15/03/2014 EastEnders Omnibus

She's got you slaving away already then, has she?

Eh? Nah, I'm always ready to help family out, ain't I?

Here, did you know she'd bought this place? Cos no-one told me.

That's my sister, Billy. Full of surprises.

'Shot. One, two, three, four...'

'Right cross, that's good.'

'One, two, three, four...'

If you've come to eye up my punters, get in line.

Carl's mum called again this morning.

She's not going away.

-Right, then.

-Who's taking you to the clinic?

We're going to get a cab.

Oh! I'm surprised Terry never offered.

Terry didn't know.

Terry's got enough to deal with.

I'll drive you, then.

I'd like to see how my money's being spent.

I'm seeing doctors with designer suits and gold-plated stethoscopes.

No-one FORCED you to pay for them to go private.

What price a good night's sleep for our girl?

Girls. Two of them, don't forget.

Yeah, all right! She's cost me an extra grand!

We'll definitely get a cab.

I didn't want to come round here and start dragging you down,

not after everything you've been through.

Oh, no, it was just one of my winter chests.

You know, keep in the warm, keep out the wind

and take your cough mixture.

Anyway, I'm glad you told me.

You shouldn't even BE down here. You should be tucked up in that bed!

I'm fine.

But you must be feeling a bit scared.

Yeah.

Yes. But...

I keep telling myself... it's better to know, right?

Surely it's better to know than end up like Pauline?

Walk out the house, and cross the square, and drop dead in the snow!

Yes, well, I've worried about a lot of people dying...

and some have. Some fast. Some slow.

But there's one thing I DO know.

You're not going nowhere!

Now, come on.

Give us a smile.

Go on.

There's my girl!

'And I know we've had our disagreements,

'but I'm starting to get worried.

'Just give me a ring, Carl, let me know you're OK.'

She's his mum, and she's never going to find out what happened to him.

Don't you think that's sad?

There's not much I can say, is there?

If she finds out, everyone finds out. Is that what you want?

-Go on. Pick it up. Call her.

-That's not what I'm saying, Ron...

I just, I just think it's sad.

Who are you imagining on the other end of that phone, Roxy?

Mary Berry?

Look, I don't know this woman, but if she raised Carl,

chances are she's not exactly Mother of the Year.

But, you know, if you feel sorry for her...

I'm with YOU, Ronnie.

I'm ALWAYS with you.

You should know that by now.

Can I help? Yeah, one second.

Phil... PHIL!

-WHAT?!

-It's the phone for you!

Do I look like I'm taking calls?! Just book 'em in!

It's not garage business. This woman's trying to find someone.

Well, did she give her name?

Yeah. Mrs White.

Why aren't you at school?

-Felt sick.

-See, this is what I was worried about.

You might be happy to throw away your education...

You really want me puking up in double maths?

Teachers asking questions? Wouldn't that ruin your little plan?

What plan?

Keeping it a secret till you can persuade me to get rid of the baby.

Cindy, I'm tired of fighting with you about this, OK?

Believe it or not, all I want is what's best for you.

You don't know what's best for me!

Right, and you do? OK. You're just a CHILD, for crying out loud!

Cindy...

Cindy!

Cindy, I'm really sorry, I didn't mean it to sound like that...

Cind...

I'm sorry about that...

I'll try not to take it personally.

Jane?

You're moving back from Cardiff today? Should've let me know.

Didn't want a fuss. All the brass bands and bunting...

-Where're you going to stay?

-Ah!

You made it!

Masood offered me a bed just till I get myself sorted.

Oh, you can stay as long as you like!

-Shall I get this luggage for

-you, Madam? Thank you.

-Ian.

-Masood...

If anything's broken, I'll...

No, no, it's fine. It doesn't matter.

Don't worry, there's no-one else here.

-Both the boys are out getting parts.

-How'd she get the number, Phil?

I don't know. The internet?

Search for Mitchell, Walford, something like that, I suppose?

Sorry, I don't understand...

Just before Christmas, Carl told his brother

that he was seeing a girl called Roxy Mitchell.

-I don't believe this!

-What did you say to her?

What d'you think I said? Told her I'd never heard of either of 'em.

She knows my name. She knows I live in Walford. What if she shows up?

You're going to have to tell her that Carl's disappeared.

That woman is probably going out of her mind.

Right? And now I... I have to lie to her?

Maybe you should pick up Amy from school.

Disappear for a few days.

So that's your answer, is it? Run away?

-Has Nan left?

-Yeah, they're just going.

-Who was that on the phone?

-Alice.

Where're you going? No, no, no. Your nan's got enough on her plate!

But apparently Kat's told the police that she saw Alice stab Michael...

-Eh?

-And she's going to stand up in court and say so.

-Liam...

-But the trial starts this week.

I don't care. I'll deal with this.

Your nan does not need to know. D'you understand me?

(Right.)

DOORBELL RINGS

DOORBELL RINGS

DOORBELL RINGS

Kat!

DOORBELL RINGS

Come on, Bianca! We're going to be late.

-She ain't in!

-Well, have you tried her phone?

I've tried her phone, but there's no answer.

But I need her for the stall. I'll have to try Alfie's phone.

Strange, Kat letting you down like that again.

Syed had Yasmin for the day, so we all went to the park.

She's a right little princess, isn't she?

Got them eating out of her hand.

DOORBELL RINGS

You stay right there. I want to hear all about her.

You been up to see your brother?

Not yet.

Erm, we have a guest...

All right? I'd like to offer to pay for what Cindy broke.

-It's OK, really...

-I'd like to get it straight with you.

-Wasn't anything important.

-Is it in that one?

No, Ian. Please. No!

Ha! Grandma's tea-set?

No. It was our wedding present from my late Auntie Pauline.

I like traditional. Traditional's good.

-Yeah. I should get your room ready, right?

-Thank you.

-Shabnam?

Kat?

Kat? Oh!

You all right?

I've just had Bianca on the blower. She's worried about you.

-Everything all right?

-Yeah, I'm fine.

So, you made your choice.

-You've got nothing to say?

-What d'you want me to say?

What do you expect me to say? You know how I feel.

Alfie!

You have got no idea how hard this is for me!

Kat. OK, just hear me out, please. Kat...

DOOR SLAMS

Come on, come on.

Hello, mate, it's Alfie Moon.

It's about that delivery to Albert Square.

Listen, I really need it today.

Got any of those little juice cartons, the ones with the straws?

Not sure. You checked the fridge?

Know we've got the big ones in there.

I need the little ones. For travelling.

Me and Amy are going to head off for a couple of days,

thought we might go and see Aunt Sal.

Excuse me. I wonder if you could help me.

I'm looking for Carl White.

Carl? Haven't seen him in months.

He has a girlfriend, lives locally.

Roxy?

Roxy? Erm, name rings a bell... What's her surname?

-Mitchell.

-Mitchell? Walford's full of THEM!

But...

can't say that I've heard of a Roxy.

Sorry to trouble you. Don't worry.

So, who was that, then?

-I have got no idea!

-Yeah?

Well, I'd say if she's got anything to do with Carl,

she's definitely worth avoiding.

Do you want one of these? Ladies, take one as well.

Here you go.

Hey! Do you want to earn 20 quid handing out these flyers?

No, not really. I just want to go home.

What's wrong with you?

Billy says you haven't been out of the flat all weekend.

Is it cos of what happened last week?

Does he know?

Do you want to tell him?

-Yeah, part of me does.

-Listen.

Take it from me. Secrets have a way of blowing up in your face.

You've made one mistake, don't make another one.

No, I don't think I can.

Look, invite him to the pub later tonight and talk it through.

-I can't, I'm skint!

-Well? Here you go. Go on!

-See you later.

-Yeah!

-Hi!

-Hiya! All right?

Oh! What are you doing?

Carl's mum. She's here.

-Pregnant?

-Yep.

How far gone?

We think three months.

Well, shouldn't you know?

Look, I only found out the other week!

I'm sorry. Sticking my nose in.

No, it's fine. I nearly phoned you over the weekend, but...

well, then I remembered what happened with Lucy...

That's in the past, Ian.

And this is very different. I mean, at least Lucy was a bit older.

What does Cindy want to do?

She wants to keep it.

-Although she may just be saying that to wind me up.

-Oh, come on, Ian!

No, she is just like her flamin' mother!

And what about the father? Do you know him?

His name's TJ. His dad's going out with Bianca.

Big, bald fella.

Big, bald fella?

I'm guessing relations aren't too good with him, either?

Do you know what, I didn't want it to be like this.

I've mucked everything up, haven't I?

And you know what to do to put things right...

You get everyone in a room together, and you talk things through.

You handle Big Bald Fella, and I'll talk to Cindy.

Listen, I want you to call me as soon as you get there.

And you, you make sure you give a huge big hug to Aunt Sal, OK?

DOORBELL RINGS

It's probably just the postman.

DOORBELL RINGS

-Who was it?

-No-one.

-What're you hiding?

-Nothing.

-Show me.

She knows where we live.

I know.

Well, she's not going to stop, is she?

I've got to meet her.

No! No, Roxy, you can't.

Listen to me, you've got to take Amy and go to Aunt Sal's!

Will you stop it? Just stop it.

OK, I know you're always trying to protect me.

But I can do this. OK?

You let me protect you for a change.

There you are!

I was beginning to think you'd done a runner!

If you've come to have a go, I've been up since four,

so I ain't in the mood.

I'd like to extend an olive branch.

-Obviously not a real olive branch...

-I know what that is, Ian.

Just trying to figure out what your game is.

-Come round to ours at five o'clock and we'll talk things through?

-Fine.

I'll head over to the stall and see Bianca, and see what she says.

I've already been there. They've packed up.

How to describe Alice's reaction?

Devastated. Confused.

And there's me left wondering, why you, why now?

Has Janine got some sort of hold on you, has she?

Wonder what that could that be?

I dunno what you're talking about. I'm just doing what I think's right.

Well, why didn't you do what you thought was right three months ago?

I'd brush up on your story if I were you.

-All right, Kat?

-All right?

-What was that about?

-Nothing! You said you had something to show me, then show me!

-Yeah!

SHE SIGHS HEAVILY

Hi, Mrs White? It's...it's Roxy Mitchell.

Yeah, I'm sorry I missed you before.

SHE SIGHS

Look, I'll tell you as much as I can.

Why don't you come over?

Do you know the cafe on Bridge Street, Cindy's?

This ain't a good idea. One slip and the whole thing comes tumbling down.

What do you want me to do, Phil? Tie her to a chair?

Her head ain't in this.

You don't want her anywhere near Carl White's mum, do you understand?

Cindy, isn't it?

Do you think the fact they haven't got back to me

means I haven't got in?

-Jay!

-Huh? Oh, I don't know, Abs.

I ain't that familiar with university admission procedure.

I just want to help. Me and your dad used to be married.

He's not my dad.

No. Of course.

But he is responsible for you.

-And he's worried about you.

-Did he send you here?

No. I think if he knew you were skipping school,

he'd have marched over here himself, don't you?

What do you want?

I was going to ask you the exact same thing.

Because I'm betting that's the one question no-one's asked you.

Have you seen anyone yet? A GP? A midwife?

My car's just around the corner.

Right, you can open those peepers now!

Ha-ha!

I give you the ultimate mobile fast-food dispensary!

Stylish and classy and guaranteed to get them queueing round the block.

Where'd you get the money?

Well, I told you, I did all right in Oz. It's all ready to go.

Comes with stock, which Mick's kindly taking care of for me.

And that new bloke on the market, he said we can have this pitch.

-Sure there's going to be a market?

-Oh, that's the beauty about having

a business on wheels, you see. Things go belly up,

we move on to pastures new! I really think, Kat,

this is where it's going to start to go right for us.

What is it?

I think you was right, Alfie.

I think you was right about everything.

I've made a terrible mistake.

So, feel free to look around, you can ask any questions that you like.

And as you know, we're offering a free week's trial

which starts today.

So, obviously you can go over there, speak to Billy,

and fill out some forms if you're interested. OK? Cheers.

I want to be signed on by you personally.

SHE LAUGHS

Just see Billy.

Mrs White? Hi, I'm Roxy Mitchell.

Nora White.

I'm sorry about the last-minute change of plan.

We'll talk in the office, shall we?

Oh!

Oooh. DOOR BANGS

Oh, there's no service washes cos I'm incapacitated.

I've bruised me hand. You'll have to do your own.

Actually, Mrs Branning, I was just wondering

if you could put a couple of these up for me?

Let's have a dekko, cos Mr Oppodopolous,

he is very particular about what he has up on his walls.

-Oh!

-You OK, Mrs Branning?

Yes, I'm all right. Would just have been nice to have been consulted

before she chucked my Jim's legacy out the window.

Oh...

Sorry.

And you've had no word from him at all, no calls, no texts?

-Nothing.

-And you didn't try and find me?

Well, why would I? How was I to know he'd disappeared?

I figured he was just cutting me out of his life, you know, moving on.

He did tell you, didn't he, that we split up just before Christmas?

No. But that's no surprise. He didn't tell me anything about you.

SHE LAUGHS

Oh, don't take it like that.

Carl knows I thought Kirsty was the only girl for him.

He did mention you to his brother, though.

Adam seems to think he liked you more than most.

Shame it didn't last.

To be honest, I was relieved when we broke up.

Yeah, your son scared me.

It takes a certain kind of woman to handle a man like Carl.

I could handle him, all right.

In fact, I think we'd still be together

if he hadn't started running off.

Well, he'd disappear for days on end, you see.

And when he got back he was secretive, bad-tempered.

Did he ever tell you where he went, what he was up to?

He let slip once something about Manchester, but that was it.

When I asked him about it, he just closed down.

-Maybe he was trying to protect you.

-Protect me from what?

About this form...

Could you knock, please, before you come into my office?! Thank you.

-Sorry about that.

-Oh, don't apologise.

Looks like you might have been a match for Carl, after all.

Bit of fire in your belly!

Shame we didn't meet in better circumstances.

-Thank you for your time.

-I, erm, I hope you find him.

Oh, he'll come back. Bad penny always does.

SHE EXHALES

Kat, you knew people would eventually find out.

Yeah, I can handle that.

Just as long as Janine does what she promised.

-But what if she doesn't?

-She will.

But if you're in any doubt, you just need to go back

to the Old Bill and withdraw your statement, don't you?

And say what? That I got it wrong?

Get myself charged with perverting the course of justice? And for what?

Chances are you won't be charged.

No, this can't have been for nothing. It can't.

Well, you're just going to have to trust Janine, then.

-You ready?

-What about Bianca?

Yeah, I can't get hold of her, but I've left her a message.

She'll be there, I promise you. Come on.

-What?

-I just wish Mum was here, that's all.

Yeah, well, she's thinking about you, ain't she?

Look...

Whatever happens, I'm your dad, and I'm on your side, OK?

Come on.

Oi! What are you doing? She could be here any minute.

No, she won't.

Well, show me!

It's a good job your brother sent you this.

There's definitely a resemblance.

Just admit it. You didn't trust me to pull it off.

-No...

-Admit it!

-Have you finished?

This isn't about me not trusting you.

This isn't about me being over-protective.

You said yourself you didn't want to lie to her.

Look, I know you'd have done it. You'd have done it for me.

But this is my mess. It's my job to clear it up, not yours.

-What did you tell her?

-I said he'd left.

He left, and that was that.

OK. I could do with a drink!

I'll call Phil and ask him to join us. OK? Come on.

Ronnie, I handed out all the flyers.

-Any chance I could grab my 20 quid?

-Yeah, course.

Oh, by the way, did Dot find you yet?

Look, if Cindy ain't going to show, we'll do this another time, eh?

I'm sure she'll be here. And Bianca too.

School going all right then, is it, TJ?

-Fine, thanks.

-It's going more than fine!

Teachers think he's university material, don't they?

Really? Good job he didn't get pregnant then.

Look, we came here in good faith,

but if you're going to stick the knife in any chance you get...

-Listen...

-Forget it. Come on, TJ.

Sorry we're late, but it was important.

Cindy has something she wants you to see.

That's him. That's my baby!

Cheers, thank you. That wasn't easy, was it?

I'm really proud of you.

Come on, then, let's get inside.

Well, thank you for this at least. Where am I going to put it?

I'm sorry I didn't consult you about changing the name, Dot.

I had no idea it was going to be so important to you.

It ain't. But, I mean, it might be to Jim.

Not that I'm going to tell him. And it could be to Jack.

Me and Jack...that's long gone.

Yeah, but you can't just shut people out of your life, can you?

Even if you'd like to. He was your husband.

With all due respect, Dot, I don't need a lecture from you

-or from anyone else.

-I was just saying.

DOORBELL RINGS

Oh, who's that?

Yes?

-Mrs Dorothy Branning?

-Yes.

-I'm afraid we have some bad news.

It concerns your son, Nicholas Cotton.

You'd better come in.

-What's he done this time?

-It's not that, Mrs Branning.

I'm very sorry to tell you that your son has died.

I'm really very sorry, Mrs Branning.

Dot... Dot, come and sit down.

Are you sure it's him?

Wotcha. How'd it go?

It was fine. Just a lot to take in.

-I'm making teas. Do you want one?

-Mint, please.

Yeah, we spent the first 90 minutes just talking

before they even took blood.

Talking? For an hour and a half?

Yeah. They had to make sure we understood all the consequences,

run through all the treatment options.

-Right. And when do you get to find out?

-Four weeks.

Do you know what, I'm going to give Alice's brief a call,

see how she's getting on.

It's a bit late now. Besides, you've had a busy day.

You staying tonight, darling?

No, I've got to get back to Rebecca.

I could murder a half hour in the Vic, though.

Good idea. Do you want to come, Bianca?

You know what, I'm so sorry, this is Terry.

I've got to go. Sorry about the tea, see you later.

Hello? What's all this? Scotch mist?

How...

How did he die?

At the post-mortem we discovered that...

Post-mortem?

What're you talking about? Why?

It was a sudden death -

we had to have one there to rule out any foul play.

It was found that his death was caused by respiratory failure

brought on by a heroin overdose.

When?

A week ago.

A week?

Property in Gravesend. The house was being used as a squat.

Your son's body is currently with this mortuary in Gravesend.

They're expecting a call to receive your instructions.

These were his personal effects.

I really am very sorry for your loss, Mrs Branning.

I think it's a boy.

The future captain of QPR there.

Come on, Teej, come have a look. Come on.

-What are you playing at?

-I thought she should be checked at the clinic.

They offered us the scan there and then.

So she's developed an attachment to it.

She already had an attachment, Ian.

If you'd talked to her, you'd know that. This baby's coming.

The sooner you realise that, the sooner you can start helping her.

Sorry I'm late. You all right, Jane?

Where have you been? You had your phone off.

-RONNIE IN HALL:

-Thanks very much for coming,

and I'll make sure I keep an eye on her. Thank you. Bye.

I'm so sorry, Dot.

Have they gone?

Yeah.

Must be a hard job they have. Very hard.

DOOR CLOSES

Oh... That'll be Arthur.

What's going on, Mrs B? Ronnie.

I hope you're hungry.

Cos I made a chicken pie for Carol's lot,

and there was enough left over to make one for us.

OK, good times.

Can I have a word?

-Have you got nothing to say?

-What do you want me to say?

You want to end up like Lola Pearce,

pushing a buggy around in your trackie bottoms?

No education, no job prospects, no money...

I'm nothing like Lola.

Not yet.

Cindy...

I know we've had our ups and downs, OK,

but I promise you all I want for you is what's best.

OK? And this isn't for the best. This is a disaster.

You keep saying that, but it doesn't feel like that to me.

It feels...good.

I know you don't want me here.

That's fine, honestly, because I'm used to that.

No-one's really wanted me since the day my mum died.

But I...I want my baby.

I want him so much.

The electricians are due at the bar end of the week.

We need to make some decisions.

What do I know about light fittings? You turn 'em on, you turn 'em off.

That's the third time she's called Ronnie. Why's she so jumpy?

Ron, look, just call me when you get this.

Hey, you all right, Bill? You want a drink?

-If you're buying.

-All right, Trace.

A bottle of your nearly finest champagne, please.

And an orange juice for the wife.

Splashing the cash, aren't we? That your new van on Turpin Road?

-Yeah.

-What, you going into the burger business?

-Got it cheap, didn't I?

-Don't look cheap.

We'll have a little chat about it later, yeah?

Alfie, you're my mate, but this business in Australia?

-I just hope it don't come back to bite you...

-Bill, later.

Oi, why haven't you been answering my calls? I've been worried sick.

Why?

Because I thought Carl's mum had caught up with you again.

Why would she do that?

OK, I'm sorry to be the killjoy here, but has anyone actually

explained the impact that this is going to have on your life?

I know it's going to be hard.

-You've got no idea, darlin'.

-It's what I want.

And how do you feel about that, TJ? Do you want to be involved?

'Course he does.

If she's all right with it.

Well, I want him to know who his dad is, that's all I know.

-So you're putting TJ on the birth certificate?

-'Course. He's the dad.

OK, so Cindy wants to have this baby,

and she's happy for TJ to play a part in his life.

The next question is, how are you going to support Cindy?

She stays here. We look after her.

And who's going to look after the baby?

I will.

Well, that is very easy for you to say, darlin',

but chances are after six months of night feeds and early starts...

She stays here and we look after her.

Denise, what do you want me to do? Throw her on the street?

House is already bursting at the seams.

-We'll work it out.

-And babies ain't cheap.

We'll go 50/50, won't we?

It's only right, ain't it? My boy's got her into this.

-You got a load of money all of a sudden that I don't know about?

-No.

You said the other day you've got nothing left over

at the end of the week.

Do you mind if we have a minute, please?

-So I just...

-Can you really see Cindy coping with a baby?

Well, yeah, I'm sure she'd manage. Listen...

I dunno. She's not like you, is she?

Peter, why don't you go round there and tell her

exactly what she should be thinking, like everyone else is? I'm going.

-Wait, have I upset you?

-No.

But I've come to tell you something

and all you've done is bang on about Cindy this and Cindy that,

and I do understand but...

I got arrested last week for shoplifting nappies.

-Right. I'll go see how Dot is.

-Want me to come with ya?

I need to find some kind words to say about Nick Cotton

and diplomacy ain't your strong point. See you later.

See you later, Sharon.

Say something, then.

I don't know what to say, really.

I can't believe you'd do something like that.

Why didn't you just come to me if you were so hard up?

Because I was embarrassed.

You know I'm happy to pay for stuff like that till you get sorted.

I know, but the last placement they offered me was in Tooting.

How am I going to get to Tooting every day?

So maybe you should think about another kind of job?

Do you know what, Peter?

If you don't like who I am and what I do,

I suggest you find yourself someone else.

Yes, I know it's going to be tough, but I've got to do this.

Ian said he'd look after her. And he's got the money to back it up.

-Yeah, but it don't matter does it?

-It does matter if your kids are going to go without.

I'll do extra shifts or something.

You're going to work even more hours

to give money to a man that don't need money!

I'm not doing this for Ian Beale. I'm doing it for TJ, ain't I?

Look, if I put in half the money,

that puts TJ on an equal footing, don't it?

It gives us more say in how it turns out.

Cos she's carrying a baby Spraggan there, you know.

Dot?

Sharon, Ian. Just in time for supper. Are you hungry?

Arthur, supper time!

Coming.

Dot, Ronnie told us your news. We're so sorry.

Yes, well, you see, there's too much for the two of us.

Are you sure you won't have nothing?

-I don't think...

-Yeah, we'd love to, Dot.

I'll lay some more places, shall I?

Good. Ta.

It's a burger van.

Artisan burgers.

-You don't even know what that means, do you?

-No.

-So it's a burger van.

-Yes.

But it's going to make us a few extra quid, ain't it, sweetheart?

I think it's brilliant. You know what, it deserves a toast.

Let's all raise our glasses. Kat and Alfie.

-Lovely. Thank you. ALL:

-Kat and Alfie.

Cheers.

And she definitely bought it?

Totally. She said she knows what Carl's like.

I said he just walked out of my life. She didn't bat an eyelid.

You off?

Yeah. Got some work to do down the gym.

Ron, just watch yourself, all right?

You worry too much. Don't panic.

We move forward, remember?

You're a bit quiet. You all right?

Yeah I'm fine. Babies are giving me gyp, that's all.

Looking a bit tired. You not sleeping well?

-Carol. Can I have a quick word?

-Yeah.

I think there's something you should know about Dot.

Mrs B, that was lovely. Thank you so much.

Always such a well-mannered boy, ain't he, Sharon?

You do know what's happened, don't you?

Course I do. I ain't doolally.

Did the police say anything about Nick?

They said that he was dead.

Not much else they can say, is there?

Ronnie said it was a drugs overdose, Dot.

Yes. Yes, it was.

It was always going to be drugs, wasn't it?

Did they say what happens next?

I still saw him in flashes... how he used to be...

when he smiled...

It's just if you need me to drive you anywhere...

You didn't know him, Arthur, not when he was younger,

but he was a good boy.

Deep down, yes, he was a good boy.

He was my little angel.

Others will tell you different, but they didn't know him

when he was young, not like I did.

He was a good boy.

Jay? I'm back.

So...?

Poppy got a call from Nick a while back.

I tried to get her to tell Mrs B, but Poppy wasn't having none of it.

-She said something about him being bad news.

-He was.

But I mean, I should've told Mrs B at least. Right?

It doesn't matter what type of man he was, he was still her son.

He deserved to speak to his mum. Right?

To say what?

The only thing Nick ever wanted from Dot was money.

So just let it lie, cos if you tell her what you've told me,

it's not going to help anyone, is it?

Dot... Dot, you don't have to do that now.

It's as good a time as any.

Look, come here. Leave it. Leave it, please. Come on.

Come sit down. Come on.

Now listen, you. I'm worried about you.

OK? We're all worried about you.

I mean, given the circumstances, you're not acting normally.

What's normal?

-I think it's shock.

-Shock?

I've been expecting this for over 30 years

and grieving just as long.

When someone dies, there's... there's things you've got to do.

Do you even know where the body is?

Yes.

Look, I know it's hard,

and no matter how hard it gets you've just got to face it.

I've been facing it for over half my life.

My Nick's been good as dead for years! Dead. DEAD.

My Nick's dead.

He's with Jesus now.

And all his troubles have gone away.

And I'm thankful.

Yes, I'm thankful that he's at peace at last.

If there's anything we can do... Anything at all.

I just want to be left.

Carol, she needs some time to herself.

I should see her, pass on my condolences at least.

No, really, Carol. She just needs time alone.

So horrible. Poor Dot.

-Yeah, well, bound to happen sooner or later, weren't it?

-Bianca.

What? You didn't know him.

I should tell Patrick. He'd want to know, wouldn't he?

-We should get going, too. Come on.

-I'm sorry we were interrupted.

It's not a problem.

I had a chat with Denise, and Jane seems to talk a lot of sense.

So we'll talk money further down the line, eh?

-Oh! 'Scuse me.

-Thanks.

I should go, too.

Stay.

Why should I stay?

Um...cos we need to talk about the restaurant, don't we?

So let's talk.

Did you have to do that?

Fine, so you ain't talking to me either now.

Is this about the money?

-Yes!

-I'm just trying to do the right thing, ain't I?

Do you see you and me being together in a few years, Tel?

Yeah, 'course.

So then you don't go and make decisions like that on your own!

Bianca, wait...

There's more to this, ain't it?

This ain't just about the money.

This ain't like you. What happened today?

You had your phone turned off. You never do that.

Bianca?

I went to a clinic in Islington with my mum and Sonia.

-Clinic?

-Yes.

My dad paid for me and Sonia to be screened for this cancer gene thing.

I thought you got that all cleared up.

Well, that was wrong.

And you didn't think to tell me?

No, I was going to have the test, get the results and in a few weeks...

And you keep going on at me cos I don't tell YOU things?

No, you'd just found out about the baby, you big lump!

I knew you'd worry.

You've got enough to worry about.

What?

You don't get it, do you?

After all this time, you still don't get it.

I like worrying about you.

I don't know...

I was on the market and I saw the nappies...

..and I just took 'em. I really wasn't thinking.

You've had a rough couple of months and you just slipped, that's all.

It's like my dad.

OK, it's not quite like that, but I'm just saying,

I understand, it must have been really stressful,

not having a job and that.

I would consider other work,

it's just I haven't really got many options, have I?

Is Mummy stupid, hmm?

What about childcare?

Kids love you.

And that's like a proper career, ain't it?

-Something you can progress in.

-Yeah, but...

It's got to be more rewarding

than sitting around painting nails all day.

Yeah, I could consider it.

Look into it a bit...

Champagne? Who's been buying you champagne?

Wouldn't you like to know?

Yeah, I would.

I might have to stroll over there and knock his lights out.

As if!

Kat and Alfie, if you must know.

Oh. That's all right, then.

They're setting up a new business.

-What new business?

-Burger bar.

That ain't right.

-What's not right?

-Liam.

It's not right she's sat over there, celebrating

-and drinking champagne after what she's done.

-Me?

Not you. Kat!

What about Kat?

Huh?

DOOR BANGS

Who is it?

Hey.

I thought you might fancy a nightcap.

Mum?

What's the matter?

I'm so angry, don't even ask me.

Why, what's happened?

SHE HAMMERS ON DOOR AND RINGS BELL

Open the door!

Open this door or I will kick it in! Come on!

-Where is she?

-Carol, it's late. Tommy's in bed, Mo's got a migraine.

-You've obviously been drinking.

-Is Kat hiding in there?

-Carol, stop!

-You can't hide in there forever, Kat!

-I'm not hiding!

Bianca, take her home.

What was all that in the pub?

I even toasted your future!

And there you were, smiling away,

knowing that you'd slid a knife in my back.

I've done nothing to you, Carol.

-Hurt my family, you hurt me.

-Mum, please.

No! She's told the police that she saw Alice attack Michael.

Go on, ask her.

Is that true, Kat?

You're a liar.

You're a liar and I'm going to make sure that everybody knows it!

You can have the money as soon as the paperwork's drawn up.

I've been checking out property prices

and they've gone up quite a bit.

Now, I'm not sure that's going to buy you a half-share any more.

Where you going?

Won't accept anything less than an equal partnership

with an equal say in the running of the business.

You want to run it?

Of course I do. What do you think I want?

-Be a silent partner in a mediocre restaurant?

-Mediocre?

You average 15 covers a night.

We could double that in six months, and that's just for starters.

All right, what's your big idea, then?

We close the restaurant down.

When did you go for the interview?

Saturday morning. I was trying to keep it a secret.

I had this vision of me running in with the mortgage documents

going, "Look, Ron, I did it!"

I'm sorry. Why don't you go to another bank?

No. Face it.

No-one's going to give me a mortgage whether I've got a deposit or not.

They're right, I'm a credit liability. Add that to the list.

Don't say that.

It's true, though, isn't it?

I mean, 40 - it's not exactly far off,

and what have I got to show for it?

No house, got no job.

-You've got Amy.

-I know.

And I want to have somewhere settled for her.

You know, somewhere she belongs.

I'm not like you, Ron.

I try and I try, and I just...

..I can't do it on my own.

I could help you buy a house.

I dunno, it's an idea. Maybe it's not the right time...

No, it is! It absolutely is the right time.

If that's what you want.

Really?

I love you!

Ohhh!

THEY LAUGH

Get off me, you loony! Get off me.

-Ron?

-Mm-hm?

All that stuff with Carl, I just want to forget all about it.

We can, can't we?

Yeah.

Come here.

-I love you.

-I love you.

DOOR BANGS

Couldn't this have waited till the morning?

I was just on my way to bed.

I'm sorry, Mrs Branning.

I just wanted to...drop off the rest of your son's things

and make sure you're OK.

Well, that's very kind of you, but there's really no need.

It's just I know you don't have any family.

Who told you that?

I've got a sister, Rose, well, half-sister,

and her boy and then there's my little Dotty...

Has anyone told her? She was very close to her father...

Oh, dear.

I shall have to ring Sandy.

This isn't usual, is it?

You coming round to check on me?

I haven't been exactly straight up with you...Mrs Cotton.

I wanted to, but I...

Who are you?

I'm Charlie.

Charlie Cotton.

Same name as my old man.

I was named after my grandfather.

What do you mean?

Your son, Nick...

..he was my dad.

CAROL SCRAPES TOAST LOUDLY

Are you buttering that or making breadcrumbs(?)

Give us it here. SHE SIGHS

Bet Kat's rubbing her hands together.

The trial starting today - her moment of glory only a few days away.

Look, no-one likes to stand up in court.

-Besides, you've got more important things to worry about.

-I bet Janine's paid her off.

Moneybags Butcher meets brassic Kat Moon,

a marriage made in heaven.

-I should go round there again...

-You're not going anywhere.

Cos you're going to go and sit down and eat this.

You're not spending all day having chemo with nothing in your stomach.

-She's laughing at us.

-Oh - marmalade.

-I don't want marmalade!

-Yes, you do.

-I don't.

Oh, yes, you do...

Saw it down the market.

I thought about you. Two for a fiver.

Oh, David...

Well, try it on, then.

I was going to make a real song and dance about it -

you know, tie it to the foot of a dove, or...

But then I thought, what with everything that's going on...

Do you like it?

It's perfect.

Mwah.

Oh...!

Are you worried about standing up in court and facing Janine?

Well, she's made her bed, ain't she?

I've just got to go somewhere.

Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh! What about your breakfast?

Don't worry.

That's me all done. I hope the burger van'll feed the hungry citizens of Walford.

Want to get changed and walk me over?

No, I've asked Tracey to cover me on the stall.

Oh, right. What, you going to sit here, draw the curtains, hide from Carol. Is that it?

If she sees me out there acting like nothing's happened she's going to go nuts.

If you were telling the truth, you'd be on that stall

with your war paint on, not giving a monkey's who was having a pop at you.

Kat, you've got to act like you believe it, all right? Otherwise no-one else will.

See you later.

Mrs B! Mrs B, I said that I would do that later when I've got home.

Well, you know what they say, Arthur. Idle hands.

Erm...how about I make you a cup of tea before I go, yeah?

You know - maybe we can give Charlie a call?

I mean - you and him, you did get on, right?

Yes, well, we talked pleasantries, that's all. I hardly know him.

Well, apart from the fact that he's family.

And he wants to get to know you.

Well, it won't bring Nick back, will it?

I won't be able to talk to HIM again, see HIM.

Mrs B. Look...

Go on, give Charlie a call. For me.

But what if we don't hit it off? What if he's got funny ideas?

I'll come in, and, you know, I'll check on ya.

You give me the wink and I'll have him out,

-Old Bill or not.

-All right! Just for you.

Alice needs to see our faces in court,

see that her family hasn't given up on her.

I'd go myself, only I've got to go to chemo this morning.

I would as well, but I've got a couple of motors coming in later.

Anyway, Janine's guilty as sin. Alice'll get off in a couple of days.

No. Janine's got Kat lying for her, saying that she saw the whole thing and it was Alice who killed Michael.

Right, well, I'll see if I can get Lauren to cover this place for a bit.

Well, I'm booked in for ten, I should be finished by lunchtime

-then I'll come over to the court and join you.

-No, don't be daft.

Just let us hold the fort for a while. You've got enough on your plate, ain't ya?

Everybody says that like it's a bad thing.

Bianca and Sonia, they've been tested -

I don't suppose you've got round to it yet?

Er, no. No, not yet.

I will do, you know. When things settle down.

So are you going to mention that bling you're dragging about or do I have to ask?

Am I an old fool to be doing all this again, eh?

Mm?

Course you ain't.

Right, you lucky people, what better way to kick start your day than with an Alfie burger?

We've got spicy onion rings, a bit of coleslaw as well

and this is on the house, especially for you, my friend.

-Oh, nice one, Alfie, cheers.

-There you go. Keep that pretty face of yours nice and clean.

What can I get you, sweetheart...?

Er - Mas...?

Hey. Good night's sleep?

Mmm. I thought I'd say thanks by cooking for everyone tonight.

You don't need to do that. The kids tend to take care of themselves.

-Me, I live like a king off cereal and leftovers.

-Mmm...

Dinner'll be on the table at 7:30.

How long's she staying?

She's a guest. She can stay as long as she wants.

A guest...

Cheers, Mum.

Not to tell you how to suck eggs, but this place might do better if you opened for breakfast.

Two jokes in two days! Must be a record for you.

I wasn't joking about closing the restaurant.

I'm not talking about shutting permanently.

Just long enough to turn the place into somewhere people actually want to eat.

You know, where they can wear jeans and order off the kiddie menu.

-Sounds like hell.

-Just hear me out.

I promise it's not as bad as you're imagining.

I haven't really got time. The decorators are coming in five minutes.

You've got professional decorators to do this place?

Well, Scarlett's is on the up, I thought I'd give it a makeover.

More fool me.

Scarlett's is on the up?

Oh, right, so if you had YOUR way, I'd still be wearing an apron doing fried egg sandwiches, yeah?

Well, it was good enough for your mum.

Yeah, and she wanted something better for me.

Do you know how hard I had to fight not to be a barrow boy like my old man?

-To even get to catering college in the first place?

-PHONE RINGS

Hello?

Yeah, speaking.

Right...

Oh, you are joking?!

No, I can't open up, I haven't got any staff!

Yeah, thanks a bunch.

Was that the decorators?

A day's takings down the pan. Why do people always let you down?

Kat didn't have the guts to face anyone this morning, then?

-She called in sick. "Women's problems". I didn't ask questions.

-Running scared, more like.

You know that the trial starts today?

Good morning to you as well.

I haven't got time to mess about, Tamwar.

-I know that you and Alice had your problems...

-Pretty big problems, actually.

No - you wrote her a letter. And she said that really lifted her spirits.

Just go along and sit in the gallery - that's not too much to ask, is it?

Leave me alone.

Kat! You all right?

Yeah.

-Who's on the stall?

-Oh, Tracey opened up cos my alarm didn't go off.

-Listen, about last night...

-That's between you and my mum.

You're my best mate, I know you wouldn't lie to me, but I just wish you'd said something.

Yeah, you and me both, but I just haven't been thinking straight,

what with Michael and everything else...

I've got to go.

Finally crawled out from under your rock, have you?

-Oi! I'm talking to you.

-Mum! Stop it.

Do you know what, you are a liar, Kat. A liar!

Come on, Mum. Look, Terry's waiting in the cab, we're going to be late.

What, you're coming with me?

Yes. Come on, I thought we'd have a family day.

-We've done Thorpe Park, haven't we(?)

-You all right?

Right, I've got every trashy magazine imaginable,

and a couple of packets of sucky sweets.

What more could we want, eh?

I get to spend the morning with my entourage and you have to go to court on your own,

-it doesn't seem fair.

-I'm fine, Carol.

How many more times have I got to say it?

He's just, erm... He's just nervous, that's all.

Come on, ladies. We going to the hospital or having a meeting of minds?

Yes, all right. We're coming!

We'll have to get a new kitchen once we get the new house.

-What, brand-new?

-Well, yeah, I don't want to think of Michael's bleeding corpse

every time I stick the kettle on, do I?

Ron, what's happened?

Er... Nothing. It's kids, that's all.

Why would kids write something like that?

Well, why would kids do anything?

-Pass us the scrubber.

-No. It's fine, I'm handling it.

Come on, I didn't spend all day handing out leaflets for this place to stay shut.

Open up, all right? Let the boys pump iron or whatever it is they do.

Everything's going to be OK.

OK, here you are.

Eurgh!

-Gross.

-Come on!

CHURCH BELL RINGS

If you feel like imparting some wisdom from beyond the grave, Mum...now'd be a good time.

-I'll be back in a minute.

-All right, cheers, yeah.

Always think it makes a difference having people with you.

Well, you know, it's nice to have someone to natter to when it gets boring.

You all right, love?

Yeah. I was just thinking maybe we could take it in turns, you know, do shifts -

one of us sits with you, the other does a tea run.

It's all right, this, though. It's been ages since I've sat down and read a magazine.

I'm glad someone's having fun.

Most folks start losing their hair after the first round - but you're still going strong.

Must be a genetic thing.

Listen, why don't you both go and do the tea run while I get sorted?

Yeah.

All right?

Well, I know what I'M doing here, Ian. What about you?

I came to visit Dad.

I felt like I owed him an apology, he erm...

He always reckoned that me having a restaurant was a pie in the sky idea.

-Did he?

-Mm. Guess I should have listened.

You really are the master of the glass half empty, ain't ya, Ian?

Come on, you've got beautiful children.

You've got more businesses than I've had hot dinners.

A chippy and a greasy spoon?

Yeah. So, what?

One thing I've always admired about you, mate -

you've always put your family first. Always.

You do what's best for 'em. Even if they don't thank you for it.

Thanks. I think.

If he'd been a proper dad to me and brought us up...together, you know...

do you reckon me and you would've got on?

Depends.

Would you still have slept with my wife?

I have to be honest, Ian - it's a distinct possibility.

DAVID CHUCKLES

So, in this parallel universe

do you reckon...

do you reckon my mum would have still married Frank?

I don't think there's any force in any universe that would've kept those two apart.

No.

So whatever way you look at it...

I seem to be stuck with her, don't I? Janine.

You probably won't be allowed, but erm...

if you get a chance to talk to her later,

could you say good riddance from me?

Hey...

She was just a messed-up child, weren't she, really?

Just messed up.

And I'll tell you something else - she hasn't changed much.

I've got to go.

Oh! Sorry. Sorry, I didn't realise there was anyone in here.

Are you a member?

-How long you owned this place then?

-Well, I've just bought it, actually.

And you don't mind?

Lone woman running a gym.

Big burly blokes round the whole time?

Sorry, I didn't catch your name?

Your name?

I'll have to get back to you on that one.

That woman's right, you know. Everything's genetic.

Well, I'm trying not to think about it.

Well, Mum is going to get worse before she gets better.

-Can we not do this now, please?

-No! No, I have to.

Because if I don't say it, I don't get it off my chest I feel like I'm going to explode!

Well, the nurses'll love you, there's nothing like a bit of human combustion to brighten a dull shift.

Oh, no... Why are we laughing?

Now, listen, we have to make a pact.

When we're in there with Mum we have to act as if everything's all right.

Cos she's got enough to worry about without us adding to it, all right?

-Yeah. And everything IS going to be all right.

-Yeah. Course it is.

-You didn't need to go to all this trouble.

-No trouble.

Sorry for...making things worse for you yesterday,

springing myself on you like that.

It was just, a mate down the station, he heard the name Cotton, told me what had happened and

I wanted to be the one to tell you.

Don't matter who tells you, something like that.

I just thought maybe me and you getting to know each other could be a...silver lining.

What, a third grandchild out of the blue?

And you're grown up.

I didn't see Ashley till he was about seven.

Same with little Dotty.

Only she weren't Dotty.

"We named her after you, Ma." Her name was Kirsty.

So, there was Zoe and Ashley and Sandy and Dotty. Who's YOUR mother, then?

Her name's Yvonne.

She met my dad when he came out of borstal, and she was a nurse.

-Nurse?

-Yeah, they got married when they found out I was on the way.

Oh, so you're legitimate.

Yeah.

But he never settled on the outside.

He kept getting into trouble, letting her down and...

one day he was off.

Just like your grandfather.

He left me and Nick when Nick was a baby.

-Milk?

-Please.

Has your mother got any relatives?

No. It's just me and her.

I've got you now, haven't I?

Hello?

I got a spare key from Lucy. Thought I'd lend a hand.

You didn't have to.

No, I know I didn't have to, but you've got a lot on your plate and Bobby's at school all day.

Are you just going to stand there? Or are you going to pick up a brush and help?

I've got a few quid saved up.

I'd like to pay for the funeral if you'll let me, give my dad a decent sendoff.

I can bury my own son, thank you very much.

Anyway, you hardly knew him, you said so yourself. He left you when you was little.

I know - but I just thought...

You ain't my Nick.

I don't know who you are.

FRONT DOOR OPENS

I don't want you. I want my Nick.

-I'm sorry...

-I don't know you. I want my Nick.

-Mrs B?

-I want my Nick.

-What did you say to her?!

-Nothing...

-Well, what did you do?

-Noth...

Nothing, honestly. I should go.

Yeah. You know what, I think that's a good idea.

-I want my Nick...

-Mrs B.

-I want my Nick.

Hey. You all right, David?

Eh? Oh - Max, hi. No Carol?

-No, no, she's coming straight from chemo.

-Oh, of course. Yeah.

-Nice rock you got her this morning.

-Yeah...

Well, I thought - court AND chemo. I've got to do something to make this day sound better!

-Max...

-There she is.

-All right?

-You all right?

-Thanks for coming. Yeah.

Where's Bianca?

She had to go back for the kids.

You not gone in yet?

No, in a minute. They've just gone back in after lunch.

Right.

Do you want to go in and get a couple of seats at the front and I'll be in in a minute.

-Er, yeah, course, yeah.

-PHONE RINGS

-Good luck.

-Cheers, Max, yeah. Ta.

-Do you want to sit down?

-Er, yeah, yeah.

How'd you get on?

Well, I think I'll go on my own next time.

Did Bianca gob off at all the nurses?

No, no, no, she was lovely. Her and Sonia.

It's just that...you have to put certain things to the

-back of your mind when they're there, that's all.

-Yeah.

We've got a lot going on, you and me -

but we're on the same side.

That's what this means.

Look, I'll erm...I'll be waiting for you when you're done, OK?

Yeah. Thanks.

See ya.

Ronnie, you couldn't do me a massive favour, could you?

Well, if it involves looking after this little one...

I'm going to jump at the chance.

Well, I've got this old client from the salon wants her nails doing for some wedding.

I'd only be for a couple of hours.

Yeah, yeah. Go on, take your time.

Don't be surprised if you come back and find her getting all spoilt.

-Thanks, Ronnie, you're a life-saver.

-OK.

-Have fun with your Auntie Ronnie, then!

-Say bye, Mummy.

-See you later.

-See ya.

Yeah, she's gone, hasn't she? Where's she going to go? She'll come back later...

-CLERK:

-Court rise.

(Where's Alice?)

Members of the jury,

the defendant, Alice Branning, is not in court for this trial.

She is, however, ably represented by Learned Counsel Mr Alderton.

Now, we are not to speculate as to WHY she is not in court.

The case can continue without her presence

because her barrister is fully prepared to conduct her defence.

(Where is she?)

Is that clear?

I am obliged to you for your attention.

The prosecution may proceed.

Thank you, your Honour. The prosecution would now like to call Mr David Wicks.

Seems like a million years since we did decorating together.

Do you remember when we did the living room at your old place?

For goodness' sake, Ian. I've offered to invest in your business, you could talk to me.

You know what, I've had this caff for years.

-You know what I've been thinking all that time?

-Bacon baps(?)

I want to be a chef.

A proper chef, with my own restaurant.

All this would be a distant memory.

You'll still HAVE a restaurant, Ian.

Look, what's more important - winning Michelin stars or feeding your community?

Look, I'm not trying to ruin your dream, I'm trying to help you get it.

I want you back in the kitchen, cooking proper food, doing what you do best.

I'd be in the kitchen all the time?

-No more front of house?

-No, we'll hire someone to show punters the menus.

I've got a few bookings this weekend, and er...

we could shut up shop after that, couldn't we?

No further questions, Your Honour.

Mr Wicks...

I'd like to ask you a few questions

about the conversation that you recorded between you and Ms Butcher.

Do you mean the confession?

Why did you record your conversation with your stepsister on the day the alleged confession took place?

Mr Wicks...

Because if...

if I got her to say it, then I would have proof.

Proof?

Yes, proof that she killed him. Her husband.

But Alice Branning had already at this point been charged, so...

what on earth made you think that Ms Butcher was guilty of anything?

Well, I couldn't say exactly, but erm...

it was...it was a feeling, you know,

it was a... It was a suspicion.

And I didn't want her to get away with it.

Get away with what, specifically?

Allegedly killing her husband?

Or refusing to bail you out financially?

I'm sorry, I don't know what you're implying.

Is it true that you recently

asked your stepsister for money,

and she refused?

Answer the question, please, Mr Wicks.

Yes. I asked Janine for money.

And you were angry when she refused you.

Yes, I was, I was... I was very angry.

She's got more money than most of us put together.