03/01/2013

Kim and Zainab set up a surprise dinner-date party for Denise as a bid to cheer her up, but will AJ or Ian be able to impress? Denise is not amused by the gesture and leaves the dinner party feeling pathetic. Ray follows Denise and she confides in him that her life is a mess - she even thought about visiting Lucas who sent a visiting order to her. Ray compliments Denise, leans in and kisses her. Denise embraces the kiss.

Sharon’s loved up with her new fiancé – it’s Jack. Jack reminds her she still needs to give Phil his answer. Sharon gently explains Jack is what she needs. Phil claims he’s happy as long as she is; but his face falls as she leaves.

Joey returns to the Square to support Alice. He awkwardly helps her choose Derek’s funeral music, but isn’t sure he can attend. After Lucy informs her Joey’s back, Lauren heads to No. 23 to see him. Things are awkward with Alice there, Lauren leaves, upset. Later, Joey finds Lauren in The Vic and explains Alice needs him more than ever – but he needs Lauren, and supports her as she has a run in with Kirsty. Later, Lauren and Joey are kissing passionately in a secluded spot when Lucy emerges from the chippy and stumbles upon them, stunned.

Tanya and Max arrive home; both are keen to know if Kirsty has left Walford for good. Jack and Sharon tell them separately that she’s gone. Sharon tells a doubtful Tanya that Max has made his choice. Determined to move on, Max and Tanya head to the Vic, only to find Kirsty working there. Max insists he thought she was gone as she wasn’t answering her phone; Tanya’s mortified he’s been calling her and storms home, slamming the door on Max.