Seasons & episodes

Chris is at the end of his tether. His attempts to discover the identity of his gaoler have ended in failure, and his constant goading is only making his already precarious position even worse. In a last ditch attempt to end his nightmare, Chris begs to be released. With the identity of his captor shrouded in mystery, Chris suggests that he would never be caught. But his hopes for freedom are dashed when his captor finally reveals himself, much to Chris's terror. Zoe enlists Pete's help to find evidence of Sean's dodgy business deals. When Sean reveals to Pete that the next job will be on Monday, Zoe visits DI Spalding and informs him of the smuggling operation.

With his kidnapper's identity finally revealed Chris can do little to contain his fear. Filled with panic he desperately tries to discover the reason behind his abduction and learns that it is not money motivated. His terror reaches a new level when he discovers he will never be found because everyone thinks he is dead. Sean meanwhile is arrested on suspicion of handling counterfeit goods.

With Mandy and Paddy's wedding only a day away, the village celebrates the couples last night of freedom. Mandy leaves her hen night early to make sure nothing ruins her big day. Along with Butch, she discovers antiques hidden at the Dingles and realises there is only one person devious enough to have planted them - Eric. Mandy visits Eric and accuses him of trying to frame Butch. And when he admits to the crime, she explodes in fury. Angie is faced with a dilemma when she discovers a large amount of money hidden at her home. Should she help her husband Sean, who has been arrested on suspicion of handling counterfeit goods or should she leave him to face the wrath of the law? Chris is at the end of his tether. With no clear reason for his kidnapping, the terrified captive begins to fear for the worst. And Roy becomes concerned by Kelly's insistence on using her employer's house for her own means.

The big day finally arrives for Mandy and Paddy, and it seems nothing can spoil their wedding now. Mandy admits to Lisa that she is suffering from last-minute nerves. But they counted without Eric. He's reported Mandy for assault and the police arrive at the Dingles in search of the suspect. The police spot Mandy running off into the distance and give chase, but are in for a shock when it turns out to be Butch dressed as Mandy. With the police off the scent, the Dingles manage to persuade Ashley to go ahead with the ceremony earlier than planned and enlist Betty's help to inform all of the guests. But all of their hard work is undone when she inadvertently lets Eric in on the secret. Paddy and Mandy arrive at the church, get out the rings, but the final commitment is interrupted and their special day comes to a halt when P.C. Clare Waite arrives for Mandy's arrest

Mandy and Paddy's wedding is in danger of being wrecked when the police arrive. She is determined no one will spoil her big day and urges a bemused Ashley to continue with the service. It needs a miracle to save the day as Eric watches smugly. But he's got a big shock coming. At the reception, Marlon erupts in fury when he sees Lyn dancing with Scott, and is left heartbroken when she tells him their relationship is over. Ezra turns up and immediately starts causing trouble. Kelly is jealous to hear that Paddy and Mandy will be staying at Zoe's cottage rent-free for two months. Chris is relieved to learn that his kidnapper has sent Zoe a ransom demand.

Paddy's secret honeymoon plans hit a snag when he learns that the police need Mandy's passport in case she tries to flee the country. Mandy thinks she is going to Scarborough, and remains blissfully unaware of Paddy's problem. The newly wed is forced to take a leaf out of the Dingles book and lie to the police - telling them he can't find her passport. Zoe is a nervous wreck. With her brother's life in her hands she prepares to meet Chris's kidnapper with the ransom. The police assure her that they will be following closely behind. But when she arrives at the meeting place she fears for the worst when she spots what looks like a body slumped in a car. Kathy and Elsa are forced to control their contempt for each other when a welfare officer explains if they can not reach a compromise, a judge will make the decision for them about Alice.

Zoe's world is in tatters. Her brother is missing, and one of her business partners has been organising dodgy deals behind her back. And her day gets worse when Sean tries to apologise for his behaviour and Zoe fails to notice that Joseph has wandered off in front of a reversing truck. Chris is forced to face some home truths when Liam reveals the reason for his abduction. Angie's anger with Sean is beginning to take its toll on the Reynolds family. Kathy's temper gets the better of her when Alice tells her of the wonderful weekend she spent with Elsa in London. She turns to Graham and reveals she will use any means necessary to keep hold of Alice. Meanwhile, Elsa is convinced that it is only a matter of time before Alice agrees to return to Australia with her. With time running out, will Mandy be able to hand her passport in to the police in time? And Eric persuades Ashley to let him turn the village hall into a gym.

Chris is becoming increasingly frustrated. His attempts to get a straight answer from Liam have ended in failure. A mysterious letter arrives at The Woolpack addressed to Zoe from Chris's kidnapper - can she trust the police a second time? Kathy's attempt to fight dirty backfires when Alice's welfare officer reveals that she already knows about Kathy's psychological problems. And her predicament gets worse when Alice overhears how strong Kathy's hatred is for Elsa. Mandy is delighted when Paddy gives her a credit card to buy furniture for their house. Kelly suggests to Roy that because their dream cottage is used as a weekend retreat, they could move in during the week. The Dingles plot their revenge on Eric for trying to wreck Mandy's wedding. And Bernice reveals to Gavin that she wants to find Tricia the perfect partner.

The police are at a loss as to who is responsible for Chris's disappearance and everything seems to be going to plan for Liam. Zoe follows his instructions to the letter and arrives at the phone box, but Liam is shocked when she refuses to do anything until she has proof that her brother is still alive. Elsa and Kathy have torn up the rule book concerning Alice's custody case. After her meeting with the welfare officer, Elsa confronts Kathy and demands to know why she is causing trouble. A vicious argument erupts in front of Alice and unable to deal with the confrontation, the young girl turns to Alan for help. Eric's furious when Zak and Butch sabotage the official opening of his gym. And Kelly becomes annoyed by Roy's refusal to move in to the cottage more permanently.

Alan takes the bull by the horns and tells Kathy and Elsa they must stop thinking about themselves and start putting Alice first. Jack asks Robert and Andy to help on the farm at half term causing another row with Sarah. He turns to Zak and Butch - but they say they're busy picketing Eric's gym. Bernice stands in for the youth club camping trip leaving Ashley hot and bothered. Mandy's spending spree sends Kelly into a fit of jealousy. She goes home and tells Roy in no uncertain terms they're moving into the cottage she cleans - whether he likes it or not. And Zoe turns Liam down again when he asks her out for a drink.

There's high jinx on the camping trip and Ashley and Bernice look like having their work cut out. The kids - led by Ollie - are in a mischievous mood and deliberately soak Ashley's ground sheet, forcing him to share a tent with Bernice, much to his embarrassment. Kelly and Roy share their first breakfast at the cottage. Liam tries to coax Zoe out for a drink but again is turned down. When she explains why she doesn't fancy him, he rounds on her saying that his interest is purely friendly. Later Liam rants at Chris that his sister is a spoilt bitch.

Ashley flees the tent to make breakfast after waking to find Bernice's arm draped across him. Later Gavin gently winds Ashley up asking what he thinks about Bernice. After all they slept in the same tent. Scott sounds the alert at the cottage after its owner Mrs Curtis calls to say she'll be around later that day. Elsa and her husband need to return to Australia but she tells Kathy she isn't giving up her custody claims. Liam gets tough with Chris telling him he's had everything on a plate, but is stunned when Chris retaliates with a few home truths about how life has really treated him. And Sarah takes Robert to see Richie in the hope of getting some more work experience on computers.

Zoe is convinced that she will never see Chris again. Her faith in the police investigation has reached an all-time low and when DI Spalding visits her, he is furious to discover that she has been keeping back vital evidence. Liam terrifies Chris when he tells him that he has served his purpose - a photograph is all he needs to prove Chris is still alive. Alice is heartbroken to discover that Elsa's family is preparing to return to Australia. With her niece's future happiness at stake, Kathy is forced to make one of the hardest decisions of her life. And Kelly can barely contain her jealousy when she sees how happy and contented Mandy and Paddy are in their new home.

A new chapter is beginning in Kathy's life - but will Alice be a part of it? Her decision to put Alice's happiness before her own is bound to leave her heartbroken. Kathy asks Alice if she would like to go and live in Australia with Elsa. When Alice asks her if she wants her to go, Kathy is forced to fight against her feelings. As Elsa arrives to collect Alice, Kathy's emotions begin to bubble towards the surface, but will she change her mind before it is too late? Bernice and Marlon's efforts at matchmaking are successful when Richie asks Tricia out for dinner. Bernice offers Tricia some words of advice and tells her that she should show Richie her hidden depths by making him laugh. But while Tricia reflects on how successful their evening was, Richie has a different view. Chris comes to the conclusion that the relationship he has built with Liam will protect him from being hurt.

Liam decides to spend his birthday with family… Chris and Zoe! First he shares a bottle of wine with his imprisoned half brother. Then he joins Zoe in The Woolpack for a celebratory drink. When Eric launches a cheap shot against Chris, Liam jumps to his defence. But he begins to panic when Zoe points out that he is the only person who talks about Chris in the present tense! Kelly and Roy's dinner party is a complete disaster. Roy suspicions are aroused when Kelly appears wearing some new jewellery, belonging to the owner of the holiday cottage . Mandy and Paddy arrive making Kelly jealous of their lifestyle, and the party soon draws to a finish. The owner Ms. Curtis arrives unannounced and is so shocked at the state of her cottage, she phones the police. Graham tells Alan that Kathy needs some one to look after her. And Emily admits to Butch that she can not help worrying about her father.

Zoe's suspicions are aroused when Liam arrives unexpectedly and asks for news on Chris. Zoe asks Terry his opinions on Liam and more alarm bells begin to ring when she discovers Sean told Liam about the police stakeout. Roy prepares for court, with the threat of a prison sentence hanging over his head. Despite his innocence he tells Kelly he doesn't want her involved. His hopes are pinned on a lenient magistrate who he hopes will take into account his previous good character and the glowing character references his solicitor has organised. He pleads guilty to theft and criminal damage but can only listen in disbelief as the sentence is read out. And Richie is forced to do some quick thinking when Tricia asks for another date.

Zoe is convinced she has discovered the identity of Chris's kidnapper, but with her faith in the police investigation at an all-time low and with no real proof, she decides to keep her suspicions from them. She is determined to trap him even if it means working alone. She works out a plan and goes to Tate Haulage to switch around the driver's delivery destinations. Roy is finding it difficult coping with the harsh realities of prison life, while Kelly is determined to blame everyone except the one person responsible for his plight - herself. She foolishly confronts Ms. Curtis and accuses her of destroying her life. Overhearing the exchange Scott decides it is time to let Kelly know some home truths. And Betty and Sarah are becoming increasingly concerned for Kathy while even Ashley and Graham are unable to persuade her to talk about her feelings.

Zoe believes she's got Liam out of the way on a haulage job to Portsmouth. But the kidnapper smells a rat and swaps the run with Pete. Zoe enlists the help of Terry and sets off to search Liam's house - but the two are in for a shock. Kelly is guilt-ridden over Roy's prison sentence and pours her heart out to her step-brother Scott. She'd feel even worse if she knew the hard time her husband was having with other inmates.

Zoe's decision not to tell the police her suspicions lands her and Terry in a dangerous situation. Liam has caught them at his house. He ties Terry up in the cellar and takes Zoe to the disused farmhouse where Chris is being held. Chris tells Zoe that Liam is their brother, but she doesn't believe him. Liam is panicking at this point, as he realises that Zoe isn't going to be the loving, sympathetic sister he always wanted. He babbles on about deciding what to do, and eventually realises that he may need to kill them both to ensure his freedom. Chris tries to talk him out of it, promising him that he won't turn him into the police and to provide money and a third of their inheritance. Liam is wavering at that point, but Zoe fakes an argument with Chris to make Liam defend him and drop the gun. The ploy is a success as Zoe points the gun at Liam.

Liam is dead; killed by a single gunshot wound to the chest by Zoe, who debates with Chris about what to do when the police arrive - Zoe wants to lie to the police and tell them that she shot Liam when he tried to lunge at her, but Chris, who hasn't got much sympathy for Zoe especially since he built up a bond with Liam over the past few weeks, thinks that they should tell the police exactly what happened. Over at the Tate Haulage office, DI Spalding questions Pete, Sean and Laura when his officers discover a van six miles away near the farmhouse. Spalding sends in the armed response unit and he and his officers race to Liam's home. He is seething with anger because Zoe withheld information from him. But as he arrives on the scene more pressing questions fill his mind like - is Chris still alive? What's happened to Zoe and Terry? And could the kidnapper have escaped, thanks to Zoe's DIY detective work?

The police try to get to the bottom of the kidnap drama and its shocking outcome. DI Spalding still can't believe Zoe chose to withhold information placing her life and Terry's in such danger. Kelly is full of guilt and remorse over Scott and tells Roy, during a prison visit that things will be different when he comes out. Tricia, with a little help from Bernice, tries to impress Richie with her literary knowledge and a little home cooking. But an unexpected visitor spoils her moment.

Racked with guilt, Kelly avoids going to the prison to see Roy so Scott takes her place. Roy's disappointed and asks Scott why he told him he slept with Kelly. Scott hesitantly says he lied because he was jealous of their happiness. Meanwhile, Paddy shares some wise words about Kelly regarding love, unaware that he's just provoked a whole new load of feelings in Kelly for Scott. Later, Kelly finds Scott and tells him she loves him and it's time they told Roy the truth. But Scott turns her down and she's left devastated. Zoe brings Chris home from the hospital and surprises him with Home Farm. However, she doesn't get the reception she excepted when Chris is uptight that he feels everyone is trying to run his life for him - Joseph's scared of him and the whole village is gossiping about Zoe's ordeal, causing an outburst in the pub.

Kelly and Scott begin to plan a surprise party for Roy on his release from jail. Tricia turns on all her charm to seduce Richie, but is hurt by his reaction. Kathy remains deeply upset about losing Alice as she composes a letter to the court saying she is prepared to give up custody for good. And she shocks Eric later when she tells him she needs a change. If he can come up with the right money he can buy the Diner. Bernice tells Gavin her mum's coming to stay and can't wait to meet him. And Sean has a short answer for Pete when he's told one of their main haulage routes is being closed for repairs - the lorries will have to drive through the village.

Roy is released from prison but his coming-home party is a wash-out when he leaves early. Bernice's mum Diane arrives and immediately catches Alan's eye. Eric tells Kathy he doesn't want to buy the Diner but would consider becoming partners with her again. Richie considers swapping lodgings with Pete, who is sick of the Sugdens' bickering. And Ashley asks Sean to have a word with his wayward daughter Ollie before she joins the newly formed youth club.