Episode 1268 (26th March 1996)

## Plot

The young boy hanging around the Square has slept rough on Bridge Street and watches over David throughout the day. Peggy refuses to let Sam go when she tells her that she is moving back to Spain with Guillermo that night. However, when Sam stands her ground and explains herself, Peggy realises that there is nothing she can do to stop her, and organises a small leaving party for her. Garry teases Mark and Mark becomes suspicious that Garry was responsible for the increase on the stock delivery. Carol is yearning to spend more time with Alan. Sam confesses to Pat that she came onto Ricky and she set the whole thing up. Pat demands her to tell Bianca the truth. Nigel finds himself with a date with Louise, but after confiding in Peggy, she advises him to tell Louise that he’s not ready for another relationship. On the suggestion from Mark, the traders slash down their prices to attract more customers than the rival traders. A furious Garry complains to Michael. Ruth informs Mark that Pauline went to visit Willy. Sam tells Phil that she thinks Ricky should have the flat back, and Phil slips a reluctant Sam some money. Sam explains and apologises to Bianca. Bianca wishes her all the best. Carol invites the young boy into the launderette, but he remains tight-lipped on his identity. Before leaving for her leaving party, Sam leaves Ricky a written note in the flat. A panicked Cindy tells David that they have to get out of Walford as soon as they can. David manages to talk her out of it. Nigel politely tells Louise his true feelings and she’s understanding. Louise confronts and slanders Grant on the bet he made. Whilst out walking around the Square, Nigel and Louise catch the young boy lurking around the cars on the car lot, but the boy manages to hurry away in time. Later on, he returns and finds his way into the backseat of one of the cars for the night. A distrustful Grant issues Guillermo a stern warning. The Square wave a tearful Sam off. Garry threatens Mark in the dead of the night.

## Cast

### Regular cast

* Mark - Todd Carty
* Sam - Danniella Westbrook
* Peggy - Barbara Windsor
* Kathy - Gillian Taylforth
* Phil - Steve McFadden
* Grant - Ross Kemp
* Sanjay - Deepak Verma
* Gita - Shobu Kapoor
* Bianca - Patsy Palmer
* Michael Rose - Russell Floyd
* Pauline - Wendy Richard
* Ruth - Caroline Paterson
* Carol - Lindsey Coulson
* Alan - Howard Antony
* Pat - Pam St. Clement *(Credited as "Pam St Clement")*
* David - Michael French
* Cindy - Michelle Collins
* Barry - Shaun Williamson
* Joe - Paul Nicholls
* Nigel - Paul Bradley
* Tiffany - Martine McCutcheon
* Ethel - Gretchen Franklin
* Ben Mitchell - Matthew Silver *(Uncredited)*

### Guest cast

* Gary Rawlings - Mark Burdis
* Guillermo - Robert Reina
* Louise - Sara Stockbridge
* Big Ron - Ron Tarr

## Locations

* Albert Square
* The Queen Victoria - *Public and hallway*
* 5 Albert Square - *Living/dining room and kitchen*
* Deals on Wheels
* 43A Albert Square - *Bedroom*
* Bridge Street
* Bridge Street Market
* Launderette
* Kathy's Café
* Turpin Road

## Notes

* Last appearance of Sam Butcher until 22nd July 1999.
* Blossom Jackson (Mona Hammond) is credited despite not making an appearance.
* A customer on the market is uncredited despite having dialogue.
* *Radio Times* synopsis: When Sam sets the record straight after the party she shocks her mother.
* Viewing Figures: First UK broadcast - 16,280,000 viewers (chart placing unknown).

## Noteworthy dialogue

Cindy Beale (to David Wicks): "Why can't we just do a Sam Mitchell and get out of here."