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| | Westway ended on World Service at the beginning of November - but you can still hear it as it was! To listen to those early days, go to the BBC7 hot link on Westway's Home Page - click on Drama Schedule for show times - or on the Listen Again Schedule.
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HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENED IN THE FINAL WEEK!
Thursday 27th October: Jamshed’s funeral proves to be a time of sadness, happiness, unrequited love - and a new arrival!
On the way to Jamshed’s funeral, Gabriella and Janet comfort each other. But Janet’s begun to wonder if she did the right thing by helping Jamshed to die, and Gabriella admits she’s felt guilty about terminating her pregnancy. Ultimately, they realise they did what was right at the time.
Margaret tells Father Gillespie that she and Mike have separated but denies putting work before her relationship. However, when Father Gillespie suggests she resign from the Health Centre to prove how much Mike means to her, Margaret can’t do it.
Jamshed has left a message for David to read out at the funeral service. It’s about how much he loved his family and friends and a last request is for everyone to go to The Green Man … and party! Back at the pub, Mel helps Chidi to set up the television for his compilation DVD of moments from Jamshed’s life. Chidi plays "Jamshed, The Movie" to the assembled guests. As everyone enjoys the video, Chidi thanks Mel for all her help. In fact, he says, there’s a lot he couldn't do without her. But just as it looks as though he’s about to ask her out, they’re interrupted by Charlie.
Blaze has turned up unexpectedly from Mumbai and Fizza thinks they can pick up their relationship from where they left off. Then Blaze tells him she has a boyfriend and he realises he’s missed his chance. Fizza tries his luck with Mel, who makes a quick exit, and finally with Kelly who pours her drink over him!
Angus has flown home from a medical conference to support Joy at the funeral. They are soon arguing, however, as Angus wants them to be together permanently but they both love their work too much. The relationship wouldn’t work if Joy moved back to London or Angus moved to Nigeria. Later, when Margaret learns of their dilemma, she suggests they simply go somewhere neutral where they can be equals. Margaret’s right, they have the rest of the world to choose from and they realise they’ve found the perfect solution!
Sean gets a shock when he discovers his brother Patrick – or Paddy, as Father Gillespie knows him - has returned to Westgrove Park. Patrick has been sleeping rough and when he insists he no longer touches drugs, Sean, without asking Zoe, invites him to stay at their house!
There’s a surprise when Janet's waters break and she admits to Joy she’s been in labour for hours. Joy gets her upstairs and, eventually, with Angus’ assistance, they deliver Janet’s baby boy. Denny and Billie dash downstairs to tell everyone their happy news, announcing he’s to be called “Jamshed Fraser Dastoor”.
Margaret and Father Gillespie slip away and Margaret goes back to the Health Centre to do some work. She finds a patient complaining about the Health Centre being closed. Margaret tells her to come back the next day, assuring her that the Health Centre will definitely be open “tomorrow morning - as usual...”
Thursday 20th October: There’s embarrassing confusion at work - and Margaret’s actions have dire consequences on her personal life!
Joy has flown back from Nigeria to attend Jamshed’s funeral. Chidi is feeling helpless so she suggests that he make a compilation DVD of home videos of Jamshed's life, to be played at his funeral.
Jane comforts David who feels he let Jamshed down by not helping him to die even though Jamshed sent David a last email showing that he understood. David and Jane’s intimacy is disturbed by the thought that Gabriella is staying with them. Jane suggests she come round to the Health Centre at lunchtime. They are caught out when Mel, and then Haroun, realise something odd is going on in David’s office with a mystery woman. Haroun phones David. and Jane tries to slip out of the building. Confusion ensues when Haroun sees her and tries to steer her away from David’s office. Eventually David and Jane have to confess and David realises it’s time their relationship was out in the open. He ‘proposes’ to Jane, saying he wants them to be a proper couple again and Jane accepts.
Mike and Margaret have decided to seize the day and buy their house in France. When Mike comes to pick Margaret up from the Health Centre, he finds her making frantic phone calls to Social Services. She’s discovered that Fatou’s mother has changed her mind and is taking Mabinty to Sierra Leone to be circumcised. On the way to the airport, Mike is quietly furious when Margaret then goes to the terminal that Mabinty’s flying from, saying she’ll catch a later flight to France. Mabinty is saved but Margaret agrees to stay with Fatou to help her face her mother. Eventually, Margaret returns home and is surprised to find Mike there. She defends her actions but is surprised when he points out they missed their flight because she put work first – yet again. Margaret accepts she’s never going to change but is shocked when Mike announces he can't live like that. She’s heartbroken when he announces that it’s over and, as his car pulls away, Margaret breaks down in tears.
Saturday 15th October: Jenny finds herself a new owner – and Janet and Gabriella grant Jamshed his final wish.
Haroun finds homeless Paddy arguing with people in the street, and insists Paddy must start behaving properly. Suddenly Jenny, the dog Father Gillespie’s been looking after, comes bounding up and takes a liking to Paddy. When a breathless Father Gillespie arrives, saying that Jenny’s owner has died in hospital so now he must look after Jenny, Haroun suggests that Paddy and Jenny are better off together.
Gabriella breaks down and admits to Janet she’s not sure how much longer she can bear to see Jamshed suffer. Jamshed tells Janet he can't go on; he wants to die while he still feels some joy and she’s shocked when he pleads with her to help him end his life. Eventually, out of love for him, Janet agrees. Jamshed doesn’t want her to tell Gabriella but secretly Janet does, feeling it’s only right that she should know. Gabriella is shocked at first but then accepts that Jamshed must have thought it through carefully. She asks Janet to leave them alone together for a while and goes upstairs to say goodbye without letting Jamshed know that she knows it’s the end. Jamshed too is saying goodbye. He tenderly makes it clear that he knows that Gabriella is no longer pregnant without actually saying so. They reminisce about their early romance, say how much they love each other and gently kiss. Gabriella can’t stop her tears when he tells her to look after herself when he's gone and, summoning all her strength, she leaves, closing the door behind her. Janet returns and after Jamshed assures her he’s made the right decision, she stays by his side as she helps him with his medication. She begins reminiscing as Jamshed drifts off into unconsciousness: when they were children, they'd discovered a walled garden with a door. When they’d opened the door, they found a most beautiful place that led to the cliff edge, like they'd come to the end of the world: a place that felt like magic. When she turns back and lovingly calls Jamshed's name, there's no reply...
Friday 7th October: Haroun takes pity on a homeless person, Mel insists she’s not running away, - and Jamshed asks David for help.
Haroun finds a homeless man collapsed in the street but, noticing a medical alert bracelet, he quickly realises the man is having a hypoglycaemic attack. He buys the man, Paddy, breakfast and tells him to take more care of himself. The next time Haroun sees him, Paddy’s ranting and raving in the street, having narrowly escaped being run over by a taxi!
When a sports car screeches to a halt in front of Mel, she’s not impressed to see Chidi behind the wheel. He’s got the car on a two-day test drive but Mel can’t understand why he’s chosen to spend his £20,000 windfall on material possessions rather than paying back his uncle’s loan, and becoming sole owner of the Chop Shop. When Mel tells Chidi she’s leaving to work abroad, he accuses her of running away. He’s secretly upset she doesn’t seem to care about the people she’ll leave behind! Later, Mel’s surprised to discover Chidi has returned the sports car and paid his uncle the £20,000. Mel decides to put her work plans on hold and Chidi persuades her to return to the Chop Shop - as Deputy Manager.
Jamshed's health is rapidly deteriorating as the cancer attacks his brain and he becomes increasingly agitated when he begins to forget simple words. When David visits, Jamshed asks for his help to end his life. David is overwhelmed by this request and wants time to think about it. He makes his mind up after hearing Gabriella say how much she’s savouring every last minute with Jamshed. David has to say no to Jamshed. Father Gillespie comes across David in the pub and after hearing about his dilemma goes to see Jamshed. He persuades Jamshed that his life is in God’s hands and to hang onto life for as long as possible. Jamshed agrees to try; he’s just not sure how much longer he can do it…
Thursday 29th September: Margaret’s desperate to keep Mabinty in the country, Gabriella has to think fast, - and Mel’s amazed at Chidi’s lack of support for her!
Margaret attends the case conference to stop Fatou’s mother taking her sister, Mabinty, back to Sierra Leone to be circumcised. Margaret has persuaded Fatou’s father to attend because if the family don’t change their mind, Mabinty will be taken into care. Fatou’s mother, Salimatu, defends the tradition of circumcising girls in their community but Esi, the social worker, urges her to protect her daughter from the physical and emotional pain she will suffer. As Margaret explains, it could lead to infection, bleeding and possible death. Not only that, female genital mutilation is a denial of Mabinty’s human right to good health. Eventually, Salimatu relents and announces that she won't be taking her daughter to Sierra Leone after all.
It’s the day that Gabriella should be having her twenty-week scan. She insists Jamshed’s too ill to accompany her to the hospital and dashes round to Janet, asking to borrow her baby scan photo. However, Janet has found out about Gabriella’s termination and is furious with her. Although Gabriella defends her decision, the only reason Janet lends her the photo is because she knows Jamshed would be devastated if he discovered the truth. Later, Janet has second thoughts and goes round to collect it and to tell Jamshed the truth but before she can say anything, Jamshed collapses and she and Gabriella have to join forces and take care of him.
Chidi panics when Uncle Albert turns up at the Chop Shop to inspect the accounts. Mel lets Chidi take the credit for discovering the £20,000 windfall but she’s annoyed when she sees Chidi unable to stand up to his Uncle and support the changes that Mel has made to the restaurant. She suggests he use the windfall to pay off his loan to Uncle Albert and get control of the restaurant. Albert is incensed at her rudeness and fires her. Mel asks Chidi what he has to say about that - there's no reply...!
Wednesday 21st September: Zoe’s plan proves a success, Margaret has to deal with a sensitive situation – and Mel discovers a discrepancy in the restaurant accounts!
Sean’s irritated that Zoe has invited Mel to his birthday outing and wants her to stop Mel coming: she’s spending too much time with her. Zoe puts Mel off and guiltily explains to Kwame that she took his advice of making friends with her enemy but now she really likes Mel. She confesses all to Sean who insists that Zoe shouldn’t be jealous of Mel, it’s Zoe he loves.
Fatou, a young woman patient, explains to Margaret that her younger sister, Mabinty, is due to be taken back to Sierra Leone to be circumcised. Having gone through the painful experience herself, she’s desperate to stop her mother making Mabinty suffer the same fate. When Margaret tells the other doctors she’s called in Social Services, Sean and David think there’s nothing more she can do. Female genital mutilation, as female circumcision is called in the UK, is illegal and it’s illegal to take any girl abroad to have it done. But Fatou comes back wanting Margaret to help her face her mother, Salimatu. Salimatu’s furious that her daughter has discussed her circumcision and insists it’s an honour and a sacred part of a woman's life. Margaret explains that it can cause death but Salimatu's thinks that no one will marry an uncircumcised girl: how could she do that to her own daughter? Margaret warns her that Social Services have been informed and there will be a case conference to decide Mabinty’s future.
There's tension in the air at Chidi's Chop Shop when Mel discovers that the accounts aren’t showing as much profit as they should. Chidi protests that he’s been paying all the profits into the bank but eventually Mel solves the problem: Aunt Polin has also been banking the profits but into an old bank account that Chidi hasn’t closed. Chidi has got £20,000 in this account! Chidi's delighted and kisses Mel hoping this will be the start of a whole new relationship for them. That account, Mel says, is closed – and he knows it...!
Saturday 17th September: Jamshed and Gabriella get married, Janet discovers Gabriella’s secret - and Mel’s suspicious of Zoe’s sudden friendship.
After Jamshed and Gabriella marry at a register office, there’s a surprise awaiting them: Sean, Zoe, Margaret, Mel, Kwame, David, Jane, Janet and Billie are there to whisk them off for a wedding reception. At the restaurant, it becomes clear to Janet that David knows Gabriella's no longer pregnant but when David starts talking about terminations, Janet is mortified. Suddenly she realises Gabriella didn't have a miscarriage. She’s furious: how is Jamshed going to cope when he finds out there is no baby? Jamshed and Gabriella head off for their weekend in a country hotel. When Margaret mentions to Jane that she and David seem particularly close, Jane insists they’ll never get back together again.
And so the next morning, Jane is horrified when she wakes up, hung over, in bed with David! What if it’s just sex and it doesn’t work out between them? Jane eventually agrees to try again, on condition no one else knows about them. Jamshed and Gabriella are also awake: Gabriella insists it doesn’t matter that he was unable to make love last night - after all, he does have a lot on his mind. Jamshed realises maybe he doesn't have quite so much on his mind and pulls her back under the covers! But Gabriella’s uncomfortable when, later, Jamshed insists on talking about their 'baby'.
When Denny returns from Ireland, there’s a warm welcome at The Green Man from Janet and Billie. Plucking up her courage, Janet announces that she and Billie have decided to move out, and she’s surprised Denny takes it so calmly. Then Denny admits he’s met a new man; they’re desperately happy and Denny wants him to move into the pub.
Kwame discovers Zoe seething with jealousy at Mel and Sean’s easy friendship and suggests she makes Mel her friend - keep your friends close and your enemies closer! Mel can’t understand what’s going on: Zoe has suddenly become ultra friendly towards her, even inviting her to join the ice-skating for Sean’s birthday. Mel agrees to go: life is too short to have enemies. Exactly, Zoe agrees, now they can be friends…!
Sunday 11th September: Louise’s surprise for Jamshed goes wrong and Janet’s disturbed at Gabriella’s request.
To Gabriella’s concern, Jamshed delights in stroking and talking to her ‘bump’, convinced he’s talking to their unborn baby. He can’t, however, summon any enthusiasm for the mystery trip that Charlie is about to take him on. In the car, Charlie refuses to reveal their destination, but when they arrive in a field with a helicopter waiting to whisk them off, Jamshed is unenthusiastic. He has no desire to go up in a helicopter, he only said he wanted to do it to please Louise the week before. Charlie cheerfully suggests they return another time but Jamshed loses control: he’s fed up of trying to keep everyone else happy. He’s the one who’s dying! He decides that, from now on, he’s going to do what he wants. Like for example, mend the leaky tap in his kitchen! The two men spend a happy afternoon doing DIY. Jamshed’s feels like he’s really accomplished something and when the job is finished he suggests a pint and a plate of chips in “The Green Man”. They’ve clearly had a good day and when Louise phones to see how the trip went, Charlie tells her they’re probably going to get very drunk.
Janet’s pleased at Billie’s renewed interested in their baby and they’ve both enjoyed having “The Green Man” to themselves while Denny’s been away in Ireland. When Billie, tentatively, suggests the possibility of moving out, she’s surprised that Janet agrees. Janet goes to Gabriella’s estate agent but is taken aback when Gabriella says she hasn’t told her colleagues about her own pregnancy. Janet explains she and Billie are looking to move out of “The Green Man” and, later, when Gabriella shows them a two-bedroom garden flat, they both fall in love with it and decide to take it, agreeing to explain the situation to Denny on his return. Gabriella’s fed up with Janet’s incessant questions about her baby and finally admits she is no longer pregnant. Janet's shocked, wrongly assuming Gabriella’s had a miscarriage - and Gabriella says nothing to make her think differently. But she's horrified when Gabriella insists she doesn't tell Jamshed. Janet's just not sure she can make that promise…
Tuesday 6th September: Gabriella keeps up the pretence of being pregnant, Mel’s devastated at Louise’s news - and Jamshed mourns for what he’ll never live to see.
Ever since Gabriella confided in David that she secretly terminated her pregnancy, he’s been in a dilemma. Jamshed, he feels, should know the truth but, as Jane reminds him, it's Gabriella's secret and he must keep his promise not to tell.
Gabriella and Jamshed are awoken in the early hours by a call from his cousin in India, congratulating them on their forthcoming wedding and Gabriella's pregnancy! But is a big wedding what they really want? Gabriella is relieved when Jamshed suggests a small, private ceremony, but panics when he tells her he hopes Sonya and their new baby will get to know each other.
Louise hasn’t returned to work since being attacked so everyone’s surprised when she walks into the Health Centre – only to hand in her resignation! Mel’s upset but Louise explains it’s time to move on; she’s hoping to work in victim support as a voluntary counsellor.
Namita’s devastated when Jane accidentally let’s slip that Jamshed’s cancer is terminal. She’s even more shocked when Jamshed confesses that he has as little as two months left to live. Jamshed agrees that Sonya must be told the truth but, later, he’s furious when he discovers Namita has already broken the news to their daughter. He’d wanted to wait until the three of them were together before he told her the most important news of his life. But Namita disagrees: telling Sonya how much he loves her is more important. He’s heartbroken when Sonya asks if he'll miss her when he's dead but Namita assures him she will cope. And she promises she won't let Sonya forget Jamshed as she'll talk to her about him, telling her what a wonderful dad she had…
Thursday 25th August: The Practice Outing proves to be a day of sadness and joy.
In view of Jamshed’s bad news, the staff have decided to go to the seaside town of Whitstable for the day, rather than go-karting. Everyone’s surprised when Janet turns up, unexpectedly, having just arrived back from Australia. On the coach, she sits with Jamshed, unable to stop her tears but when Jamshed asks about Australia, she tells him Billie’s Mum’s excitement about the baby seems to have worn off on Billie. Maybe, Jamshed suggests, by leaving Billie to face Denny alone, it could give them time to sort out their differences.
At Whitstable, Margaret has planned a surprise sailing trip on a barge. Zoe can’t go as Claude gets sea sick but she insists Sean joins the others. When they meet up later, Zoe is not best pleased when she’s convinced Mel and Sean are flirting. Sean, however, insists there’s nothing going on between them.
On the barge, Jamshed explains to Father Gillespie that he’s not scared of dying but is scared of how he’ll cope when he gets really sick. One good thing about dying, he says, is how it makes you appreciate things more.
David notices Gabriella crying but when he sympathises with her situation, she breaks down and admits that she’s terminated her pregnancy. She felt unable to face having the baby without Jamshed and, although David’s sympathetic, he’s shocked that Jamshed’s not been told the truth. Gabriella insists he’s happiest believing that a part of him will live on; how can she tell him that’s no longer true?
Later, everyone congregates on the beach for the fireworks. Jamshed tells Gabriella what a wonderful day he’s had, with people he loves, in a beautiful place. He tells her he believes that love lasts beyond death, and when he asks her to marry him, Gabriella says yes…
Monday 22nd August: Jamshed is told that his cancer isn’t responding to chemotherapy and there’s nothing more the doctors can do.
When Jamshed goes to the hospital, he and Gabriella are told that his test results show he’s not responding to the chemotherapy. They’re shocked when the consultant explains that there’s nothing else they can offer, except palliative care, such as steroids and painkillers, to make him as comfortable as possible. Jamshed is angry; he can’t believe the doctors are giving up on him. Gabriella asks for some time alone.
Jamshed continues to insist that he’s going to be fine until he notices Gabriella crying. She tries to make him face the truth by asking him how she will cope on her own with the baby. Jamshed turns on her, accusing her of not being able to put up with not being in the limelight but she realises he’s in denial.
When the Consultant and Palliative Care nurse return Gabriella reluctantly asks how long Jamshed has and is stunned when she’s told it’s probably two months at the most. Suddenly reality hits Jamshed and the tears begin to flow as he realises he won’t live to see his baby, maybe won’t even get to Christmas.
He tells Gabriella he wants her to meet someone else – even if it’s on the day of his funeral. He wants her to live life to the full as she will be living for him as well as for herself. Gabriella insists that she doesn’t want anyone else and assures him she’ll be with him until the end…
Wednesday 10th August:Mel hosts a successful Karaoke Night at the Chop Shop – and Haroun finally apologises to Saira.
Chidi has agreed to let Mel host a Karaoke night at the Chop Shop. Impressed with Mel’s organisational skills, he offers her a job but she refuses. She has plans to go travelling again as soon as she’s got the money together. The Karaoke evening goes well and Chidi ups his offer with the added bonus that if Mel comes to work for him she can live in the spare room above the restaurant, free of charge. The chance to get away from her mother is too much to resist and Mel accepts his offer.
It’s Ned’s birthday and David and Jane have bought him gym membership, a pedometer and a self help book – presents that will hopefully give him some ‘get up and go’. Ned invites them to join him for dinner at the Chop Shop where Chidi has offered them a free meal. Jane has already got a date with Max but David suggests she bring him too. Max refuses to sing a duet with Jane – Karaoke is not his scene. Ned suggests the Boyces sing “On Top of the World”, a family favourite. What the family lack in musicality they make up for in enthusiasm. Jamshed also volunteers to have a go, singing “Walking On Sunshine”. Everyone is impressed with his energy and optimism in the face of his illness and he wins second prize but the first prize goes to the Boyce’s. Meanwhile, Max has slipped away unnoticed.
Haroun is still refusing to apologies to Saira for lying to her about Manu. He insists he was doing what he thought was right at the time. Saira points out that their father wouldn’t see it that way and she finally seems to get through to him. At Karaoke, Haroun dedicates a song to his sister; “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word”. Saira accepts his apology – and the money he offers to cover both her and Manu’s flights to Iran.
Back at home, David and Jane agree that it’s been a wonderful night and go their separate ways to bed…
b>Wednesday 5th August: Zoe’s determined to be the perfect hostess, Haroun’s in hot water, and Mel does her best to live life to the full.
Sean and Zoe are having their first dinner party in their new home and have invited all the partners. Zoe is anxious for everything to be perfect. When the guests arrive they admire the décor and furnishings – Margaret especially likes the new orange sofa. This is news to Zoe - as far as she was concerned the sofa was oatmeal. Sean admits that the company delivered the wrong one; he was going to tell her but didn’t quite get around to it. Zoe tries to avoid the subject, not wanting to embarrass their guests, but Sean insists on justifying himself. When he reveals they were given a £200 discount for the mistake – which he spent on his fantastic new stereo - Zoe can hold back her fury no longer; what else has Sean lied to her about?
Aisha takes Zoe’s side – no one has the right to try to control someone else’s life. After the guests have made their excuses and left, Zoe explains why it upset her so much; he was using his sight against her, it’s not as if she’d find out, she is blind after all! Sean apologises, but Zoe worries about their relationship.
Outside, Haroun and Aisha are also arguing. Aisha points out the similarity between Sean lying to Zoe and Haroun lying about Manu in order to break up his relationship with Saira. Aisha accepts his apology, but tells him it’s his sister he really owes an apology to...
Jamshed is off work as he has started having chemotherapy to treat his cancer. However, he wants to come in to work whenever he feels up to it, so the partners don’t look for a full-time replacement. Instead, they’ve asked Mel to come back to Westway to cover some of Jamshed’s duties. Living with her Mum is driving Mel crazy. To avoid going home, she suggests an evening out for all the receptionists. Feeling shocked after hearing the news about Jamshed’s cancer, they agree that an evening out is just what they need, especially as the partners are having their dinner party. They have a great time putting the world (well, Westway Health Centre) to rights and, having agreed it’s important to live life to the full, they go on to a nightclub.
Friday 29th July: There’s a surprise guest at the Boyces’ barbecue, Margaret gives David some sound advice, and Jamshed seems reluctant to acknowledge the truth!
David’s invited everyone at the Health Centre to his and Jane’s barbecue. However, Jane is bringing her new boyfriend, Max and David is desperate to find a date for himself. It’s only after numerous phone calls to various women friends that he eventually finds someone who agrees to come. The atmosphere is tense when David is introduced to Max but as the barbecue gets underway, the guests all enjoy themselves. David’s surprise ‘date’ arrives and everyone’s delighted when it turns out to be Mel! That is everyone except Zoe. Alone, Sean assures her he’s not in love with Mel: she’s just a friend who rented a room in his flat. Maybe they had started to get a little serious but Sean insists things would never have worked out.
Jane tells Margaret that if she and David separate, she’ll miss the friends she’s made at the Health Centre; Max’s barrister friends all seem so pompous. When David tries to find out more about Max from Margaret, she tells him it’s clear to her that he and Jane are still in love. It’s time they stopped being silly and got back together properly!
Jamshed has been for another hospital appointment and his test results are not good. Gabriella doesn’t want to go to the barbecue but Jamshed wants them to act normally. Later, Jamshed finds her in a quiet corner of the Boyce’s garden. She's upset he didn’t tell her about his symptoms. Jamshed insists he didn’t want to scare her but Gabriella is convinced he’s lying to himself; it’s time he faced up to the fact he has cancer! Jamshed refuses to think about it but Gabriella reminds him they’ve been told he has only a 30% chance of survival - a two to one chance he'll die.
Wednesday 20th July: Janet can’t bear being apart from Billie, there’s worrying news for Jamshed - and David’s hurt at Jane’s ‘hot date’!
Haroun is still angry with Saira for announcing her engagement to Manu and it’s beginning to affect their working relationship at the Health Centre. Saira's furious that Haroun refuses to apologise for lying about Manu although Haroun insists he was only doing what was best.
Janet hasn’t heard from Billie and wonders if she’ll ever come back from Australia. Denny reassures her that he’ll still be there for her and the baby, whatever happens with Billie. This isn’t enough for Janet, she thinks it’s important that the baby has two parents who love each other. Where, Denny wonders, does that leave him? Finally, Janet books a last minute flight to Australia, insisting she’s only going to make sure Billie comes home.
Jamshed’s still tired, recovering from his pneumonia but Gabriella’s frustrated at not having made love for weeks. She surprises Jamshed with a special dinner of oysters and sets the mood with romantic music but Jamshed’s just not interested. Eventually, he admits that today’s visit to the doctor wasn’t good. His x-ray results showed something unidentifiable on his lungs and the doctor had also found a lump on his testicles. He tries to stay calm but when he mentions it could be testicular cancer, Gabriella panics. They won’t know for certain until Jamshed has had a CT scan which means waiting at least a week for an appointment.
David tries to hide his disappointment when Jane announces she has a date tonight with lawyer, Max. Trying to cover his hurt, he says he's probably got a date himself tonight. David’s amazed at how beautiful Jane looks, ready for her date – whilst he ends up at a history talk in a bookshop – alone, until he bumps into Saira! Later, back home, Jane and David chat about old times and he’s pleased when she agrees they should still hold their annual barbecue - that is until she tells him it has to be a Friday because she’ll be going away for the weekend with Max. But things get worse when Jane announces she'll bring Max to the barbecue: maybe, she says, David could bring his ‘date’…!
Friday 15th July: There’s a surprise in store for Haroun, Mike’s angry at Margaret’s actions – and Janet must make a decision about Australia.
Saira has told her family she will marry Anwar Afridi and the Afridi’s have been invited to dinner. Saira, however, realises she can’t delay the truth any longer and, alone with Shahid, confesses she can’t marry Anwar. When Saira says she’s been proposed to by someone she loves and respects, Shahid insists love is essential for a good marriage and agrees to meet Manu. Later, Haroun’s delighted when Shahid joins them downstairs, wanting to be part of the celebrations. Shahid tells them all it’s one of the happiest moments of his life, to see his daughter settled with a good man - Manu Abadi! Haroun’s shocked and tries to protest but Shahid insists Manu has his blessing – as he’s sure he has Haroun’s!
There’s confusion when Mike tells Margaret he may not be able to make the concert this evening because of work. David’s delighted when Margaret offers him the ticket but at the concert hall, she’s taken aback when Mike comes rushing in, claiming he’d always said he’d do his best to get there. Disappointed but not wishing to make the argument worse, David hands his ticket over to Mike and leaves. Margaret admits to Mike that the evening has been spoilt and she’s not in the mood to listen to music.
Things are tense between Billie and Janet. When Janet admits she's worried about the long flight tonight to Australia, concerned something may happen to the baby, Billie accuses her of being neurotic. And she’s furious when Denny agrees with Janet; is he ever going to leave them alone? When Janet points out it's his baby too, Billie says it’s time to choose between her and Denny. Later, Billie’s thrilled when she finds Janet with her suitcase packed but, in tears, Janet announces she can’t go. Since she’s been pregnant, Janet says, she hasn’t felt as close to Billie but it’s because Billie hasn’t accepted that they’re both going to be mothers. As the taxi arrives for the airport, Janet declares her love, insisting she’ll be waiting for Billie’s return. Billie wishes her good luck but announces she doesn’t know if she’ll be coming back…!
Thurs 7th July: Jamshed’s thrilled at Gabriella’s decision, Margaret decides she must tell the truth - and Saira begs for forgiveness.
Jamshed’s still recovering from pneumonia, but he’s delighted when Gabriella announces she's decided not to terminate her pregnancy; he’s convinced it’ll be a big adventure - although that’s not quite how Gabriella views motherhood! Jamshed reluctantly agrees to keep it secret for now but when Margaret and David visit, he’s too excited to keep the news to himself. Janet admits to Jamshed she’s nervous about her trip to Australia. When she mentions that Billie wants her to have the amniocentesis, Jamshed suspects Billie's just anxious about being a parent and sure she'll change her mind; after all, Gabriella has! Janet's thrilled at the news but when she congratulates Gabriella, she’s furious. Inside, Jamshed insists Janet's the only person he's told ... and Margaret.... and David…
David has bought an expensive necklace and planned a special meal for Jane’s 50th birthday, so he’s disappointed when he discovers she’s celebrating it with someone else.
Shahid's delighted when Saira changes her mind and announces that she will marry Anwar Afridi. Margaret, however, is wary; she knows how much Saira loved Manu and suspects Haroun’s lies - about Manu marrying her for a passport - have turned her against him. Despite David and Jamshed’s warnings not to interfere, Margaret tells Saira the truth about Haroun’s lies. Saira's angry her brother and sister-in-law have conspired against her and horrified at how badly she's treated Manu. Saira meets Manu and tells him she's ashamed that she believed her brother over him, apologising for not giving him a chance. Tearfully, she says she still loves and wants to be with him, pleading to be forgiven. Manu’s hurt that she had no trust or faith in him but admits it was worse to feel so lonely without her. He says he still loves her and, on condition she tells her father the truth, accepts her proposal of marriage…
Thursday 30th June: Gabriella rethinks her pregnancy dilema, David and Mike compete for the raffle prize - and Manu wants to know why Saira rejected his marriage proposal!
Zoe drags Sean round a furniture store but it's clearly not his idea of fun. When they spot Gabriella, she claims to have wandered into the children’s section by accident; just killing time, she insists, while Jamshed’s having a chest x-ray. To Sean’s relief, Gabriella happily agrees to shop with Zoe while he gets lunch. Eventually, talk turns to babies and Zoe admits she’d have children if Sean were keen; most women want them, Zoe says, don’t they? Gabriella’s convinced all children are monsters so when a precocious, super-organised little girl asks for their help, she’s impressed with her polite manner. Just maybe a child like that, she thinks, would be bearable!
Father Gillespie’s selling raffle tickets for the OAPs summer trip. When David and Mike discover the first prize is two tickets to the Wimbledon Men's Final, they both offer a fortune. But Father Gillespie refuses to take it. When he explains the tickets have to be won, both men try to outdo the other with the number of raffle tickets they buy. So it’s a surprise when, later, they discover the prize has been won by Margaret – with her single raffle ticket! David tries to save face, claiming he was only trying to win for Jane's sake. Mike can’t believe it when Margaret announces that in that case she’ll take Jane instead of him!
When Manu turns up at the Health Centre, Saira warns him to leave her alone. Manu can’t understand why she turned down his marriage proposal – he was certain she loved him and wanted marriage. So he’s horrified when Saira says Aisha told her he proposed only to get a passport. In tears, she announces their relationship is over. Feeling foolish, Saira finds Haroun and admits he was right all along – and Haroun says nothing to make her think otherwise. But Margaret suspects the passport story is just a rumour, and when Haroun tells her Saira is better off without Manu, she realises he’s made up the story. When she accuses him of behaving abominably, Haroun turns on her; it’s time, he says, she kept her nose out of other people's business...
Saturday 25th June: Mike’s feeling abandoned by Margaret – and both Janet and Gabriella have difficult decisions to make!
Janet's worried when her blood test results show she’s at a higher risk of having a baby with chromosomal abnormalities, than originally thought. She's been booked in for an amniocentesis test but isn't sure she actually wants it; it could cause her to lose the baby. Billie insists they couldn’t handle a baby with Downs Syndrome and admits she’d want Janet to have a termination – but Janet’s not so sure. After talking through her concerns with Margaret, she decides she’d keep the baby whatever the results. She tells Billie and Denny she's not going ahead with the test. Believing Janet and Denny have been discussing the decision without her, Billie storms out.
Mike’s angry when Margaret admits she’s forgotten a long-standing social arrangement. She’s agreed to look after young Alex while Jane moves back into the family home, but promises to do her best to get away by mid-afternoon. However, Mike's getting fed up with her constant devotion to other people; he’s reduced his work days yet still Margaret’s never around for him. While Margaret’s looking after Alex, he leaves a message on her mobile phone saying he’s bought tickets for the theatre but when she phones him, later, to say she’s on her way, he announces she’s too late and slams the phone down!
Having discovered she’s pregnant, Gabriella’s in a foul mood, understanding now why she’s been feeling sick. When she tells Jamshed she doesn’t want to give up work, he insists he’d happily stay at home to look after the baby. But motherhood’s not for Gabriella. Looking into her future, she sees only sickness, school homework and then teenagers leaving home: where’s the pay-back in that? But Jamshed’s so convinced a baby will bind them together that he gets down on one knee and proposes! Gabriella’s horrified; she can’t marry him just because she's pregnant and he’s shocked when she announces she’s probably going to have an abortion. He promises to support her, but says that if she NEVER intends to have a baby, then it just might be the end of them …!
Tuesday 21st June: Aisha can’t keep Haroun’s secret, the Health Centre thief is caught – and realisation dawns on Gabriella!
Saira tells Aisha of her happiness now that Haroun supports her relationship with Manu – or so she thinks! But Aisha can’t bear to see Saira being misled and admits Haroun has discovered Manu is using her in order to get a passport. Saira's horrified but doesn’t believe the story - if it were true, Manu would have proposed to her by now. During the interval at Manu’s music concert, Haroun congratulates him on his performance. Saira, he says, has found herself a very talented man. And Manu’s delighted when Haroun suggests he wastes no more time in proposing to Saira. After the concert, Manu is on a high from the whole evening and taking Saira in his arms, asks her to marry him. But he’s shocked by Saira’s response; suddenly believing Haroun’s passport story, she tearfully tells Manu to find himself another bride!
Having been awake half the night, Jamshed’s feeling ill. When Gabriella complains of feeling sick, they blame it on a dubious pizza they ate last night.
At the Health Centre, Kwame discovers Rita rifling through his jacket pockets. Nervously, she claims to be replacing his mobile phone, but when he discovers £30 missing, the penny suddenly drops: Rita is the practice thief! And it’s confirmed when Jamshed finds Kwame's dry cleaning ticket tucked inside the notes Rita has. Zoe’s furious when she realises Rita must also have stolen her euros. The police are called and Rita’s hauled off to the police station. Everyone's shocked and when Margaret suggests she cancels dinner with Mike, they all agree to go for a quick drink at The Green Man. However, one drink leads to another as Kwame revels in recounting the day’s drama. Margaret remembers hearing that Saira needs a job and is an experienced receptionist. Saira would be the perfect replacement for Rita. Gabriella's flagging and Jamshed’s still not feeling well and when he tells Margaret his symptoms, Margaret jokes that if he were a woman, she'd say he was pregnant. There's a sudden gasp of realisation from Gabriella...!
Tuesday 14th June: There’s a theft at the Health Centre - and Haroun tries to put a stop to Saira and Manu’s relationship!
Haroun has decided to move his family back into his father’s family home but announces it’s time for change; from now on, he says, Manu must be stopped from visiting Saira. Aisha arrives at Shahid's house along with all her possessions but she’s uncomfortable when Manu turns up, insisting on helping her and Saira unpack. When Haroun arrives, unexpectedly, he’s angry to find Manu there. Alone with Aisha, Haroun’s furious: his father wants Saira to marry into their own community, someone financially secure. Later, Saira tells them she and Manu love each other and asks Haroun to speak to their father; Shahid would accept Haroun's judgement and she wants her father's blessing before it's too late.
Kwame has started a collection to buy Louise a present. When Fizza discovers they’re thinking of a day of pampering, he tells them a friend of his runs a health club. He’s sure his friend would do a deal on a spa day for Louise. But when Kwame looks for the collection money, he discovers it’s been stolen! He desperately tries to re-trace his steps and Pete, the builder, is furious when he assumes Kwame’s accusing him of stealing the money; last time he was at the Health Centre, Pete explains, £20 went missing from his jacket! Fizza’s disgusted someone would stoop so low, though not surprised after the stories he hears in the back of his cab. Only last year, he discovered one of his drivers was asking women out so he could find someone to marry and get a British passport.
Haroun’s desperate to find out anything incriminating against Manu to stop him and Saira marrying and, having overheard Fizza’s conversation, he tells Aisha he has bad news. Manu, he lies, has been bragging that he can get a passport for nothing by marrying Saira! Aisha can’t believe it’s true but when she says Saira has to be told, Haroun insists she mustn’t find out as it would break her heart....!
Saturday 4th June : Manu tries to convince Haroun he’s worthy of Saira, Chidi slips up over mistaken identity - and David has a proposition for Jane.
The secret’s out that Saira and Manu have been seeing each other and, although Haroun’s far from happy about it, he agrees to meet them both for lunch, along with Aisha. However, at Chidi’s Chop Shop, the atmosphere is tense from the start. Manu admits they’ve kept their relationship quiet but denies he was avoiding Saira’s family. He talks about his work as a musician, but when he says he’s mini-cabbing at Go West to finance his studies, Haroun isn’t impressed. When the two men are alone, Manu insists his intentions towards Saira are honourable; he loves her and, with Haroun’s permission, plans to ask her to marry him. Haroun doesn’t oppose the idea but merely asks that Manu says nothing of marriage to Saira until Haroun is sure the family is ready.
Lee is spending the weekend with Ned while doing some freelance work as a restaurant critic. He’s been given the job of reviewing Chidi’s Chop Shop. But there’s confusion when Chidi lavishes attention on Haroun, believing he’s the reviewer, and ends up ignoring Lee, the real critic. When he realises his mistake, Chidi is horrified! Ned quietly promises to make it up to Lee later, if only he’ll agree to give the restaurant a good review. Not realising they’re partners, Chidi’s impressed by Ned’s persuasive talk!
Jane brings Alex to visit David but she’s concerned about Ned. She feels he’s wasting his talents working at the Chop Shop. It was only supposed to be a temporary job. Where have they gone wrong with their children, she wonders? What a mess they’ve made of family life! And now Jane has handed in her notice at work but can’t afford to rent a place back in London. Why doesn’t she move back into the family home, David suggests? Jane’s still angry about his affair with Lola but when he proposes they could live together just as friends, Jane agrees – making it clear she’s not coming back to the marriage.
Aisha is desperate to find out what Haroun thinks of Manu. When she mentions how serious Saira is about him, Haroun says they’ll just have to wait and see about that …!
Friday 27th May: Saira suspects Aisha has a hidden agenda, disaster strikes as Zoe and Sean prepare for Paris, and Haroun doesn’t like what he finds at his father’s house!
When Margaret talks about Manu Abadi, a volunteer at the Refugee Day Centre, Saira quickly changes the subject. Aisha, Haroun’s wife, drops by to treat Saira to lunch, and when Saira explains her worries about their imminent move back into Shahid’s house, Aisha promises both she and Haroun will respect her space and privacy. At the restaurant Aisha spots one of her clients and asks Saira if she thinks he’s good looking, denying she’s trying to match-make. However, they both know Shahid is set on finding Saira a husband – so why shouldn’t Aisha help to find someone suitable? Saira refuses her offer. Later, Aisha insists lunch wasn't a way to set Saira up but she does know someone who happens to have a brother who is single! Saira lets out a frustrated groan.
Zoe and Sean are excited about their Paris trip. Having picked up her French euros, Zoe meets Sean at the Health Centre and takes him to their new house; she wants to perform an ancient Chinese tradition that involves burning fake Singaporean dollars. But on their way to the airport, Zoe panics when she can’t find their euros! A terrible thought occurs to Sean; what if the money Zoe burnt wasn’t fake, but their spending money? Back at the Health Centre, Rita suggests it could have been Pete, the builder, who stole it. Sean’s still angry; unless he stops blaming her, Zoe says, she refuses to get on that plane.
In the supermarket, Rita bumps into patient, Sheila Harding. Sheila explains she missed her appointment because she was scared to go by herself; her husband, Keith, died six months ago and she's finding it hard coping without him. Rita persuades her to return to the surgery and Haroun soon realises she’s suffering not just from Post-Polio Syndrome but she's still grieving for her husband. Haroun explains that although her advocate, Philip, is in a wheel chair, it’s not necessarily what she needs. Sheila’s relieved when he suggests they look at other options to stabilise her condition.
On her way home, Saira’s uneasy to find Haroun outside the family house. He insists on seeing Shahid, even though now, Saira says, isn’t a good time. And when he goes in, Haroun's taken aback; who is this stranger who introduces himself as Manu Abadi...?
Thursday 19th May: Haroun’s first day at the Health Centre doesn’t run smoothly, Margaret’s concerned about Louise’s well-being, - and Saira is furious at Haroun’s intentions!
Margaret learns that Saira has repeatedly asked Haroun about moving their father, Shahid, to another practice now that Haroun works at the Health Centre – but to no avail. Taking Haroun aside, Margaret explains Saira's concerns but is astounded when he admits he’s broken the rules by looking at his father’s medical notes. Not only that, he’s taken over his father’s care, re-ordering a specialist nurse practitioner.
Haroun sees patient, Sheila Harding, accompanied by fellow Polio sufferer, Philip Dublin. Wheel chair-bound Philip insists that, like himself, Sheila is suffering from Post-Polio Syndrome. When Haroun admits he knows little about it, Philip becomes incensed; doctors, he claims, misdiagnosed him, prescribed the wrong medication and told him to exercise, all of which worsened his condition. And now Sheila, he announces, also needs a wheel chair. But Haroun's not convinced and insists he needs to know more about the condition. Empowered by information found on the Internet, Philip announces he’s in contact and helping people all over the world! Haroun, however, decides to refer Sheila to a neurologist and pain control physician before taking any further steps.
Margaret visits Louise and is concerned that she’s not left the house since the attack. Margaret persuades her to accompany her to the Health Centre where Jamshed wants to impress Louise with the new security system. But when the doors fail to work properly, Louise panics, pleading with Margaret to take her home.
At the Zaman's house, Saira’s dismayed to learn that Shahid has had visitors – including Anwar Afridi, someone her father considers a prospective husband for her. Anwar’s twenty years older than her and divorced, she exclaims! Saira’s annoyed that Haroun’s arranged for a specialist nurse to visit Shahid without warning her; she’s her father’s career and wants to be consulted on decisions. And she’s furious when she overhears Shahid agreeing to Haroun and his family moving into the house. How dare he walk back in and take over. She knows Shahid and Haroun will work together to get her to marry Anwar; Haroun’s ruining everything…
Friday 13th May: Louise is released from hospital, Rita saves the day in reception, - and Aisha is furious when Haroun fails to consult her about his plans.
Louise has been discharged from hospital after her attack. But back home, when the police show her mugshots of local criminals, in the hope she’ll recognise her attacker, she becomes distressed at the thought of him walking round with the contents of her stolen handback. Later, David tries calling round but when there’s no answer from Louise, he calls Charlie home from work. Inside the flat, there’s no sign of her. Then David hears her desperate pleas for help from within the coat cupboard. Hysterically, she begs them not to hurt her and then realises that it’s Charlie and David not her attacker. She heard Charlie fumbling with his keys in the door and thought it was her attacker, using the stolen keys to get into the flat.
There's mayhem at the Health Centre as building work starts on putting in new sliding doors in reception. Jamshed’s furious when his discovers the doors he’s ordered, aren’t automatic. At last, Rita, the temporary receptionist arrives and soon gets things under control. When Pete, the builder, explains he can’t return for 3 weeks to automate the doors, she reminds him of how the elderly and wheelchair bound patients will suffer; feeling guilty, he agrees to return next week! Jamshed can’t believe his luck when Pete tells him it’s all down to Rita!
Jamshed drags Fizza into his office, demanding to know exactly what happened between him and his cousin, Blaze. Fizza denies being involved with the porn film and promises he never slept with Blaze. Later, David finds Fizza drowning his sorrows in The Green Man; he and Blaze, he says, had wanted each other and now she’s gone forever.
Aisha’s angry that Haroun's thinking of accepting the job at the Health Centre. She knows he needs to be closer to his father, Shahid, but refuses to be uprooted and moved back to Westgrove Park. But when they discover their daughter, Mariam, has been bullying children at school, a new start suddenly doesn’t seem such a bad idea. Aisha agrees he should accept the job but she’s furious when he tells her he’s already done it - without consulting her first…
Wednesday 4th May: Gabriella pays for her sins, Geraldine accuses Kwame of Louise’s attack – and David has doubts about the newly chosen doctor.
Gabriella’s pleased when Zoe and Sean put in an offer for the house she showed them and it’s accepted; now the Paris trip is hers! However, Jamshed refuses to go, saying she lied and cheated to get it and Gabriella very reluctantly hands the prize over to Sean and Zoe.
Margaret makes another house call to terminally-ill patient Shahid Zaman. His son, Haroun, is keen to spend more time with his father and tells Margaret he’s looking for a job in the area.
Jamshed and the police watch CCTV footage checking for evidence of Louise’s attack. When the footage confirms that Kwame was the last person to leave before the attack, Geraldine accuses Kwame of setting the whole thing up with one of his ‘street’ friends! Jamshed’s horrified and insists that it was his responsibility to get the faulty door fixed. Surrounded, as she sees it, by criminals and incompetents, Geraldine walks out, announcing she’s quitting!
Kwame visits Louise in hospital but is shocked by her serious injuries. Although she still hasn’t woken up, he explains how responsible he feels for not closing the door properly. But when he asks her to squeeze his hand if she knows what he's saying, he's amazed as she begins to wake up.
With one doctor down, Margaret makes a call to Haroun and an interview is set up between him and the partners. At the interview, Haroun explains he originally worked in hospital medicine but, as an Asian doctor, had felt held back and his bosses hadn’t understood his need to spend time with his family. David’s concerned that Westway isn’t what Haroun’s used to but Haroun assures him that his Asian roots, and the fact that he grew up in the area, make him hungry for a multi-faith, multi-ethnic practice. The reason he left his previous practice, he says, was because the partners wouldn’t agree to give him leave to take his father on the Hajj, he puts it down to intolerance and unwillingness to accommodate others. After the interview it's clear David's not happy; surely Haroun can’t accuse all his previous colleagues of racism? But when Margaret reminds him of Haroun’s brilliant references and his passion for GP work, David reluctantly agrees Haroun should be offered the job. David admits he was wrong about Geraldine and invites everyone for a drink to celebrate her departure. They all agree to raise a glass to their new doctor, to Sean and Zoe’s new home - and to Louise…
Tuesday 3rd May: Gabriella believes she’s being held captive by ghosts, Jamshed’s the victim of his family’s wrath, - and there’s violence at the Health Centre.
When Jamshed organises Geraldine’s welcome drinks at The Green Man, Louise reluctantly promises to catch up with everyone a little later. Meanwhile Gabriella and Zoe head off to view a property and Sean promises to follow after one quick drink. When Kwame discovers which house they’re viewing, he warns Sean it’s supposedly haunted; estate agents have been trying to sell it for years.
At the house, Gabriella desperately tries to highlight the good points, but she gets an eerie feeling as the floorboards creek and drafts appear from nowhere. Losing her nerve, Gabriella bolts down stairs and, claiming she needs fresh air, struggles, unsuccessfully, to get the door open. By the time Zoe reaches her, Gabriella is hysterical, convinced spirits are holding them captive. Sean arrives, hears Gabriella’s screams and dashes off to enlist Kwame and Father Gillespie’s help. Calmly, Father Gillespie gets Gabriella to try the lock again and, suddenly, the penny drops; Gabriella’s been using her own house keys! As the door opens, Gabriella can’t get out of the house quickly enough.
Jamshed receives a call from Blaze’s Auntie Freni, announcing she’s on her way to London. But he meets with her wrath; Auntie Freni has discovered Blaze has been involved in porn films and refuses to believe Jamshed knows nothing about it. Meanwhile, Fizza tries to comfort Blaze, assuring her she has talent and offering to become her agent once more. The grateful kiss Blaze gives Fizza soon turns to passion and he suggests they move upstairs. However, when he discovers she’s a virgin, Fizza insists her first time should be more special. Just then Jamshed and Auntie Freni walk in! A full-blown argument erupts and, though Fizza insists he saved Blaze from the porn film and denies he was about to seduce her, no-one wants to believe him. It’s straight back to India for Blaze, announces Auntie Freni.
Alone at the Health Centre, Louise is terrified to discover a man in reception. She threatens to call the police but there’s a series of sickening, vicious, punches and Louise moans in agony as she falls to the floor. On their way back to The Green Man, Kwame and Father Gillespie notice the lights on and the door open. Kwame’s shocked to find Louise lying in a pool of blood and there’s no response as he frantically calls her name…
Thursday 21st April: Gabriella puts the pressure on Sean, Blaze is horrified at her new film role - and a doctor is chosen to take over from Joy.
David visits Shahid Zaman, a patient suffering from the last stages of lung disease. Shahid excuses his son, Haroun’s, abrupt manner but explains, as a doctor, he’s finding it difficult dealing with his father's illness. David’s surprised when Shahid talks about his recent trip to Mecca but when he questions Haroun on why he took his father on the pilgrimage, convinced it will have shortened his life, Haroun’s furious to be told what's best for his father.
Gabriella's convinced she can win the Spring sales prize of a weekend for two in Paris – if only she can sell one more property. Desperate, she tells Sean that another couple are about to put in an offer for the house she showed him; if Sean wants it, he'll have to move fast.
Blaze begins her first day of filming but she’s puzzled when Steve, the director, asks if she’s prepared to do ‘unprotected’; does he mean without a stuntman? Horrified, Blaze suddenly realises she’s on the set of a porn film and dashes off, locking herself in a toilet! With Steve hammering on the door, Blaze phones Fizza for help. She’s terrified but with Steve bullying her, she agrees to continue filming. Then as she’s being bullied into taking her clothes off, Fizza bursts in, demanding filming is stopped. Threatening Steve with violence, Fizza grabs Blaze and they dash out. Later, he comforts and assures her she has got talent; one day she’ll make it as a proper actress.
When the partners interview Geraldine for the permanent post at the Health Centre, she claims to be a champion of diversity. However, Margaret feels she’s patronizing in the way she refers to ethnic groups and no-one’s impressed when she insists her teddy bears and wearing bright jumpers help deal with tricky situations! However, she redeems herself in David’s eyes and at the end of the day, David’s convinced Geraldine is the doctor for the job. Margaret still has her doubts but, given that the post has to be filled, she does seem to be the best candidate they’ve seen. Geraldine, they all agree, will be offered the job…
Friday 15th April: A new locum arrives at the Health Centre, Blaze prepares for her film role, - and Jamshed panics over Gabriella’s proposal!
It’s the first day for new locum, Geraldine Denby. She has good connections in the medical world, is dedicated to her work and appears friendly. However, one thing concerns some of the staff; she introduces them to Theodore, her teddy bear and constant companion! Despite this, David insists she’s coping well and, claiming not to have noticed her beauty, decides to encourage her to apply for a permanent job.
Gabriella has only one more property to sell and she'll win the sales prize at her estate agents - a romantic weekend for two in Paris. Having discovered Sean and Zoe are flat hunting, she tells Sean she’s found them the perfect property. He’s impressed by the house and low price but when Gabriella, excitedly, urges him to make a quick offer, Sean warns her to slow down; Zoe’s not even visited the place yet.
Blaze is excited about starring in a new film, but everyone seems too busy to help her rehearse - that is until she bumps into David. Disbelieving she's got a part in a genuine film, he promises to help her rehearse - once he's seen a contract. At the film studio, the receptionist is unused to such requests but, stifling a laugh, types up a makeshift contract and Blaze is astonished when she sees just how much she’s to be paid. This’ll prove to David she’s got herself a legitimate film role!
Jamshed’s in a dilemma about Gabriella’s marriage proposal. But then Louise tells him she's never felt happier, more secure and more loved since her marriage – just as she’s sure Gabriella would, were he to marry her. Later at home, he tells Gabriella the answer to her question is ‘yes’. But what, Gabriella wants to know, is he talking about? She was too drunk at Louise's wedding to remember anything she said. Thankful, Jamshed says yes - he'd love a romantic weekend in Paris....
Saturday 9th April: There’s drama at Louise and Charlie’s wedding, - and Billie tells Janet exactly what’s on her mind.
It’s Louise and Charlie’s wedding day but pregnant matron-of-honour, Janet, is suffering from morning sickness. When Billie talks about booking flights for a holiday to Australia, it's the last thing she wants to discuss. Billie, however, is feeling left out, especially when she sees Denny constantly fussing over Janet.
Louise finally arrives in church but as she’s about to walk down the aisle, everyone’s distracted as Jamshed, Gabriella and Blaze rush in late. At last, Father Gillespie begins the service but has to stop when Blaze’s mobile rings. Then as he begins again, there’s more chaos as Janet suddenly heaves and vomits over Louise's dress!
Later, at the reception, Janet apologises to Father Gillespie for interrupting his service and Denny, without thinking, announces Janet’s pregnant. Realising she's in possession of some gossip, Blaze searches out Jamshed and before Janet can reach him, she announces Janet’s pregnancy. He’s taken aback but congratulates Janet, admitting he still misses her. However, Janet reminds him they’ve both moved on and Jamshed agrees he is happy with Gabriella - most of the time!
Blaze tells Billie she’s landed herself a lead part in a major feature film. She’s to play a lesbian and Billie’s exasperated when she asks for her advice on how lesbians think. Later, Janet tells Billie she can’t understand why she’s being unsupportive when she's feeling so ill but Billie's had enough and, storming off, shouts she’s only pregnant, not ill. Seeing Janet in floods of tears, Jamshed rushes to her side. The champagne has taken its effect on Gabriella and she lurches over and drags Jamshed away.
In spite of everything, Louise and Charlie are supremely happy. By the end of the evening, Gabriella has to be carried out of the pub but Jamshed’s astonished when she asks him to marry her...
Thursday 31st March: Blaze is excited when Fizza arranges her first job - and Joy packs her bags for Nigeria.
Blaze is worried her acting career is going nowhere and demands to know exactly what Fizza, as her agent, is doing about getting her work. Fizza promises her he has a job but persuades her, first, to sign a dubious contract. Excited at the prospect of her first assignment, Blaze follows Fizza’s directions but is puzzled to find herself talking to a local business man. The market is promoting healthy eating and Blaze is horrified when she realises she’s expected to hand out leaflets - wearing a carrot outfit! Furious, she ‘phones Fizza but when he insists many now-famous people started off doing similar work, she reluctantly agrees to do the job.
At Chidi's flat, Auntie Polin pleads with Joy not to go to Nigeria. How, she wonders, will Joy cope having been away for 30 years? What if she’s ambushed and gunned down by armed robbers? She may not even get out of the airport without being mugged by fraudsters and conmen! Chidi points out there are dangers in London too. Uncle Albert arrives and, with Chidi’s help, they load up his car with Joy's cases. Everyone squashes into the car but as a ruse to get Joy to miss her flight, Uncle Albert claims his car keys have disappeared. However, Chidi had previously ordered a cab from Go West and as Fizza screeches to a halt beside them, Joy and Chidi transfer her luggage into his cab. By the time the missing keys miraculously turn up, Polin, Chidi and Joy are speeding off to the airport in Fizza's cab. Blaze has spotted Fizza and jumps into Uncle Albert's car, ordering him to follow the cab. At the airport, Fizza bears the brunt of Blaze’s humiliation and embarrassment at having to dress as a carrot!
Auntie Polin’s still pleading with Joy not to go and then, as if her prayers have been answered, Angus appears from nowhere! Joy pleads with him not to stop her leaving but Angus has news: he’s taken some leave from work and will be joining her in Nigeria in six weeks time! He can't lose a woman like her twice in one lifetime…
Saturday 26th March: Louise’s long-awaited baptism finally arrives - and Angus pleads with Joy to stay in England with him.
At last it’s the evening of Louise’s baptism; something she’s been working towards for a very long time. She’s radiant in church and Janet’s in awe of the magical atmosphere, surrounded by so many candles. As Louise begins to take her vows, Charlie’s overcome with emotion at Louise’s happiness and the beauty and seriousness of the occasion. He finally understands why becoming a Catholic meant so much to her. After the baptism, Becky slips away and the first Louise knows of it is when she receives Becky’s text saying she’s at a party! Charlie’s furious but Louise is calm, reminding him she did, at least, attend the baptism. Later, as Louise picks her up from the party, Becky likes her new, relaxed Catholic mum! So does Charlie and later, as they cuddle up in bed, he suggests that now she’s a Catholic, they throw away the contraception and leave the consequences in God’s hands!
Joy and Angus take in a romantic night time tour of the London streets. As a surprise, he takes her back to their old medical school. Nothing's changed, Joy says, except back then it seemed that falling in love would be the answer to everything; now she feels very old and very serious. Admitting how much they feel for each other and realising they’re being given a second chance, they declare their love for each other. And when Angus pleads with Joy to stay with him in London, she finally agrees. Back home, just as they kiss passionately, someone arrives at Joy’s flat. He introduces himself as Mr Petrushin, Olga's father, explaining he’s come to England to collect his daughter's ashes. He’s grateful for Joy’s friendship towards his daughter but he breaks down as he remembers that Olga was too ill with AIDS to return to her family in Russia. He feels they let her down, that she didn’t trust them. Joy insists Olga was just trying to get the medicine she needed in London. After Petrushin leaves, Joy realises it would be too easy to stay in England and live with Angus when there are so many people that need her help in Nigeria …
Thursday 17th March: There’s drama in reception, Margaret’s about to hand in her notice - and Angus needs to know where he stands with Joy.
There’s panic in reception when Kwame accidentally smashes a glass tank containing a young patient’s collection of stick insects! The patient, Dimitri, is devastated and chaos ensues as Kwame, Louise, Joy and Jamshed desperately try to recapture all nine of them – well, eight after Jamshed steps on one! Later, when Dimitri returns, he notices the insects look different. It’s only after he’s gone that Kwame admits to Louise he replaced them with some from his old primary school!
Joy warns David that Margaret intends to announce her resignation at today’s Practice Meeting. Desperate for her not to leave, David persuades Jamshed to allow him to look at the responses to the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire before the meeting. Margaret is suffering from a massive crisis of confidence and some good news might possibly stop her from resigning. In the meeting, as Margaret begins to announce her news, David suggests they look at their returned questionnaires. She’s shocked to discover she's got higher marks than both Sean and David, showing she’s the most appreciated doctor. Then, Zoe admits she was too hard on her over the Branca Ladic case. After all, Zoe says, everyone makes mistakes; it doesn't mean she's a bad doctor. Later, Margaret ends up assisting in a road traffic accident and when the paramedics arrive, they insist Margaret has probably saved the victim's life. Margaret’s confidence has returned and when she phones Louise to say she’s been delayed for her appraisal, she announces she’s looking forward to discussing her next five years at Westway!
Angus realises Joy has been keeping her distance but persuades her to have lunch with him. He admits she’s driving him mad; they've kissed, they spend all their evenings together but still he doesn't know what's going on because as soon as they get close, she clams up. Joy admits she likes him but is still determined to go to Nigeria. However, she's not saying no to him either! In fact, when he invites her to dinner, she accepts...
Thursday 10th March: Sean’s furious when Zoe puts a patient’s health at risk - and Angus has a question for Joy!
Patient Linda Kohl returns to the Health Centre. When she explains her painful heel hasn’t improved, despite Zoe’s physiotherapy, Sean agrees to give her the steroid injection. However, having noticed how tired and depressed she is, he suggests a blood test as he suspects she may be suffering from thyroid problems. Sean's annoyed when he discovers Zoe had advised Linda against returning to him. When he confronts Zoe, he warns her that Linda could be suffering from a serious problem. Later, Sean realises Margaret still blames herself for Branca Ladic’s death and, as he assures her that everyone, sometimes wishes they'd done things differently, Zoe walks in. She’s embarrassed when he explains they were discussing how easy it is to make mistakes – it’s just some people are more willing to admit to them! Zoe acknowledges she was wrong about Linda Kohl but Sean’s angrier that she’d suggested Linda didn't need to see a doctor; she took too much responsibility for which she doesn't have the expertise. They make up over dinner, but Zoe is still not willing to apologise to Margaret.
In an attempt to make as many memories as possible to take with her to Nigeria, Joy and Angus spend an enjoyable day at Kew Gardens. Angus invites her out to dinner but agrees to wait outside Chidi’s restaurant while Joy drops off Chidi’s birthday present; she knows the conclusions Auntie Polin will immediately jump to if she meets Angus. However, when Uncle Albert sees him waiting in Joy’s car, he insists Angus comes in. Just as Joy had predicted, Auntie Polin pleads with her not to leave London - especially now she has a man! Alone, Joy begs Angus not to let her family involve him in persuading her to stay. But it’s too late; they’re not the only ones who don’t want her to leave. In fact, Angus has something he needs to ask: Will she stay? Here? With him...?
Tuesday 8th March: Zoe tries to influence a patient’s decision, Louise and Janet call a truce - and Jamshed’s horrified at Fizza’s new career plans for Blaze.
Zoe's patient Linda Kohl returns, still complaining of pain in her foot. She’s constantly tired and depressed and, having given the physiotherapy a try, has decided to return to Dr Graham for the steroid injection. Zoe insists it's unnecessary; she's convinced Linda just needs to keep doing the exercises and make a few lifestyle adjustments.
It's only a month until Charlie and Louise's wedding. Louise, however, fears Janet will refuse to come because of their disagreement over Janet’s decision to have a baby with Billie. Taking matters into his own hands, Charlie invites them both to dinner. But from the moment they arrive, the atmosphere is tense - Billie can barely bring herself to be civil to Louise. Over dinner, when Charlie remarks on Janet declining alcohol, she scurries off to the toilet with Louise in tow, admitting she may be pregnant. Louise apologises for their friendship breaking down but says she still can’t accept her decision to have a baby; Janet doesn't expect she'll agree with everything Louise does, but that, she says, won't stop her wanting her as a friend. After doing a pregnancy test, Janet announces to everyone she's pregnant, but it's clearly news that Louise finds difficult to take. Alone with Charlie, she breaks down: why can't they have another baby? Charlie's amazed; he'd thought it was Louise who didn't want to try again after losing baby Keir!
Having convinced Blaze she could earn a fortune as a model, Fizza takes her to a photographer friend to have some pictures taken. Later, on Jamshed's computer, Blaze looks at her CD of photos and is delighted with the results. However, Jamshed's outraged when he sees she's wearing nothing more than a bikini and a seductively draped pashmina! Jamshed admits to Joy he now has problems both at home and at work. When he moans about not being able to find a good enough doctor to replace her, Joy is sure she still wants to go to Nigeria - or at least she was …!
Thursday 24th February: There’s sexual tension between Joy and Angus, Margaret despairs at the world of litigation, - and Fizza has a plan for Blaze’s future!
Joy observes Angus' patient consultations at the Fulbury HIV clinic but she’s furious after seeing a patient who refuses to take his anti-retroviral medication regularly. Doesn’t he realise how many other people in the world are desperate for access to treatment? Angus doesn’t want Joy to leave London but when he encourages her to stay and get a research job, she's adamant her help is needed in Nigerian more than here. There’s sexual tension in the air but when Angus kisses her, they’re both embarrassed and Joy’s disappointed when he tells her to pretend the kiss never happened.
Margaret arrives at the solicitor’s office but is concerned at how little he knows about the Branca Ladic case. When he makes excuses for why she missed the diagnosis, Margaret tells him she doesn't want him to devise any defence, she just wants to be honest and own up to her mistake. That, he says, would be an unwise course of action; by admitting everything straight away, the claimant’s solicitor would eat them alive! Margaret’s appalled at how the world of litigation works. Mike’s concerned for Margaret; he's worried she's losing her perspective on the case and back at the Health Centre, he has a quiet word with David. Margaret isn’t sleeping, barely eating and totally on edge: unless she leaves, he warns, things could get a whole lot worse.
Fizza drives Blaze to an audition. He flatters her on her acting abilities but soon after she goes in, she’s out again looking disappointed. The audition didn’t go well - maybe, she wonders, they just don't understand good acting! Fizza has a plan: he suggests she has the body and face to be a model and offers to take her to a photographer friend who takes pictures for the 'special' pages' in newspapers! Blaze is excited at the prospect and Fizza promises to look after her; he’s going to make her a star...!
Thursday 17th February: Jamshed despairs of Blaze’s behaviour, Zoe disagrees with Sean’s treatment of a patient, - and Kathleen is desperate to keep Kofi away from her family.
Jamshed is furious when Blaze finally arrives home at 7.30 in the morning, having spent the night with a stranger! She’d met an actor and had gone back to his place, insisting they only talked. And later, Jamshed despairs when he spots Blaze and Kwame chatting cosily together; when he tries to point out the dangers of giving out the wrong signals to men, his advice falls on deaf ears. Blaze is unable to hide her pleasure when she discovers David has separated from his wife and when she complains about living with Gabriella, David offers her a room at his house. That, Jamshed says, is out of the question!
Zoe sees a patient, Linda Kohl, who is suffering from severe foot pain - Plantar Fasciitis. When Zoe discovers the anti-inflammatory Sean has prescribed isn’t having any effect, she recommends physiotherapy and convinces Linda the steroid injection Sean has suggested, won’t be necessary.
Two very expensive gold watches arrive for Kwame and Faith but when Kathleen discovers they're from Kofi, she insists they're returned, and takes them herself. At his office, Kofi apologises for letting his children down but promises Kathleen he’ll make things up now he’s back from urgent business in Ghana. However, in Kathleen's eyes, it's too late and she throws the watch boxes on his desk, saying they're not wanted. Why then, asks Kofi, is Kwame's watch box empty? Later, Kofi approaches Kwame who’s still angry at his broken promises but relents when Kofi explains about the business in Ghana. But when Kathleen returns home, she's furious to see him in her house, saying they don't want to talk to him. Kofi's not so sure - after all, Kwame is wearing the watch he sent. Kathleen screams at him to leave but Kofi accuses her of being mad and when he blames her for not supporting Kwame in his education, Kathleen breaks down, admitting she’s been a terrible mother. But Kwame won’t hear of it; the love she gave them is worth more than anything else. Handing the watch back, Kwame tells Kofi to leave and, comforting Kathleen, assures her he never wants to see his father again…
Wednesday 9th February: Everyone’s horrified at Margaret’s admission, Louise attempts a reconciliation with Janet – and Sean’s concerned about Zoe’s attitude towards Margaret.
Sean reports back about the meeting between himself, Margaret and Anica Ladic. Margaret, he says, apologised for her error but, rightly, didn’t take the blame for Branca Ladic’s death. However, everyone despairs when Margaret tells them that, when later confronted by a guilt-ridden Anica, she did admit causing her mother’s death!
When Zoe notices Margaret asking Louise to double-check things, she assures Louise it’s not her that Margaret’s worried about; it’s herself. Margaret, she says, used to be a great doctor but now it’s time for her to retire. And Margaret begins to doubt herself; she tells Father Gillespie she's wondering whether she should leave the practice before she kills someone else!
Louise is having trouble coming to terms with Janet's decision to have a baby. Father Gillespie suggests that, although she doesn't agree with what Janet’s doing, she could tell her she still wants her friendship. Taking his advice, Louise pays her a visit. But when Janet assumes she's come round to the idea of the baby, Louise admits she can't approve of what she’s doing. A little later, Janet tells Louise she doesn’t need to worry anyway; she’s just discovered she's not pregnant. Billie asks David's advice on how likely it is that Janet, at her age, will get pregnant by a donor. When he warns it’s possible it might never happen, Billie seems surprisingly pleased.
Sean and Zoe prepare to celebrate Chinese New Year, but the atmosphere becomes tense when Zoe talks about Margaret. Sean can't understand her attitude. When he tells her she’s being unprofessional, gossiping to Louise, Zoe refuses to be told what she can and can't say. To her, it's obvious Margaret needs to take the blame for her mistake; why do doctors always think they're perfect and above the law? Sean insists doctors are in a special and difficult position. He takes Zoe’s work seriously but can’t agree that their jobs carry the same importance, the same responsibility. Storming off, Zoe shouts that she's worth just as much as he is....
Thursday 3rd Feb: Gabriella’s exasperated at Anu’s behaviour, Kofi fails to carry out his promise - and Margaret has to confront Anica Ladic.
Gabriella’s had just about all she can take from Jamshed’s spoilt cousin, Anu (or Blaze, as she prefers to be known). Blaze is noisy and thoughtless, and when Gabriella demands she clears up her mess, she insists cleaning’s not really her thing! And to make matters worse, Blaze makes it clear she prefers Janet to Gabriella. The builders arrive to install a new bathroom but, to Gabriella’s frustration, Blaze refuses to come out until she’s finished washing her hair! And by then, the builders have given up waiting, and left. Gabriella is furious and Jamshed arrives home to find Blaze’s bags packed, and Gabriella refusing to allow his cousin to spend another night in the house. Jamshed’s horrified when Gabriella pointedly suggests to Blaze that she could stay with Janet and her “lesbian lover” – especially when Blaze threatens to report this news back to his family in India. Jamshed insists that Blaze stays.
Kathleen admits to Kwame she’s pawned the china horse he bought her, to help out with the family finances. Kofi, she says, had promised to pay money into Faith’s bank account but now the cheques that Faith’s been writing out for college books have bounced as no money has appeared.
Margaret’s had a sleepless night worrying about the morning’s meeting with Anica Ladic, the daughter of Serbian patient, Branca Ladic, who died from DVT. Margaret’s feeling guilty as she’s convinced the mistake she made may have resulted in Mrs Ladic’s death. At the meeting, when Anica demands to know why her mother’s condition wasn’t diagnosed earlier, Margaret admits she’d been looking at Anica’s notes rather than her mother’s, at the original consultation. But when Sean points out the confusion arose partly because Anica wasn’t there to interpret for her mother, Anica’s furious; how dare they blame her for her mother’s death? Later, however, Anica apologises for being rude, but when she admits responsibility for her mother’s death, Margaret can’t bear to see her take the blame. Near to tears, Margaret insists it was her own terrible mistake - and one that will haunt her forever…
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