02/11/2025

Chris and Carly recognise each other from the past. Both now single and with their own children, they sit down for a drink together to catch up. Carly’s surprised to find out that Alice is Chris’s ex and Martha’s mum. They laugh over shared memories involving drunken behaviour, and Carly invites Chris to the Grey Gables fireworks event. Chris demurs; he plans to have Bonfire Night at home in the garden with Martha. When Jolene comments they seem to be getting on well, Carly admits she used to think Chris was the cutest boy she’d ever seen. And he’s improving with age. Jolene recommends seizing the day; Chris is a catch.

Tom’s trying to get reluctant Henry to watch a film. Helen wonders why Henry’s grumpy. Henry admits he wanted to go to Scotland but it’s been booked in term time so he can’t. He gets why, but he was looking forward to it. Helen offers, not for the first time, to stay in Ambridge. They can all do things together. But Henry doesn’t want his mum to miss out. He and Jack will be fine. Exasperated with Tom’s bonding efforts, Henry wonders flippantly whether Helen can take him out on her date with Dane. Remarkably Helen takes Henry at his word, and she and Tom return later the worse for wear, having sampled some good brandy with Dane. Henry plays parent, fending off over-effusive hugs and advising glasses of water and an early night. As the pair giggle and follow his orders, Henry laughs too in spite of himself.