13/01/2017 EastEnders

Dee! Just wanted to wish you luck for today.

Oh, Denise, this is so exciting!

-Have you got a name picked out yet?

-No. No.

Oh, that's no good, is it? Patrick, I hope you've got some suggestions.

Er, no. No.

Where's Libby?

I thought she'd want to go with you for moral support.

-Yeah, we better get going, yeah?

-Yeah, of course. Go, go. Good luck!

Can't wait to meet the baby.

Oh...big day.

Poor thing must be a bag of nerves.

Mick's present?

He said no fuss.

Well, it ain't a regular birthday, is it? It's his 40th.

Not like he's going to enjoy it, not without Linda.

That's exactly why we need to make it special, innit? Cheer him up.

Happy birthday!

-Oh, thank you, darling.

-I tried to tell her.

Oh, she's being a killjoy.

Anyway, Linda has got something planned for you on the weekend,

but today's your actual birthday, innit?

So we're celebrating, OK? No arguments.

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

Did you have a good nap?

Well, it don't make up for a proper night's kip.

What's so important you and Michelle

have to spend every night up talking, anyway?

-We've got a lot of catching up to do.

-Can't you do it somewhere else?

You better not have changed your mind about Michelle staying,

-cos she needs me.

-That's a shame.

I'd got my hopes up for that leaving party.

Oh, don't be mean.

She needs some time away from Tim. They're having a rough patch.

Well, can't you catch up over at the Vic or something?

I'm getting deja vu of Mum and Aunt Sal.

-Could never get a minute's rest when them two got going.

-Hm.

I'll make you a cuppa,

perk you up.

I saw Denise earlier, leaving for the hospital.

Yeah.

-Big change...new baby at her age.

-Yeah, I suppose.

Yeah...

-It makes you think, don't it?

-Does it?

Well, don't you ever think about having another kid?

No, not really.

But if, by some miracle, you could be a dad again, would you want to?

I barely got it right with Ben and Louise.

If you ask me, Denise is a mug going through it all again.

All done. Things seem to be progressing well.

The contractions are regular and you're dilating nicely.

I think we should get you up to the birthing unit.

-Sound good?

-Yeah, fine by me.

-You can come in now.

-Thank you.

Hey... Hey, babe.

I got you a few things from the hospital shop.

You know, magazines, chocolate and...

-..you forgot your book, so...

-Thanks.

Hey...

Look, I know this isn't what you wanted, but...

-Dee!

-Oh, what are you doing here?

Libby texted me about you being induced,

so Vincent got us a last-minute flight.

Wow...!

But listen, I'm here to support my big sister, all right?

This hospital's so big, I can't walk much further.

My feet are on fire!

-Mum?!

-Oh, my baby's...

having a baby!

Er...it's been a long time.

My favourite Hector.

-Yeah...

-Looking as fine as I remember.

Sugar.

Oh, yeah, man.

THEY BOTH LAUGH

Oh, isn't this wonderful?

My first grandson and I'm here to cut the cord!

-Yeah, but, Mum, you can't stay.

-Denise has a plan.

A plan?

A sure-fire way to make God laugh.

Oh, I'm an old hand at this, so anything I can do to help.

Nan, why don't we go and wait at home, yeah?

You must be tired from the flight.

We're up to the birthing unit, but I can only take two of you

-and it's up to Denise to decide who.

-Don't leave me, please.

Well, I should be there. I'm the grandmother.

You were just like this on the plane.

Why do you have to keep pushing yourself on people?

Listen, Denise, whatever works best for you, yeah?

OK.

-Patrick...

-Yeah.

..and Kim.

Nan, why don't we step out, yeah? Let's go and get a drink, OK?

All right, keep breathing, yeah? Keep breathing.

That one's from Tina. She'll be round after her shift.

OK, let's hope it's a step up from the bacon soap and the nose trimmer.

Oh, it's a...

an inflatable Zimmer frame!

You did say low-key.

This one was Lee's idea.

West Ham sold them off when they closed the stadium.

-Must've set you back?

-No, not really. Online auction.

50 quid.

That is a pretty amazing present.

Wow...

Yeah...

Yeah, that's great. Thank you.

Good. Glad you like it.

Right, I reckon we should get this party started.

-Mick, you want a drink?

-I'll have a brandy, Mum. Thanks.

Lee...

I love it, mate, I really do, but...

I hope you kept the receipt.

It doesn't make any sense.

How could he not even suspect he might be the father?

Oh, come on, Sharon, you don't just forget you slept with someone.

You, of all people, should know

sometimes that's exactly what you want to do!

-Sorry.

-I just don't want to see you taken for a fool.

Yeah, I knew he was messing about.

I found a condom wrapper once, turned a blind eye.

He was in a bad way. He was having blackouts.

It's the only explanation I can think of.

So...what's next?

Well, Phil seemed pretty definite he doesn't want another kid,

so I'm keeping shtoom.

Oh, I'm so glad you're here to talk to.

From now on, I'm going to focus on me, Phil

and celebrating his birthday.

-You decided what you're doing yet?

-Oh, something low-key.

Not so long ago, I didn't think he'd live to see another.

And after everything with Ronnie and Roxy,

we need to count our blessings.

Yeah, Denise and the baby are going nowhere.

I'll deal with them later.

DENISE GROANS AND STRAINS

OK, OK, OK, OK.

You're doing good, OK?

-Have a bit of gas and air.

-PHONE CHIMES

Erm, OK, this is Vincent.

Let me just call him back quickly, OK?

DENISE PANTS AND GROANS

Thanks for letting me be a part of this, Dee.

I won't be long, OK?

How are you going to...

You know, if Kim's here, hm?

I don't know. It's just she's been so supportive, I gave in.

Oh, come on, man, take the pressure off yourself.

-At least let me tell them so you can focus on the birth.

-No! No! No!

No, I need to do it. I just need to...

I'm going to do it in my own time.

-Just be here.

-Yes, OK.

OK, work with your body. Deep breaths.

I think the college was amazing,

the facilities, the teachers, everything.

I think, if I go, my music can really take off.

Yeah, yeah.

But, erm...it's only a BTec, isn't it?

You know, if you stay on at Walford High,

you can get your A levels.

Look, for what it's worth,

I just think you should stay on at sixth form,

-you know, keep your options open.

-Maybe.

I mean, you could always do a music A level at Walford.

-You like your teacher there, don't you?

-Mm.

Yeah.

Yeah, yeah. I guess I wouldn't leave my friends behind.

Yeah. And I just don't want you to get stuck.

You know, just in case the music thing don't work out.

I never even had to make these sort of decisions,

but you've got a lot more going for you.

-You're doing all right for yourself, aren't you?

-Yeah, but...

you're far too clever to just do "all right".

Pressure, much.

Look, at the end of the day, I just want you to be happy.

They don't do A levels in being happy, Dad.

All right.

Proud of you.

-DENISE GROANS

-OK, so let's do the breathing now.

Come on, Pops, you as well, yeah?

THEY BREATHE DEEPLY

OK, I know it's hard, OK,

but it's going to be well worth it when you can get to hold him, OK?

-Oh, Kim...

-Yeah?

I'm not. He's...

OK, breathe.

Argh...!

Help me!

I need to push! I need to push! I need to push!

OK, I've got you. I've got you, OK?

OK, OK.

-Thanks for signing for this.

-Oh, it's all right.

And we're only next door if you need anything.

I'm sorry for messing you about.

I'm just not sure where Tim and me stand right now.

Oh, well, look, whatever happens, I...hope you work it out.

Didn't realise you were so serious about your music.

Yeah. Yeah, I suppose.

Don't sound too excited(!)

I'm just not sure if I want to focus on it full time.

Have you thought about A levels? Keep your options open.

You sound like Dad.

Music's all you've ever talked about. What's changed?

Yeah. I just don't know if I want to leave Walford,

-leave my mates.

-Well, if they're real mates, you won't lose them.

Unless...

someone fitter comes along.

OK...

So by "mates" you mean Shaki?

I know. I know we're not together,

but if we go to the same sixth form, then there's still a chance.

I just wish I knew what he was thinking.

He's so beautiful.

He's going to steal your heart, Dee.

I'm so proud of you.

Denise...

Emily's going to take the baby now.

Are you sure you don't want to hold him?

Erm, sorry...

When is the baby coming back? I really want to hold him.

Is he OK?

What's going on?

The baby isn't coming back...

..because I've put him up for adoption.

I don't know any of this. Have you got anything older?

-No, this is as old as it gets.

-I need older.

-Excuse me.

-Thanks, Babe.

You need to work on your poker face, son.

You didn't know about that present, did you?

No.

And now Dad's got the hump with me because I let Whitney waste money.

So determined to "make his day special".

As if a bit of cake and karaoke is going to make up

-for Linda not being here.

-At least she made the effort.

Oh, his mind was set, so don't beat yourself up about it.

It's a bit late for that.

Put it out of your mind.

I'll smooth things over.

-Have something to eat, Mick.

-I've had a Twiglet.

"I've had a Twiglet"!

Don't boast about it. Have a sausage roll, then.

I'll give you some space.

But I'll be back to check on you.

Well?

I meant it.

No.

No way! Not your own child.

Look...

he is better off without me.

Look, just stop it!

Because...what you're saying...

it's not true.

I thought you gave up on the idea of adoption.

He needs...a proper family.

He needs his mum!

You've raised two amazing girls...

No, you've raised two amazing girls. You can do this!

OK, listen. I am nearly 50 years old.

I'm in a dead-end job.

-And I can't.

-No, but...

-I can't!

-Yes, you can, because we can help you.

We can help you - me, Pops, the girls...

Just think about how it would feel for him,

once he gets older, to realise that you gave up on him.

I can let them know and then he can find me.

-Well, that must mean that you want to keep him.

-No. No.

You're twisting things.

I'm not!

Please, Denise.

Look, just go and see him. Please.

Please...

Once you see him, Denise, you're not going to want to let him go.

There's no point.

Sounds like you really like Shakil.

Yeah.

Thing is, I don't know whether he's staying on at sixth form or not.

This is so hard. You're so lucky you're old,

you don't have to think about stuff like this.

You are kidding, right?

And less of the "old"!

No, no, I just meant, like, you've got life sorted and stuff.

Not even close.

The choices just get harder.

There's always some bloke getting under your skin,

making you question everything.

So what should I do?

You're young, follow your gut!

Yeah, but I don't want to lose him.

Look, I know Shakil's important to you now

but in six months or a year, you might not feel the same.

You've got to go after what you really want,

otherwise you'll regret it.

Right, I better be heading.

All right, I'll come with you. I'm going to go and see Louise.

-Cheers, Stacey.

-Thanks, Auntie Michelle.

-Hang on, what about your dinner?

-I'll eat it later.

So why did you want us to meet you here?

Your mum...is giving the baby up for adoption.

That's not true.

Mum?

-He deserves more than me.

-But you're a great mum!

Go in.

I promise you, when you hold him,

any doubts that you've got will go out of the window.

-Denise, he's your baby.

-No.

That's your son. It's my grandson.

-He's a blessing! He...

-Mum, no, don't.

-Oh, Denise...

-Don't, Nan. Nan, look, come on.

Let's let Mum and Auntie Kim talk together, OK?

You see what you're doing?

It's not just all about you, Denise.

He's got a grandma, sisters,

an aunt.

We want the chance to love him!

I have to...for me.

How can you be so selfish?!

You know what the care system is like for black boys.

I have looked into it and people need babies.

Black couples?

-Huh? It could be years before he's adopted.

-It won't be.

You don't know that!

And even if they do find someone, it could still fall through

and then the older he gets the harder it'll be.

What will that do to him, Denise?

And you tried to take in JJ so he wouldn't end up in a home!

And now you want to abandon your own child?!

No, no, no, he's not going to be abandoned.

There's a couple ready to take him.

You knew?

I made him promise me.

And I didn't deserve to know?

I offered to adopt him those months ago and you refused!

You told me that you'd changed your mind!

And all the time you two have been scheming behind my back.

-How evil can you be, Denise?!

-Kim, Kim, enough!

So, what? You would rather give your baby to some stranger

than let me look after him?

Aren't I good enough?!

-MIDWIFE:

-Denise...are you OK?

Mm...

I'm not good enough.

All my life...

..I've looked up to you, Dee. Trusted you.

I thought you were someone special.

But you're a cold-hearted bitch!

# Shake it to the right

-# Shake it to the left... #

-Come on, Shirley!

# Hi ci ya!

# Hold tight! #

Sleeping Beauty! 40 but not fabulous.

I know. I think we'll have to get that inflatable Zimmer frame out.

-LOUD BANG

-Oh...!

Sleeping at your own birthday party!

All this good living, it's making you a lightweight.

We better call it a night.

Yeah. The few punters we've got in here, he'll be scaring them away.

-Come on, you.

-I'll give you a hand.

I'm still standing.

Don't wake Ollie up, please.

Johnny tried to settle him. Don't...

-I think he had a good night, love.

-Yeah.

Oh, he is not my father!

Yeah, it was good, but it weren't much of a turn out, was it?

No, listen. You made an effort. Mum would've appreciated that.

Thank you, babe. Can you help me tidy up?

-Mm-hm.

-Thank you.

So whose life were you and that stuck-up cow Louise trying to ruin?

See, I know she got me moved out of my science class.

You sound paranoid. You should talk to someone.

Well, considering you still fancy Shakil and I'm his best mate,

-you should probably be nicer to me.

-As if.

You hang around him like a dog begging for scraps.

And you know that he could do way better.

And he probably will when you go off to that poncey art college.

He'll have his pick of the fit sixth formers.

You wonder why me and Louise cannot stand you?!

Ooooh...

Touchy.

Must be on the rag.

HE CHUCKLES

Oh, you heard anything?

No. I was told to stop texting hours ago.

It don't look like you're going to have to wait much longer.

Oh, well?

Well, I should be asking you. You must've known all along.

-What?

-About Denise's plan...

to have the baby adopted.

TV PLAYS IN BACKGROUND

TV SWITCHES OFF

I've decided I'm going to stay at Walford sixth form

and I'm going to do my A levels.

Nice one, Chelle!

Sorry, not that I wouldn't have supported you either way.

So go on, then, what did she say to make you change your mind?

Once I realised what I'd be giving up,

I knew it was the right thing to do.

HE SNORES GENTLY

Mick's out like a light.

What?

You...

Frittering money away like there's no tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Mick's slogging his guts out clearing your debts.

-It was one present.

-After he told you not to bother.

Always got to have what you want...

no matter the cost to anyone else.

Hold on a minute...

The only reason we've got these debts

is because Lee took out some dodgy loans, right?

I'm working really hard to pay them off, an' all.

It's not just the money.

Lee had a future.

A career he was proud of.

Since you came along, he's had nothing but trouble.

I don't have to listen to this.

You're no good for him.

You know what your problem is, don't you? You're jealous.

-Don't flatter yourself.

-Oh, yeah, you are.

-Cos I've got everything.

-Huh!

I've got a future.

I've got a husband.

And what are you doing?

You're hanging around,

trying to convince everyone that you're needed.

But you ain't...

and you know I am.

You?

Lee needs me.

And while Linda's away, Mick and Ollie need me, an' all.

So I'm going to be here for them.

Back off!

You take it easy, yeah?

Leave it.

-Go back.

-OK...

There. See?

Nothing can happen until

an adoption order is granted.

Until then, Denise still can change her mind.

Yeah?

Looks like the process takes quite a while.

Oh, print this off for me, baby girl.

I don't want to go behind Mum's back.

Are you serious? After everything that she's done?

I hate this just as much as you, but I'm not going to pressure Mum

into keeping a baby she doesn't want. I'm not a hypocrite.

-Look, Libby, this is different.

-Yeah. He has a family.

-Exactly!

-I won't let him be raised by strangers. He's my grandson!

I'm not going to let him go, not without a fight.

TV PLAYS IN NEXT ROOM

I was just about to put the kettle on. Do you fancy one?

-No. Where's Phil?

-Gone to bed.

Something happened?

Yeah, it's about the baby. I'm going to have to tell him.

I'm Denise.

I brought you into this world...

BABY GURGLES

..but I'm not going to be your mum.

You see, there's...

There's this couple and they've been waiting for you.

And they're going to look after you, because...

..I can't.

BABY STARTS TO CRY

I've already had two little girls and,

you know, bringing them up, it took everything I had.

It's only by the grace of God they've turned out OK.

But I can't do that to you -

you know, raise you on a wing and a prayer.

You deserve so much more.

Letting you go...

is the hardest thing that I'll ever do.

But, you know, somewhere down the line

if you want to find me...you can.

Well, that's if you don't hate me.

I don't want you to think that I'm doing this

because you're not good enough or...

..or that I don't care. Because...

..look at you, you're perfect and you're beautiful and...

..I love you.

I want you to have a good life.

I want you to see places that I could never show you

and learn things that...

..it's just too late for me to understand.

I'm trying really hard to grow.

I'm even doing my GCSE.

But we can't grow together.

I want you...

to have a good life.

Because you deserve the world.

And I'm so sorry...

..I can't give it to you.