25/03/2012 EastEnders Omnibus

MUSIC: "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" by Wham!

Morning, Mrs Cotton.

I never thought it'd happen, you know. You choosing me over Shirl.

You think I should apologise?

You know your problem? You worry too much.

Ain't that right, George?

I still can't believe it. This time tomorrow, Heather.

You and...

-I thought you'd be happy?

-I should be getting my nails done with Shirl now, shouldn't I?

I've been planning this day since Scott and Charlene.

Mummy giving me away and Shirl as my maid of honour.

It's just not going to be the same...

I'm just being stupid.

No, you ain't.

I just wanted the fairytale, you know, didn't I?

But now everyone's fighting.

It's supposed to be our day, Hev.

-Yeah, well, it doesn't feel like it.

-Then...

let's get out of Walford. Do it by ourselves.

Think about it. No fuss, no stress, no more fights.

Just me, you and George.

Now, that's the fairytale, ain't it?

-What, you mean run off together?

-What's keeping us here?

Nah.

We can't. Can we?

-I still can't believe anyone's marrying that hippo, you know.

-Oi. Don't talk about her like that.

She's Ben's special "fwend", isn't she?

What's going on out there?

Ben Mitchell!

Happy birthday.

-It's a big day for your dad, innit?

-You going to the hearing?

-Shirl don't want us there, does she?

We'll go out, OK? After all this is done.

Brothers, yeah?

Yeah.

-What on earth possessed you?

-I just got overcome with the emotion.

-Calling Dr Freud.

-This is your daughter-in-law-to-be's wedding dress!

I can just imagine the shock that poor boy had

when he saw you prancing around you in it.

It sends shivers down my spine.

I just wanted that feeling again. Of being a bride. But this time all virginal in white.

You have slaughtered this dress!

Surely we can do something about it? I've never seen Andrew so cross.

-Mrs Olubunmi.

-What about her?

-She borrowed my sewing machine, for that Pentecostal...jamboree.

-Do you think there's time?

If The Lord can make the world in seven days,

-I'm sure we can make a wedding dress by tomorrow.

-I don't fancy your chances.

Mandy Salter brought two wedding dresses in last month.

Classy. Nice cut.

We could use them to patch this up.

Then what are we waiting for? Patrick, collect the machine.

My fibrositis won't allow for heavy lifting. Where's my shoes?

What can I do?

You have done more than enough.

Should I give this money back to Mrs Branning?

You're family now, aren't you? So just enjoy it.

You ought to be careful, flashing that cash around.

Yeah. Look, will you take it for me?

-I'm a bit worried about carrying it round.

-So have you decided what we're...

-Shirl! Shirl.

I can't decide on my first dance.

I mean, I want Careless Whisper but Andrew, he wants Spandau Ballet...

I can't do this without you.

You've made your choice.

But what about us?

There is no us.

I'm done with looking out for you, Hev.

From now on, you're on your own.

Come on, Hev. Come on.

Ian?

You was up early this morning.

-Yeah, I had to go to the accountant's.

-Oh.

Well, is everything all right? It's just, I've hardly seen you.

No. Everything's fine.

-How about we go to the supermarket for something for your birthday dinner. Yeah?

-Yeah, all right.

Ben...

You do know I'm on your side, don't you?

I'll have half a dozen of them sticky buns, Marie.

Cos we've got a busy afternoon ahead of us.

Got over the shock yet? That's 20 years of therapy in one evening.

Oh Heather, I shall require you to cover my shift this morning.

-But Janine's asked me to clean Ian's.

-Heather Trott, the number of times I've swapped with you.

-And at my own inconvenience, I might add.

-Sorry, Mrs Branning.

I don't know what Mr Opodopolous is going to say when he discovers I've deserted my post.

-What was Mrs Cross talking about?

-I wasn't going to say anything...

me and Mum had a bit of a bust-up the other night.

Is that all?

It's just that... your wedding dress...

it got in a bit of a mess, didn't it?

What sort of a mess?

Andrew, what's happened to my dress?

-It wasn't my fault.

-But I gave it to Mrs Branning to look after.

Mum had a drink and... decided to stick it on.

What?!

Right, that's it...

-Where are you going? Heather, wait...

-Mrs Cotton!

Oh, keep it down, Heather. I've got a splitting headache.

Listen, I've always tried to be your friend and what do you do? You go and spoil my dress.

It's all blown out of proportion.

Tomorrow I'm going to be a Cotton, whether you like it or not. You can either come and support us

or don't bother coming at all.

-You can't talk to me like that.

-You should be grateful to Heather.

To be truthful, I don't even want you there.

You're always going to be second best, you know.

That scrag end she calls a best mate - she'll always come first.

And if he wants chicken, it's coming from my fridge, all right?

Come on, then. Let's do it.

Let's elope. Like Sammy Jo and Steven.

-Who?

-Oh, don't worry. You'll find out soon enough.

Are you sure?

Yeah. Just me, my George and my Andrew.

SHE LAUGHS

They was here yesterday.

Excuse me. Is anybody serving?

Honestly.

Oh, they're not for me!

Shenice and Tiffany are besotted with Beauty And The Beast, and I said

I'd make them a dress like Belle's.

-Think a little bit of lace trim and some yellow dye and we'll be good to go.

-I saw 'em first.

But I've been holding them for ten minutes.

Sorry, Dot.

Right...

-What are you doing?

-Exercising my right as manageress to seize your goods.

But they're my dresses.

-Feel free to put in a written complaint, won't you?

-Right.

And I thought you were a good Christian woman.

Dorothy Branning...

It's not too late. I can still speak to Ritchie.

We've been through all this.

So is that it, then?

You just going to roll up into a little ball and play dead?

You think I'll give Marsden the satisfaction of seeing me locked up for longer than I have to be, eh?

What about me, Phil?

-What am I supposed to do?

-I'll see that you're all right, you know.

I'm not talking about the housekeeping.

You could go away for years.

What's going to happen to us?

You think I want to do this, eh?

To give up my family. Give up my home...

The only thing that's getting me through this

is what I'm going to do to that little grass when I get my hands on him.

I don't think I can do this on my own.

Get Heather in, then. That's what you've been angling for, ain't it?

I'd understand. If you didn't...

didn't want to stick around...

Where am I supposed to go?

Don't I get a kiss?

How about I see if I can find Max?

See if Abi wants to join us.

Unless you just want it to be the five of us.

Just stop, all right?

You have been off with me since last week. What's wrong?

Nothing.

Ian?

Have you got any idea how long I have waited for the police to catch up with your old man?

Why are you saying this?

Ben, I really couldn't care less what happens to him, but you're my little brother, OK?

Look, I know what I'm doing.

Have you any idea what they will do

-if they find out you lied about Stella?

-Why do you keep dragging this up?

Because your dad will find a way to get out of this.

-He always does.

-Not this time.

Look, just promise me you won't tell anyone. I mean it, Ian.

Just let me do it my way.

< GLASS SMASHES

Hev! How long have you been here for?

Oh. Will you tell Ian that I'll do the skirtings next week, yeah?

Hev!

Ben, I've gotta go and sort a few things out, OK?

Hold on. What did you hear? What did you hear us talking about? Heather!

-Mr Trueman...

-Sorry, Heather, I can't stop. I'm under strict instructions.

-Have I done something wrong?

I saw Mrs Branning earlier and she was ever so short with me.

It's bad enough falling out with Shirl. I couldn't stand it if you two hated me as well.

You couldn't be further away from the truth.

All I seem to be doing is upsetting people.

First Andrew, then Shirl. Who's going to be next, eh?

Do you know what Dorothy is doing right now?

Come and look for yourself.

-I can't.

-Come on now, man. Come, look.

You think Dot would make you get married without a dress?

Hev. Wait up.

You make me proud tomorrow, you hear me?

Now, I've got a very important speech to write.

-What you just heard...

-I never heard anything.

-Let me explain.

-Ben, I've got to find Andrew.

But he's a bully, Heather. If he didn't kill Stella, it'd be someone else next, wouldn't it?

Could you really live with that on your conscience?

I don't understand.

Just forget I said anything.

Did you lie to the police?

Ben! Ben, I trusted you.

Just go and get married, all right? This conversation never happened.

-Why would you do that?

-It's not important.

-He's your dad!

Just forget about it.

-But you've said it now.

-You don't understand what he'll do to me if he finds out.

-But it's not right!

Please, Hev.

-Look, just say sorry to him. He'll understand.

-He'll kill me!

Listen, I won't let him hurt you. I promise I won't.

Where are you going?

I need to speak to Andrew.

You can't just walk off.

I'll sort this, Ben, yeah? I'll sort it.

Hev!

Is that Reverend Stevens? It's Andrew Cotton here.

Sorry for the short notice,

but we've got to cancel the church for tomorrow.

No, everything's fine. It couldn't be better, in fact.

Yeah. Cheers, Rev. Thanks.

All right? I've got a mate in Wolverhampton.

I reckon he'll put us up for a few days whilst we sort ourself out.

If you pick up George from the nursery, I'll finish packing, yeah?

What if you found something out? Something that ain't right.

Stop worrying about other people and think about yourself for a change.

But he needs me.

Who needs you?

He made me promise not to say anything.

-You'd better tell me who he is, Heather.

-Just forget it.

-Tell me.

-It's just a friend, that's all. And he's in trouble.

-He's in big trouble.

-There you go again, putting others first.

-Well, he's not like us, Andrew.

He needs someone to take care of him, you know.

Me and George need you.

Do you know how long I've waited for a girl like you

to walk into my life?

We get married in Walford,

and I guarantee someone's going to spoil it for us.

But I can't go. Not until I've spoken to Shirl.

My mum was right, wasn't she?

I'm only ever going to come second best, ain't I?

Where are you going?

I've got a ticket for you and George there.

If you want to do this, I'll be in the Vic till six.

Then I'm gone.

Andrew says he doesn't want me to go to the wedding.

Sometimes he has that look in his eyes. It frightens me.

Andrew has got a very big heart.

And a very short fuse.

Leave him to calm down. He'll come to his senses.

Come on, Rose.

We've got our work cut out if we're going to finish this by the morning.

You know, my Auntie Gwen taught me to sew.

It was the war, you see. Make do and mend.

Aren't you supposed to be in court?

-Is everything all right?

-We need to clarify a few points in your statement.

That's already been dealt with. I mean, Dad is pleading guilty.

New information has come to light, Mr Mitchell.

What new information? Who've you been talking to?

I'm sorry, but my hands are tied.

-I'll get one of my officers to find your brother, shall I?

-No! No.

He's...he's away. On business.

Get Roxy to come down and meet us.

This ain't going to take long, is it?

That all depends on you, Mr Mitchell.

One last drink before the big day, eh?

Get us a pint, please.

Pre-wedding jitters, I bet.

I was the same before I married my Honey.

Giving up the bachelor lifestyle. All them nights out with the boys...

I felt like a man on death row.

Give it a rest, eh?

All you've got to do is think about tomorrow.

Seeing Hev in the church.

Then you'll know that all the stress was worth it.

-There ain't going to be any wedding, all right?

-What?

-You heard me.

-Stop banging on about it. You're giving me earache.

-All right.

Give us another one, will you?

Shirl! Shirl, I need to tell you something.

It's Ben.

He never meant to hurt anyone.

Promise me you'll help him.

-Tell Phil it wasn't his fault, yeah?

-Where do you get off Sticking your nose in?

Interfering with things that don't concern you.

But he's family. You all are.

You ain't family. You're just some stray I found outside the flat one night. One plate of food,

-and I was stuck with you.

-You don't mean that.

What are you doing sticking up for that little runt anyway?

-He needs me!

-That kid don't need anybody.

You don't understand. Underneath the front, he's just a frightened boy.

He laughs about you, do you know that?

In fact, we all laugh about you.

Sitting with your Smash Hit magazines, babbling about George Michael to anyone that'll listen.

You want to know something? I hate George Michael! I always have.

Pepsi and Shirlie should have drowned him when they had the chance in that swimming pool.

Stay away from Ben. He is not your concern.

Look, I don't understand why you've brought me here.

We can't start this interview until your cousin is present, Mr Mitchell.

You're supposed to help me, remember?

Right, is someone going to tell me what I'm doing here?

Marsden just wanted...

Detective Chief Inspector.

She just wants to go over my statement again. That's all.

Let's start with the morning of the wedding.

I don't understand why you're asking me all this. You were fine with it last week.

Someone's said something to you, ain't they?

-Ben, what are you talking about?

-She's trying to stitch me up!

I need to know exactly what your father said to you.

Do you understand what he'd do to me if he gets out?

You said we were going to win this.

As I mentioned earlier, new information has come to light.

It's my job to ascertain the facts.

You want him banged up as much as I do.

So I gave you what you wanted.

Look...whatever you want me to say, I'll say it.

I'll do whatever it takes.

So you and Hev had another bust-up, have you?

Something like that.

You reckon you'll sort it out?

What is it with everyone round here? Poking their noses in.

Don't look at me. I couldn't give a monkey's.

Me and Heather never stood a chance, did we?

-You put him up to this, didn't you?

-Oh, believe me. I'm as shocked as you are.

What about the Arches? He's always doing dodgy MOTS, cut and shut.

-Ben, what is the matter with you?

-And there's drugs down the club.

-Everybody knows that.

-Before you go any further, I have to caution you and say, Ben Mitchell,

I'm arresting you on suspicion of attempting

-to pervert the course of justice.

-You can't do that.

-You do not have to say anything...

-He's your dad!

-..if you do not mention something you later rely on in court.

Anything you do say may be given in evidence.

I can't go back there. I can't go back.

Here, George, I had it all planned.

I was going to have this big wedding in this big castle in Italy.

And Bananarama - they were going to be my bridesmaids...

..and Nick Kamen, he was going to give me away.

And you should have heard Elton John's best man speech.

Oh, he had the place in stitches. Do you know what?

It never happened, though.

-Teddy!

-Yeah, Teddy! You know why, George? Cos it ain't real.

None of it is.

All this time I was waiting for my George,

and I'd already found my Andrew.

And we're going to get married, George,

and we're going to be one big, happy family.

How's that sound?

Is that good? Yeah?

Do you know what? Just my two boys.

Just my two boys and my Andrew, yeah! That's all we need.

Where's he gone?

(Just wait there.)

MOBILE BUZZES

Where do you think he's going?

Probably off for another barney with poor Hev.

I've been looking all over for you.

-What are you doing here?

-I'm staying at the B&B on George Street.

-I thought we could try that Indian later if you like.

-No.

Pops. There's some bloke's outside, looking for you.

-What about you, Dorothy? Will Nick walk down the aisle?

-Well, he has done, hasn't he?

'Cept he never invited me.

There's always Whitney. I hear she's going great guns with Tyler.

What about that Jack? If I were ten years younger,

he'd have to fight me off him.

But they ain't mine, are they?

I mean, Whitney - she's a lovely girl, but she's just one of me waifs and strays.

You know, I've waited for the day when I could walk out in that Square

and hold my head up high.

I know Heather ain't mine, but she's a blessing, Heather Trott.

You should be ashamed of yourself, Rose Elizabeth,

the way you've treated that girl.

Shhh.

Silly Mummy's got to try and find the tickets.

Oh, Andrew! You must be so excited about your big day tomorrow.

I love a wedding.

You going somewhere?

MOBILE BEEPS

-That's right. J Butcher.

-You are going to pack your bags and get on that tube.

Mandy, listen to me...

MOBILE RINGS

Shhh.

Yeah? Ian...

Nah, I'm having a drink with Kim, aren't I?

Yeah. OK, hon, I'll see you later. Bye.

I'm not leaving without you, Mandy. Not again.

Alex, you've got a choice.

Either you clear off, or I'm going to tell the Old Bill

you tried to grope me round the back of the chippy.

Now, which is it?

-What's going to happen to Ben?

-He'll be released pending a full investigation.

Forget about that little runt. What about Phil?

The CPS will have to decide if there's enough evidence to continue to trial.

But they know it's a pack of lies, right?

Which is why they have no grounds to retain him in custody.

He's coming out?

I'd say the decision is imminent. I'll call you later.

-Thank you.

-Shirl, you hear that?

I've just got to see someone, yeah? I'll catch you up.

You know what this means, don't you? Hey?

This family...finally.... has something to celebrate.

Phil is going to kill you. Have you thought about that?

I'm talking to you. Ben?

Ben... Ben!

Shirl?

Look, I know you're still mad at me, but I just wanted to say that...

BANGING AT DOOR

Oh. That's Andrew. I'm not even ready yet.

Just give me a minute, yeah? Hold on.

-You couldn't keep that shut, could you?

-Ow!

-You told her!

-I didn't know what else to do.

-Do you have know what he'll do to me?

-We'll make him understand.

You were supposed to be on my side, Hev!

Just calm down, yeah?

-I can't stay here. Not now.

-I'm sorry about this, Heather.

You've got money.

Mandy said Dot gave you money for the wedding.

-No, it's not here.

-I don't believe you.

-What's got into you? Sorry about this, Heather. Come on.

-Get off me! Tell me where it is!

I haven't got it. I swear to you.

-No, Ben. You can't go in there.

-Don't touch me!

-Wait till I tell Shirley about this. Ben!

-Get off me!

-Ben!

RECORD PLAYER SKIPS

-Hev!

-Hev!

RECORD SKIPPING REPEATEDLY

Dad.

What you doing here, eh? You hiding!? You think you can hide from me?

-Don't hurt me!

-Why? Cos you're my son?

Jay...there's a boy I'd call mine. Because he knows family. But you?

-You're just a dirty little grass... who grassed his own dad!

-No! No!

Help me.

She ain't breathing. Have you called an ambulance?

Didn't see much point. Hit her pretty hard.

She's dead. You did this?!

Don't say that. She grassed me up.

You would have done the same. You was going to kill me then!

-You'd have done the same. Say it!

-I wasn't... I'd never do this.

But you was going to kill me! Say it!

-I'll call the Old Bill.

-No! Don't! Please! Just make it go away.

This? This will never, never go away!

She...she told the police that I lied. She told on me.

You deserved it, didn't ya?!

Then, so did she.

No! I didn't mean that, I didn't mean that.

I can't help you.

You have to.

This is why you're here. You're my dad.

You're my dad.

-ROSE:

-Heather?

Heather?

KNOCK AT DOOR

Heather?

Heather! It's me, Rose.

I'm sorry about our fight.

If you can hear me, love, come to Dot's!

We've got a surprise!

FRONT DOOR SHUTS

Why'd you do that?

Ain't you going to call the police?

Was it an accident?

She told the police that I lied to 'em. She even admitted it.

I had the photo...

She went down. I got this mad energy...

Did you have that with Stella?

MOBILE BLEEPS

Wedding?

Yeah. Heather and Andrew, they were getting married tomorrow.

Hev...

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

Stop it! Why are you holding her hand?

Just the way I treated her. She just always took it.

You'll get life for this.

They can't.

I'm a juvenile.

But you ain't, are you? You're 16.

Today.

You ain't a kid anymore.

No, look, I'm sorry, all right? I'm really sorry.

I didn't mean to get so angry.

-Jay was here!

-Jay?

Yeah. He just bolted. He deserted her.

We've got to find him. Now.

I've got to go back to Ian's, they're expecting me. Birthday meal.

You ain't going back to Ian's. Ever.

Hey. I got your message.

-He's out, then?

-Calm down. I'm going to put her to bed.

-Sorry. But he is coming home?

-Be back any minute.

-We celebrating, then?

-Well, you got five minutes before I get him in that bedroom.

-Right.

-I've ordered a curry.

-D'you want me to go and pick it up?

-Yeah, please.

-I'm going to put her to bed.

-Right. Yeah, yeah. Anything to help.

-Shirl...only thing is...

-In me pocket.

-Excuse me.

-Thanks, Billy.

-Right.

Shall we go to bed? Yeah, come on.

GLASS SHATTERS

George.

-I didn't know. I swear I didn't know he was here.

-No, no, no...

-I didn't know he was in there!

-Shut up a minute.

-But what if he gets out, comes in here?

-He's asleep! Get that frame.

I didn't know he was in there. I wouldn't have done it otherwise, I promise.

Just get out in the hallway. Get in the hall.

Don't touch anything, we'll come back for him later.

Shove your hands in your pockets. And don't look back!

Jay, mate, it's Phil. Just... give me a call when you get this, OK?

Just...just give me a call.

Phil! Phil! You OK?

You all right?

What's this then?

Well, I'm out, ain't I? And he...he saw sense.

Right. Well, you're not going to forgive him, are you?

I'm going to hear him out.

Phil, Shirley's having a party and she is not going to have him in the house.

-We'll go to the Arches instead. Come on.

-I didn't mean for it to get this far. I just got mad.

-I went down the nick. You lied to my face.

-I just want things to go back to the way they were.

-What, like before, when you was part of this family?

-We done here or what?

Wait. Wait. OK, look. You're out. And we...

we will sort the rest somehow, OK?

Deal? Come on.

SHE LAUGHS

-You don't do things by halves, do you?

-Tell Shirley to start without us, yeah?

-Yeah.

-Do you think she knew something was up?

-I dunno.

Get that off. Get it off and dump it in that bin.

SHIVERING

Hello?

Hello?

Jay. Jay, mate, you must be freezing. You must be freezing.

Come on, come on. Get up, get up. Come on. Get up.

Let's get this on, yeah? There you go, mate. There you go.

All right?

She was just like Dad. Just really still.

No. No, no, no. Cos I was passing...yeah?

And I saw the lights on, and I found you...you and Ben... working on a car.

-DISTANT SIRENS Yeah?

-Are the police here?

Forget them. Forget them. You've just been working on a car. All right?

I came in, I wanted to knock him out, but you said no, that we was family.

You wouldn't let me. That we don't fight, yeah?

No matter who's said what or done what, we stick together. Yeah?

I tried to stop him.

-You can shut up, you were there an' all!

-Just get changed. All right?

Come on, son. Come on, son. Shut them thoughts out.

Yeah? Because you weren't there, all right?

OK?

Dump that in the canal.

Make sure no-one sees.

Listen, I need you to nod, OK?

So's I know you're with me. We've gotta go down this road because...the other one's bad.

All right?

-What about the police?

-You've just been here. Just been here talking.

We've all been here talking. All right? And now we've got to go home.

Shirley's having a party, and we don't want to miss that, do we?

But I need you to nod. So's I know... OK?

Yeah?

Just nod.

Good man. Now, come on. Come on, let's get you washed.

Come on.

MOBILE BLEEPS

'You have one message.

'Shirl? Look, I know you're still mad at me, but I just wanted to say that...

'KNOCKING

'Oh, that's Andrew. I'm not even ready yet! Just give me a minute, yeah?'

Yeah, I'll wait while you answer the door, shall I?

-Took them ages to do this lot.

-I think Phil's taking the scenic route anyway.

-Oh, right.

-What's the matter with her?

-She's excited about seeing Phil. Ain't ya?

-I've got nothing better to do.

-Oh. Here, change.

-Ta.

I've just seen Phil.

With Ben.

DOOR OPENS

-You was quick.

-Well, I weighed it down proper.

Right. What now?

Now we go home.

-First thing he does when he gets out is sees Ben?

-It was weird.

We need to find them. Phil will do something stupid.

-He hasn't rang me. Hasn't texted me.

-He said he wouldn't be long.

-Lola, please...

-Er, my baby likes it? It's soothing.

-Bill, he just wanted to talk to him, honestly.

-Well, Phil ain't much of a talker, is he?

I can't. I can't. They're going to know.

-George is on his own.

-Yeah, cos you killed his mum! Cos of you!

-Shut up, will you! Shut up!

We've got to go in there, act natural, all smiles, or we're done.

-It's impossible with him like that.

-I'll tell you what's impossible.

Anyone finding out what happened tonight, that's what impossible.

Because that woman was loved, and not just by Shirley.

If anyone finds out what happened you're going to be thought of as monsters.

Do you hear me? Monsters. And you'll be hunted.

Well...we'd better pull it off, then.

Get in there.

Shirl, I'm just saying Phil can lose his head.

DOOR OPENS I'm back.

Well, don't all rush at once, will ya?

-Never thought I'd see you in here again.

-Better get used to it.

Where's Ben?

He's here. And Jay.

Boys? Come in here.

Yeah, well, he's not staying.

Tonight's a celebration for your coming back. No dramas.

I've got to take responsibility. You know, I played my part in what he did as well.

There you are. See? That's good, innit, eh?

Welcome home, Phil.

Yeah. Yeah. Welcome home, Phil.

Another hug? Go on.

-All forgiven, is it?

-No. No, it's not. But...

he's here, he's sorry and...I'm starving.

Yep, well, two months of porridge can do that to a man, can't they?

Check out that little feast there! Jay, do me a favour, mate?

Come give us a hand.

Come on. And you. Come on.

Thanks, Billy.

So that's the...the warm welcome over and done with, then?

Looking a bit pasty there, Jay.

He had something dodgy to eat at lunchtime.

This ain't going to improve things, is it?!

Where's Hev? Not like her to miss a free meal.

-Well, it ain't, is it?

-She's not invited.

-Roxy, did you say anything to her?

-No.

Only I got this voicemail from her.

Listen, I just got out the nick

and for some reason my missus still ain't given me a kiss. Come here.

That cell's done something funny to your head.

-Is that definitely Phil in there?

-I'm still getting over the news that he ain't really a murderer.

You what?

You think that's funny, do you? Eh?

No, no, it was just a joke, wasn't it?

-Know what it's like, people looking at you like you're a murderer?

-Stop it!

I'm sorry, OK? It wasn't funny.

Jay. Sit down. We're meant to be celebrating.

Before we get this party started, where's the naan bread?

In the oven.

I'll get it.

This is going to be fun, isn't it?

-CUTLERY CLATTERS

-Oi, oi! Give me them, don't do that. I'll do it.

Don't, I'll do that.

'You have one message.'

Lola, a programme the other day was saying if you eat spicy food

when you're pregnant it sends your baby funny.

-Lola, he's having you on.

-Brian Cox was on it.

TV DROWNS OUT CONVERSATION

Ow! Ow! Ow! Here you are. Dig in. While they're still hot.

-They're not going to go cold, are they, Bill?

-No, they're not.

I don't care any more, I'm starving.

Oi, hold on a minute, manners! Wait till Phil sits down.

I'm celebrating an' all. It's my birthday, remember.

-You're an adult now.

-It's amazing how fast they grow up. One minute you're changing nappies...

The next minute they're testifying against you in court.

-How long till they can walk? Babies.

-Oh, yeah. About a year.

And by the time they're two they're like superheroes,

-they're running, jumping, walking, the lot.

-George is three.

-Mine's going to be a right little ninja.

-Lucky you got a grandmaster on hand, innit?

-It's hot in here. I've gotta get some air.

-Sit down.

Jay...not eating?

-He looks green.

-Jay, you all right, babe?

He's just looking forward to me moving back in, that's all.

Yeah, well, you're not moving back in.

-You can go stay at Ian's or Hev's.

-I'm going to be sick.

-Jay?

-Better not be catching.

-Lola, you cannot catch food poisoning.

You're starting to sound like one of them mothers down the nursery.

-You'll start listening to whale music next.

-No. Maybe a bit of dubstep though.

-Yeah!

-I'm going to go and see if Jay's all right.

-No. I'll go.

-No, no, Ben. Just enjoy your food, yeah?

-He's just trying to get out of the wedding, I bet you.

Heather, she's going to be so pleased to see you there!

-We should keep it as a secret.

-Yeah, don't tell her he's out, yeah?

-Yeah, well, there's no danger of that.

-We're not speaking.

-You've had a row? What about?

Does it matter?

I'm going to go check on Jay.

Yeah, Shirl, it does, if it's going to ruin her big day.

Oh, come on, give her a call. You know she's going to be sat at home all on her own

sobbing over her old copies of Smash Hits.

Can't have that, can we? SHE LAUGHS

Jay?

KNOCK AT DOOR

Bathroom's probably the best place if you want to have a puke.

JAY SOBS

Jay?

JAY SIGHS DEEPLY

Jay, what's that matter, mate?

She's not answering. Maybe I should go round there.

Yeah...yeah, maybe you should.

After everything that's happened, you get out and you see him first.

Who organised this? Who was the one waiting for you?

-Maybe we should go and let you sort this out.

-No, he should go!

-Maybe you should!

-Hey, hey, hey! Come on, stop, stop, please, stop.

You...are not going about this the right way.

Sit down.

Look, I know when you're with Phil you feel like you've got to act the big man all the time, don't ya?

It wears you down. Believe me, I've been there.

Sometimes you just want to let everything go...

Jay...you know he's not going back inside now, don't you?

He's out of trouble, if that's what you're worried about.

I can't believe he made it up with Ben.

He said we were family.

Oh(!) Family today, are we?

Phil...is ruthless, Jay.

Don't matter what he says,

don't matter how he tries to dress it up, all right?

So you...you just keep an eye on Ben, all right?

I'll give you some space.

-Bill.

-What?

I've got you, though, ain't I? Whatever happens.

What's going on?

Course you've got me.

Soppy. You're like my boy, ain't ya? Eh?

You're only out cos he couldn't hack it.

You let him in and he'll know you're always going to take him back.

-He nearly sent you down for years and now he's in there, stuffing his face!

-What can I do? Eh?

-You wanted to kill him this morning. Kick him out!

-He's my son.

And I'm your partner. I don't want to sleep alone because of him.

You don't have to.

Two months! Two months. D'you know how cold that was?

I was even going to bed in jumpers.

Yeah, well...you don't have to wear anything tonight.

-Look, Roxy, I'm sorry I left Amy on her own that time.

-Can we just forget that now, yeah? Thank you.

GLASS SHATTERS

No, no, no, stay, stay.

-I need to feel whatever's going on out there - here, in my own home - I'm OK.

-You've got that.

-No, I ain't. Not with him here. He's wrong in the head.

-You've got no idea.

Roxy got curry on it. I said I'd put it in the washing machine for her.

I, er...think I might go round and see Hev. See how she is.

-She ain't bitter like you.

-And she ain't a snake like you!

-You two need to talk.

-We've done our talking.

You need to talk, properly.

-I'm going to go get Hev. You know what you've got to do.

-You can't.

-Do you want a home?

-No, I don't mean that.

-You want to sleep in the Arches?

-I don't...mean that.

-Then what do you mean?!

I won't be long.

-I can't just let her go round there.

-What, and you can let me go prison?

Well, Shirley's gone to Heather's.

Oh, right. We'll have to hold fire on the pudding, then.

Yeah. She won't want to miss that.

How could she stay angry with you,

when you've worked so hard to mend it?

-What's it like being inside? Bet you got stories.

-Lola! He just got out.

So?

You wake up. You sit. You think.

You wash. You eat. You sleep.

Lights go on. Lights go off. It don't matter.

That what bedtime stories were like growing up, Ben?

Explains a lot, don't it.

At first, you're trapped inside a prison.

Then...then inside your cell. Them same walls.

In the end, you're trapped inside your own head.

Thoughts bouncing round your skull. Like echoes, on and on.

Well, you've got to give it to them Masoods.

-They make a lovely ruby.

-I thought I was the one supposed to be pregnant.

I'm going to be giving birth to something else in the morning.

-I hope Shirley and Heather aren't rowing again.

-They'll be all right.

-Chuck a couple of plates, make up. Standard.

-I'm getting on to the tabloids.

Heather Trott Misses Dinner Shocker.

Will you stop it?!

You want to clear the table?

I was just having a laugh.

A laugh?

I think Heather will look beautiful in her wedding dress.

-LOLA: Yeah, squeezing down the aisle!

-Hey!

She deserves every bit of happiness she can get, that girl.

Don't you think we should find out where they are?

I said clear the table, eh?

So what's for dessert, then?

Sticky toffee pudding!

Oh, no! The words every woman dreads. Where is it?

You trying to look suss or what, eh?

One minute you're giving me evils for laughing, the next you're telling me I'm looking suss.

What exactly do you want me to do?

We've got to get over to that flat. What if she's called the police?

-They'll know we were there! Our fingerprints...

-All right, yeah?

DOOR OPENING

Sorry, er...

You don't mind us celebrating your release, do you?

Look, I know it can't be easy,

but it's good you're trying.

Right.

Now, we go over there when I say, all right?

Bubbly is up!

Oh, really? Look, we should wait for Shirley, surely.

BOTH: Shirley surely!

-I'll go and check on her.

-There's another bottle in the fridge.

-Is there? Oh, go on, then!

-This isn't fair. Wish I could have some.

Yeah, well, you do the crime, you serve the time.

Ha!

CORK POPPING

THEY CHEER

Shirl! Hey, what's going on?

-How long you been there? You gave me a fright.

-You OK?

-Hello, Georgey.

-Let me take him.

Shirley?

She's...she's got blood on her!

What? Shirl? Shirl? George?

-You tell me right now. Are you OK?

-Shirley? Is he all right?

Phil... Heather.

You look after her, yeah?

-Lola, call an ambulance.

-Boys. Boys!

Come on, what are we waiting for? Go!

Shirl? Shirl, let me take George. Let me take him.

Do you think they suspected anything?

It's like you've done this before.

-Don't be stupid, Jay. Look, come on.

-I ain't going over there!

You've got to. How else are you going to explain the DNA?

I can't go over there.

We could get a car from the Arches, you know. Do a runner.

-They'll know it was us, then!

-They'll know if we don't go to the flat.

Our DNA's all over it.

Will you stop saying DNA like this is a film?

I ain't going over there, yeah? There's police there, people there...

She's there.

Well, maybe it won't be that bad.

Do you know what you've done? Do you really know?

I've saved our family. Look, Dad's on his way there now.

He didn't have to do what he did. He's risking prison for this, Jay.

If we don't go there, he could get done himself!

Look. We'll do this together, all right? Like Dad said,

everything together from now on.

Look, you've just got to...

You've just got to block it out.

Come on.

This has been kicked in.

-Heather!

-Where is she?

Hev!

Oh, no.

Phil, why's she laying down?

She's gone.

Don't say that. She can't be. She's getting married tomorrow!

Where is she?

-Ben, don't look.

-What's happened?

-Jay, don't look.

-Heather! Get up!

-Heather!

-I mean, who...?

-Just call an ambulance.

-Lola's calling one.

Yeah, well, make sure!

Jay, get some of George's things. Get his coat.

Ben, check the bedroom.

Ben!

Hello? Yeah, we need an ambulance.

We might have called one already.

57 Turpin Road.

We have? Right.

Heather Trott.

'So you went into the flat.'

And the door was off its hinges. So, I went in and...

And what, Shirl?

What?

-Hev...

-It's OK.

-Hev!

-Shirl! Wait!

Roxy, I'm scared. What's happened?

Yeah, man. I have it, I have it, I have it!

-Well, the beginning at least.

-You work fast.

-Let's hear it, then.

-No, no, no. It's a surprise.

Ladies and gentlemen?

You do realise the place is full of Mitchells.

Hey, this is my speech and I can say what I want!

I ain't laughing at your dress, am I?

Nothing to laugh at. It's a work of art.

Well, I hope she loves it, otherwise she's never going to forgive me.

Stop it! You're being melodramatic. She was probably out.

The light was on. I could tell there was someone there.

-You know what this reminds me of?

-The war?

Of the '60s.

We always used to help each other out with the wedding dresses.

I remember one.

Mint green chiffon. Short.

Fake emeralds encrusted on the bodice.

We listened to a lot of rock and roll back then.

A wedding dresses should be white.

A bride should pretend to be pure.

Even with the complete absence of moral rectitude

that is usually the case these days.

Well, Heather's got a pure soul.

If you count having a child with a teenage used car salesman pure!

Well, your Andrew is a child born out of bigamy.

I mean, what young Darren did was the will of God.

He knew that Heather needed something to live for, you know.

-Something to bring light to her darkness...

-Look now, man.

Andrew and Heather, were meant for each other.

-I wouldn't be giving her away if I thought not.

-Well if they were,

she would know he needs his mum.

I'm not going to have her ignore me for ever.

AMBULANCE SIRENS

Listen, you don't need to be here. Just come outside.

I need to get her up.

She's getting married tomorrow.

I need to get her ready.

-She's there.

-What happened?

I don't know.

HE MUTTERS

You all right?

Come on, mate. This is no place for a kip.

Get back. Stay back!

It'll look better than it did in the first place.

You do look pretty.

-Ooh, go on!

-Pure as the driven snow.

Ooh, Mrs! Don't mock the afflicted.

-SIRENS WAILING

-What's all that commotion?

Riots, take two. This time they've come back for the shoes

to go with the handbags.

Where's Andrew?

I hope he's not out with Heather the night before the wedding.

-Let it go!

-Well, I think as we've nearly finished,

-we can give ourselves a little celebration.

-Rum!

I said celebration, Patrick. Not debauchery.

Something elevated, refined. Like a bottle of sweet sherry.

Now, who's going down to the shop to get it?

-Of course!

-I'll come, too. I'll help you with your speech.

Signs of burglary.

Can we get Homicide Assessment down here, ASAP? Over.

POLICE RADIO VOICES

I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to exit the premises.

Life extinct. 21:09 hours.

No-o-o!

SHE SOBS

Please. Please don't.

Who found the body?

We did.

I'm Detective Sergeant Crisp, Homicide Assessment Team.

Homicide?

We're going to need somewhere to talk to the witnesses.

Come on, mate.

Stay back!

I'm just trying to help you out. Come on, up you get.

-You can't sleep down here. It stinks.

-What you got there?

VIDEO GAME SOUNDS ON PHONE

Will you stop that?

OK, I got to go and see what's going on.

-Where's my coat gone?

-I don't know.

Roxy. Roxy, wait!

Look after the kids. They're asleep. They'll be no problem.

-Both of them?!

-It'll be good practice.

-Yeah, if I have twins(!)

-Yeah, yeah, yeah.

-No, Roxy! I can't...

-DOOR SLAMMING SHUT

..do this.

Sorry, fellas. We're going to need this table, if you don't mind.

Thank you.

It's like ET.

I know it's not perfect, but this won't take long.

Just a few preliminary questions. Please.

Gentlemen?

May I?

If I could start with the deceased's name.

It was Heather Trott.

And what was your relationship to Miss Trott?

We were just friends.

-Did she live at the property?

-Yeah. Yeah, she did.

-With anyone?

-Yeah.

George.

Roxy's got him now.

That's her boy. He's two or three.

He was at the flat when Shirley got there.

So it was you who was first into the flat?

Yeah.

Yeah, it was. We...

Me, Billy and the boys. We were back at ours.

SIRENS WAILING

You don't get this many police cars for nothing.

Rose!

Have you seen all this?

-Rose, look...

-What's wrong?

Shirl walked in with George. She didn't say anything, just...

Just stared.

That's when Lola noticed the blood and Dad ran straight out.

What made you think Miss Trott was in trouble?

It's not exactly a big leap, is it?

She's been round Heather's, she's got George and there's blood.

I'm just trying to build up a picture.

So you went to the flat, Mr Mitchell.

It was just you, Miss Carter and Billy who went into the property?

-And the boys.

-Ben and Jay?

They were in there before we knew what was what.

It must have been a very difficult situation.

I had them getting George his coat.

It's funny what you think of.

It is.

Very easy to forget that people don't think like police officers.

-How's that?

-Methodically.

Is there any next of kin other than George?

What about his dad?

Darren?

Nah, he's long gone. Her mum, Queenie.

She lives down the south coast, I think.

And there's Andrew. Her fiancee.

Do you know of his whereabouts?

The thing with women...

they want to know you're thinking about them the whole time.

That's why they make up all those rules.

Keeps them in mind.

I don't need rules.

I think about my girl all the time anyway.

What you doing here, then?

She don't think about me so much.

More bothered about her mates.

Ah.

Selfless, eh?

What made you enter the property?

Jay ran in there and I went in after him.

We didn't know what was what.

And once inside, did you touch anything?

Jay?

-He can't remember.

-He can tell me that.

Don't know. Maybe the kitchen top?

Did you go into any other rooms?

Life extinct.

What happened to time of death?

It's changed.

HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT?!

Extinct? Like she's some kind of dinosaur!

Shirl, come on. It's all right.

Like a bag of old bones with long names

that everybody gawps at!

Well, she's not! She's my Hev!

I don't know who these people are!

And I don't want them touching my Hev!

-Get your hands off me!

-Hey, I've got you.

-Come here, come here.

-I don't know who they are.

SHE SOBS

If you touch her, I swear to God I'll put you down. Do you hear me?

Now, I'm taking her home.

-I need you all to come to the station.

-Why?

DNA evidence. Rule you out of the enquiries.

She's just seen her best friend dead.

I'm sure she's going to want us

to do everything we can to catch the killer, won't she?

-That's Heather's flat.

-What? Excuse me! Excuse me!

Phil?

-I thought he was locked...

-Phil, they said there's a body.

Who? Who is it?

-Whose body did they find?!

-For heaven's sake, would somebody tell me something?

Heather's dead, all right?

Huh?

I'm sorry.

They'll be fumbling by the bins if I know those two.

Cora, you'll be out on your ear again if you keep talking like that.

It's been lovely having Heather in the launderette.

She always keeps the place clean. She never uses up the tea bags.

Mind you, she's terrible about the machines.

-I've never known anyone so hopeless.

-You worried she's going to leave?

Well, you want them to go, don't you?

I mean, you can't keep hold of them forever.

You want them to go off

and have a life of their own.

She's like a daughter to you, ain't she?

We'll get you changed into forensics suits first.

We have to do it for all significant witnesses.

-We just want to get out of here.

-Of course.

Miss Carter, if you'd come with me, we'll get you changed.

If you'd follow me.

Come on, boys. it'll be all right. Come on.

No! No! No!

You're sure?

OK, that changes things. Thank you. 415, I need DS Crisp. Over.

Excuse me. Excuse me.

-Stay behind the cordon, please.

-HEATHER!! What you doing in there?

My baby!

Mum, why are they in there?

Andrew...

Why are they in Heather's flat?

Andrew, please...

-No! What's happened!

-Please, sir.

No! No! Get off me.

Heather!

Heather.

Heather, please.

Please don't leave me.

Heather, I love you. Please! Please!

What's this all about, eh?

Trying to make us feel like we've done something wrong!

-I'm sorry, Dad.

-Not now, all right?

-Everything you've done, what's happened...

-Not now!

This is the last thing you need

with your stomach, innit?

-Don't throw up over them, will ya?

-They're Old Bill. Don't matter if he does.

-They think that...

-What?

What do they think?

They think the burglary was a fake.

What? How can they know that?

Something to do with the way the drawers were tipped out.

What does that mean?

OK, we're ready.

-Jay, Ben, follow us.

-I'll come with them.

I'm afraid as a fellow witness you can't.

It's just a statement, yeah?

It won't take long. I'll take Jay down to suite four,

you take Ben.

It's just routine, OK?

-I'll be right here.

-Don't want to go in on my own.

Oi, you're not on your own. We're in this together, remember?

Till the end.

-OK. Jay, Ben, shall we?

-Come on.

SHE SIGHS

How long does it take to get one bottle of sherry?

DOT CHUCKLES

Come on, let's get out there and see what all the fuss is about, eh?

Well, I suppose it is our civic duty.

What's the betting... it's something really grizzly?

Oh, Cora!

CORA LAUGHS

It was about six o'clock.

I came straight from here to find Jay, didn't I?

I left Shirley and went back to the Arches.

Jay was working on her motor. I had nothing better to do so I stayed and helped him.

It was the carburettor.

Er... Gearbox.

Ben held the light.

Don't let him near the engine.

When I say gearbox, it could be anything.

Cars ain't really my thing.

Course I was angry.

That boy got me arrested but we're family. We stick together.

What're they doing with him in there?

We just have a few questions we need to ask your son.

-He hasn't done anything.

-It's standard procedure, Mrs Cotton.

But he was with me all afternoon. Playing Bridge.

We always play on Wednesdays.

415, I need DS Crisp. Over.

-Roxy left some clothes for you.

-Any word from Ben and Jay?

Getting a proper grilling, by the sound of it.

-I better get out of these.

-Yeah.

Miss Carter, we're ready for YOU now.

What about my two boys?

They're free to go, Mr Mitchell. They're just changing.

Should we wait for you here?

I was mugged once, outside the Co-op.

Oh, how terrible.

That kid needed 11 stitches in his head by the time I'd finished.

Guns. Happy flashing. It's a wonder anyone dare leave their own house.

I wouldn't be surprised if it's got something to do with that club.

Letting teenagers drink their own body weight? That's not right.

Anyone got any idea why there's all them police outside?

I'm going to get on to the Chief Constable as soon as I get home.

We are on speaking terms.

You know, ever since me and Ethel started the Neighbourhood Watch.

You'll never guess what I've just heard.

They've only gone and found a body. A woman, apparently.

-God rest her soul.

-Is she local?

-They wouldn't say.

Right, that's it. I'm going to take you girls home. Come on.

On our own doorstep. What's the world coming to?

You don't breathe a word of this to Beale, do you understand me?

One murder investigation wasn't enough for you, was it?

She a friend of yours?

Heather, she used to clean for us.

Sad business. Young mum. About to get married, I heard.

Still. Rest assured, we've got the best man for the job on it.

Has Ben told you his news?

It seems the CPS weren't too happy

about his recent memory lapse.

I'll be in touch shortly.

Shall I...get us a cab?

Come on, Jay.

Do you want me to wait for Shirl?

I don't want you... anywhere near her.

What was the first thing you noticed

-when you walked into Miss Trott's flat?

-It's Hev.

-How many times do I have to say it? It's Hev!

-Please,

Miss Carter.

The place was in a right state.

The drawers had been pulled out and there was papers everywhere.

That's when I first saw her.

I thought she was mucking about, didn't I?

So...

..I shook her a bit.

But she didn't move.

She just laid there.

I told her to get up. I said it wasn't funny any more.

Least she could do was make us a couple of WooWoos.

-VOICE CRACKS:

-But she's gone, hasn't she?

My beautiful Hev, gone and left me on my own.

You don't reckon it was a break-in, do you?

We can't rule anything out.

But if it wasn't some thief, then who in the flat?

Who'd want to hurt my Hev?

That's what we intend to find out.

According to her phone log, Miss Trott called you

at 6:20 this evening.

Yeah, she left a message.

Can you recall what the message said?

Just banging on about some row we had.

Why're you asking ME all these questions?

You should be out there finding the scum that did it!

-I shan't get a wink of sleep.

-Little nightcap will do the trick.

Well it might take the edge off the shock.

Rose Elizabeth! Whatever is it?

It's Heather.

What about her?

They, um... The police found her body earlier on this evening.

What happened?

They won't tell us anything at all.

Oh, Rose. I...I think probably we should head down

to the police station, huh?

See if they've finished with Andrew.

You two go.

I'll look after Dot.

Shirley.

-What's he doing here?

-Mr Cotton's just helping us with our enquiries.

Why?

You think he's got something to do with it?

Mr Cotton's here for the same reason you are, Miss Carter.

Would you like an officer to drive you home?

You ain't going to get a minute's peace from me.

I'm going to be here every day until you catch the scum that did this!

I'm sorry to have to kept you waiting, Mr Cotton.

As I'm sure you can imagine, it's been a busy night.

First of all, can I offer condolences on behalf of my team.

Thank you.

How long have you known your fiancee?

Since last August.

And you lived together?

-I moved in a few weeks ago.

-And you were due to get married tomorrow. Is that right?

Would you like us to continue with this in the morning?

No, I just want to get it over with.

When did you last see your fiancee?

About four o'clock this afternoon.

And how did she seem?

She was just, um...

Just Heather.

And did you part on good terms?

Mr Cotton?

I've got some ivory beads what I'd saved from an old dress...

I was going to make Dotty a little bag,

cos we've still got that hem to finish.

Yeah. Two pairs of hands are better than one.

Shirley, this is, um...

I'm Maria de Costa from Walford Children Services.

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend.

I need a drink.

I know it's been a difficult night for you,

but I'm afraid I do need to talk to you about George.

Provisions have been made to have him

-taken into temporary foster care...

-You ain't taking him anywhere!

George's wellbeing is paramount to us.

-As I'm sure it is for you.

-His mum is...

His mum was my best mate. I'm his godmother.

-You're also part of a murder investigation, Miss Carter.

-Get her out of here!

Shirley, she's just trying to do her job.

You're all going to stand there and let them do this?!

What about you, Roxy?

Remember the grief they gave you over Amy?

Please, can you just give her a few more hours?

I'm sorry. We just want to get George settled for the night.