27/10/2017 EastEnders

If only all business meetings could be on a golf course.

Well, go, play a few holes. I can handle this.

But you haven't, have you, Sophie? So I have to.

I've done what I've always done with all of our pubs.

Public houses.

Or did that education I helped pay for amount to nothing?

Uncle Hugo, we're on track.

The Carters have no hope of raising the money.

The pub will be ours in a couple of weeks. We can wait.

Yes, I suppose we can. But where's the fun in that?

Besides, your father is rather insistent we secure it now.

He doesn't want to leave anything to chance.

Now, why don't you pop to that delightful greasy spoon

and buy me a bacon sandwich?

I've changed my mind. Red?! What was I thinking?

You look beautiful, babe.

Red rag to a bull?

I'm not taking any chances. No, I'll wear one of my others.

Can you unzip me?

I always loved you in red.

You need to calm down, you're gonna start getting me nervous.

It's all gonna be cushty, it's just a formality.

What if it's not a formality? What if they don't accept instalments?

You know, they dig their heels in and demand the full 60 grand now. What do we do then?

They're smart people, they will accept instalments.

Maybe red is best.

Max.

Visiting your brother?

I tried calling last night. I left a message.

Yeah, I know.

What, so you're ignoring my calls now?

We've got nothing to talk about.

I told ya, Fi, it's over.

I heard you were carrying on with the staff.

Let's hope we're not sued for sexual harassment.

Just eat your sandwich.

I like to be fully armed.

So, what makes you think the Carters won't be able to raise the money?

They've had a disastrous year.

They've had to pay for the mother's medical bills,

the son's debts, repairs to the place...

The other son got shot.

-Gangland related?

-Trigger-happy pensioner.

Honestly, I don't think they've got any more fight left in them.

So we're here to humour them.

Splendid.

You should have got yourself one of these.

One of the guilty pleasures.

Let's go...

..and have some sport.

-Maybe you should have put a tie on.

-Oh, leave off.

-What you lot doing here?

-Bit of moral support.

Yeah, thought we'd sit here and send positive vibes through the ceiling.

You might be sending positive vibes through the ceiling,

but I'll be on the landing listening through the keyhole.

Actually, Mother, we thought you should sit in on the meeting - you do own 10% of the gaff.

It's only fair. But just leave the talking to Mick, yeah?

Do you want me to distract them with my Sharon Stone thing?

Cos it's your lucky day - I'm not wearing any drawers.

-Argh...

-KNOCK AT DOOR

Whit, get the door. Mother, keep your mouth and your legs closed.

-How do I look?

-Like a winner.

-Hello.

-Hi.

An authentic East End boozer.

Am I right?

You're not wrong. Mick Carter.

Mick, call me Hugo.

And which one of these beautiful ladies is Linda?

-I am.

-Pleasure.

And this is my mother.

Delightful.

So, shall we go upstairs?

Yeah. Mum, do you wanna lead the way or...?

This way.

Don't be nervous, we're on your side.

No nerves here, girl, no nerves here.

Half term don't mean you can sleep all day!

All those years he woke me up at seven in the morning,

now a rhino could charge through his room and he wouldn't stir.

Haven't seen that photo for a while.

Yeah, just wondering who took it.

-Probably Mum.

-Not like you to get the album out.

Nah, just... I found it when I was looking for the passport.

And you're right, it needs renewing.

Yeah, well, make sure you do it. I don't want you remembering as we're

about to board a plane somewhere.

Yeah, we had great times at the Arches.

Great scams, you mean.

I'll pop over there later, check up on Ben.

You regretting something?

So, Hugo, just to recap on what I was saying,

we're gonna do a lot more promotions.

You know, we're really gonna pack the old punters,

the old customers...in.

Especially over Christmas.

-The festive period.

-The festive period, yeah.

And we're just gonna carry on,

learning from, y'know...

..the loveable Fi.

Babe, you wanna...?

If you wanna have a little pipe...have a

little look at projections that my boy printed off,

you'll see that we anticipate that we will have

an increase in profits of about 5% to 8%.

You know, which means that we'll be to pay you about five bags...

..grand...thousand a month, which works out at 60,000 over the year.

We do anticipate a bit of interest as well.

So, you give us 18 months, it'll all be paid up.

You see, they've included interest as well.

A very thorough presentation, Mick.

But I'm afraid the figures just don't add up.

What?

-No, course they do.

-We've been over and over them.

Yeah, no, we can bring it in.

I'm sure you can, but that's really not the issue.

-Well, what is the issue?

-Shirley...

Mick's pulling all the stops out here.

You want 60 grand, you're getting 60 grand with a bit on top.

What don't add up here?

-Mother, Mother, don't...

-It's all right.

No, it's all right. I admire your forthright passion, Mrs Carter.

Miss!

Well, it's a shame no matter how many presentations and how

many special events you have, this beautiful public house is never

going to make the kind of profit it would if it were redeveloped.

Redeveloped?

Real estate is at a premium.

Hold up a minute. You just want us out, don't ya?

Well, it's not a question of wanting you out.

But as I understand it, you put yourselves in this predicament.

But, yes, if you can't raise the money in the next five weeks,

I'm afraid you will be legally required to vacate the premises...

..with no financial compensation.

He's got all these big plans, y'know, how he's spending the money.

New flat, new car.

Very nice.

Lance, go on your break.

And then go to Reynolds and pick up that part.

All right. See ya later.

I was only looking.

You know, you're even more sexy when you're jealous.

-I'm not jealous.

-Course not.

Did Jay say who he was selling the car lot to?

Some developer.

So, come on, then, what are you going to do about this place?

How do you mean?

Jay's splashing the cash and you're...

Well, I was going to say jealous,

but we've established that's one thing you never get.

There's lots you could do -

cater for the corporate market, do some fleet work.

You gotta think big, that way you'll be making more profits

and Jay won't be the only one waving his cash in people's faces.

Yeah, well, corporate jobs take ages to sort out

-and I ain't got the contacts.

-It's a good job I do, then.

You'd do that for me?

Nah.

I'd do that for me.

More profits mean you can get a manager in

and you'll have more spare time to keep my eye from roving.

I'm kidding!

I only have eyes for you.

I've built up a relationship with these people.

My hands are tied, I'm answerable to the board.

Well, you've got to fight for them! They risk losing everything.

How can you do this to us?

Mr Carter, as I said, it's out of my hands.

You have five weeks to find the money.

And if we don't, they're going to turf us out and pull down the Vic!

-No, nobody said that.

-What?

You can't be serious.

-You've got to do something.

-Remember who pays your salary.

I've warned you before about getting too involved. Mr Carter...

..five weeks.

I'm sorry, I had no idea.

-It's not your fault.

-She knew, of course she knew!

I didn't!

I'm not gonna let this happen.

Over to you, good cop.

Bet it's been nice having us out of your hair.

No, I've missed having Louie here.

Just not me?

Don't be silly.

It must be weird being back there without Steven?

You must be missing him.

No.

Nope, not at all.

I mean, it's not great being back there.

Once Louie's asleep, it's just me, Kathy and Ian

and sometimes it does feel like I'm trapped in a wax museum.

So, why d'ya move back there, then?

Cos Ian doesn't charge me any rent

and me and Louie get the run of the first floor.

It just amazes me how you always land on your feet.

PHONE RINGS

Hello?

Oh, hello, Lorraine.

What, where I live? Can't it wait?

OK, I'll see you soon, then. OK. Bye.

My boss is coming to see me.

-Yeah?

-Yeah...

..I wonder what she wants.

Maybe she wants me to go full time.

Or maybe she's going to give me Lewis's job.

He's the practice manager and he's moving to Manchester.

I can't believe it!

They planned this all along!

I've never trusted that stuck-up cow!

-You heard her having a go at him, didn't ya?

-She was play-acting.

-I can't believe they can do this.

-It's awful.

-We need to raise that money.

-Oh, yeah, cos it's that easy.

No compensation.

All the money we've poured into this place,

all them years of working at Mum's, saving for our own pub,

and we're gonna be left with nothing -

no money, no home, no jobs.

Well, Mum's right - we've gotta raise the money.

We can't! You know we can't!

Look, we only sold them the freehold in the first place

cos we had no way of raising money.

This is all my fault.

-It's no-one's fault...

-It is my fault.

Listen, I'm gonna sort this out.

We are not gonna lose the Vic, I am telling you that now.

What's the point?

They don't want us here.

Even if we did find the money,

they'd find another way to get rid of us.

We've been played and we've lost.

I need to get Ollie his lunch.

I still say that Fi knew all along.

-Oh, shut up, will ya...

-No, you shut up!

-No, you shut up!

I know you won't want me fussing,

but I just needed to check on how you're coping.

So, can I get you anything? Do anything?

I'd offer to cook for you, but you're a far better cook than me.

Oh, Ian, I still can't believe it.

I mean, this isn't like Jane.

Still, can you ever really know anyone?

I'm fine.

You don't have to pretend with me, Ian.

All right, I'm not fine, OK, but I'm getting on with it.

Do you know where she is?

What's she playing at?

After everything that happened with Steven...

Sharon, do you mind if we don't talk about it?

Yeah, course. Sorry.

I've been picking out some furniture for the restaurant.

Oh, well, that's good. Keeping busy.

I've had Phil getting nostalgic all morning over the Arches.

You know, I knew he'd regret giving it to Ben, but, once again,

I wasn't consulted.

Right, I know what I can do - I'm gonna put that kettle on

and then you can talk me through the plans for your restaurant, OK?

It's just greed, that's what it is. They don't care about no-one.

Do you remember that place that used to be called The Pineapple?

It was a beautiful little pub.

They flattened that years back and now there's all swanky flats there

and they've got these windows from the floor right to the ceiling.

I mean, you've got to be an exhibitionist to live in a place like that.

-Get out!

-I've come to see Mick.

You wanna keep that hair on your head? Get out!

Mum. Mum, leave it.

You have to believe me, I had no idea.

I know. It's all cushty. Don't worry, I'm gonna sort it out.

We're just planning our next step.

Yeah, of course, and if anyone can do it, it's you, Mick.

And, of course, that's what I want, too.

I mean, I've grown to love this place.

Hark at it! Shall I go and get my violin?

Mum, why don't you go upstairs? Go and help Linda.

She's upset.

We all are.

I'm sure.

I know how much you all love the Vic

and I know how hard you've all worked,

and I'm furious with them for the way they've treated you.

And that's why I've come up with a way to get out of this mess.

I went back to the office and I've badgered them

and I've pleaded with them,

and I've got them to agree to this.

What is it?

If you agree to sell the lease to Grafton today,

they'll give the amount stated in the third paragraph.

You're having a bubble, ain't ya?

Well, it's a lot more than you'll get if you don't raise

the 60,000 and you leave with nothing. It's a good deal, Mick.

It doesn't save the Vic though, does it? You're just paying us off.

But at least it's something.

Look, I'm sorry, the offer only stands today.

She's right.

It's the best deal we're gonna get.

So we just walk away without trying, yeah?

Do you honestly think you're going to raise the money in less than two months?

Look, it's only bricks and mortar.

You'll still have each other.

Do what's best for your family.

I'll come back in a little while, see what you've decided.

OK.

Yep.

All right, got it.

Yeah, yeah, that's really great.

Yeah, I'll give them a call. I gotta go. OK, bye.

-Where's the lad?

-He's picking up parts.

-Is that a customer?

-Kinda...

Limo company. Someone I know's had a word with the owner,

thinks I should be able to get a fleet contract with them.

I never saw the point in fleet work, really.

I mean, there's plenty of money in it,

but it don't give you time for your bread and butter jobs, does it?

And that's a bad thing? Besides, I want to expand.

What are you thinking of doing? Buying the Community Centre?

I'm thinking...garages all over the East End.

The Arches has always done good business.

Yeah. No harm in thinking big, is there?

You know Jay's selling the car lot?

He told me he weren't.

Yeah, well, he is.

Stands to make quarter of a million, or whatever...

..for nothing.

Do you know how many MOTs I'd have to do to make that kind of money?

It weren't about money.

You know why I gave you this place, this is where I've been happy.

And I want you to be as happy.

This place really means something to me, Ben.

You still think I'm selling you short?

It's enough for a deposit on a place.

Not a pub, but we could get a flat somewhere.

I know it's not what we want...

..but it's better than nothing.

Yeah.

I wanna believe that we can raise the dough and get them off our backs, I just...

It's like Fi said, it's only bricks and mortar.

But it's our bricks and mortar.

Not any more, Mick.

What do you think we should do?

You think we should sign and take the money?

I don't know.

Look what happened last time I made a decision about the Vic.

This one's on you.

But whatever you decide, I'll back you.

You know that.

I wanna protect you.

I wanna protect all of you.

Can I get you anything? Tea? Coffee?

I can't stay long.

Oh, it must be important, you coming all the way here.

Yes, it is, very important.

I didn't want to speak to you in front of the others.

I appreciate that. People can be really jealous.

I'm afraid there's no easy way of saying this, Abi.

Your position at the practice is untenable.

Untenable?

We've had an internal investigation regarding stock discrepancies and...

Abi, we know you've been stealing animal medication.

-No, I haven't.

-We have CCTV of you stealing drugs.

Now, I've managed to persuade the partners not to call in the police,

but only on the condition that we terminate your employment with immediate affect.

But you can't, I absolutely love my job.

You should have thought about that before you stole from us.

People like you disgust me -

passing off animal medication as party drugs, selling them

-to people who don't have a clue what they're buying...

-I didn't!

Goodbye, Abi.

But I want to be a vet! Who's going to employ me now?!

It meant everything to me.

It meant I'd achieved something.

That I'd built something up, that I was someone.

It's a joke.

Heard about Jane.

I'm sorry.

Nah, its my fault...

..again.

It's not as if I put her first, is it?

You know what my old man used to say?

There's times in your life when...

..you're standing at a crossroads, but it doesn't actually matter

which route you take because you end up in the same place in the end.

But, do you know what, I don't actually think he's right.

I think it does matter which route you take.

So, what route are you gonna take?

I don't think I'm at a crossroads.

I think this is a consequence of me taking the wrong turn.

I think I should have left Walford with Jane when I had the chance.

Y'know, fresh start, new beginning.

No, I was too scared to move on because...

..I thought I was someone round here.

Donna says that I don't need anyone.

But I do.

I need you.

I really don't think that I can do this on my own.

I've hardly got any money coming in now and...

When I was younger...

..and my mum and dad used to shout, I'd get under the covers

and tell myself how great my life was gonna be once I was a vet.

Making animals better, saving lives, but that's gone now.

Just like you're gone.

No, no.

I've got to snap out of this this.

I've got to fight.

I've got to fight for you.

Everything that I do now has got to be for you.

But you are gonna be the most loved baby in the whole world.

Ben.

I don't suppose your old man's got 60 grand going spare, has he?

You what?

Did you phone Jonathan?

Yeah. Yeah, he's coming to look at the place tomorrow.

I don't suppose you could help me put some kind of

business plan together? I don't really know where to start.

Of course.

Come round to mine after work, I'll have an Indian takeaway and my business expertise waiting.

You can show me how much you appreciate it later.

What did you bring him back for?

Is your son available?

He's walking Lady Di.

-Lady Di?

-The dog.

-The dog.

-It's how he does his thinking.

-Yes.

Are you agreeing to sell us the leasehold?

He shouldn't be long. Do you want to wait upstairs?

DOOR OPENS

Here he is, the man of the hour.

I see you've brought reinforcements?

Well, he wanted to know your response.

I bet he did.

So, Mick, have you made your decision?

It's a very generous offer under the circumstances.

L, go and get me a pen.

It was meant to be steak and kidney,

but they had no kidneys so it's just steak.

Mind, the plate's hot.

Aren't you hungry?

I've been thinking. Something or someone's got into Ben's head.

-How do you mean?

-Well, all this talk about expanding

and taking on fleet work, that's not Ben.

-I think it might be that geezer he's knocking around with.

-Luke?

It's gotta be him, putting ideas into his head.

Well, would it be such a bad thing if he did think big?

Suits, flash car, the penthouse flat. What's he want with Ben?

And don't tell me that opposites attract cos...

I've just got this feeling that he's after something...

..and that he's using Ben.

And no-one uses my son.

You all right?

What's with all the tension?

-Dad's selling the leasehold.

-Is he?

Just a fizzy water, please.

I can't believe this is happening.

Well, I think you're doing the right thing.

Sad, I know, but none of us can halt the march of progress.

There you go, squire.

Splendid.

Well, I'll just get this back to the office and...

You've signed this "Lady Di".

That's cos you're a dog.

You really think we was gonna sign everything away for a few grand?

You clearly are off your posh little nut, ain't ya?

You see, this is our boozer and it's gonna stay that way.

You'll get your 60 grand even if I have to rob a bank!

It's people like you who are ruining this country!

-Deluded, blind to...

-Shut your noise, will ya?

Fi, I know you've stuck yer neck out for us,

you've gotta understand...

I gotta do what's best for the family.

Best for the family?!

From what I've heard, that's something you're utterly useless at.

One son with debts, the other getting himself shot!

Look at the mess you've got made of things.

Amateur.

Little wonder your marriage has been on the rocks...

-Do what?!

-Where'd he get all that from then? From you?

-Of course not...

-Liar! It's written all over your face.

I know your game - pretending to be on our side, being our mate,

when this was your plan all along, wasn't it - getting us to sign everything away!

No, I was just trying to get you something.

You're going to end up with nothing.

There's no way you're gonna be able to raise the money

and Grafton Hill will end up with the Vic.

That's all of the Queen Vic you'll ever get.

Now get out, the pair of you!

Go on!

Before I stick my East London trotter right up your aris!

I'll be back,

and the next time I see you I'll take great pleasure in evicting you.