When Eva wonders why Aidan was so late home, he lies and makes out that he spent the night in the factory catching up on paperwork. Maria's loved ones later gather at her flat, determined to celebrate Christmas with her before her court appearance.

When Eva finds out how Aidan punched Adam out of allegiance to Maria, she's proud of him and Aidan feels terrible. Extracting himself from the party, Aidan heads to the factory where he texts Maria to join him. Promising Maria that he's going to finish with Eva, Aidan and Maria kiss passionately, unaware of Johnny watching them. Is the game up?

Meanwhile, the Barlows gather at Number 1 for an early Christmas. When Peter furtively removes a present from under the tree and stuffs it in a drawer, Nick is intrigued. Simon is underwhelmed with his present from Peter, a console game he's already played. But when Nick presents him with a drone, Simon's ecstatic.
As Leanne rails at Nick for trying to upstage Peter, Peter slips out of Number 1 and surreptitiously books a hotel room. Who is his mystery woman?

Elsewhere, the police question Sarah about Bethany's disappearance. When Gary reveals that Bethany has become involved with an older man, Sarah is horrified. Norris reveals that he saw Bethany on Maxine's bench and Luke had his arm round her. Appalled, Gary confronts Luke and accuses him of grooming Bethany. Luke furiously denies it, while Faye listens with alarm.

Also, Billy is thrilled when he receives an email telling him he's got the job at the Rehab Centre.

Finally, Andy goes to the doctors about his headaches and steals some painkillers from the doctor's emergency bag, while Craig and Tim break Michelle's new TV.