Episode 1269 (28th March 1996)

## Plot

The young boy sneaks his way out of the backseat in the morning. Someone has broken into the Vic’s cellar and poured oil all over Mark’s stock. A furious Mark confronts Rawlings in which a smug Gary proclaims his innocence. Carol feels that Alan’s night-shifts are taking a toll on their relationship. She tells Robbie that he’ll have to start paying his way now that he’s earning, and Blossom offers to babysit and cover a few of Alan’s shifts. Carol suggests to Alan that he gives up the all-nighters, but Alan point blank refuses to give up his job. A determined Mark restocks and reminds the traders to keep undercutting the rivalry much to the displeasure of Rawlings. David calls Phil out to fix the broken car window that the young boy jammed breaking in and is on the lookout for the boy. Peggy tries signing Grant up to a dating agency, but unable to do it on his behalf, she places leaflets from the agency around the bar to try and give Grant the idea. Grant tells her to get off his case. The Butcher family are in turmoil over Frank. Pat is worried about Ricky’s whereabouts, and is determined to put Frank behind her once and for all. Grant helps a tired Kathy with Ben. Ruth asks for Grant’s help to sort out Rawlings and the new traders. After an altercation ensues between Mark and Rawlings in the Vic, Grant intervenes and gives Rawlings a stern warning. Michael interrupts and gives the traders an ultimatum – they either learn to get along or lose their licenses. After feeding him, the young boy opens up to Blossom and introduces himself as Joe. Nigel notices Joe from the other night and runs for David. David is left speechless when he notices Joe as his son and walks out. Joe chases after him and David gives him money to keep away. Joe follows him back to the car lot and begs him to let him stay.

## Cast

### Regular cast

* David - Michael French
* Joe - Paul Nicholls
* Mark - Todd Carty
* Ruth - Caroline Paterson
* Pauline - Wendy Richard
* Phil - Steve McFadden
* Kathy - Gillian Taylforth
* Grant - Ross Kemp
* Sanjay - Deepak Verma
* Michael Rose - Russell Floyd
* Pat - Pam St. Clement *(Credited as "Pam St Clement")*
* Roy - Tony Caunter
* Barry - Shaun Williamson
* Robbie - Dean Gaffney
* Carol - Lindsey Coulson
* Alan - Howard Antony
* Blossom - Mona Hammond
* Peggy - Barbara Windsor
* Nigel - Paul Bradley
* Tiffany - Martine McCutcheon
* Ben Mitchell - Matthew Silver *(Uncredited)*

### Guest cast

* Gary Rawlings - Mark Burdis
* Big Ron - Ron Tarr
* Tracey - Jane Slaughter

## Locations

* Albert Square
* The Queen Victoria - *Public and cellar*
* 5 Albert Square - *Living/dining room and hallway*
* Deals on Wheels
* Bridge Street
* Bridge Street Market
* Launderette
* Kathy's Café
* 55 Victoria Road - *Hallway*

## Notes

* A customer on the market is uncredited despite having dialogue.
* *Radio Times* synopsis: There is an act of sabotage at the market which has major repercussions for all the traders.
* Viewing Figures: First UK broadcast - 15,300,000 viewers (chart placing unknown).

## Noteworthy dialogue

Peggy Mitchell (about Grant Mitchell): "It ain't right."

Tiffany Raymond: "What? Him out in public?"