25/12/2012 EastEnders

MUFFLED CHATTER AND CHRISTMAS MUSIC

< Max?

-You all right?

-What are you doing in here?

Just, you know, putting the finishing touches.

Avoiding helping in the kitchen, more like. I know your sort.

THEY GIGGLE

-You know my Rudolph out front? Someone's nicked it.

-No!

-Yeah. Not very Christmassy, is it?

-Is that my present?

Yeah. Top of the pile, that one.

Ooh. Hope it's better than last year. You boys.

You ain't got a clue what to get a girl, have you?

Trust me, this year, I got it spot-on.

-Have you?

-Mm-hm.

Lauren, has your dad ever got my present spot-on?

No, never. Ain't got a clue, has he?

I've got a nice little surprise for you an' all.

-Yeah, I don't play with dolls, OK?

-Very funny.

< Come on, Mum!

-Already? 18 people! It's going to be a squash, innit?

-Yeah, will be.

DOORBELL RINGS

Abi!

At this rate, I'll be eating off my knees in the kitchen.

I think I'll join you.

Still, anything's better than watching Derek's ugly mug

across the table, innit?

It's only one more day. One more day then he's gone.

Mm.

Christmas, eh? You can't beat it.

Turkey, stuffing,

a nice glass of port after a big plate of Christmas pud.

I'm salivating just thinking about it.

I'm going to take him over to the Vic.

I'll come with you.

No. Best not. Don't want any trouble, do we?

Well, don't be long, will you?

You're not coming over, Sharon?

Split shift. Lexi, then Jack.

Oh. Lucky Phil, eh?

Keep that shut, all right? I mean it.

MOBILE RINGS

Oi, you tell Max not to take my place.

Eh? Head of the family. Head of the table.

MOBILE CONTINUES RINGING

All right?

Yeah, I'm just heading over to Max's now.

KNOCKING

No, make it after lunch.

No, you'll get a warm welcome.

I promise you.

Hey, happy Christmas, Tommy.

I said I'd bring Tommy over. He's going to spend Christmas with you.

I'll, um, take him upstairs if you like. Might be better.

Off you go, then. Don't want to keep Daddy waiting.

Hey, you.

Oh-hoo-hoo-hoo!

Yes.

He thinks it's going to snow.

Alfie promised him.

Snow, reindeers, all that.

He will have the most fantastic time,

I promise you.

Merry Christmas, Kat.

Yeah, you too.

-ALFIE:

-No, Tommy! He's seen me!

-JEAN:

-Oh, no - he's seen him! Oh, I'm sorry.

Where have you been? I missed you so much!

-Are you ready to...

-ALFIE ROARS

I gotcha, I gotcha. I gotcha, gotcha, gotcha, gotcha. Hoy!

I missed you so much. Who's that down there? Say hello.

Woo-oo. Hello, everybody. Where's my kiss. Give me a big kiss.

Good boy! Big kisses for Daddy.

You're getting a big boy. Look, we've got lots of presents down here. What's down there?

-Right, do you want to go over to your Aunty Jean? There you go.

-Ooh!

-Ooh, he's a big boy.

Um, Kat said that she might pop back and pick him up later,

but I can always take him back if it's easier.

That's OK. That's great. Come on, let's get on, then.

-We've got lots to do, haven't we?

-CORK POPPING

Ooh! Sorry, sorry, sorry. After you?

Really? Very polite. What a charmer.

Let's see how polite you are after you've had a couple of these.

No, no, no. I'm afraid Father Christmas doesn't drink.

Oh really, really? You don't have any bad habits at all?

Oh, like you wouldn't believe.

-Ah! You want to be careful where you stand!

-Ow, ow, ow!

Right, come on. What are we having here?

CHATTER AND CHRISTMAS MUSIC

CHATTER QUIETENS

Merry Christmas, Kat.

-Merry Christmas!

-Merry Christmas.

Here, Kat. Kat, come and sit up here. Look.

-How are you doing? You all right?

-Yeah. Thanks for having me.

You all set there, Del, yeah? Comfortable?

Yes, thank you, Max.

Got a good view of the table. Just as I like it.

Good. You enjoy it.

Right, drinks everyone.

-There's so many of you, you might as well help yourselves.

-Do you want us to do anything?

-No. I'm the only slave in this house.

-Oh, don't listen to her.

That's the first thing she's done all morning. Is that right, Abi?

-Am I right?

-I wouldn't like to say.

-Here you are. Sit down.

-Oh, what a gent. Look at that.

I know how to treat a lady, don't I?

-DEREK:

-Yeah, you want any tips, you come and ask me. I'm an expert. Ain't that right, Kat?

-Eh?

-I'm an expert on women.

I dunno. Maybe.

Max, do you mind if I have a glass of that?

Just a drop for me please, Jack. I'm trying to pace myself.

I wonder how Sharon's getting on over there with Lexi and Phil, eh?

All cosied up.

Shall we pull a cracker?

-Yeah, let's pull crackers.

-Yeah!

CAROL: After three. Ready? One, two, three.

CHEERING

-DEREK:

-Oh where's that gone? Oh, it's gone in the mashed potato. Look!

Look! Oh, no! It's in the mashed potato.

Derek!

Oh, a toy car.

Do you mind?

Yeah, your daughter knows how I like cars, don't she?

Just saying, Max. Lauren knows I like a car?

I had a nice one once. A Daimler.

Oh, while I'm up. Now...

As head of the family, I'd like to propose a toast...

Yes, to Liam. It's his birthday!

CHEERING

Happy birthday, Liam.

And Pat. Let's not forget Pat.

Yeah, and Pat, and Pat, yeah.

But, more importantly, I'd like to propose a toast to my family.

The Brannings. And to our dear old dad, in the nursing home.

And to our guests.

To Kat. Who's made me the happiest man in the world.

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas!

ALL: Merry Christmas.

What have you got? Oh! Ha-ha! What is it?

Jewellery. Amy, does Mummy look beautiful? I've got another ring.

-Come on, give it to me. I'll have that.

-No!

What do you mean, no? I'll swap... What have you got, Jean?

-A mini screwdriver.

-Swap you for that.

-I don't want it.

-It's boys' toys. Give it to Michael.

-I don't do manual.

-Well, what do you call that, then?

-That's a labour of love.

-Oh, he does have a heart.

-Whatever.

I'd like to propose a toast, if I may. To Alfie.

-A fine spread.

-Thank you.

-To Alfie.

-To Alfie.

-To Alfie.

Thank you. Very kind, lovely people. Mm...

But I can't take all the credit, cos I only did the carving.

Of course it's all down to my lovely head chef, Jean.

She's a bit like, er... What's she like?

Like Nigella, just without the generous chest.

LAUGHTER

Alfie!

It's just that she's a buxom lady, isn't she?

Oh, you like a buxom woman?

Oi, oi, oi - less of that talk round the table.

-And eat your greens, all right?

-No. Mm-mm.

I'm not eating my greens because I don't like sprouts. I've never eaten one in my life.

Well, today you're going to start.

-No, I'm not.

-Now come on, eat your greens. Come on.

-I'm not.

Oh! Who threw..?

Who threw...? Amy, did you...? Right, that's it.

Coming your way now, Amy. Catch the sprout! Oh!

Right, Aunty Mo, catch the sprout! Jean, catch the sprout! Come on!

CHEERING

That nearly took your hair off.

LAUGHTER AND CHATTER

It's all right, Abs. She hasn't finished yet.

Oh, it's all right.

No, no, no - you haven't touched a thing.

Look. Them pigs in blankets, I made them special.

I'm not hungry.

It's Christmas dinner.

I can't make myself hungry, can I?

-Thanks, Abi.

-Thanks, Abs.

-What's wrong?

-Nothing. I just haven't got an appetite. That's all.

-One of them being giving you looks, have they?

-No.

Tan, Tan, Tan. Do us a favour, eh?

Have a word with Kat.

Make her feel special, part of the family, please.

Can you take them through, please, darling?

Is he drunk - Derek?

Uncle Derek's off his head.

Hey! You little one, I heard that!

Look at him, he's trollied, ain't he?

-Got your number, ain't they?

-What do you know?

Where are you going, babe?

-I'm going to the toilet.

-No, no, no. They're serving now. Go after.

-DOORBELL RINGS

-Abi!

Ooh, Tiff, is that going to be Father Christmas with the presents?

He comes at night, you mug. Down the chimney.

Did she call me a mug?!

HE LAUGHS

You never know, though. He might come round this afternoon and give you your presents. Mm?

I got one of these, look.

There's, erm... There's someone here to see you.

-Hello, Joey.

-Joey!

-All right?

Merry Christmas, Joey.

Guys, you might want to put your coats on.

Keep nice and warm, because I do believe it's going to snow outside.

-ROXY:

-Come on, it's going to snow. Who wants to see the sno-ow?

Come on then. Let's go. Hold on, Tommy, you come here.

Amy, you wait for Mummy.

Lauren, where are you going?

Is that your surprise?

Well, yeah. I just thought you should talk to him.

-Dad, what about Derek?!

-Don't worry about Derek. I'll handle him.

What, and you don't mind about Joey? After everything?

Well, it's not what I dreamed of, Lauren, is it? But...

Rather that than seeing your sad face and hearing you crying in your bedroom.

You're my little girl, Lauren. All I care about is your happiness.

I just think you need to talk to him. Just sort it out.

Just you two, all right? No-one else interfering.

Just talk to her.

No funny business.

You know, you really think you're it, don't you? Eh, Max?

Cock of the walk.

All your family round you. Strutting your stuff.

But you're out of order.

Do you look in the mirror, Derek?

Are you sick of the sight of what you see?

-No.

-No? Well, you should be.

Head of the family(!)

The whole family despises you. All of them. Go on.

Go back in there. Look at your family. Do you think even one of them loves you?

You must be joking. Can't stand the sight of you.

I'll tell you what, Del, you ain't my family any more, mate.

That's it. One more day.

I don't want to know you.

I think you're forgetting what I've got on you.

Derek, you threaten me one more time, you threaten my daughter, my wife,

and I'll finish you.

Don't think I couldn't, cos I could.

-My brother would help. Wouldn't you?

-Yeah, that's right.

Max has been filling me in.

One call from me to my old mates in the force,

you'd be right back inside.

Yeah, I don't think your probation officer is going to take too kindly

to being called out on Christmas Day, do you?

So do yourself a favour. Back off Max, all right?

You back off Max, you back off his family,

and you back off my girlfriend.

And get yourself back in there, and go and eat your pudding,

and you smile at everyone and you say goodbye.

DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

Is everything all right?

Just having a little chat, aren't we? All brothers together.

You two have made the biggest mistake of your lives.

You'll see.

All of you.

Especially you.

Uncle Derek, we're going to do presents.

Yeah.

Where's Kat?

The toilet.

Derek. What's all this tension with you and Max?

He has got no respect.

Respect? Kat, Alfie?

She's a married woman, Derek.

-Marriage?

-Yes.

-Marriage? What does anyone round here know about marriage?

-Sh!

-Hm?

What...him? Max?

And his three kids. Giving it large.

-He has done bad things, Carol.

-Yes.

-Very bad things.

I know that, and he's trying to put it all behind him.

-He's back with his family and he's back with his wife.

-She ain't his wife!

Well, she will be, soon. He's turned over a new leaf.

DEREK LAUGHS WHEEZILY

Oh, Carol.

Derek!

I love you.

If truth be known, I'm fonder of you than all the others put together.

Yes, yes.

Derek?

HE SNIFFS

I-I've suffered.

My whole life has been one big disappointment.

But Kat, she's... She's like this ray of light, you know?

Me, Kat, Alice. That's my family now.

All right.

And all I want is a little respect and a little understanding.

Is that too much to ask?

Maybe it's not the time to discuss it now.

No. It's Christmas Day! Eh?

And I'm going to go in there, in my Santa suit, and I'm going to

give out all the presents, and they're going to see...

..what a good brother I am.

Now, if you'll excuse me,

Kat's not feeling very well and I think I should go and check on her.

< I won't be long.

It's me. Let me in.

Kat.

DOOR UNLOCKING

I won't be a sec. >

We're just about to open the presents.

I've got a headache.

SHE SNIFFS

I didn't have a choice.

-You didn't have a choice?

-No.

Yes you did, Joey. You could have chosen me!

-Listen, Derek would have gone to the police. He said he'd tell 'em.

-And if you'd just played along?

Gone back to the house and just...did what he said?

What, walk around and pretend to be his dutiful son?

-You really think I should have done that, do you?

-It was that or hurt me.

Leave me in that hospital bed with a broken heart.

I'm sorry. But I just... I just did not know what to do.

Choose me.

I wanted to.

Lauren, I wanted to.

I just couldn't.

I...

I didn't mean to ruin your Christmas, Lauren.

Who cares for you, eh?

SHE SNIFFS

Who understands you?

Only me.

Who understand your needs?

What you want from life?

I never wanted this. I just want my family.

Yeah, well, that's all gone now.

How did it end up like this?

Well, you play away, you pay the price.

What if I don't want to?

What if I want to give it another go?

What, with Alfie?

He wouldn't even let you through the door.

I played him your message. You know what he did?

He laughed in my face.

Oh...

Kat, this is the worst bit.

The first few days. Christmas.

Tommy over there.

It's only natural that you're going to feel like this.

But I love you.

I do.

I love you more than anything else in the world.

I don't know.

You need more time.

I understand.

Let's go away.

What?

Yeah. Away from all this.

You, me, Tommy, Alice.

I've got money stashed. Mexico. You could swim in the sea.

I can't. I can't just go on holiday.

That's not going to solve anything.

I didn't mean a holiday. I meant for good.

What about all this?

Your family?

HE CHUCKLES

My family(!) You know what they say, Kat.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. That's what we should do.

Get away from this. Get away from all of them.

Me and my lot. You and Alfie.

-Come on! Presents!

->

Well...

..are you ready to be spoilt rotten?

Hm?

I'd better wash my face.

Don't be long.

SHE SNIFFS

-Come on, everyone! Presents!

->

DOOR CLOSING

So what's this, a flying visit?

That's up to Lauren.

You know, it didn't have to be like this, Joe.

All I wanted was a normal family.

You know, daughter, loving son.

JOEY SIGHS

If things had've been different, I could have been a very good dad.

You know, I actually feel sorry for you.

I really do.

MOBILE PHONE BLEEPS

DOOR OPENING

Hey!

Oh, what's that?

Ah, hee-hee!

Look!

Merry Christmas, Tommy.

-Yeah!

-It's snowing!

-Yeah!

-Whee!

CHEERING CONTINUES

It's all right, Derek. Max has got it in hand.

KNOCKING

Yo-yo-yo!

CHEERING

It's Father Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everybody!

I just came down the chimney. Ha-ha!

Oh, you've grown.

LAUGHTER

Oh! Ha-ha-ha!

Oh, it's Derek Branning.

Oh. Somebody tells me you've been a very naughty boy.

No presents for you!

HE LAUGHS

Right, who's first?

Ha-ha!

Oi, Santa!

SHE LAUGHS

Santa.

Oi, come on! Come down! We've got a pub to open!

CAR APPROACHING

RADIO PLAYS: "Silent Night"

Merry Christmas! Have you been a good boy?

CHATTER

Come and sit here.

Ho-ho-ho!

See all those? They're for you.

Right, we're all done until next year! Keep it real.

Oi! Ain't you forgetting something?

-Oh, what?

-Uh, the big red present? Don't be silly.

-Give me my present, please.

-Oh!

Ho-ho-ho! This one? This little one here?

Oh, ho-ho!

-Is that what you're talking about?

-Yes, it is!

-Are you very sure?

Oi! Santa's getting randy.

LAUGHTER

That beard smells!

Thank you.

I love you.

SHE LAUGHS

I love you too.

Right, what is it?

Oh, look, that's a fancy box, innit?

Love the box.

-Another present.

-Another present for Mummy. Isn't she lucky?

You haven't got me underwear, have you? I'm not opening underwear in front of everyone.

Just open it.

SHE GASPS

Ah! Ooh! That is beautiful.

What is it?

What do you think? It's a wedding dress.

A new one.

Oh, that's lovely. So sweet.

That is lovely. Thank you.

Never know, I might get to wear it one day.

DOORBELL RINGS

-Look at that.

-Abs, get the door, will you?

-Beautiful, isn't it?

-I'll go.

-Oh, what a gent.

You are going to wear it.

You're going to wear it today.

What?

We're getting married today.

-What are you talking about?

-You and me, we're tying the knot.

Right here and now.

Did you know this?

SHE GIGGLES

Fred, this is Tanya. Tanya, this is Fred.

-How do you do?

-The registrar.

He's generously agreed to spend a bit of his Christmas with us.

Make us man and wife.

-ALL:

-Ahhh!

APPLAUSE

Are you serious?

Yeah. Course I am.

SHE SOBS

-Ahh!

-Sorry.

I'm so happy!

Congratulations, Mum.

Thank you. Oh, I can't believe you.

-I can't believe it.

-Go on, go and get changed. We're on a clock here!

-Right, yes.

Er...

Right! I'm going to need my girls. Come on.

Come on, girls.

Right, I'm going to go and pick up Tommy.

Where are you going? What, now?

Well, I said I'd pick him up before opening.

-You will bring him back though, won't you?

-Yeah.

MOBILE PHONE BLEEPS

Don't feel you have to stay.

-Well, that went well.

-Yeah, I was freezing me wotsits up there, I was.

Don't move, don't move. You've got a bit of snow in your hair.

-Thank you.

-There you go. My hands are cold.

SHE GASPS Cold, ain't they?

-I made us a drink.

-Ah, thank you. Thank you.

You're a lifesaver. Cheers.

Ooh-waa-waa!

You're an amazing dad.

Thank you.

You are. No, you are. Seriously.

I don't know, the way you are with Tommy is...

..beautiful.

Thank you. Thank you, Peroxide. That's very kind.

-And you're not a bad mum yourself.

-Thank you. Thank you, Grandad.

THEY LAUGH

Right, um...

I'd better sort the bar out.

Alfie, look...

Mm?

I know this is really wrong...

..and I know I shouldn't say it...

but I love you.

Wow.

You are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

Let's get married.

Oh, wow.

ALL: Ahh!

You look beautiful.

Right, all set?

Yeah. Where are we going?

We'll go outside. I thought we'd say the vows by the Christmas tree.

-ALL:

-Ahh!

Oh! You are officially the most romantic man in the world.

Yeah, I know.

DOORBELL RINGS

Who's that? Father Christmas with the confetti?

Hello. Can I help you?

I'm looking for Max.

Right. And you are?

My name's Kirsty.

Kirsty Branning.

I'm his wife.

Isn't that right, Max?

I'm your legally wedded wife.

Well, say something.

Are you not going to introduce me?

You don't mind if I come in, do you?

Missed me?

Oh, a full house. All the decorations and a tree.

Very festive.

And there's a face I know.

Hello, Kirsty, love.

You made it, then?

I don't know who you are.

I just told you. I'm his wife.

Who are you, eh?

In your wedding finery.

What is it, fancy dress?

-That's enough.

-No, that ain't enough!

-Get out of this house!

-I haven't even started yet.

-< MUFFLED:

-Who's that?

-Dunno.

Are you just going to chuck me out?

Not even a hug? Not even a little kiss?

Don't mind if I use the toilet? Upstairs, is it?

-Babe, I can explain.

-Who is she?

It's a long story, babe. It's... It's complicated.

Where are you going?

I'm just going to talk to her, all right? I'm going to sort it out.

But we... We're getting married.

Go back through there and get a drink.

Just get everyone a drink.

I'll sort this out, OK?

I promise.

KNOCKING

I've just come to pick up Tommy.

-He's asleep. So I'll need to go and wake him up.

-No don't, if he's having a kip.

-No, it's all the excitement. Knocked him out, you know.

-Has he had a good time then? Good day?

Yes. Yes, he has.

You?

It was all right.

I'm going to go and get him.

-Alfie, wait.

-Mm?

I'm so sorry. Look, I never meant to hurt you.

I know I sound pathetic, but I love you. You're my husband.

-You are my world.

-Not any more.

-No, Alfie, don't say that...

-Kat, Kat, Kat. I don't want to hear it.

It's Christmas Day.

I just want to forget about it.

I'm going to give them kids a really good day

and I don't want this going round my head.

-But you don't understand...

-Yes, I do understand.

I totally understand.

I heard the message.

Then you do understand that I tried to finish it with him!

I DID finish it with him!

Kat, I heard it, OK?

He played it to me here and I heard everything.

You in the middle of the night...

sneaking out of our bed, you couldn't stop thinking about him...

No, that was before...

He said...

What? What did he say, Kat?

He lied to me.

Bedroom.

Didn't take you long, did it?

But then you always were a fast mover.

Get up.

Why? I'm tired. I've had a long trip. All on my own.

Christmas Day in the dark.

I feel like a lie-down.

DOOR CLOSING

Care to join me?

I told you to get up. Get up! Up!

Look at you! Caught out in front of your whole family.

How embarrassing! How very awkward.

How did you find me?

Your brother. Your lovely brother.

He finally came through after all this time.

After 13 months, he finally told me where you were.

You've got to go, Kirsty.

You've got to go, all right?

-Here's some more money. Go on.

-I don't want your money!

I want an explanation.

I want you to tell me, face to face, look me in the eye,

and tell me why you let me down.

Why did you do that to me, when we were in love? We were married!

-Look. I'm sorry.

-Sorry?!

And is there more? Or is that it?

Just sorry?

All I got was a phone call.

Just one phone call.

One minute we're in love, married,

shipping up to Manchester, start a new life,

and the next thing I know, we're done.

Babe, it was complicated.

Well, tell me. Or am I too thick to understand?

Jack called me. Told me to come back here. He was worried.

Worried?

Yeah, cos Tanya... Tanya had cancer. Cervical cancer.

She'd lied to me. She'd sent me away. She was here,

she was in a state, refusing treatment. I didn't know what to do!

So you set Derek onto me. Trying to scare me off.

What are you talking about? I didn't set him on to you.

Babe, he said he'd talk to you, said he'd deal with it.

By paying me off? That the way you deal with it?

A bit of money in an envelope shoved through the door?

That the way you finish it with me, is it?

I needed to get hold of the divorce papers.

It was Derek - he said I should give him money.

He said it was the best thing to do.

And you listened to him?

I was stuck, all right? I didn't know what else to do.

Ring the doorbell. Look me in the eye. TALK to me.

I couldn't do that. I couldn't do that, all right? I'm sorry.

I couldn't risk it.

Risk what?

Still being in love with me?

That it?

Still wanting me?

Is that it?

Yeah.

You know, I loved you SO much.

HE SIGHS

For so long.

But...

..I can't deal with this, you know?

Derek...

..Harry.

You know, I thought...

..I could help you.

I honestly thought

I could help you, but I can't.

But I love you.

It's too late.

I've moved on.

I'm going to go and get Tommy.

No, don't wake him. Um...

Let him sleep. I don't want to ruin his Christmas Day.

-When he wakes up, he's going to want to see you.

-He's got you.

Um... Give him a kiss from me.

I'll get him in the morning.

Kat?

Merry Christmas, yeah?

DISTANT CHATTER AND CHRISTMAS MUSIC

SHE SOBS

SHE SOBS VIOLENTLY

Mum, what are you going to do?

They're upstairs, in your bedroom!

Just get rid of everyone. Tell everyone to leave.

And then what?

-I love Tanya.

-You love me too.

-I don't.

Yes. Don't pretend.

You can touch me if you want.

You can.

Just hold my hand.

There.

It's just a hand.

Babe, no.

What's wrong with you? What are you afraid of?

Kirsty, I can't do this, all right? I'm not like that any more.

I've got kids. I'm a dad. I've got a life here.

I just can't do this.

Kiss me. Just kiss me.

Once. Just once.

-Kiss me once and you'll know.

-Kirsty, please, no.

Babe, will you just, please... Just go, will you?

No!

-I'm your wife and you're my husband. That's it.

-You ain't.

You took that money. It's sorted.

You think you can just pay me off and that's it?

-You ain't complained before. Couple of days ago, Derek gave you another two grand.

-No, he didn't.

-He gave me nothing. If he had, I'd have thrown it in his face.

-He told me you'd accepted it.

-He said you'd signed the papers and it was sorted.

-And you believed him?

-DOWNSTAIRS:

-Bye...

You think a bit of cash would make up for what I'd lost? You. The baby.

I was pregnant, and you couldn't be bothered to speak to me...

Woah, what are you talking about?

I was pregnant with your baby.

Don't pretend you don't know. Derek told you.

Didn't he?

Nah.

No, he didn't.

-Call me later, right? Anything you want. Just call.

-Yeah, will do.

Tan, er... Well, thanks for having us.

-Cheers.

-See you later.

Well, go on, then. You too.

Not until Kat gets back.

DOOR CLOSING

When I come down, I want you gone.

Derek said you weren't interested.

I begged him. "Just get Max to call me," I said.

"Get him to call me." I didn't know what to do.

I didn't know if there was any hope, if you wanted the baby.

Wanted...

the two of us to have a baby together.

I was just holding on.

Just hoping.

SHE EXHALES

But I got nothing.

Just Derek.

End of the phone...

SHE SNIFFS

"He ain't interested, doll.

"Get rid of it.

"Send me the bill."

-VOICE BREAKING:

-So in the end...

..I did.

SHE SOBS

That was our baby.

That was a chance for both of us, and you didn't even know.

I'm really sorry.

I love you, Max.

Nothing's changed.

FOOTSTEPS

Is this a private party or can anyone join in?

Well, there's nothing going on.

I've sent everyone home.

-Babe, why? You didn't have to do that.

-Really?

Oh. Why, what's she going to do? Come down and put on a cabaret?

Derek's been filling me in.

It's exotic dancing. That's your line, is it?

Used to be. I'm retired.

Oh, right. What do you do now?

Just take your clothes off, steal other people's husbands?

I do not take my clothes off.

I work in a bar.

It's temporary. And actually, YOU are trying to steal MY husband.

This ring. He put it on my finger. In a registry office.

And these...

Divorce papers. Not signed.

So this might be your house...

your bedroom...

but he is mine.

Max?

I need to speak to Tanya.

No.

I ain't backing off.

Now I know Derek's been lying to you, it all makes sense.

-I just need to talk to her, all right? Please.

-About what?

I just want to, all right? Go downstairs. Get a drink.

Or don't - just open the front door, go through it.

I'll be downstairs.

Waiting.

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

Tell me.

Tell me. Tell me it ain't true.

Cos I've still got this tiny, tiny little bit of hope.

HE EXHALES

It is, babe. It's true.

Oh...

How?

How has this happened, huh?

How am I...

How am I standing here, like this?

Like an idiot, in this dress, at Christmas?

How has that happened? How have you let that happen?!

Cos it was over, Tan. I thought it was all sorted.

All sorted? Over? I didn't even know she existed!

-Babe, please come and sit down.

-No. No, I just want to hear it.

Straight, right? And then I'm just going to go downstairs,

look after the kids...

I've got to try and salvage something out of this...

horror show.

This mess you've created.

Well, you sent me away, didn't you?

Tan, you sent me away.

-No, don't you even begin... Don't...

-You did, babe. You lied to me.

You lied to me about your illness.

You did. You told me you didn't want me. You told me you didn't love me.

All right, you lied because you were scared. I understand all that, but you did, babe. You told me to go.

That's all ancient history, isn't it? She's here. She's here now, in our house.

That's why she's here, Tan.

I thought we were dead. I thought we were gone. I had nothing, babe.

When Derek scooped me up I was down, I was the lowest I've ever been.

I was drinking, I was in a mess.

That's when I met her. She was in a mess and all.

We just sort of found each other.

Comforted each other. It just sort of went on from there.

Went on...went on to what? What, the altar?

Well, she wanted proof, didn't she? She wanted a sign.

I thought maybe if I took the plunge... Cos I was, I was involved with her.

How involved?

Well, enough to get married.

-You were in love with her?

-Oh, love? I don't know, babe.

All right, yeah, I thought I was.

And now?

Course I don't love her now. How could I love her now?

I love you, don't I? I want to be with you.

Why didn't you tell me?

Why didn't you tell me all this when you came back?

Babe, how could I? You were sick. You were refusing your treatment.

You know, that had to come first, babe.

I had to put you first, didn't I? Your health.

What about after the treatment when I was in the all-clear?

We were still taking things slow, trying to get everything back on track.

I had one chance, one chance to tell you - that day when I came back.

Once that was gone, I couldn't. How could I?

How could you think you could marry me without telling me?! Are you stupid?

I told you, I thought it was sorted, all right? I sent her divorce papers and some money!

Have you seen her? Have you been seeing her?

No. I ain't seen her. I ain't seen her since the day I got back.

I swear to you. I've spoken to her once.

That week after I came back, I phoned her,

I said my plans had changed, I was back at home. And that's it.

After that, nothing.

But you gave her money?

-Yeah, I put it through the door with the papers.

-But she didn't give 'em back?

No, not at first.

Derek dealt with her.

It's Derek, he was meant to be sorting this all out.

In fact, he told me he had sorted it out!

He told me he had the papers!

(Derek?)

Derek knew? Of course. And he's...

SHE EXHALES

So he's been laughing at me all this time?

All the little snide comments! He knew! He knew and I didn't.

Yeah, well, he's the reason she's here, in our house. It's cos of him.

He's done this to us, babe, to pay us back, to make me suffer.

Well, I tell you, he ain't going to get away with this.

But you are, are you?

You're going to get away with it all scot-free, aren't you? All this.

Babe, I told you.

If you hadn't lied to me about your illness, none of this would have happened.

You must see that, Tanya. You've got to understand that.

No.

No, I don't.

You remember the day I got back?

That first day. Don't you remember? Me and you in this room.

Lying here in the darkness.

Just after you told me about your dad.

Do you remember how vulnerable you were?

I loved you...I loved you so much.

And I thought you didn't want me,

and then all of a sudden I found out you did, that you loved me and you wanted me and...

Then all of this - her - all of it,

just didn't seem to matter any more.

I just wanted to come home.

To you. To my wife.

You ain't ever, ever, stopped being my wife, Tanya. Not in any way.

That's what you said, isn't it?

That's what you said on there, lying there.

And I meant it.

I meant it from the bottom of my heart.

Then you got the ring out, didn't you? Your wedding ring,

you got it out of your pocket. Remember?

You said you'd always felt married to me inside.

I did.

I have.

I do.

Why was it in your pocket?

What?

The ring. The wedding ring. Why was it in your pocket?

Oh, you know, because I'd always just kept it. Sentimental.

What's it matter?

What's it matter, babe? I told you.

Oh.

Wasn't cos you'd just taken it off?

Just taken it off outside in the car. That wasn't it? No?

No.

-It was, wasn't it?

-Babe, what's it matter? Everything I've said to you has been true.

Yeah? Except for that? Yeah? Everything...

What, and everything since? Yes, and today, of course.

And this dress? This dress?

-And this stupid thing and all this...

-Don't do that, please.

What are you doing? Don't do that, please.

DOORBELL RINGS

Get Derek out of here, please.

Where have you been? I was just leaving you a message.

Where's Tommy?

What are you doing, Kat?

Where are the messages?

Where are my messages?

I deleted them.

FOOTSTEPS ON STAIRS

-Babe, I've already told you, ain't I?

-I just want to hear it from her.

-Where is she?

-In there.

Thanks.

Babe, just listen to me, will you? Tan!

No, no, I want you gone. Out.

Just me and her. I want to know the truth. Just get out.

Have you been seeing him?

Have you been seeing him all this time?

You want the truth?

You really want the truth?

Yeah.

I ain't seen him for a year. Over a year.

And bang -

through that door tonight, minute I saw him...

..it was back.

Our special thing.

How could you do this? How could do this to us, Dad?

Babe, this ain't how it seems, all right? I promise you.

She's here in our house on Christmas Day!

-It's not my fault, is it?

-No? Well, whose fault is it, then, Dad?

-You've ruined my life!

-No.

No, you ruined your life and now you're trying to blame me.

Look, first thing in the morning you'll see.

We'll get on that plane and we'll leave all this grief behind us, yeah?

Are you mad? Have you not listened to anything that I've been saying?

I heard.

Get your coat on.

I ain't going anywhere!

-Get your coat on.

-No.

And you can't make me. You can't make me do anything.

You'll be surprised how persuasive I can be.

Now, come on, put your coat on. There's a good girl.

That's it, that's the way.

No!

Put your coat on!

Oh, well, if it isn't Mr Bigamist?

Why don't you leave Kat alone?

Why? What are you going to do? You going to make me?

-What, you and Tweedledee here?

-Yeah. Yeah, maybe I am.

-You haven't got the nerve.

-Why's that, Del? Why? Cos you're a big man, are you?

What, bullying women, threatening little girls, threatening my daughter, terrorising my wife?

Which one? Hmm? I wouldn't bring Tanya into this.

She's not too fond of you at the moment.

That's cos of you, Del, ain't it, eh?

It's cos you lied to me. You lied to me, Derek.

You lied to me about the money.

You lied to me about the papers.

And then you lied to me about the baby. The baby.

How could you do that to me?

I was protecting you. I told you she was no good.

She had an abortion. She had an abortion cos of you.

You should thank me, shouldn't you?

You've got three already. What do you want a fourth for?

I'm going to kill you, Derek, you know that?

-You're going to kill me?!

-I'm going to kill you!

You little runt! You wouldn't know where to start! You're a runt.

You're the runt of the litter. You always have been and you always will be.

Me and my father, we used to laugh at you, pushing you around.

Do you remember the coffin, Maxie boy?

Do you remember the night in the coffin? Dad's friend, the undertaker?

I did that to you! Me!

To show you who's boss.

Like I'm showing you now.

You crossed me once too often.

You and that snobby, stuck-up wife of yours.

Looking down her nose at me.

And you. You and that pill-popping girlfriend treating me like dirt.

I'm ashamed of you.

I'm ashamed of the both of you.

No man, no man treats me like that.

I am Derek Branning ...

..and I am the head of this family!

All I wanted from you two was a bit of love, a bit of respect.

Well, you've done it now. You've started it now.

I'm finished with the pair of you.

Done!

I've got my own family now.

I've got my Alice, I've got my Kat,

I've got little Tommy.

Now I'm going to go back to my house

and I'm going to finish my Christmas...

in peace and quiet!

Kat, we're going.

No. No, I don't want...

-Get off me! Get off me!

-Get him out of here!

-Joey!

-I'm going to have you.

-Get him out of here!

-I'm going to have you, Max!

Get out. Get out! Get out of my house!

Stay here. Keep the girls indoors.

Get out! Get out!

You get back. You get back!

You lay your hands on me?

I'm your brother!

Not any more, you ain't.

You're going to regret this, you. All of you. You wait and see.

You don't know what I'm going to do to you!

DEREK GASPS IN PAIN

STRANGLED: Joe...

Leave him, Joey, just leave him.

STRANGLED GASPING

Dad? Dad!

Del?

He's dead.

SIRENS WAIL

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd