Episode 3 The Syndicate

-We've won the bloody lottery.

-I'll find yer and I'll kill yer!

-Did you see the state of her face?

-Janice Weaver.

I believe you have a Rose Marie Wilson working here?

There's some official-looking woman asking to see you.

We need to speak to her regarding an investigation

by the Department of Work and Pensions.

Rose Marie Wilson, you have been found guilty of fraud,

you have knowingly and deliberately been duplicitous

and have defrauded Her Majesty's Government

over an extended period of time.

I have no alternative

but to inflict a custodial sentence of seven years in prison.

No!

-I hope that...

-No!

-..during the time you spend incarcerated...

Please! What about my children? They need me.

You'll be all right, Rose!

..reflect upon the serious nature of the crime you have committed.

No! I just forgot! It went straight into my bank account!

You'll be all right, love!

I have no alternative but to inflict a custodial sentence.

-ECHOING:

-Sentence... Sentence... Sentence...

No! No!

-ECHOING:

-Sentence... Sentence...

No! What about my children? They need me!

We'll look after them, Rose.

You'll be all right.

Rose, can you hear me?

'I didn't mean to do it!'

Rose? Rose?

Rose, can you hear me?

Rose, wake up! Wake up!

-Oh, thank goodness.

-It's all over.

-I had a bad dream.

-Sometimes that happens

just as you're coming out of the anaesthetic.

Well, I'm sure Doctor Morton will tell you the good news,

but, as one nurse to another,

you didn't need the knee replacements after all.

He's given them a good wash-out,

removed all the floating bits of cartilage,

trimmed some of the excess bone

and you should be up and about in a couple of days.

-Really?

-Well, you might need a crutch for the first day or so,

but, after that, you should find a big difference.

Would you like a sandwich and a cup of tea?

I'd just like to be able to dance again.

MUSIC PLAYS

She's fantastic!

I think so, but then, I would, I'm her mum.

No, she is, you should be dead proud.

She reminds me of meself at her age, dance mad.

Only mine was jive, swing and Lindy hop.

-And she put all this together herself?

-All of it.

They give her time off her hairdressing, do they?

No, she takes it as holiday.

-Bless her. And she don't get paid for it?

-Paid for it?

You must be joking.

She has to buy all her dance stuff herself

and if she gets an audition, I have to pack her up with sandwiches

and help out towards her coach ticket cos it's always in London.

Poor lass never has a penny piece.

She's really good, Rose.

She should be, she's been doing it since she were six.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Better than any tonic, that.

-That were amazing.

-Well done, love.

You were all brilliant, I tell you.

We went a bit wrong, but...

Didn't notice. Everybody loved it.

Can you come every day?

Don't say that, she will.

I would, I love dancing, but me mum says I've got to do hairdressing.

No, Bethany, all I said was dancers don't earn anything.

If you want to spend a lifetime being poor, it's up to you.

Thanks, Mum.

You can always do it as a hobby.

Bethany, I wish I could dance like you.

Go get yerself a drink, love, in t'staff room.

I'll let Children's know you'll be down in 15 minutes.

I better get t'drug round sorted.

Mum, Sean said will you call him!

Oh! What now?

-Enough, Sean! That is it! Done!

-What's the matter?

What do you mean, "What's the matter?"?

I am fed up of you, Sean!

That is it, done, dusted and bloody well over.

-Calm down.

-It's over and bloody done.

-I don't know what I've done!

Nothing, you do nothing, Sean!

I have to do everything while you sit on your arse

playing with your bloody PlayStation all day!

All right, my little darling.

You're like a kid, Sean,

what did you do, ring your mammy to tell her I was cross with yer?

What the hell's going on?

Do you want the whole street to hear your business?

I don't care who hears!

I took him to t'park cos she were going mental

-and now she won't let me back in!

-Cos I've had enough, Sean, that's why!

I've been telling yer for weeks.

I'm out cleaning from eight o'clock in the morning,

I come home, you haven't tidied up or washed a pot!

-Sean, what have I told you?

-It's cos he's been grizzling all afternoon!

He's always bloody grizzling!

-You've got to help, love.

-I do!

-You hadn't even changed his nappy!

-I have!

He was wet through

and you let our Shelly go to school with no breakfast.

Her teacher rang me to tell me she was hungry.

How do you think that made me feel?

Oh, Sean, that's awful, what's the matter with you?!

It's cos there was no food in the house! And don't you start.

-Well, go to t'shop!

-I didn't have any money!

It's a good job I called in at the supermarket

and got you some shopping.

You're just a piece of useless shite, Sean. You don't even try to get a job.

I do, I do! I'm always down at the Jobcentre!

-I don't tell yer every time I go!

-I'm better off without you!

Come on, the pair of you, it's no use argy-bargying in the street.

Let's go back inside and try and sort this out.

I don't want him in this house.

I don't love him, I don't even like him. He makes me sick.

This is his home, Kelly.

No, it's not! It's mine and my daughter's home.

We lived here two years before I even met him.

-He's not even on t'rent book.

-That's not very nice.

-Tough.

Find somewhere else to live, some other mug that'll put up with yer.

-Why don't yer go back to your mum's?

-I will.

Hang on a minute, he can't do that, we haven't got the bedrooms.

But if I do go, I'm taking our Ashley with us!

Yeah, great, you're his father, go on, take him, I need a break.

Oh, for heaven's sake!

This is what she's like. Once a month she just goes off her head.

Well, I don't know where you're going to sleep.

Cos Bethany's in your old room.

I'm going to kill myself.

Don't be so stupid.

No, you're not.

Here, come on.

You're all right.

KNOCKING ON DOOR

Who's that?

-Hiya.

-Hiya.

-Come in.

What time did you get finished?

About an hour ago. Kids on Children's loved it.

You should've seen their little faces. Do you want to go through?

Mum, they're here!

-Hiya.

-Hi!

-Hi.

-Go on.

-She won't be long, she's just sorting t'bedrooms out.

-Is that Ashley?

-Yes.

He were a baby last time I saw him.

Sorry about the mess, it's all our Sean's stuff.

They're waiting for you, Mum!

Yeah.

Coming!

Sean's eaten all the Choco Pops, I don't know what we're having for breakfast tomorrow.

-I only had one bowl!

-Scrambled eggs.

-Hiya!

-Hiya.

-What's that smell?

-It don't know, but it stinks.

MOVA gel, me knees have been terrible.

Right.

I've put him on the blow-up in our Milly's room.

-Sorry, I've had to move your desk.

-Where am I going to do me homework?

-You'll have to go in Bethany's top bunk tonight till we sort something out.

-It's always me!

-I'll be glad when I go to uni.

-If you go.

-I am going.

-If you get the grades.

-I will, don't you worry.

Right.

-Ta-ra, love. See you later.

-Ta-ra.

I mean, there's no way on God's earth

I can afford for her to go to university.

I thought they all got loans these days.

Yeah, but how the hell is she ever going to pay it back?

She's going to start her working life in debt.

I think they all do.

It's £9,000 a year for fees alone

and it's Durham. I mean, how the hell's she ever going to live?

Maybe she could get herself a little job up there.

Our Bethany's all right

cos she only goes to hairdressing college one day a week

and she can work the rest.

I mean, they pay her now cos she's only a trainee,

but at least she can live at home

and I can slip her a few quid when I can.

-There you go. There's your tickets.

-All right, love? Hiya.

I'm just going to slip to the loo, I'll see you in there.

Our Robbie and his girlfriend are always on the tap for money as well.

He keeps getting laid off cos building's not what it was

and he's bought this car from a garage

and some months he can't make the repayments.

I'll get these, love. Three books, please, Frank.

Right, then, that'll be nine pounds, please, sweetheart.

Thank you.

Here you go. Good luck.

Fingers crossed.

Can't he sell it?

No, he says he can't. He says he can't afford to.

He says he won't get what he paid for it.

And if he sells it, he'll have to go on the bus to work.

-Couldn't he just take it back to t'garage?

-He says he can't.

Have you noticed Helen always goes to t'toilet

-just before we get us bingo books?

-Yeah.

This is the fourth time she's been with us and she hasn't paid once.

-Tight as a duck's

-arse! Rose.

It's true! And she earns more than me and she hasn't got kids.

We'll make sure she pays next time.

Yeah, well, she better do or I shall be telling her straight.

Do you think your Sean and Kelly'll patch it up?

I hope so, cos I don't know how I'm going to manage.

I'm working bank holidays and weekends as it is

to try to make ends meet. I think I'll run away.

I'll come with you.

THEY CHUCKLE

Our Michaela were only supposed to be staying with us a couple of weeks

till she got herself another flat, but she's taken root.

Oh, thanks, Mand, you got us a bingo book?

Yeah, and Rose got you a drink.

Your turn next week.

So you're going to have a houseful for a bit then?

Looks like it,

I'm thinking of buying a bloody big tent for them all to sleep in.

-I'm serious.

-Well, at least when you go home,

your family are pleased to see you. I've got no-one, just an empty house.

I don't know if Steve's pleased to see me.

I sometimes think he takes one look at me face and it turns his brain.

-Give over.

-It's true.

Well, I love me kids,

but sometimes I just need a bit of peace and quiet and me own space.

Tell you the truth, sometimes I can't wait to go to work.

I don't think I'd have the patience for kids.

Micky wanted them, but by the time I'd come round to the idea...

You're well shut of him.

Oh! Look at them two go.

What is she wearing?

Oh! It's lovely.

I used to wear dresses like that when I went dancing.

I'd give me right arm to be giving it large on that floor like that.

Well, when you get yer knees fixed, love.

IF it ever happens.

Did you fall or something?

No. I was just running for a bus and me left knee went,

I had to have it strapped up.

Then, the following year, the other one started.

Wear and tear, Dr Samuels says.

More like Jeff flinging me round on the dance floor.

So he were a good dancer and all?

He were a natural.

I met him at the Majestic.

I used to go with me mate Eileen and every week he used to come over

and ask me to dance. He were brilliant, better than me

and I could've been a professional.

A professional dancer?

Really?

Yeah, I'd been dancing since I was a kid,

and when I was 15, they wanted me to go to the dance academy at Blackpool,

but...me mum and dad couldn't afford it,

so I got a job in Drummond Mills instead.

-That's awful.

-I didn't know that.

Well, I don't tell a lot of people.

So your Bethany must take after you, then.

Yeah, I suppose she does.

THEY CHUCKLE

Here, this is us.

In Blackpool, before he took poorly.

-We came third in our heat.

-He's a good-looking bloke.

Well, not really, but he scrubbed up well

and he was always nicely turned out.

He had a job at Burton's, so he had a couple of decent suits and...

Well, he had just something about him. He was...

warm and funny.

He made me so happy.

He was the love of my life.

Sorry, can we change the subject?

Oh, are you all right?

SHE SOBS

I always think I'm over it.

I mean, it's been over ten years now,

but sometimes, it just catches me unawares.

I mean, it's been a tough day with our Sean and...

Yeah, sure.

Are you OK?

Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you.

You've been absolutely brilliant.

We're going to hand you over to the top of the bill now, which is bingo.

I just really miss him holding me.

That's all.

Right, then, you lucky ladies and gents! Time to find out...

I've got a tissue. Here, have a drink.

..who's taking home £500 tonight.

Get yer books out, get yer dabbers ready,

cos it's b-b-b-bingo time!

Right, are we off for a curry?

I can't, Steve's baby-sitting

and he'll have a face on him if I'm back late.

I've had me tea, I'm skint and I've got me ironing to do.

Bloody hell, who needs winter when you two are around?

Night!

-See yer tomorrow. See you.

-Night!

Hiya! Sorry I'm late,

-I couldn't get away.

-Did you win?

Oh, not a fart.

Still, it got me out of the madhouse.

Come on through, I got you a bottle of wine.

I said not to, didn't I?

It was only a couple of quid.

I don't like having a drink when you can't.

I'm happy with a little smoke.

It's all right, I told you I'm not bothered, honest.

It's nearly seven years now.

MUSIC PLAYS

I know you like a glass of wine, so I got you red, is that all right?

Lovely.

You don't have to drink it all now.

I can save some for next week.

-Come on, sit on t'settee and put your feet up.

-Oh, ta!

There we go.

There we are, madam.

SHE CHUCKLES

Oh! Me knees are shocking.

I've been on me feet all day,

and then I went shopping straight after work for our Sean,

then carried it all the way to his house.

Now, do you want your spliff with your wine or...?

I'll have anything.

SHE CHUCKLES

Anyway, I needn't have bothered, cos she's chucked him out again.

Sean and the baby are back at mine.

Bloody hell.

I'll have a word with Pete,

see if he's taking on any more porters.

Oh! Thanks, love.

Hey. Is this stuff all right?

It's not going to rot me brain, is it?

No, I grow it meself.

I don't use any chemicals, it's all organic, it's good for you.

SHE SIGHS

Oh! I tell you what it is good for - my bloody knees.

Hey, have you got loads?

No! Just a loft full.

THEY LAUGH

-Really?

-Yeah, about ten plants.

I'd show you, but I don't think you'd make it up the ladder.

I even have trouble getting up the stairs these days.

What do you do with it all?

Smoke a bit, sell a bit, give a bit away.

Is that how come you've always got money?

I don't make much, but I do have a few regulars.

How else am I supposed to manage on a porter's pay?

I tell you what,

I'm really getting to look forward to me Friday nights after bingo.

Me an' all.

I could right get used to this.

I thought you'd been smoking this for years.

No, I mean this, us,

sitting here having a spliff and you with your wine...

I like it.

You should be down some club with your mates,

picking up some hot chick.

Oh, yeah, drinking orange juice. No, thank you.

Anyway, I always end up with the wrong type,

end up marrying them, rowing with them, then getting divorced.

I've done that twice, can't afford the alimony.

At least you've got your kids.

I never get to see them.

Their mum did a good job of bad-mouthing me.

Oh, that's awful. No, she shouldn't do that, that's not fair.

I should never have married her.

And she hated Estelle, that's me second wife, you know.

Bloody gorgeous, she was, but barking mad.

I should never have married her either.

No, we'd only been going out with each other five months

when we decided to apply to run a pub in Shipley.

But we had to be man and wife, you know, to be licensees.

Five months?

Yeah, I hardly even knew her.

We got married by special licence.

She hated the kids coming round to the flat,

so there were always big fights and then we'd get drunk and make up.

Then we stopped making up so we'd just row and get drunk.

We drank all the profits away and the pub went downhill.

It's still boarded up now.

No, this suits me down to the ground.

I look forward to you coming round.

Really?

Yeah, really.

That's nice.

Cos I thought you were just doing it for me.

-No.

-Cos we work together...

-No.

-..and you knew me knees were bad.

No.

THEY CHUCKLE

That makes me feel better.

Good.

Cos, you know, when you first invited me round for a doobie,

it was just for me knees, weren't it?

Right.

Cos...

..I'm a lot older than you.

Not that much.

14 years.

Oh, you worked it out.

THEY CHUCKLE

Hey, I think this stuff does rot yer brain.

Why? Cos I think you're a lovely woman and I'm comfortable with you.

What's wrong with that?

Nothing. It just feels a bit weird, that's all.

Do you like me?

Course I like you.

I've just never thought of you like that.

I've never thought of you like that before.

I think you're just lonely, love.

I don't know, maybe.

I do think you're attractive though.

Cos you're stoned.

I don't think so.

Dance with me.

What?

Come on.

Come on, help me up.

We've won the lottery!

What?

HE SNORES

PHONE RINGS

Hello?

Rose. It's me, Mandy.

I'm sorry to ring you at this time,

but Helen thought you should know we might've won the lottery.

I'm sorry, Mandy, I can't understand what you're saying.

Can you say it again?

We might have won the lottery.

What?! Slow down, slow down.

I don't understand what Helen's got to do with it.

Who is it?

Mandy.

-Are you still there?

-Yes, I'm still here.

PHONE RINGS

Hello?

Alan, it's Helen.

What? So...so Becky bought it, but she can't find it.

I'm pretty certain we've won the Euro Lottery.

She hasn't lost it, she just doesn't know where it is.

'We don't know how much yet, but we've definitely won something.'

She can't have lost it, it's Friday, she must've only just bought it!

Who's that?

Oh, er... It's Sean. I'm downstairs.

-Does Rose know?

-Yeah, Mandy told her.

Baby's been awake all night.

Well, look, thanks for ringing and let me know if you find it.

-Right. OK then, keep me posted.

-OK, will do, bye.

SHE YELLS

We've only gone and won the bleeding lottery!

We've won the Euro Lottery.

THEY CHEER

Oh, me knees!

Alan, this way!

Tom, so if you're starting a family, are you going to buy a bigger house?

No, I like it where I live.

Are you really going to buy yerself a little house somewhere?

I don't know, I don't think I should have said that.

Why not? I'd like to buy meself one.

I can't imagine what it must be like owning me own house.

It'd have to be a bloody big one for all my lot.

Just a motorbike, but it freezes me bollocks off in winter.

Tom, you're on the telly!

Sorry, I shouldn't have said that.

Tom, we are live.

So what are you going to get?

I don't know, a Maserati or a Bentley.

Very nice, I think a Baby Bentley would suit you.

Rose, what are you going to buy with all your money?

Well, I might buy a house as well,

but first off, I'm going to get me knees done,

cos I've been on the waiting list for ages.

'And I might take all me family on a cruise,

'cos I've always fancied doing that.

'Anything else?

'Well, I'd make sure all me family were all right

'and then give some money

'towards keeping the Children's Heart Unit open at the LGI.

'Cos when my grandson was born, he had a hole in his heart

'and they were absolutely brilliant.

'Ah, that's lovely.'

Ah! I wondered if you fancied popping round tonight.

It's not Friday.

It doesn't have to be Friday, does it?

-I suppose not.

-It doesn't matter,

I just thought you might fancy celebrating money coming through.

I better not, I'm going in for me knees doing on Wednesday

and I've got to get cover and get meself sorted, you know...

Thanks, anyway, though.

No problem.

Oh, by the way, they might be looking for a porter.

So I'll put in a good word for your Sean, if you like.

Oh, thanks, love.

SHE SIGHS

Alan!

I will come round...

Oh, sorry, I thought it was...

Are you all right, love?

Yeah, I just needed to get a migraine tablet out of me bag.

Helen's doing my head in.

She's turned into Attila The Hun since we won the lottery.

She won't let me have time off for me knees

and I know it's cos I said she couldn't have any of the win.

I need to find some cover for a couple of days an' all.

Well, I'm taking it off. What's she going to do, sack me?

I'm thinking of leaving anyway.

Really? It won't be the same without you.

I can't work with Little Hitler rampaging about.

I'd rather be home with me family and help out with our Ashley.

There's some official-looking woman asking to see you. Janice Weaver.

She says she's from the Department of Pensions or something.

What?!

Tell her I'm not here.

Tell her I don't work here.

I think she knows that you do.

Well, stall her, will yer?

I'll do me best.

Who is it?

I don't know, but I've got to go home anyway,

I've left me card and me PIN number with our Sean,

I'll have nothing left in me account.

Look, do me a favour, will you, see if the coast's clear.

I can't see anybody.

Thanks, love, I'll ring you.

Let me know how you go on with your knees!

I told you she's not here, she was on earlies this week,

her shift's finished.

So how long has she worked at St Anthony's?

I'm not sure, you'd have to ask Matron.

Hello, Alan, I need your help, love.

So, on an average week, how many hours would Rose Wilson work?

-It depends.

-On what?

-Why do you need to know?

I'm afraid I can't say.

I'm afraid we can't tell you,

it's gone mental since e-rostering came in

and sometimes she has time off because she's got five kids.

They're hardly kids.

Excuse me! Rose Wilson?!

-Where are you going?

-Home.

-Have you cleaned the commodes?

I've won the lottery, you clean the bloody commodes!

LIFT: 'This lift is going down. Doors closing.'

SHE MOANS

SHE SCREAMS

SHE MOANS

Rose! What are you doing on the floor?

Me knee just gave way.

SHE SOBS

Right, come on, William, up you jump.

Lovely. Ta.

Come on, Rose, there you go.

Go on. You can walk outside for your ciggie.

Exercise'll do you good.

Oh, thanks, love.

I can't see anyone.

Hip replacement, right, he's got yer address.

-Who is she anyway?

-It's best you don't know.

I'm sure I've seen you before somewhere.

Well, I work at St Anthony's

or you might've seen me in the paper, I'm a lottery winner.

You were in the hospital syndicate?

Yeah. 14 million each.

And you still got your hip done on t'NHS?

Yeah, well, why not? I mean, I've paid in all me life.

Too right, love, too right.

Hey, it's me. I'm...just checking.

It's 51 Old Royd Road.

OK.

Great. And the letter went out yesterday.

Thanks.

Do you want me to see you in?

No, love, I can manage.

Are you sure? Have you got someone at home to look after you?

Yeah, I've got a houseful.

Thanks very much.

Thanks, love, you can take the wheelchair back with yer.

LOUD MUSIC PLAYS

Will you turn that bloody thing off?!

Sean! Bethany! Off!

-Sorry.

-It's brilliant, this.

Hi, Mum.

How big is that bloody telly?

It's a 60-inch, 3D, HD, LED TV!

It's all double Dutch to me. How much was it?

£3,999.99.

For a telly!

Right, I'm having me card back if you don't mind.

Milly, love, get us me peas, would you?

Money'll be gone in two minutes at this rate.

Mum, we've got millions in t'bank and we needed a new telly.

But it's half the size of the bloody house, Sean.

-I told you she wouldn't like it.

-I don't.

Alan said they might be looking for a porter at St Anthony's.

Why do I need to get a job when you've just won the lottery?

Cos you can't just stop at home.

You're 25, you've got to do something with your life!

You know I don't like hospitals

since our Ashley had to have that operation.

Thanks, love. This might be the last time you'll have to strap 'em up.

What time do you have to be at the hospital?

Half eight, so I'm going to pack me bag tonight.

Did Mrs Evans come and pick her ironing up this afternoon?

Not yet. Sally dropped hers off though

and she left her money for last week's.

-I'll have to ring her and tell her I'm not going to do it any more.

-Here, this came for you.

Have you seen me new laptop?

Oh, lovely! Hey, that looks very posh and shiny.

It's the pro, I can do me homework on it.

It's got a 13-inch screen, a turbo boost, an eight-giga memory

and a built-in camera, it's amazing.

Smashing.

-Oh, buggering hell.

-What is it?

-What's up?

When did this arrive?

-This morning, I had to sign for it.

-What's it say?

-Nothing.

Nothing that can't be sorted.

Nothing for you to worry about.

What have you done to yer hair?

Highlights.

It took three hours and I've had me nails done.

-Do you like them?

-How will you go on at hairdressing college with those on?

-I don't think I'll do hairdressing any more.

-Yes, you will!

-But I want to do dancing full-time.

-I've told yer before - when you've qualified.

You said I was good enough to be a professional.

How can I go for auditions when I'm working?

I hate hairdressing.

All I do is wash hair, make tea and brush t'floor, I'm sick of it.

-Cos you're still learning, that's why!

-They're not teaching me nothing!

You're not packing in hairdressing college and that's that.

Mum, you know how much dance means to me.

Just cos Nana and Grandad wouldn't let you do it, don't take it out on me!

KNOCKING ON DOOR

-I'll get it.

-No, don't!

-It'll only be Mrs Evans come to collect her ironing.

Ask who it is first and don't open the door till you know.

Hello! Who is it?

Janice Weaver. I'd like to speak to Rose Marie Wilson, please.

If you got a job, Sean, Kelly would think more of you...

-Janice Weaver, Mum.

-Oh, shit! Sorry.

Tell her I'm out!

Draw the curtains, Bethany.

Sean, help me up, love!

Sorry, she's not in!

-Can you tell me what time she'll be back?

-No!

Do you know if she received a letter

from the Department of Work and Pensions?

No.

No! I don't think she has.

Well, she should have received it by now.

Will you...will you please ask her to...?

Hiya! I was supposed to pick mine up this morning.

-Have you knocked?

-Yeah.

I expect we'll have to find somebody else to do our ironing

now she's won the lottery.

My sister takes hers to Smooth It on Back Leyton Lane,

but I think they charge a lot more.

Here, Mum.

Tell us who it is, Mum.

I don't know, she's just some busybody, some nosy parker.

Do you want me to go and tell her that you're still at work?

No. It's all right, she'll go away.

-Has she gone?

-I think there's someone with her

-cos I can hear them talking.

-Shut the door.

One of the kids usually answers when Rose is at work.

So how long have you been bringing your ironing to her?

Must be a couple of years now, since I went back to teaching. How long have you?

-Hiya!

-Hiya.

-What are you doing standing outside?

-We've knocked, but your mum must be at work.

I think your sister's gone to look for a key.

You're all right, I've got mine.

Give me it. You've been playing on it all day. I want a go.

While you were having yer hair done, I went and bought it.

Hiya!

-Shh! What was that?

-They've been knocking.

-Sean!

-No!

I've come for my ironing, sorry I'm late.

Janice Weaver, Department of Work and Pensions, Fraud Department.

I believe you received a letter asking you to ring our department

confirming Wednesday's interview?

No, I can't do Wednesday, I'm having me knees done.

Perhaps you can reschedule.

I don't think so, no.

I don't think you realise how serious this is, Mrs Wilson.

Claiming benefits fraudulently can carry a custodial sentence

of anything up to seven years.

I can pay you everything back if you tell me what I owe you,

cos I've won the lottery.

So I gather. That's how we found out you were working and claiming benefits.

If I'd wanted to hide it from you,

I wouldn't have had me picture in the newspaper in me nurse's uniform,

holding up a big cardboard cheque for 72 million, would I?

I've no idea. People constantly surprise me.

So what you're saying to me is that you simply forgot

that you were receiving Employment and Support Allowance.

Is that Incapacity?

To the tune of £105.05 a week,

in addition to Housing Benefit and council tax.

I thought, at first, when I got the job at the hospital,

that I wouldn't be able to cope with me knees, but...

That was nine and a half years ago.

Yes, just after me husband died.

I couldn't manage with just me ironing.

And your Widowed Parent's Allowance?

Have you ever tried feeding and clothing five kids, paying your rent,

your electric and all your bills on £105 a week?

Anyway, what was I saying?

Oh, yeah, I...

I didn't think I'd be able to cope working,

so I thought I'd see how I went on before I stopped me benefits.

You look very happy working in this picture.

You'd look happy too if you'd just won 14 million on the lottery.

Sometimes I'm in bloody agony though,

I have to take extra strong painkillers just so I can keep going.

What about the ironing? Have you any books or records of income earned?

No, I just do that as and when, it's not every week.

Well, it didn't sound like that to me.

The customer I met said that you'd been taking in her ironing

every week for years.

I have a couple of regulars and I get a fiver a bag.

It pays for our Bethany's dance class and my bus fares.

I get 14,000 a year working as an auxiliary at St Anthony's

and when I first started, it was 12.

I was going to ring you this week to tell you I'd won the lottery.

-I'm sure you were.

-If you tell me how much I owe,

I can write you a cheque now.

I'm afraid it's not as simple as that.

I'm going to have to refer this to the department solicitor

and he will decide whether to prosecute or not.

You mean go to court?

I don't think you realise how serious this is.

You've defrauded Her Majesty's Government.

But she can afford it.

I bet one of her frocks alone cost more than I get in a year,

with all me benefits.

The department solicitor may well take the view

that being a lottery winner, you're a high-profile case

which will attract a good deal of media interest

and serve as a deterrent to other possible benefit thieves out there.

Alan!

Alan, it's Rose, I need to talk to you!

Alan!

Rose!

Oh, hello.

-Are you all right?

-Yeah.

Yeah, I'm fine, I've just been to see a friend.

What are you doing?

Luke's teaching me how to drive.

Trying to.

I've got a five-day intensive course booked and me test.

Well, you be careful.

I haven't been on main roads yet, but...

Do you like me new car? I've just bought it - £60,000.

Blimey.

Don't tell me mum.

Ain't she going to notice when it's parked outside?

Luke's keeping it at his place until I've passed me test.

All right.

Is your mum at work?

She's off sick.

It's not like her, she never takes time off,

but she says she doesn't feel well.

I think it's the shock of us winning the lottery.

I've told her to go to t'doctor's, but she won't go.

Oh, heck, I hope she's all right. I'll call in.

I'd give you a lift, but I've got to pick up Reah.

Oh, no. It's all right. I don't think I'd get in there anyway.

I'll catch the bus. I'll see you then, ta-ra.

-See you then.

-See you.

Why would anybody catch a bus when they've got 14 million in the bank?

Why doesn't she just ring a taxi?

Maybe she's used to catching the bus.

I've done a terrible thing, Mandy.

What's the matter, love?

Come in. Come on, Rose, love.

She said I was a thief and I am.

No, you're not a thief,

you were just trying to do the best you can for yer family, that's all.

Yeah, but other people manage without benefits.

I'm just a terrible person.

You know the trouble with you and me is we're too soft,

we can't say no to our kids.

I just want them to have what I didn't have.

I know.

And that's not a crime, Rose, and it doesn't make you a thief.

I've never stolen a thing in me life, not even an aspirin from work.

Listen, we've all done things wrong,

things we're ashamed of, you show me one person that hasn't.

She said something about me being a high-profile case

cos I was a lottery winner and that they might make an example of me.

No!

That's what she said.

I might end up in prison.

She didn't say that.

She did!

And it'll be in all the papers and on the telly

and everybody'll know

and all me family will be so ashamed of me.

No, they won't, they love you.

I've let everybody down

and, on top of that, I'll have a criminal record

and that means I can never nurse again.

Did you tell her you really do have bad knees?

Yeah, she knows.

I had to move me appointment to have 'em done

because it was supposed to be today, but she didn't care.

Oh! She sounds horrible.

She said something about me

being deliberately duplicatus or something,

like I'd done it on purpose.

-When are they going to let you know?

-She said they'd notify me in writing.

And how much do you owe 'em?

Oh, I don't know, loads.

£105.05 a week, times nine and a half years,

plus interest, plus a fine.

BANGING

-What's that?

-Oh, it's just me dryer banging around in the cellar.

You drink your tea, I won't be a minute.

SHE SOBS

It's no good knocking it over, love.

You'll make yourself really poorly

if you don't get your fluids and nutrition.

Rose is here and she's upset,

the benefit people have been onto her.

I'll be back down as soon as she's gone.

PHONE BEEPS AND VIBRATES

DOOR OPENS

Everything all right with you?

Yeah, why wouldn't it be?

No reason, it's just, erm...

I bumped into Becky and she said you'd been poorly.

I've just had a stomach bug.

I couldn't go into work with it though.

Your phone dinged, by the way.

Thanks.

Oh, it's just our Becky reminding me

-to pick Reah up from after-school club.

-Oh, I only just...

DOOR OPENS

I'm going to have to go.

-Mummy's got a boyfriend!

-Has she, love?

Hello, sweetheart.

I thought I was picking you up.

Looks like she's beaten you to it.

-Can I have some juice?

-Yeah. There's a carton in the fridge.

It's only us!

Oh, hiya, you got here then.

Yeah.

Oh, this is Luke.

I know who it is. Hello, love.

How did your driving lesson go?

Not bad, I just drove round the Glens and practised me corners.

I saw Rose walking down the street.

-What were you doing there?

-Do you want a beer?

Oh, I was just looking for a house for our Sean and baby.

Alan lives in the Glens.

-Does he?

-Yeah, do you remember that Christmas party we went to at his house?

Glen Road, I think it was, when he was with that woman,

that mad woman who kept popping out of her dress?

Oh, that's right, yeah.

I think she was called Caroline.

There's no beers in the fridge and I can't find the cellar key.

I'll bring beers up for you, love, you two just come and sit down.

She's not normally like this, it's cos you're here.

Hey, you cheeky thing, I wait on you hand and foot,

-just like I do with your dad.

-Have you heard from him?

Yeah, he rang, moaned non-stop as usual.

-He's back at the weekend, innit?

-All being well.

I better go, kids'll be wondering where I am.

I'll see you later.

-See you, Rose.

-Bye.

Hey! And don't you worry, it might all blow over

and the best thing is you've got the money to pay 'em back.

Thanks, Mandy, I just needed someone to talk to.

And if you ever need anyone, I'm there for you,

you know that, don't you?

Right.

-So how's this going to work out, then?

-If you're going to start rowing, I'm off to me room.

I'm not rowing, I just want to know.

You tell me, you're the one that chucked me and Ashley out.

-I didn't chuck Ashley out.

-You did.

-I'm off.

I said I needed a break, but I want him back now.

You don't get to choose when you have him and when you don't.

Think you're a cut above now your mother's won the lottery, do you?

Oh, I've got a houseful, have I?

Hello, my little treasure.

Why hasn't he got his 'jamas on?

I said Kelly could have him for a bit, that's all.

-He's coming back home.

-This is his home.

No, it isn't! His home is where his mother and his sisters are!

Well, you're not having him then and I won't let you take him!

Just hold yer horses,

I think the pair of yer need to discuss this somewhere else.

When did you two last have a night out together?

-I don't know.

-Before our Ashley was born.

Well, instead of taking him home,

why don't you leave him and the girls here

and I'll look after them while I still can?

-What do you mean, while yer still can?

-Well, I don't know what's going to happen, do I?

I might not be able to manage after me knee op.

-Thanks for the offer, but I'm skint.

-I've got money.

Here.

Take her somewhere nice.

And have a look at this on the way.

What is it?

It's a launderette with a flat above it, it's for sale.

People'll always want their washing doing.

I thought you two could run it.

It's on the main road,

but it's got a nice yard at the back where the kids can play

and the park's just round the corner.

I'll...I'll go and change me jeans.

Thanks, Mum.

Keep doing your physio. The more you do, the faster they'll heal.

I can help her with that. What about the, erm...frozen peas?

Yes, keep icing at least once a day or if it's hurting.

Keep the wounds clean and dry for at least a couple of weeks,

so no soaking in the bath.

When do you want your crutches back?

If you bring them along to your follow-up appointment.

A couple of weeks and you should be up and dancing.

Woooooh!

I've been thinking, love, if you really don't want to do hairdressing,

-then you can pack it in.

-Really?

Well, what's the point? If you hate it so much,

you're never going to do it.

Ah, thanks, Mum.

-It's a good job cos they sacked me.

-Why didn't you say something?

-I knew it!

-I'm telling yer now.

They said I couldn't have time off to do me dance at the hospitals

-and there was no way I wasn't going to do it.

-I thought you took it as holiday.

They said I had no holiday left.

Cheeky buggers.

Right, well, I want yer to make a go of yer dancing, do you hear?

I will. I promise yer I will.

Cos I had another thought.

Yeah?

I thought we could open an academy,

-a dance academy for people like us.

-What do you mean?

People on benefits.

We'd call it the Dance Benefit Academy.

What do you think?

I think it's an ace idea, that!

Yeah, it is, isn't it? And it'll be in your name

in case I end up in prison.

Stop it, will yer, Mum!

-You're not going to end up in prison, Mum.

-You never know, do you?

And neither of you heard what she said.

Anyway, our Michaela can do the books

cos she were always good at maths at school.

So how am I getting home?

On the bus.

I'm only joking. Our Robbie's waiting outside in the car.

Hello, love!

Hiya, Mum!

Ah! Thanks for picking me up.

Hey, can we swing by that garage and get this car paid off?

Course we can. Are yer sure?

I wouldn't say it if I wasn't.

-It's about blooming time anyway.

-Thanks, Mum.

Are yer legs all right, Mum?

Hunky-dory.

-Cheers.

-Cheers.

Right, let's get us home.

Righty-ho.

Who's looking after our Ashley?

Kelly's taken him and the girls

to look at the launderette and the flat.

We'll put in an offer tomorrow if they like it.

Thanks, Mum.

-Glad I can help you, love.

-Do you want your crutches, Mum?

No, I think I can manage without.

I'll just link up with you two.

It's very quiet, what's up?

Milly's doing revision at her mate's house and Michaela's gone out.

Oh, right. Oh, well, never mind.

ALL: Surprise!

Oh, Lordy, you big fibbers!

THEY CHEER

MUSIC PLAYS

So they actually said they were going to make an example of her?

That's what Rose told me, she might have got it wrong, but...

What does that mean?

She could serve up to seven years in prison.

That's what this party's for, to try and cheer her up.

They'd never do that, not to a nurse on less than 14K.

She was on benefits for nine and a half years, Tom.

How many's that you've had?

Who's counting? Anyway, I've got a lot of time to make up.

To your very good health, Rose.

Thank you. I meant to say, I love your new look.

Cheers, I've just got me hair cut, a few new clothes.

So, listen.

Just nipping out for a smoke if you fancy it.

No, it's all right. I think I'm in enough trouble with the law.

I'll give it a miss.

What did he say?

-Nothing.

-He's drunk.

Yeah, and I don't want you drinking yerself stupid

when you go to university.

-I won't.

-And I don't want you taking out a loan either,

so I'm going to put some money in a bank

and you can draw it out each term.

Great!

And I've been thinking,

me and Bethany are starting a dance academy

and I want you to come in with us to do all t'adding up and paying bills.

You'll get a good wage every week

so you can pack yer job in at the betting shop, cos I know you hate it.

I've never said that.

True, but I know me own daughter, and I can see it in yer face.

There's a letter for you, your neighbour had to sign for it.

-What is it?

-Open it, Mum.

MUSIC STOPS

Is it bad news?

Including the penalty fine and the interest,

altogether, I've got to pay 87,808.43.

-What the bloody hell for?

-What else does it say, Mum?

"If the money is paid in full within three working days,

"no further action will be taken."

THEY CHEER

I don't believe it, I'm so happy.

What about? I don't understand.

That is a shitload of money.

Hey, mind me knees.

I'm so glad for you, Rose.

You must feel like a ton weight off yer shoulders.

I don't believe it, I've been having nightmares about it.

I'm sure. Anyway, I'm sorry, love,

-but I'm going to have to go.

-What, already?

Yeah, I'm still not a hundred per cent, Luke's going to take me home.

-I'm so pleased everything's worked out.

-Thanks, Mandy.

Mandy, before you go, could I have a word?

Can you manage? Be careful!

Look, I meant to say this the other day when I was at your house.

I'm really sorry, but I saw Helen's text on your mobile.

Is she blackmailing yer?

I think you'd call it that, yeah.

Look, I don't know what this is about,

but you can't let her get away with it.

What are you going to do?

Pay her.

-I'm going to have to go, love. Ta-ra.

-Ta-ra.

Rose Marie Wilson?

-Yes?

-Do you think you deserve to win 14 million on the lottery, love?

Yeah, why not?

Cos you're a lying benefit cheat, that's why.

Hello!

Mrs Atkinson?

Did you hear what I said?

Do you think you're going to get away with this? You'll do time for this!

-If you're looking for a new sponsor, I'd like to do it.

-Really?

You've won the lottery, you're seriously rich.

Everyone's going to be after you.