised.

Aww, look at you two getting on in there.

I can't believe you're going to all this effort for me.

SHIRLEY AND JOHNNY CHUCKLE

So, um, does anybody actually know what we're going to do for food?

Yep. Mate of mine hires out chocolate fountains.

-Says he can have one here by six.

-Boom. Nice one.

Know what I'm going to do?

I'm going to phone Whit, tell her to get a cake.

No, you won't. I don't want any fuss.

Come on. It's your birthday. You're only 29 once.

Unless you're Kat - she was 29 until she was 40.

It's a nice thought but let's get Mummy settled. Yeah?

We're back!

-There you are. You all right?

-All right?

-Yeah.

-All right, Mum?

-Happy birthday, darling.

-Thank you.

-What's all this?

-We wanted to make it all cosy for you.

You don't want to listen to him snoring all night.

-I don't snore!

-So I've got to sleep down here, have I?

The girls want to make sure you take it easy from now on.

Kat's on the stall so I'll be here. You won't have to lift a finger.

Yeah, I spoke to Martin last night. All right? Told him everything.

We're going to go and see the gene person next week

so you haven't got to worry. All right?

I'm going to go to work. I'll see you later.

Hiya. Just really quickly, I'm just...

-I'll keep you posted.

-OK. Cheers, mate.

What did he want?

Danny Pennant's alibi's checked out. He's been in Marbella for weeks.

Just that and some other stuff.

I'm going to go get some air.

-Hang on...

-Peter, I am 45. OK?

If I want to leave the house on my own, I can. I'll see you later.

-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come...

-It's not you.

He won't talk to me or Denise.

He wouldn't even let us open the curtains yesterday.

I wouldn't normally barge in, it's just I've had clients

ringing me all morning and I can't find the contact list anywhere.

I just thought Lucy might've had one.

You're starting the business back up?

Listen, I'm going to go. There must be a contact list somewhere.

Does it help? Going back to work? Getting out there again?

I dunno.

I hope so.

Right. I'll take your chocolate fountain and I'll raise it.

-There's only one thing Tina loves more than a party.

-Oh, no.

You've not got a troupe of clowns and a bouncy castle coming, have ya?

A theme party.

She was born in the '70s, let's celebrate like it's the '70s.

You're in luck, John, there's about four of the Village People in here.

That's not really my thing. But this...

THEY LAUGH

Well, this is really classy, well done(!)

What? Tina's going to love this!

Yeah, she don't like all that snooty food.

They're called canapes!

She likes booze, she likes fun,

and she likes to celebrate with all her family round her.

Yeah, well, like it or not, I'm part of Tina's family now too.

SHIRLEY SCOFFS

So bring on the disco.

DOOR OPENS

All right, Lauren?

You haven't seen a set of car keys lying about, have you?

Dad, I've got my own business to worry about.

There's an e-mail here from a bloke

talking about the Walford Common flats.

I was meant to go and meet him on Good Friday but I never made it.

Yeah, so what?

Well, this e-mail says he's there, and he's asking where I am.

So what if Lucy saw this and she replied to it instead?

Yeah. And what if she didn't? You're only guessing.

Surely I need to go to the police about this?

I mean, this John Jones bloke could've been the last

person to see Lucy alive.

The police must have been all through her e-mails.

They're probably right across that.

Yeah, but what if they're not?

SHE COUGHS

CORA: What am I supposed to do, magic the dosh out of thin air?

Course I still want it.

I'm not going to bunk down in a cardboard box, am I?

Isn't that a blooming shame?

A beautiful girl like you with a face like a day-old kipper.

Hasn't anyone ever told you it's rude to listen in on other

people's conversations?

Don't be like that. I thought me and you hit it off.

Yeah? Well, you thought wrong.

Look, I know you're busy. I just want to have a quick word.

I already gave your pitch away.

What, to some stranger who doesn't even know the market?

How do you think that's going to go down with the punters?

Look, Peter, I know you're going through a tough time

but this is business.

Look, I'll give you an extra tenner in pitch fees

if you kick them off and take me back.

A bribe?

It's not a bribe. Just business.

You can start tomorrow morning. Just don't make me regret this, yeah?

INDISTINCT SPEECH

-Hey. How about some lunch up the West End?

-Eh?

Mum, you can't go out, you're not well.

I can do whatever I choose, thank you, Bianca.

Are you going to get your coat or what?

Excuse me.

I'm Lauren Branning. Lucy Beale's business partner?

Right, of course.

I think I might've found something that could be useful.

It's an e-mail.

There's a chance that Lucy might've been meeting

a client before she went missing.

We've already been through all of Lucy's correspondence, don't worry.

I know, but this one was addressed to me, not her.

I might know this bloke, I could help you.

Well, how about I send one of my officers round tomorrow?

And you can make sure we get everything down.

I'm telling you that I might know who saw Lucy last.

What, do you know about this e-mail already?

Why aren't you saying nothing?

I promise you we follow up every lead we get,

you just have to leave it to us.

Thanks for coming in. You did the right thing.

What if this bloke done something to her?

What if this is the bloke you're looking for?

Are you going to get in the car or what?

Or do I need to head for the bus stop?

No. Not until you tell me what this is all about.

This is about me having choice.

I can be the old lady with the rug on my lap

watching you flirt with nurses...

Oh, come on, Carol. That was banter, weren't it?

..or I can do what I can, when I can for as long as I can.

I don't want to be a victim, David. I want to be the person that I am.

Come on then. Any fancy restaurant in particular?

I take it I'm paying.

It doesn't matter. And we'll eat after.

After what, dare I ask?

After you put this ring on my finger and take me

down the registry office.

The mood you're in, I'm not about to say no, am I?

Come on.

Cora Cross, what do you think you're doing?

Nance, listen...

-SHE LAUGHS

-Whoa!

I genuinely don't know what to say about that.

Look. Listen, earlier on in the cafe, I didn't mean to...

Nah! Look, I'm going to go and change the barrel.

You go in there and get yourself a drink on me.

I'm proud of you. Telling Martin. Can't have been easy.

No. What with that and Mum, it's not been the best birthday ever.

-Bianca!

-They ain't going to miss it, are they? Come on.

Oi. Mitts off my birthday balloons.

It's Sonia's birthday and all.

We haven't had time to do anything cos of our mum.

It's your birthday today? Seriously?!

It's like we're twins or something!

-I'm a little bit younger than you.

-You had to go and ruin it.

Listen, Tina, sorry, I know I've got a bit of a big mouth and that.

But I only do it to protect my family.

Is that an apology?

Oh, come on, B, let's go. Sorry. And happy birthday.

Buy me a drink.

If you really want to apologise, come inside and buy me a drink.

Come on, it's your birthday.

INDISTINCT CHATTER, LAUGHTER

The coins keep getting jammed.

I was trying to help them get through.

Get hold of Charlie? Feed him a line to come round, did ya?

Just a little white lie, that's all.

You don't have to tell me.

We do whatever we have to, to keep those we love close.

If it was all just a misunderstanding

then we'll say no more about it.

I shall take my gloves and I shall go home.

Though from now on, I shall be counting every penny

what comes over this threshold.

Just to keep us both on the straight and narrow.

Thank you, Dot.

I think Lucy met a client the night she died.

I mean, I've just been to the police about it

but they didn't really seem that interested.

Actually, they've already questioned him. Holt told us before.

Did they say who it was?

No, and I couldn't tell you even if they did.

The police are handling it.

Is that not bothering you? I mean, I could know this person.

I might be able to help them find out who did this.

The police found this man before we even knew he existed.

Just let them do their job.

Well, it doesn't look like they're doing much to me.

RUSTLING, FOOTSTEPS

Oi, this is private property, you know!

HE GRUNTS

Nance! Are you taking the...?!

What, again?!

SHE LAUGHS

INDISTINCT CHATTER

Quiet down, quiet down! Sh, she's coming.

-Johnny...

-No peeking.

SHE SQUEALS

-Ready?

-Yeah.

-And...ta-da!

CROWD CHEER

You lot look wicked! Dunno what this theme is though.

I'm a child of the '80s, aren't I? THEY LAUGH

Happy birthday, Teen.

Shirley! Health and safety!

You trying to get us shut down or what?!

Oh, don't take the cherry!

Ladies and gentlemen, charge your glasses to my beautiful Tina Carter.

-Here is to the next 40 years...

-30!

-30 years. All right.

-Tina!

-And listen, hold up.

Ladies and gentlemen, do yourselves a favour - blame it on the boogie!

MUSIC: "Blame It On The Boogie" by Jackson 5

I know how you feel.

These parties always have this way of making me

want to lay down in a dark room.

-Here y'are.

-Another glass of wine would've done me.

You're in the last year of your 20s, you want to cheer up a little bit.

-What is in this, rocket fuel?!

-Oh, Sonia.

It's strong, innit?

Oi! I saw that!

What you on about, you mad cow?

She's been trying to sabotage me all day.

Yeah, and you've been getting on my wick.

You just can't stand it.

You can't stand the fact that you're not the most important

-woman in Tina's life any more.

-Is that right?

Will you both just shut up?!

I'd rather have no party at all than watch the two of you

knocking lumps out of each other.

You all right, girl?

Let me go, eh?

It's not my fault you've got a glass jaw, is it?

Look, if you don't like me, you don't like me, innit?

Just tell me. You ain't got to keep hitting me to make your point.

All right. I don't know if I like you or not.

I haven't really thought about it.

And to be honest, I don't really want to.

-Me and Wayne used to be proper friends.

-Yeah.

And now obviously we're not.

And it was exactly the same with my boyfriend before that

-and my boyfriend before that.

-All right. So what?

Can we not just stay as we are?

Yeah, course we can. If that's what you want.

That's just so you know what you're missing out on.

Right, I'm going to go and get changed

so I'm not the only one who looks like a doughnut.

Oi, birthday twin!

They're never going to get on, are they?

Probably not. But they both love you to pieces.

They wouldn't be fighting otherwise.

Well, go on, then.

You know why I'm not in the birthday spirit. What about you?

Nothing. You concentrate on yourself.

You always say that. About me, about your mum.

Go on, what about you?

I went home last night to tell Martin about the cancer gene.

But all I kept thinking was...

he'll leave me, he don't love me enough.

So I went to bed without saying anything

and then I lied to Bianca and Mum about it.

-What about seeing the geneti...?

-Geneticist?

I really can't think about all that any more.

There's a good chance I could be healthy my whole life.

And cancer doesn't mean much at Rebecca's age.

Her mum and dad splitting up will.

Why didn't you say any of this?

I wouldn't have gone on about my problems if I'd known.

You've got two people in there who'd do anything for you.

They'll stand by you through thick and thin.

Yeah? From where I'm sitting, that ain't half bad, is it?

Ian?

Are you all right?

You look freezing.

Denise and Peter keep calling.

I should go home but...

..I can't face it.

I really miss her.

You know what, she had 60 more years in front of her.

Why not me?

Why not someone who's had a life?

I don't know.

The police keep coming round. "Keeping us informed."

I just wish they'd admit they're looking for a needle in a haystack.

They'll find him, they'll have to. Won't they?

I mean, all it could take is just one little piece of information

and that'll be that.

MUSIC: "You Should Be Dancing" by Bee Gees

I see your face-ache hasn't subsided.

Stay out of my business and have a bath.

I gather it's money problems, judging by that phone call recently.

Are you hard of hearing?

We could buddy up, you know? For a reasonable interest, of course.

-If you're pulling my leg...

-Two things I never joke about.

Money, and helping out a beautiful lady.

In that case, you'd better get the drinks in.

I'll have a gin.

-Oh...

-HE LAUGHS

Right. I'll leave you to it.

Come on, you. We're off.

Where've you been, you dozy mare?

I can't keep getting pulled between the two of you. OK?

And I'll have gone nuts long before either of you decide to give it up.

-So...I've decided I think it's best if I move in with Tosh.

-Yes!

Give us a bit of breathing space.

Has that tequila pickled your brain?

We can't be Bill and Ben for ever.

If that's all right with you?

But in the meantime, I need you to understand that this lot are my

family and I'm not going to stop hanging round here like a bad smell.

I love you both, right? It's no competition.

Tina. Me and her are never going to get on.

Finally something we agree on.

Aww, I love it when everyone's friends.

-DAVID:

-They're here, they're here, they're here...

DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

-Happy birthday!

-Happy birthday, Sonia.

-Sorry it isn't much.

-Oh, it's lovely.

-Happy birthday, Son.

-Thank you, David.

-There you are.

Make a wish.

What did you wish for?

Well, we've got some news. Ain't we?

Yeah. We went down the registry office today...

Eloping, at your age!

No, we've booked a date. 27th May. Put it in your diaries.

Yeah. About time we had something to celebrate round here, isn't it?

Come on, let's get this cake cut.

You all right, Pete?

Listen, anything you need today, mate, you just let me know, yeah?

All right.

Peter, you don't have to do this, you know.

I don't want to think about that rubbish in the papers.

I just want to try and get back to normal.

All right. Well, maybe I could help you cos Pops has got Lexi for a bit.

I need to do this on my own.

-No, but I could just...

-Please.

Are you sure?

Yeah. I'll be fine.

Morning, Lauren.

Blimey, you starting work before me?

Got to be something wrong in this world, ain't there?

Well, I've got a business to run, Dad,

and I've got a lot of e-mails to get through.

Are you sure you're up to this, Lauren?

I mean, you shouldn't push yourself too hard.

I'm fine. I can do this.

What time's your appointment?

It ain't my appointment, No, it's Jim's.

You see, they thought he was having a fit,

but it turned out he was choking on a bit of sausage.

I thought you said it was urgent.

Well, it could be - I mean,

I know a man who died choking on a bit of sausage.

I've just done a night shift. I was hoping to get some kip.

Oh. Would you like another cup of coffee?

Mrs B, I can take you, if you want.

Oh, that's ever so kind of you, Arthur,

but I want Jim to meet Charlie.

He's ever so looking forward to it.

Ah.

Now, I had these cut, so you can pop in and out whenever you want.

That's really kind.

Ah, well, you're family, ain't you? My home's your home.

Eurgh. They're all just horrible. They're making me feel a bit sick.

I like them. This one's my favourite.

Yeah, you should get that one.

We're just nipping down the registry office.

Yeah, no, that would suit you lovely, Carol.

Yeah, go for it, Mum - it's your wedding,

-you don't want to look like a frump, do you?

-Cheers!

Oh, here you are. Look.

Right, I've got to go.

And I expect you to have ordered that dress by the time I come back.

Yeah, well, you won't be laughing when I get married in it.

Ta-ta. See you, kids.

Bye.

Bye. Is that a wedding present?

No, love.

It's my wigs.

Can I try it on?

No!

Come on, then, get it out.

-I forgot which one that you decided to go for.

-No. Later.

Here, have some Latvian bread - it's the best, man.

-Smell it. Smell it.

-I think I'll pass.

Your loss.

Who drank all my beer?

It was you, wasn't it?

Hang on, I haven't touched a drop, I swear.

You're lying.

It was me.

Really?

Yeah, I came home drunk last night.

I can't be held accountable for my actions. I'm sorry.

Yeah, well, I don't really care which one of you did it,

as long as it's replaced.

Yes, sir.

Morning, housemates!

Welcome to your new home.

Let's go out for a drink later - first house trip to the Vic!

I actually promised to take Roxy out.

That's all right. The more the merrier! I'm going to unpack!

Yeah, I better jump in the shower.

You didn't have to do that.

You're going through a tough time.

It must be horrible to be that far away from your kid.

Yeah. Well, it won't happen again, I promise.

Not one new job in weeks.

We can't live off the flower stall.

We always knew business would take a bit of time to pick up.

But how long are we meant to give it before we cut our losses, Les?

At this rate, all our Paul's going to inherit is a couple of coffins

to bury us in - and the cheap ones at that.

Don't worry, Birdie, I'll sort it.

Your head's too fat.

No, it's not! Just squash my hair in.

It still won't fit!

-I could cut some of your hair off.

-Yeah!

Oi, you'll do no such thing - there's no use us all being bald!

We were just playing.

Come on, you...

What do you think you're doing?!

You said that I couldn't try it on,

but you didn't say nothing about Morgan.

I am so sorry, Mum.

I hope it looks better on me than it does on you, eh? Go on.

-20p's 20p!

-Yeah, cheers. You dropped your quid.

-You can keep it.

-Yeah, I'll keep it, mate! Get lost!

All right?

What was all that about?

I just...

I short-changed him, yeah? I didn't mean to and he just went off on one.

OK, listen, I wouldn't worry about it.

It's first thing in the morning. People are grumpy.

It was just an innocent mistake.

I don't see why he had to have a go at me like that.

Listen, Peter, I know it's your first day back today and seriously,

everyone's really proud of you, all right?

Anyway, cup of tea for you.

First brew of the day - it'll set you right up.

Thanks, mate, but I don't need you to look after me.

I just want today to be like any other day, but people keep

walking on egg shells around me asking me if I'm all right.

Can you just be normal, please?

I understand, mate.

Anyway, you've probably noticed

there have been a few changes around here of late.

So, I'm going to give you the heads-up, so pay attention, right?

The girl in the wheels, that's Donna, bit of a gobby mare -

imagine Kat and Bianca rolled into one.

Exactly - it's the stuff of nightmares.

And the lady on the flower stall, lovely lady, Pam -

she's got a heart of gold, but I mean, she can talk for Britain.

Seriously, you will not get a sore throat in her company.

All day. All day.

-Who's that?

-I have no idea.

All right, buddy? How you doing, yeah?

I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't know everyone.

The market's so different, you know...

Listen, you'll get used to it. Listen, enjoy the tea.

I might get you a biscuit later.

Yes, mate, what can I get you?

Lauren!

I forgot you were back on the stall.

Yeah, bit strange, you know...

but I'd rather be here than back at home.

That's great, Peter.

Are you OK?

Yeah, I just need to get back, cos, you know,

I've got work stuff.

Well, if you need help with anything...

You've got enough on your plate.

What are you doing?

Unpacking. What does it look like?

So this is what happens when I take the morning off!

Checking up on me, are you?

I have come in to collect the account book,

cos of what happened yesterday.

I should chuck you out on your ear.

I was just resting me eyes.

Where are you off to?

Just going for a fag.

I can't seem to get this to work.

Right. Hold on.

Stand clear.

I haven't had a single customer

since I short-changed that bloke - d'you think people are avoiding me?

Nah, no, it's just one of them new guys from Spring Lane -

you know, selling those £1 fruit bowls.

-So you don't think it's got anything to do with Lucy?

-No, course I don't.

What you need is a unique selling point - for the Pete Beale brand!

-Ain't that right?

-Yeah.

Martin used to sell juice on his stall, it used to do really well.

There we go. That's a blinding idea! That's what you need to do,

get yourself a juicer on your stall, get yourself surrounded by a load of

gorgeous birds, dying to part with their hard-earned cash.

All right, mate, I'm sure that'll happen(!)

Worth a punt though, innit? If you want to take a breather,

I can keep an eye on your stall for you, yeah?

I thought I told you, you don't need to look after me.

Yeah, I know, but just let me be a friend, yeah?

All right.

Sorry to bother you on your day off. You been up to anything nice?

I've gone out with my grandson for the day - he's just parking the car.

Oh, how lovely! I'm so jealous.

My grandson Paul is off travelling the world on his gap year.

I do miss him so much.

Oh, there you are.

Here he is. This is my grandson. He's called Charlie.

Pam - pleasure to meet you.

Hiya. Listen, I'm going to have to head off in a minute -

I should get some kip before the night shift.

Can't you stop for something to eat?

I wanted to show you my photo album.

Sure. Right, come on, let's get some lunch.

Bye-bye.

Nice to meet you.

Honestly, Pops, you should have seen him.

I keep trying to help him but he won't let me.

Breaks my heart seeing him like that.

You've got to be patient, Lo - Peter's a strong boy,

he'll get through this.

Yeah, and what am I going to do until then?

Just watch him be miserable?

No.

All you can do is be there for him. He'll come to you when he's ready.

Trust me.

I do like being able to pop home for lunch -

think of all the money we'll save.

I went to do our washing earlier,

and you'll never guess who I bumped into.

I don't know, Pam.

Dorothy Branning, and her gorgeous grandson -

I've completely forgotten his name now.

Charlie.

That's the one - charming young man, spending the day with his nan -

you don't often see that in this day and age.

So is he sticking around Walford for a while?

I don't know - they were just heading back to Dorothy's for lunch.

Tina!

Would you mind keeping a couple of things at the Vic?

It's just our room's a bit cramped.

Why is your stuff more important than mine?

Well, my stuff's all essential, like the bed, and the wardrobe.

Well, these are essential! What am I supposed to wear to a fancy-dress party?

Babe, you're 40 years old.

I ain't taking any of that stuff back,

so you'll just have to find room for it.

-What's the point? You'll just leave it all over the floor.

-It's all coming out now, eh?

-I forgot you were such a control freak.

-I forgot you were such a slob.

Ooh, having a spot of trouble?

-No, we're fine.

-Couldn't be better.

That's the type of thing people say when they're going to top themselves.

I'm just going to go back and get some more stuff -

I'll see you back at the flat.

I didn't even have to lift a finger.

All I had to do was sit back and watch you screw everything up again.

Back off, beast.

You and Tina playing happy families was never going to work.

She'll be back in the Vic by Monday.

How's work going?

All right, it's just a lot to get my head around.

Are you still worrying about that e-mail?

No. Well, yeah, kind of...

but, you know, it's not a big deal.

Look, you tried to talk to me about it before

and I just cut you off - that was really selfish of me.

Yeah, well, obviously it has been on my mind,

but, you know, I'm just trying to forget about it.

Yeah, I know the feeling.

Why don't we help each other out? Right, I can give you a hand

with the business, and you can help me test out a new idea.

-OK.

-Yeah? What about tonight?

Yeah, I just... I'm not really feeling that sociable.

I'm not feeling that sociable, either!

We can be unsociable together.

-Yeah, OK, why not?

-Yeah?

Peter!

I made you some lunch.

Thanks, babe, but I've just had something.

That's all right, take it for later.

-You're going to get hungry out there.

-Honestly, Lola, it's fine.

OK, how about I cook you some dinner tonight?

Cos Pops is taking Lexi to Phil's, so we can have some time on our own.

Actually, I've already made plans.

Plans? What plans?

I said I'd meet Alfie in the Vic. We're just going to go through some business ideas.

Well, that ain't going to take all night, is it?

I can have your dinner ready on the table when you get in.

All right, I'll even chuck in a tub of ice cream if you're lucky.

How can I refuse?

I'll let you know when I'm heading home, yeah?

Yeah.

I just bought us something we can stick in the oven -

hope you don't mind.

That's lovely.

What was that about?

Dunno.

Oh, shepherd's pie. Yeah, Mrs B never liked shepherd's pie.

I think it was to do with that horsemeat thing.

Is Kat all right by herself on the stall?

You've not been in all week.

She's fine.

Think of all the time she'll have off when she has them babies.

It's not time off!

Don't overdo it, eh?

Don't be so miserable. I won't put a lot on.

Right, now for the finishing touch -

little bit of that, and...done.

-There you go.

-Do I look ridiculous?

No, you look lovely. Dad'll be falling at your feet.

I wonder if it will stay on when we're...

Oh, Mum, that's...

I didn't mean to upset you. I had no idea you didn't like shepherd's pie.

How was you to know?

I can't eat salmon now after a bad case of food poisoning.

No, it was nothing like that.

It reminds me of your father.

I miss him, too.

No, I don't mean that.

You see, sometimes, your father, he didn't do very Christian things...

What d'you mean?

Let's not talk about it.

What are these - are they ham or cheese?

Listen, I know my dad wasn't a saint.

You don't need to protect me from anything. Come on.

I want to know.

Well...

he got hold of some poison...

That's why I've never been able to face shepherd's pie. Ever since...

Are you saying that he tried to kill you?

He couldn't go through with it.

It had been going on for some time.

And Charlie and Ethel, they tried to warn me, but I wouldn't listen.

But he stopped me from eating the last meal.

So he must have loved me, just a bit.

I'm so sorry.

I won't let anything like that happen to you ever again, I promise.

I might share his blood, but I'm nothing like my dad.

No, you're nothing like him. You're a good boy.

You're like Arthur.

Look, I don't need to be in work for a little bit yet, so why

don't I make us a proper dinner and we can look through them old photos?

Oh, I'd like that. But are you sure you've got the time?

Because you mustn't miss your sleep.

Don't worry yourself about that.

It's not going to hurt to stay up for another couple of hours.

It's ready.

Great!

They suit you.

I know.

I thought you'd have chucked all this stuff out by now.

It's not so bad.

Not if it means I get to see your face every morning.

Where's the rest of your stuff?

I decided I probably didn't need the monkey costume

and the inflatable banana after all.

You know, there is one place

I definitely don't mind getting messy...

Keep 'em on.

That's actually really nice.

Yeah? So you think people will buy it?

Yeah! They're going to love it -

you'll literally have the biggest queue on the market.

Thanks for this. Today's been pretty full-on.

Yeah. But you got through it, though, didn't you?

Yeah, I did, thanks to Alfie, and you.

I didn't really do anything.

You don't have to. You're there for me if I need you.

I hope you know I'm there for you, too.

If there's anything you need to talk to me about, just let me know.

-All right, Lauren?

-All right, Max?

Peter.

How's work, Lauren, all right? You get through all them e-mails?

Yeah, pretty much, just got a few more to finish off.

Actually, I should leave you to it - I'm just going to nip to the loo.

All right, see you later.

What's all this?

Peter's making juice.

Ah. Hello, Mr Cotton.

So this is your idea of trying to forget about this e-mail, is it?

I'm sorry - I just can't get this bloke out of my head.

You're definitely meeting him?

I ain't decided yet.

If this guy was involved, the police would be onto him.

Yeah, well, what if they're not?

Lucy was my best mate. I might spot something they've missed.

You could jeopardise the whole investigation!

Well, I saw your dad yesterday, all right? And he is a mess.

He needs closure, Peter - so do you.

And what if this John Jones does know something?

What if he's a psychopath?

We're meeting in a public place. Nothing's going to happen.

And if you're that concerned, well, you could come with me.

No, I don't think that's a good idea.

I'm sorry, I don't get it.

-I just don't get it - do you not want to know what happened to your sister?

-Yeah, of course I do!

But it's the police who's going to find out who killed Lucy -

not someone who didn't even finish college.

Well, at least I'm doing something about it.

I'm not standing around making poxy juices!

Nothing you can do is going to bring her back, Lauren!

Why can't you see that?!

Everything all right?

Yeah. Peter was just going.

What's the problem?

Nothing. Just leave it, Dad.