Monday
Ned is visited by his ex-girlfriend Regan, who is hurt to discover that he has moved on romantically. Mark sees the exchange and recognises Regan, leading to a tense confrontation with Ned.
Mark also warns Elly away from Ned but Ned fires back at Mark, who admits to recognising Regan. Mark doesn't tell Elly or Steph the full truth about what's going on, which annoys Steph and causes Elly to think Mark is interested in her.
Later, Steph leaves the pigeon race day early to go home. She's soon surprised by Ari, who has escaped en route to the psychiatric hospital - carrying snakes...
Meanwhile, on the morning of the Lassiters pigeon race, Piper is devastated to discover that Clementine has eaten two of the three pigeons - Karl's and Toadie's - with only Gary's surviving. Terese guesses that Paul did it and vows to make the race day a success.
Elsewhere, Xanthe isn't speaking to Sheila because of the Madison sacking and Ben is furious with her. However, when Xanthe nobly gives Madison her blessing for a relationship with Ben, Madison urges Xanthe to go to the concert. Xanthe reluctantly does so, and is delighted to hear Ben perform the song he wrote for her.
Tuesday
Ari has brought his snakes to the Brennan house and manages to capture Steph. He ties her up and proceeds to set the scene in a desire to ritualistically take care of unfinished business with her. Ari is determined to avenge the wrongs done to Belinda - his great love - and believes that snakes only bite those who are evil. He intends to let them loose on Steph to test her.
Before he completes his plan, Ari lights candles taken from the church and prays for guidance. Steph tries to figure out the best psychology to outwit him.
Later, Jack realises Steph is in danger and later tracks her down at the Blaze Outreach Centre after Ari has moved her there. Jack catches Ari just as he is about to release the snakes on Steph. There's terror for Steph as one of the snakes strikes, but has it bitten her or Jack?
Scott McGregor as Mark Brennan in Neighbours
© Channel 5
Meanwhile, Mark tells Sonya that Ned is two-timing Elly but he didn't want to reveal it to her. Sonya can understand that, but she points out that someone else should tell Elly. This prompts Mark to have words with Ned, eventually agreeing to keep his secret on the condition that the affair is definitely over. Elly is very aware of the tension and enjoys every minute, believing it to be two men fighting over her.
Elsewhere, after a hugely successful day with Lassiters winning the pigeon race, Gary is dismayed to receive a phone call from the racing officials - it appears the bird was doped. Gary swears blind he had nothing to do with it, but he's stripped of his prize and left enraged at Paul, who he's sure must somehow be involved.
Wednesday
Paige is devastated to learn that her parents won't be coming along to watch the boxing match, as they can't bring themselves to watch her potentially getting hurt.
Paige attempts to rise above her doubts, but can't help being nervous as the big day arrives. Her opponent Angelina manages to rattle Paige with her mind games, and Tyler becomes concerned when he clocks Angelina applying a mysterious powder to her knuckles before the fight.
Paige's spirits are later lifted as she gets support from a surprising quarter, but is she really ready for this fight, or is she going to be seriously hurt?
Meanwhile, the hostage drama continues for Steph, Jack and Ari. Who has been bitten by the snake?
Elsewhere, Gary finally gets to the bottom of the doping mystery when Xanthe confesses to unwittingly drugging the pigeon. Terese can't help being amused by the misunderstanding and spontaneously asks Gary out for dinner.
Thursday
Xanthe and Ben concoct a scheme to travel together to the Gold Coast after learning Madison is heading there to audition for a singing residency at a big hotel. The two teens cook lunch for Sheila and the Kennedys, hoping to butter them up before popping the big question.
Unfortunately, it doesn't go to plan and Xanthe ends up wounded by Susan's lack of faith in her and Ben's love.
At the same time, Sheila's garden gnomes disappear. When Xanthe and Ben hear a noise in the yard, Xanthe suspects it's pranksters returning the gnomes or up to more mischief. She charges out, camera at the ready to record evidence - only to find Kyle Canning is the culprit. What is he doing back?
Meanwhile, the boxing fight continues and the stakes are high. Will Paige survive this battle?
Friday
Sheila is surprised when her gnome thief turns out to be Kyle, who has popped back to Australia for a short visit. Kyle is surprised to learn Gary is living at Number 26, and is even more surprised to learn that that he's apparently turned over a new leaf. At Toadie's urging, he lets his guard down, trying to give his dad a chance. But when Sheila assumes Kyle will be sticking around to celebrate her birthday, he admits it's a flying visit - he wants to leave before Amy returns as he's keen to avoid any awkwardness.
Kyle can't help but ask after Amy, though, strangely curious about whether she's seeing anybody - while simultaneously rejecting calls and messages from Georgia. Kyle ultimately decides he needs to set things right - he needs to see Amy. Has he returned to rekindle his romance with Amy?
Meanwhile, Terese and Gary prepare to go on their first date. Terese admits her nerves to Piper, who urges her mother to try to relax, especially as she doesn't harbour huge expectations of Gary Canning. Later, Terese finds herself being stood up by Gary, who's busy trying to reconnect with Kyle. An unexpected companion takes his place – Paul.
Elsewhere, Madison is continuing to struggle over how to handle the possibility of returning to the vicinity of her ex if she gets the Gold Coast gig. Paul advises her to make contact and clear the air, but when Madison finally gets her mum involved to track Logan down, she discovers he's left.
Also today, the fallout from Paige's dramatic boxing match continues.
Digital Spy
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