Tuesday 8th December
Shirley and Denise are mid rant in the Vic as they discuss how their life's have complete fallen apart over the last two years and Shirley admits her concerns of bringing Jade up. As Denise tries to pin point where her life began to fall apart she realises that the biggest mistake was taking her friendship with Ian further. As Denise admits to Shirley that although Lucy was no angel, she wishes she hadn't had died, and reveals that she had a fight with Lucy on the night of her death but admits that is nothing compared to Jane sleeping with Max that night.
The moment is interrupted when Sharon arrives at the Vic, Sharon asks to speak with Linda through the back. Linda tells Shirley to call on her if anyone needs served before sitting with Sharon on the Vic steps. Sharon confides in Linda about Phil's offer and admits she doesn't know what to do because for all the years she has known Phil she doesn't know drunk Phil and if she can deal with it. Shirley interrupts the moment by calling for more drink, and Linda points out to Sharon that Shirley might be the best person to talk to.
Over at the Beales, Ian has taken Bobby out for the night and Jane corners Kathy in the kitchen as she is making a cup of tea and confronts her about the game. Jane is furious, and Kathy can see Jane's concerns about her son and instantly relents and apologises. Kathy follows Jane into the living room with a cup of tea and Kathy tells Jane she doesn't want to be her enemy. Jane tells Kathy that she can't forgive her for what she did to Ian and Ben. Kathy is surprised by the reaction and questions Jane why she can't when Ian and Ben can. Jane reminds Kathy that they are just glad to have their mother back, they don't see the bigger picture. Jane reminds Kathy that it was her and Martin that literally scooped Ian off the floor when she died and had to help him get his life back on track. Ian had a breakdown, became a tramp and Jane admits she wasn't there for Ian either but they were divorced and she was angry at him, but Kathy should've been there. Lucy died and the family fell apart and Jane has had to bring them together again. Ben had to come to the UK and become something he wasn't for Phil. Kathy and Jane share a knowing look and Kathy asks why Ian has never helped Ben be who he should be. Jane reminds Kathy that Ian has been really distracted with his own life and family, and his and Phil's relationship was never easy. Kathy tells Jane that not knowing her children is dangerous for her, they have both changed so much. Kathy asks Jane if she ever feels that with Bobby and it clearly hits a nerve.
Sharon has followed Shirley into the Vic toilets and is waiting for her by the sinks. Shirley makes a sarky comment but Sharon startles her by revealing she needs her advice. Sharon tells Shirley that Phil is off the wagon, and tells her about Phil's offer and asks if she thinks she can help him. Shirley is clearly hurt by Phil's offer telling Sharon that he must really love her because she had to ply him with drink to keep him. Shirley tells Sharon the truth, that Phil is vile on the bottle and really shakes Sharon with some home truths. Shirley tells Sharon that now she is happy with Buster, she could never imagine going back to that place Phil put her in when under the influence of his addiction.
Returning to the bar, Sharon and Shirley question Linda about where Denise has gone, Linda admits she mumbled something about Ian and got up and left and Shirley panics and rushes out, followed by a confused Sharon as Linda cleans up after them.
At the Beales, Denise has forced her way in and is drunkenly confronting Jane about sleeping with Max on the night Lucy died. Sharon, Kathy and Jane are all shifty as Denise pushes Jane for answers. Shirley tries to shut Denise up, but Denise wants her say. Jane is surprised when Denise admits she fought with Lucy on the night of her death over her decision to leave Ian and Denise admits how guilty she felt in regards to that following her passing. She cared for Lucy, and Peter and Bobby. She is always going to mother children.
Jane tries to take control of the situation by telling Denise it's time to go home as she has had too much to drink. Shirley tries to usher Denise off but Jane asks her to speak to Kathy about Ben which makes Shirley and Sharon uncomfortable, Jane helps Denise up and leaves the three women behind in the Beale living room.
Denise turns on Jane on the street telling her she has changed, she used to be kind hearted but is now cold and manipulative. Denise reminds Jane that she abandoned Ian after Lucy's death and she was the one left picking up the pieces. As Denise hits a nerve about her letting Bobby down, Jane tells Denise to make her own way home and storms into the Vic asking for a whisky from Linda.
Kathy asks Shirley to tell her the cold truth about Ben. She needs to know her son. Sharon sits back and watches as Shirley tells Kathy all about Heather. As Kathy struggles to take in the information about Heather, and then his behaviour with Jordan and Louise, Shirley surprises her by changing tact and telling her about Stella. Sharon struggles to listen to the truth about Ben's upbringing and walks out. But Kathy tells Shirley she needs to hear more, and Shirley surprises Kathy by telling her she can't help but look at Ben and see the little boy who danced to Lady Gaga, loved watching musicals with his Nana and baked cakes with her and Hev. Shirley tells Kathy that he came out, but has gone back into the closet since coming out of Prison and that she knows for sure Abi knows the truth. Kathy tells Shirley that they need to help him see who he really is, Shirley reminds Kathy that her ties to Ben were cut when he took Hev away.
In the Square, Sharon finds Denise on the bench and joins her for a brief chat. Denise comments that she is too good for Phil, Denise admits she has a chequered history with Phil but she brings out the good in him, unlike Shirley did. Denise has helped Sharon make her decision and she heads home to her Mitchell household...
