Robert continues to hide the truth about Kev from Aaron, but with Victoria adding pressure on him, will he come clean?
Aaron informs Robert he’s moving back into the flat today and asks Robert to stay with him for his first night. Robert agrees, but Victoria reminds him he still needs to tell Aaron about Kev. Aaron is anxious about the move and Robert is guilty when Aaron expresses hope for a fresh start, while Robert covertly cancels a call from Kev. With things moving on between Robert and Aaron he’s aware he needs to be honest but will he be? Especially when he hears Kev’s big news.
Trying to free themselves from Ray’s ‘debt’ takes April into a dark and dangerous world
April is alarmed when Ray tells her he’s sending her on a trip to Liverpool, he pressures her into taking the job or he’ll sell her debt. April, feeling pressured to pay their debts to Ray finds herself stealing jewellery from Rhona just as Rhona walks in.
April finds Ray and tells him she’ll take his Liverpool job after all, but he says someone else is doing it. So he gives her another job. Ray drives April to a hotel, giving her cocaine for a ‘valuable client’ and telling her to have a drink. April nervously arrives and Ray’s client, Tim, accepts the cocaine but offers April vodka. April is terrified when it becomes obvious that she’s been sent there for more than just a drug drop.
Cain is home but it’s clear things are not well
Moira is struggling with Cain’s absence but when Cain returns from searching for John in France, he is seemingly committed to a self-destructive path of booze and is evasive when Moira asks about John. Moira tentatively reminds him of his responsibilities and Zak’s anniversary, but Cain seems committed to self-destruction. Sam and Belle wonder if Cain will show up for their dad’s anniversary. Belle and Sam visit Zak’s grave and are disappointed Cain hasn’t joined them. As they comfort each other and talk about Zak, they are ultimately united in their concern for their brother.
Dawn opens up to Joe as she recounts her harrowing past
Nicola and Jimmy are anxious about Carl’s impending police interview. Carl admits to sharing Clemmie’s photo, despite Nicola’s insistence he’s learned his lesson, the police are taking this seriously. The rift between the two families is growing by the day. Meanwhile, Clemmie admits to Dawn why she sent the photo to Carl. Dawn is racked with guilt as Clemmie explains her reasons.
Later, Dawn attempts to talk to Nicola mother to mother but matters are made worse when Nicola becomes defensive and escalates the conversation into an argument. Laurel tries to console Nicola about Carl’s troubles, but Nicola spirals and Laurel makes an admission. Dawn’s frustrated with the school’s lack of support. But when Joe makes a fresh suggestion that soon brings about more conflict for Dawn.
Before long, Nicola and Laurel realise they’re out of touch with their children’s online lives and agree to work together to protect their children from online dangers. Whilst Dawn opens up to Joe as she recounts her harrowing past, detailing how she was coerced into sex work and drug addiction, drawing parallels to April’s life. Dawn tells Joe how she met Clemmie’s mum on the streets and her commitment to protecting Clemmie, even online.
