Hayley feels outmanoeuvred over Phoebe’s year in South Africa.

Radio Times: Kate lays her cards on the table, and there are celebrations at April Cottage.

Characters: Hayley, Kathy, Pat, Roy, Tony

• Hayley is looking forward to a boring meeting to plan Phoebe’s induction as a teenager. Vicky will be there for the food and Phoebe for the music; Roy will be out.
• In fact Roy has a meeting with Kate to learn about South African schools. Of course, the seasons in the southern hemisphere being reversed, Phoebe would be there for part of two school years and the long summer holiday at Christmas. Roy is concerned about Phoebe not being accepted by her schoolmates, even bullied, as well as falling behind academically. Kate declares she is not trying to steal Phoebe away: it is Phoebe’s choice to go to South Africa. This year has been precious to Kate and she is grateful for Roy and Hayley’s generosity; can they be generous for a while longer?
• At April Cottage, Kathy and Jamie are both celebrating the end of his exams – separately. Kathy has Pat and Tony round for supper; Jamie spends the evening getting ready to go out and starts his evening just as Pat and Tony are thinking about going home. He will be staying over at Marty’s. Kathy feels they have turned a corner.
• Roy is late back and has to confess that he has not administered the refusal Hayley wanted. He has been brainwashed. Manipulated. Kate has got her way, as she always does, and it will be left to them to pick up the pieces. Rather unwisely, Roy holds out the prospect of Phoebe coming back for Christmas: Phoebe doesn’t want that and it won’t placate Hayley either. The bottom line is – it’s Phoebe’s choice; if they prevent her going she may never forgive them.