16th December 2021

Matt asks how Ian how he has been with Tracey, and learns that Ian may have to support Tracey in her decision to support Jim. Matt tells Ian to be the bigger man, and is proud. Tracey is pestered by Adam as he wants to see his dad Jim. Samantha brings Jim coffee and annoys him as he knows where the coffee machine is. Jim continues to flirt with her and when she says she has a husband, Jim taunts her about Bill and Chris. Ian bumps into Elsie, who tells Ian how her pregnancy is going. Elsie asks if he still wants that marriage counselling just as Tracey walks in. Elsie leaves and Tracey joins a mellow Ian for breakfast. Ian has thought about it, and vows to stand by Tracey making her gleam with joy. Tracey mentions how Adam is eager to see Jim, and that she ought to take him before Jim goes back inside. Ian isn't sure, but agrees. As Tracey leaves, Ian feels uncomfortable with the situation. Samantha tells Tracey about Jim's flirting. Jim is happy to see Tracey and denies flirting with Samantha. Jim recoils in discomfort as she tells him that Ian is happy for her to support him for now. Tracey seems positive and is happy that the situation is unfolding nicely. Jim is silently taken aback. Tracey tells him if he can look after Adam tomorrow, who has a day off. Jim agrees. Ian tells David and Natasha the good news about him supporting Tracey and Natasha praises Ian. David assures him that Tracey wont be seeing him for very long. Ian picks up Tracey from the hospital, where Ian reckons they have drinks with David and Natasha. Tracey is reluctant but agrees, as Samantha wishes them a good evening. Ian and Tracey join Natasha and David for drinks at the RR, where Natasha gets the drinks in. Tracey tells Ian not to visit Jim on his own. Ian is confused, and Tracey tells him that Jim is uncomfortable given what happened last time. Ian states he never threatened Jim. Natasha and David head off. Ian goes to the loo, and Tracey watches as Natasha and David kiss. As Samantha brings coffee for Chris, Jim watches on. As she leaves, Jim makes a comment about Samantha that riles Chris, and tells Jim to stay away from him.

Karyn wakes up the next morning distraught over last nights events. Karyn cant bare to look at herself in the mirror. When Karl asks if Piper got back to her regarding his move, Karyn expresses her anger in what they did last night. Karl claims that it doesn't matter now that he is leaving. Piper is at the door and asks to chat to Karl at the cafe. Karyn is curious. Karl tells Piper that he is leaving and to make it quick. Piper tells Karl that she want to get back together leaving Karl shocked. Rick walks in as Piper explains she came to her senses and realises what happened with Andrea cant have been his fault. Rick tells Sam at the cafe that he is picking up Alicia from the station and invites him over. Sam agrees, while Karl reluctantly agrees to get back with Piper. Karyn has a few more doses of codine for her pain relief. Karl tells Karyn the news. Karyn tells him that he must tell her the truth Karl intends to keep it from Piper. Piper thanks Rick for the time they spent yesterday. Rick and Piper remain on good terms. Piper realises she has the day off and heads back to Karl's, where Karyn and Karl continue to row over the one night stand. Piper asks what the fuss is about, and tells Karyn the good news. Piper wants to take Karl into town and he agrees. Rick is out gift shopping and later bumps into a loved up Karl and Piper. Rick and Karl shake hands. Piper tells him that she was close to giving into Rick's charms and is glad she didn't because she loves Karl. Karl feels guilty and almost tells her the truth. Alicia is in awe of Rick's flat, and Sam is confused as he was supposed to be scrambling for money. Sam is perplexed when Rick has bought Alicia loads of birthday gifts. Sam is embarrassed that he hasn't got as many and promises more on Christmas day. Sam tells Rick to make the tea, while he catches up with Alicia. Rick remains vague about his working situation. Piper and Karl have dinner after the evening shopping. Piper explains how she still wants her dream wedding, and now in memory of Andrea. Karl isn't so sure. As they talk, they agree to marry this Christmas. Karyn feels stressed at the RR, and Des asks what's up. She tells her that Karl and Piper are back together. Des is confused.

Eileen chats to Nick at the cafe how she doesn't fancy spending Christmas altogether again like last year. Nick tells her that Jeff secretly feels the same way. Paula checks Amanda's salon, and they chat. Amanda suggests that when Paula gets married, that they have a have the hen-do there. Paula heads back to the shop and chats to Sam outside as Eileen approaches with Eric in tow. Paula learns that Eric will spend the day there again and she rolls her eyes. Nick is about to leave the cafe when a fraught Bill enters. Nick asks him if he's okay, and they chat. Nick learns that Chris is forcing him out of town. Nick reckons Bill should stay. Bill can't say much, but thinks he has to leave. Des and Jeff chat outside the cafe. Jeff heads to the shop where Nick finds him and they talk Christmas. Jeff airs his opinion about a quiet Christmas, but Audrey insists that an old man like him needs family. Jeff agrees to a family Christmas, but now Nick has to tell Eileen. Paula heads out for supplies, while Eric annoys Eileen who suggests he plays outside. Eric nicks another item and leaves without Eileen seeing. Paula meets Derek and complains about Eric, and mentions Amanda's plan for her hen-do. They agree that they aren't in a rush to marry. Paula gets back and asks where Eric is. Paula notices that more things have gone missing, especially the dolls and teddies. Eileen makes a cuppa and they chat. Eric meets Adam outside school and exchanges with him some more stolen toys. Eileen vows to collects some more charitable gifts just as Eric gets back to the shop. Eric annoys Paula. Derek checks up on Paula while Audrey invites Jeff to the back. Jeff talks to her about family. Eric continues to roost through the toys making Paula suspicious. Eric starts making a mess and fools around so she calls Eileen, who plans to be back soon. Eileen returns and has a go at Eric, who rushes out. Eileen insists that Paula should do more of the manual charitable work which sparks a row. Eileen complains to Nick and she learns about Bill from Nick. Nick spares Eileen's bad day getting worse by not mentioning that it's another family Christmas this year.