Jess has left alone for Hampshire. Helen’s hopes are up.

Radio Times: Helen has high hopes, while Robert offers his support.

Characters: Helen, Kirsty, Leonie, Lynda, Robert, Tom

• While he admits to Tom that Leonie is staying with them, Robert is not giving the full picture. He has heard about the Titcheners’ party and wonders if they will learn more this evening because Jess is due to help with costumes. Maybe not, for Tom has seen her packing her car. It looks as if there has been a real bust-up.
• Leonie has morning sickness. Can she stand another 8 months of this? She doesn’t have to; she has a choice. Robert is concerned that she will make a wrong decision and regret it for the rest of her life. Lynda cautions him to be careful and not allow his own feelings to come to the fore.
• Kirsty knew that Tom had seen Jess leaving but had deliberately not mentioned it to Helen. Now Lynda receives a text from Jess that confirms she has gone early to Hampshire. Tom observes that Lynda seems stressed – stuff at home perhaps. While they are waiting Tom promises a nice surprise for Kirsty’s Christmas present.
• Leonie is not keen to talk to her father; the issues keep going round in her head. She is not convinced there is any point in talking but he just doesn’t want her to deal with it all alone. James is still trying to call her. Imagine James as a father. He is just not that kind of guy; she’s not even sure she is that kind of girl.
• Helen makes a late all on Kirsty. She had missed a call from Rob but he didn’t answer when she called back. Kirsty advises not getting her hopes up. Too late – they are already up; if Rob and Jess have split up it could change everything.