17/04/2012

Robbie spots two good-looking guys, Ben and Paul, but is quick to stand up for himself when Ben responds with homophobic remarks. Unfazed, Robbie gets on with his day at work, which - among other things - involves removing Scarlett's wig and giving her hair extensions. He handles the sensitive situation with aplomb, and Scarlett is delighted. Later that day Robbie plans to go out on the pull with Hayley. When the pair return late at night to have chips at the Oyster Cafe, Robbie clocks Paul who comes over and apologises for his friend's behaviour. Robbie picks up signals that Paul is interested in him and follows him outside, only to be attacked by Ben and Paul. Dan finds Robbie lying in the street and insists he come back to Liz and Malcolm's for First Aid. Robbie accepts the basic treatment but refuses to go to the hospital or tell the police. The next morning Robbie hasn't slept a wink. Zinnie and Deek are horrified by Robbie's injuries but Robbie still refuses to report the crime. When Hayley complains about Robbie missing work, Deek tells her about Robbie's ordeal and a furious Hayley is convinced they can catch the guys if they report them. When Robbie still says no, Hayley decides to take matters into her own hands and brings DC Will Cooper to speak to Robbie. Robbie agrees to speak to Will but finds it difficult. When Hayley blurts out that Robbie was tricked into following the man for sex, a mortified Robbie shuts down and refuses to continue. Robbie admits to Hayley that he has been attacked before. The perpetrators got off with a slap on the wrist while Robbie was forcibly outed. Downtrodden, Hayley goes to the Ship for a drink where a sympathetic Jimmy suggests that Robbie shouldn't make a target of himself. Meanwhile, Robbie meets Molly at the scene of his assault and she makes him see that he can't change the past but still put up a fight and bring his attackers to justice. At the police station, DCI Donald and Will interview Robbie about the assault but Donald shifts the blame to Robbie by suggesting he provoked it by propositioning his attacker. Disgusted, Robbie storms out. When the attackers turn up at the Ship, Hayley quickly identifies them and they are tossed out. Robbie comes face to face with them on his way home and tries to avoid confrontation. Hayley comes to his defence and when Ben and Paul start threatening her, Robbie puts himself between her and harm's way. Just when things are about to get ugly, Will arrives in an unmarked police car. The men are arrested as Robbie proudly says he will give a statement against them.

Stella is determined to get pregnant with Wee Bob. As Iona complains to the couple (and to Deek) about their baby making noise levels, Stella lays down the law. Bob is not drinking until they have conceived. Deek teases Bob with a pint and suggests he's under the thumb but Bob doesn't see the funny side. At home, Stella Googles for tips on how to conceive and presents an ovulation chart of her best dates. Bob suggests they stick to the old-fashioned way but this doesn't get through to Stella, who starts making physical demands at timed intervals. When Bob confides that it is stressing him out, Deek tells Bob how lucky he is but reminds him relationships take work. Bob decides to talk to Stella and admits it's all become a bit clinical for him. He wants to let nature take its course. Stella agrees and throws away all her charts.

Leyla is struggling but determined to get her life back on track. She tries to build bridges with Nicole by taking more of an interest in her life, but Nicole remains unrelentingly hostile. Miriam gives Leyla paperwork to start her off as a phlebotomist but, feeling increasingly isolated and lonely, Leyla finds it hard to take much of an interest. At the health centre, Miriam chides Leyla for letting her personal life impinge on her work when Murray comes in complaining that Conor has dented his car while playing truant. Avoiding Gabriel at the Ship later, Leyla orders a bottle wine that she takes home to drink alone in the dark of her cold house.