Seasons & episodes

David's impeccable record of forty years' accident-free motoring comes to an end just minutes after he borrows Max's car. Mo reveals to Rosie that she knows exactly where the missing money is going. Ron's suspicions increase when Bev suggests that he amends his will to provide for her and Josh.

Max receives a fax from Barry instructing him to pick up a V.I.P. from the airport. Ron and Mike attempt to use some of the very latest technology to obtain proof of Bev's infidelity. Lindsey's estranged husband, Gary, is not made welcome when he turns up at the Corkhills'.

To Jimmy's surprise, Jackie insists that Gary joins Lindsey to celebrate their anniversary. Someone is unexpectedly made redundant, and isn't pleased. Mike takes his driving test, and Ron and Jacqui congratulate him on what he tells them is the result. Then Ron hears something that makes him fear for his life.

Patricia wants Max to get rid of their house-guest, especially when he puts up their shop rent. Mo decides to sell her car, and quickly finds a willing buyer. Ron's worst fears appear to be confirmed. Jacqui receives news which has devastating implications for Katie. Lee asks for money for Christmas presents, so Eddie.......finds him a job.

Max has a double-booking dilemma, Rosie and Mo fail to scratch their way out of their predicament, a poorly attended meeting results in the appointment of an unlikely new BRA chairman, and there is at least one death in the Dixon family.

David is horrified at the first actions of the new BRA chairman, Katie feels that her life is over, Max is embarrassed at the restaurant, Rosie gets a part-time job, and the residents of the Close are shocked to hear that Ron Dixon is dead.

Christian confronts Katie, wondering why she hasn't rung work. David advises Max to change his attitude or risk losing his family, and Jimmy trains his new employees - some of whom are more willing than others.

Patricia sees expansion possibilities in the untimely demise of her next-door neighbour. Rosie is still confident that she can replace the missing money, but Mo believes that she should talk to Eddie. Gary plans to turn his discovery to his advantage.

DD returns to the Close, and soon discovers that the newspaper coverage of Ron's death has not been totally accurate. Rosie appeals to Mo for help, but it may be too late. Patricia discovers that Max has poached her only member of staff.

When Mo refuses to give Rosie a loan, she steals food from the restaurant. Bev can't bear to let Ron go. Jimmy buys the whole family expensive Christmas gifts.

Max is having problems with stock control, and is prepared to sack the thief, even at Christmas. Jacqui is worried about Katie, and wants her to see a doctor. Peter is not prepared for the reception he gets at Casa Bevron, and there is a rude awakening for the Corkhill household.

Realising that Max is going to be spending most of the Christmas holiday at the restaurant, Patricia decides to move there to be with him. Eddie discovers at a very awkward moment that his credit limit has been exceeded. Katie collapses on the opening night of the pantomime, and the hanging of a door requires more attempts that Gary anticipates.

There is an unexpected winner of the "Best Decorated House" contest. Mo is suspicious of Rosie when she finds Max at the house, and jumps to the wrong conclusion. Some of the residents are amazed to discover what they are getting for Christmas.

It is a quiet Boxing Day on the Close, except that there are members of two different households who want all the Christmas presents to be sent back to where they came from.

Max has to cater for two parties of residents of the Close, but not everyone turns up on time. Bev and Lindsey both see potential stardom for their offspring. Jacqui receives a note from Shane.

Mike's advertisement attracts considerably more custom than he anticipated. Lindsey tries to find out why there is friction with the Dixon family. Max decides that it is time to take drastic action, and two people who have had near-death experiences try to rationalise what happened to them.