13/07/2017 EastEnders

SICKLY COUGH

I am coming - Mick gave me the night off especially.

You can't come, look at you, you'll make the whole school sick.

Where are my spare strings?

I am looking right at them!

She's nervous, bless her, she needs support.

I dunno why, she's got more talent than anyone in that school.

Well, it's tough at the top. And you'd know?

Why didn't you say they were here?

I've snapped my A-string. So predictable.

Will you stop panicking? You're going to be fantastic.

Me and your dad are going to be there cheering you on.

Please don't be embarrassing!

Um... You got someone to see you.

Came to, erm, wish you luck.

Right, well, you've done it, so...

Oi, that was a bit harsh. Even for him.

I've got to sing a song that, A, everyone thinks is a joke,

and, B, knows is about...

Why am I doing this?

I just wish Louise was going to be there.

PHONE BEEPS

PHONE BEEPS

Everyone's going to the showcase,

and I'm stuck baby-sitting you and Dennis.

It's not our fault you're grounded.

What did Billy say before he left?

To sit still and keep it zipped.

PHONE BEEPS

Oi.

A little bit more prep, a little less phone, please.

Sorry, Lauren's just text, saying she's working late again.

I've just seen her at the cafe with her dad when I was picking these up.

I tell you, you want to see the cafe, absolutely rammed full of kids all going off to do this showcase.

Back in the day, we used to have school plays,

and that was plenty of opportunity to humiliate yourself.

Oi, where you going?!

5p for a plastic bag?

Yep. That's taking the mick.

I don't want pizza.

Tough. Even Louise can't mess one of these up.

You'd better behave yourself tonight.

She's in enough trouble as it is without you making things worse.

Thank you.

See you later.

Look where you're going, you muppet. Sorry, Shirl.

If you act up, I'll call your mother!

Does not acting up mean I can or can't drive a car into a building?

Lauren.

Oh. You all right? Shouldn't you be at work?

Shouldn't you be?

Yeah, sorry, I was...

I had a meeting with Dad, we had to go over some projects.

What, so sitting in the cafe with your dad counts as being at the office?

I was talking and I was texting and...

The only girl in the world that can't multi-task.

I've gotta go. Will you wait up for me?

Yeah.

Bye, Steven.

Will you sit down, please!

Tell me Ian sent you to help out.

Er, no, sorry, we just need some milk.

Oh, what, we're a suppliers now, are we?

He does know that I've got customers, too?

Sorry. We just need a bit.

I bumped into Lauren just now.

Oh, is she OK? Yeah, well, she works too hard.

If her dad's making her have business meetings in the cafe, where does it end?

Oh, it was Abi who stormed out. Abi was here? Yeah.

Oh, one second, could you give this to Ian for me, too?

Steven, your milk!

Louise, you have to come.

I'm having a meltdown about this song - everyone will just hear

the jokey version that your mates kindly wrote.

At least you get to go.

No, you can't watch a 15 certificate film! All right, girls?

Auntie Michelle, let Louise come to the showcase. I need her there.

Look, she's grounded.

You can walk Bex to the bus stop but be quick.

WHISPERS: It's my thing tonight.

As long as she doesn't miss her "thing". Come on.

You got any new games?

So you were with Lauren at the cafe?

Don't miss a trick with that little app of yours.

I don't get it - why would she say she was at work

when she was with you and your dad? I dunno.

If it was about work, what were you even doing there?

What was said, Abi?

We just had coffee.

We talked about Louie, when Dad's going to find someone, my job.

Family stuff.

So why...? Why did you storm out? My gran told me you stormed out.

Did you tell Lauren?

As if! She would never speak to me again, or my dad, the hypocrite.

So why storm out, then? Well, I didn't, I just left!

Why do I get the feeling she suspects something?

Well, she doesn't! Relax.

OK, I... I shouldn't actually tell you this

but she's got a surprise for you.

What kind of surprise? Oh, a nice one.

And when you get home from your shift you'll be very happy.

Trust me. Now go off to work.

PHONE BEEPS No!

This app, it just canes my battery.

Have you got a charger?

No, not for that one.

Look, you go and I'll bring you one. No. I need my phone, all right?

Hiya, Uncle Jack, is Lauren there? Yeah, why?

Yeah, well, tell her not to go home.

Steven's there. OK.

I, pil... Pil... Pil... Pilgrim. Pilgrim. Oh, I can't do it! It's pilgrim, you got it.

Sorry you can't come tonight, babe.

I know, gutted. Good luck though. She don't need luck.

No, a miracle maybe.

You'll smash it. Get someone to live stream it, yeah?

Bex.

She's so up herself. No way is she singing that song tonight.

Lauren?

Lauren!

VIDEO: Look, tell Corrine to put Lauren on leave for two weeks.

Look, I know it's not procedure, just do it, OK?

On leave?

PHONE BEEPS

Look, they must be here somewhere.

I can't lose me fags, not with Cruella de Vil on a state visit.

Keep your voice down, Mother, will ya?

Why? Do you think I'm going to hurt her feelings?

Cos she ain't had one since 1995.

Oh, darling, hello. How are you?

Patrick, I need my fags. Urgently.

As if you bought them. My mum wouldn't sell you fags!

Whatever. We'll smoke one later.

Don't think you're playing console all night.

Dennis! What is this?!

A pack of cigs. Haven't you seen one before?

Do you want to die of cancer,

single and lonely cos your breath stinks, William?

Right. Ah, you're back. How do I look?

If I say, "gorgeous" will you please let me go to the showcase?

Your niece said she needs me.

She's got her mum and dad there. Right, I'm late.

Pizza's in the fridge. I'll be back by nine.

Wish me luck.

Thanks for not telling.

Whatever. We'll be all right, if you want to go.

Long as it's quits for not grassing.

You serious? We can heat up a pizza.

He won't say nothing.

Oh, Dennis, you're amazing! Come here.

Right, I'll be back before nine.

She just kissed you. I know.

Right, all we need now is a light.

I don't want to die alone, all smelly.

Can't we just go play footy instead?

I am actually shaking.

Thank you.

We'll put up there.

Do you remember when she started singing?

She was about seven, making up breakfast songs!

Thank you. What was that tune?

# Mr Cornflake, say goodbye, in my tummy you'll surely die. #

Poor Mr Cornflake. Yeah, well, he's dead now, so...

And look at her now,

playing in front of all these people.

I'm glad we're here together.

On behalf of our pupils, thank you for coming.

They have all worked so hard to produce what I know

will be a wonderful showcase of talent.

Bamy and Sim, can I just mic you guys up, please?

No last minute let off for Lou?

You look well nervous, Bex.

Must be a lot of pressure being the star of the show.

Lou's still grounded, I'm afraid, Travis.

Guess you're stuck with her. Soz.

Oi!

Oops. Is it all out of tune now?

Steven, where are you? You can't just run out like that. Why don't you just trust me, Dad?

OK, if it wasn't important, I would be there.

We've got orders coming out our ears and nothing is prepped.

All right, OK. OK! Fine! I'll come in now.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Hi.

Have you seen Lauren?

No. But you should be at work. Ian'll sack you, you know what he's like.

She's leaving me for Josh.

No, I was wrong about them.

Look, he booked her off work for two weeks.

OK, I saw him on the spy cam.

What, so that means that they're together?

She must have found out about me and you and...

I dunno, chosen him.

Is this my surprise that you were on about?

No! She's going to take you away,

the three of you, on holiday.

Yeah, I'll believe it when I see it.

Look, I'm going to go and see if Jack's heard anything, all right?

Oh, wait, why don't you check her phone first? It's turned off.

Well, why don't you just check it again? It might be on now.

OK, up next. Good luck.

Lou!

What, Michelle caved?

She doesn't know I'm here so I need to give you your team talk and go.

Team talk?

It's really brave of you to sing that song after what happened,

and people won't laugh, they'll respect you for it.

Yeah?

Once you start playing, no-one will remember that other stupid version.

You know, I listen to that song every day

and I can't believe a mate of mine wrote something so beautiful.

You'll be amazing.

Lou? What, I thought you was grounded?

I am, so you haven't seen me, all right?

Can I mic you up?

I'm really sorry for earlier.

Nerves.

Are Mum and Dad up there being embarrassing?

Nah, the, erm, the home-made banners ain't actually that big, so...

Oi, do you want to watch her from the desk?

Hmm, I shouldn't but, yeah!

Good luck, babes!

GUITAR STRING SNAPS No!

LAUGHTER No, no! I don't believe it!

You got a spare?

No, that was the spare!

And you can stop laughing - this is your fault!

Ignore them. The drama room'll have one.

Go! I'll buy you some time.

Is Lauren in here? I haven't seen her.

Well, she's not upstairs? Why would she be upstairs?

Look, if you're staying, you need to buy something. This ain't a doss house.

Fine! I'll have a beer.

Nice customer service.

I won't be long, Patrick.

I'm going to go get some fags.

She make a habit of stealing from the till?

PHONE BEEPS

Bex! Can we have Bex, please?!

She just snapped a string. She won't be a minute.

We'll have to go to the next act, she can sing after.

Right, that's you and Alexandra. Where is she?

I dunno.

Where's Bex? She just snapped a string.

Alexandra? No? Can we all be ready for our call times, please!

Mr Pryce.

Lou knows the part, sir.

Of course! Louise, get changed.

Oh, Mr Pryce, I'm not even meant to be here.

If I get caught, I'm going to be in so much...

It's worth it, though, isn't it?

Like the very star-crossed lovers themselves. Hurry up! OK.

I haven't rehearsed this in ages. Oh, we'll be OK.

And don't worry, Bex can play next.

Ladies and gentlemen, up next we have Romeo and Juliet.

APPLAUSE

Oi!

Take that ball home before I pop it. I mean it, go on!

What's her problem? Some people get weird about plants.

One hour trying to find a prescription,

and it was on your bed. I forgot what it looked like.

How are you going to be a mum?

Tax. Give it back!

Tell Lou to stop being gutted about missing the show.

Woulda been rough watching Trav get it on with Alex anyway.

Have not saints' lips and holy palmers' too?

Ay, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer.

Where are you going? Backstage. Bex is meant to be on before these.

Let me go! Not till we've given your music career a helping hand. No, no, no.

BEX'S VOICE ON SOUND BOARD: Please, stop!

Then have my lips the sin that they have took. Sin from thy lips?

O, trespass sweetly urged.

BEX, LOUDER: No! Stop! Get off!!

CROWD LAUGHS

What are you doing? Hold her hand still! I won't play! Please!

Bex? I won't play. You definitely won't play after this.

No. Why are you doing this?!

Cos we never want to hear that basic song ever again.

No, it's real! It's Bex's mic... Hold her hand still!

Please, not my hand. No! Louise!

As if that loser's going to help! Slam it shut! Now!

DOOR SLAMS, BEX SCREAMS

Where is she? She went to drama after a spare string.

Right, this way. Follow me.

If you could just remain seated, please.

Bex! Bex? Rebecca?

Well, she's not in here, is she!

MUFFLED CRYING Here, I've got a key.

Bex, it's all right. We're here.

Bex. Come on.

Come on.

All right, it's OK now. All right, I'm here. Did they hurt you?

Is your hand OK?

I'm fine.

It's OK. It's over now.

Has something happened? I just went looking for Bex but...

Well, is she OK?

They taken a break or something?

Nah, she's not taken your place!

What are you doing in my dress?

Where's Bex? What did you do to her?!

Gimme my dress. What...? Get off!

Miss, they're here! Miss, she robbed my dress. She shouldn't even be here!

What have you done to my little girl?

Mr Fowler... Miss, she's grounded! I'm Juliet!

My office, now!

What?! What have I done?!

Bex's mic was on.

And we heard everything.

Everything?

PHONE BEEPS

Ah, honestly, I'm going to put a fence round those flowers.

What? A little white picket number? No. Razor wire and watchtowers.

Johnny. You all right, mate? Have you seen Lauren today?

No. Sorry.

Then why have you got her phone?

I found it emptying the fruit machine. You sure it's hers?

Steven, are you all right?

Yeah, Gran, I just need to find Lauren, that's all.

Have you two had a row? I just saw Lauren outside Jack's.

Ingrid, calm down.

I just want to discuss things, OK?

Just meet me at the Vic in half an hour.

What, so you're not coming with us?

No. No. You two need time alone before she goes.

You know, clear the air a bit. I'm not going to change my mind, am I?

This is stupid behaviour.

KNOCK AT DOOR She's got to find out, Max.

Is she here?

Max. Shirley said Lauren was here.

No, she was here and then she went. I dunno where she is.

Yeah? Well, I just got her phone off Johnny.

In the pub. Let's have a look.

I... I'm hoping she weren't in there for a drink.

Don't be daft.

No... Yeah.

No, you're all right. I'll give it to her.

Oh, no, it's fine, I'll just take it over now... No, I'll give it to her.

Was that all?

Is she here now? If she was here, Steven, we'd tell you. Lauren!

Oi!

You're scaring the boy.

Fine.

I'll just go then, shall I?

Do you know about her and...?

What's the point?

He's gone.

Did you hear any of that? You know, Steven knows something's going on.

Max.

He had this. How?

I thought you was getting this unlocked for me for New Zealand?

I came to tell you that I lost it. Still, you've got it now.

Yeah, and it's got no battery! Why is it that Uncle Jack's

the only one that's not making this as hard as possible for me?

Well, cos he's the only one who don't think

you're doing the wrong thing.

I can't believe everyone heard.

Let's just get you home, eh?

Still believe they didn't spike your drink at the party?

I hope those girls are going to be punished.

So what if they are?

They got what they wanted now - Bex ain't singing.

AUDIENCE: We want to hear Bex.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Sounds like they want her to sing.

Please, can we just go?

Maybe you should.

No way! No way, I'm a mess.

Come on, Bex. Look, if you get signed, yeah, you're going to spend

about six hours in make up trying to look like this for the music video!

Look, you don't have to.

But you'll be amazing.

He's right. You would, sweetheart.

AUDIENCE: Bex! Bex! Bex!

You're mad. He's well 'ard.

He's a bully. Taking our ball. Laughing about Lou.

We need to teach him a lesson. It's our duty.

But the pizza. You didn't smoke the cig, you're rubbish at footy.

You owe me. Now get going!

Michelle! So sorry. Would you believe it, the Tube was down?

Let me buy you dinner to make up for it.

Champagne? Caviar?

Scampi and fries?

Oh, sorry.

Alex getting booed. No way. Can't believe I missed this!

Keegan's got a butters sister!

Leave it, Keeg!

Oi!

BANGING ON DOOR

Open up! Keegan, he's just a kid.

Take that!

CROWD: Bex! Bex! Bex!

This is Boxed Up Broken Heart.

# Everyone keeps telling me that you're no good for me

# I should put you out of my mind

# Leave all dreams of you and me and whatever we could be behind

# But when I catch your eye I still get those butterflies

# I want to smile whenever you are around

# But, boy, you keep on letting me down, every single time

# Cos all I got this Christmas was a boxed up broken heart... #

I know...

Do you think I'm stupid?

You don't think I know that you know?

It's fine, Lauren, you know. I'll just... I'll just feed him.

I'll change his nappies, take care of him, clothe him.

Doesn't matter that he's Peter's son - I love you that much.

What now? Huh?

I just wait for a text?

"Oh, sorry, babe, you know, just in Spain with Josh."

KNOCK AT DOOR

Is Lauren in?

Is she OK? What are you doing here?

After today, I thought I'd better check.

I'm meant to be at work.

You thought I was going to be out.

Are you meeting her?

In my house! What?! No, I came over cos HR called, said she'd resigned!

Resigned? I put her on leave in case I could talk her out of it.

But she wouldn't answer her phone so I came over.

You didn't know?

What are you doing, Lauren?

What are you doing? What are you doing?!

WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!

SHOUTING

Young generation, when they get mad,

the first thing they do is grab a gun.

There's a lot of questions that needs to be answered.