Seasons & episodes

Danny and Dawn are loved up after they have spent the night together. They agree to keep the relationship quiet for now. Jo is pleased for Dawn but surprised to hear that she hasn't told Danny that Scott is due to be released from prison the following day. Dawn decides to visit Scott and tell him herself that it is over between them. She explains the situation to Danny who is shocked that Dawn has agreed Scott can still live with her. Dawn explains that she can't say no - she has already agreed this with Scott's Probation Officer and he does part own the house. At the prison Dawn is surprised when Scott tells her that prison has changed him and made him realise that Dawn and TJ are the most important things in his life.

Dawn and Danny are awkward following their row but the ice is broken when a leaking tap soaks them both. Danny apologises for the row and they decide to start afresh and head upstairs together. As Danny prepares to leave he wishes Dawn luck with Scott but they get a shock when a key turns in the door and Scott arrives early. Danny quickly leaves as Dawn introduces Scott to Jo, explaining she is their lodger. As Scott settles back in Dawn is thrown when he reveals he is about to be fitted with an electronic security tag, and so she delays telling him about Danny.

Scott is a reformed character and tries to make amends but realises it is going to take some time before certain villagers are willing to accept his apologies for the past. Meanwhile, Terry questions Dawn about her decision to end things with Danny. Dawn insists it's because she doesn't want Scott on Danny's case. When Andy points out to Danny that he wouldn't let Scott stand between him and a woman, Danny agrees to meet Dawn.

Tom’s PR event gets underway and he gives a speech to the sceptical locals assuring them that there will be no major changes at Home Farm. Later, Sadie and Jimmy’s bickering gets to Tom and he storms off to be alone. Sadie finds him and he pours out his heart, claiming that his success is worth nothing because he has never been so lonely in his life. As Sadie comforts him, Tom tells her he loves her and kisses her. Jimmy sees the kiss from the hallway and is disgusted. Sadie pulls away, rushes out and catches up with Jimmy, who calls her a whore. Sadie swears that Tom came onto her but he is convinced she is after him for money and status.

The atmosphere is frosty in the Kings office and Jimmy can't help himself from making snide comments about Tom and Sadie. As they pack Christmas hampers at the Village Hall, Pearl notices Jarvis is deep in thought and asks if he is thinking about Freda. Jarvis replies that if he was it would make the day the same as every other day for many years and asks her to mind her own business. Pearl says he will regret it if he doesn't speak to Freda but Jarvis ignores her. Later the dance gets underway and Jarvis freezes when he sees Freda walk in.

Having discovered the truth about the Kings’ involvement with the dead calves, Paddy doesn’t know what to do for the best. Going to the police will mean the Briggs lose their farm, but if he doesn’t he’ll be risking the reputation of his own business. Meanwhile, Jarvis is still in shock over Freda’s proposition. Convinced that his so-called friends set him up, Jarvis packs up and decides to leave the village. However, after a ticking off from Edna, Jarvis confesses his true feelings for Freda.

After almost being caught out by Terry at Home Farm, Sadie and Matthew arrange to meet at a B&B for a secret rendezvous. After realising that he came to the same place during his affair with Louise, Sadie feels used and angry. Matthew insists he loves Sadie. Meanwhile, Ashley is shocked when he receives a call from Jasmine’s school, informing him that she has been suspended for being drunk at a party. She returns to the village in shame and is grounded by a disgruntled Ashley. Daz reveals that Jasmine's grandfather is in the village. Elsewhere Paddy’s reputation is still in tatters.

Paddy is called out to a job, only to find Hari has set it up as a PR stunt to improve his reputation. When he finds it working, he begins to think more seriously about Hari's suggestion that they go into partnership together. Later that day, Paddy returns Tom’s blood money, but feeling under attack, Tom pushes the cash back. Meanwhile, Matthew sets about proving to Sadie that his feelings for her are genuine and tells her that he thinks they should tell Tom the truth about their relationship. However, after Paddy's harsh words they find Tom in a mess, upset by his guilt over his son's death. As Sadie comforts him, he admits he cannot cope with the amount of stress the company causes him. Elsewhere, Dawn struggles with balancing her relationship with Danny and friendship with Scott.

Wasting little time, Sadie impresses Matthew when she reveals she has already put a plan into action regarding Tom’s retirement. Sadie surprises Tom with a visit from his old pal Roger’s widow, Helen Dyson. Sadie's plan works when Helen suggests Tom enjoy his retirement, reminding him his wife would have wanted him to enjoy his twilight years. Tom agonises over his future and what it means for the business. Meanwhile, Ashley reluctantly allows Jasmine to spend time with Sandy, but is later furious when he finds them in the pub, wrongly assuming that Sandy has bought the underage girl alcohol. Jasmine is sick of all the arguing and vows to get to the bottom of it. Elsewhere, Paddy is envious of Hari’s affect on women, and Scott continues to cause tension between Dawn and Danny.

With Jimmy still in the frame, Sadie knows that Matthew needs to up his game. Later, Matthew and Sadie think they may have witnessed Jimmy seal his own fate when Greg's tipper truck collides into Tricia's tree and in front of half of the village, Greg berates Jimmy's negligence for the accident. When the angry villagers repeat this to Tom he turns on Jimmy, whilst Sadie and Greg share a conspiratorial look. That evening Tom announces to his family that he has made a decision about his future. He reveals he is handing over the running of the business to Matthew. Jimmy is unable to contain himself and storms out. Sadie and Matthew quietly celebrate their victory. Jasmine offers to look after Gabby but Ashley soon spots the two of them having fun with Sandy and is furious.

Edna and Terry are horrified to find that Sandy has made himself at home at Holdgate Farm and when he refuses to leave, claiming squatters’ rights, they are forced to inform Ashley. The vicar is outraged when his father remains adamant that he's staying put and he instructs Terry to turn off the water, certain that Sandy will have to leave when he gets thirsty. Meanwhile, Tom worries when Jimmy doesn’t turn up for work and he is grateful when Sadie tries to calm him down. Matthew feels guilty when Tom voices his doubts that Jimmy will return, and is struck by Sadie's callousness when she admits that she would rather her ex-husband never came back. Elsewhere, Rodney offers to replace Tricia’s tree, and suggests that for the time being they put a big Christmas tree in its place.

Terry warns Ashley that he will call the police if Sandy does not emerge from Holdgate Farm soon. Ashley fears his reputation in the village is at stake and resorts to letting Sandy come to live with him. Back in the village, the father and son have a heart to heart. On the phone, Chas, who has clearly been told about Carl and Del, informs Carl that she has a new man. Del tries to ignore her feelings for Carl whilst she comforts him, but he drunkenly makes a pass at her. Elsewhere Dawn feels guilty about Scott’s decision to leave and not only offers to let him stay but agrees to keep Danny out of their home until he has had his tag removed.

Carl confronts Del about the events of the night before and despite how he feels about Chas he asks her to make a go of things. Meanwhile, Ashley tells Laurel he has buried his anger towards his father but continues to find somewhere else for him to live. Jasmine is shocked to find out her grandfather is being kicked out so close to Christmas.

Carl's rescue mission goes disastrously wrong. Their trip to win Chas back doesn't begin well when the car runs out of petrol but a determined Del flags down Pearl and begs her for a lift. When Del explains to Pearl where they are going, Pearl looks worried but Del convinces her she knows exactly what she is doing. Arriving at the barracks the sentry refuses them access. A few minutes later they spot a mini bus leaving the barracks heading to a formal function. On the bus with her fellow soldiers is Private Chas Dingle. Del announces they will go in pursuit.

Del visits Chas in hospital and nobly states that despite her best attempts, Carl only has eyes for her. But Chas doesn't want to hear it and an annoyed Del tells her she doesn't deserve a man like Carl and goes to leave. Chas stops her, wanting to know if her and Carl had slept together. Meanwhile, when Adam tentatively raises the subject of counselling an annoyed Steph insists that she doesn't want to discuss her problems with him or anyone else. Also, Eric boasts to Val that he has rushed the Christmas light licence through the council eager to rub Rodney's nose in it. Val marvels at Eric's work and later seizes an opportunity to scoff at Rodney. Rodney vows to Kelly that he will wipe the smile off both of their faces.

Betty lets Steph into the secret that she is trying to track down Terence as a surprise for Alan. However she is left perplexed when Steph panics and leaves. Alone at the B&B, Steph's terror at the thought of coming face to face with her abuser takes over and she hits the bottle. Adam returns home to find Steph drinking vodka, with pills in her hand. Meanwhile, at a christening meeting things quickly descend into a slanging match with rows over Sarah's middle name, christening gown and hymns. Debbie remains silent until she can take no more and leaves. Elsewhere, Val is up to her devious ways when she happily swaps the pensioners’ expensive wine for custard creams. Rodney looks on suspiciously.

Not standing for any talk of abuse, Alan tells Adam that the only reason Steph is anxious about Terence's return is because he will expose her lies. Adam urges Alan that bringing Terence back into the equation will be bad news, however Alan seethes at Adam's impertinence. Meanwhile, Debbie is nervous when she returns home to find Cain with Sarah but he lies calmly saying that Emily didn't feel too well. He insists it is not a problem as he wants to be a more hands-on granddad from now on. Wondering what Cain is up to Debbie is unsettled and asks if she can have a night out. He agrees through gritted teeth and is left holding the baby.

Emily confesses to Paul that she feels guilty for allowing Debbie and Sarah to grow apart. Meanwhile, Cain struggles to understand why Debbie has not yet bonded with Sarah. Much to Debbie's disappointment he announces he intends to spend the day with the baby. Elsewhere, Steph struggles to cope with the possibility that her brother may return to the village. Adam reassures her it is unlikely. Meanwhile, after Rodney snaps at Kelly, saying that she only ever takes and never gives, she is determined to prove him and the village wrong.

Tired of her interfering and blaming her for the rift between Debbie and Sarah, Cain packs up Emily’s belongings and forces her to leave. After hearing the news, Debbie desperately tries to stop her. A distressed Debbie admits to Emily that she doesn’t love Sarah the way Emily does. Debbie blurts out a shock proposal that leaves them both stunned. Meanwhile, Sam is overjoyed when Alice returns. Alice admits she was wrong but explains her fears about being pushed into giving up on her baby. After Alice apologises for any worry she may have caused, she and Sam resolve to face whatever the future holds together.

As the Dingles prepare for Sarah’s christening, a distraught Debbie is upset after Cain has driven Emily away. However, she is relieved when Emily arrives in time for the christening. Emily manages to discreetly make it clear to Debbie that she is only back for Sarah. After the ceremony, Debbie makes Andy kiss the baby goodbye which he does despite being puzzled by Debbie's behaviour. Debbie manages to say an emotional goodbye to Sarah as Emily and the baby leave in a taxi. Elsewhere, after Sarah's christening, Alice worries that due to her cancer she may not be around for the christening of her own child. Her worries lead to a shock marriage proposal to Sam.

As everyone celebrates the christening in The Woolpack, a devastated Daz is left to break the news to everyone in the pub that baby Sarah has gone. Cain reacts violently, appalled Zak and Lisa both contemplate their failure as parents, and a heartbroken Andy blames Daz for allowing Emily to leave. Andy, Daz and Jack frantically search for Emily and the baby but are left distraught by what they find. Meanwhile, Alice is upset when Debbie brands her selfish, questioning how Sam will cope if she dies. In fury, Alice slaps Debbie hard across the face. Later Alice has a heart to heart with Diane which leaves her feeling more positive about her future.

As Lisa heads off to visit Granny Clegg, and the rest of the Dingles celebrate Christmas in The Woolpack, Belle is left in the care of Shadrach. When Daz calls round with Spike the ferret, Belle is intrigued by the animal. As drunk Shadrach sleeps, Belle lets the ferret out and follows him outside. When Daz realises she is missing he tracks her down but a frightened Belle runs away from him and terrified, she slips and falls down a mine shaft. As Daz panics and tries to help her he loses his footing and also becomes trapped. Meanwhile, Cain is still angry at Debbie and unwilling to forgive her for giving away his grandchild. Whereas Zak reminds Debbie how much she is loved by the Dingles and after seeing her devastation he reluctantly forgives her and tries to understand.

Lisa returns from Granny Clegg’s on Christmas morning full of festive joy until the hungover Dingles admit they thought Belle was with her. The family begin to frantically search for missing Belle and Lisa calls the police. Zak remembers Sandy befriending Belle at the christening and goes on the rampage to find him. As accusations fly around the village, Zak interrupts the Christmas morning church service to beg everyone to help find his little girl. A formal search of the area gets underway but when Zak learns that Daz is also missing, his suspicion leads to fury and he launches himself at Jack.

Having returned to the Kings’, Jimmy gets a shock when Helen admits that she and Sadie have been working together to convince Tom to retire. Jimmy bitterly reveals the discovery to Matthew, warning him he will be pushed out next as Sadie is on a mission to win charge of the business. Matthew covers but decides to test Sadie by asking how she would feel if they left the business to Jimmy and did a runner together. Sadie's reaction leaves Matthew thinking that Jimmy is right but later Sadie turns up unexpectedly with her bags packed and agrees to run away if it's what he wants. Meanwhile, Nicola arrives home from Christmas in Scarborough to find Ivan has also returned from spending Christmas with his family up North.