Seasons & episodes

Ashley is beginning to feel manipulated by Bernice as his child raising duties are ever increasing and second to Bernice's needs. In the Woolpack, tempers flare between Nicola and Rodney, and as Bernice tries to defuse the situation, Nicola rounds on her and Bernice receives a slap across the face for her troubles. Bernice decides to use the assault to obtain the attention she needs from Ashley. Ashley once again is drawn in by Bernice's emotional plea. Despite this, after a talk with Marlon, he decides enough is enough and tells Bernice that he wants a quick divorce.

Despite all her recent trauma and much to Diane's surprise, Bernice seems to be actually looking forward to their night on the tiles with builders Jerry and Syd. But Ashley isn't too taken by the notion that Bernice is already looking to start seeing other men. He has a heart to heart with Marlon and confesses that there isn't enough room in the village for the both of them. Someone has got to go! Desperate to appear upmarket, Viv plans to pull out all the stops for the grand opening of her café. But despite bringing in Marlon to help with the catering arrangements,

Intending to dazzle Ray, Louise shows off a little black number to Diane. Louise's efforts in her appearance appear to have paid off until Ray makes a mysterious exit before dinner and does not return. Clock watching Louise is fed up convinced she's been stood up and dumped. Little does she realise that the reason for Ray not returning is because he has collapsed on the street outside! Ashley puts his words into actions as he arranges a meeting with the Archdeacon to discuss his future. Sadly things don't go as planned and he is forced to hear a few home truths. Ashley takes this news particularly badly and seeks refuge at the bottom of a bottle of brandy.

Questioning his state of mind and profession, Ashley takes off his dog collar and gives it to Edna, claiming that he won't be needing it anymore. Bernice is flabbergasted to hear that Ashley is considering giving up the cloth and is moving away - but how can she stop him? Rodney asks Nicola if she would be interested in working on a cruise ship for a friend - but Nicola is convinced that her dad is just trying to get rid of her. Hungover from the excesses of the night before Louise reflects on Ray's actions in abandoning her and decides to wash her hands of the situation

Although Ashley will sadly miss Gabby, he can no longer handle seeing Bernice every day. Unable to resist meddling, Edna pays Bernice a visit demanding to know whether Bernice is going to allow Ashley to walk away from his profession and parish. Bernice's insecurities surface as it becomes clear that people are pointing the finger of blame at her for Ashley's decision. Feeling the heat, Bernice contemplates whether she should be the one to leave. Bernice is troubled by the pressure on her to do the right thing and goes to see Ashley to try and work things out. Much to Katie's disappointment Brian is still laying down the law about seeing Andy, although he allows her to see Lucy.

As the news of Ashley leaving spreads around the village, there is obvious tension. Not least for Bernice who is desperate in her efforts to try and convince him to stay. After a tearful exchange Bernice tells Ashley that she should go and leave Ashley and Gabby behind. Unable to comprehend why Bernice would want to abandon her own daughter, Ashley questions her decision. Pacing the back room Rodney and Diane brace themselves for the worst. Diane takes out her frustrations on Rodney blaming him for just about everything she can think of! Stepping back from the situation, Bernice and Ashley have time to reflect on their relationship together.

There is no time like the present and Rodney informs Bernice that if she wants the job on the ship, it leaves that evening. Hesitant at first, Bernice questions whether she is doing the right thing. As she looks around she sees the trouble she has caused and is afraid of what she would stay for, her mind is suddenly clear. Once again Bernice is tearful as she says her goodbyes. Tricia begs Bernice not to go, but Bernice is firm in her decision. Unable to contain her emotion Bernice faces the toughest farewell of all in Ashley and daughter Gabby. Diane breaks down and tells Bernice that she is leaving with her blessing and her love.

Carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, Katie withholds her fears of being pregnant. Worried that Andy might abandon her if her fears are true Katie stalls for time. Misreading Katie's quietness Andy questions whether she is about to end their relationship. Little does he know there is a far greater subject involving the future of their relationship on her mind! Appreciating Andy's concern and no longer about unable to keep her worry to herself, Katie reveals what is really on her mind. Katie's concerns appear to be justified, as Andy is deeply shocked. Unwillingly Katie admits that she may have missed taking the pill a few times!

Sheepishly Andy purchases a pregnancy test and produces it for Katie who is waiting anxiously outside the chemist. Reluctant at first Andy persuades Katie that they have come this far and that she should take the test in the nearby public toilets. Not surprisingly Katie is uncomfortable about the idea, but agrees they need to know their future. Panic stricken Louise brings Bolan to the vets worried as in her care the dog has become ill. Louise's worst fears are confirmed as Zoe's diagnoses a fatal illness and informs her that the dog will have to be put down.

Now more than ever, Katie and Andy feel the need to be together. But their requests to see each other go unheard as Brian and Jack still dismiss as immature their claims that they love each other. Brian humours their declaration but questions how they'd react if they got pregnant, unaware that they have already been forced to consider that. Suspicious that Cain has something to do with the credit card theft, Angie warns him that she is keeping a very watchful eye. Feeling the heat, Cain is beginning to get restless and plans to jump ship for a while. Not wanting to be left on her own to face the music, Latisha decides she will tag along.

Fed up of banging their heads against brick walls Katie and Andy decide it is time to take matters in to their own hands. The youngsters feel they are forced to make a decision that will affect the rest of their lives. Broaching the idea of going away for the weekend, Latisha uses Kirk as a persuasive tool. It is clear that Cynthia has no intention of letting Cain near Kirk, insisting Latisha leave him behind. Latisha's plan to get Cynthia to baby sit has worked.

Katie re-assures Andy that she still stands firm on their decision. Despite their plans the parental barrier is still strong as the couple are barred from seeing each other. In order to lull their fathers into a false sense of security they plot to pretend they have split up in the hope that their separation will be lifted. Latisha avidly awaits Cain's return after selling their swag as he promises to take her to the airport. Lifted by the possibility of being away for a while, Latisha tells Gloria not to keep her job open. Having flogged the 'hot' DVD's Cain offers Latisha a measly return on her investment. Fed up with the burden,

Dreading having to face the music Latisha is glum at the thought of trying to get her job back after she confidently told Gloria to stick it. Having been left high and dry by Cain, it is back to the real world as Latisha's ego falls swiftly back down to earth. Gloria can't resist the opportunity to rub Latisha's face in it, as she quizzes her about her very short holiday. As if Latisha isn't having a bad enough day, things get worse as Cynthia finds a credit card receipt supposedly signed by Charity in her coat pocket.

Latisha is determined to bury her head in the sand leaving Cynthia unsettled. Cynthia feels she has no option but to come clean on her daughter's behalf. Hoping that Charity may live up to her name Cynthia makes the journey to Home Farm to tell her about her credit card. Charity does not take the news lightly, having no sympathy for Latisha's naive actions in getting involved with Cain. Suspicions are raised into Eric's motive as they rush to organise their wedding ceremony.

Eric's mayoral campaign reaches a barrier, as it appears that Glynis holds the deciding vote between Morgan and Eric. Gloria instructs Eric to take drastic measures to swing her vote or face defeat. Eric steps up his charm defensive to full blown seduction! Peg continues to make a nuisance of herself at the B&B as Rodney finds his expensive cognac is mysteriously disappearing. Alan is at his wits end as he has hardly slept a wink due to Peg mistaking his bedroom for the bathroom several times in the night. Sensing she might get the boot Peg tries her luck with a sob story about her monstrous son.

Eric wakes in a foul mood on the morning of his wedding after spending the night on the sofa. As wedding bells begin to chime he and Gloria are not on speaking terms. The frosty atmosphere continues at the church as Ashley is concerned that his services may not be needed. Nicola is indignant as Rodney demands an explanation for her attempts to sue him. Severing all ties she insists that she has bills to pay. Struck by her callousness, Rodney is left with no choice but to defend his case in court. Things hot up in the bedroom on Eric's wedding night, but Gloria is no where to be seen. Eric takes matters into his own hand as he tries a different method to win Glynis' vote. Time appears to be up for Latisha as Angie appears in blue to arrest her on suspicion of stealing credit cards.

As the votes are cast Eric is glad to see the fruits of his labour as things appear to be in his favour. Gloria and Glynis are full of icy politeness, each smugly pitying each other. A somewhat love struck Glynis has the deciding vote as she gazes deeply into Eric's eyes, she decides his future. Annoyed at being taken to the cleaners Chris is critical of Rodney's rash decision to sack Nicola. Trying another tact Chris suggests they try to bribe her to back down. Will Nicola take the cash and be silenced or will she fight her father in court? Diane and Jerry talk about the direction of their relationship, she feels dejected and disappointed.

As sirens ring out across the village, Diane rushes from The Woolpack to see paramedics rushing a familiar face towards an ambulance on a stretcher. The victim is in a bad way, frail, helpless and clearly fighting for their life as paramedics do their best to save them. There is a deafening silence as the ambulance veers away leaving all onlookers bewildered. Diane is clearly worried. Desperate to make the best impression, Brian is eager to re-assure Diane and offer his support. But Brian finds himself second in the queue as Jerry is already on the scene busying away with plant boxes for the Village in Bloom.

News from the hospital isn't good and Diane paces the hospital hallway waiting for word after Rodney's emergency operation. Unaware of the drama unfolding, Nicola is nowhere to be found and there is increasing heaviness as her dad's condition worsens. Oblivious of Rodney's condition, and being her usual cold self, Nicola is rude to Louise when Louise expresses her concern. She can't believe her ears when Louise spells out the severity of what has happened. Nothing could have prepared Nicola for seeing Rodney at the hospital and, as reality sinks in, Nicola begins to panic.

Nicola feels under pressure to back down on her intentions to sue her father as he continues his fight for life. It becomes increasingly clear that she intends to try and put their differences behind them if he pulls through. On cloud nine about their windfall, Tricia is already mentally touring the department stores. Seeing the money slipping through Tricia's hands, Marlon intervenes and explains the only establishment that is going to see the colour of his money is the bank. Tricia is annoyed that she has been excluded from all decision making. After passing jokes about Syd moving in, Chloe sees a genuine opportunity to make some extra cash and puts the pressure on Scott. Being over protective, Scott is adverse to the idea at first but Chloe tries to win him round. Cautious of Syd's intentions towards Chloe, Scott shows his jealous streak.

Praising Charity on her efficiency on the delivery, Terry assures that he will pass his complements on to Chris. Charity's run appears to be running very smoothly until they become concerned about the strange noises in the back of the truck. Convinced they aren't hearing things Terry bravely decided to check their stock, only to find more stock than they had initially accounted for! The illegitimate load raises Charity's suspicions, who has pulled the wool over her eyes? She has a feeling the culprit may be fairly close to home!

Charity's suspicions are confirmed, as she is furious to uncover Ray's involvement with illegal immigrant trafficking. Determined not to let Chris know of the delivery complications Charity vows to tackle Ray on her own! Punching above her weight, Charity learns that Ray's antics cannot be brushed under the carpet and realises it is time to come clean to Chris. With the trafficking out in the open, Ray begins to show his true colours and Charity and Chris are stunned into silence. Meanwhile, the severity of Rodney's condition begins to hit home and there are some tough decisions to be made and Zak, of all people, is on hand to offer some heart felt advice.

Reaping the benefits of his fraudulent behaviour, Scott treats Chloe to a night on the tiles! As they sneak back into the village, the sports car they are driving appears to cause quite a stir! As curtains begin to twitch, suspicions are raised as to how Scott's humble salary could stretch so far. Collared by Len, Scott is forced to think on his feet dismissing any unusual behaviour, Len is unconvinced. Probing a little further Len finds out more than he was bargaining for when he uncovers Scott's racket. The criminal activities in the village is affecting more people than the obvious as Louise is upset to hear that the Tates have shunned Ray's business. Itching to reveal Ray's true colours,

Things are getting a little too cramped in Pear Tree Cottage as Syd is making himself very much at home! Chloe uses Scott's frustration to her advantage suggesting that he could always whisk her away to another swanky hotel! Scott feels under pressure as Chloe is clearly enjoying the fruits of his illegitimate labour! Realising her authority is under threat, Nicola is worried as Paddy questions her changes in the surgery. Zoe is increasingly out of sorts as she arrives back from her holiday at Home Farm forgetting that she no longer lives there! Paddy is worried that her promises of being 'on the wagon' may have been broken.