17th December 2021

Tracey and Ian chat and they decide that they don't need counselling as they have made some progress. Tracey assures him that Jim wont be a problem for long. Ian frets knowing how manipulative Jim can be, while Samantha chats to Cilla about Chris' progress. Matt complains about Tracey to Candace in Audrey's flat. Samantha shows up to work and chats to Chis, as Jim continues to make digs. Samantha tells him to ignore him. Samantha tells him about Bill's decision to leave and Chris acts shocked. Samantha chats to her colleague Nikki about Jim's presence in the hospital. Tracey pops by the drop off Adam, and Samantha guides her to Jim. Adam hugs Jim. Tracey leave abruptly. David and Ian chat at the cafe. Matt and Candace join after, while Jim tells Adam bad stuff about Ian. Samantha overhears and asks what's his game, and tries to get him to see the big picture. Jim tells her to be quiet and Chris comes to her defence causing an argument. As Jim continues to cause a ruckus, Samantha warns him that she will call the police. Samantha calls Matt on her way out, while Jim promises Chris that he will back off. Matt tells Ian about the call from Samantha prompting him to leave straight away. Adam asks Jim more questions about Ian and asks for more stories. Jim gets the opportunity. Candace heads out and bumps into Tracey and mentions the way she has been treating Ian vs Jim. Tracey tells her to stay out of it. Candace mentions how Ian has gone to see Jim, prompting Tracey to call Ian, before she rushes to get there. Ian overhears Jim chatting nonsense about him to Adam. Ian and Jim row. Ian threatens to punch him as Tracey arrives and Jim acts scared. A frightened Adam runs off and this catches Samantha's attention as Tracey berates Ian. Ian attempts to defend his position but Jim acts the victim. Tracey goes after Adam who cries outside. Ian wants to know what his game is. Samantha tells Tracey about how Ian might be telling the truth. Adam tells Tracey what Jim was saying. Ian and Jim sit down to settle their differences. Jim reveals it's all a game to him because he wants his family back and Ian stands in his way. Jim continues to fake his innocence as Ian labels him a psychotic murderer.

Samantha tells Eileen about Bill leaving and Eileen tells her that Nick spoke to Bill and mentioned how it's down to Chris. Eileen reckons Chris has something to do with it. Mike and Chris chat at the hospital. Jim pulls Ian up on his paranoia and verbally abuses him. Jim enjoys the moment as Ian realises nothing will get through to Jim who threatens to steal Tracey away from him. Unfortunately for Jim, Tracey has heard everything and Ian smirks and walks out saying that they're done. Jim cowers in pain saying that Ian attacked him, but Tracey isn't buying any of it. Tracey vows to cut him off from her and Adam's life. Ian and Tracey embrace outside. Jim stews in bitterness. Bill surprises Chis by showing up at the room. Bill bribes Chris with money if he doesn't mention what happened that night to Samantha. Chris refuses to take it, and tells him that he finished around here if he stays. Bill mentions how the police will be on to him because of the explosion, but Chris mentions Paul has taken care of it all. Bill accepts defeat and leaves the hospital. Chris reminds him to take back his money. Jim has overheard it all. Samantha later arrives demanding what he has done to make Bill leave. Chris makes a lie about how Bill has nothing here to stay for, and takes the attention away from Bill. Chris tells her that they have a nice business to take care of now.

Karyn is about to tell Karl that he needs to tell the truth to Piper, just as Piper arrives from upstairs too. Karyn tells Karl that he must tell Piper, while Piper gets changed. Piper returns from upstairs and is excited, and tells Karl that she wants to meet later as she heads out. Laura tells Sam that they ought to get a bigger place if Alicia intends to stay. Laura complains about space as the kids ask for attention. Karyn is reeling from her row with Karl and takes more codine than needed, and heads out taking her bottles too. Piper bumps into Des, and Des tells her about how Karyn is down. Des asks if she has a bridesmaid, giving Piper food for thought. Natasha and David chat about their Christmas plans that morning at the cafe, and hope Marc will have got back with Elle. Natasha heads out and bumps into Karyn who drops the pill bottles. Natasha makes a comment that she's now a drug addict and Karyn vows to stay out of her way as they will never get on. Sam chats to Natasha and David at the bar, while Karl cannot tell the truth about sleeping with Piper. Karl thinks Piper shouldn't make Karyn her bridesmaid. Karyn arrives and senses that Piper still doesn't know. Natasha tells David that Karyn is a pill popper. Piper asks Karyn to be her bridesmaid leaving her shocked. Karyn agrees, and downs her drinks. Karl is clearly not happy. Karyn tells Piper she's looking for a new job and ought to keep looking. As she heads out, Natasha congratulates her. Laura tells Sam that finally have CCTV. Sam points out that it cost a bomb. Laura accuses him of being stingy, and tells him to be more like Rick.