28/08/2017 EastEnders

I was thinking we could take Ollie across the Square later,

get involved in that Walford In Bloom.

You know, three of us, do a bit of gardening.

It's bank holiday, one of us needs to be here.

-Yeah, well, Johnny can cover for half hour.

-What if he's got plans?

You two need your heads banging together.

You've had a cold northerly front coming off you all weekend.

So you must have done something wrong. What is it?

I don't have much of an appetite. I'm going to go and get Ollie up.

Right, we've got loads to do,

so, first we've got to water all the hanging baskets and window boxes.

-Yeah, I'm on it.

-I'll give you a hand.

And we need to round up some volunteers to help set up the stage.

Martin will help. I'll find some others.

Oh, you know, it's...

-It's going to feel like a proper festival!

-Do you know what?

I'm going to get Tina selling iced coffees.

-I'll make a killing!

-That's not a bad idea.

-Yeah.

-You do know what's happening with that old Towers site?

-I heard.

Yeah - and them developers, they only got the bid

cos they agreed that 15% of them new flats go into social housing.

Well, they must have found some sort of legal loophole

and wriggled out of it.

-It's shocking.

-Yeah -

-and the council should be doing something about this.

-Yeah.

Now the Gazette's got wind of it.

They've been sniffing round the planning department for a story.

Oh, you all right, darling?

-You all right?

-Yeah.

I got to be meeting Kim and Pearl, so I'll catch you later.

-See you later.

-Yeah.

-What was all that about?

-The council?

-Nothing important.

-I'd better go.

-Yeah, see you later.

-I'll pop over to the gardens later, give you a hand.

-Great.

What was that about?

-Oh, I don't know yet.

-We're still on for Friday, yeah? It's important.

Yeah, course. See you later.

-You lost something?

-Yeah, an earring, yesterday.

I thought it might have been kicked under the sofa.

-You look exhausted.

-Oh, I'm fine.

-No, you're not.

Now, this business with Jay, you need to put it right.

How can I?

-He won't answer my calls or my texts.

-So go round.

Ben said he hasn't come out of his room since Jase's anniversary.

-He needs support.

-He's got to come to me in his own time.

These last few weeks have been amazing. Just you and me.

Not having to lie. That's all that I want.

Yeah.

Me too.

Look, um, I'd probably better get to work.

Do you have to?

Yeah, sorry. You know what bank holidays are like.

Look, we will have loads of time alone together soon.

OK? I promise.

We're back!

Hiya.

Never mind about the cleaning.

Linda...

you and Mick, what's happening?

You wouldn't understand.

He's trying so hard. You've got to give him a chance.

-You've no idea how hard I'm trying.

-But it's worth it, isn't it?

Do you ever think about why me

-and you didn't get on for all those years?

-You burned down my mum's pub.

Yeah, I know. All right - but I mean before that.

I remember when Mick first brought you home.

You were a skinny little thing.

All tarted up in Lycra and glitter.

You weren't even together then, but I could tell...

..and Mick became the man that he wanted to be, for you...

..and everything Mick is today is because of you.

Linda, it was just a kiss. You've got to forget about it.

It wasn't just one kiss, though.

Denise said there was another kiss, after the bus crash.

Come on, this is silly.

So I'm silly now?

-FOOTSTEPS ON STAIRS

-I don't mean that. It's just...

Can we go now?

Go where?

Go to the allotment.

Yeah, they wanted to check on their vegetables today.

-We're going to win Walford In Bloom.

-Are you coming, Dad?

-Erm...

No. No, I've got a few things to take care of here.

-You have fun for me though, yeah?

-OK.

All this time you knew and you never said anything?

I thought Mick told you everything.

Look, it was months ago, Linda. You've got to let it go.

How can I?

Every time I think I know the full story, there's something else!

-What's next?

-You think they slept together.

You were away for ages.

If Mick wanted to sleep with her, he would have.

You looking forward to seeing Steven?

Yeah, I'm going to see him after work.

We've got a few things to sort out.

Then I'm going to give him the best few weeks ever.

KNOCK AT DOOR

-Lauren?

-Yeah, in here.

-You all right?

-Hiya!

How are you doing?

Oh! Your mum called me. She told me you left early.

I'm glad you came back, today of all days.

I just mean it's close to the wedding.

-What's this? Family reunion?

-Hiya!

-Hey, you!

Oh!

-I've got to make a move, so see you later.

-See you.

Hey, so, good trip?

Yeah, it was so good.

Oh, and Mum said you two are overdue a long chat.

Well, Steven's going to be really pleased to see you.

Oh, um, this was in with my post.

It looks official.

-It's from the prison.

-What's it say?

Bobby's put us on his call list.

Phone privilege starts at five.

I can't wait to speak to him, Ian!

-You two have done an amazing job.

-Do you think so?

Yes -

and I bet all this lovely veg will taste delicious.

I'd rather have pizza.

Mum used to say if you eat carrots, you'll get super X-ray vision.

No, you don't.

I know.

I'll just eat these ones because it'll make her happy.

I'm rounding up volunteers to help set the stage for Walford In Bloom.

-Is Mick and Johnny about?

-They're inside.

Stace.

What do you reckon?

Whitney and Woody. Do you think they're the real thing?

Aw, I hope so. She deserves to be happy.

Oh, what? You've never made a mistake?

I've never seen her as happy and settled as she is with Woody.

That's all she's ever wanted.

Do you want to do a shift after lunch? A bit of extra cash?

Yeah, why not?

-Michelle's baby-sitting, so shouldn't be a problem.

-Cheers.

-You excited for your holiday?

-Do you know? I can't wait!

And as soon as that cab gets here, I'm officially in holiday mode.

MOBILE RINGS

Hello?

Yep, speaking.

You're joking.

No, I'm meant to be getting married next week.

What...?

Is that the best you can do?

Yeah, all right.

It'll have to be.

Yeah, thank you. Bye.

Bad news?

-The registry office have cancelled.

-What? Why?

There's been a flood or something.

The best they can give me is the 31st of October.

Halloween?

We can't wait that long.

I'm going to have to resend all the invites out and everything.

-MOBILE ALERT

-Oh!

That's my cab.

Lauren, look, I'm sorry I can't help -

but listen, it's only a few weeks away.

Try not to be too disappointed, eh?

I'll see you.

Oh, while you're here, we need to talk plans for the party.

What party?

Ricky and Janet's joint birthday party.

I did talk it through with Jack.

Ah, he hasn't said anything.

Oh. Well, it's the first without Ronnie. What's wrong?

Jack and I...

We kissed.

-Oh!

-Shh!

It happened on the camping trip.

Well, has Jack said anything?

He probably thinks badly of me.

No.

Look, I'm sure he doesn't...

..but there hasn't been anyone since Ronnie.

What you got?

Here you go, son. Get that down you.

-Been shopping?

-Er, yeah.

We got some guests coming for lunch. Whitney and Woody.

-Why?

-Because after that fight you had with him,

it's about time we started building some bridges.

-What do you think you're doing?

-Look, chucked Whitney out,

but she keeps turning up like a bad penny.

We need to front this out.

-I don't want to sit opposite her, playing nice.

-Yes, you do.

So you can see for yourself that she's not a threat to you any more.

What about the pub?

Stacey's going to do an extra shift for a bit of money.

I'll get Tina to help her.

Johnny can take Ollie over to the Square, so there's no distractions.

Look, Linda, I've got your back.

-You've done an amazing job.

-Oh, it's a pleasure.

Besides, it's the bride that makes the dress.

Now then, you be very careful. No hands.

Good.

Such an exciting time, eh, for you and Steven?

I expect you'll be looking for a new house.

Um, yeah, I don't know.

I think maybe Jane and Ian might be moving out.

Wow! Big family house like that.

Two of you want to fill it with a lot more kids!

Mind you, you're still young. You've got plenty of time.

-SHE SOBS

-Oh, my dear. Come on.

It's all right.

No, it's all right.

Marriage is a very big step.

Brings up all sorts of feelings.

-DOOR OPENS

-Oh, beg your pardon.

I've just seen the PCSO outside. I told them we'd had the window fixed.

All right.

I'll give you a moment.

-And I've just seen the cat, disappearing into Dot's.

-Oh, good.

You're not that stressed about the wedding, are you?

No.

It's Steven.

Abi, he's really ill.

-Right, I'll see you in a bit.

-What are you up to?

I'm going to give Jay someone to talk to.

-No wonder you needed to get away.

-Yeah, and I spoke to Mum a lot

about how she felt when she had cancer

and it's really helped me understand what Steven might be going through.

-She didn't try and talk you out of the wedding, did she?

-No.

No, she... She's actually behind us 100%.

I was even thinking about maybe trying for a baby with him.

Are you serious?

Why would you do that?

Well, I took away the chance of him being a dad before, didn't I?

Yeah, and you think that getting pregnant now

will just solve everything?!

If Steven knew that there was a chance that he could have a child,

after he's gone, that would mean the world to him.

So if I can give him that, then I will.

-There you go.

-Cheers.

Nice to see a man who's not afraid to get his hands dirty.

-Doing my bit, you know. Walford In Bloom.

-Rough and rugged suits you.

I'd only been in the army two weeks, then all of a sudden,

they shipped us off to Egypt.

-Thrown straight into it.

-My brother was in the army -

but he chose to be. I can't imagine what it's like to be conscripted.

Well, it wasn't all bad.

I didn't get burgled while I was out there.

What were you talking about with Denise earlier, anyway?

Was it about the Towers?

It's supposed to be confidential.

-Well, you shouldn't be gossiping, then.

-I wasn't gossiping.

I was talking to a colleague.

Yeah, well, you've got the papers sniffing about.

You've got to be careful.

What are the council planning on telling them, anyway?

I don't know. No comment, so far.

Probably right.

Don't want the bleeding heart liberals making a fuss, do you?

Ordinary people were pushed out of their homes,

so rich kids can move in. Maybe it's a good thing it comes out.

Don't say that out loud at work.

-Lose your job.

-What do you take me for?

So... Phil send you over?

No. I wanted to see you.

Look, Phil wasn't trying to hurt you.

-Yeah, I should have known you'd try and defend him.

-No, I'm not.

-I'm defending my family.

-This is Phil's doing.

He stood back, watching me cut up over Jase, thinking he was my dad.

-I mean, how sick is that?

-It's not like that.

-Phil's always done his best to look out for you.

-Yeah, right.

Phil gives with one hand and stabs you in the back with the other.

-And I'm sick of it!

-This hasn't been easy on Phil, either.

You know, this morning,

I found myself checking old hiding places for booze.

He's not drinking, but if this stress gets to him, Jay...

-Oh, so you ARE here for Phil!

-Let's just forget about Phil, shall we?

Thank you for coming round.

Sounded important.

Don't worry. Steven isn't here.

Louie's having a nap.

It's just us.

It's good to see you.

Well, it's just a work thing, really.

I'm still getting paid.

I don't know whether you could do something about it.

You could have just called HR, you know? Would have been quicker.

Or did you want to see me?

I just want to make sure it gets done.

It's not like I'm going to be coming back.

I don't understand. You like the job, you were doing well.

Is this Steven's idea?

-I know he feels threatened.

-It's not like that!

Well, convincing you to marry him is one thing -

now you're giving up your independence!

-I have to do this!

-If this isn't what you want, then tell me.

Maybe I can help.

Steven isn't well.

He's dying.

He has a brain tumour...

and there's nothing they can do.

Oh, Lauren...

I'm so sorry. I...

How long does he have?

They've given him, um... three months.

So, obviously, I have to be there for him.

Everything else can wait.

Yeah, course.

Look, if there's anything...

Even...

Even after...

Come here.

I do have some idea of what you're going through.

Feeling like you never quite belong.

Doesn't completely go away.

It's just... It's just my life could have been so different, you know?

Those thoughts of what you could have had, Jay, they will eat you up.

You know, there's people who care for you, you know,

like your grandad.

Oh, yeah, when I see him(!)

Well, if he knew you needed him, he'd be here...

and Jase - he loved you.

Yeah...

and he lied to me too, didn't he?

Well, I think he tried to be the best dad he could.

Life is too hard to go it alone.

Now, we might not be picture perfect, but we're your family.

Don't shut us out.

-Linda, will you just calm down?

-Oh, look who's here.

-Hey.

-You all right?

-You all right? Here you are.

-Oh, Woody! Thanks!

-I'll open it now.

-Yeah. Smells nice, Shirl.

Yeah, you got roast lamb, new potatoes, veg,

and for afters, you've got a fresh fruit salad.

Oh, can't wait.

Go on, then. Say it.

Yeah, well, look, before we tuck in, I just wanted to say, um...

you know, I'm not your favourite person round here,

especially that... fight a few weeks ago...

We just want to say we really appreciate this.

It was hardly a fight, you know.

I had too much to drink and... lunch was me mother's idea, so...

Yeah, well, you're just looking out for your daughter-in-law, ain't you?

-So, um, no hard feelings, mate.

-Yeah, yeah.

Aw, ain't you lucky you've got Woody looking after you now?

Right, come on then, everyone.

Sit down. Make yourselves comfortable.

Right, I've got a bunch of volunteers to set up the stage,

Fi's sorted out the food, so it's going to be great.

You all right?

I just had lunch with Max. Didn't go well.

He wasn't himself.

I was thinking, me and Martin are going to be really busy

during Walford In Bloom, so I didn't know if you wanted to have Arthur.

-Really?

-Yeah, you can show him all our hard work.

Aw! Thanks so much, Stace.

-I'd love to.

-Good.

Sound Of Music is my favourite film.

-I didn't like it before, but now I do.

-What made you change your mind?

-You.

-Me?

-Do you think you and Daddy will get married?

-Married?

Like Maria and the bossy daddy.

-THEY GIGGLE

-No, we're not getting married.

Don't you like Daddy? He's really handsome.

-Yes, I do, but not...

-Don't you like us, then?

-No, of course I do...

but I work for your daddy, and that's the way we both like it.

OK?

Carmel said you were a bit off with her earlier.

-You didn't tell her it was Bradley's birthday, did you?

-No.

No, it's not the easiest thing to bring up.

Did you know Abi and Lauren forgot?

How has it come to this?

You know, a whole life and only you, me and his mum

can spare him a thought on his birthday.

It is just a date, Max.

Don't mean they don't think about him or they don't care about him.

He deserves better. He was a great kid.

I didn't deserve him.

-Oh, don't say that.

-Well, it's true.

You know, look at Abi and Lauren. They're just like me, selfish.

Don't give a toss about anyone else.

Bradley was the best part of me.

Well, he had his flaws, Max. He weren't perfect.

He used to wind me right up, he'd plan every night out,

right down to the last detail.

He thought spontaneous was a dirty word.

Oh, don't be angry at Lauren and Abi, not for this.

It's just how I feel.

What about Carmel?

She cares about you...

and she ain't going to stick around if you push her away, is she?

Is that what you want?

So, um, how are the wedding plans going?

Yeah, good.

-Are you excited?

-Yeah.

Yeah, I am.

I just wanted to wait till the divorce gets sorted and that,

-and then we'd put a deposit down...

-LINDA CHUCKLES

She's trying to make me sort out the theme. What's all that about, eh?

-Don't ask me.

-You love a theme party.

-Me?

Don't you remember that New Year's Eve years ago,

-we did Guys And Dolls? You came as Al Capone!

-Oh, yeah.

You was a gangster's moll, weren't you?

I had that shocking blonde wig on!

I was supposed to be Roxie Hart!

-Nah, you was much hotter than Roxie Hart, babe.

-Aw!

Do you know what?

Actually, you should do stuff like that in the Vic.

-You're good at it.

-Aw! Thanks, darling!

-Look at these two, eh?

-A right double act, ain't they?

LAUGHTER

KNOCK AT DOOR

LOUDER KNOCK

Grandad!

THEY GIGGLE

Amy, Ricky.

I have to go out. But when your dad comes down, give him this, OK?

-It's very important.

-Are you coming back?

Hey, you're squeezing me!

-OK, remember to give your dad the note, yeah?

-OK.

THEY GIGGLE

Hey, buddy! Oh, I missed you so much!

I'm glad you're both home.

Hey.

I'm really sorry for disappearing on you.

Yeah, well, you're back now, ain't you?

It was just a lot to take in.

Lauren, it's OK.

You say that, but...

How are you feeling, anyway?

Your headaches, are they getting any worse? Are you feeling tired?

Well, the headaches come and go. It's nothing to worry about.

Steven, you don't have to be brave for me.

I'm going to be brave for you.

I don't want you going through any of this on your own.

Now that I'm back, there is something that we need to do.

I know that we spoke about it before I left...

I don't want to spend the time that I've got left

with everyone feeling sorry for me.

I know - but I get the chance to make your last few months special...

and Ian and Jane, they deserve that, too.

Look, I can't control the fact that I'm dying...

-but I should be able to control how.

-No.

No, this is non-negotiable.

I can't do this on my own -

and I won't lie to them.

So we're telling Ian and Jane tonight.

So, where are you going to stop off on your big round-the-world trip?

No, no. You want to stay here!

That's the reason I love having you around so much.

You're such a people person.

-You're my special, special friend.

-Aw, you're my special friend too.

Everyone needs a little Woody! SHE GIGGLES

You're a handful, Linda Carter, and I love it!

Oi, oi. Keep your hands to yourself, won't you?

No, don't you apologise.

You leave Woody alone. He's done nothing wrong!

-He ain't the one keeping secrets.

-What are you on about?

You've had too much wine.

Here, get some water down you.

-Stuff your water!

-Linda!

-I've had enough of your advice!

-And I've had enough of your lies.

-Slow down a bit, babe, yeah?

-You'll have a sore head in the morning.

-Oh, shut up, you!

I've barely kept my lunch down, sitting here opposite

Little Miss Butter Wouldn't Melt, when we all know what she is!

Well, everyone except Woody.

Well, I'm not going to let them make a fool out of you, like they did me.

The whole time I was away, him and her were carrying on behind my back!

Reckoned they were in love!

And I reckon you still are!