Fallon unwittingly celebrates her birthday. Kate and Lilian drown their sorrows. The Tuckers reminisce.

Radio Times: Fallon’s a reluctant birthday girl, and Lilian’s an encouraging Auntie.

Characters: Brenda, Fallon, Harrison, Kate, Lilian, Mike, Roy, Vicky

• On Fallon’s thirtieth birthday she is treated to a cup of tea in bed and a birthday kiss from the adoring Harrison, but she remains adamant that she wants no form of birthday surprise. Harrison does manage to persuade her to share a birthday drink with him later, however. Later Fallon catches Harrison bringing a bag to The Bull, but he refuses to divulge its contents.
• The family lines up to wave Vicky and Bethany goodbye, as a mournful Mike surveys what is left of his life in Ambridge. Roy sounds equally glum, especially when Mike tells him to try and patch things up with Hayley, for Betty’s sake. Brenda recalls the happy times they all shared, and what a good mother Betty was. When she remarks on Betty’s pride in finally owning their own home, her menfolk are almost in tears. Mike promises to come back, at least until the milk round is sold, and Brenda brightly says that she and Roy will come to see them in Birmingham. Poor Mike ruefully reminds his children that strangers will soon be moving into Willow Farm.
• In full-on victim mode, Kate bewails her lot to Lilian. Brian was far too harsh, Jennifer failed to stand up for Kate, Lucas’ family have turned Nolly and Sipho against her, the unreasonable tutor forced her to abandon her diploma course. Lilian feels they have much in common, and suggests they go out together to drown their sorrows.
• In the garden at The Bull, Lilian and Kate are surprised to meet Harrison, who invites them to a film showing. When Fallon appears, wondering where all the customers have gone, she is made to go into the makeshift cinema where Chicago is about to begin. Fancy that; Chicago is her favourite film. It will be the best birthday surprise ever.
• Mournfully, Kate and Lilian compare the wreck of their respective lives and muse on similarities with the story of Chicago. When things look hopeless, declares Lilian, you must have a plan. Kate needs to have faith in herself. Between them they will come up with a plan to astound everyone.