Seasons & episodes

There is a confrontation between Jimmy and Little Jimmy, who reveals why it is that he hates his father so much. Barry gets a surprise when he meets the new salon manager. Margaret is not impressed to find that Max has invited a young man to have dinner with her.

Preparations are underway in the Spence household as Diana's wedding day arrives. Rod is determined to be a good samaritan, but will he make it to the church on time?

Mike has a cash-flow problem. Diana and Tommo anxiously await news of Rod. Margaret bumps into Derek.

After seeing Derek at the Dixons' shop, Margaret is still confused. Mick and Ellis argue, Ron's takings are down again, and Rod's sergeant visits him on his honeymoon.

Margaret realises that the odds are against her when she is competing with God for Derek's love. When Ron mentions that money has been going missing from the till, both Jackie and Julia walk out on him.

Diana gets the truth out of Rod, but it's not what she wants to hear. Margaret and Mick notice Patricia's anxiety, even if Max doesn't.

Patricia worries about her presentation, missing the Nativity play, and something else. To his parents' surprise, Mike thinks about selling his car. Rod and Diana go to the annual police Christmas party.

Patricia needs support, but when she telephones Max at home, Susannah answers. Angela is grateful for the help Barry has given her, until she realises that the only way to his flat is through her salon.

Patricia picks Max up from his office Christmas party, and he is in no fit state for a conversation. Craig turns up on Rod and Diana's doorstep, and there is only one possible course of action. When Derek comforts Margaret, one thing leads to another.

It is Christmas Day in the Farnham household, as Susannah has a very expensive Christmas present for Max, Patricia confronts him about his involvement with his ex-wife, and Margaret and Derek talk about how they feel.

Margaret and Derek have to face up to reality. Ron discovers Mike's credit card slips. Max tries to resolve things with Patricia, but will she listen?

On a typically quiet New Year's Eve on the Close, Susannah takes advantage of Max, Ron plans to sell Mike's keyboard, Fran is on the warpath, the Harrisons move in, a thief is caught in the act, and a dead body is discovered.