Episode 2455 (10th December 1998)

==Plot==
Ashley believes he has the measure of Eric and has forced him to play Santa at the Xmas toy fair. Eric has already been calling round dealers confident Robert and Andy will unwittingly come up with the goods. But his plans look to be doomed when the vicar arrives with a toy expert. Chris tackles Kathy and convinces her, for Alice's sake to see a doctor. Later she tells Biff what she's agreed to and crumbles into his arms in a flood of tears. What if something is seriously wrong? Kathy tries to make it up with Rachel but is taken-aback when she tells her she cannot accept her apologies. Paddy has agreed with Mandy to collect his remaining things from their flat. The two are reminiscing when Butch appears menacingly and escorts frightened Paddy off the premises.
==Cast==
===Regular cast===
*Eric Pollard - Christopher Chittell
*Rachel Hughes - Glenda McKay
*Graham Clark - Kevin Pallister
*Zak Dingle - Steve Halliwell
*Butch Dingle - Paul Loughran
*Rev Ashley Thomas - John Middleton
*Jack Sugden - Clive Hornby
*Sarah Sugden - Alyson Spiro
*Robert Sugden - Christopher Smith
*Andy Hopwood - Kelvin Fletcher
*Victoria Sugden - Hannah Midgley
*Alice Bates - Rachel Tolboys
*Betty Eagleton - Paula Tilbrook
*Kathy Glover - Malandra Burrows
*Laura Johnstone - Louise Beattie
*Christopher Tate - Peter Amory
*Paddy Kirk - Dominic Brunt
*Mandy Dingle - Lisa Riley
*Lisa Dingle - Jane Cox
*Kim Marchant - Claire King
*James Tate - Bradley White (uncredited)
*Ned Glover - Johnny Leeze
*Zoe Tate - Leah Bracknell
*Alan Turner - Richard Thorp
*Biff Fowler - Stuart Wade
===Guest cast===
*Toy Expert - David Williams
==Locations==
*Church Lane car park
*Emmerdale Village Institute - Lobby and main hall
*Melby Farm - Farmhouse (kitchen)
*Kathy's Diner - Diner
*Home Farm - Office, living room and dining room
*Wishing Well Cottage - Yard and Mandy's flat
*Main Street
*The Woolpack - Public bar
*Tenant House - Living room/kitchen
==Notes==
*This episode marks the first credited appearance of Hannah Midgley as Victoria Sugden. 
*Viewing Figures: UK broadcast - 11,300,000 viewers (14th place).
==Memorable dialogue==
Alice Bates: "Are you really Father Christmas?"
Eric Pollard: "Absolutely."
Alice Bates: "I think you're Mr Pollard."
Eric Pollard: "Who?"
Alice Bates: "Mr Pollard, he's a miserable little conman."
---
Victoria Sugden: "Mummy, Santa's scaring me!"
Category:1998 episodes
Category:Emmerdale episodes