17-21 December

Monday, December 17

Gilly is still troubled following his discovery at Simon's house and decides that he has to talk to someone. Max is dismissive of Gilly's claims, but when Gilly realises that Simon is looking after Tom for the afternoon he is terrified for Tom's safety.

Amy is looking forward to Leah's first Christmas, but her festive spirit is dampened by their unwelcome guest: Nige.

Tony is in a foul mood when Santa and the elves go on strike on the day of the toy appeal. Desperate for a replacement he enlists the help of Jack, Sarah and Nancy.

Nancy is ecstatic as she breaks the news of her engagement to Sarah. Sarah struggles to share Nancy's excitement, but tries to keep her concerns to herself.

Tuesday, December 18

Max and O.B. are stunned when Simon's wife arrives and explains his strange behaviour.

Fearing for Simon's safety after their false accusations, Max, Gemma and OB rush to Simon's house, but it may be too late.

Summer surprises Kris when she asks Tony for advice on her performance.

And Tina is disgusted to find the college is advertising for her replacement, but is even more stunned when she learns her replacement is Jacqui.

Wednesday, December 19

O.B. still broods about what happened to Simon, as Max tries to get through to him. Max worries when their argument becomes heated and O.B. sneers that their friendship has always just been about Max.

Beth is angry with Gilly for adding to Simon's grief. Gilly begs her forgiveness, while Rhys is secretly pleased they have split.

Steph tries to conceal her excitement when Kris invites her to come to rehearsals on the night of The Rocky Horror Show .

Warren proposes a card game to Darren, but Darren's torn when he's reminded of the Gambling Support group that Zoe suggested.

Thursday, December 20

Happy for a chance to be with Zoe, Darren agrees to see a counsellor.

Beth reveals to Sarah just why she broke up with Gilly . Sarah wonders why she is still hanging around in the village, but Beth hasn't got an answer. When Rhys and Gilly arrive, the chemistry between her and Rhys is intense, but Beth hides her upset when she spies Rhys kissing Sarah.

Max is left feeling guilty when Simon refuses to acknowledge his apology. Shattered when Simon tells him that he is leaving Chester, O.B. is left with a crushing sense of guilt as Simon explains that there is no longer life for him in the village.

Friday, December 21

Warren finds himself in the doghouse with Louise when she discovers he used The Loft to win The Dog.

Darren is unable to bring himself to tell Jack he has lost his half of the pub to Warren Fox.

Beth advises Sarah to tell Rhys exactly how she feels. Meanwhile Rhys, determined to make their relationship work and to stop himself from loving Beth, professes his love for Sarah.

Summer enjoys spending the day with O.B. and gets a real insight in to his character. As the friends say goodbye for Christmas, there's a mutual attraction and they steal a small kiss under the mistletoe. Summer leaves in a fluster as O.B. begins to wonder if he's found the girl of his dreams.