22/10/2010

With Liam sporting a cut on his head, Carol’s wracked with guilt for having struck him. She organises a family dinner in an effort to regain some normality, but as one by one the family cancel, Carol’s left despondent. Concerned for her mother, Bianca tries to impress upon everyone the importance of the meal. Carol’s touched when the family rally round her for the dinner. The atmosphere quickly changes when Bianca discovers the gash on Liam’s head. As Carol confesses, a horrified Bianca berates her. Carol bites back, blaming Bianca for Billie’s death and slamming everyone in turn for their part in it. They’re shocked as she reveals that they’re all banned from Billie’s funeral.

Stacey agrees to let Ryan look after Lily, but is adamant she doesn’t want Janine involved. Janine attempts to play the role of adoring stepmother, but finds it a struggle to keep up the pretence. Ryan’s forced to leave Lily with Janine when he visits Phil for a job. Ryan manages to impress Phil by offering his skills in the car-nicking business. Discovering that Lily was left with Janine, a furious Stacey lambasts Ryan, but finds herself disarmed when he shows the effort he’s making to be responsible and provide.

Billy’s bolstered when Julie helps on the stall and they make a great team. As they reminisce about their youths, talk turns to their son. Billy’s wistful about him, but Julie maintains that it should be left in the past. Alone later, Billy contacts the adoption agency in search of his son.

With the Vic rent due, a panicked Alfie desperately tries to raise the funds. Having been unable to come up with the money, Alfie goes to face Phil. He’s stunned to discover that Roxy’s paid the rent for him as a goodwill gesture.