Episode Guide

Following her confrontation with Alice, Zoe went full steam ahead in getting her bags packed. Soothing words from a worried Mac failed to diffuse the situation. A panic-stricken Nicky overheard the exchange; she asked a shocked Alice about why she and Zoe had to leave. Alice reassured Zoe that there would always be a home for her with them. Hazel agreed to go Christmas shopping with Alanna. However, when Kelly advised that it wasn't the wisest idea leaving any man near Alanna, the lip-glossed man-eater, Hazel backed out of the girlie trip. When Eileen offered her sympathies to the Shah family, Vinnie's brother lashed out about his brother's so-called friends. He pointed out that they weren't much use when Vinnie had been lying dead undiscovered for days.

Michelle was thrilled when a letter arrived offering her a flat. However, she was sad at the thought of moving away from Bob. Kelly Marie offered Bob some advice in matters of the heart: she told him to take the direct approach and tell Michelle how he felt. Given that Michelle dropped heavy hints about how much she cared for Bob, it seems a winning plan. While Stevie was off work needing to sort his head out, he confided in Kelly that he needed to escape from McCabe's clutches. He also made it clear to that he wasn't McCabe's boyfriend, but his plaything. Gerry refused McCabe's request to use his empty offices over the holiday period.

A frosty Mac pointed out to Alice that she was wrong to lose her rag with Zoe. He insisted that Alice swallow her pride and apologise to Zoe, or else the girls would leave. Archie suggested to Eileen that maybe they should cool their affair. As they dined in The Ship, Eileen and Archie were clocked by Scott and a very unimpressed Gina. Meanwhile, Ruth had a successful first date with policeman Harry. When McGrade flirted with Heather, an unimpressed McCabe made it clear to Gerry that he shouldn't fraternize outside the workplace. Gerry was not amused by McCabe's insistence. Alanna received a big surprise which turned up on her doorstep - her mother and father down from Aberdeen.