2nd December 2021

Karl arrives at the bar and can see Rick flirting outrageously with Piper. Sam assures Karl that Piper is reciprocating because he walked in. Sam expresses to Laura how he isn't sure about Rick coming for Christmas because they have an awkward history because of his ex-wife. Laura tells Sam to break the news to him then, while Karyn asks Sam how long Rick has been here. Karyn tells Sam about Rick's advances and exposes Piper for trying to make Karl jealous. Rick learns who Karl is, and Piper tells Karyn to back off before she causes more trouble. Rick gets Piper a drink and continues to entertain Piper, while Sam has to pop out to the shops. Stella tells Amanda that she is keeping the compensation money for herself and Amanda applauds her decision, and they laugh it off. Unfortunately, Sam comes to the shop to thanks Stella and asks her to come for Christmas if she hasn't got any plans. A nosy Amanda asks what the exchange was and learns that Stella gifted the money to Laura. Sam looks smug as Amanda tells Stella hows he may as well have thrown her money away. Stella tells her to get over it and heads upstairs. Rick orders another round and Piper keeps checking on Karl, who leaves. Rick tells Piper that she ought to re-think about Karl given their history, and Piper stops entertaining Rick and gets back to work, while Laura and Piper chat. Laura needs to pop to see Jane, as Sam arrives. She warns her that Rick has put money on a tab, and is drinking way too much. Laura asks a doctor for Jane, and eventually finds her on the terrace. Laura asks if she is okay, and Jane opens up about how she should have been there for Barry. Jane is riddled with guilt and almost confesses her affair with Bill, Laura invites Jane over, while a tipsy Rick asks for Coffee at his place. Sam has no choice but to say yes. Laura and Jane talk Christmas with Rick and Sam. Sam tells Rick there's no space for him, but Alicia can come. Rick leaves and Sam feels bad, while Stella tells Candace about Ricky now working at the RR. Amanda insists they she take her shop shifts now that she has the salon.

Terry continues to share this thoughts about Elsie's health to Claudia. Elsie overhears from the other room and storms out, as Claudia checks what the door slam noise was. A tired Candace chats to Lydia at the RR and teases her about working with her 'boyfriend' Ricky, who arrives for the shift. Elsie is greeted by Nikki, one of the nurses who will help carry out Elsie's abortion. Elsie ignores a call from Clare and is happy to proceed, and chats to Nikki about what to expect. John pops by Eileen's and they chat about the charity shop and trivial things. Eileen insists joining him and Claudia for drinks, and John worries that she has shut the shop too early. Elsie chats to Nikki, who can tell that Elsie is anxious, while Ricky is given the cold shoulder by Lydia. They awkwardly work behind the bar serving the punters. Ian asks Lydia if she is okay sensing the tension behind the bar, while Clare asks where Elsie is at the medical centre and successfully convinces her not to go ahead with the abortion. Ricky tells Lydia that Becca is here now, and asks if she is okay as they sit in the basement. Lydia and Ricky chat and Lydia states the job situation won't work because she has feeling for him. Lydia explains how Candace is right. Ricky is very supportive and vows to leave the role sooner. Lydia opens up even more and Ricky is called by Becca to help in the bar. Elsie makes her way home, and bumps into Tommy who asks how Terry is doing, Claudia, John, Terry and Eileen have a laugh in the RR, and Ricky gets the drinks in. Lydia is upset in the kitchen of the RR and Ricky finds her. Ricky tells her that he really likes her, and the pair get very close. Ricky tells her that the RR would be perfect for them to see each-other and they passionately kiss. Ricky heads home leaving Lydia so gleeful. Becca asks what happened, and Lydia just smiles. Elsie breaks the news of her pregnancy to John and Claudia as they settle for dinner. John tells Ricky the news as he arrives . Ricky is overwhelmed and kisses Elsie. Ricky is completely shocked by the days events.

David and Tracey decide to head to see Jim in hospital, as they sneak out while Ian is out. Tracey is annoyed as David gets doubtful and says that it was his idea. They head off, while Candace gives Ricky a hard time given that he took her job, Ricky explains that it's temporary, Matt chat to Candace about a weekends away and Ricky says that Matt owes her. Ian asks Elsie if she is okay, following her contraction during their counselling session. Elsie insists that she had food poisoning and Ian gives some home cooked food for her. Tracey and David panic as they bust a car tyre and call a mechanic. While he sorts out the car, Tracey and David chat in the local bar. Tracey learns that he ought to move home with Natasha being released soon Tracy, expresses how much he will be missed while they chat. Tracey gets a call from Ian saying he's going to the gym, so Tracey arranges Candace to babysit Adam. Tracey lies to Ian saying she will be home in a bit while Candace learns of Tracey's job offer. Matt decides to post-pone their night away. Adam and Eric get on, and Matt suggests they make the most of the empty house to make up for the night away. Tracey and David learn that the mechanic took some things making Tracey reel. However the car is fixed, and they make head-way and see Jim in hospital. Jim expresses how low he has been feeling since the overdose, and David is harsh over what he deserves. Tracey talks to him about Adam. Eric and Adam end up fighting again and Ian finds them rowing on the landing. Ian realises Tracey isn't home, while Candace and Matt are in bed. Ian quizzes Adam where Matt or Tracey is. Candace tells Ian she fell asleep leaving him dissapointed. Ian tells Eric to leave while Candace blames Matt for putting her job on the line. An emotional Tracey expresses to David how upset she is about lying to Ian leading to a row, and mentions how she fell out with Karyn also, David tries to support her, but she leaves. David tell him that he has put Tracey under so much pressure and that he is a selfish man. They chat about Natasha. David leaves, while Jim is in despair over the current situation of his relationships. Tracey finds Ian scolding Adam and learns of his argument with Eric. Ian is annoyed that she left Candace in charge, who leaves without pay. Ian turns his attention to Tracey seeing Jim and expresses his disappointment. Ian heads to bed, while Tracey waits for David, who arrives and supports her. Matt returns from upstairs and wants to know why she went to see Jim knowing it would upset Ian. David defends Tracey against Matt, who cannot forgive her. Matt storms off to see Candace while Tracey hugs an understanding David.