20th December 2021

Jane sits by Barry's bed as he recovers. Jane hopes that he will be home before Christmas. Barry learns that Natasha is out of prison. Meanwhile, Jim apologises Samantha for his behaviour. Samantha tells him that he is only sorry because he has lost out on seeing his family ever again. Samantha complains to Nikki, The police officer arrives to chat to Chris, and he agrees to come along. As they leave the premises, Clare arrives and swears that he better not have something to do with Bill going. Samantha arrives and asks her what's up. Clare fails to get Samantha to convince Bill to stay. Clare is left unimpressed. Chris' story matches Paul's and he allowed to go. Chris is annoyed as Paul arrives and ensures he said they right things. Chris is tired about being grilled over what happened and just wants to forget about the whole thing. Paul is confused. Samantha berates Jim again as he enters the office. As Samantha grabs her things, Jim locks the door and shuts the lights. Samantha panics and presses the emergency button, while Clare waves off Bill, who promises he will be back and wishes Clare and Stacey a good Christmas. Clare tries to cheer up Jane at the RR, who won't be happy until she has Barry home. Jim tells Samantha that he knows why Bill is leaving and promises to unveil all if she sleep with him. Samantha runs her mouth at Jim and as he gets touchy, Samantha stamps on his foot and makes a run for it. The police catch Jim and arrest him, as Jim tells her to watch out for Chris and tells her about last night's bribe. A confused Samantha heads back and meets Chris. Mike answers the door and is happy to see Chris home. Chris gets a drink from his bar. Mike has cooked them both dinner, and Mike heads to bed as Samantha grills Chris on Bill's sudden departure. Chris mocks her for believing Jim, but Samantha defends herself by stating that he's going back to prison. Jim has nothing to lose or gain. Chris is forced to explain what happened that night and Samantha is sickened that Chris has exploited the situation in poor taste. The pair row.

Amanda learns of Paula's toy fundraising and insist to donate 1K towards the donations. Elle and Marya chat that morning, as the learn Marc is going to court over the burglary. Marc confides in Natasha at the RR fearing that he will be sentenced to prison He also learns that the person who reported him wants to remain anonymous. Elle agrees to be there for Marc, and Marya tells Natasha. Marya heads to work and starts dressing the place in Christmas decor. Amanda thinks it looks naff, and asks how Elle has been and they chat briefly about the court case this afternoon. Elle and Marc meet at the salon and Amanda calls them a taxi. Elle tells Amanda to wait as Marc has chosen a pair of tattered trousers ans insist he goes home to change. they do so. Elle and Marc get on as Elle looks out for him and his appearance. They head to the court and Marc is fined 2K for felony. Elle and Marc chat outside the court house and Marc insists that he comes over to collect some more things. When Marc suggests the take things slowly, Elle admits she has a bad feeling about all of this and vows to not get involved, telling him that their marriage is over. Marc is upset. Marc leaves, and Amanda calls to ask how things went with Marc at the courthouse. Amanda surprises Alvin in his firm by dressing in a robe and seducing him. The pair make-out. Marya heads home on her lunch break and supports Elle who wants nothing more to do with Marc. Marc feels like he was framed and Natasha suggests that he sees Alvin the lawyer. Marc isn't so sure. Marya breaks the news to Marc that he ought to stay away from Elle, which annoys Natasha who was suppose to be working on getting them back together.

Karl has a pop at Karyn the next morning for agreeing to be bridesmaid. Karyn is annoyed by Karl's hypocrisy given that he hasn't told Piper the truth. Piper comes downstairs and tells them to stop bickering and asks what it's about. They lie, and Karyn heads out. Piper asks Karl if he has found a best man. Karl says that he needs to think about it. they joke about it being Rick, while Sam treats Alicia to breakfasts at the cafe. Alicia complains given that Rick's breakfasts are like desserts. Sam is unimpressed over Rick's spoiling of Alicia, Alicia tells him about how Rick got her a new laptop. Sam is concerned as Karyn arrives and Sam asks if she's okay. Karyn talks about the wedding, and says hi to Alicia. Sam heads to the bar, while Karyn gets a coffee and heads home. Des is at the door and Des asks her if she is okay. Karyn is annoyed of being asked so many questions. Des can see that she is stressed and admits it was her idea of making Karyn bridesmaid. Karyn says that she doesn't mind, which makes Des happy. Piper tells Sam to arrange Karl's stag, and invites Laura to her hen do. Laura gets Sam to install the new CCTV and Sam tells Piper that Rick makes have stole the cash earlier in the month, and tells her about Rick's spoiling of Alicia. Alicia chills at Rick's place and she compliments his apartment. Rick is annoyed that she told Sam about the laptop, but why? Rick vows to drop her home, while Karyn takes some more codeine pills. Sam bumps into Rick at the bar and invites him to the stag-do. Sam also asks David as they all chat.