Rob declares unerring loyalty to Justin over his planned takeover of a neighbouring struggling business.

Radio Times: Justin shows his cards, and Jazzer makes a point.

Characters: Emma, Jazzer, Justin, Kirsty, Rob, Roy, Susan

• Roy arrives home to an inquisition from Jazzer and Kirsty about his date. Jeanette is ‘very nice’ but this doesn’t satisfy their thirst for detail. Jazzer feels at the very least, Roy owes them a decent breakdown of events, given the effort he and Kirsty have both put in to helping Roy prepare for dating. Despite getting on well, there wasn’t a spark and they agreed to go their separate ways. Roy has found the two dates useful to focus his mind on what he would both like from, and can offer, a potential partner. He’s written it down, which Jazzer seizes on and when he later discovers the elusive mega firework that went astray on bonfire night, he sets it off – underneath Roy’s dating ‘spreadsheet’.
• Susan has selected a photographer which meets with Emma’s approval. Less so Neil, who choked over his lentil soup when Susan told him the cost. However, there is a hidden bonus coming Emma’s way as she made a recommendation. Susan has big ideas for Neil and Ed having a deluxe session at a salon to make them fit for the photograph. Emma is offended and Neil has already expressed his views about that.
• Rob is given the cold shoulder by Susan and Emma when he enters the shop, so decides to take his custom elsewhere. Justin summons Rob to an impromptu Friday evening meeting at his home. Having asked Rob to take a seat – anywhere except his own chair – he outlines his plans for Damara’s land acquisition if the old broiler unit goes under. Justin wants to take the ‘white knight’ approach and be seen to save the unit from an even worse fate that would befall them by an alternative takeover. Rob also updates Justin on his new domestic arrangements. He has agreed a tenancy on an executive flat – and not a Hillside property. In fact, Lilian has done him a favour as he has moved further afield away from village gossip. Justin and Rob have shared values: nostalgia should not stand in the way of progress.