Phil’s put out when he notices that Ben and Abi are browsing online for flats to rent. Kathy runs into Ben outside the café, who apologises for never making it over to dinner – he claims it wasn’t about her. As Sharon and Phil pull onto the Square, a fuming Kathy approaches, claiming that Ben’s informed her that Phil has started drinking again. A defensive Sharon states that Phil’s got it under control. Back in the house, Sharon suggests that Kathy might be right; Phil will lose Ben if he doesn’t quit the alcohol. When Sharon offloads her worries about Phil to Linda, Linda recounts a time that Mick got the whole family together for a family photo-shoot and suggests that it could be a reminder for Ben of what he has to lose.
As the Mitchells gather together for the photo, Ben clocks that Phil’s stopped shaking. Phil purports that Ben contemplating moving out was the wake-up call he needed. Phil gets a phone call – the professional photographer is double booked; Abi pulls out a selfie stick and suggests they go ahead anyway. On the Square, the Mitchells are in high spirits as they pose for their photo – Ronnie walks by and clocks them having fun without her. Phil’s pleased when Ben suggests that he’ll talk to Abi about waiting for a while to get their own place. Later, Sharon’s disappointed when she kisses Phil and realises that he’s been drinking. Sharon begs Phil to get rid of the bottle of booze she finds in his suit pocket but he defiantly takes a swig.
Stacey returns from the pharmacy with a pregnancy test for Shabnam. Shabnam takes the test – it’s negative. Shabnam admits to Stacey that she thought a positive result may have been a blessing in disguise. Shabnam admits that she is unsure of how access to Jade will work – the judge has left it up to Shirley and Buster to control. On the market, Carmel clocks Kush touch Stacey’s pregnancy bump. Stacey asks Shirley and Buster to reassure Shabnam that she’s still a part of Jade’s life. Later, Shirley arrives at the Masood’s during lunch and tells Shabnam that if she wants a proper relationship with Jade, they can set up some proper visits. Kush is put out that Shabnam spoke to Stacey about her concerns rather than him and suggests that there’s more to this than just her worries about Jade. Shabnam admits that she did a pregnancy test at Stacey’s. Shabnam apologises for not telling Kush straight away but suggests there’s nothing to worry about; there’s no baby. Carmel clocks Kush berating Stacey for interfering with Shabnam. Later, Carmel heads to Stacey’s flat and purports that she has a feeling that something isn’t right between her and Kush. The penny drops for Carmel who suggests that Stacey’s baby isn’t Martin’s, it’s Kush’s...
Ian announces that he’s off to see Tamwar, to tell him that the Christmas tree sponsorship deal that he suggested is off. Jane’s embarrassed when Kathy shares that she had a bad night because the walls are paper thin – she can hear everything. When Ian approaches Tamwar about cancelling the sponsorship, Tamwar admits that he’s already told the news to the media; and the cheque is due today. Ian heads into the Vic and suggests to Mick that they split the Christmas tree sponsorship. Jane suggests to Kathy that she and Bobby swap rooms; he’s a deep sleeper. Bobby overhears this exchange and claims he’s not doing it, before storming off.
Stacey’s taken by surprise when Jean arrives at the flat. When Stacey claims that she can’t go out today as she has to be on the stall, she relents at the sight of Jean’s disappointed face. Stacey disappears to the bathroom and Jean is floored at the sight of an envelope addressed to Stacey – she swiftly pockets it. Stacey returns and Jean makes an excuse that she’s left a stew cooking at home; she needs to go. As Jean heads to the tube station, she places Stacey’s letter in a rubbish cart.
Kim’s miffed when Vincent brands her box of Christmas decorations as tacky. Claudette overhears this exchange and suggests to Kim that she meet Vincent halfway by getting some new decorations. Vincent’s seriously unimpressed when he clocks a huge inflatable giant snowman outside the house – an oblivious Kim squeals that there’s even more inside. When Vincent sees the extent that Kim has decorated, he snarls at Kim to take it all down; the Hubbards do Christmas low-key. Claudette enters and smugly states that Kim misunderstood her – Vincent’s never been big on Christmas, since his dad died then. Show less