Season 20

It is an unhappy new year for Diane, as she receives the bad news she feared at the hospital. Jimmy helps Bev out in her hour of need, and Ray threatens to send Kitty back to "Shady Pines" if she does anything to spoil his wedding.

As Brigid tries to comfort Diane after she flushes her baby away, Steve and Adele conclude that praying is a waste of time. Anthony, on the other hand, has achieved the outcome he prayed for....... Kitty has some last-minute advice for Ray on his wedding day - which, as Mike is indisposed, Ron agrees to video for him. Max tells Jacqui he won't go to Susannah's funeral.

Cheryl has some unpleasant tasks lined up for Emily's community service, until Emily discovers that she has fiddled her insurance claim and is seeing Leo. Anthony makes a confession to Father Pat, and Mike is not confident about his future. Jacqui promises to stand by Max, even though Robbie has shown her the "yellow card" because he believes he is too low on her list of priorities.

Jessie and Ray arrive home after shortening their honeymoon because they receive news that Kitty has been taken ill, but they are not prepared for what they find at the bungalow. Jacqui forces Max to get himself ready to go to Susannah's funeral. Robbie panics when Clint struggles with his guilt over the car accident, and Marty's behaviour pushes Diane over the edge.

Diane and Marty battle with their confused emotions after the loss of their unborn child. At Susannah's funeral, Max launches into a speech angrily accusing everyone who made her last days so unhappy, and when Darren tries to persuade him to sit down, Susannah's coffin is knocked over onto the floor. Leanne, keeping Bev informed by mobile phone, is convinced that Susannah's death was no accident.

Marty erects a porch. Mick goes to see Vonnie again, but discovers that she is packing to go to Canada. Anthea doesn't like being taken for granted, Josh wonders whether he and Bev are Jewish, and Shelley plans to tie up a few loose ends.

Jacqui suggests that Mick asks Max to be maitre d' at "The Shelf", but he has decided to move away from Liverpool and make a fresh start elsewhere. Jerome can't stay away from Nisha, Craig warns Tim not to underestimate Sotto, and Shelley believes that she is beginning to make progress with Jackie.

Mike reduces Rachel to tears. Jimmy confides in Shelley that he thinks Jackie deserves someone better than him. When Robbie accuses Jacqui of trying to talk Max out of leaving by making him loads of promises, she denies it - having already succeeded in talking Max out of leaving by making him loads of promises.

Robbie is still not convinced that Jacqui isn't trying to get a ready-made family for herself, but she reassures him. Bev discovers that Dave has taken more money from her than she realised, and wonders if there is any way that she can find him. Jackie tries to set the record straight regarding Shelley's fantasies, but may just make things worse. Leanne is injured at Emma's birthday party, but plans to take advantage of this to earn herself some money.

Rachel asks Christy to buy back Mike's video equipment, but he isn't able to help her. Adele's play is so bad that it helps to reunite Diane and Marty. Jimmy is released from hospital, and Jackie resolves to make her marriage work. Darren is mystified by Leanne's behaviour in his surgery.

Darren suspects that he is in real trouble because Nisha tends to believe Leanne's allegation, even though Katie doesn't. Anthony doesn't want to live with Diane and Marty any more, and asks Brigid if he can move in with her. Lindsey wants Jackie to tell Jimmy the truth about Shelley. Rachel tells Mike she is worried about how they are going to cope financially, and suggests ringing a loan company.

Darren writes down his version of the Leanne Powell story, and Victoria confronts Leanne. Max apologises to Lisa for his behaviour at Susannah's funeral and helps her sort out her belongings - but will he agree to give anything away? Marty thinks it is about time that some of Anthony's religious illusions were shattered, as Diane blames Brigid for his faith in the power of prayer. Bev tracks down Dave - and he's going to regret it.......

Bev's accountant tells her that she needs to start running the bar as a profitable business. Darren resolves to fight back against Leanne, and tells her that if she persists in her defamation he will drag her through the courts and sue her for every penny she hasn't got. Jackie and Jimmy seem to be reconciled, leaving Shelley furious. Mike is shocked as Rachel offers a frank assessment of their financial position.

Shelley seizes an opportunity to place Jackie in a compromising situation that she will find it very difficult to talk her way out of - she strips off and joins her in her bed. Leanne seems to have been shocked into submission, and Robbie tries to persuade Mike that no-one will gain, and he will definitely lose, if the truth about the car crash comes out.

Jimmy gets his old job back, Leanne increases the amount she wants to blackmail out of Darren, and Lindsey and Jackie unite to rid themselves of the poisonous little fake that has been wrecking their lives. When they hear that Katrina and Steve have an announcement to make, Diane is convinced that they are getting engaged, but Marty thinks it is more likely that Steve has got Katrina pregnant. Are either of them right?

Lance is not sure whether he is willing to be a sperm donor. Adele encourages Leo to make his first arrest. Victoria decides that it's time to get boring and anal, and Steven's behaviour appals Diane.

Darren is not pleased when Victoria explains why Leanne is no longer going to blackmail him. Emily considers whether she is willing to pose topless for Carl. Fred catches Lance in a compromising position, and Cheryl needs to find a new venue for a knicker party.

Jimmy tries to work out why Shelley has gone and Jackie and Lindsey are at loggerheads. Bev is depressed that first Dave, then Shelley, walked out on her, and asks Lance to father a baby for her.

A few secrets are revealed at the knicker party, before it is gate-crashed by some of the men. Lance explains that he was only kissing Bev because he was trying to get her pregnant, but Fred is not impressed. Katrina turns down Carl's offer of topless modelling, but Emily doesn't.

Anthony receives a Valentine card, but tears it up after Marty teases him. Diane is not impressed that Steve is building a relationship based on lies. Sotto beats up Craig when his girlfriend breaks up with him, but Tim makes sure he pays for it. Nikki is stood up by Jerome.

Leo prepares for his passing-out parade, and tells Gemma he is thinking of moving to London. When Steve abandons his principles and gets a credit card, Marty considers doing likewise. Nisha agrees to sleep with Jerome just one more time, but Nikki arrives home unexpectedly.......

Lance insists that careful planning is necessary if Bev is to marry Fred to help him to stay in the country. Nisha tells Jerome she will not be hiding in his wardrobe again, nor will she be responsible for him breaking up with Nikki. Max spoils Katie's birthday celebration at "The Shelf".

Mick offers to collect Vonnie from the airport, and tells Jerome he'd like to start seeing her. Nikki takes Emily to Carl's to retrieve her topless photographs. Fred is nervous on the morning of his wedding, and hopes he remembers to kiss Bev rather than Lance. Robbie tells Max he must stop taking advantage of Jacqui's good nature.

Jackie tells Jimmy about her night with Shelley, and he wants to talk about it with Lindsey, who is convinced her mother is in the wrong, and ensures that he doesn't believe her. After a shouting match, and spending some time in the garden to clear his head, he goes to sleep in the extension.

Both Marty and Nisha suspect that there is something amiss with Bev and Fred's marriage. Jimmy consults a solicitor about divorcing Jackie for sleeping with a woman, and tells her he is never going to argue with her again.

On a day trip to Southport, Lance is unsettled as he takes photographs of Bev and Fred together through the ages, Darren is warned against outraging public decency, and Christy and Leanne test the suspension of the minibus. Meanwhile, Ron, Anthea, Jessie, Ray and Kitty are subjected to a frightening ordeal.

The day trippers return home rather later than they planned, and Rachel is horrified by what she finds. Ray and Jessie have to postpone their wedding blessing, but Marty insists that Diane goes for her hospital appointment. Ron refuses to go to hospital, believing that he should have done more to protect his family and friends.

Anthea thinks the house will have to be redecorated again, while Ron resorts to more desperate measures to protect his family. Bev's web of deceit becomes even more tangled, and reality hits Marty hard. Victoria connects Jimmy to the internet, and Clint is terrified by Robbie's violence towards Ricky.

Clint wants to escape from Robbie as fast as he can. Ron asks Jimmy to help him get a gun. Christy lures Leanne into bed, and tonight Lance is going to be.......Derek Batey.

Robbie is furious when he finds out about Clint's plans. Lisa confronts Jacqui about Susannah's will. Jackie and Jimmy argue, and Jessie tells Ray that she wants them to move away from Manor Park.

Mick celebrates his birthday with Vonnie, Brigid is reluctant to loan money to Diane to help her to get pregnant, Jerome is not as successful in covering up his unfaithfulness as he hoped, and Clint tries to keep out of Robbie's way.

Katie wonders why Jacqui is now trying to persuade her not to go to Spain. Bev tells Lance and Fred that they must be more careful in public, as anyone could be spying on them. After speaking to her priest, Brigid has a change of heart. Nisha lances the boil on Clint's bottom.

When Steve tells Mike about the break-in at the Dixons', he is determined to get himself out of hospital. Bev has regrets about her sham marriage, as a suspicious stranger takes notes at the bar. Clint insists that Robbie will not prevent him from going to Spain with Katie, and Jackie cries on Diane's shoulder.

Diane encourages Marty to take Jimmy out to the pub, where, after drinking and playing pool, Jimmy reveals why he is divorcing Jackie. Leanne is smitten with Christy, and a gift of three-legged tights helps her not to see the signs that he is not as serious about her. Rachel goes to visit Mike at the hospital, and discovers that he has escaped, with help from Steve.

Ron and Anthea need to move some furniture about to accomodate Mike, and there are a few more problems he hadn't thought about. Adele starts work at the petrol station, but Marty and Diane wonder if she will be safe with Jackie. Anthony steals some sweets, and Leanne plans to surprise Christy.

Marty tells Diane to steer well clear of Jackie. Leanne regrets dumping Christy, and Lance tries to cheer her up. Ron overhears an argument, and is amazed to discover that Bev has been able to keep some juicy gossip to herself for once. But he makes her aware that there are more downsides to her sham marriage than she realised. Vonnie decides to move in with Mick.

Anthea is concerned that Rachel is finding looking after Mike as well as Beth too much for her, and lays into Mike. Robbie hears some interesting news about Katie's former boyfriends. Bev gets more than she bargained for when Fred moves in with her, and Ron thinks Jackie never slept with him because she has always preferred women. But she explains that it's because he's repulsive.

Jackie tells Jimmy she is taking Wills on holiday with Val for a few weeks. Clint becomes suspicious of Robbie's attitude towards Katie. Max loses his temper with Lisa and tells her that unless she changes the wording on Susannah's gravestone, she cannot see Harry and Emma. Diane gets Adele a new outfit, and Marty thinks the dress is too short and the top is too low.

The Murrays throw a surprise birthday party for Diane. After they have sex, Leo wallows in self-recrimination, and Adele congratulates herself on having finally grown up. Clint is shocked by Robbie's accusation.

Clint learns a few things he didn't know about Katie. Nikki interrogates Jerome about the lipstick on his face. Michelle encourages Adele to get a morning-after pill, but she can't stop thinking about what she did with Leo. He, however, is more concerned that no-one finds out about it. Leanne's attempts to woo Darren backfire.

Max hears that Leanne has taken ill, and blames himself for being honest when she asked for his opinion of her character. Katie is determined to confront Robbie, and Nikki spots Jerome and Nisha kissing. Ray and Jessie have their wedding blessed, and a man turns up at the Murrays' looking for Katrina.

Mick is horrified when he discovers what Leo has done. Ron asks Jessie to find someone to stand in for her at "Great Grannies" while she and Ray go on a second honeymoon. Robbie's tales of woe convince Katie not to tell Jacqui what he is really like. Anthony becomes desperate to escape from Imelda and Paige.

Nikki loses one job, and quickly finds another. Mick considers reporting Leo for what he has done, and disowns him, despite Vonnie's attempts to put things into perspective. Jacqui and Katie's friendship becomes jeopardised due to the animosity between their boyfriends.

Katrina persuades Steve to go for a drink with her father, and he offers Steve a job. Jacqui is about to sign her trusteeship over to Max instead of Lisa, but then discovers that he has ordered a reworded headstone for Susannah's grave. Clint discovers that Robbie has got him fired from his job. Emily visits Tim, but he shows her the topless photos of her the other prisoners have seen, and tells her to go.

Clint tells Jacqui he plans to propose to Katie. Nikki plays mind-games with a guilty Jerome and Nisha. Emily is distraught that her breasts have become public property. Adele is missing Leo, and Katrina wishes her father could accept that his marriage is over.

Clint discovers that Jacqui has told Robbie he plans to marry Katie. Jackie tells Jimmy that if he fights for custody of Wills, his mental illness will prevent him from winning. Ron tells Jessie he was more impressed with Brigid's work than hers. Leanne returns to the bar with new clothing and a new persona, of which some people are suspicious.

Bev wants a character reference from Ron, but its quality may depend on whether she gives "Great Grannies" the contract for the cleaning of her bar. Jimmy starts labelling the cupboards. Emily is relieved to discover that Tim still wants to marry her when he is released. Before Clint can propose to Katie, Robbie proposes to Jacqui - and something is going to end up broken when she doesn't say yes straight away.

Jimmy invites Ray over to see his computer, and takes every opportunity to wind Jackie up. Jacqui doesn't believe what she has been told about Robbie, and thinks she will accept his proposal of marriage. When Anthea and Ron leave Mike alone at home, one of the robbers returns and terrorises him, but also brings some interesting news.......

As Jackie prepares to go to bed, Jimmy brings everyone from "Bev's Bar" back for a party, then takes Cheryl to his bedroom. Leanne wants to be friends with Victoria. Although Robbie admits that he beat up Ricky, Jacqui still stands by him, and decides to marry him.

When she hears Jacqui's decision, Katie decides to move out. But Victoria suggests that maybe she is just jealous. Robbie discovers that Jacqui has not told him of her guardianship of Harry, and reacts angrily. Jerome can't bear to hear Nikki discussing Nisha's sexual encounters over the telephone, and goes round to become another of them. Unfortunately, Nikki follows him.......

Tim is released from prison, and he and Emily decide to get married as soon as possible. But first, he retrieves Emily's money from Carl and warns him what will happen to him if any more of her topless photos are published. Jackie feels that Jimmy is driving her mad, and Robbie relieves his frustrations by battering Jacqui.

Tim goes round to apologise to Mike, but Mike accepts that he is just as much to blame himself for becoming wheelchair-bound. Ron discovers that Robbie has hit Jacqui, who assures Katie that she is not going to give him another chance. Frustrated that Jimmy won't respond to her, Jackie knocks over his computer monitor.

Jacqui puts on a brave - albeit cut - face, confides in Max about what has happened to her, and apologises to everyone for not believing them. Robbie says she is making a big mistake. Although Anthea feels that violence won't solve anything, Tim gets Ron a gun. Lindsey thinks Jackie is trying to force Jimmy out of the house, and tells her to leave him alone. Jessie receives a letter addressed to Margi, but can't contact her.

Ray and Jessie discover at a very late stage that Emily and Tim are secretly getting married, and unsuccessfully attempt to prevent them, as Victoria gives Emily a lift and acts as a witness for her. Robbie goes round to confront Jacqui again, and is given a stern warning by the police. Ron tries to make sure no-one discovers that he has a gun, and Jackie decides that it is time to make a move.

Jessie refuses to let Tim move into the bungalow, but Ray convinces her to offer the newly-weds the use of his caravan. However, they have already found temporary accommodation next door at Mick's. Ron tries desperately to get Tim to take the gun back. Katie wonders why Jacqui is not at her leaving do at "Bev's Bar" - and it is because Robbie is confronting her again, wanting her to reconsider. But she is determined that she is not going to become another Mandy Jordache.

In a special double-length episode, Tim and Emily throw a party at Mick's which is gate-crashed by Sotto and a crowd of his mates. Sotto discovers that his expensive shirt is not water-proof, and that Tim was responsible for a beating he took in prison. Jimmy has his own way of convincing the partygoers to stop disturbing him, and Nikki turns to drink again after discovering that Bev also knows that Jerome is cheating on her. And when they have yet another intruder, Anthea is horrified by Ron's reaction.......

Anthea discovers who Ron has shot and killed. As Ron comes to terms with the consequences of his actions, he suffers an angina attack. Jimmy joins the Dixons as they await the arrival of the police, and there are others who also need to be told.......

When Ron is told he can go home from hospital, the police arrest him. Mike urges Anthea to lie to them so that he is more likely to face a lesser charge. Tim is horrified to learn what Ron has done, while Mick is furious that his television is broken.

Jimmy unveils his latest weapon in his battle with Jackie. Tim fears that if it is discovered that he supplied a murder weapon, he will face a long spell in prison. Ron is charged with murder, but Jacqui briefly experiences an unexpected moment of joy.

Jacqui and Katie's friendship disintegrates. Jimmy refuses to let Jackie into the kitchen to do her washing. Anthea is shocked when Ron is refused bail, Mike and Tim plan revenge, and the start of Diane and Marty's IVF treatment is interrupted when Anthony is caught stealing.

Bev tells Nisha that Nikki was raped. Jackie locks up the airing cupboard to deny Jimmy access. Marty and Diane are not impressed by the influence Jeff is having on Steve. Tim and Mike take the law into their own hands.

Jacqui and Katie recall the past, and the recent events that have driven them apart. Although Jacqui doesn't want to lose their friendship of more than ten years, Katie tells her that things aren't the same any more, and it is all over.

Max comforts Jacqui after Katie rejects her. Adele discovers that she is pregnant. Jackie can only listen in disbelief as Jimmy cavorts with Cheryl. Nisha expresses her opinion of Jerome's behaviour by throwing a drink over him.

Although Lance has often said he would do anything for Max, he's not sure that it includes breaking into the cemetery at night and replacing Susannah's gravestone. The newspapers hail Ron as a hero. Jackie belatedly convinces Lindsey that she didn't sleep with Shelley, but admits defeat where Jimmy is concerned.

When Steve has something he finds hard to say to Katrina, she thinks and hopes that he is going to ask her to marry him. Nikki is convinced that Jerome is about to dump her, and asks him to marry her. And Max makes an admission to Jacqui about Susannah, tells her how grateful he is for all her help and support, and.......no, not yet!!

Steve breaks the news to Katrina that he won't marry her. Nikki tells Jerome that he had better agree to marry her, or there is no future for their relationship. Jacqui's plans for an evening in with Max are frustrated when he is called to "The Shelf". Mike tells Rachel she is no longer to be a friend to Katie.

Jerome tells Nikki what she wants to hear. Brigid and Bev are mystified about what Marty and Diane are doing in a cupboard at the salon. Steve tells Jeff that he doesn't want to get engaged until he's able to look after her properly - but how will Jeff react. Jacqui asks Max to do something very specific to demonstrate how much he appreciates her.

Jacqui tells Anthea she has finally found someone she wants to share her life with, but Anthea has her doubts and advises her to be careful. Nikki reveals her good news to a delighted Jessie and Ray. Steve feels that he is being bought, and intends to give Jeff back his cheque.

Ron is granted bail, and returns to the Close, only to break down in tears. Tim and Emily are given an ultimatum. Steve tells Marty he is moving in with Katrina. Nikki plans an engagement party, and Jacqui tells Max she is even more sure of her feelings for him.

Ron fears for his family's safety again when he receives an anonymous threatening phonecall. Tim is furious when Emily tells Vonnie the truth about Mick's missing credit card. Ray discovers that Kitty has collapsed in her bedroom, and Jessie suspects that she has had another stroke. Max fears that he could never really love another woman after Susannah.

After overhearing Jerome offering to break off his engagement to her for Nisha, Nikki breaks off from a karaoke duet to reveal their treachery. After an argument with Max, Jacqui refuses to look after the children for him. Mike asks Tim to keep an eye on Anthea, and he finds that he has to rescue her from a hit-and-run driver.......

Anthea learns that Ron already knew that threats had been made against his family. Jerome pleads unsuccessfully with Nikki for another chance - and when Emily finds out what she has done, Nisha finds herself bruised and lucky to have any hair left.

Diane and Marty embark on the serious business of fertilisation. Adele reaches an agonising decision. Bev and Fred are not as convincing as they hoped they would be when interviewed at the Immigration office. Jerome discovers from Ray that Nikki has gone to stay with her mother in Brussels, and Ron realises that not all of the household are on his side.

Darren celebrates his 30th birthday, receiving a pipe, slippers and incontinence pants from Victoria

Diane calls Marty home from school, and he discovers that Adele has locked herself in the bathroom and is threatening to take an overdose of pills, after Diane reacts to her news by slapping her. Marty wants to know who is the father of her unborn baby - but tells her that if she doesn't want to keep it she can have an abortion.

The Murrays agonise over the implications of the decision facing Adele. Bev tells Lance that she can't go through with having a baby with Fred. Mike walks - well, hobbles - out on Rachel after an argument, but Max and Jacqui kiss and make up again.

Brigid is appalled to hear that Adele plans not to keep her baby. Mick discovers that Adele is pregnant, and that Marty has plans for whoever is responsible! Max thinks it is too early for him and Jacqui to make their relationship public - it is time for a bit of old-fashioned courting.

Brigid suggests that Diane should bring up Adele's baby as if it is her own. Adele reveals something that may make this a less believable prospect, and Marty storms out. Fred is told that he is being deported, but Lance discovers that he has been sleeping around. Max can't bring himself to make love to Jacqui in Susannah's bed.

Marty confronts Mick, and when he discovers Vonnie also knew that Leo slept with Adele, a brawl breaks out. Adele decides to have an abortion, but Steve and Marty are concerned that Diane and Brigid will talk her out of it. Lance refuses to give Fred another chance, and tells Bev he is going to look for another job.

Diane and Brigid convince Adele not to have an abortion. Jimmy and Jackie have a civilised chat, and he suggests that they can be mates as long as he doesn't see her much. Max is worried that a fling with Jacqui might spoil a fantastic friendship. But they end up in bed together - and Victoria, home earlier than expected, walks in on them.......

Adele is still unsure of the best way forward, but realises that she must make a decision. When the police arrive at the bar, Bev is worried that she will go to prison - but Leanne has a cunning plan. Rachel tells Anthea that she and Mike are living beyond their means - but Anthea agrees to help them out. Max is relieved that Victoria will keep his relationship with Jacqui a secret.

Mick calls at the Murrays' with the news that Leo wants to come home to discuss the future of his baby. But Diane reveals that Adele is out with Marty having an abortion. Anthony wonders how Diane can forgive Adele for killing a baby, but it is Marty who she won't forgive. Mike and Rachel take advantage of Anthea's good nature, and Leanne claims that Bev has gone on a world cruise and left her in charge of the bar.

The Murrays have planned a birthday party for Brigid, but she brings Father Pat round to talk to Adele. Adele suspects that he, like some of her family, regard her as a murderer - and Marty sends him packing. Lindsey still cannot believe that Jackie and Jimmy have split up.

Mick has a proposal for Vonnie. Anthony listens in as Brigid and Marty have a furious argument. After hearing that Leanne is the new bar manager, Christy brings her flowers and tells her how much he has missed her. Diane refuses to let Marty come with her to the hospital, and when she discovers the IVF treatment has been unsuccessful, she tells him she is glad she is not carrying his baby.

Diane is shocked when Jeff offers her more than just a shoulder to cry on. Emily persuades Vonnie to get engaged to Mick, even though she is not convinced that she wants to marry him. But Mick is keen for them to marry as soon as possible. Max invites Jacqui to spend her birthday with him. Nisha and Katie discovers that Leanne has been illegally claiming housing benefit.

Diane gives Emily her wages in advance so that she can pay Mick his rent, but Anthony steals her purse. Marty wants to give Jeff a good hiding, but Diane persuades him not to. Lisa interrupts Max and Jacqui playing.......with the children on her birthday, and he reluctantly agrees to go with Lisa, Harry and Emma on a trip to France. Rachel agrees to do a big favour for Katie.

Mick wants to marry Vonnie as soon as possible, but she tells Jerome that she is wondering if she will ever be ready to. Diane is horrified when Steve believes Jeff's version of events rather than hers. Jacqui helps Max to pack his cases, and tells Lisa that she has no romantic intentions towards him - only to discover that Lisa plans to match-make him with an old flame on their holiday.

Mick wants to surprise Vonnie with a special meal and an engagement ring, but discovers that she has packed her bags and is leaving him. Unable to agree on whether to believe Jeff or Diane, Katrina and Steve break up. Mike tells Rachel that if she goes to Clint's funeral, she might as well not bother coming back.

Anthea is visited by Clint's mother, and Mike is appalled when she makes her welcome. Mick blames Jerome for turning Vonnie against him, and his violent reaction makes her all the more sure that he is someone she doesn't want to be with. Steve has to look for a new job as well as a new girlfriend.

Diane and Marty realise that they will have to find some new ways of raising money if they are to attempt the IVF treatment again. Tim advises Emily to keep out of Mick's way, but he catches her with some of his food, and decides that his days of being a mug are over. When a wreath arrives bearing the inscription "RON DIXON R.I.P.", Mike admits that Anthea and Katie have gone to Clint's funeral, and Ron fears for their safety.......

Rachel calls the police, and Ron is blamed for the disturbance at the funeral. He is also much less confident that Anthea will be willing or able to lie for him in court. Jessie goes out in search of treatment for a headache, and comes back with a new lodger. Jimmy comes to the rescue of Tim and Emily, inviting them to move out of Mick's and in with him.

Ron is following Anthea around, so she goes out for a walk, then calls in on Jimmy. Lindsey is not exactly overjoyed at the prospect of sharing her home with an ex-jailbird and a bimbo. Before leaving Mick's, Tim tells him a few home truths about the way he has let so many people down in the recent past.

Marty sells his car, and soon finds a willing buyer for his season ticket. Ron feels that Anthea is betraying him by having a drink with Katie. Adele returns home from Shropshire, but Anthony doesn't make her welcome. Emily is concerned that Lindsey might fancy her. Max returns home after a terrible holiday without Jacqui, and someone sees him passionately kissing her.......

Nikki comes home from Belgium, and walks in on a naked man having a shower in the bungalow. Leanne doesn't want to give her her job back, but Christy feels that there are a couple of reasons why she should. Jimmy makes Ron realise the predicament he will face regarding Tim's gun, and Jacqui discovers that Anthea has been told about her relationship with Max.

Jerome begs Nikki to give him a second chance, but her reaction gives him the impression that she is not willing to. Emily is sick of having no money for food and clothes - but Tim quits his job, and fears that things can only get worse, as Mike tries to persuade Ron to tell the police who gave him the gun. Then Anthea is reluctantly forced to tell him who Jacqui is seeing.......

Anthea tells Ron he can't control other people's lives, but he tells Jacqui that she is humiliating the family and trying to put him in an early grave - and if she goes on seeing Max he will have nothing more to do with her. Max sacks Mick, and assures him that it is entirely personal. Lance tries to persuade Leanne that she is taking risks by storing Christy's gear at the bar and only accepting cash, and Brigid and Jessie agree to disagree regarding abortion.

Mike tells Jacqui he will support her in her relationship with Max, but Ron threatens to get another gun to keep him away from her. Jimmy has a plan to keep Tim out of prison, Leanne sends an e-mail to Bev warning her to stay away from the bar, Nisha and Emily fight, and Mick has a new theory about who was responsible for Susannah's death - Jacqui.

Steve has a date with Nisha, and Marty wonders if she will recognise him camouflaged as a deckchair. But he is called away to collect a stranded Adele, and Nisha goes on into town anyway. Jacqui resolves that she will go on seeing Max, and Tim is relieved when Ron agrees to tell the police that the gun came from Sotto.

Ron's version of where he obtained the gun looks likely to be accepted when more guns are found at Sotto's. Mick becomes convinced that it was Max rather than Jacqui who killed Susannah, and tries to beat the truth out of him. But Jacqui comes home in time to rescue him, and tells Mick he is just a sad man who has been dumped by all his family and friends.

Mick reflects on all that he has done and endured during his time on the Close. He feels that he has let his children and his family down, and everyone hates the way he lets his temper get to him. When Jimmy reflects on how he felt when he was prepared to end it all, and reveals that he is getting better now that he has learned to accept who he is, Mick decides what he must do.

Mick apologises to Max and Jacqui, and makes his peace with Tim, offering him some good advice, before leaving the Close forever. Max assures Jacqui that he really, really wants her to move in with him - and he has something else to ask her too.

Adele gets her GCSE results, and tells Emily about her abortion. Jacqui confides in Rachel that she is going to marry Max - and Rachel doesn't take long to spread the news. Katie reacts angrily, and Ron can't believe it.

Ron says he will refuse to go to Jacqui's wedding. Adele breaks her glasses in an attempt to convince Diane and Marty to allow her to get contact lenses - but they are spending all their money trying for a baby. Nikki visits Tim and Emily, and ends up exchanging a few slaps. Christy discovers Leanne's secret.

Anthea and Rachel are not pleased when they discover that Ron and Mike have been deceiving them. Max arranges a wedding date at a mystery venue, but Lindsey seems to be the only willing guest. Shirley returns to Katie the love-letters she wrote to Clint.

Robbie visits Katie, and vows to put an end to Jacqui's happiness. Anthea is not as convinced that she can perjure herself for Ron. Lindsey feels that she hasn't anything to look forward to, and Diane spoils Adele's birthday after discovering she has told Emily about her abortion.

Leanne discovers that Lance has agreed to be Max's best man, and Christy tries to turn her against her brother. Ron receives confirmation of his court date. After a bitter confrontation with Robbie, Jacqui and Max discover that Harry has gone missing.......

In a special double-length episode, a group of vigilantes set off in search of Robbie and the missing Harry. Tim discovers that Mike once went out with Lindsey, and wonders if that was what made her become a lesbian. Max and Jacqui anxiously await news, and he comes close to revealing a terrible secret to her.

Jimmy bruises his head while restraining Robbie, Tim collects his own reward by nicking Robbie's wallet, and Lindsey earns a wedding invitation by rescuing Harry. After seeing Max and Jacqui's closeness in a crisis, Ron gives them his blessing. But Max is having second thoughts about the wedding.

The police are forced to release Robbie without charge. On Harry's birthday, Jacqui is even more sure that she needs Max to marry her, and insists that he fully explains his reasons for wanting to cancel the wedding, confident that they will not make her change her mind.......

Tim tells Emily his dream, but she is not keen on the ways in which he plans to achieve it. Jacqui tries to convince Max that he is blaming himself for an accident, explains that she too could easily have been facing the same feelings of guilt, and is determined to stop him from turning himself in to the police.

Jacqui and Max get married in style, while a miserable, drunk and lonely Katie is visited by Robbie. Clint is on Robbie's mind as he comforts her in the way his brother might have done - and also on Ron's as he makes his "father-of-the-bride" speech.

After they read their letters from the Court Welfare Officer, Jackie asks Jimmy if she can move back in with him. Tim is determined to raise the money to pay for Emily to go and visit her mother. Jacqui wakes up on the morning after her wedding and finds that Max has gone out - but she knows where to find him.

Jimmy lets Jackie know what he has decided. After receiving flowers from Robbie and unwelcome advances from Christy, Katie turns to drink. Nikki notices that Jessie has done Neil's ironing, but not Ray's.

Marty and Diane are enraged when they come home and find Adele and Michelle in the bedroom with new boyfriends - and while they read them the riot act upstairs, the lads are thieving from downstairs....... Lance tells Leanne what Christy has been up to - but he talks his way out of it. Jimmy soon discovers that it was a mistake to try again with Jackie.

Ron causes a scene when Katie refuses to let him see a doctor at the walk-in centre. Marty discovers that the insurance company will not entertain their claim because the thieves were "invited guests". Tim double-crosses Christy, and Nikki agrees to see Jerome again at the bar, but finds that he can't stop watching Nisha snogging Steve.

Christy has a plan to enable the Murrays to make a valid claim from the insurance company. Tim and Mike go for job interviews - but will Tim's honesty about his past pay off? Jessie is not pleased when Nikki seems to be becoming closer with Neil, and Diane considers postponing her next IVF treatment.

Ray's ideas for a day out makes Jessie feel old. The break-in at the Murrays' doesn't go entirely as planned. After Steve finds her collapsed in the flat, Katie feels more and more depressed, and sees a way out of her misery in a bottle of vodka and a handful of pills.

Jimmy revives Tim, who feels as if he has been kicked by a donkey, and prints out some advice for him. Nisha revives Katie, and spents an all-night vigil at her bedside to make sure she survives until the morning. Diane and Marty try to figure out why their burglar called the police twice before they did.

Ron attends his pre-trial hearing. Marty has some explaining to do, but believes a profit can still be made from their insurance claim. After pouring her heart out to Nisha, Katie decides to visit Sammy. Nikki and Neil go out - but just as mates - and Jimmy collects his thoughts as he produces an internet home-page.

Jimmy tells Jackie that he intends to contest the Court Welfare Officer's decision and fight for custody of Wills. Diane is surprised that Brigid approves of Marty bumping up their insurance claim. Steve forces Christy to pay Tim what he owes him, and has a heated argument about the IVF treatment. Jessie goes out shopping, leaving Ray to play with a power-tool.

Lindsey is concerned at Jimmy's state of mind after he stops taking his medication again, and tells Jackie that she is the only one who can help him. Tim helps Steve gain revenge on Jeff, and encourages him to consider a career in larceny. Nikki encourages Rachel to confess what she has done to Mike, but she can't bring herself to tell him.

Diane invites Nisha to tea at the Murrays', but Steve is called away to help the police with their enquiries, leaving her at the mercy of Brigid, who makes her feelings on the health service and loose morals clear. Emily comes home early from Brussels to attempt a sex endurance record with Tim, and Jackie assures Jimmy that she won't see him out on the street.

Diane and Marty are visited by the insurance assessor and try to remain calm, but he senses their uneasiness. Rachel breaks down as her financial problems become too much - but can Christy help her? Anthony discovers that Imelda and Paige have transferred to his new school, and his previous ordeals look set to begin all over again.

Christy's lies convince Leanne to sack Lance. Diane and Marty hope that their pregnancy test will be positive, but discover that the insurance company has rejected their claim. Steve visits the bank in the hope of getting a loan to start a business, but is turned down. Anthony desperately tries to avoid the bullies, but finds himself on the receiving end of a brutal beating.

Diane ignores Marty's reminders of their desperate financial position, and remains determined to have further IVF treatment. Rachel can only find one source of money to pay her loan instalment - Beth's account. Tim concludes that the only way he will be able to make a living is through crime - so Jimmy gives him some advice. Anthony has no money to give Imelda - but Paige makes him hopeful that they are not going to bully him any more.

Adele catches Imelda and Paige beating Anthony up again, and tells Marty. He has other problems, however, as Diane's obsession with having a baby drives the family apart - but when she tells Steve what has made her feel this way, he agrees to do all he can to help. When Christy refuses to let him in on a scam, Tim plots revenge.

Marty encourages Anthony to fight back against the bullies, and when he can't bring himself to, he hits Anthony as well. He also insists to Diane that they cannot afford more IVF treatment. Steve tries to borrow money from Christy to pay for it - but he refuses, and a punch-up ensues when he tells Steve that Marty was better off with Jan. Tim encourages Steve to join him in getting revenge.

In a special double-length episode, the strain of her abortion finally overcomes Adele, Diane refuses to accept Marty's decision, even though Brigid supports it, and Tim, with Steve's help, manages to steal Christy's recently-stocked van. But can Christy turn the tables on him?

Marty wakens in the morning to discover that Diane has gone out, and it emerges that she is even more determined to have a baby despite the family's mounting debts. Steve attempts to console Anthony, and Tim is depressed on Emily's birthday because he has been unable to get her the present he promised her.

Jacqui and Max return from their honeymoon, and tell Rachel and Mike that they have decided that she will be a full-time mother. When she hears, Lindsey optimistically asks to be considered for the position of health club manager. Mike discovers that Beth's savings account is empty, Marty injures Imelda when he finds her humiliating Anthony, and Jimmy enlists Ray's help with a scheme to deter potential buyers of number 10.

Jimmy produces a history of number 10, displays newspaper cuttings obtained from the internet, and, using Ray as a template, draws the outline of a body on the patio. Jacqui's furniture arrives at Max's - including her bed, which she insists must replace Susannah's. Marty fears that he will either be suspended or be taken to court, but Diane promises to stand by him and abandon the IVF treatment. Mike and Rachel face financial ruin.

Rachel is distraught when she discovers what Jimmy has drawn on the patio. Jacqui wants to get rid of Susannah's linen. Emily discovers that her present from Jessie and Ray is something she could never have guessed.......or wanted. Jimmy offers to help Nikki with her psychology project, and something sinister is left on Ron's doorstep.

Jacqui insists on taking Max to a fireworks display to take his mind off the anniversary of the death of Susannah. Marty and Diane's minds are also on their discovery that they were set to become parents twelve months ago. Lindsey tells Tim and Emily that their rent is trebled, and Ron and Anthea discover that Robbie has planted something in their bedroom.

Max and Jacqui throw a dinner party, and a guest gives Max an idea for a new part-time vocation. Jimmy feels that the spirit of Jackie is living on in Lindsey. Tim convinces Christy to give him a job, and Anthea doesn't think she can cope with many more of Robbie's threats as the court case approaches.

Nikki offers Jerome a second chance, but he thinks it may be too soon for him to move back in. Ray is not convinced either, until Nikki makes him realise that this could be his opportunity to get Neil to move out. Lindsey has a job offer - but it may mean moving away. Diane's boss visits the salon, but her priorities are elsewhere. Anthea can't be sure that she is still willing to lie for Ron.

Robbie corners a frightened Anthea and makes her realise that he was present in the house when Ron shot Clint dead. Jessie is furious to hear that Ray wants Neil to move out, and locks herself in the bathroom. But Ray finds a way of coaxing her out. Jimmy gets his decree absolute, and decides to frame it. Steve discovers that Nisha is going on holiday with a group of her mates.

Anthea fears that Robbie will make a statement to the police, and wants to tell Katie what she has found out about Clint. Only eight people turn up to Jimmy's fiftieth birthday, but he is pleased that they include one of his long-lost relatives - and he looks forward to the next fifty years, as Jackie leaves for good. Ray struggles to avoid looking pleased with himself as Neil moves out - and not only does he obtain a cheque from Max, but he gets to keep his tiles.

Diane and Marty speak to Anthony's headmistress, and receive a lengthy insight into the school's procedures and paperwork. Anthea is told by Neil that she appears to be starting the menopause, and slaps Ron when he attributes her recent behaviour to this. Then she returns to the health centre and reduces Katie to tears with the news that Clint was an innocent victim.

Jimmy spends a lot of time being interviewed by Nikki for her psychology project instead of repainting the shutters, as they both reflect on the occasions on which they nearly stepped off roofs. As Ron's trial for murder begins, Anthea is confronted outside the court by Robbie, who warns her to reconsider the evidence she is going to give.

Robbie is determined to see Ron sent down, even though this means incriminating himself. After hearing his testimony, Katie attacks him - and is mortified when he reveals to Jacqui that they slept together.

When Katie turns to drink, Nisha realises that there is someone that she must call. Jimmy won't let Lindsey turn down the job she has been offered in Newcastle. After Ron and Anthea's testimonies are subjected to severe scrutiny, Mike is horrified to discover that his father has apparently done a runner rather than await the verdict.

Rachel worries that Ron may be about to do something stupid, but Mike doesn't want to call the police. Finally Ron rings, wanting to see Jacqui and Mike - but not Anthea. At the docks, he reveals the plans he has considered which involve not returning to court - but can they convince him to think again? Lindsey packs to leave for Newcastle, and reflects on her life on the Close.

Lindsey and Kylie tearfully say goodbye to Jimmy as they leave for a new life in Newcastle. As Ron and his family prepare to leave for court, the loan company visit to sequester goods to the value of Rachel and Mike's unpaid loan. Mike resents Max's success in sending them packing because they have not obtained the necessary warrants. During the prosecution's summing-up, Ron collapses in the dock, and an ambulance has to be called.

A former resident of the Close reappears after a long absence. Mike makes some slight progress with the Dixons' debt problem. While Anthea packs her bags and leaves the Close forever, the prosecution, defence and judge sum up the case of the Crown versus Ron Dixon, and the jury reaches verdicts which are bound to provoke diverse reactions. Will Ron be jailed?

Max buys new cars for himself and Jacqui, but Katie and a pot of paint are not far away. Anthony brings the house down in the school play, thanks to the bullies - but not in the way he hoped. Christy wants Diane to sell flip-flops in the salon, but she tells him to flip off. Mike refuses to go to see Ron.

Katie is furious about the court's decision, and vows to take action against Ron. Jimmy offers to help Nikki further with her research. Anthony overhears his parents discussing the bullying, and begins to blame himself. Mike wants Jacqui to help him out - or does he?

Diane and Marty take matters into their own hands when the school fails to act against the bullying. Jacqui and Sammy forge an uneasy alliance in the hope of helping Katie. Christy shows Tim where he can find a second-hand kitchen and bathroom suite.

Jerome is asked to take on extra duties by his new boss. Rachel tells Jacqui where she can stick her job, then finds out from Mike that the court won't accept their loan repayment proposal. Katie doesn't appreciate Sammy sticking her nose in.

Sammy vows to stay around and get revenge on Jacqui in a bid to reconcile with Katie. When Steve fails to pick him up from school, Anthony suffers a humiliating ordeal. Nisha needs help with a plumbing problem. Nikki is amused when she finds out from Jessie what Jerome's new job is.

Jimmy is alarmed by a brief

Katie is swayed by Sammy's suggestions, and starts planning revenge on Jacqui by asking her on a night out. Jimmy wonders whether he has been brainwashed into thinking he needs medication. Christy puts Tim on standby, as their preparations gather pace. Diane and Marty argue over whether Anthony is abnormal.

In a special 76-minute episode, it looks as if some of the residents may be sharing a big bingo win, it looks as if Max has a lot of explaining to do when Jacqui catches him with a somewhat undressed Sammy, and it looks as if Tim's big job with Christy will be his last.......

Emily is distraught, but Jimmy advises her not to try to contact Tim. Leanne thinks Christy has left her. Nisha wants to know what little difficulties Sammy is having that make her want to stay with Katie, and Helen asks Jerome a few questions about Ray.

On Christmas Day, a despondent visitor turns up at the Murrays', and Emily becomes increasingly convinced that Tim is never going to return. Jimmy is missing the missing, and questioning his need for medication. Sammy doesn't appreciate the perfect expensive present Nisha has bought for her.

On Boxing Day, the Murrays dine at "The Shelf" - but not on dolphin. Jimmy has an ingenious festive solution when he receives a complaint about the old bath in his front garden. Christy returns to the bar with some bad news for Leanne, and worse news for Emily.

Tim wakes up in a hospital bad, and steals an ambulance to make his escape. Jacqui admires a "new" kitchen - and realises it came from her former flat. Max is not convinced that his new wife is coping with looking after the children. Despite Nikki's warnings, Jimmy decides to come off his medication.