Billie makes a surprise announcement
Airs on Monday, April 5 2010 at 20:00 BST on BBC One
Billie's troubles continue as he's torn between his mother Carol and girlfriend Whitney when they bump into each other in the Square. Carol's concerned about what Billie has planned for the future and questions Max to see if he knows anything. However, their discussion is interrupted by the news that Jack's condition has worsened. The Branning-Jacksons rush to the hospital to be with Jack, and Whitney once again finds herself pushed aside in favour of his mother. When they turn up to his room, they're stunned that he's not in his bed - and they all fear that he's dead. Carol soon learns that he's been taken for a life-saving operation. Billie and Chelsea have cross words when she claims that he shouldn't be at the hospital as he's responsible for the situation. As Billie annoyingly taps his chair and a plastic cup, Max storms out, before Bianca arrives and tells Billie that he doesn't want him anywhere near the kids.
Later, Max happily announces that Jack will be fine, even though he's clearly not convinced by his own words. Dot tries to lead the family in prayer but the gathering becomes too much for Billie and he rushes out. Max chases after him and Billie finally breaks down in tears. Whitney calls Billie and pledges her love for him on his voicemail, while the young Jackson makes a big decision about his future. Carol's stunned to the core when Billie makes a shock announcement of his own - he's decided to join the army.
Meanwhile, Ryan's lost for words when Janine reveals that she intends to secure a job. Billy's also surprised by Janine's new outlook on life and when she admits that she and Ryan are now together, Stacey's rattled. Panicked that he'll find the letter she wrote revealing him to be the father of her baby, Stacey rushes to retrieve it. Ryan's confused by her sudden arrival at the flat but she makes up an excuse about the stall. The conversation turns to Ryan and Janine's relationship and Ryan, misunderstanding her motive, presumes that Stacey's interested in him. Finally finding the letter, Stacey makes her excuses and makes a quick exit.
Elsewhere, Danny asks Janine what she's plotting; Shirley rallies Ben and Zsa Zsa around as they prepare for Louise's return; Minty tells Billy that he should move out of the flat; Danny's not happy that he's being ignored for family gatherings, but decides to tag along anyway; Billy learns that Heather's struggling to pay the rent; Ben's upset by Louise's return when Phil focuses all of his attention on her; Billy moves in with Heather and baby George; Janine tells Ryan that she plans on running R&R for Jack while he's in hospital; and Ben puts Louise's chocolate Easter bunny, complete with foil wrapping, in the microwave.
Carol tries to deter Billie from joining the army
Airs on Tuesday, April 6 2010 at 19:30 BST on BBC One
Carol's still upset about Billie's decision to join the army, adamant that it's too dangerous. Max and Bianca appear to support Billie's intended career path but Carol stubbornly begins clutching at straws. Calling Billie to the house, she shows him an old photo album of family members who have died over the years serving in the army. Despite the trip down memory lane, Billie stands firm. Later, Peggy hears of Billie's decision to sign up to the forces and decides to throw a small party at The Vic for him. Max calls Billie over for a pint and when he enters, everyone cheers as he takes in the sight of Peggy's 'The Vic Supports Our Boys' banner. Carol, however, storms in behind him and tears the banner down, before coming to blows with Peggy about Phil and Grant.
Billie refuses to leave the pub and at breaking point, finally admits to his mother why he wants to enrol in the army - he wants to get away from her.
Meanwhile, Tamwar plays around with his new camera and Zainab's taken by the idea of a new family portrait. Masood soon arrives home with the post and Zainab's intrigued to see a handwritten letter addressed to Amira. Zainab's curiosity is evident as Amira opens the envelope, excited by its contents. Deciding to play a joke on Zainab, Amira writes a note and places it in the envelope for her to find.
Later, Tamwar watches on as his mother rummages around in the living room in search of the letter, which she sees wedged between the pages of a book. Rushing into the kitchen, Zainab unfolds the piece of paper and is reeling by its contents: 'Anyone reading this should really learn to mind their own business'. Livid that she's been duped, Zainab replaces the book and the letter and tries to continue as normal.
In the Square gardens, Tamwar attempts to position the rest of the family for their portrait and just as he hits the timer switch, Amira reveals that her father sent her a cheque for £5,000. She goes on to claim that she and Syed are moving in together. Zainab looks on, horrified.
Elsewhere, Zsa Zsa receives a mystery parcel containing a chocolate Easter egg; Leon's baffled by Zsa Zsa's talk of a present; Leon discovers the reason behind Zsa Zsa's edginess and tries to make it up to her with flowers but Zsa Zsa shuts the door in his face.
Danny continues with his plan
Airs on Thursday, April 8 2010 at 19:30 BST on BBC One
Ronnie and Roxy still aren't talking and when Ronnie heads out jogging in the Square, they make eye contact but it's clear that neither is prepared to back down. Fed up with the situation with her sister, Roxy breaks down in Danny's arms and confesses that she wants everything to go back to normal. With his own agenda at the forefront of his mind, Danny seizes the opportunity to turn the situation to his advantage. Despite Ronnie's suspicions, she agrees to meet her brother in the café and talk over a coffee. Ronnie eventually backs down and asks Danny to pass a message on to Roxy - she's there for her whenever she wants to sort things out. Instead of helping, though, Danny drives the wedge further between his sisters by manipulatively explaining to Roxy that there's no chance of reconciliation.
Wanting to take some pressure of a stressed and tired Roxy, Danny offers to look after the books and insists that he registers her for online banking. With the security question and passwords confirmed, Roxy leaves everything in Danny's capable hands. However, as soon as Roxy's out of earshot, he makes a call and firmly states: "We're on…"
Meanwhile, Syed and Amira look around Mrs Patel's flat above the Sari shop. Syed's not impressed by the state of the premises in the slightest but Amira remains upbeat, especially with Christian on her side. Christian, however, is only too pleased to have Syed living so close by. Later, Syed breaks the news to his mother Zainab that he and Amira have put a deposit on the flat but when she and Masood visit, they're appalled by how disgusting it is. As Masood discovers mouse droppings, Amira walks in with their - and the flat's - saviour: she's hired Christian to redecorate.
Elsewhere, Ryan goes for an interview at the bookies and asks Janine to pretend to be his referee; Max receives a horse tip and decides to back it at 10/1; Janine agrees to give Ryan a fake reference; Billie and Carol call a truce and she agrees to let her son join the army if he really wants to; Ryan hires Janine to help at the bookies; and Billie's frustrated when his visit to the recruitment sergeant goes awry.
Zainab comes to blows with Christian over Syed
Airs on Friday, April 9 2010 at 20:00 BST on BBC One
Furious about Syed and Amira moving out and Christian redecorating the flat for them, Zainab takes matters into her own hands. In the hope of undermining Christian - and cutting him out of the equation altogether - Zainab enlists the help of Shirley, Heather and Denise. The trio reluctantly agree to pitch in and they set about painting. However, when Christian turns up, they're all unimpressed to hear that Christian's being paid. As everyone leaves, Zainab and Christian are left painting alone.
The atmosphere's strained and as time passes, Zainab becomes further enraged at the situation until she snaps and accuses Christian of trying to steal her son. Christian's nonplussed by her outburst, which infuriates her further. With that, Zainab launches a pot of pain over him, before starting to physically goad him with a long-handled paint roller. Christian remains calm but a scuffle ensues, causing Zainab to slip and fall into the paint pots - just as Syed and Masood walk in.
Later, Christian catches up with Zainab and vows to do everything he can to get Syed back in his life.
Meanwhile, Carol turns to Ricky for help in keeping Billie in Walford. Despite being unable to pay his wages, Ricky agrees to let him start work again. However, after a heart-to-heart with Ricky about his future prospects, Billie returns home - and it's up to Ricky to lie to Carol about having to let him go. Carol's distracted, though, when the police turn up on their doorstep wanting Billie to sign his witness statement. Carol notices something in the statement that doesn't add up and realises that he knows more about the gun than he's letting on. How will Carol react?
Elsewhere, Danny's plans become clear when he secretly meets his mother Glenda; and Pat and Peggy are stunned when Councillor Singh's health takes a turn for the worst.
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