15/05/2017 EastEnders

You all right, Max?

Listen, I haven't seen Jack at all over the weekend.

Is he and the kids all right?

Er, no. He's just been keeping his head down since the fight.

Yeah, can't stop thinking about it, to be honest.

Has he heard anything from Charlie?

Nah, nah. He's disappeared.

Thank goodness for that. What about Matthew?

You don't think he's going to use this fight against Jack,

you know, for the residency case? No, surely not.

Nah, hopefully Charlie's disappeared for good and that's it.

-It'll just blow over.

-Yeah.

Now, listen, Max, if Jack needs any help with the kids,

-you just tell him to let me know.

-I will, yeah.

OK.

PHONE BEEPS

Ian...

Morning, Jack.

Bought you some milk in case you wanted to make me a coffee...

-Just telling Jimmie about what happened.

-Ah, right.

Jack was obviously worried about

-how this incident would affect the residency case.

-Yeah.

And?

It's not going to.

That's good. Won't Charlie try and use it, though?

Well, he can try.

From what Jack's told me, the fight was mutual, nothing like assault.

No, but Jack threw the first punch.

Yeah, but I was saying,

Charlie started it, you know, by shoving and goading me.

So if he tries to bring that up at the residency case,

it will look bad for both of them. In fact,

Jack might even have grounds to have Charlie done for harassment.

So I'm in the clear, nothing to worry about.

That's good. All right, I'll stick the kettle on.

-You promised me you would take this seriously.

-I am.

By nicking ham out of the fridge?

That little bit of ham's not going to hurt, is it?

Look, no-one said this was going to be easy.

Sometimes we all need a bit of help, something to make us focus.

Slim Start classes?

It's not all leg warmers and sit-ups.

It's a class that educates you about your diet,

what you eat and why you eat it.

A load of fat people sat around talking about being fat.

Yeah, right. That's really going to help, innit?

You can see in the leaflet, it's helped a lot of people.

Yeah, good for them. I'm not going.

Fine.

Go or don't go, it was just a thought.

Thanks for coming round so quickly.

No worries, mate. I'm glad I could reassure you.

Listen, we need to meet up.

Yeah, that's fine.

Yeah, I'll be there.

I can't believe everything's going to be OK.

Yeah, it's good.

Whatever game Charlie was playing, it's backfired.

-Denise? You all right?

-Yeah, yeah, sorry.

I've got a little bit of a headache.

Well, we're going for a drink later on tonight,

to celebrate Michelle getting this new job.

You've got a job?

Sharon's jumping the gun. It's just an interview.

You're going to breeze it.

They're crying out for decent teachers, why wouldn't you?

-That's brilliant.

-Yeah, well. Let's just see how it goes.

And you, all dressed up. You off for another interview, as well?

-Me, no, I'm just heading off into town.

-So drinks in the Albert, yeah?

-I'm going to be late.

-Now, well, good luck. Not that you need it.

Yeah, well, I'd better be making a move, too.

Well, have a good day and I'll see you in the Albert, yeah?

Do you want a hand with that, love?

Nah, you're fine.

I'm sorry about earlier. Scoffing that ham, it was stupid.

Seriously, you can eat what you want.

Look, I am trying. I mean, I've cut out the junk food.

I haven't had any chips in ages.

What, and that's nothing to do with the fact that you can't get them for free any more?

Ian, I am fed up nagging you. I am not your mother.

And the reality is, you've had your blood tests.

Whatever damage is done, you'll find out on Thursday.

-CLAIMANT:

-I'm not back in work. Why...?

-ADVISOR:

-No, that's the thing we need to discuss.

There's nothing we can do.

What we need to now do is,

if you go back and contact on the phone Jobcentre Plus,

they'll arrange an appointment and you can come back in.

-Tell them your circumstances have changed.

-I'm here now. I'm telling you my circumstances.

I appreciate that. I know it's frustrating.

What I can do is give you this leaflet about the benefits of work.

And I've checked the system. You are there.

And when you were here a couple of weeks ago,

we closed your claim because you're back in work.

Sorry, I'm assuming that I'm in the right queue.

First time?

Is it that obvious?

I told you before, I can't afford the childcare.

Look, shouting at me doesn't help.

-But you're not helping, it's ridiculous.

-Look, I appreciate that,

but there is a queue of people waiting.

If you don't have an appointment...

Good job I had lunch before I came, it might be a while.

There should be someone around here,

but there's only limited resources I've got here...

They have one receptionist for all these people

and then they're surprised when people get frustrated.

Come on, this is ridiculous...

I don't know how people work in places like this.

I know he's just trying to do his job, but he's not helping.

There's a queue of people with appointments.

-You're wasting their time...

-I'm not sure that I could.

Don't tell them that, you won't get any benefits.

You really need to help me!

That form that I've given you, if you look on the back...

I used to run a post office and we had queues, but...

Come on, we're going round in circles.

I know. I can't do anything right now.

-Is it always like this?

-It's not usually this bad.

It's because of...

Not doing herself any favours

kicking off like that, though, is she?

Nobody wants to be here.

Everyone's on edge.

Everyone's desperate.

Everyone's here because they need help.

VOICES AND LOUD MUSIC

I thought we weren't risking meeting up?

Things have changed.

They're running late.

Right.

Thank you.

Right, can everyone who hasn't already,

please make sure they've signed themselves in.

-Hello.

-Hi.

I'm Liz James. We're running a bit behind, I'm afraid.

She said.

Manpreet Khatri?

You must have loads of experience, have you?

Sorry?

I just mean, being a bit older, is this what you do?

Work in shops?

No, no, this is something different for me.

I'm only here cos I'm so broke and need to move out.

Me and Darren got married last month.

Oh, congratulations.

It's tough in London now. A bit different to your day.

Suppose you and your husband have got a nice place, have you?

It's not bad.

We're living at Darren's mum's at the moment.

Nightmare. I'm 26 and haven't even got a place of my own.

Anyway, that'll all change when I get this job.

So I'm back to square one?

I thought this was a done deal. I mean, he punched me.

No, it was a scuffle, playground stuff.

What am I supposed to do now?

We get this back on track.

How?

There's only one way.

OK, so we've got a meeting tomorrow.

People want to find out what's happening with the community centre.

-So you're going to be there, yeah?

-Well, I'm not sure I should, Kim.

Not now I'm doing this shadowing with the planning department.

Well, even more reason why you should.

Maybe you can give us the inside scoop on why they want to close it.

Well, I need to keep a professional distance.

I've got an interview for an actual job there to cover someone's

maternity leave. I can't be seen to have a conflict of interests.

OK. OK, OK, OK.

So you drop your best mate

because she's getting jiggy with your son,

and now you want to drop all the stallholders, as well.

You're getting your feet under the table with the council.

What, and stuff the rest of us?

-No, it's not like that.

-Really? So what is it like, then?

If you know what's going on with the community centre,

then you should tell us.

Well? What, got nothing to say?

Ah, looking out for yourself, as usual, yeah,

while we lose our community centre.

Got your number, Carmel.

Yeah, yeah. That's it. You turn your back on us, you walk away.

You and your clipboard.

I'm in my forties, I'm carrying a bit of extra timber.

My wife reckons I should be on a Channel 5 documentary.

Well, she's your missus, mate, it's what they do,

it's in their DNA to nag, innit?

-Oi!

-Not all women, obviously.

Would you go to a fat club?

Me? Nah, I'm honed to perfection, mate.

Plus, it's full of middle-aged birds, innit?

Yeah, exactly. It'll be a load of fat women and me.

Get us some of those scampi snacks, will you?

It's my lunch.

Here's my appointment card.

-ADVISER:

-Yeah, if you just use your unique reference number...

Sort of hoped that I'd be done and back home by now.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

Yes, please.

Where is home?

-I brought a CV in for you...

-Have you got an appointment?

Oh, Albert Square, just off Bridge Street Market.

I know it. It's nice around there.

It's all right.

You renting there?

No, no, I've...

It's, er...with family.

Oh, right. So you're not after your rent paid?

I'm sort of in between stuff at the moment.

Aren't we all?

Nah, just, like, money. It dries up.

I've always worked.

You know, I know people have to claim benefits and what have you,

but me...

This isn't...

It isn't me.

What, you think it's all I want?

No, I know...

I don't mean that. I just...

I've always managed...

somehow, to provide for myself and for my kids.

This is what people are doing here,

they're making sure they can provide.

Yeah.

Yeah, I know.

I'd just rather be earning it than getting a handout, you know.

Why is it a handout? You said you always worked.

-You've paid your taxes?

-Of course.

There's no shame in being here.

Maybe some, they cheat, they pretend, but not most.

I had a good job - marketing.

Suddenly, we've lost few clients

and I got the, "Sorry, we have to let you go."

It happens. Things change, through no fault of our own.

All you're doing here is taking something back when you need it.

-Thanks.

-Next, please.

I'll make sure I'm quick, just for you.

I don't even use this shop. What about you?

I've not been back in the area long.

They go on about it being a family-run place,

but I don't think it's all that.

But, hey, it's a job.

Yeah.

And the best bit, no more being stuck at home on my own all day.

There's only so much daytime telly you can watch.

True.

Right, thank you.

OK, Deborah Hammond.

-Good luck.

-Shouldn't need it.

You're next.

-I'll get that.

-No, I'm more than capable, thank you.

I don't doubt that for a second.

What's that, are you just going to stare at them?

6.3 grams of fat per pack.

Look, I don't know the ins and outs of your situation,

but your missus, Jane, from what I hear she's been through a lot.

Yeah, you could say that.

Maybe you should cut her some slack.

She's only nagging you cos she wants the best for you.

Look, it's up to you, but if it was me

and my missus had been through all that

and the least she was asking me was to feel a bit stupid

to go to some chubby club, I don't think I'd have a problem with that.

-Would you like to come with me, please?

-Thank you.

All you have to do is be honest, no-one's judging you.

Tell them your circumstances and then you'll get the help you need.

Good luck with everything.

And you.

Next, please.

Hi.

-I need to sign on for benefits.

-Name?

Denise Fox.

Not been able to find any work for a while now.

So...

I just... I need to claim, like, anything, really.

PRINTER WHIRS

Erm, I haven't got any savings.

I ain't got any money at all.

I've been desperately looking for a job.

I don't want to claim benefits.

Oh, and I'm doing a GCSE, in English.

You know, just trying to make things better.

Your name's not on the computer

and you don't seem to have an appointment.

You need to apply for Universal Credit online.

No, no, no, sorry, that's...

that's not right because...

..I phoned up, yeah, and then they told me that I had to come in.

Then you were told wrong.

Yeah, but I've been standing here and queueing for ages.

All new applications for Universal Credit have to be completed online.

Yeah, but I phoned up and they told me that I had to come in.

You must have misunderstood. Could you move aside, please?

So...

what are you saying, that's just it?

The website address is on the paper. Please, move aside.

No, I need some money.

Once we receive your application online,

we'll contact you to arrange an interview.

OK, right, so...

..how long is all that lot going to take, then?

They're usually very quick.

Once you complete the application, you will be notified.

-I don't believe this.

-Please, move aside.

Great.

So, what, I've just wasted all that time now?

Well, thank you. Thanks for nothing.

Next, please.

The person we're looking for here at Porter & Bryce

needs to have strong communication and people skills.

Is that something you feel you have?

Yeah, I do.

I'm a... I'm a people person, as they say.

SHE CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY

Although this position is part time, we're looking for somebody

who sees that as an opportunity, not just a stopgap.

The last thing I want is to be re-advertising this position

in six months' time.

That's good, because that's exactly what I'm looking for.

Of course, the successful candidate will receive training and support,

but do you have any previous experience in the retail trade?

Oh, loads. My family have always run retail outlets.

Working directly with the public is something I thrive on.

And I'm very good within a team.

Just the other week, I had to step in and help out at my local caff,

help organise things, run the place.

And I'm motivated, I'm driven.

Clearly. So why do you want this job? Why here?

Because this place,

it feels like a family-run business

and I know I'd fit in.

I want to fit in.

I want to work somewhere that gives me a good reason to get up

and have something to focus on.

I want to earn money, but I need it to be doing something I enjoy.

I know I'm a bit older than most of the other applicants,

but what I do know is this...

I really want this job.

So do you think she'll get this maternity cover job?

Well, if Carmel does get it,

it means we'll be seeing less of her, which can only be a plus.

Yeah, but that means that we'll get a new market enforcement officer.

Maybe, in this case, it's better the devil we know.

Thank you very much, then. Bye-bye.

She was nice.

Yeah, yeah, I got her number, we're going for a drink.

-Really?

-No.

It wouldn't be a bad thing.

I can exist without a woman in my life, Mum.

I know, but it don't mean you can't start looking.

You never know, you might find the right one out there.

You reckon, the right one?

As opposed to the wrong one, like Denise.

Mum....

Look, I am not interfering, but you need to put her behind you,

get back out there and find someone who will treat you as you deserve.

-Is that right?

-Yes.

And Stacey was saying that she would be happy for you to spend

some more time with Arthur.

If you had a new girlfriend,

that's something you could do together, days out and that.

Thank you for your non-interfering input,

but I am fine as I am.

OK.

SHE PANTS AND GASPS

Well, I didn't make you any lunch. I didn't know what you were doing.

Sorry, I was...

I was in the Vic.

You know, it's been almost exactly a year...

I know.

Hey, look at me now, not long till I can do the hokey cokey.

Listen, erm...

..I was thinking about what you said earlier about Slim Start.

And you're right, I should give it a go.

So come on, then, tell me all about it. When do you start?

What year group are you teaching?

It's not Walford High, is it?

Is that why you're not telling me?

Nah, it's not Walford High.

It's not any school.

Oh, what is it, then, a college?

It's a shop.

A shop? I don't understand.

The job I interviewed for was part-time sales assistant

at a department store.

-Oh, right. So it was never for a teaching job?

-Nope.

You just assumed and I, well,

let's just say I wasn't exactly wanting to shout

about my possible new career.

Well, department store...

Yep.

Selling everything from kitchenware to soft furnishings.

-And it went well?

-More or less offered it me there and then.

And how do you feel about it?

It's a fresh start, innit?

No-one knows me. No-one's going to be judging me on who I was,

just on who I am now.

Yeah.

Here we are, we're home.

-And I got you a bit of shopping, too.

-Thanks.

Yeah, don't be silly. As I said to Max, I'm always happy to help.

Can we have ice cream?

You can have your ice cream afterwards for pudding.

Hello, hello. Do you want a high five?

High five, high five.

Hello, Matthew. You been a good boy today?

He's always a good boy, ain't ya? Hey?

Jack, do you mind if I nip off?

Only, I bought some fish for me dinner and I can't remember

if I put it in the fridge. And if I didn't,

that Dave will have had his greedy claws on it.

Yeah, I better go, too, actually. Go and see my kiddywinks.

-KNOCKING

-Who's that?

Listen, thanks again, yeah.

Yeah, no worries. See you later, kids.

Jack Branning?

SHE STARTS TO TYPE

This is ridiculous.

Mr Branning, let's take this outside.

No. I ain't going nowhere.

There's been an allegation of common assault.

I did nothing. It wasn't an assault.

You'll get the chance to put your side once we get to the station.

Jack...

Come on, let's go outside.

Just keep an eye on the kids.

Jack Branning, I'm arresting you on suspicion of assault.

-You're arresting me?

-You do not have to say anything,

but it may harm your defence

if you do not mention when questioned

something you later rely on in court.

What are you arresting me for?

Anything you do say may be given in evidence. Do you understand?

What are you playing at?

Do not make this any more stressful than it needs to be.

Any more stressful?! Get off me!

Get off! Get off me!

Calm down.

It's all right, darling. It's all right.

It's fine. Go back inside, go on.

Jack, I'll take care of everything, all right? Just do what they want.

All right.

All right!

What is this about?

Tell them that I'm coming back, yeah?

It's all right, darling. I promise, I'll be back soon. I'll be back.

CAR STARTS