EPISODE 4771: Monday 23 December 2013
At "Butcher's Joints", Janine Butcher is sat in the office, her head in her hands and dark bags under her eyes. It is obvious that she hasn't slept, and is regretting confiding in David Wicks that she killed husband Michael Moon on Halloween. She sighs, looking down at the paperwork which is laid out on the desk, half-done. There is a knock at the door, and Janine's voice breaks as she calls to the knocker to come in. The door opens, and David enters, smiling softly. He whispers 'hey', and Janine sighs, before admitting that she doesn't want to talk about Michael. David shakes his head, telling her that he understands, but he just wanted to let her know that he isn't going to tell anyone. Janine pouts, before saying that she wishes she could believe him, but what has she got to go by? David says that he swears on his Mum's grave, and Janine presses her lips, before eventually whispering 'alright'. David smiles at her, before saying goodbye. David leaves, and as he closes the door behind him, he pulls out his phone and clicks onto his saved videos. He clicks on one and presses play, smiling as the video plays - Janine's confession from the other night...
At Number 31, the Butchers' household, the kitchen is a hub of movement as the Butcher-Jackson-Spraggan family go about their morning routine. Café waitress Carol Jackson is buttering toast, whilst Tiffany, Morgan, Liam, TJ and Rosie are sat around the table, consuming various breakfast items. Taxi driver Terry enters. The kitchen is noisy as several conversations are going. Whitney enters, and greets them all, before putting the morning's post down on the table and passing Carol her letter, remarking that it looks important. Carol shrugs it off, saying that it's probably just bills, and Whitney frowns, before asking since when have bills had an NHS logo on the envelope. Carol sighs, before saying that she knows what it'll be, before lying that she's decided to done some blood as it's just being wasted in her "perfectly healthy body". Terry agrees with her, before announcing he has to get to work. He says goodbye to the kids, before saying goodbye to Carol and Whitney, just as girlfriend Bianca enters. Terry greets her with a kiss, before apologising and saying he's gotta go. Bianca sighs, before muttering that at least today's his last day until the New Year. Carol is staring down at the letter, not daring to open it. The loud kitchen becomes inaudible, with only Carol's breathing being hard, until Morgan repeats the word 'Nan', and Carol snaps back to reality, before apologising, and claiming she was away with the fairies.
At "The Vic", Kat makes her way upstairs, calling for boyfriend/ex-husband Alfie. She frowns as there is no reply, and makes her way into the living room. She is confused to see Janine stood in the living room, with a glass of champagne in her hand, staring at the wall. 'Janine' Kat exhales, and Janine pouts, before claiming she just can't think properly. Kat frowns, before asking what she means, and Janine turns to face her, before apologising, and saying she's trying to decide what wall paper to have. She then says she's thinking pink, so that everyone knows it is her and Scarlett's palace. Kat cringes, before sarcastically remarking that Janine should have black, to match her soul. Janine pouts, before saying that she doesn't know why she was expecting better taste from Kat, who's always been a tasteless tart. Kat scoffs, opening her mouth to retaliate, but is interrupted by Janine's PA Billy, who is carrying several boxes into the living room. He greets Kat as he places the boxes down, before asking Janine if he can take a break, saying he's been carrying boxes for the past half an hour. Janine says he's got five minutes, and to make the most of it, as she wants the rest of her stuff up in The Vic. Billy sighs, nodding, before half-heartedly thanking her as Kat glares at Janine.
Out on the market, Peter Beale is stood at the fruit and vegetable stall, talking to a customer, when Peter's secret girlfriend Lola strolls past, pushing daughter Lexi. Peter greets her as the customer leaves. He pulls her into a kiss, and she smiles, before asking how the stall's been. Peter grins as he announces it's been busy, before adding that everyone's getting ready for Christmas. Lola says that's good, and Peter nods, before asking what she's doing for Christmas. Lola shrugs, before saying 'me, Lexi, a Chinese, the Muppets'. Peter pouts, before asking if she's being serious, and Lola laughs, before saying no, and that they'll probably be going to Phil's, as usual. Peter nods, before saying he was just thinking how cool it'd be if their families spent Christmas together. Lola nods, and admits it'd be good, and Peter adds that it would be if Phil and Ian didn't hate each other's guts. Lola presses her lips, before suggesting they could think of something, and Peter nods pensively.
At 55 Victoria Road, Phil is sat in the living room, watching Top Gear when cousin Ronnie enters the living room. Phil asks if she's alright, and Ronnie nods, before saying there's someone here to see him. Ronnie moves to the side, as Janine enters, smiling. Janine admits that she was hoping they could 'talk business', and Phil shrugs, before asking Ronnie if he'll excuse them. Ronnie sighs, leaving the living room as Phil pauses the TV and leads Janine over to the kitchen table. He sits down, as Janine also sits down, and pulls a folder out of her bag, containing several documents. She passes Phil one, and smirks, before telling him to sign. Phil frowns, and asks what it is, and Janine says it's her 40% of the club. Phil nods, quickly reading the document before signing. Janine presses her lips as she changes subject to The Vic. Phil nods, before explaining he's had another offer. Janine's face drops, as she exclaims that she was promised the pub. Phil shrugs, before saying if she wants the pub, she'll need a total of 400 grand by Christmas, and needs proof by the end of the day that she can raise the money before Christmas, otherwise he'll have to accept the other offer. Janine sighs as she considers her next move.
At the B&B, Patrick is sat in a chair, watching Deal or No Deal. There is a knock at the front door, and Patrick heads over to open it. He smiles at Ian Beale, who is stood in front of him Patrick lets him in, before asking what he can do for him. Ian smiles, before saying he was actually hoping there was something he could do. Patrick frowns, and asks if it is to do with Denise, as Deal or No Deal is almost finished. Ian smiles, before insisting it won't take long. He awkwardly proceeds to tell Patrick that he wants to make a "romantic gesture" to Denise tonight. Patrick frowns, as Ian asks if that's OK, before saying he just wanted to check in case Patrick didn't want him to. Patrick nods, before stating that he's sure Denise will be thrilled. Ian grins, thanking Patrick, before adding 'I'm sure she'll love it'. Ian then leaves, leaving Patrick slightly worried...
Back at "Butchers Joints", Jnaine is panicking, scrolling through the internet and attempting to come up with ways to find money. David enters, and smiles at Janine. David says hi, and Janine smiles before resuming her search. David asks what's 'got her sweating', and Janine sighs, before telling David about Phil's other offer, and about having to raise £250,000 - by Christmas! Janine then says she may as well just give up whilst she's ahead because she's never going to get that money. David tells her not to give up yet, before saying he's sure there's something they can do. He then suggests selling Janine's car, adding that he knows a guy who'd pay good money for a car like Janine. David then suggests they take some money out of the Butcher's Joints. He asks Janine if Michael left any money for Scarlett, and Janine asks him if he wants her to rob her own daughter. David shakes his head, saying it wouldn't be "robbing", just "borrowing". Janine smirks, before asking if David can speak to his friend whilst she heads to the bank. David nods, as Janine thanks him with a kiss on the cheek, before leaving. David smirks to himself, before dialling his friend's number.
Back at No. 31, Rosie and TJ are opening their presents that mother Nikki has bought them. TJ thanks his Mum as he opens his Lynx set, and Nikki pulls him into a hug, before focussing on daughter Rosie, who is ripping her wrapping paper off. She gasps as she pulls out a monkey onesie. Rosie squeals that she loves it, before turning to Nikki and saying that she's the best. Bianca scoffs, and Nikki asks if there's a problem. Bianca shakes her head, before saying there isn't. Nikki says she seems to have one, and Bianca says that the only problem is Nikki. Nikki scoffs, as Terry attempts to defuse the situation. Bianca claims that it's blatantly obvious Nikki wants Terry back, and she's using their kids to do it. Nikki laughs, before saying if she wanted Terry back, why did he have to beg her not to leave him. Bianca goes silent. Outside of the living room, Carol is holding her letter, having gathered the strength to open it. A tear rolls down her cheek as reads it - she has an appointment for a mammogram on Christmas Eve. Exiting the living room, Morgan notices her tears, and questions her on it. Morgan asks why she's said, and Carol says she's not, she's just excited for Christmas. Morgan smiles, hugging her tightly, before saying if she needs anymore hugs, she knows where he is. Carol smiles, kissing his forehead.
David is passing No 31 when the front door opens, and Morgan rushes out. Morgan calls David's name, and David frowns, asking him what's up. Morgan says he thinks Nan's a bit upset, before adding that she's saying she's fine, but he thinks she's lying. David opens his mouth to speak, however notices Janine. David says he'll be one minute, before rushing over to Janine, and giving her a file. Janine is confused, and David explains it is a signed proposal assuring Janine'll have the money by Christmas Day. Janine grins, thanking him before asking how he did it. David shrugs, before saying he pulled a few strings, managed to sell her car for a ridiculous price, and sold a few of his Mum's belongings as well. Janine asks what he sold, earrings and wild clothes? David chuckles, as Janine adds she just needs to find Phil. David smirks, before saying she already her. He points over at the Square gardens, where Phil is working towards them. Janine calls his name as David heads into the Jacksons'. He calls Carol's name, and Carol emerges from the kitchen, asking what's wrong. David frowns, and asks if she's alright. He adds that Morgan was a little worried about her. Carol sighs, saying she's told him she's fine. David nods, before saying if she's sure, and Carol says she's positive.
Back out on the Square, Janine has passed Phil the document. Phil states the pub is hers, and Janine grins. Janine gasps, jumping up and down with excitement, clearly not knowing how to thank Phil. She squeals as she pulls Phil into an awkward hug. Phil pushes Janine away, clearly shocked by her out-of-character behaviour. Janine apologises, and asks if there really was another buyer, to which Phil taps his nose, before walking away, as Janine scoffs, feeling scammed. Lola calls for Peter to hurry as they rush over to Phil. Phil asks what they want, and Peter nervously says that they were wondering if the Mitchell's and Beale's could spend Christmas together. Phil asks if they'r etrying to cause World War Three, and Lola titters. Peter lies that it was Ian's idea, and Lola looks at Peter, confused. Peter winks at Lola as he notices Phil is beginning to consider it. However, he shakes his head, saying that he can see Peter's lying. Peter pleads with him, but Phil shakes his head. Lola says he's left them with no choice, and Phil frowns, confused. Lola says that if the Mitchell's and Beale's don't have Christmas dinner together, Phil doesn't get to see Lexi on Christmas Day. Phil sighs, struggling with Lola's ultimatum.
Over at the B&B, newsagent Denise Fox enters, carrying several bags of shopping. She calls out to Patrick that she's home. Patrick is sat on the sofa, deep in thought, as Denise calls his name again. Patrick snaps out of his daydream, apologising, before saying he was thinking. Denise laughs as she asks if it's anything she can help with, and Patrick titters, before saying maybe. He then says it's about her, actually, before trailing off as Denise states that it doesn't sound too good. Patrick frowns, before saying that if he knew somebody was planning to do something, would she want her to tell him. Denise says she wouldn't if it's supposed to be a surprise, and Patrick asks if she still wouldn't want to know if he believed Denise wouldn't like it, and it may be about to cause upset. Denise pauses, before telling Patrick to just tell her. Patrick admits he thinks Ian is about to propose, as Denise gasps, before asking if he's being serious. Patrick nods, and Denise asks if he remembers what happened to her other husband, adding that Owen, Kevin and Lucas didn't exactly have the best time. Patrick shrugs, and Denise says that the ring must be hidden somewhere. Denise begins to move pillows and search around for it. Patrick attempts to intervene, but Denise shushes him, claiming it's here somewhere. The front door opens, and Ian enters, stopping as he notices Denise looking around. Ian asks what she's doing, before turning to face Patrick. He announces that he understands what's happening, before sighing, asking Patrick why he couldn't just keep quiet. Denise warns Ian not to shout at Patrick, claiming he was just concerned. Ian scoffs, before asking why Patrick is concerned that a professional chef is going to give her food poisoning. Denise frowns, before asking what he means, as Ian holds up a bag of shopping, saying he was going to cook a romantic dinner for the two of them. Denise glances at Patrick, before explaining Patrick thought Ian was going to propose. Ian shakes his head, before saying it's a little bit early for that. Denise smiles softly as Ian leaves the living room. However, once out of view, Ian pulls an engagement ring out of his pocket, and stares at it...
Back at No 31, the family are burning their Christmas letters in a bucket in the front garden, due to not having a chimney. As Tiffany finishes burning her letter, Bianca smiles, pulling her into a hug. In the kitchen, TJ is finishing writing his letter. He smiles as he puts the pen down. Carol asks what he's doing as she enters the kitchen, and TJ tells her they're doing bucket burning outside. Carol nods, as she asks what TJ's says. TJ frowns, and says if he tells her, it won't come true. Carol laughs, before asking if he's not a little old to believe in that. TJ shrugs, and says maybe he is, but there's no harm in trying. Carol begins to make herself a cup of tea as TJ titters, placing his letter down on the table and smiling. As he makes his way outside, Carol frowns as she realises he has left his letter. She begins to call his name, but stops as she realises it has been left open. She reads it and smiles. The letter reads I JUST WANT EVERYBODY TO BE HAPPY. Carol sighs as she grabs a piece of paper, and begins to scribble. Outside, Terry is watching Liam burn his letter when he looks over at The Vic. Nikki is watching them, and Terry sighs, realising that Nikki will be spending Christmas with just her gay housemate Steven. Terry says hi to TJ as he joins them, before saying that Nikki'll be a bit lonely this Christmas. He then asks how he feels about spending Christmas day with her. TJ shrugs, agreeing, but Rosie pipes up, admitting she wants to as well. Terry frowns, clearly a bit upset. Back inside, Carol is stood in the kitchen alone, with a bucket and a match. She holds the letter above the bucket before grabbing a match. She sets fire to the letter before dropping it into the bucket, watching it burn. The letter reads I DON'T WANT TO DIE...
And over at No. 27, Janine enters and places her keys down on the table. She calls David's name as she hears the TV playing. Janine calls that she's got to pick Scarlett up in about half an hour. Janine makes her way into the living room, and pauses as she sees David stood in front of her, holding his mobile phone. Janine frowns, asking what he's doing. David states that he knew she'd get him that money, and Janine frowns. Janine repeats David's words as a question, and David nods, pressing play on the phone. As Janine's confession to killing husband Michael Moon plays, Janine gasps. David admits he wants the money, or all of this is over. He then tells her everyone is going to find out what she did. David grabs a glass, and pours himself some vodka. He proudly cheers to the future, as Janine stares at him in disgust. However, outside, Morgan has heard everything, having came into the house via the back garden to speak to David again. He gasps, moving his head away from the wall, armed with the knowledge that Janine killed Michael...
Tonight's Duff Duff: Morgan Butcher (Devon Higgs)
Cast List: Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks), David Wicks (Michael French), Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson), Tiffany Butcher (Maisie Smith), Morgan Butcher (Devon Higgs), Liam Butcher (James Forde), TJ Spraggan (George Sargeant), Rosie Spraggan (Jerzey Swingler), Terry Spraggan (Terry Alderton), Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty), Bianca Butcher (Patsy Palmer), Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick), Peter Beale (Ben Hardy), Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold), Lexi Pearce (Uncredited), Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), Ronnie Mitchell (Sam Womack), Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker), Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), Nikki Spraggan (Rachel Wilde), Denise Fox (Diane Parish)
