18/07/2017 EastEnders

Lauren, it's your dad...

You said you were gonna be in touch.

A couple of answers would be nice.

I'm in the cafe for a bit, so call me, will you, please?

There you go. Cheers.

Er, I heard the firm that you work for is buying the chippy.

I didn't have much to do with it, to be honest. Oh.

How are things with Steven and Lauren at home?

Well, bit tense I suppose.

Why's that?

Usual everyday pressures, I'm guessing, you know.

It don't help us, all living on top of each other.

Look, I'm sure they'll work it out.

You heard from Lauren?

I know as much as you do. Just don't make sense, does it?

You know, last time I saw her, she was leaving for the airport.

Well, if it bothers you that much, go over and find out.

FOOTSTEPS ON STAIRS

Any luck with the private clinic?

No, lines are busy. I'll keep trying, though.

Yeah. I definitely think it's worth a second opinion.

I know.

Hopefully, they could squeeze us in for a consultation today.

Shouldn't you be off to work?

I was thinking of calling in sick...

We can spend the day together.

I'd love that...

Er, but I can't.

Sorry, I said I'd cover Dad's shift at the restaurant.

Jane's got physio.

Look, shouldn't you be off to work, too?

You know, keep busy. Stace has got Louie today.

I wanna be here, just in case you do get into the clinic.

OK, well, then I'll ask for a late appointment.

And I'll let you know.

Promise I will give you plenty of notice to get there.

So, please, go and get ready.

The agency have got me a shift, so if you can make sure she's

comfortable and getting around OK, yeah? OK.

That don't mean selling any more of her furniture, either.

How many times can I say sorry?

Well, just make sure you get that dining room table back.

I said I'd sort it! Let me get this meeting with Mr Lister out the way first, yeah?

Dunno why you're worried about that.

You don't even know what he's gonna say yet. No,

but I'm sure Donna rang him to complain about me.

Would you be surprised if she did?

I mean, less than a month into the job and you suspend her.

For not paying her fees!

Look, sis, I've tried the softly, softly approach. It didn't work.

I can't let them walk all over me.

Look, your job is not about one-upmanship or gaining respect.

It's about people management.

The market traders are a close-knit family, yeah.

They look out for each other. One goes down, they all rally.

You ain't never gonna be able to compete with that.

So what do you suggest I do?

I suggest you swallow your pride, all right,

give Donna her pitch back.

Be firm, but fair.

You find a way of dealing with these people

and your job might become a whole lot easier.

So, should I have my hair up, or what?

So, I'm thinking, like, this waterfall braid updo...

What is that?

I can't wait to see Travis in his new suit!

Have you asked her to the prom yet? Shut up! Come on, I see you looking at her.

She's been giving you the eye as well, ain't she?

You all right, Bex? Louise. How you doing? All right.

We were just - we were talking about the prom, weren't we, Shaki?

You're dead. Yeah, I can't wait.

We never used to have proms back in my day.

It's cos he's ancient.

I might not even go.

Thanks for having my back last week. At the Showcase.

I didn't really do anything... But still.

Right, we're gonna miss the bus.

Bye. Bye, see ya.

Could she have made it any more obvious, mate?

She wanted you to ask her.

Like I care about a stupid prom.

Here, Don. Have you seen your old place has been boarded up?

Think it's got anything to do with this community centre redevelopment?

No idea, I could do with breaking back in.

D'you know anything about squatter's rights?

You struggling?

I have no idea how I'm gonna pay the rent this month.

Oh, look, here comes Rulebook Robbie.

Donna... Got a minute, please?

Yeah, I've got plenty since you took my pitch away.

Not that I wanna spend them on you, though.

OK, I admit I got it wrong last week.

You need your stall to be able to pay your fees. Oh, Hallelujah!

The penny finally drops.

I'm trying to be fair here... You could meet me halfway.

What exactly does that mean?

Look, I'll see what I can do about getting your pitch back.

BUT you've still got to pay your fees as quick as you can.

Look, Donna, I know what everyone thinks of me -

but you've got me all wrong.

I've just never had a job like this before

and I'm trying not to muck it up.

All I'm trying to do is make the market great again.

For everyone, including the traders.

Robbie?

Thank you.

All right, Lauren. Sorry I couldn't see you sooner.

No, that's all right. Could we get another cup of tea please, Kathy?

Yeah. Cheers. I can't stay long. I'm on my way to work.

What's happening?

You know, you should be on the other side of the world by now. I know.

Well, I'm glad you're still here...

So, what happened?

What, Steven find out? Talk you out of it, did he?

No, not exactly.

PHONE RINGS

Dad...

Sorry, it's my boss. Can I just take this?

Yeah.

Morning.

Beale's pulled out.

You're not serious?

I warned you about this, Max.

No, it's all right, look I'll sort it out.

Don't let your personal life get in the way of business.

Yeah, understood. Just leave it to me.

It's Ian. He's pulled out of the chip shop sale.

You know, he accepted last night, now he's withdrawn.

Boss is well unhappy.

He didn't say anything to you about it, did he?

No. Like, you ain't overheard him talking about it, have you?

To be honest, Dad, I don't care.

It's Steven.

He's got a brain tumour.

You ready to go?

You haven't told me what the estate agent said.

He doesn't reckon we'll get a better offer.

Don't look like that.

I just think you're being hasty.

You could've at least taken more time to think about it.

What, are you telling me you weren't uneasy about this deal?

Well, at first, maybe, but...

Love, this is Max Branning we're talking about here.

As far as he's concerned, we left him to rot in prison.

Now, I know he's been back a bit, all right, and everyone seems to have moved on, but if I'm honest,

I'm always gonna be looking over me shoulder.

It's Weyland buying the chippy, not Max.

Yeah, but who's to say that he didn't push for the deal, all right?

That he's got some hidden agenda?

What, you think I'm being paranoid?

Only because you'd already decided to sell,

so it shouldn't matter WHO the chippy goes to.

And if Max wasn't involved, you wouldn't think twice.

Right, come on. We should go.

Look, Ian. We've been trying to sell it for months.

Yeah, I know, but... You're gonna be late for physio.

Fine. Your call.

But we might not get another offer for a long time.

Kushy!

Yeah?

Can you believe...my passport's expired?

No...

I woke up with this funny feeling this morning, so I checked.

I dunno why I thought it had a year left on it.

Well, you're never gonna get another one in time. You reckon? Nah, not in July. No chance.

Peak season. Wouldn't even try.

Looks like I won't be coming to Marbella, then. Ahh...

I'm really sorry, Mum.

Yeah, must've been a big shock.

For all of ya.

I bet Ian's all over the place as well, isn't he?

No, he doesn't know. No-one does.

It's the way Steven wants it.

Just keep it to yourself, yeah?

So, where does this leave you and Steven?

Do you really need to ask that?

Well, I think I do.

Last week, you were nearly on a plane to New Zealand.

Yeah, that was then, this is now.

Imagine if I did get on that plane?

Without even knowing that he could...

He could be dying, Dad.

And he was too scared to tell me that he was ill

because he thought that I was gonna freak out and dump him.

Nah, come on, Lauren. What?

Don't you think it's all just a little bit too ironic?

Dad, Steven has a brain tumour.

OK? I've seen the scan.

Yeah, you must be terrified.

We both are.

So...what happens next?

He's gonna get a second opinion.

Apart from that...

..we just have to wait.

I'm going to work.

I'll speak to you later.

Have a good one. See ya.

Oh, hey! Oh, oh, hey.

Guess who isn't coming on holiday any more?

Oh, you said something to her?!

No, no. She didn't know her passport had expired, right.

It's too late to renew, so... What?

Maybe she's making it up. Maybe she changed her mind about coming?

Why would she do that? She's been so up for this holiday. Yeah...

Yeah, but... I reckon she's been seeing Max on the quiet.

Oh.

I thought all that fizzled out.

Yeah, yeah, I know, but they have been out.

Maybe she just doesn't wanna be away from him, you know.

Well, surely that wouldn't stop her from coming to Marbella, would it?

Hey!

Stop trying to make yourself feel less guilty, you. Yeah.

How about a little sneaky peaky of your swimwear later, yeah?

If you're lucky...

You can't keep ignoring him.

We're better off with the estate agent dealing with it, OK?

KNOCKING AT DOOR

Max.

Mr Lister!

You're early.

I like to be one step ahead.

How are you, um...finding the job?

Settling in?

Yeah, great. Absolutely loving it.

Every day's different.

Fresh challenges.

New hurdles.

I suppose you might have heard about a few teething problems?

Oh?

So you...haven't heard?

If there's something I should know...?

No, no, no - nothing at all.

Apart from a few testing traders, but nothing I can't handle...

Mr Lister...

..it's all about people management.

Being firm,

but fair.

You see, the traders - the market brings them all together.

It's very important to keep that traditional vibe going.

The people make the place.

Don't you think?

Did you read that in a book?

No.

Forget tradition. Tradition's a dirty word from now on.

Mr Lister, I don't really understand what...

There are changes afoot, Robbie.

Big changes.

You'll be the one implementing them.

There you go. Cheers, Ian.

Look, I'm, um... I'm gonna level with ya.

My boss, he ain't happy with me.

You know, Weyland met your asking price, no qualms,

and I don't think you're gonna get a better offer, Ian.

No, probably not.

But he thinks that you pulled out of the sale because of me.

All right, he knows everything.

He knows why I was inside, cos I had to be up front to get the job.

We, um...

We had a change of heart.

We don't think now is the right time to sell.

So you've taken it off the market?

Max, this isn't personal, honestly.

No, goes without saying, Ian. You know, business is business.

But the fact that you've said that

out loud tells me that it IS personal.

Well, after everything, you can understand our reservations, Max?

Yeah, course I do.

You know, but if I've moved on, why can't you?

I don't wanna spend my whole life holding a grudge.

Look, when I first came out, I didn't know what to do, all right?

People had betrayed me. My...kids had abandoned me.

But then I realised it was all just self-preservation.

My kids, they cut me out cos they felt helpless.

You guys did what you needed to do to protect Bobby.

Look, I just wanna erase that whole part of my life.

Plus, I've got Louie now.

You know, we share a grandchild.

You know, hoping Lauren and Steven will have more one day.

Trust me, I'd never do anything to jeopardise seeing my family.

Look, I'm not gonna lie to ya, all right.

If I save this deal, then I'll get back in my boss's good books.

All right, that's all I'm trying to do, just trying to make my way.

So, please, just think about what I said and just let me know, yeah?

But, either way, I'll respect your decision.

S'all right, Max. There's no need.

We're not gonna get a better offer, are we?

With plans for a new rail route on the table,

Walford's being primed for redevelopment.

I have to justify that the market adds value to the area.

As it stands, I'm struggling to do that.

So, what can I do?

Ensure the market brings in more revenue.

Rebranding is key.

Walford needs more diverse stalls.

That new vintage stall on Bridge Street's a good start.

Oh, no, no, that's only temporary. Not any more.

I've already told the regular trader she can have her pitch back.

The vintage stall stays. It's not open for discussion.

What am I meant to say to Donna?

You're not getting it!

The market's a dump.

Behind the times.

It needs a major revamp.

Out with the old, in with the new.

Yeah, but...

Forget ten-a-penny dresses,

bog standard fruit and veg.

I'm talking upcycled furniture,

shabby chic,

artisan foods.

Think quirky, eclectic, bespoke.

I know it's a big ask, Robbie.

But if it's any consolation, my boss is turning the screw on me as well.

Yes, but I'm the one out there - I'm the one on the front line.

This has to happen, Robbie. With or without you.

You have until Christmas,

or the market's dead.

LAUGHTER Yeah! Perfect.

All right. Is that all of it?

Yeah. Too many customers.

Here you are. Cheers, darling. Look, have you seen this? What?

There's this big water park thing near Marbella.

Like, I suppose you're never too old. Are ya?

Yes, well, just don't go encouraging Kim because I ain't watching

her plunging down a flume screaming like a baby.

No, that's the beauty, innit, now that Mum's not coming with us.

We can ditch Kim and Vincent

and we can go off and we can do our own thing.

You all right, darling? Usual, please, Marie.

Remember, you need to act like you're gutted, yeah?

Don't over-egg it.

We all owe Shrimpy a few beers.

Oh, why's that?

Told him about my passport expiring.

Same thing happened to him the other year.

Turns out, passport office have a fast track service.

I mean, I'd never have guessed!

Not in peak season.

Anyway, I should have my passport back in a week or two.

Yoga on the beach is back on!

That is brilliant, Mum.

Yes, that is the best news I've heard all day that. Yeah.

You see this, this ain't pretending, I'm actually gutted.

I hate Shrimpy right now.

Oi! Whoa, whoa, whoa.

MUSIC: Wait In Vain by Bob Marley

It's a one-way street, can't you see the sign?

You can't park here.

Just reverse.

What's this about Donna getting her pitch back?

You could've given me a bit of notice.

We'll talk about it tomorrow.

Oh, Felix! I need to buy back that dining table I sold ya. Sorry, mate.

Look, I'll give you ten quid on top of what you paid for it.

No can do. I've sold it to my mate in Shoreditch.

No, you are kidding?

Oh, no.

Rob? Martin...

Nah, nah, look, listen, listen.

Donna told me about earlier.

It's a great shout, mate, yeah,

letting her have her pitch back, she's over the moon.

Is she?

Of course she is.

And all the other traders - look, we all really appreciate it.

Just shows that you've got a heart in there somewhere, doesn't it?

And, look, about last week... I'm sorry. It was just playground stuff.

Can't imagine what it must be like doing your job.

You don't know the half of it.

Fresh start?

Go on. Nice one, mate.

Thank you, Martin. That's all right.

Max!

I hope you don't mind me dropping in unannounced? No.

Everything all right?

Oh, I had a chat with Lauren.

She told me about the tumour.

I'm really sorry, mate.

I didn't know you were going through all that.

She said it was, er, inoperable.

Too risky, apparently.

It's probably why you were all over the place last week.

All that stuff with Lauren going on.

Yeah, I won't pretend that our relationship hasn't

had its problems.

Something like this puts all that into perspective, doesn't it?

Yeah, yeah, course it does.

But, you know,

if Lauren couldn't handle it, Max,

then I wouldn't stop her from walking away.

She knows that. Yeah, but that wouldn't be right, would it?

Listen - I don't mean to give you the third degree, but...

..I think you're making a mistake, Steven.

You know, just asking Lauren to keep all this to herself.

It's just, she's been through something like this once before.

Her mum, Tanya. Yeah, I heard.

Yeah, just put a massive strain on her.

So, why don't you tell Ian and Jane?

I'd rather not.

Well, why not?

It's just, you know, they might be able to help you through it as well.

Look, it's my decision, all right, Max?

Just respect that. OK, all right, whatever.

Look, I promise I won't let it affect Lauren like it did before.

If anything, you know, we're being positive.

Yeah, well that's good.

Yeah, she suggested a second opinion.

I had a consultation earlier.

That's a good idea. Mm.

Where was that, by the way? Cos I might know the place through Tanya.

The Andrea Cancer Clinic.

And did Lauren go with you?

Cos I'd imagine she'd wanna be there.

No, she couldn't get the time off work.

Listen, I should really crack on...

Yeah, yeah, course, yeah.

There's always hope, Steven.

I mean, no-one knows that more than me.

I'm here if you need me.

Cheers, I really appreciate that.

See ya.

See ya later.

Mate. Bet you're gutted. Why?

Just seen some boy ask Bex to the prom.

Who?

Not sure - but she looked pretty happy about it.

Good job I'm just kidding, innit?

Oh, hilarious! Hang on, hang on!

I was doing it to make a point.

Hey, come on, that look on your face.

Admit it - you were devastated, right?

All I'm saying is harness the devastation that you felt

and use it as motivation to ask Bex to the prom.

Before someone else does it for real. Yeah?

Andrea Cancer Clinic. Oh, hi.

I'm just phoning to pay for my son-in-law's consultation, please.

He probably mentioned I was gonna be paying the bill.

What's your son-in-law's name?

Steven Beale. B-E-A-L-E.

There's nothing on our system under that name.

That's strange. Do you know what time his appointment was?

I don't, sorry, no, it's definitely today.

No. Nothing on our records.

Now that the chippy's finally off our hands, I think

we're due a little exotic holiday.

Yeah, where you thinking? Bognor? Margate?

Still as tight as a wet knot. You wouldn't have me any other way!

Yeah, suppose we should be grateful, though.

The way things turned out with Max.

It's like he said, I mean, he's got more to lose by holding a grudge.

Yeah, I suppose it'll make life less awkward.

You know, I mean, what if Steven and Lauren do eventually get married,

we'll all be sat at the top table.

You'll be able to practise your speeches together!

Are you deliberately trying to ruin my good mood? I'm winding you up!

You are succeeding.

D'you know what?

I'm just glad that it's all sorted and we can finally move on.

Is it just us?

Stace took the kids to the park.

I, er...

I wanted to apologise - all that stuff this morning.

Kush is an idiot.

I hadn't noticed.

Not just that.

I'm sorry, for everything...

The way I treated you when we was together.

I wish none of it had happened.

Not us! I meant... You know. I'm sorry, too.

Um...

So, I was wondering - I mean,

I know you said you might not go to the prom.

I wondered if you'd go with me?

I'd understand if you said no.

I'd like that.

As friends.

You're home early.

Yeah, I couldn't focus.

Told them I had a migraine.

Did you manage to get an appointment at the clinic?

Yeah, yeah, I did.

Look, don't be angry, but I went this morning.

They had a last-minute cancellation...

You'd literally just left...

I didn't wanna drag you all the way back here.

I can't believe you went there without me.

I told you that I wanted to be there with you.

I know, I know, but I had to make a snap decision, didn't I?

It get things moving...

I thought you'd be pleased.

Baby, it was just a consultation.

All right, we just going over stuff we already know.

I'd rather you be there when it really matters.

Listen, I'm gonna go jump in the shower.

And then, when I come down, how about I make us

something nice for dinner? Hm?

KNOCKING

Dad. You all right?

What do you want?

You OK?

Look, I went to see Steven earlier.

I told you not to!

No, no, I did, Lauren.

Just made me realise how wrong I was, doubting him.

He's clearly very sick.

You're doing the right thing standing by him.

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.

Something's not right here.

Is he alive still? Is he OK?