27/12/2016 EastEnders

Listen, I don't want you going mad with the hen party.

I don't want to have a hangover days before the wedding.

-I need to look fresh.

-Yeah, all right, all right.

It's under control. Trust me!

She's unusually on top of things.

-Let's see how long that lasts, shall we?

-Jack.

-KNOCKING

-See.

She's already forgotten something.

Right you lot, time to tidy up, come on.

Put it all back where you got it from.

Otherwise you're going to lose it, ain't you?

You've got a visitor.

-Hiya!

-Hiya! Missed you!

You didn't have to come and meet me. I've only been gone a few days.

I wanted to.

I had to...

in case you saw him before I had a chance to warn you.

Saw who?

Dad.

Play nicely!

I heard you were back.

Surprised there hasn't been a bit more noise.

I'm not back to cause trouble.

So what then? You're hardly the forgiving type, are you?

Jack, I saw Ian and Jane yesterday, all right? We shook hands.

Buried the hatchet. Seriously, I don't want any trouble. All right.

All I want to do is get my family back together.

Well, I think it's great.

I thought we maybe should all go for a drink tonight?

You know, Lauren says Abi's back from Tanya's today.

-It's her hen night.

-There's no reason you can't go for a drink

with your brother.

Well, maybe the girls can meet up with you beforehand.

-You going to introduce me properly?

-Yes, of course, he is.

Go on, go and say hi.

Your sister's not the only person who's had a personality transplant.

Fancy nibbles? You?

I can do fancy!

What do the Spanish eat? Taramasalata?

No, that's Greek! What's Spain got to do with it anyway?

Sharon, look, are you sure you're OK with us doing it at yours tonight?

Cos I know the timing isn't exactly great.

Well, as long as it doesn't get out of hand. Denny will be upstairs.

It'll be fine! You'll be there anyway.

Well, I can't. I'll be at the hospital.

Surely Phil won't mind you having the night off.

Given that he's doing so well. Come on.

One night off being a booze-free house.

Might as well let your hair down.

I had a good Christmas, for once in I don't know how long,

and I'm not having it spoiled by him.

I know. I know why you're saying that, but...

So why are you defending him?

He abandoned us both.

We opened ourselves up, forgave him,

and then he just threw it back in our faces.

Abs.

Abi, wait!

Wait!

No, look, it's fine, honestly.

Just leave him to me.

Right, I better go and sort that barrel store out cos I've

over-ordered for New Year and there's just no space down there.

-Do you want a hand?

-No. Johnny's coming down.

-You all right, son?

-Yeah.

Was you talking about me?

No, Ollie. I'm looking after him and Sylvie tonight.

-Oh.

-Do you want something?

Yeah, yeah. You left this morning without saying anything.

-You ain't going to work.

-I can't just quit.

-I've got to make money.

-Lee, you're going to go back there

-after everything that's happened?

-Look, they're being questioned, OK?

If the Old Bill are doing their job properly, they won't come back

to work cos they'll be banged up.

-What if they get away with it?

-They won't. Whit, please.

Sh!

(I just want to put this behind us.)

Let me try.

You better.

I hate lying to your dad like this.

She is refusing to come down.

Do you think I should go up?

Maybe she just needs some more time.

Let me try again, yeah?

I didn't know we had a visitor.

All right, Dot?

Well...

I'd better put the kettle on, hadn't I?

-Don't. I'm not showing anyone until the day.

-Ugh!

Spoil sport!

No, but that is it for me now.

No more weddings, ever, so I have gone full-out.

Where's Stacey, then? Are we still deciding on hair?

No, she had a barney with Martin.

He wasn't happy about her seeing Max.

-So he's back, then.

-So I've rescheduled for tomorrow morning.

-Is that all right?

-Yeah, yeah, that's fine with me.

Anything else I can help you with?

Well, Billy's taken the kids to go and collect Aunt Sal.

He's going to spend a bit of time with her before the hen tonight.

Actually, there is something you can do...

-There you are.

-Thank you, Dot.

What you did to Abi in that court...

I mean, I know she testified against you and you was innocent,

but she was devastated.

Yeah, I know, I know.

You sit in a cell for weeks on end, looking at the walls,

you've got a lot of time to think, Dot.

Yes, that is very true.

How things could have turned out differently.

I mean, perhaps it was what you needed.

I know I did.

With my Nick.

You know, I couldn't come straight back.

My head was a mess. I just needed time to get myself together.

And did you?

I think so, yeah.

Dot, all I want to do is start afresh with the girls and get

to know my grandson. That's it.

Your father...

He made many mistakes with you,

and you never forgave him, did you?

But Abi is different.

She'll come round.

Well, I'll leave you all to be together, then, huh?

To talk things through.

BACKGROUND CHATTER

Do you want a seat?

I'm all right here.

So, why don't you get on with it and tell us what you want?

Yeah, I just want to make it up to you.

Did you read our letter?

Abs, I just want to put everything behind us.

Did you read our letter?

I forgave you for everything.

I know.

I begged you to come back and start again.

Yes, I know, Abs, all right? It meant a lot to me.

No, it didn't. Because you threw it back in our faces.

Abs.

No. He needs to hear this.

All I wanted was for things to go back to the way they were

before Lucy died.

I know that we had our problems, but we were together.

-We still can be.

-What, on your terms?

Abs, you don't understand. When I got out, I was all over the place.

The fact that me and you got dragged through the mud

-when everyone else knew.

-You were the one who accused me

of murdering Lucy. Your own daughter.

Yeah, and I'll never forgive myself.

I was... Abi, I was weak...

..and angry.

I felt blamed.

The whole thing just broke me.

And I'm sorry.

Look, I know nothing that I say is going to make a difference,

but, please, I just want to prove to you both how much you mean to me.

Well, I just can't forget everything that's happened.

I'm not expecting you to.

And that ain't going to happen overnight.

Please, Abs, you've got to let me try.

Can I start by taking you both for a drink tonight?

I'd like that.

What? I would.

Abs. Please.

-Hey. How are you getting on?

-Yeah.

Billy's taken the kids out to pick up Aunt Sal.

So I thought I'd pop in to see if you needed a hand.

I do actually, yeah.

-What are you planning?

-Nothing special.

Just some nibbles and some prosecco.

-Hm. That's slightly low key...

-Well, it's what Ronnie wants.

And it's her big day and I just want to get it right, so...

Look, you could take over the food

and I'm going to go and start on the living room, yeah?

-Yeah, sure.

-Cheers.

You're a life saver.

Absolutely, Mr Bloom, what time tomorrow?

Half three?

Yeah, that's good with me.

Speak to you then. Bye.

Like a cup of tea?

No, thanks.

Ah! You have done a lovely job, you know?

Why do you seem so surprised?

PHONE DINGS

What does Ronnie want?

No idea!

Did she put you up to this?

-What?

-Coming round here to help me?

-LAUGHS:

-No.

Maybe.

Look, she just thought you might need a hand, that's all.

Need a hand? Why...? Why does nobody trust me?

-They do trust you.

-Oh, don't give me that.

-This is typical Ronnie, trying to control the situation.

-No.

Do you know what? I don't know why I bother!

Got your New Year outfits, huh?

-Yes.

-No.

And we got some other goodies too!

We went for white to be gender-neutral.

Mum said that's why you've been putting off buying anything.

Look at these!

Yeah. Yeah, they are cute.

Right, I'll put the kettle on.

You're not changing your mind, are you?

It's OK if you do, you know?

-Now that it's becoming more real.

-OK, Libby, come on.

Change of scenery.

Let's go to the Vic.

MUSIC AND CHATTER

Everyone got drinks? Do you want a top up?

-ALL:

-Surprise!

It's not really a surprise.

It looks really sophisticated.

Hey, how are you?

Aunt Sal, I'm so glad you made it.

She's just telling us...

I'm quite capable of telling her myself.

Roxy, take me to the kitchen, so I can get everything ready for her.

I've got a special surprise for you!

HE GROANS AND SIGHS

How's it going up there, all right? All under control?

Ollie's asleep. Whitney's watching Home Alone with Sylvie,

who thinks his parents should be reported for neglect.

Your pal's here.

-Eh?

-Yeah, he's in the khazi.

Who?

There he is!

I'll have a pint of lager and whatever Lee's having.

My darling! All your dreams are going to come true.

-SHE GASPS

-That's The Empress.

She talks of motherhood.

Uh! And that's the Ace of Cups.

Now, that means you're following your true feelings...

Oh! We get it. She's got good cards.

Oh, don't be bitter. She's your sister.

I am happy for her.

You know I am, right?

Anyway, when did you learn all of this?

-I taught myself.

-You're not even trained?!

Do not get bogged down by petty details.

Pick a pile.

Come on.

The Fool. Not the best, but not the worst.

Is that The Devil?

They're your cards. I'm only the vessel.

What's that?

-Death.

-Death?!

Maybe I didn't shuffle them enough. Let's have another go.

No, you're all right, you're all right.

-Oh, come on.

-Go on, let her have another go.

You don't really believe in all this, do you?

The tarot never lies!

Well, then I'm a fool who's going to die and go to hell.

I need a drink!

-Hey!

-LAUGHTER

What have you two come as?

It's Ibiza fancy dress, isn't it?

When did I say that?

You look like two tarts who got the wrong address.

Well, maybe it's meant to be.

I mean, come on, this is my last big night as a free woman.

-Come on, Tina, better get the shots out.

-Mm-hm!

They're late.

They'll be here.

So the Old Bill called earlier.

Nicked a couple of people for the robbery.

Caught them on the CCTV.

-Robbery?

-Our pub was robbed.

-No?!

-Yes, mate.

Scumbags.

-Tell me about it.

-You can't trust anyone these days.

Where's your bird tonight?

-She going to put in an appearance?

-She's upstairs, baby-sitting.

Is that little Ollie? Lee's told me all about him.

Go on, get 'em down here.

No, they've got Sylvie, and she's a bit of a handful,

so another time, eh?

There you go.

-What's that?

-On the house.

Come on, you ain't got to do that for me, mate.

You're Lee's mate. Drink.

Well, cheers.

Sorry we're late. Picked up a few visitors on the way.

HE SHOUTS

The Lovers are being reinforced by The Empress,

which speaks of pleasure and fulfilment.

Phil is on the mend.

I think he's a way off that yet.

The cards never lie.

And Sharon never says no!

Go on, you pick a pile.

No. Not for me.

They won't bite!

No. I'd much rather live in the moment, thanks very much.

-I'll see you in the other room, yeah?

-Yeah.

She's very up herself since she's been to America.

HE MAKES HELICOPTER NOISE

LAUGHTER

Right, who wants another drink?

It's all right, I'll go. Same again?

You sure you don't want something a little bit stronger?

Pass him to Grandad.

BABY COOS

Hello! Hello!

You're really good with him, Dad.

Well, raised you two girls, you turned out all right,

despite your dad's faults.

-Yeah, just the same again, please.

-No problem, son.

SHE SNIFFS

-Oh!

-Are you that desperate for a drink?

Yes!

So, anyway, I'm thinking a pram next, Mum. Don't you?

Oh, and a cot. You don't have a cot yet!

There's plenty of time for that!

I'm not sure there is, Denise.

You look like you're about to pop.

My back's actually killing me.

I think I'm going to go and get a lie down.

But we only just got here.

That's what happens, Libby.

Well, you're welcome to sit with us, if you want.

See, you can stay.

How's he doing?

Yeah, he's doing good, but it's going to take time.

He's lucky.

Don't I know it.

To have you, I mean.

And to still be alive.

Are you drunk, Shirley?

Yeah, I must be.

We're out of vodka!

Are you OK?

Oh, no. Am I being that miserable cow at the party?

No, you just look a little bit...

Miserable. You can say it.

Go on, then, a little bit.

All that dodgy tarot reading?

I didn't have one. I refused.

Between us, I've got things going on that I'd rather not know about.

Better to just enjoy the moment.

Cheers to that.

Tina, come! I need you for five minutes.

This place is as dry as... I don't know.

Your sense of humour?

Yeah, that'll do. Go on.

Make your excuses and get out.

I don't think you're in a position to be

-throwing your weight around, mate.

-I ain't your mate.

You make out like I'm such a problem.

You robbed your own family.

You're the one lying to their faces.

I want you out now.

Face it, beanboy. Your troubles run deeper than me.

I could just call the police on you. Give myself up.

And then your family would know what you really are.

I overheard your old man say he over-ordered booze for New Year.

Guess he won't notice if a few crates go missing,

if you know what I mean.

Cheers, pal.

DANCE MUSIC PLAYS

This takes me back.

Do you remember we used to dance round the apartment to this

whilst we were tarting ourselves up?

Thank you for all this.

Oh, so you do acknowledge that I did all right?

You've done more than all right.

What?

Nothing, nothing.

Don't give me that look and then say nothing.

Come here.

There's a reason I wanted tonight to be special,

and not just cos it's your hen.

I'm not coming to the wedding.

What?!

I've booked...

I've booked tickets to Tenerife for New Year.

Tenerife?

Look, given that, you know, everyone expects the worst of me...

I really think it's for the best.

That's not true.

Do you remember your last wedding to Jack?

Ron, I want you to have an amazing day.

I'll see you when I'm back.

Please say you understand.

But I don't.

For once I'm being sensible.

You're going to thank me for this one day.

Hey, let's go and enjoy tonight, yeah?

Come on.

I'm going to replace it!

Liar.

At least I know what my New Year's resolution's going to be.

PHONE DINGS

Lee?

What are you doing?

Just helping Dad.

Right, well can I have a word with you upstairs after?

Why? What have I done?

Nothing, it's not bad.

Not everything has to be bad.

I thought you'd still be in the pub. Where's Libby?

She stayed for a drink.

What are you doing with those?

Keeping them safe.

In case you change your mind?

I'm taking them back. My mind was never changed in the first place.

-So you're sticking to your plan, then?

-Yes.

You should tell Libby, you know.

I will.

When?

Because it's going to get very, very expensive if you don't.

And she deserves the truth.

You know, I was just thinking before you walked in how much I miss

your Aunt Peggy.

We all do.

Thick as thieves, we were. Like you and Roxy.

Do you know, when one of you goes before the other,

it's never the same.

I know.

It's like you're not meant to exist without each other.

You'll have your ups and downs over the years.

God knows, Peggy and I used to tear shreds from each other...

but you belong together. You're sisters.

There you go.

We're back in business!

Who's thirsty?

Well, hope you enjoy the party.

Yeah, and take care of my bride-to-be.

It's good to have you back, Dad.

It's good to be back.

Have a good night.

See you.

You want another drink?

Why not.

So are you going to tell me what's really happening?

What do you mean?

I've been watching you all day.

This ain't you.

-I've meant every word I've said.

-Yeah, well, I don't believe you.

I don't believe a word you've said since you got back.

-You know what, just stay away from my wedding.

-What?!

You heard me. Stay away.

All right? Forget that drink.

Whit, there's something I need to...

Sh! Sylvie's asleep in that chair. I don't want to wake her.

Why don't we go into our old room and talk?

-It's not bad, OK?

-I know, but...

-Listen to me.

-There's something I want to say.

-Just stop.

Stop a second.

I'm late.

I think I might be pregnant again.

We're not late, are we?

No. It's just getting started.

Are you angry with me?

No, I'm not angry.

Disappointed?

You're not going.

I've already checked in.

How much were the flights?

150.

-Well, I will give you the money.

-I don't want your money.

What is this?

Are you trying to test me? Because if you are, it's worked.

I'm not trying to test anybody.

For weeks, all you've been doing is putting distance between us.

I'm not the one moving away.

What do you want me to say, hmm?

That I need you?

Yes, I need you.

And so does Amy, for that matter.

I'm sorry, is there a point to this little pep talk?

Yes, there is. I want you to move to Ongar with us.

Yeah. Jack would love that.

Listen, I will work on him while we get settled in

and then you can follow. It'll be our secret.

I didn't even say I wanted to come.

Don't you?

It sounds really boring.

Come on, we'll still be us, won't we?

We can do yoga...

..and we can make fun of all the yummy mummies.

And in the evening, we can drink lots of wine.

We can go on silly diets when we get all fat.

I'm never going to get fat!

Maybe you'll meet a man who's got a bit of money.

As long as his name isn't Tarquin or Sebastian.

THEY CHUCKLE

So what do you say?

I don't want to do this without you, Roxy.

What are you doing? Ron, you're so drunk!

We'll be able to see the stars in Ongar.

There's a lot less light pollution there.

Yeah, OK!

You've stated your case.

We're literally lying in the gutter.

Yeah, but we're together.

Yeah. I suppose we are.

MUSIC: You've Got The Love by Candi Staton