03/12/2015 EastEnders

-I made you a coffee.

-Ah, cheers.

Is there a problem?

Don't forget you're having your cast off today.

I'll drop you at the clinic.

Not for me.

No, they're for Denny. He's too shook up to go to school.

There's nothing wrong with him.

-What you hiding?

-Nothing.

No? Let's have a look.

You're moving out?

Well, me and Ben have been talking about getting

our own place for a while now.

Forget it, you live here.

It's not up to you.

No?

So, how are you going to pay the rent without a job?

Maybe I'd be better off working somewhere else.

It's bad enough watching you stumble around drunk.

-Why do you think we want to go?

-Don't talk to me like that, right?!

Look, come on.

DOOR OPENS

I told Martin that I went to get something for heartburn. Here.

Thanks.

Thinking about it, I'm sure I can't be.

Kush and I hardly...you know, on honeymoon,

and when we did, we were careful.

At least this way you'll know for sure, won't you?

And what if I am pregnant?

Neither of us are ready for that, not yet.

Why don't I go and get Kush? He should probably be here.

No! I don't want to worry him.

OK, well, it's your decision.

I'm going to go back to work.

Can you stay just five minutes?

-Yeah, course.

-Yeah?

OK.

Bobby, get a move on!

This place could be on fire

and he still wouldn't leave his cave.

He's practically a teenager, soon he won't want to see us at all.

Yeah, but maybe that's not such a bad thing,

if last night is anything to go by.

Very true. Still got it, Captain Beale.

Takes two to steer a ship, doesn't it?

What took you so long?

It wasn't my fault. Someone was ages in the bathroom.

Yeah, well, we should still make it on time.

After that, I'm going to go and see Tamwar,

tell him that this tree deal sponsorship is off.

But it was such a nice idea.

Mum, I'm not spending three grand on that, all right?

Come on, you, put your coat on, you'll get cold.

SHE YAWNS

Bad night?

Couldn't get to sleep. Any little noise disturbs me,

and the walls in this place are paper thin.

So you can hear...?

Everything.

Right.

Right, well, I'm just going to pop out.

Ben!

You never made it the other night.

Oh, your meal. Sorry. I know it meant a lot to you.

Well, I don't want to push things,

you know, not after everything that's happened.

No, Mum, I wanted to, all right?

It weren't about you.

Erm...

Negative.

Maybe I should do another, just in case?

They are pretty accurate.

-You all right?

-Mm-hm.

I thought I didn't want to be,

but when it looked like I might not have any choice...

..I felt like it might've been a blessing in disguise.

There's no point thinking about "what ifs", though.

I'm clearly not destined for motherhood, not yet anyway.

Backing off over Jade was proof of that.

-You didn't want to stop seeing her completely though, did you?

-No.

Shirley and Buster, they have to give you some access.

Officially, but the judge has left it up to them about how much.

That'll be, like, next to nothing.

It would've been nice to be involved,

but I just can't see it now, can you?

DOOR BUZZES

If that's Kush, I'm not here.

All right.

Hello?

Surprise!

Your mum.

I didn't know she was coming.

It's all right, I've got to get back to work anyway.

Listen, thank you.

It's all right.

Oh, hello, Shabnam. How are you?

Fine, thank you. I'm just going, I'll see you later.

-See you later.

-Yeah, see ya.

She looks well, considering. Poor thing.

But look at you, you're positively blooming!

Mum, what are you doing here?

I thought we were doing Oxford Street next week?

I know, but I couldn't wait that long!

You're not still angry about what happened at the wedding, are you?

I thought we got all that sorted.

Well, you're never going to tell me what the key is for,

so I haven't got a choice, have I? I've just got to let it go.

But, Mum, look, I can't go out today,

I'm meant to be on the stall.

Well, maybe I could ask Martin to keep an eye on it

for a few more hours - we'll have a quick look.

But I need a wee, I'm busting.

The main thing I've got to get is thermal underwear

because Ollie says it's going to be freezing in Norway!

Although I think that we're going to be on the ship most of the time.

What did you say?

I was just, erm...saying about the Christmas cruise we're doing...

Right, I'm ready when you are.

Oh! I've left a stew cooking on the hob.

It's going to be bone dry by now. I'm going to have to go.

Really? Why don't you just ring Ollie and tell him to turn it off?

No! Ollie's working on a gardening project and anyway,

he doesn't get a signal there.

We'll have Christmas dinner, with Ollie, early, as planned.

Look after yourself.

DOOR OPENS

# I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

# With every Christmas card I write... #

You all right?

Yeah, yeah, what's all that?

I brought it over from Patrick's.

Ooh!

It's a bit tacky, don't you think?

Tacky?

Have you seen some of the stuff in here? Tacky!

Why... Why don't you meet him halfway, get some new ones?

Pearl deserves to have some sparkle at Christmas. Hmm?

Mmm.

You feeling better?

Yeah, a bit better.

Everything all right?

Yeah, it's your wife you should be asking, not me.

Why, has she said something?

You should just speak to her.

OK, so you only interfere when it suits you, is that it?

Like with Mick?

Everything all right?

-Yeah, fine.

-What you doing here, Mum?

Charming! Lunch at Masood's later.

-Yeah...

-Remember?

OK. Can you just watch the stall for a minute, please? Thanks.

At Beales', we like to reach out to all faiths.

And it seems wrong that we embrace this one tradition

when we don't pay out for, say, a giant menorah for Hanukkah.

You can order one of those as well, if you want.

-No, I'd rather knock the whole thing on the head.

-Problem is,

with the lights due to be turned on tomorrow,

I've already told the news to the media.

"Ian Beale saves Christmas," and all that.

And they'll probably want to know, why the U-turn?

But I'm sure they'll buy that story, it's very convincing.

Well, let's not be too hasty, all right? I'll think about it.

All right, but don't take too long,

though, cos they need the cheque today.

So, I finally start getting somewhere with Ben,

and you drive him away.

What you on about?

-He told me - you're drinking again.

-You don't know anything about it.

Oh, but I do though, Sharon. I've lived through it, remember?

You're seriously having a go at me, after everything you've done?

At least I'm trying to put that right.

You carry on the way you're going, you're going to lose Ben altogether!

-That was uncalled for.

-So, you're just happy to sit back

and watch Phil destroy everything, are you?

He's got it under control, and I'm helping him.

Just because your marriage couldn't survive it,

-it don't mean ours can't.

-Oh, wake up, Sharon!

Your dad turned a blind eye to your mum's drinking for years

and look how she ended up.

Do you really want Ben to go through what you did?

How many times? Stacey was just worried about me after yesterday.

And if there was anything else then you would definitely...

Yes, honestly, I would tell you! Stop fussing, I'm fine.

I like knowing that you care, though.

OK. Don't forget we've got lunch with my mum and your dad.

Mm, yeah.

They'd put me under house arrest if they had it their way.

They're only looking out for you, OK? Like I am.

-Thank you.

-You're welcome.

-Go on, see you later.

-See you later.

HE SIGHS

What?

Thought you was all right to let me get on with it?

You can't enjoy people like Kathy

sitting on their high horse, judging - I know I don't.

You give as good as you get, don't you?

Except this time, she's right. About Ben, at least.

First he moves out, then he gets another job.

Next thing you know, he's a virtual stranger

and it's all because of the booze.

You don't think I don't know that?

Sharon, I tried giving up and I couldn't. I can't.

And now, now it's too late.

No, it isn't.

Look, how about instead of thinking

you'll never have another drink again,

you just focus on not having one right now?

If necessary, take it one minute at a time.

I dunno.

If Ben sees you sober and trying to stay that way,

he might have a rethink about moving out.

OK.

Is Jade moving in already?

No, no, no, just visiting.

Just want to make her feel at home.

How's Shabnam?

How do you think?

Look, will you do me a favour? Will you just go and see her,

and just let her know that she is still a part of Jade's life?

Her solicitor would have told her she was,

but she just ain't been round.

He's right, we can't force her.

She's had a lot going on.

More important than her daughter?

We've got to do what's best for Jade.

If Shabnam don't want to see her, we can't make her.

She's scared to ask.

She thinks that after everything that's happened,

you're going to turn her away.

Please just give her a chance - she'll take it.

You know, I want to believe him, I really do.

If he could just get through these next few hours, then...

Yeah.

Not sure how I'm going to win Ben round, though.

I'd need to convince him it's different this time.

You know, Mick got us posing for this Christmas card one year -

the whole family dressed up for it.

Even Lady Di had a little Santa hat on.

Well, I can't see Phil in reindeer antlers, can you?!

No... You could go the classy route instead.

I know it won't fix everything,

but it might remind Ben of what he's got to lose.

Come on, you should eat.

You've got a visitor.

What can we do for you, Shirley?

I saw Stacey before.

She said that you were worried that we weren't going to let you

have proper access to Jade. Is that right?

Yeah.

There's no need to be.

If you want a proper relationship with Jade,

then we'll set up some regular visits, see how it goes.

Thank you, I appreciate that, thank you.

Shirley being nice? That's a first.

You spoke to Stacey about this, not me?

I think we should leave these two to talk, don't you?

I'll watch the stall, you take your time.

There's more to this, isn't there?

I went to Stacey's this morning to take a pregnancy test.

Are you serious?

Yeah. You know, doing a photo would be a good way

of proving to Ben how hard you're trying, you know?

As well as reminding him of all the family he'd be moving away from.

We could ask Jay to be in it.

Billy and Honey with Will and Janet.

And I'm sure I could persuade Denny.

Well, we could ask Ronnie...

No, no, not Ronnie. Or Roxy either.

OK. But we should include Abi.

Keep her sweet, you're halfway there with Ben.

We could do it on the Square -

show everyone what a strong family we are.

Yeah?

Yeah, all right.

Great.

Well, you track down a professional photographer

and I'll make sure everyone's there this afternoon.

I thought we agreed, no more lies.

I know, I was going to...

I was going to tell you, but then the test came out negative.

It didn't seem worth it.

Hello? I'm your husband.

No? Seriously? I didn't know that.

Hmm.

And listen, seeing Jade, you're sure that's what you want, is it?

-Cos, you know, after everything...

-It's what I want.

-Yeah?

-Mm.

I'm sorry, I should've told you about the test,

but there's nothing to worry about now, is there?

There's no baby.

So why the sudden turnaround?

Few days ago you couldn't care less about Phil drinking.

Yeah, and I was wrong.

Look, I know it's been difficult,

but it would mean a lot to Phil if you were there.

He's off the booze and he's determined to stay that way.

Sharon, it's going to take a lot more

than a poxy card with a Mitchell photo on it to fix this family.

Yeah, I know, Ben.

But it's his way of proving how much we mean to him.

So let him try, yeah? Please.

Christmas is about community, isn't it?

I mean, love thy neighbour and all that.

And, Mick, I think you and me,

we should be at the heart of Walford's festivities.

So I'm willing to sublet you half of the Christmas tree.

OK, so it's nothing to do with the amount of readies

you might have to weigh on, then?

Mick, you come in on this, you will get loads of free publicity.

You'll be part of the official switching on ceremony tomorrow.

And it's Ollie's first Christmas.

And it'll be made all the more special.

Yeah...

Oh, I love it! It's imposing, ain't it?

Oh, this is just the beginning.

Wait till you see what else I bought!

SHE LAUGHS

I love Christmas!

See you in a bit.

What gives you the right?

First of all you interfere over Jade,

then you keep it from me that Shabnam might be pregnant!

Shabs is my mate, my loyalties lie with her.

She asked me my advice, I just said what I would do.

Oh, you said what you would do? Cos that's always right, ain't it?

-Like you?

-I think you ought to calm down, Kushy.

Give us a minute, yeah? Mum.

Don't speak to me like that. Or Stacey.

It's all right, Carmel.

Every time I see Shabs in pain, doubting herself,

it reminds me of this.

You might be able to live with it,

but I can't unless I can just somehow make her feel better.

Sorry, sorry, it's just Kim kept me talking.

How you holding up?

Yeah, my ankles are killing but other than that, I'm all right.

Will you watch the stall while I have another lie-down?

Yeah, next you'll be getting me

to feed you grapes on a chaise longue, won't you?!

Go on, get out of here, it's all right.

-Thank you.

-All right.

Is it just me who feels like they've walked into a parallel universe?

Nope, it ain't just you.

Tell you something, for a family photo,

we're a bit short on family members, ain't we?

Here, here, let me help you with that, yeah?

You've stopped shaking.

Yeah, yeah. Feeling better already.

You know, you talking about moving out...

That was just the wake-up call I needed.

But, I just wish it had come a bit sooner, that's all.

How do we know he's actually going to stay off it, though?

Lauren used to lie about giving up.

Well, he's trying, ain't he?

Oh, you look stunning.

Thank you.

Come here.

Dennis, I'm sorry, mate, about your bike.

But, well, I've ordered you a new one.

DOOR OPENS

Ho, ho, ho! Oh...

THEY LAUGH

You said to be Christmassy!

Sorry, Billy, you got the wrong end of the stick.

-Is Honey dressing up and all?

-Yeah.

Took a bit of persuading and all, after the last family get-together.

I'd better give her a bell, tell her not to bother.

Billy, don't. It's a bit of fun.

Yeah, and get down to Santa's grotto later.

Earn a bit of extra cash.

Right then, shall we go outside?

-What about Ronnie?

-PHONE RINGS

She ain't invited.

Nor's Roxy.

Hello?

What? What do you mean you're double booked?

You can't be, I only booked you a couple of hours ago.

No, no, no, no, no, we need to do it today!

Oh, well, thanks very much.

Yeah, and the same to you and all.

-Photographer's cancelled.

-What?

Listen, why don't we just forget the whole thing, eh?

Well, I know a way we can still do it.

What, and Mick agreed, just like that?

I think he realised that Christmas

would be all about the Beales otherwise.

Hello.

What's he looking so smug about?

Making money, what else?

Can I have a word, Kathy?

The thing is, I don't think it's working,

you sleeping in Lucy's old room...

Yeah, course. It's only right you'd want the place to yourselves again.

I'll start looking around.

No, no, no, no, no, no.

I was thinking that you could swap rooms with Bobby.

I mean, his is a bit further away from me and Ian

and...Bobby's a very deep sleeper.

I think it's a lovely idea.

I don't want to change rooms.

Bobby!

I'm not doing it. Why'd she have to come back anyway?

-Come on, then.

-You ready?

-Go on, Phil.

-Big smiles.

-You ready?

One, two, three!

THEY CHEER

-Merry Christmas!

-Merry Christmas!

-Say cheese!

-One, two, three!

THEY CHEER

Ben, Ben, come on. Squeeze up.

Squeeze up. One, two, three!

THEY CHEER

Group shot again, group shot.

One... Smile!

One, two, three!

Do you want a go?

-Yeah.

-Good girl.

Told you it'd be all right, didn't I?

Yeah, I still feel a bit bad about taking them out of school.

Come on, it's Christmas!

THEY CHEER

Listen, mate, I'm sorry about what I said.

About your job at The Arches. I hope you'll stay on there.

And there's always a place for you at home, with your family,

if you want.

Well, maybe I can persuade Abi to wait on getting on our own place.

See how it goes here for a while, yeah?

Yeah, that'd be great.

Yes!

Are you kidding me?

And there's more inside. Come on.

SHE GIGGLES

Not so tacky now, is it?

Oh, and this is the biggest one Martin had. Look at this.

MUSIC: Winter Wonderland

# Sleigh bells ring Are you listening...? #

Take this stuff down, now!

But Pearl loves them...

No buts. The Hubbards do Christmas low-key, do you understand?

Wh... What's wrong with you?

What did you do?

Exactly what you said, bring a little festive sparkle in the place!

I think you misunderstood me, darling. I meant, understated.

Vincent's never been big on all this stuff,

not since his dad died -

at Christmas.

SHE SIGHS

Ho, ho, ho!

Ho, ho, ho!

Come here.

Did you really think you was going to dress like that without

a closer inspection from me?

Well, someone's getting back to his old self!

You've been drinking.

Don't be silly, of course I haven't.

How long have you had it?

Does it matter? I only had a sip.

And the rest! I thought you wanted this as much me?

Sharon, did you really think some family photo

was going to solve everything, eh?

As far as Ben's concerned, I'm sober. He's staying.

So now we can get everything back to normal.

You think this is normal, sneaking drink and lying about it?

I thought you were stronger than this!

Please, just get rid of it, for me.

Why are you intent on destroying everything you have?

It's just push, push, push with you, Sharon, ain't it?

You know what drives me to drink? Do you? It's you.

-That's what drives me to drink.

-That's not fair.

I'm sick of it, Sharon. The nagging and the constant demands.

Now, either you stand by me like a proper wife,

or you pack your bags and go.

But this... This is staying.

If this is about Shabnam, then Kush was right, you know,

I probably... I shouldn't have got involved.

Why did you cover for Kush, when Martin asked you how you were?

You were pretty shaken up.

I didn't want to get Martin involved.

You and Kush, you...

You always seem to be whispering in corners.

-Really?

-Yeah.

I've always had this feeling -

something ain't right between the two of you.

Are you having an affair?

What? No! No! We wouldn't do anything like that.

But there is something, isn't there?

Honestly, Carmel, I have no idea what you're talking about.

That's it, isn't it?

That baby's not Martin's.

It's Kush's.