With Phil gone AWOL and the social services calling round, Shirley stresses. She’s exasperated when a hungover Phil returns. Infuriated, Shirley tries to impress upon him the severity of the situation.

Phil suggests getting Heather to appeal to Ian. Heather mediates and succeeds in getting Ian to relent to a visit with Ben. Ian brings Ben to visit Phil. The dinner is a disaster, with Ian adamant that Ben will remain with him after the trial.

The social worker returns and informs Phil that his parenting is being investigated by social services; he could lose both Ben and Louise.

Denise covers her anxiety that Lucas didn’t come home last night. He eventually returns and claims to have been working at the shelter. When Zainab later light-heartedly remarks about tips for a lacklustre love-life, Lucas threateningly warns her against gossiping about his marriage.

Lucas scolds Denise for discussing their sex life with Zainab. Kim brings sexy lingerie etc to sell at book club. Seeing a sexy basque, Denise gets an idea.

With Mercy leaving for Nigeria, Fatboy is gutted. He learns that Pearl is only leaving because she thinks Mercy wants to and vice versa. Fatboy reveals the crossed wires to the women and it’s decided that they’ll stay.

Darren sets about raising the remaining funds for his air fare to the world cup. Heather asks Darren for money for George, but Darren claims he’s broke. Feeling guilty; he later hands over his plane fund money.

His luck changes when he later meets an attractive girl, Jodie, who agrees to go out with him. Things get steamy at the car lot between Vanessa and Max.

Saying goodbye to Max, Vanessa promptly replaces a wedding ring on her finger. She’s startled by a knock on her window; it’s Jodie, her daughter. Show less