14/02/2014 EastEnders Omnibus

Stacey!

Stace!

KAT BANGS ON THE WINDOW

Stacey!

SHE RINGS THE BELL

-Can you let me off?

-Sorry, love. Not till the next bus stop.

-Look, just open the door and let me off!

-I'm sorry.

Where have you been?

Just about to dish up the curry.

-Curry? No, we can do better than that, can't we?

-Definitely.

-We're going back over to the Vic. All of us.

-Get changed first.

-All right.

-Why are we going to the Vic? The dinner's ready.

-Celebrate our engagement.

Be quick.

FAINT RINGING

-You all right?

-Why, don't I look it?

-Yeah, you do. You look great.

-I know it's a little bit sudden.

-You can say that again.

One minute, you're microwaving a masala. Next thing, we're sorting out your hen do.

-You only said no to him last week.

-This week,

-I

-did the asking.

-What?

-Yeah.

-Mum, look, things are a bit weird right now.

Sure you don't want a bit of time to think about this?

I've been thinking about this for the last 30 years.

-It's about time I made a decision, don't you think?

-Come on. We ready?

-KNOCKING ON DOOR

-I'm going to have to get changed.

-Have you got hold of Whit?

-Yeah, she's meeting us there.

-What about the kids?

-Yeah, Liam's picking them up for me.

-Oh, Max.

-All right?

-Yeah.

-Only popped over to see how you're doing.

-Good. You're just in time.

-You can come and help us celebrate Mum's good news.

-Er...

Mum's and Dad's.

-Can I help?

-Yeah. A few minutes ago, a woman came in here,

mid 20s, long, dark hair.

-Red coat.

-Yes?

Does she come in here a lot? Is she a regular punter?

Don't matter.

-Well, that was a waste of time.

-What was?

Just done over an hour with David Wicks

showing him round number 43. I took him to the pub to seal the deal,

-Carol comes in... All of a sudden, the whole thing's off.

-Brilliant.

Playing games, was he?

He was playing something, yeah.

He's not the only one.

Just been doing the VAT return.

What's wrong with it?

Nothing Revenue and Customs will notice...

with a bit of luck.

Bill, lock up for us, will you?

Yeah, I really need a drink after that. Lucy's coming with me.

Right. So, I'm the only one that's not invited, yeah?

I'll take that as a yes.

I'm not a dogsbody, you know?

Janine did leave me in charge.

You all right?

No, not really.

This has got to be a wind-up, hasn't it?

He was history last week.

I don't think David's ever been history.

He certainly isn't now, is he?

-Come on, sis. You've only just come out from your first chemo.

-Meaning?

-He's the last person you should be getting involved now.

-What, cos I'm ill?

Well, if you ain't now, you soon will be...with him hanging about.

Go on, tell me. How many times has he let you down?

Tell me. Or can't you remember cos you've lost count?

-Max, back off. I'm sick of people telling me what to do.

-He's going to walk out on you,

first sign of trouble, like he always has. Then you won't

-just have your illness to deal with, you'll have all of that as well.

-Is there a problem?

Yes, there is, mate. You. I'm just trying to talk to my sister.

-That's a shame cos my fiancee's having a drink with her family.

-What's the matter, Max?

-What's the matter with you, B? What are you getting involved for?

-Shut up.

-Was I talking to you?

-Dad, just calm down.

-My sister's going to make the biggest mistake of her life.

-You want me to calm down?

-One more word and I swear, I'll swing for you.

Right. As we're in the mood for celebrating...

-You must be joking. Take that back, Mick.

-Leave that there please, Mick.

-No, there's been a mistake.

There's been a big, big mistake.

The way I see it is very simple. These people want to celebrate,

you don't, so why don't you just let them do what they want to do?

Just go, Max.

Thank you.

-Go and talk to him.

-Me?

Well, if I go, he'll bite my head off.

Oh, but it's all right for him to bite MY head off, though, is it?

Please, Jay.

What are you doing?

-Oh, you don't mind, do you? My laptop's on a go-slow so...

-Er...

-I just need to check my e-mails.

-Yeah, no, I actually need to check something myself so...

-OK. It's all yours.

-Thanks.

So, who's Muneer?

There was an instant message on screen when I logged in.

I don't know.

-He seemed to know you.

-Did he?

-Mmm.

Yeah. Called you "darling".

A boy.

But don't tell Dad. You know what he's like.

"Who is he? Where does he come from? What does he do?"

-And?

-We're just talking, Tam. Nothing else.

-You did the right thing, you know? Giving Dad a second chance.

-OK.

So, what does this boy do?

He was in my study group.

-So, you've known him a while?

-Yes!

He was asking where you lived and what you did so...

-What's CR &

-NR? What?

You were just on their website. I checked the internet history.

-You snoop on me, Tamwar...

-I didn't snoop.

Yes, well, I did and you were on their jobs page.

I thought you'd sorted things out with your boss.

It's not going to be easy with a tyrant.

-Time to move on from the market?

-Well, I might not have a choice.

-There may not be a market much longer.

-What?!

Don't say anything, cos it's not definite, so don't tell anyone.

-What?

-It's nothing.

Nothing at all.

All right?

Better than my sister.

She's gone soft in the head.

She's a grown woman, I suppose.

Just a shame she can't find a grown man.

Still, it's nice to see her smiling, isn't it?

It won't last.

Hey.

There must be something in the air with them lot.

Look at this. Saw this online last night.

-A dating site, Whit?

-Yeah. Come on. You've got to meet someone.

-Not interested.

-Not interested in what?

You can meet anyone online. A real weirdo.

-Or Mr Right.

-Definitely aren't going to meet him in here.

-Meet who?

-Let's fix up a loudspeaker, shall we?

-Yeah, we'll broadcast it to the whole square...

-Broadcast what?

Nothing.

Sorry, Mick...

-can I have a word, please?

-Yeah.

-Look, let's use that one.

-No! Use that one. It's better.

Nah, don't you think he looks a bit, like...pretty?

-Yeah, that's the point.

-Excuse me. Didn't Johnny just say no to all that?

-All right. Go on, that one.

-Even a couple of hours would help.

-Sorry, mate. We're fully staffed.

-Come on. You must need some help.

-Listen, after shelling out

-to fix the damp in this place, I can't afford it, I'm sorry.

-No worries.

Mick, do us a favour?

-You celebrating something?

-Razor sharp as ever, Ian.

-Can't get anything past you, can we?

-What did you do, sell a moped?

Planning our wedding, actually. Here you are.

Carol and I are getting engaged. Money on there. Ta.

So I hope you're not planning yours any time soon

cos I don't want to upstage you.

Here you are.

There's a word for this, Danny.

Embezzlement.

I am the one Janine's accountants will be coming after when they spot it.

I sorted you a flat, I helped you get back on your feet.

I know. You've been brilliant.

And you are just taking me for a mug here.

Well, actually, there's two words for it.

Just deserts.

We're the only ones keeping this business afloat.

Without me and you, it would have gone under weeks ago. You know that.

We're making money hand over fist for Janine and what's she doing? Sitting on her backside.

She's not exactly sunning herself in the Caribbean, is she?

She's not putting the graft in, though, either, is she?

I'd have had to tell you about this anyway.

I mean, I couldn't keep it to myself forever, could I?

How are you expecting to keep this from ANYBODY?

It's about five grand that's gone missing so far.

Yeah?

It could be a lot more...

and no-one would be any the wiser. Just me and you.

How do you work that out?

-Cheers.

-To us.

-To you.

Maybe we should do the same.

What, drink free champagne all evening? Count me in.

No. Set a date.

David and Carol have just got engaged.

Poor cow. As if she hasn't got enough on her plate.

I thought maybe we should get in first, stop them stealing our thunder.

Back in a sec.

YOU and...?

-And you are?

-Aleks. The Market Inspector.

Denise.

I mind my own business.

G'day, sugar!

-ALFIE LAUGHS Very nice.

-Thank you.

Well, I got one for Bert, one for Ernie...

one for Tommy, but saving the best for last...

Hello, what's your name? I've come all the way from Australia to see you.

-It's good to see you, darling.

-You too.

-Muppet.

-Listen, I was thinking on the way over and I had a long time to think... It was a long flight.

No wonder we don't see much of Spencer and Vicki. I was thinking, "Do I turn up, hot and sweaty,

"suitcase full of dirty clothes and go, 'G'day, Sheila'?"

Or I was thinking we celebrate in style, a night in a hotel,

just me and you, a bit of the old...

Anyway, listen, I didn't actually make a big fortune out there, darling.

But you'll be glad to know that I did make a few quid

and I've got enough money that we can do up the place.

Seriously, it's enough that we can get new carpets, curtains,

probably give it a lick of paint. There you go, darling.

We can turn it into a right little palace, I promise you.

You're going to love it. But I've got plans. I've got proper plans.

I can't say too much about it, but I've got something arriving in a couple of weeks' time.

What's the matter?

-How do you mean?

-I don't know. You tell me.

-Kat, this is non-alcoholic, if that's what you're worried about.

-No, I'm not worried about that.

Then what are you...?

Oh, no, no, no.

-It's not the babies, is it?

-No! No, they're fine.

I think I saw Stacey.

-What?

-Yeah, on the bus. On the way here.

-You saw Stacey on the bus?

No, no. She was going into a hairdressers.

-What, Stacey as in...

-Stacey.

-Stacey?

Queen of Sheba, Stacey. Stacey! Yes!

I got off, I went to look for her, but she'd already left.

I'm sure it was her. I KNOW it was her.

-I've got to go back.

-Kat, please...

-Alfie, I have to find out, all right? Please, can we just go?

-Kat...

Maybe he's changed.

Oh, yeah? Leopards and spots...

-Stranger things have happened.

-He's just bad news, all right, Abs?

-It's the last thing Carol needs more of right now.

-Well, you did it.

-What?

-Changed your spots.

-Don't compare me to him.

Well, no, I'm just saying you haven't always been Snow White.

Yeah, but the difference is I learnt from my mistakes. He hasn't.

You joining me or what?

Well, no. I'm going back to the Vic.

There's a family celebration going on, remember?

OK, look. Bought it online.

Picked it up on the way back from the airport.

It's like the other one, only it's got new alloys,

-I've got the furry dice... It's all right, we can afford it.

-Can we go, please?

Kat, are you sure about this? I mean, Stace?! Come on.

This is the last place she's going to want to be,

-yet you said you saw her walking round having her barnet done...

-Can we just go, please?

I've been having a look at some dates for the wedding.

Now, we can do this Saturday, but we can't do that one.

-Can we talk about this later?

-We don't want to leave it too long, do we?

-I'm helping Bobby with his spelling bee.

-But this is our wedding.

-It's me against Tiff Butcher.

-No contest.

-Definitely not.

Oh! So, what's happened to love's young dream, then?

-DOORBELL RINGS

-That'll be Fatboy.

-Fatboy?

-Yeah. Look, I'll leave this here with you, yeah?

-Yeah.

It's OK, yeah?

Yeah. I said, "Yeah."

Right. What's the next word we've got?

Excuse me. I was in earlier.

That girl that I was talking to you about, she's a friend...

she's a relative and I haven't seen her for a while

and I wondered if you had an address or a phone number for her?

-We're actually closing.

-I'm not asking you to break the Official Secrets Act here or anything.

-Kat...

-All right. All right. You don't have to give me her address,

all I'm asking for is a phone number.

What's her name?

I've got a photo here. Hold on.

It is her, isn't it?

Will you just tell me, you snooty cow?

-Right. I think you'd better leave.

-I'll have a look for myself.

-Whoa, whoa. Kat! Kat!

I'm calling the police right now.

Listen, sweetheart, we're going. We're sorry. Kat, please, come on.

Sorry, darling.

It was her. She recognised her. You saw her face.

I'm sorry about all that trouble you've gone to,

but I just want to go home. I'm not in the mood now.

It's clever.

Still fraud though.

Right.

You see this?

This is from just me being in the know.

You imagine if it was both of us.

The sky would be the limit.

Come on, Luce. Live a little bit.

What's the point of playing it safe all your life? Where's that going to get you, eh?

Thought you two had gone to the Vic.

Saw the light on, thought someone had broke in.

Oh, we just had a bit of business to finish off.

But thanks for checking.

Yeah, thanks, Bill. Really appreciate it.

Yeah, well, like I said before, Janine did leave me in charge. OK?

You and me, yeah?

50-50?

Slow down. It was my idea.

And this is me not calling the police.

Well, that doesn't seem very fair, does it?

Life isn't fair.

Just ask Janine.

You just said it.

The two of us working together...

sky would be the limit.

I'll take that as a yes.

Take it as a yes.

Dad?

-I just want to help.

-What with?

-Oh, come on. Don't pretend you weren't talking about me earlier on.

Tam couldn't leave the room fast enough.

Look, I got us into this mess, just let me help us get out of it.

Who's Muneer?

We weren't talking about you. We were talking about the market.

-It's closing.

-What?!

-It might be. Tam only just found out yesterday.

What's Tam going to do? What are we going to do?

We need his wages.

-You've got your job back.

-Yes, but have you seen our debts?

And I'm applying for a couple of jobs myself.

COMPUTER BEEPS Oh, that could be one of them

coming back to me now.

-So, is it?

-Just give me a few minutes.

-I don't know what's wrong with you lot. He's not going to go for it, you know?

-Go for what?

-He doesn't have to.

-It'll be fine. We'll just go through all the replies

-and pick out all the best-looking boys.

-Yeah, thank you.

Anyway, by the time Johnny knows anything about it,

-his hot date will already be here.

-You can't do that to people, though.

MOBILE BEEPS What? No way! We've already got one.

-Nancy...

-What does he say?

-Don't matter what he says.

I said leave it.

See?

Wait till Tiff hears about it.

She'll sign herself up as bridesmaid and Morgan as page boy.

Seen your dad?

Yeah.

And?

He'll come round. You've just got to give him time.

-You must really think I'm desperate.

-No. Look, I am.

The sooner Mum sees you with someone, the sooner she'll get over it,

the sooner she'll get off all our backs.

This guy actually sounds all right.

He's got a bit of a stupid name. He's called the Walford Wonder.

Will you please just have a look?

No.

Right. I'm just going to leave it there.

Just in case.

-All right?

-Yeah.

-You and Ian seem very, um, pally all of a sudden.

Yeah, well, he's offered me a job.

Or a trial, as a waiter.

That is if it's OK with you?

Normally, I wouldn't, but I really kind of need the dosh right now.

It's got nothing to do with me, has it?

Well, he seems to think he's going to need a bit of extra help

with all the wedding plans and arrangements.

So, yeah...

DOOR SHUTS

Abi gave me her keys.

I can go straight back out if you want.

Here.

It's not exactly champagne, but if you don't mind slumming it...

I don't mind.

That's just as well with that geezer of yours.

I haven't come for more of the same, Max.

So, why have you come here?

-Cos I'm fed up.

-What? Of me?

I'm fed up of being scared all the time.

Scared of this illness, scared of the future,

scared of getting hurt.

And that's the worst thing.

I've finally come to realise that.

It's not actually the illness or the future or actually getting hurt.

It's just being scared. That's the worst bit.

It's already happened, hasn't it?

You've only been engaged to him five minutes.

-You're already not making sense.

-And if it doesn't work out,

at least I didn't run away like a frightened kid.

-Maybe you should do the same.

-Well, what's that, then?

-Not run away from things.

-Who said I am?

Tanya's been gone a while now,

Kirsty's out of your hair, the girls are on an even keel

and here you are sitting all on your own.

-So what? I'm happy.

-Your family and friends are all over the Vic...

You're giving me relationship advice?

You're getting hitched to David Wicks. He is a walking, talking, disaster area.

-Oh, well, that's a start, I suppose.

-What is?

Half-an-hour ago, you were saying, "No way. It ain't working."

I can't change what you're doing, Carol...

but it's wrong.

Yeah, well, you know where we are if you change your mind.

She has to be local.

I mean, you don't travel miles just to get you hair done.

-You've got a scan date.

-What?

-Scan date. It's tomorrow. You never said.

-I was going to.

Right.

-Because of this woman you think you saw...

-Stacey, yeah.

-No, you THOUGHT was Stacey.

-It WAS Stacey!

-OK, sweetheart.

If it was her, why didn't she call to say hello?

I know she doesn't want the police to know she's here,

but she would have called to see how you are, the rest of the family.

-I don't know.

-You wanted it to be her.

Alfie, I know it was her.

Kat, listen, I've been away ages,

-working for us, for our family, for our babies.

-Hold on.

I didn't ask you to go to Australia. That was your idea.

Are you not going to ask what I've done out there, how I've got on?

Things that are actually quite important, all right?

-And my cousin isn't important?

-In case you hadn't noticed, I haven't even seen Tommy yet, have I?

-Yeah, sorry. I'll go and get him.

-Kat, listen...

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

Listen, I'm tired, that's all.

ALFIE SIGHS

Kat, you saw somebody for...

a couple of seconds, you know?

Someone who probably looked like her, yeah?

-Yeah?

-Yeah, you're right.

Come on. Give us a kiss.

-Well, there's hope for us all, isn't there?

-What do you mean?

Your mum and dad tying the knot at their age...

Makes you think, doesn't it?

Oh, I'll see you back there. Kat!

How was the reunion?

-It was good, yeah.

-We've been having a pretty good time here ourselves.

-You're never going to believe what's happened.

-I'll phone you later. Tell me, then, yeah?

-All right.

MOBILE BEEPS

DOORBELL RINGS

-DOORBELL RINGS AGAIN

-Yes, all right. I'm coming.

-All right?

-Yeah.

I've seen Stacey.

-You what?

-Alfie keeps telling me I didn't, but it was only for a second or two,

but I know... I know it was her.

-Stacey?

-She's back.

You know, Mavis from sweets is actually selling all her gold to

go on a cruise.

So do you think we should probably tell her she's going to be

-unemployed soon?

-Keep your voice down.

You let our secret out and you

and Mavis will go claiming benefits together.

-You all right?

-Your hair looks good, though.

I know.

You are such a suck-up.

OK, look, we're in arrears, Dad's money's gone, my money's gone,

you're still unemployed. Yes, I'm sucking up to my boss.

I'm hearing back from that graduate job today, actually. It's mine.

Of course it is. Cos you're the only person in Walford with a degree.

At least I have one.

Your Boy Scout badges aren't going to help us if the market closes.

-PHONE RINGS

-Don't tell anyone about the market!

Hello, Shabnam speaking.

I didn't?

ALFIE: Ground Control to Major Kat.

Not long till we see the new Moons!

We're out of milk.

What you talking about, out of milk? There's a pint in here.

Nan must have been on the White Russians.

I'll just pop over and get some more.

It's all right. I'll go.

No, I'll go.

Look, if you want to help, don't be late for the scan.

11 o'clock sharp, I shall be here.

Wild horses could not keep me away.

I just want to say, I'm sorry about last night.

I was a little bit harsh.

I know you wanted it to be Stacey, Kat. I get it.

I'm just really glad you're concentrating on our family now,

all right?

-Lovely. See you in a bit.

-Yeah.

Wow, these wedding cars are amazing.

Just pick whatever you want... within reason.

Can you drop this round at Fatboy's?

He's starting at the restaurant today.

I can't, I've got the B&B, I've got the Minute Mart.

-I'm up to my eyes, you know.

-All right.

DOORBELL RINGS I'll get it. On my way out anyway.

Oh, did I tell you about Kim?

She's swanning around on some cruise ship with this new fella of hers.

Lucky her.

Oi, you, keep your eyes on the prize.

Second place is first loser. Got that?

Yes, Dad.

Ian Beale?

Erm, yeah.

Shelley Cramm, solicitor.

Ms Butcher wanted me to witness that going straight into your hand.

I ain't received no letter.

Well, that's an ingenious loophole.

Maybe a bird will swoop in and pick it up in its talons.

Maybe the child will eat it. Either way, you've been informed.

All right, Kat? Thanks for coming.

I can't stay.

I told Alfie I was just popping out to get some milk.

Listen, where is this hairdresser's? Is it round here?

-What's it called?

-Maybe I shouldn't have told you.

Kat, don't be like that, all right? You can trust me.

DOOR OPENS All right, Abs?

Hiya, Kat. You all right?

Yeah, no, it's all fine,

Kat just came round with some news from Bianca.

Oh, my gosh! Is Auntie Carol all right?

It's nothing to do with Carol, darling. It's not really important.

Yeah... You should be at school, shouldn't you?

Yeah, I forgot my USB stick.

I'll see you later then.

Yeah, thanks for that, Kat.

Mind if I keep my clothes on?

Who are you? Get out!

Ms Butcher's solicitor.

She's selling the business with immediate effect.

You nearly took my finger off then, what's the matter with you?!

-You nearly took my finger off!

-PHONE RINGS

That'll be Mummy. Here we go.

-Probably gone to milk the cow herself, I bet.

-Yeah.

Come on.

Let's go and play football in the park before we go to playgroup.

Shall we go and get our coats?

-There's our coats.

-Our coats are here.

Kat, I'm sorry for being full-on.

I know you're worried about Stacey getting caught, all right?

But you can trust me.

Look at the trouble we've started. Abi nearly heard us back there.

Yeah, but she didn't, did she?

I'm not even sure it was Stacey. I was on a bus.

I couldn't see properly.

What's the real problem?

I can't lie to Alfie again.

He's been breaking his back for us in Australia. We're having twins.

We're going to have a scan in a couple of hours. He's excited.

Yeah, but Stacey's back. Don't you care why?

I can't have any more secrets in my life.

Well, you managed before, didn't you?

I'm sorry. I didn't mean that.

I made Alfie a promise. Leave me alone, Max.

TEXT ALERT

Nearly forgot, congratulations on your engagement.

Thanks, Billy. You look really smart.

Just come back from a meeting in Poplar. Exec to exec.

That's good. Sorry, just a second.

You all right, Carol?

Yeah.

What's Janine playing at?

-There's removal men outside Butcher's Joint.

-No, there ain't.

Well, I ain't imagining the men in uniform, Billy.

It's like the Village People out there.

Mum! Are you working? What're you doing?

I thought you said you was going to get Sonia to cover for you?

You've just had your chemo.

Well, I can work, so I will. End of.

You seen a woman?

Smart looking, beige coat, blonde bob, carrying a briefcase?

I don't think so?

Right. I'll try and find the solicitor.

-You go home and call your lawyer.

-Why, what's happened?

Janine's selling her half of the restaurant, or so she thinks.

What's happening?

Janine's selling the place.

No, no, no! Wait, listen. I'm the Executive Director of Operations.

All right? I've just been to an execs' meeting.

There's no way Janine would action this without running it

past me first. Right?

Was their "team bonding" meeting signed off by you too?

What?

Here's a box.

I've worked myself to the bone for this place.

I've got a family to feed.

Pop your bits in a box.

I dunno.

We hold the fort for Janine and this is how she repays us, eh?

Yeah, let's go, Danny.

No, Lucy...

Danny...

Yoink! Oooh, a message from the Walford Wonder!

-Yeah, I thought you weren't interested?

-I ain't.

Don't worry. He won't be either once he gets to know you.

Ah, he actually sounds quite sweet!

Yeah, I suppose.

Last night's clothes, yeah? Shame.

Listen, nice one with Billy, yeah?

-I'll...

-I'll hang on to that.

Don't you trust me?

All right. Let's just split it now then.

-Fine.

-What do you think last night was about?

Me keeping you sweet or what?

Maybe?

Luce, I'm not above lying, but seriously, last night...

I mean, how could I fake that?

I've got a degree. I'm not looking at job ads in the Walford Gazette.

We can't pay the mortgage.

-Denise!

-Yeah?

Shabnam, you're back! Wow, you look lovely.

Thank you.

Oh, Denise, it's so lovely that you're still working here.

Yes, that's... That's me.

Bet you've got a good job though, eh? What with your degree?

What else is new with you? Another new man?

-Yeah. I'm engaged now, actually.

-Ah!

-To Ian Beale.

-Erm...

Well, congratulations, you! I guess it's about...

companionship at your age?

And love. And love.

Denise, the credit card machine's broken.

You'll have to fix it.

I've tried and I can't. And Mrs Ling's waiting to pay.

Oh, OK. You'll just have to step in here then.

Not me and that chip 'n' PIN thing!

I can fill in. It's not a problem.

Really? OK. Thank you.

Just try not to, you know, touch anything.

I might as well put the Walford Gazette back.

Do. How can I look for jobs when I'm helping poor Denise?

She's clearly fallen apart without Mum.

I think I could smell booze on her breath.

I meant, get a job here.

SHE LAUGHS

Shabs, do you think I like my job?

Do you think I like sucking up to Aleks?

But we're broke, OK?

So just get off your high horse and do your bit for the family.

There'll be other jobs, Billy.

Here, why does Janine need that money all of a sudden?

She's pleading not guilty. Needs the dough for a lawyer.

What about Alice?

I don't know.

Hey!

G'day, Carol, how's it going? Lovely to see you, sweetheart.

G'day, Billy!

G'day, Alfie.

Well, that's the British spirit I've missed.

Tell you what, Billy, this'll cheer you up.

Today is Kat's first proper scan. How about this?

I'm going to see the twins for the first time.

What about that, eh?

That's brilliant, mate.

Right, OK, budge up.

All right, I've got two ears and about an hour to spare.

I want you to tell me all about it.

Carol, I'll have a proper Walford cup of tea, please, darling.

RING TONE PLAYS

And there's nothing we can do to stop Janine selling her share?

What, nothing at all?

All right, thanks, Bryan.

Janine can't just sell her share to some random.

What if they get rid of my dad? My dad built Scarlett's.

I've just got off the phone to my brief.

And he says we've got rights.

Well, that's encouraging, Mr Beale...as well as fictitious.

Can I go now?

All right. How about I buy Janine's share?

A lump sum like that? In a few weeks?

I don't think so.

There's got to be a way.

I'll sell the caff or the chippy, I'll do whatever.

There's not time. You won't be able to sell 'em.

Lucy. Lucy makes good commission, don't she?

You do know that Lucy's just lost her job?

Oh...

Cheers, mate. All right. Drive safely.

All right? You've got your scan, ain't ya? Where's Alfie?

Wearing his invisibility cloak.

-Well, I mean, I could always take you.

-Just do one, Max.

David can look after the car lot. It's up to you, Kat.

Do you want to get to the hospital on time or not?

Look at Take That. Hey? What a comeback. Eye of the tiger.

Seize the day and all that.

Billy, you'll be an exec one day, I promise ya.

Eye of the tiger. Yeah, you're right, Alf.

I'm just here to share the love, mate.

I'm going to see me bubbas at noon.

Cutting it a bit fine though, ain't you?

No, no, half past ten. I'll meet Kat at 11.

Think your watch must still be on Aussie time.

What're you talking about?

It's 11.30.

No. No, no, no...

Bye-bye, Mrs Ling.

Half an hour quibbling over a bill!

Oh, Patrick, how many times have I told you?

It's exactly the same as at the shop. It's just smaller. Look.

Right, I'm off.

Denise, Denise. Stay and relax. Shabnam knows what she's doing.

-Oh, yeah, I bet she does.

-Well, then, give her a job.

You'll need time off to plan the wedding and...

What are you, my gay best mate now?

What's wrong with you lately? Zero to 60 in a second.

You're doing my head in.

I'm sorry, Patrick.

Well, it's just...this place.

It's the wedding, isn't it?

No.

You haven't even set a date yet.

Denise, you can't pretend with me, you know.

I wish I could stop feeling this way.

I don't know if Ian's the right one.

Sounds like pre-wedding nerves to me.

I kissed Fatboy at the engagement party.

I know, why don't we ask the Walford Wonder what his favourite film is?

I don't care what my own favourite film is, Nance.

All right. Ask him where he drinks or something.

Yeah, and be like,

"Hi, I'm Johnny, I'm a stalker." No.

No.

Right, I didn't want to say anything till I knew it was legit.

I've just got off the phone to one of my pals in the city,

there's a deal.

She's never let me down before.

And that would involve you taking all the money, I suppose?

No, actually, I was only talking about my share.

See, Penny's very funny about who she deals with,

and we go way back, so...

There they are, there they are. Eye of the tiger.

Yeah. If Gary Barlow can make a comeback, so can we.

So we are gonna start our own property business. Yeah?

Yeah. That sounds like a great idea, Billy. But we've been talking.

And, I mean, you've taught us so much,

but Danny and I have our own plans.

Fantastic(!) Thanks.

So, you want in on Penny's deal then, yeah?

No. We are going to start our own business.

We'll be ready for you soon, Mrs Moon.

Is Mr Moon joining us today?

Yeah.

You're a...friend...relative?

-We drink in the same pub.

-Yeah.

You can go, you know. Alfie will be here soon.

I don't mind. I'll stick around till Alfie gets here.

Don't think you can talk me round by playing the hero.

I'm not after anything, Kat.

Just don't think it's right, a woman going to her

scan on her own. It's meant to be a happy thing, ain't it?

Right. We're ready for you, Mrs Moon.

I can't believe he's missing this.

Do you want me to go in with you?

Sorry for leaving you in the lurch.

I do beg your pardon if my shop is a health hazard.

How do I cope without Zainab's exacting standards?

No. I just like cleaning.

And I think you run this place much better than Mum did.

In fact, I've enjoyed meeting customers, making the produce neat.

Who'd have thought, given my degree?

In fact, this whole experience has made me want to quit science and...

And?

Extend my retail skills base.

-Work in a supermarket?

-Mmm.

Well, let's call this a trial period then. Kettle's out the back.

Yes.

And here's one.

Hello, Bert!

Looks like we share a hairdresser!

And here's the second.

Two strong heartbeats.

Two little lions, eh?

BEEPING

Excuse me just a second.

There we are.

I can't believe he's missing this.

Yeah, I bet Stacey would love to meet 'em.

All right, Kat, listen, sweetheart, I can't believe this has happened.

My watch was still on Aussie time and my phone wasn't on.

I raced to get here.

Found Kat waiting outside. Guessed you'd gone walkabout.

Thanks, mate. I owe you one. Thanks, mate.

No worries. I'll leave you to it. See you later.

Kat, listen, I'm so sorry, sweetheart.

So we take Janine's clients.

We use the money we make to take over a couple of leases.

And then we put everything we make into new properties.

It's hardly going to cover the office space.

Come on, Lucy, you're a clever girl.

You can't seriously think that setting up a new business is

a better idea than Penny's deal?

No, I do think it's a better idea.

Because I know where we can get free office space.

I've missed this place. Mum does too.

Your mum misses the Minute Mart? Don't make me laugh.

Was always some riff-raff ruining her display.

Always someone breathing germs.

People should be more careful.

Here, job's yours if you want it.

Thank you! Thank you!

Oh, I have big plans to...

You know, I never got round to telling

Zainab about Ian. What do you think she'll say about it?

Erm...

-You all right, love?

-Yeah.

I just wanted to sort out drinks later in the Vic. Dad's a bit...

Why? What's happened?

Janine's selling her stake in Scarlett's.

She can't. What's he going to do?

Panic, by the looks of it.

Oh, and Lucy's lost her job too.

So he thinks we're all going to be destitute.

Lucky he's engaged to such a strong, independent businesswoman.

Denise, you might be the only breadwinner when the market closes.

What?

Kat, I promise you, darling, I won't let you down again.

You haven't let me down. You're the best bloke ever.

And these babies are the luckiest to have you as their dad.

so things are back to normal?

Course they are! Stick the kettle on, yeah?

Yeah. Yes. Let's have a cuppa.

How does life get this good, eh?

So what was all that with Kat? I know something's going on.

Paranoia's the first sign of madness, Abs.

Well, and I asked for you at the car lot

-and David said you'd been gone all afternoon.

-PHONE BEEPS

We're just worried about Alice, that's all.

Oi, Peter told me the market's closing? Is that right?

-No, it's not.

-He said you told Shabnam it was?

How dare you! This is our market.

Guys, I'm not the one spreading lies here. Yeah?

-What's going on?

-The market's not closing.

Why would Shabnam tell me that it's closing then?

The market? Bridge Street Market?

Tam's denying it but you know what the council are like.

That's my dad's market.

And we're going to fight it!

We're going to show that council we're not going to get pushed

away to make room for some posh apartments

or whatever they're up to.

Look, family night at the Vic later, yeah?

What's going to happen to the caff if the market closes?

What's going to happen to the chippy? We could go under.

Where you been? Your shift finished ages ago.

I've been worried. You shouldn't even be working.

I had stuff to do.

I bet. The prison phoned.

What are they phoning you for?

Must be my visiting order for Alice.

Mum, you're ill! I thought we agreed that Alice ain't your problem.

Well, whose problem is she then?

Can I help you?

Oh, yeah. Hi. Rex Manning. The IT specialist.

Come about the computer virus.

-Virus?

-Yeah.

-No.

Apparently you've had abusive e-mails being sent out to

all your clients or something?

I wasn't told about a virus.

Well, I've got other jobs waiting. I can go and come back?

No, please.

Thank you.

Hey. They let you back in the country, boy?

G'day, mate. Welcome home, bud.

Yeah, yeah. Enjoy it before the council sells it.

Great to be back. What's not to miss about this lovely English weather, eh?

-I'll get the beers in.

-Nice one, Ian.

You seem more certain?

Oh, that was just a wobble before. It's natural, ain't it?

Are you sure this wedding is what you want?

Yeah... Ian, Ian's what I want.

Dad, can I have a word?

Luce, I'm sorry you've lost your job, love. Don't worry.

We'll scrape by.

No, Dad. I don't want to scrape by.

Danny and I, we are starting our own business.

And we just need premises.

So I was going to ask if we could use the house?

And if Danny can stay just till he gets back on his feet?

No, you're not starting a business.

Well, Janine's clients are there to take.

Love, it's a nasty world out there. The market's closing.

Janine just sells up.

Dad, I'd love to sit around crying about how unfair it is

but times change.

OK? Winners keep up.

Or would you rather me be a loser like Billy Mitchell?

All right. You can use the house.

Back in a minute, love. Just got to pop out.

Drinking water? What's the matter with you?

Johnny, do us a favour, mate, get us a couple of beers here.

This is Operation Turn Billy's Frown Upside-Down.

I'm not going to be much company, Alf.

This morning I was an exec.

Thought I had a team behind me.

Come on, Bill. Their loss.

How do you do it, Alf? Lovely wife.

Lovely family.

Well, the secret to a good life is being able to sleep at night.

Thought it was about time I introduced myself to the new

market inspector.

I'm Ian Beale.

You've probably heard of me.

The Beale name means something around here.

Look, spare me your sob story. The market's not closing. OK?

All right, well we both know that's not true.

Look, I've served on the council.

I know how it works and I still know some of the bigwigs there.

And I'm sure there's a nice big promotion in it for you

if you get this market closed with no fuss.

What are you trying to tell me?

Us traders, OK, we have rights.

Which could mean a long

and expensive court battle for the council.

But for the right price...

I could make sure this market closure goes through quickly.

Hello. Yeah, could I speak to Stacey, please?

No, it's all right. Must be a wrong number.

OK, bye.

Downloaded the salon's client database - all 15 pages of it.

Do you need a hand?

I got a job!

Yeah, well, I nearly lost mine.

There you go.

Perhaps, you know, we should be thinking about tightening our belts?

The bad luck you've had today.

Well, you make your own luck in this world, don't you?

OK. A toast to saving the market!

-The market.

-The market.

Listen, me moving in is a bit strong, ain't it?

Why are you looking for problems?

How many more times, Luce?

If you want the money, I'll give you my half right now.

It's OK.

I trust you.

If that doesn't deserve a bottle of champagne, I don't know what does.

What can I get you?

Bottle of champagne, please, Johnny. It's Top Gun, by the way.

My favourite film.

And the Walford Wonder wants to know if you want to hook up later?

Billy, do you ever think things are so good that it can't be true?

Nah, not really.

What do you do? Wait for a disaster?

There doesn't have to be a disaster, does there?

It's too late.

You've lost me.

Alfie, is it Kat?

I did something really bad in Australia.

Well, that was the last number on the client list.

Maybe you didn't recognise her voice?

Right, you'd better get home, ain't ya?

Before Alfie starts asking questions.

Hold on, what's this one? "Colourist candidates".

She did look really smart.

I don't think fugitives apply for jobs, do they?

She's got a kid to feed.

Here. Here, look. Jenny Smith, Flat 15, 12 Mead Lane, NW6.

'Hello.'

We've got her. We've found Stacey.

I don't care if he is busy, right?

Just put me through to Councillor Byford's office.

Yeah, I don't mind holding.

What? So you're telling me that's set then?

That's lovely. It's not through customs yet?

No, that's brilliant.

Look, thank you so much. I'll look forward to your call.

All right, thank you. Take care. Bye-bye.

That's it, mate - there's no turning back now.

Have you told Kat about the other thing yet?

-No. No, not yet.

-The longer you leave it, Alfie...

I know, Billy - she's going to go lunatic on me, ain't she?

Only if you're daft enough not to get in there first

before it all kicks off.

Yeah. See you later, mate.

Cauliflowers and Savoys, get them fresh today.

Cheers, darling - don't forget, if you want more deals like that,

then spread the word.

We need help to fight for the market.

Look, I just think both of us rocking up ain't such a good idea.

So you're staying here, then?

No, I didn't think so.

Look, Bianca's going to cover for me from 12:30.

When she turns up, I'll find you and we'll go and check it out.

-Right, and then what?

-If it is her...

Let's just deal with it when we get there.

Sorry. Thanks.

What happened with him - you can't ignore that.

SHE SIGHS

I'm not.

Maybe you need to think about what you really feel about Ian.

I have. And that's why I'm going to get things moving and marry him.

Oh, no, you don't.

-Turning away custom?

-No. Only yours.

I'm not the bad guy here.

I'm part of the market, just like you.

Oh, is that right?

If the rumours are true, I'm affected as much as everyone.

Smug so-and-so.

Listen, what happened with Fatboy made me realise what I want.

-Getting married is a big thing.

-I know.

And that is why I want you to give me away.

Look, I mean...you're sure, marrying him,

-you're doing the right thing?

-I'm sure.

Then...

-..I'd be honoured to give you away.

-Aw!

You know, the one thing I do know - Ian is a good man

and I'm not prepared to lose it all over a kiss.

-Hiya.

-You all right, Abs?

-Are you not working today?

-Yeah. Yeah, I got a meeting.

-For what?

-Oh, just...you know. I'm just meeting a dealer,

looking at new stock.

You look a bit smart for buying cars.

It's a suit.

She pretty then, is she?

She is a "he", Abs.

And no, he ain't my type.

-See you later.

-See you.

-I'm not the one making decisions.

-You're still going along with it.

-I'm just doing my job.

-I think you should take that to go.

-Lucy...

-No, it's fine.

Thank you.

He's not a bad man, you know that.

Tell that to everyone who's about to lose everything.

-Hi. Can I have a coffee, please?

-Takeaway?

-Yeah.

You all right, Mas?

You're back, then.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, mission accomplished.

-You know, thanks to you and...

-And me being rubbish at poker.

I was lucky, mate, and I wouldn't have got there

if it hadn't have been for you.

So...if there's any way I can pay you something back...

You won that money fair and square, it's yours.

Yeah, thank you, Mas.

But like I said, if there's anything I can...

Tell you what -

you pay for that coffee and we'll call it quits.

-Deal?

-Is it a large coffee?

-Yeah.

-All right - it's a deal.

-Welcome back, mate.

-Cheers, buddy.

-See you later, yeah?

-Yeah.

-Can I get two coffees, please?

-Takeaway?

Yeah - yeah, to go, please. Thanks.

Uh, not while you're working.

-What did I just say?

-I've just got to reply to this.

-I'm serious, put it away.

-It's important.

Oh, right, well, if it's important, then it must be a family emergency...

..or a man.

So which one is it?

A man?

No. No, no, no, no, it's not a man.

OK, yes, but not like that.

-You have to swear not to tell.

-Like I would.

It's someone I met online, it's being going on a while.

And...now he wants to meet up.

The...the post's back in safe hands again, I see.

Yeah, you know -

they've started calling me Yo-Yo at the sorting office.

There's a meeting in the Vic, half one, about the market.

I don't suppose you could pass the word, could you?

-Yeah, sure.

-Cheers.

They're still talking to you, then - father of the traitor.

They're just angry, that's all.

They'll soon realise you were just doing your job.

Yeah, it's a job I'm going to lose soon,

if I don't get lynched before.

Oi - what you running away for?

I ain't running.

I seen the way he looked at you. You blatantly just fancy him.

Just leave it, will you? The guy's a creep.

He's in there, all loved up with Lucy.

What? It was just a smile.

What if I told you he's the Walford Wonder?

He's a good-looking bloke.

Yes, but what if once we're face to face,

he's nothing like his picture?

What if he's boring? What if he smells?

DENISE LAUGHS

What if he's gorgeous?

And what if the pair of you are perfect for each other?

-Like you and Ian?

-Exactly.

You don't know anything about him till you meet him.

MESSAGE TONE

It's him.

GIGGLING: OK, OK.

Right, you text him back, you tell him that you'll meet him.

But somewhere local, you know, keep it safe.

Trust me, not many decent blokes out there.

If one comes along, you've got to keep hold of him.

Oi, oi. It's a fair cop, guv - I'm going to finish up here

and then carry on with stripping the wallpaper, honest, boss.

Carol, you ain't seen Bianca, have you?

-She's around somewhere.

-Typical, innit?

-The one day I don't want her to be late.

-Why's that, then?

I've got to go to the bank, they didn't send us a cheque book.

OK - you going to have a bit of lunch with me this afternoon?

No, not today. I thought you was going to this market meeting?

I am. OK, what about we have some drinks later, then?

Doubt it. I've got to go and check out some new stock.

-All right.

-Why, is it important?

Well, yeah. Well, no - it's that thing I got from Oz, you know,

it's in the docks at the moment.

-"That thing"?

-Yes.

-Are you going to tell me what it is?

You don't need to know.

All you need to know is it'll bring in lots of dosh, all right?

-Not another dead sheep, is it?

-Shut up. Course it's not.

I'm thinking about me, you, our future, Tommy, Bert and Ernie.

-That's all I'm thinking about.

-That's all that matters to me, too.

Tina, here you go. Thanks, sweetheart. There you go.

-I'm sorry, Mum - shift finished late.

-All right, darling.

They're waiting on a bacon roll and egg sandwich

and this table, they've not paid yet.

She's covering for you again?

-Mum, we need to have a chat.

-Yes - I've got to go.

-You look shattered.

-Yeah, funny that.

Why don't you go home and have a rest?

-Because Alice needs me there.

-What for? What are you going to do?

-It's just another plea hearing.

-For murder.

She's got to stand there with that evil cow

while they accuse her of being in league with Janine.

I'm not letting her be there on her own. She's got nobody.

I'm not letting her think she's got to face this on her own.

Who's Alice?

If it don't fit, just bring it back and I'll change it for you.

All right? Cheers, darling.

I've seen you.

KAT LAUGHS

-What?

-You and my dad.

This has got nothing to do with you.

Well, he don't need you messing with his head.

-So please, just stay away from him.

-What you on about?

Me and your dad?

Wouldn't be the first Branning you've cheated on Alfie with, would it?

You're lucky I don't smack you into the middle of next week.

I'm not cheating on Alfie.

I'm having his babies. For God's sake, Abi!

Stay away from him.

I am not seeing your dad.

I swear to you, I am not seeing him.

Then why's my dad putting on his best shirt

and lying about where he's going?

If he's not seeing you, then who is he seeing?

Right, let everyone know, yeah?

Traders' meeting, half an hour, in the Vic.

Cheers. Here you are...

-What's this, battle HQ?

-I've done a couple of these,

done one for the shop and one for in here.

That's good. We need all the businesses behind this.

You've done a good job.

I don't know whether it's going to be as bad as you think.

I thought you'd be more worried - if you lose Scarlett's,

you'll need this place and the chippy more than ever.

-Are you coming to the meeting?

-Yeah, I mean, you try and stop me.

I mean, we still need to do everything.

I reckon, you know, you should do a speech, give them what's what.

Me? I don't know any more than anyone else.

But we need someone to take the lead

and there's been a Beale or a Fowler on that market since time began.

Right, you get the flyers out there. And I'll see you at the Vic.

Yeah. Sure.

-Where's your mum?

-I'm covering for her.

Right, well, nobody told me.

She's a little bit preoccupied at the moment, Ian.

While we're on the subject,

I'll be covering for her a lot more while she has her chemo.

Yeah. Still should have told me, though, yeah.

-She's a brave woman, your mum.

-Stubborn.

Stubborn, brave...

I bet you're well proud of her.

You all right?

-We off?

-What you playing at?

-What do you mean?

I've just had your daughter in my face

thinking that me and you are at it.

Oh, what?

-And aftershave? Are you for real?

-What?

Look at you, all tarted up.

If you coming with me to find Stacey

is all about some grubby idea of re-kindling old flames,

you can forget about it.

-What you talking about? Course it ain't.

-I mean it.

-If that's all this is to you...

-Well, it ain't.

She's family, ain't she?

Well, Bianca's not turned up yet. We'll go as soon as she does.

You know, I didn't exactly tell her everything.

You got a death wish?

Do you really think she ain't going to wonder

where this money's come from?

What? The place is going to be packed.

The market goes, so do our customers.

I think this one, cos the block has its own gym.

Well, anything that gets me off your sofa,

I don't care if it's next to a sewage works.

Look at her, Nance. The poor girl ain't got a clue.

I tell you what, if that was my bloke,

I know what I would be doing

and it would involve two bricks and I'd just...

All right.

Not exactly packed out, is it?

It's only quarter past. They'll be here.

We've put out a few crisps and things.

You do know it's a meeting to save the market, not a christening?

-Sorry. I'm sorry.

-No, it's all right, darling. It's fine.

It's a stressful time for everyone.

Let's hope we get a few more bodies in.

We'll show them soppy mugs at the council

a lot more than they bargained for, right?

-Right, is this where the meeting is?

-I told you.

We going, then?

-What?

-To this meeting?

-No, I can't.

-Yes, you can.

I can't. I've got something to do and it's important.

What could be more important than fighting for our jobs?

Are you coming or what?

Hello.

Oh, hi. I didn't know you worked here.

-Yeah, yeah, just started.

-Oh.

-So, you eating alone?

-No, I'm meeting someone.

Oh. Oh, nice.

Um...your dad?

My dad? No, I do have friends, you know.

-And there he is now.

-Oh...sorry.

Shabnam?

-Nice to meet you.

-And you.

Here's a menu for you both. There you go.

Over here, please.

You all right, sweetheart?

-Good turnout, innit?

-Yeah, it's great.

Right, I'm going to get off before they start getting their pitch forks out.

-It's not a joke, you know.

-Yeah, I know, it's serious.

I'd only get in the way. I'll see you in a bit.

Leave it, yeah?

Can I just get a glass of red, please?

Johnny?

-Oh, B, have you seen Ian?

-Er, no. Sorry.

He's a creep, Luce, you need to dump him.

-Excuse me?

-He's playing you.

-Oh, right. OK.

-He's cruising online.

I don't know what your problem is, but can you just leave me alone?

But what if I could prove it?

-Where's your dad?

-I'm trying to call him, he's not answering.

I reckon we should get this under way.

-What? It's only just gone half past.

-Who's supposed to be organising it?

-I thought that Ian would, but...

-Well, he's not here, is he? So...

OK.

Right, pipe down.

Listen up...

Oi, everyone! Quiet, please.

It's not a social do, OK? We're not here to chat.

What we're here to do is talk about what we've all been hearing about

and try and make sense of what's been going on

and work out what to do about it.

-I've never done this before.

-Me neither.

-I wasn't sure what to expect, but...

-You're not disappointed?

No, no - you're even more beautiful than your photo.

SHE LAUGHS

So is this somewhere you've been before?

Yes, I live very close, actually.

I wasn't sure where to choose

and then my boss - I work in a shop -

she said pick somewhere local