Season 41 2012

Jai makes plans for Nikhil to take over the business if he goes to prison. Soon afterwards, the police arrive to speak to Charity, having received information that she lied in her statement. Jai is in disbelief when Charity says that she suspects Nikhil has dropped her in it.

Ashley is subdued as Laurel takes the kids to school, with the situation between them still unresolved. Soon afterwards, Ashley ushers Sandy out when Jude arrives to talk about the parish move. Jude is surprised to hear that Ashley has not mentioned it to Laurel.

Cain is exasperated when Aaron refuses to take the hint about leaving him alone. When Charity and Jai arrive at The Woolpack, Cain stops Aaron when he makes a lunge for Jai. Soon afterwards, Aaron has to be restrained again when he makes another attempt to attack Jai.

Aaron still wants revenge on Jai when Zak, Lisa and Sam find him banging on Jai's door and smashing windows. As they try and pull him away, Aaron strikes Lisa in the face by accident. Hazel tries to calm the situation, while Zak visits Cain and tells him to put an end to Aaron's outrage as he's the only one who can stop him. Elsewhere, Charity wants Debbie to be at the wedding, but Debbie turns her down. Charity excitedly tells Sarah that she wants her to be a bridesmaid when she sees her in the street, but Debbie is annoyed that she has gone behind her back to get what she wants. Also, Jimmy is still suspicious of Rodney and thinks something is amiss when he comes back from a run having drummed up more business.

Father and son have a tense and emotional confrontation as Zak admits he attacked Cain as he was out of control and needed to be taught a lesson. Meanwhile, Hazel is taken aback by Aaron's fury as she and Chas try and talk to him. Chas is concerned to see that his urge for revenge against Jai is as strong as ever. Elsewhere, Debbie embarrasses Belle when she finds her with Sean. Lisa frets when she finds out that Belle was with Sean, but eventually asks Belle if she can be trusted with him.

Aaron is unimpressed when Zak advises him to stay away from Jai, while Chas is annoyed when Diane agrees to Charity and Jai having their reception at The Woolpack. At the same time, Cameron is sick of all the domestics as he tells Debbie how Chas and Charity were at each other's throats again. Later, Charity is fed up as she and Jai watch the glaziers clear up the mess caused by Aaron, but they're united when he tells her all that matters is them being together and getting married.

Zak begin to make veiled goodbyes. Aaron is thrilled when Cain asks for a lift to Jai's. Aaron thinks they're heading there to get revenge, but he is told to wait in the car as Cain goes to speak to Charity. Charity is confused when Cain explains that he won't be bothering her or Jai again. Cain tries to cover his heartbreak as he goes. Meanwhile, Ashley enjoys his trip with Laurel and seems enthusiastic with how it's going. Back home at The Woolpack, Sandy is crestfallen when no-one takes up his offer of going back to his place for a drink. Elsewhere, Cameron is wound up and upset when he sees Debbie buying wine in preparation for spending the night with Andy, Moira notices John's new friendship with Chas, while Eric suggests that Amy should put a stop to Val visiting Kyle as she is becoming obsessed.

Cain confronts Charity with the truth about his attacker. At the same time, Zak waits for the police - resigned to their fate. Cain asks Aaron to take him to the police station, explaining that he wants to change his statement. However, the strain is starting to show on him. Meanwhile, Debbie awkwardly arrives at Andy's as it's time for them to sleep together. As the situation moves forward, Debbie does her best to go through with it - but Andy is left humiliated when Debbie admits that she can't go ahead and she quickly leaves. Elsewhere, Ashley drops his bombshell on Laurel as he asks how she'd feel about moving to the new parish, Val is upset about not being allowed to see Kyle, Sandy invites the youngsters back after the pub and they order pizza, while Eric shares his worries with Diane.

Laurel promises that she'll think about Ashley's plans for a new life. When they arrive home from their trip, they see the front door is ajar and they're shocked to discover the mess. Ashley tries to cover his rage, but he's furious with Sandy. Later, Laurel tries to cover her doubts when she talks to Nicola about Ashley's idea, while Ashley is exasperated to hear that Sandy was drinking with the youngsters last night. Soon afterwards, Ashley is delighted when Laurel gives him her answer - she will move if he gets the job, but it's clear she still has reservations. Meanwhile, Cameron is astonished when Debbie tells him that she didn't sleep with Andy as she couldn't go through with it. Later, Debbie's hopes are shattered when a humiliated and rejected Andy refuses to try again the natural way.

Debbie plans a secret meeting to trap Andy into sleeping with her, asking him to meet her at a bar later. Chas is concerned by the idea, but Debbie is determined to see it through. Debbie guiltily tells Cameron that she's going on a shopping trip, and she feels even worse when he gives her some money to treat herself.

Debbie asks Andy to keep it a secret as she scuttles back to Cameron, leaving Andy confused over how he's feeling. Unaware of what's happened, Alicia is dressed up to the nines to impress Andy, optimistic that they can get back on track.

Full of hope, Alicia tries to talk to Andy - but she is hurt and angry when she realises that he doesn't want to get back with her. Later, Debbie offers to go to Viv and Terry's memorial with Andy and feels uncomfortable as she finds herself supporting him during the service.

It's the day that Amy must sign the adoption papers, but she and Eric are baffled by Val's breezy attitude. Amy is clearly feeling worried about the day ahead, while Eric is not convinced by Val's sincerity as she tells the troubled teenager that she wants what's best for her. Val stays with Amy when Lydia and Kath arrive with the papers, comforting her as she's about to sign. However, Amy wants Val to leave when she tries to change her mind. Val is then heartbroken when she sees Amy sign. Soon afterwards, Amy worries that Eric and Val may split up.

Rodney is having a difficult time and things get worse when the police arrive to question him about a serious accident. Rodney asks to speak to a solicitor when he's questioned about hitting a cyclist. The net tightens when he hears that it's an offence that carries a prison sentence. Rodney is furious, threatening to take Carl down with him if he gets sent to jail. At the same time, Nicola nags Carl to give Rodney more work.

Carl is anxious as Nicola's suspicions mount after Rodney lets her down. Rodney challenges Carl, explaining that he wants to tell the police the truth. When Jimmy returns, he too is suspicious of Carl and Rodney's dealings, telling Nicola about them looking shifty earlier. Carl tries to assuage the situation by offering Rodney his job back, but Rodney holds Carl to ransom - demanding cash or he'll drop him in it. Meanwhile, Hazel breaks the news to Bob that she thinks it might be the right time for her to move on. Bob is worried when he realises that she's thinking of leaving and taking Aaron with her. Later, Hazel is concerned for Aaron when he tells her that he has to play happy families for Zak's 60th knowing he still can't face him.

Ashley tells Sandy and Edna that the bishop wants to meet him. Sandy hopes it's not about the impending move, while Laurel struggles not to argue with Ashley over Sandy not wanting to go with them. Soon afterwards, Laurel is proud to hear that Ashley has got the job but it does mean moving. Sandy seems devastated and Edna is concerned when Ashley tells her that Sandy will be staying on in the village.

Laurel is happy, believing this could be a new start as she rushes to get a pregnancy test. Ashley is shocked when Laurel shows him she has a pregnancy test kit, and it's not the reaction she had hoped for. Laurel is devastated when she realises that Ashley thinks it could be Marlon's. As Laurel goes upstairs to do the test, Ashley is left feeling a multitude of emotions.

Laurel has not come home and Ashley tries not to lose his patience as he gets the kids ready for school, while Sandy is worried that Ashley doesn't know where his wife is. It turns out that Laurel has stayed at Nicola's, and Jimmy and Carl are curious to know if she has left Ashley. At the same time, Ashley partly blames Sandy for Laurel's departure and tells him that he will have to explain it to the children. Later, Nicola is saddened when Laurel tells her that she thinks it might be time to accept that it's over with Ashley. Nicola visits Ashley wanting to help him save his marriage, explaining that he must forgive Laurel if he doesn't want to lose his family. Meanwhile, Belle is intrigued to find Sean waiting for her at the bus stop, and he takes her to the cricket pavilion - where he has carved their names. Belle is touched, giving him a scarf, and Sean kisses her.

Marlon is shocked when Ashley arrives at the pub and accuses him of sleeping with Laurel, telling Marlon that she has admitted it. Marlon denies the accusation and Ashley realises that he is telling the truth.

Aaron lies to Chas and Paddy about the bruise on his head, insisting that he's fine. He also tells Paddy that he hit his head on a car bonnet. However, Chas is concerned when she and Paddy realise that Aaron has told them different stories.

Hazel tells Bob that she is leaving and she's grateful when he wants to make the most of their time left. Later, a small crowd gathers in the pub to say goodbye. Chas is pleased that Hazel is leaving, but she agrees to say goodbye to Aaron for her and apologise to him. Bob packs the car with Hazel's bags as she tells him that she needs to say one last goodbye and heads towards the graveyard.

It's the morning of Jai and Charity's wedding, but Jai and Nikhil still haven't made up. Gennie is flustered when Declan comes up with a plan to get Nikhil and Jai to talk. Declan re-routes the taxi to pick up Katie with the hope that Nikhil and Jai will speak. Nikhil guesses their plan, but the brothers still make up when Nikhil senses Declan's pain over losing Mia.

Jai starts to think the worst as Charity still hasn't arrived. At the same time, Charity urges Debbie to pull herself out of her grief. Cain tells Debbie that she should go to the wedding and he suppresses his own feelings of grief at finally losing Charity. Not long afterwards, Jai is pleased when Chas tells him that Charity has arrived with Debbie.

Cain is broken after Charity's wedding and snaps when Sarah talks about it. Debbie is glad to have Cameron back as she cuddles up to him, but Cameron fumes when Andy approaches - concerned about Debbie. Cameron is soon irritated further as Andy brings chocolates for Debbie.

Diane is worried for Andy when she sees Debbie and Cameron being affectionate. She tries to talk to Andy about what she has seen, but he insists that she's wrong and closes down the conversation. Soon afterwards, Andy panics when he hears that Debbie is at the doctors' without him, but Diane advises him not to push things.

Debbie is annoyed when Alicia congratulates her publicly about her pregnancy and village gossip Pearl overhears. Jacob tells Sarah that her mum is having a baby and Cameron's heart sinks when he realises that Sarah knows.

Moira apologises to John for what happened with Chas, but at work, she's hurt when she again notices a spark between the pair. She is further gutted when Chas nips out, knowing she's following John out. Marlon worries for Moira as he watches her pour herself a stiff drink - blaming herself for losing everything.

It's the day of the court case, and Carl is cornered when Rodney tells him to agree to the deal or face risking prison. Soon afterwards, Rodney leaves for court - telling Brenda that Carl has paid him the £10,000. However, despite the money, he dreads the worst. Matters are not helped when a stand-in solicitor arrives, telling Rodney that it's his first unsupervised case and this particular judge is known to make examples of people.

Edna tells Jimmy that the company card has been declined. Jimmy knows it's bad news when Edna explains that Carl has taken out £10,000. Later, Carl collars Rodney - furious to have been ripped off - but Rodney makes his escape when Diane notices that something is going on between them.

Nicola suspects there's something going on between Jimmy and Carl, and she's later shocked when she sees Rodney's picture in the paper with an article about how he was lucky to avoid a prison charge. Jimmy feels guilty as he tells her about Rodney taking the convictions for Carl and blackmailing him over it.

Amy has gone AWOL and is dressed up for a night out and asleep on the bus with an unexplained black eye. Unable to face Val, Amy heads to the Dingles' place, where she cries when Belle hands her a photo of Kyle.

Diane warns Chas that John may be using her as a rebound, but Chas is excited when she gets a text asking her for lunch. Moira, Adam and Holly are then floored when they see Chas getting into John's car and kiss him before driving off.

John tries to talk to the kids about Chas, but they're not interested. When Moira arrives, the kids leave to let their parents have time to talk - and Moira is shocked into silence when John tells her that he wants a divorce. When Adam takes his quad bike to the garage to be fixed, Chas spills the beans about the impending divorce.

Moira is distraught and has phoned in sick while Marlon comforts her. At the same time, Aaron tells Adam that he has fixed the quad bike, but neither of them is prepared to make the first move to make up. Later, Chas is surprised when John arrives and they arrange for her to go to his house. Brenda is astonished to see Chas getting into John's car and kissing him.

Chas anticipates a fun afternoon at the farm as John leads her upstairs, but she's left feeling rejected when he pulls away, telling her that he can't do this. Over at the pub, Brenda puts her foot in it when she tells Moira about seeing John with Chas.

Eric hopes things will settle with Val after her and Amy's holiday, but he's worried when Diane suggests that Val might be doing a runner. He tries to convince himself that she has got it wrong, but questions Val's intentions as she's getting ready to leave. Val is caught as she tries to brush off Eric's concerns but Amy's shocked when Val says that it sounds tempting to stay in Portugal.

Holly, Hannah and Adam are disappointed when John tells them that it's over with Moira. At the same time, Moira confides in Chas, who urges her to try harder with John as they are meant to be together. Moira goes to the farm feeling determined, but as she talks to John, she realises they need to move on for everyone's sake.

John and Moira decide to speak to the kids, and Moira is sick with guilt as she tells them about the divorce. John's heart breaks as he watches Moira leave the house, and he hurls a mug at the wall in utter turmoil. Later, John visits Moira to ask how it went at the solicitors. Moira is unsure of his feelings as they both reminisce.

The Barton kids are hopeful when John and Moira explain that the divorce is on hold. Moira and John are left to spend time together, both nervous and awkward about being alone. Following a discussion between the pair, John struggles with his feelings as Moira makes it clear she wants to go to the bedroom, but they are both hopeful they're back on track.

John and Moira are both shy and apprehensive as they head off for their night away, taking Andy's Land Rover so that Andy and Adam can use John's truck. As they reminisce over when they first got together, suddenly John hits a patch of ice in the road and the car skids at high speed, crashing through an obstruction and landing on its side in the darkness.

The Bartons are numb with grief as the news spreads across the village. Meanwhile, shocked by the news, Andy clings to Debbie but she's unnerved by his embrace. He's left hurt and humiliated when he confesses his feelings to her and she tells him that there's nothing going on between them. Later, Diane has a go at Debbie for leading Andy on. Cameron wonders what's going on when he enters and Debbie's evasive. Soon afterwards, Cameron is in shock when Andy tells him that he slept with Debbie to conceive the baby. Elsewhere, Charity visits Declan, wanting to see if there's any more news regarding the festival. Declan says the council are happy, provided there's an access road which can only be made through the Bartons' land.

Declan is concerned that the council need his festival application before their deadline and the permission is dependent on an access road across the Bartons' land. Katie worries about Declan's timing as it's too soon after the accident, but they both head to the farm.

Declan is still determined to go ahead with the festival. As Nicola angles for a job organising it, Declan enjoys playing her and Charity against each other. Later, Charity and Nicola are dumbstruck when Declan introduces them to Megan, his new festival manager - neglecting to mention that she is his half-sister. As the day continues, Megan and Declan bicker about whether she'll join forces with him.

Katie asks Jai about Megan's background, so Jai warily explains that she once had a deal with Declan that went very wrong. At the same time, Declan explains to Megan that he really needs her on board with the festival and wants her skills to get the Bartons back on side. However, Megan is not sure, leaving Declan frustrated.

Lisa expresses her worries about Zak to Sam, explaining that he didn't come to bed last night and she can't find him. She does her best to hide her concerns from Belle, but is later forced to admit to Belle that she doesn't know where Zak is. Later, the Dingles are surprised when Jimmy calls round and tells them that he saw Zak's van abandoned in town, and he agrees to take them to it.

Lisa is about to call the police over Zak's disappearance when he strolls in, leaving her and Sam stunned. Lisa wants to know where he's been, but Zak is uneasy as he can't remember and tries to cover. Lisa is astounded by his attitude and frustrated by his lack of answers, while he feels guilty for upsetting his family.

It's the day of the funeral and Adam fights back the tears as he looks out over the fields. Holly is grateful for Roz's support when she turns up, but it's a heartbreaking day for the village. At the wake, Adam has one drink too many to drown his sorrows and lays into Declan and Chas. Meanwhile, Ashley is sarcastic with Sandy when he wants to go to the funeral and refuses to cash his pension for him. Later, Laurel is concerned when Sandy apologises for ruining her night and she sees how sad he looks. Elsewhere, Lisa is disgusted when Zak decides not to attend the funeral, while Declan tells Megan that she's got until tomorrow to make her decision about the festival job.

Adam wants the family to pay their debts off with Declan, and Moira tells him that John had an endowment policy. However, Moira is later shocked and depressed to hear that John had already cashed in the policy - they have nothing. Moira is close to despair over their money situation, and the kids are horrified when Moira tells them they're selling up.

Alex and Andy are floored when Moira explains that she's selling the farm. Moira visits Declan, but becomes angry and emotional when he refuses to buy the farm. Once Moira has gone, Megan asks Declan if he has reasons for turning such an offer down. Moira is upset after seeing Declan and is in danger of snapping as she tells the kids.

Paddy is suspicious when Rhona tells him that they're going out for dinner. Paddy waits for Rhona at the B&B, but she is late and as his frustrations build, Paddy orders a bottle of wine. When Rhona eventually shows up, Paddy is drunk and Rhona is mortified by his behaviour.

Debbie is concerned by Cameron's distance as they return home from the B&B, and Cameron is furious to hear that Andy visited yesterday. With poor timing, Andy interrupts the couple, further fuelling Cameron's rage. Debbie is terrified that she could be losing Cameron.

Chas tries to persuade Cameron to stick by Debbie, not wanting him to do anything he'll regret. Cameron soon steels himself to face Debbie and she's seriously worried that she's lost him when he won't believe her promises. However, Cameron can't go through with breaking up with Debbie. Later, Cameron tells Debbie that he now understands how much she needs him. However, Debbie won't be pitied or patronised and flies into a rage - telling Cameron they are over. Cameron leaves stunned, and Debbie is heartbroken. Meanwhile, Victoria suggests that Paddy should man up and propose himself. However, Rhona soon tells Victoria that she's had a lucky escape from Paddy because there are no happy endings where relationships are concerned.

Eric and Amy head out to meet Val at the airport, but David declines to go. The pair wait at the airport, but there's no sign of her and Eric becomes doubtful of her return. However, they leave with renewed hope, thinking she might be at home.

Aaron nervously calls Ed to ask him out for a drink, but soon cancels to help Adam, who is struggling at the farm with a broken roof. Later, Ed arrives with two teammates, and they step in to help fix the barn roof. Holly takes an instant shine to Ed, but it's not long before Aaron gets the confirmation he wants - Ed is gay. Oblivious to this, Holly continues to flirt with Ed.

Holly still fancies Ed and fishes for gossip from Aaron, who is forced to explain that Ed is gay. Soon afterwards, Aaron gets anxious when he realises that he and Ed are going to Bar West for their first date.

There's an awkward atmosphere when Cameron wishes Debbie luck for the appointment. Soon afterwards, Chas and Cameron are amused when Megan mistakes them for a couple, as Chas has given him a job helping her behind the bar. Later, Chas and Cameron sit talking about love and compare notes about their terrible track records with relationships. As the chemistry sizzles, they surprise themselves by kissing.

Things are awkward between Chas and Cameron after their kiss, and Chas feels terrible as she arrives to wish Debbie luck with the hospital appointment to check if the baby is a match for Sarah.

Aaron decides to phone Ed, but is disappointed when he doesn't call back. Aaron fears he's missed his chance, but is glad when Ed arrives and they go into the back room. Aaron is scared as he decides to brave showing Ed his scars from self harming.

Cameron is preparing to leave for Jersey as the Dingles await the test results to see if the baby is a match. Chas is sad but relieved that Cameron is leaving, and feels uncomfortable when Charity explains that she wants to get Cameron and Debbie back together. Debbie is apprehensive when the phone rings.

At the Barton house, Holly is distracted by a noise and opens Moira's bedroom door to find her mum weeping over a photo of John. Holly steels herself before comforting Moira.

Ashley tries to help Sandy up out of bed, but loses patience and heads out - leaving Sandy feeling helpless. Rachel then arrives to clean, but Ashley tells her that she isn't needed and feels conflicted as he leaves Sandy in the house alone.

Laurel snubs Rachel in the café when she accusingly asks about Sandy. At the same time, Ashley checks that Sandy doesn't need anything before he heads out, and Sandy is ashamed at being treated like a child. Later, the pair make their peace - but it doesn't last for long when Arthur chokes on a plastic piece from Sandy's model boat.

Holly pockets the heroin as Moira wants the Bartons to scatter the ashes. She pleads with her mum, not wanting to go, but reluctantly heads out. Soon afterwards, Moira scatters the ashes while Hannah lays some flowers.

Cain's leg is in agony and he struggles as he tries to bring Holly round. He manages to get her into a car and staggers into the driver's seat. Seeing Alex on Main Street, Cain tells him to contact Moira - explaining that he needs to get Holly to the hospital quickly.

Alan visits Sandy and is pleased when he manages to tempt him to a game of dominoes in the pub later. However, Ashley forces Sandy to stay at home and rest after he asks for his son's assistance in getting to The Woolpack. S

Marlon is taken aback when a concerned Rachel tells him that she's worried about how Ashley treats Sandy. She's stung and angry when Marlon dismisses her accusations and thinks she's saying it out of spite.

Marlon tells Rachel that Sandy didn't seem himself yesterday, further fuelling her concerns. At the same time, Sandy is hurt and frustrated when an angry Ashley refuses to give him his keys back. In the café, Marlon takes the opportunity to speak to Laurel about Sandy.

Chas and Paddy worry that Aaron is going to get hurt by Ed. Aaron pretends that he wasn't bothered by Ed standing him up yesterday, but gives Ed a taste of his own medicine by leaving him waiting at the café. Aaron then gets sick of Debbie and Cain's meddling when they tell Ed that Aaron will meet him in the pub that night. Aaron tells them there's no point stringing it out - he's finishing it with Ed.

Aaron tires of Adam's increasing resentment towards Cain and reminds him that his mum wasn't an innocent victim. Soon afterwards, Adam quizzes Moira about Cain, but she finally snaps - telling him that he should look at his own actions if he wants someone to blame.

Cain desperately looks for a way out of the garage as the fire spreads. Hearing his cries for help, Adam panics and accelerates away on his quad. The fire starts to take hold and Cain sees the situation becoming more dangerous.

At the scene of the garage fire, everyone is shocked as they come to terms with what has happened. Soon afterwards, Holly finds Adam panicking and is stunned to hear that he started the fire. Moira is suspicious of the pair's behaviour, but Aaron arrives and backs up Adam's story.

Adam is unnerved to see a fire investigation vehicle parked up at the garage. Soon afterwards, Aaron finds Adam and is shocked to see that he's in a bad state with a bottle of vodka. Aaron encourages Adam to face his fears, promising that he'll help him through it. Eventually, Adam returns home and Moira does her best to reassure him that everything's going to be okay.

Ashley is forced to leave Sandy at home looking after Gabby while he visits a parishioner. Sandy and Gabby enjoy themselves painting festive Easter eggs, until Sandy absent-mindedly leaves a tap running.

As Sandy offers to help with the household chores, Laurel sees the terrible bruising on his wrist and suggests that he should go to hospital. Ashley is quick to offer to take him. Rachel witnesses Ashley trying to bundle Sandy into the car and voices her concerns to Ruby, who tells her to stop interfering.

Sandy is taken aback when Gabby regurgitates what Ashley said to her about his fall being an accident. Edna later visits Sandy and is concerned about his injury.

Ashley doesn't want Laurel to say anything to Rachel, but she can't help herself and goes looking for her. Ashley then sits at home feeling anxious, wondering whether it was Sandy who called social services. He feels guilty as he tries to convince himself and Sandy that he's done nothing wrong.

Ashley is worried when he realises that Sandy is not at home, but Laurel reassures him that Diane has just taken him for a drive. At the same time, Rachel is frustrated as she telephones social services and they can't tell her anything about their visit to Sandy yesterday.

The police arrive in the village to ask Cain more questions about the garage fire, now suspecting that it could have been an insurance job. Once the police have left, Debbie stresses that the garage has been deliberately targeted and is worried about their safety. Cain is then forced to tell a shocked Debbie and Cameron the truth.

Aaron is questioned by the police at the station and they warn him about the severity of the situation. However, DI Fletcher seems suspicious of Aaron's story. At the same time, Adam is unaware of what Aaron is up to until Holly lets it slip.

Aaron makes a phone call to Ed, before telling Chas that he torched the garage and he's already confessed to the police. Chas is angry, but becomes confused by his calmness and determination when Aaron asks her to trust him.

Dressed in his suit on his day in court, Aaron visits Chas at The Woolpack and tells her that it would be best if she stayed at home. However, Chas knows something is amiss and decides to go. Cameron offers to attend court with her, but Cain doesn't trust him not to say anything stupid, so insists he will go along too.

Adam contemplates losing his best friend as Paddy struggles to stay strong. Chas is reduced to tears as she is forced to say goodbye to Aaron in heartbreaking circumstances. Meanwhile, Brenda calls round to Pollard's to collect her coat and offers to help clean the B&B. David gives his dad a disapproving look, knowing what he's been up to. However, Pollard ushers David out as he enjoys a drink with Brenda. After coming downstairs, Brenda suggests a drink at The Woolpack, but Pollard wants to keep things quiet. Brenda agrees that keeping it a secret might be fun. Elsewhere, a guilty Sean offers to help Ali learn to read.

Cameron tries to support Chas and tells her that he's there for her. Soon afterwards, Chas is wound up by Rachel as she makes jibes about Aaron and Lisa steps in, steering Chas into the back. Later, Cameron apologises to Chas for the situation, but she tells him that he's the only one who got it right.

Zak is feeling the pressure when Lisa mentions the importance of supporting Chas now that Aaron is gone. The stress heightens when Debbie then suggests that he could help her fix up the burnt-out garage. Zak is close to breaking point as he escapes to the gents at The Woolpack, and he collapses on his way back into the pub.

Rachel is confused when Ashley has a go at her in the street about spreading gossip. Back home, Sandy is shaken when an enraged Ashley questions him about what he's been saying to Edna and Rachel. Ashley then viciously grabs Sandy's wrist, hurting him. Ashley soon becomes emotional as he checks his father's wrist for damage and blames Sandy for making things so difficult.

Laurel sees Sandy holding his wrist and Ashley is quick to help him, feeling awkward and struggling to look him in the eye. Soon afterwards, Sandy calls social services, unaware that Ashley has walked in behind him.

Cameron thinks that Chas and Luke spent the night together and is distracted at the surgery as Debbie has her midwife appointment. It's all too real for Cameron when they discover that Debbie's having a boy. However, Chas tells Charity that she actually sent Luke home. Cameron can barely hide his smile when he discovers that Chas didn't sleep with Luke, but is jealous when Luke reappears and approaches Chas.

Chas and Cameron kiss passionately in The Woolpack's cellar, tearing at each other's clothes. Afterwards they are consumed with guilt as they get dressed and quickly agree a cover story about changing the barrel. Back in the bar, Cameron feels guilty when Debbie insists that she owes him and never meant to take him for granted.

Cameron plays the doting boyfriend with Debbie, but his mind is still on Chas. Debbie then heads off on a shopping trip with Charity, leaving Cameron looking after Sarah. Chas sees that he has a plan.

Brenda is intrigued when Bob drives off without saying where he's going. At the same time, Jimmy is behaving strangely, so Carl tries to find out what's going on.

Jai and Nikhil are horrified when Gennie takes a call from a client who has received the wrong chocolates. As the fiasco escalates, Jai and Nikhil warn the factory staff that they'll get to the bottom of it. Ali and Lisa panic over whether they should come clean, but Lisa feels she has no choice but to admit that she left Ali in charge so she could collect Samson.

Laurel and Ashley get Sandy ready for his visit to the care home. However, Laurel is stunned when Gabby mentions the time that Ashley pushed Sandy over. Laurel questions Gabby, but she clams up when Ashley comes in - leaving Laurel in turmoil. At the care home, Laurel gets Sandy alone, but he is too uncomfortable to tell her what's been going on. Laurel can tell that he's hiding something, and Ashley is concerned when he sees them talking.

Laurel continues to plead with Sandy to confide in her, but he's adamant that there's nothing to tell. Soon afterwards, Laurel visits Rachel to find out what she said to social services about Sandy.

A panicked Laurel rushes to Sandy, screaming at Ashley to keep away. Disgusted with himself, Ashley runs from the house. Laurel tends to Sandy and asks him how many times this has happened. Sandy tearfully admits this was the first time Ashley actually hit him. Laurel then vows to look after Sandy and takes him round to Edna's house while she goes to find Ashley.

As a new day dawns in the village, Edna is anxious and wants to help Sandy, telling him that she's his friend. She's shocked when she discovers that Ashley has hurt Sandy. Later, Laurel returns home to Mulberry Cottage and tells Ashley that if he stays, he can't be left alone with his dad or the kids.

Zak is preoccupied as he fixes some fencing, and becomes irked when he thinks that Lisa is hassling him. At the factory, Ali is back at work and apologises to Lisa, but she is distracted as she is worrying about Zak.

Laurel remains wary of Ashley, not wanting him around the kids or Sandy. Ashley takes the hint to leave as Laurel heads out, promising Sandy that she won't be long. Ashley goes to the café to work, but Edna arrives and is in no mood to talk to him. Laurel is awkward as she tells Bob that Sandy is unwell, and Rachel is suspicious when she overhears the conversation. Rachel visits Sandy and when she sees his bruise, she accuses Laurel of covering things up.

Laurel struggles to cope as she tells Ashley that they need to start acting normally to stop people talking, but she explains that she still can't leave him alone with his dad.

Diane is shocked to see Sandy's injury, and Laurel knows Diane is right when she insists that they can't make it go away themselves and the situation has to be dealt with properly. Later, Ashley is dressed for church but is worried about who'll be there.

Ashley arrives at the pub, announcing to everyone that he's done something terrible and they all need to know. Ashley then openly admits to hitting Sandy. Nicola takes Gabby out and heads off to warn Laurel about what Ashley is doing. Soon afterwards, back at the cottage, Ashley is devastated as he tries to talk to Gabby and sees that she's scared of him after what she heard in the pub.

Ashley has spent the night in the church but receives some support from Rodney, who offers to cook him breakfast. Soon afterwards, Laurel returns to work and is dismayed to discover that everyone knows about her and Marlon following Ashley's announcement. Marlon visits her at work to see if she's okay and they both blame themselves for the situation.

Laurel is stressed as she is on the phone to the police, trying to find out what is happening with Ashley. Sandy is annoyed that Edna got the police involved, insisting that he won't testify against Ashley. Later, Rodney is surprised when he sees that Ashley is back in the village. Ashley explains that he received a caution, but is clearly terrified by what the future holds.

Chas shows Cameron through to the back room at The Woolpack, and he is desperate to hear her thoughts on leaving Debbie. Chas is terrified over the prospect, questioning how it would work in reality. Although it's clear she is tempted, Chas tells Cameron that her answer is no at the moment.

Zak warns Lisa that he doesn't want her with him for his hospital appointment. Lisa is worried as Zak seems more preoccupied by the health of his chickens than his own. Soon afterwards, Sam is annoyed when Zak hasn't turned up at Home Farm and grumbles to Lisa.

Zak heads to the hospital alone, where Doctor Maude tells him the test results are all fine and there's nothing to worry about. Zak insists that he must be sick, and Dr Maude calls security when he becomes aggressive. The doctor suggests that Zak would benefit from some counselling, but he leaves in turmoil.

Zak is defensive as Lisa questions him about what the consultant said. He knows that he's gone too far with the deception to back out now, so he lies that the cancer has spread to his glands. Zak is relieved to escape more questions when Paddy comes to look at the chickens. Zak heads out, leaving Lisa to tell Paddy the bad news about his cancer.

The guilt begins to get too much for Chas as Debbie asks her to take some clothes to the hospital for Sarah. As Debbie goes to speak to the doctor, Chas battles her emotions as Sarah reveals that Cameron has promised to take her to Disney World when she is better. At the same time, Cain asks Cameron why he wasn't with Debbie and Sarah yesterday.

Declan meets his private investigator and is intrigued to be told of Robbie's whereabouts. The investigator goes on to explain that Robbie's 'mother' died five months ago, and Declan wonders what to do next.