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Sharon supports Phil on the day of Ben's sentencing, but the return of a familiar face threatens to throw their lives into turmoil. Alfie and Fatboy arrive back from Germany.

Ian can’t face going to Ben and Jay’s sentencing; should he have told Ben to retract his statement? Sharon accompanies Phil. Jay won’t let Abi go with him. Ben’s sentenced to four years and Jay to community service. Later, finding Jay in the Arches, Phil assures him he couldn’t have stopped Ben. Phil’s blaming himself; if only he’d got Ben help. He doesn’t want to ruin Jay’s life too. In tears, Phil tells Jay ‘I’m sorry son’. They hug. Returning to the B&B, Jay embraces a relieved Abi. Sharon assures Phil that he can put right the mistakes he made with Ben with Lexi. A voice breaks in from behind ‘how sweet’ – Shirley’s back.

Alfie and Fatboy return from Germany laden with decorations and festive snacks. Discovering Kat’s out, a paranoid Alfie phones her repeatedly. Fatboy and Alfie plan to set up a Christmas stall in competition with Derek and Tyler. They decide on a wager; the losing stall gives up their Christmas Eve takings. Kat eventually returns and presents Alfie with a framed photo of them with Tommy. She feels terrible when Alfie gives her a necklace with stones similar to her mum’s ring.

Lauren returns to Cora’s with booze but Cora sends her away. Cora looks at her silver bracelet. She joins Patrick in the Vic and learns he’s going to stay with Anthony for Christmas. Drunk, Lauren joins Lucy and Whitney in R&R. She’s rude to Joey who refuses to serve her. Later, finding her slumped on the stairs Joey’s tender but then checks himself leaving Lauren confused and tearful.

Bianca promises the kids a Christmas tree. She does well at her Booty trial as does Lola. Impressed, Tanya offers them both jobs but for tips only.

Poppy’s thrilled with the snow globe Fatboy brings her from Germany.

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30 minutes

Audio described

Clip

Music Played

  • JayZ and Kanye West

    No Church In The Wild

  • Glee Cast

    Jingle Bells

  • Noel Gallagher

    Everybody's On The Run

  • Bonobo and Sandreya Triana

    Wonder When

  • KT Tunstall

    Fade Like A Shadow

  • Plan B

    She Said

  • Dizzee Rascal

    Old Skool

  • Ellie Goulding

    Starry Eyed

  • Kidda

    Under The Sun

  • Basement Jaxx

    Fly Life

  • Example

    Say Nothing

  • Madonna

    Miles Away

  • RedLight

    Lost In Your Love

  • Eric Clapton

    Let It Grow

  • SBTRKT

    Hold On (feat. Sampha)

  • Derrick Harriott

    Derrick

Credits

Role Contributor
Shirley Carter Linda Henry
Phil Mitchell Steve McFadden
Sharon Rickman Letitia Dean
Alfie Moon Shane Richie
Kat Moon Jessie Wallace
Ian Beale Adam Woodyatt
Lucy Beale Hetti Bywater
Jay Mitchell Jamie Borthwick
Abi Branning Lorna Fitzgerald
Tanya Cross Jo Joyner
Poppy Meadow Rachel Bright
Lola Pearce Danielle Harold
Bianca Butcher Patsy Palmer
Carol Jackson Lindsey Coulson
Cora Cross Ann Mitchell
Patrick Trueman Rudolph Walker
Arthur 'Fatboy' Chubb Ricky Norwood
Derek Branning Jamie Foreman
Jack Branning Scott Maslen
Lauren Branning Jacqueline Jossa
Joey Branning David Witts
Whitney Dean Shona McGarty
Jean Slater Gillian Wright
Roxy Mitchell Rita Simons
Liam Butcher James Forde
Morgan Butcher Devon Higgs
Executive Producer Lorraine Newman
Director Tim Mercier
Writer Rob Gittins

Broadcasts