Tanya is determined to protect Lauren at whatever cost, but Derek forces her into an impossible situation. Bianca returns home after her release from prison.
Max and Tanya bring Lauren home from hospital. Lauren tells Tanya she can’t live without Joey, Tanya lies that he’s gone. Despite Derek’s protestations, Alice’s determined to leave with Joey. Bianca, Carol, Liam and Morgan arrive home, there’s no longer space at the Butchers’ for Derek. Derek blackmails Tanya; encourage Joey to stay in Walford or he’ll retract his police statement. Tanya stops Lauren from going to find Joey. A furious Max berates Joey. Joey tells Tanya she’ll have to trust him not to change his story. Disappointed by Joey’s lack of family loyalty, Alice decides to stay in Walford. Tanya promises Max they’ll keep Lauren safe. Joey comes to No.5 to collect his belongings. Lauren’s asleep. Tanya watches him tenderly stroke her face. Realising he loves Lauren, Tanya asks why he dumped her. Joey reveals Derek didn’t give him a choice. Tanya suggests Joey stay in Walford. Joey watches Derek welcoming Alice into No.23. Alice only promises to stay until after Christmas. Disgusted, Tanya tells Derek she’s done what he asked but it has to stay between them.
Bianca finds life outside prison overwhelming. Carol’s starting back at the café. Bianca’s banned from working on the market or Bridge Street. Having got a hairdressing certificate in prison, Bianca approaches Tanya. Tanya initially says she can’t take on a junior but later relents and offers Bianca a trial. Whitney suggests celebrating but Bianca escapes upstairs and starts to cry.
Kat’s lover sends her a watch ‘Time we got together again’. Discovering council cutbacks mean no Christmas tree lights in the Square, Alfie’s determined to give Walford its best Christmas ever.
Fatboy worries he’s blown things with Poppy when his attempt to play it cool at lunch comes across as rude. Fatboy’s left homeless when Mo decides to let No.23 to Derek.
