0:00:51 > 0:00:54PHONE RINGS
0:00:56 > 0:00:57HE SIGHS
0:01:06 > 0:01:09ANSWERING MACHINE: 'Hi. If you want to leave a message...'
0:01:12 > 0:01:14Yes, mate, yeah, he said he'd definitely do it for me.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17But as long as I can pick it up next week though, yeah?
0:01:17 > 0:01:18All right, I'll hold.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20Oi, come here, you.
0:01:20 > 0:01:21What are you doing?!
0:01:21 > 0:01:24- They've put me on hold. - MOBILE RINGS
0:01:24 > 0:01:27It's not your lucky day. It's my dad, I better get it.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29Hey, ask if he wants to be Santa in the Christmas market.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32He'd be great! Yeah, he wouldn't need much padding...
0:01:32 > 0:01:33Yeah, I'm still here, mate.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38All right, all right!
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- What?!- I need to speak to Sharon. - Yeah, well, she's in the shower.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44- It's important.- Yeah, well, it'll have to wait, won't it?
0:01:44 > 0:01:46Anything I can help you with?
0:01:46 > 0:01:49Tell her not to believe a word Shirley says.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Worried she might talk Sharon out of you two playing happy families?
0:01:52 > 0:01:55Cos after what she said last night, maybe Shirley's decided
0:01:55 > 0:01:57to put an end to this ridiculous engagement.
0:01:57 > 0:01:59Yeah, well, she'd be wrong.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02And what if Social Services find out?
0:02:02 > 0:02:04- How's that going to happen? - They're not stupid, are they?
0:02:04 > 0:02:07You're saying Shirley's going to tell them?
0:02:07 > 0:02:08Someone might.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12Oh, well, that someone wants to think very careful about their future.
0:02:12 > 0:02:13You threatening me?
0:02:13 > 0:02:16You take it how you want. I'm just stating a fact.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19You want to be very careful, Phil.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23Social Services aren't too keen on grandads who start fights.
0:02:39 > 0:02:40Ain't you going to be late for work?
0:02:40 > 0:02:42I got the morning off.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47You know, you've got a nice little tickle there.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49You don't want to lose it.
0:02:49 > 0:02:50I'm owed some time...
0:02:50 > 0:02:53Nice office, get to go to work all dressed smart...
0:02:57 > 0:02:59Nothing wrong, is there?
0:02:59 > 0:03:00No.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04This ain't about you moving out again, is it?
0:03:04 > 0:03:05Dad, it's not about anything.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07I'm fine.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19Oh, look at you!
0:03:19 > 0:03:21I like to look the best for my boys.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23Nice! Oh, listen, sweetheart, did you ask Charlie
0:03:23 > 0:03:25if he fancied being Santa at Christmas or what?
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Two weeks in a grotto? He'll end up freezing his baubles off!
0:03:28 > 0:03:31It's all right, he'll have a heater, won't he?
0:03:31 > 0:03:33This market's doing my head in. What about us?
0:03:33 > 0:03:35Yes, I know, darling. I know, I know, I know.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38But once it's all sorted...
0:03:38 > 0:03:40You know, give me a chance to get out and get everything we need
0:03:40 > 0:03:44to make the best family Christmas ever, all right?
0:03:44 > 0:03:45You're going back to Germany?
0:03:45 > 0:03:48Stratford. I just need to pick up some bits and pieces, that's all.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- Good, cos we need you here. - Yeah, is that right?
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- Cheap barmen are hard to find. - Oh, very funny! There goes me ribs.
0:03:54 > 0:03:55- Right, cup of tea?- Yeah.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57Ho-ho-ho-ho!
0:04:06 > 0:04:09You should be moving on.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11Still got to catch up with some old friends.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13Don't make life hard on yourself, Shirley.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15You should keep out of my business, and move on.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17And what business is that, Phil?
0:04:17 > 0:04:20You scamming the Social Services to get your grandaughter,
0:04:20 > 0:04:22or you moving in on Sharon?
0:04:22 > 0:04:24I told you, she's just helping me get Lexi back, for Lola.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27Yeah, cos you're all heart, aren't you?
0:04:27 > 0:04:29Just don't get in my way, Shirley.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31Thought I might stick around.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35Don't want to miss the fireworks when they blow up in your face.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55So, Joey's finished the milk. Again.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57But it's all right. I'll get some on the way home,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00and also I'll get something for dinner. What do you want?
0:05:00 > 0:05:02Penny worth of scraps...
0:05:02 > 0:05:06and ask the butcher for a couple of bones for the dog.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08SHE GIGGLES
0:05:08 > 0:05:09What?
0:05:09 > 0:05:13When we were skint, my mum used to make out we had a dog.
0:05:15 > 0:05:16She made beautiful beef soup.
0:05:18 > 0:05:19Did your dog like soup?
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- No.- Nah, me neither. It's a bit...
0:05:24 > 0:05:26a bit watery.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28- I'm going out.- Yeah, me too.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30So... What should I get?
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Don't worry about it, leave it to me.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36About time I got my life back in order.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38OK. Well, erm...
0:05:38 > 0:05:40Just don't get soup, yeah?
0:05:45 > 0:05:48# I'm a top scrubber, top scrubber, top scrubber... #
0:05:48 > 0:05:51Oh, finally, your ambition fulfilled(!)
0:05:51 > 0:05:54The Environmental Health said that my kitchen is spotless,
0:05:54 > 0:05:56mouse free and ready to re-open.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Oh, so that's what passes for excitement these days,
0:05:59 > 0:06:01having your work tops inspected?
0:06:01 > 0:06:02Don't knock it!
0:06:02 > 0:06:04The bed has got its breakfast back.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06Time to start making money again.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Right, so you've come back in here to stock up again?
0:06:09 > 0:06:11No, I'll do that at the cash and carry.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14Why? Support your local shop.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16Yeah, but you don't stock the range that I want, do you?
0:06:16 > 0:06:19You see, I like to give my customers choice.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21Like Ray said, I am a service industry.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Yeah, well, we're all about the service.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25You'd wouldn't have guessed it.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28I'm so sorry Mr Beale, what can I do for you?
0:06:28 > 0:06:31Gazette. Keep the change. Looks like you could do with it.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35Well, you're not exactly rushed off your feet, are you?
0:06:35 > 0:06:37It's the mid-morning lull.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39You need to jazz this place up a bit, you know, D.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42You know, big sign, funky lighting...
0:06:50 > 0:06:52PHONE RINGS
0:06:54 > 0:06:55Hello?
0:06:55 > 0:06:56Yeah, yeah, speaking.
0:06:58 > 0:06:59What?
0:07:01 > 0:07:02What, today?
0:07:05 > 0:07:06Is there...?
0:07:07 > 0:07:10Is there something wrong with the application?
0:07:12 > 0:07:15Nah, nah, it's not a problem.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17Yeah.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19Yeah, I'll see you later.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- ANSWERING MACHINE:- 'Hi. If you want to leave a message, please do so after the beep...'
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Sharon. Sharon...
0:07:38 > 0:07:42Give me a call, yeah? As soon as you get this message. Please.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- KNOCK AT DOOR - All right!
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Where have you been? I've been knocking.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56Really, that was you?
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Who's rattled your cage?!
0:07:58 > 0:07:59What do you want, Derek?
0:08:02 > 0:08:04There's something wrong with my Alice.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- What do you want me to do about it? - I want you to talk to her.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- You talk to her.- I have!
0:08:09 > 0:08:11She said there was nothing wrong.
0:08:11 > 0:08:12Well, there's your answer.
0:08:12 > 0:08:13Ah, but there is something wrong!
0:08:13 > 0:08:16I'm her father, I can sense these things.
0:08:16 > 0:08:17Well, you modern men...
0:08:17 > 0:08:20Oi, oi, oi! I can do feelings with the best of them.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22Only, on this occasion, I think a maiden aunt is called for.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25Eh, you're not too old for a clip around the ear!
0:08:25 > 0:08:26Please, Carol, talk to her.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30I can't. I'm busy. Anyway, I'm going to work this afternoon.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32Well, you can at least put the kettle on!
0:08:36 > 0:08:37You got anything to eat?
0:08:40 > 0:08:44No, seriously, you'll make a lovely little Santa's elf, you will.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47Who's going to look after all the Christmas functions?
0:08:47 > 0:08:50I can't be Santa's little helper and manage everything else.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52Yeah, well, Tommy can't wait.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54He won't go to bed in case Santa comes early, will he?
0:08:54 > 0:08:56That's cos you've got him over excited.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58Ah, you want over excited?
0:08:58 > 0:09:00My nana, right?
0:09:00 > 0:09:02She used to put the decorations up in November.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05By Christmas, we were ready to explode.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08All kids need their sleep.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12Stacey and Sean were in bed by 7pm every night.
0:09:12 > 0:09:13Thanks to Brian...
0:09:13 > 0:09:16Jean, you know better than anybody. Tommy hates going to bed.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- Well, you should be stricter with him.- Yeah? Well, I can't.
0:09:23 > 0:09:24Do you want to know what works?
0:09:24 > 0:09:26Go on.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28A story, and one of those scented candles.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31Before you know it, he's away with the fairies.
0:09:31 > 0:09:32Ask Kat.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36He slept like an angel when you were away.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49Did you find everything you were looking for today?
0:09:49 > 0:09:51Yes, I did, thank you.
0:09:52 > 0:09:53Good.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56And...would you say that you come in here
0:09:56 > 0:10:00because of our good value, we're local, or our product range?
0:10:00 > 0:10:01Oh! OK, well... Erm, that one.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04I couldn't be bothered to go to the High Street.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06OK. OK, I can work with that.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08- Business quiet?- No, it's dead.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10Money's tight, Denise.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13I specialise in the essentials. I ain't even selling them.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16Well, maybe if I... jazzed the place up a bit?
0:10:16 > 0:10:18Oi, oi, oi! You sound like Kim now, OK?
0:10:18 > 0:10:21You need a... I don't know... A gimmick...?
0:10:21 > 0:10:23An angle!
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- Now you sound like Alfie. - Very funny.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33Sharon! Sharon!
0:10:34 > 0:10:36How can anyone lose a stiletto in a toilet, eh?
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- Social services are calling round.- So?
0:10:39 > 0:10:41Well, they suddenly decide to come round and see us?
0:10:41 > 0:10:44I reckon they've had a tip off. They're trying to catch us out.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47A tip off? We're planning to foster, not the Brink's Mat robbery.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50If someone's told them we ain't together, that's it. It's over.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52You sure it's not an appointment you forgot to write down?
0:10:52 > 0:10:54Nah, nah, nah. Anyway, it's a different geezer.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57Why would they send round a new social worker, eh?
0:10:57 > 0:10:58I reckon Jack's called them.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00No, Jack wouldn't!
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- All right, well, Shirley, then? - Look, it doesn't matter.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05She can say what she likes, as long as we stick to our story.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Maybe she's just missing her mum.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13Her mum?!
0:11:13 > 0:11:14Why?
0:11:14 > 0:11:18I was in the nick for ten years and I never missed her once!
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Yeah, well, thankfully, Alice don't take after you.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24She's talking about moving back there.
0:11:24 > 0:11:25Oh, I can't blame her.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28I mean, she's in a different house, in a different area,
0:11:28 > 0:11:31she's got none of her old mates around her...
0:11:31 > 0:11:32She's got me!
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- What more does she want?- Oh, yeah, well, where do I begin, Derek?
0:11:37 > 0:11:40All right, I concede that maybe she might need
0:11:40 > 0:11:43the influence of another woman, occasionally.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- Move in with us.- Move in with you?!
0:11:48 > 0:11:50Yeah, it makes perfect sense.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53Oh, right. Alice gets a mum and you get a cook and a cleaner.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55No, Alice can help with some of the cleaning...
0:11:55 > 0:11:56- Oh, great!- Come on, Carol.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59No, Derek. I am not going to move in with YOU.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02What are you going to do here? I mean, you're only a skivvy here.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Oi! Thank you.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06Look, Bianca will be all right.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09All she needs is a bit of re-adjusting time.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11And what's going to happen to you then?
0:12:11 > 0:12:13You must be tired of looking after kids by now?
0:12:13 > 0:12:16Yeah, that's why I'm staying away from you, Derek.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- I'll pay you. - I've got a job, thank you!
0:12:18 > 0:12:21Oh, come on, Carol, please. I need you.
0:12:21 > 0:12:22No.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26All right, all right. We'll sort out a proper wage.
0:12:26 > 0:12:27Parenting is not about money, Derek.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30And if it was, you couldn't afford me.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37Alfie?
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- Yes?- Tommy's being a real grouch, so I'm going to feed him
0:12:40 > 0:12:42and see if that cheers him up. Do you want anything?
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- No, no, I'm good. Why don't you let him have a nap?- If only!
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- Or you could light one of those candles, couldn't you?- Candles?
0:12:49 > 0:12:51I don't know. Jean was going on about some... What are they?
0:12:51 > 0:12:54Scented candles that help him sleep.
0:12:54 > 0:12:55I ain't got any more left.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- Tell me where you got them, I'll go and get some.- I can't remember!
0:12:58 > 0:13:00Oh, well, why don't you try and remember?
0:13:00 > 0:13:02Darling, it's worth a try if it's going to help him sleep.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- Where was it? The market, the Minute Mart...?- Yeah, the Minute Mart.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- They were on special offer.- Right.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15Why can't you and Kat just fill out the order forms properly?
0:13:15 > 0:13:18Sorry, I beg your pardon, I thought that was the job of the management?
0:13:18 > 0:13:20That's very funny. Very funny.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22Management might have to look at how many staff we employ.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25Come on, Peroxide, you know you couldn't manage without me.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27Kat managed all right whilst you were away.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29Rox, come on, you know we're not over-staffed.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31We are if people aren't drinking!
0:13:31 > 0:13:34It was so quiet the first night you left, Kat had to shut early.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36First I've heard of that.
0:13:36 > 0:13:37Well, it's not just us.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40I was talking to Denise, business is bad all over.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43I'm telling you, we need a good Christmas.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45So, how many people were in, then?
0:13:45 > 0:13:48I don't know, I was at Aunt Sal's. Jean told me.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51I don't know, maybe Kat was feeling unwell, or...?
0:13:51 > 0:13:52Or what?
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Oh, nothing. Nothing.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57Are you two all right?
0:13:57 > 0:13:58Yes, of course we are, darling.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01We're solid as a rock. Rock of Gibraltar and all that...
0:14:01 > 0:14:02THEY LAUGH
0:14:04 > 0:14:07You could have these five oranges for £1, or,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10special deal, cos you're my favourite, OK?
0:14:10 > 0:14:13You can have 12 for £2.50.
0:14:13 > 0:14:14- How's that?- Yeah.- Yeah?
0:14:14 > 0:14:16There you go, love. Wonderful.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- Thank you.- Thank you. Merry Christmas.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23You never forget how to sell.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26Oh, that's very hygienic, isn't it?
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Picking it up off the floor and then putting it back?
0:14:28 > 0:14:31Tell you what, as it's Christmas...
0:14:31 > 0:14:32Have one on the house.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34Make sure you wash it before you eat it!
0:14:38 > 0:14:41If I knew why this social worker was coming, I'd know what to say.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- I'm sure it's nothing to worry about.- I'm trying to do the right thing.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47It seems like you're the only one that understands that.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- Phil, it'll be all right. - Why don't people understand, eh?
0:14:49 > 0:14:51The front that we've been putting up,
0:14:51 > 0:14:53the lies we've telling, it's for Lexi, innit?
0:14:53 > 0:14:56And why would anybody risk her future just to get one over on me?
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Look, we don't know anyone said anything.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01And even if they had, we'll deny it.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04We'll show them we're together, and that we're both here for Lexi. OK?
0:15:18 > 0:15:19You having a bad day, Lola?
0:15:22 > 0:15:24Get used to it.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27You're going to be a lot of those as you go through life.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29But you're a mum. That's something special.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Yeah, but what if she forgets me?
0:15:31 > 0:15:34What if she forgets what I look like, that I'm her mum...?
0:15:34 > 0:15:35Kids know when they're loved.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Look, Shirl, I know you hate Phil,
0:15:39 > 0:15:41but Lexi is my baby.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46Please, please, don't stop her from coming home.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48If there's any justice in this world...
0:15:50 > 0:15:52..she'll be back in no time.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04Motorbike courier?
0:16:04 > 0:16:06Double glazing?
0:16:06 > 0:16:11Interesting, but I don't quite see me in either of those jobs.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13You have to think outside the box, Cora.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Cora, listen up, sweetheart,
0:16:15 > 0:16:18I've got the perfect temporary position for you, OK?
0:16:18 > 0:16:20Hear me out.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24Uniform supplied, sociable hours and great job satisfaction, darling.
0:16:24 > 0:16:29I do not want to be Santa Claus, thank you very much.
0:16:29 > 0:16:30All right, elf helper?
0:16:30 > 0:16:33Nah. I don't look good in green.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35Well, it was worth a try, wasn't it, eh?
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Laundrette manager.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42Management. Now that's more me...
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Isn't this Dot's old job?
0:16:46 > 0:16:47Really?
0:16:47 > 0:16:49Mr Popa... Popa...
0:16:50 > 0:16:52Um, Cora,
0:16:52 > 0:16:55I thought you were taking charge, getting in control?
0:16:55 > 0:16:58How is sitting here drinking going to pay the rent?
0:16:58 > 0:17:01I'm looking for a job! And this is orange juice.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03What can I get you?
0:17:03 > 0:17:04Oh, nothing. No, thanks.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09Cora, you have so much to give,
0:17:09 > 0:17:13and you're the sort of person that needs to keep active.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17Give me a break, darling. I'm trying to get myself together.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19Really, I am.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21And I am being active!
0:17:21 > 0:17:23I'm making the tea tonight, aren't I?
0:17:23 > 0:17:26Remember, you wanted soup.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28Did I?
0:17:28 > 0:17:30I don't like soup...
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Shall I get you something else, then?
0:17:32 > 0:17:34Oh, yeah. Do you mind? Thanks. Thank you.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37No, thank you.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- See you later, eh?- Yeah, all right. See you later. Bye.
0:17:45 > 0:17:46Well, don't over-do it.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49They ain't been tipped off about my dusting, have they?
0:17:49 > 0:17:51KNOCK AT DOOR Let me do the talking, yeah?
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- We ain't going to be pushed around in our own house...- Your house.
0:17:55 > 0:17:56Remember, happy families, yeah?
0:17:56 > 0:17:59Be strong and convince them we're ready to take care of Lexi.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08Yeah, yeah. >
0:18:08 > 0:18:11You've been expecting me, I'm from the Foster Team... >
0:18:16 > 0:18:19This is Sharon. You're Mr...?
0:18:19 > 0:18:21Call me Dave. I'm on the Foster Assessment team.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23Just covering for Rick.
0:18:23 > 0:18:24- Right.- Excuse me.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32So, er.. What do we owe the pleasure of this visit?
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Just routine. If it's convenient?
0:18:35 > 0:18:37Everything all right?
0:18:37 > 0:18:38Why wouldn't it be?
0:18:38 > 0:18:40No reason. Cup of tea?
0:18:40 > 0:18:42Thanks.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45I...I ain't got any milk.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47Do you...want something else?
0:18:47 > 0:18:48Like what?
0:18:48 > 0:18:50I don't know, whatever...
0:18:50 > 0:18:52Soft drink, obviously.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55Horrible being judged, isn't it?
0:18:55 > 0:18:57But don't worry, you do get used to it.
0:18:57 > 0:18:58Relax.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01We've got nothing to hide, have we?
0:19:01 > 0:19:02I'm sure you haven't.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06So, why today? Why the sudden visit?
0:19:06 > 0:19:08I was just passing. I thought you'd want to keep the process moving...
0:19:08 > 0:19:11You do still want to foster, don't you?
0:19:11 > 0:19:13- Who have you been talking to? - Yeah, of course we do!
0:19:13 > 0:19:15We can't wait to have Lexi with us, can we?
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Good. So let's start with a few questions,
0:19:18 > 0:19:22a few things that weren't quite covered in your last interview...
0:19:27 > 0:19:29ALFIE TUTS
0:19:29 > 0:19:31Sorry, Denise, you can only consume foods
0:19:31 > 0:19:34that are bought on the premises, I'm afraid.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36The orange. I'm joking.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38I'm kidding. What can I get you?
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- Glass of white wine, please. - All right, love, coming up.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43Oh, I know what I mean to ask you. You do candles, don't you?
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- Yeah, we do candles. - You know, like, scented ones?
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- Scented?- Yeah, they help Tommy sleep
0:19:48 > 0:19:50and apparently you had them on special offer.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52No, we ain't got scented candles.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55Really? It's just that Kat said that she got them from you...
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- We could order you some!- No, no, no.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59Don't worry about it, it's fine.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08Cheer up, might never happen.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Tell me something.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13How many customers did you used to get a day in the charity shop?
0:20:13 > 0:20:15It varied.
0:20:15 > 0:20:20It was busiest in the evenings and weekends cos of the students.
0:20:20 > 0:20:21And you never advertised?
0:20:23 > 0:20:24No money for that.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26People came for the market,
0:20:26 > 0:20:28then they saw us, and we were cheaper.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38You'll need to think about your circle of support.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41Everyone's keen to help at first, but after a while,
0:20:41 > 0:20:42it will be just the two of you.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45You need to think about that when you prepare Lexi's care plan.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50So, if I can write a nice plan, I get my grandaughter?
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- It'll help.- And that'll make me a good foster parent, will it?
0:20:53 > 0:20:55You can't just think about the first few weeks.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58Lexi could be with you for some time. You've got to think about the future.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Can you see what the future holds?
0:21:00 > 0:21:03No, but you have to be prepared.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06And life's panning out how you expected, is it?
0:21:06 > 0:21:09I don't think we need to pry, darling...
0:21:10 > 0:21:13I learned years ago that anything is possible,
0:21:13 > 0:21:15but the impossible rarely happens.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17Yeah, well...
0:21:17 > 0:21:20Disappointment goes hand in hand with survival.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23You've got to think about finances, too.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27Kids are not cheap. You've got a wedding coming up, haven't you?
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Yeah, yeah, we have.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33But, as we said before, we've both got jobs, so I don't think money's going to be a problem.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35Money don't come into it.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38So, why go through it all again?
0:21:38 > 0:21:39I know I wouldn't.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42Kids are such hard work, even for a couple.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- She's family. - She's a big responsibility.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- Are you sure you can both cope? - Yeah.
0:21:48 > 0:21:49On top of getting married,
0:21:49 > 0:21:52could put a lot of strain on your relationship...
0:21:53 > 0:21:56Well, kids can make a marriage.
0:21:56 > 0:21:57I'm not sure I agree with you.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02I've got one kid who refuses to go to school.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05The other wants to be in a heavy metal band when she grows up.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08You want stress, come round my house.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10That's family life. It's what we love.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14So, you didn't fancy the mid-life crisis, Phil?
0:22:14 > 0:22:16Single life, bachelor pad, no ties?
0:22:16 > 0:22:19No! No, he can't wait.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22He's great with kids, probably better than I am.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25Not everyone would agree with you.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27You'll be great.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30Some people round here would like to see me screw up.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33Some of your friends don't think this is a good idea?
0:22:35 > 0:22:36No.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39Most people have been very supportive.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Have you thought that maybe they're right?
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Maybe they can see things clearer than you two?
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Or maybe they're just interfering...
0:22:46 > 0:22:48We have thought about this very carefully
0:22:48 > 0:22:51and we have the support of all our friends and family.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57That's not true though, is it, Dave?
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- Pardon?- Somebody phone you up, did they?
0:23:01 > 0:23:05Tell you that things weren't been right between me and Sharon?
0:23:05 > 0:23:07You're going through a stressful time...
0:23:07 > 0:23:09Well, most couples have their ups and downs.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12I don't know what you've heard, but we'll work through it, won't we?
0:23:12 > 0:23:14I don't care what you've heard, all right?
0:23:14 > 0:23:17I want you to hear the truth from me.
0:23:17 > 0:23:18Me and Sharon...
0:23:18 > 0:23:20Me and Sharon, we've...
0:23:20 > 0:23:23We've decided to call off the engagement.
0:23:32 > 0:23:33So Tommy's asleep, then?
0:23:33 > 0:23:35You'll be lucky!
0:23:35 > 0:23:37He's got his toy tool kit out. He's taking the wardrobe apart.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40Kat, he's a growing lad, he needs his kip, don't he?
0:23:40 > 0:23:41You try!
0:23:41 > 0:23:43So, er... Candles didn't work, then?
0:23:44 > 0:23:45Eh?
0:23:45 > 0:23:49You know... You know, Kat, the scented candles that he likes.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52Look, I told you, I haven't got any more left.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54Right. But you said the Minute Mart had them, right?
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Yeah, that's right.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59I'm going to read him a story. That always sends him off.
0:23:59 > 0:24:00That's good.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05I'm sorry to hear you guys have spilt up.
0:24:05 > 0:24:10It's amicable, and Sharon still wants to be a part of Lexi's life.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12Yeah, it... It was the right thing to do.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15Well, thank you for your honesty.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18I just want what's best for Lexi,
0:24:18 > 0:24:20but if you want to know anything about me or my family,
0:24:20 > 0:24:23you've only got to ask, and I'll put you straight.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25That's good to know.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28So, who told you?
0:24:28 > 0:24:30- What?- About me and Sharon?
0:24:32 > 0:24:34No-one, and there's nothing in your notes.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38But your application will have to be changed and reassessed
0:24:38 > 0:24:40in the light of this new information.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43So... What happens now?
0:24:43 > 0:24:45Well, your application for Lexi
0:24:45 > 0:24:47was based on you AND Sharon caring for her.
0:24:47 > 0:24:48Obviously, we'll have to rewrite it
0:24:48 > 0:24:51and at next week's family group conference,
0:24:51 > 0:24:53you can decide how you'll meet Lexi's needs.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55We'll be in touch.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57Thanks.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01- Could you get the door, please? - Yeah, of course.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03It was very nice to meet you.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19Hello?
0:25:19 > 0:25:21Can I speak to Mr...
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Popadopoulos, please?
0:25:27 > 0:25:30Why? Why would you do that?
0:25:30 > 0:25:31Get in first.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33Well, he didn't know anything. He thought we were a couple!
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Well, now he's going to believe every word we tell him.
0:25:36 > 0:25:37Yeah, and you could lose Lexi.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40It was only a matter of time before somebody said something.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43- It must have been Shirley.- Or Jack.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46No. No, he's OK with it. He knows why we're doing it, he wouldn't...
0:25:46 > 0:25:48This morning, he said it was only a matter of time
0:25:48 > 0:25:51before somebody grassed us up. Half an hour later I get the call...
0:25:51 > 0:25:54No, Jack is not like that. He'd put Lexi first.
0:25:54 > 0:25:55You really don't know him, do you?
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Here.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14You like to think of yourself as a bit of an entrepreneur, don't you?
0:26:14 > 0:26:17Well, I've had my moments.
0:26:17 > 0:26:22So, what elements do you think a business needs to succeed?
0:26:22 > 0:26:26Well, the right product, right price...
0:26:26 > 0:26:28right promotion.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Yeah, but where do you get punters if they're not coming in?
0:26:31 > 0:26:35That's the beauty of the free economy. You steal someone else's.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39Thanks, Ian. You know, it's good talking to an expert.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42Oh, here you are.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44You might be needing that.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51HE GRUNTS
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Sharon's all yours.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04Well, she always was.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06The engagement's off.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08What? You worried Social Services might get a tip off?
0:27:08 > 0:27:09No.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11Cos they've already been told.
0:27:11 > 0:27:12By me.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14You? Why?
0:27:14 > 0:27:20Because me and Sharon agree that some lowlife might grass us up.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23And I don't like people thinking they can have one over on me.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25Well, that makes a change, you doing the right thing.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Well, I hope so. For your sake.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Because if my grandaughter ends up in full time care,
0:27:31 > 0:27:34I'm holding you personally responsible.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd