Helen embraces parenthood. Lizzie offers advice on parenthood. David finds parenthood perplexing.

Radio Times: David gets annoyed with Elizabeth and Helen discovers some news.

Characters: David, Elizabeth, Helen, Nigel, Pat, Pip, Tony

• David is surprised to see Pip up early, especially after her lie-in the previous day. He asks how her exams went, and Pip is understandably evasive, though she seems about to tell her father the whole story at one point. But when David starts his usual rant about Jude, Pip resumes her defensive stance. Now she’s off to do a shift at Lower Loxley.
• A nervous Helen waits for the result of her pregnancy test – and it’s positive. She rushes to Bridge Farm to share the news with Pat, who is overcome with delight.
• Elizabeth is surprised to see Pip, who is still full of apologies and very grateful to her aunt for her help over the missed exam. She asks whether Pip has told her parents yet, but of course she hasn’t – though she ‘nearly’ did. Pip’s account of her conversation with David is, as ever, a little economical with the truth.
• Helen’s news is shared with Tony, who is predictably less than thrilled, though he does manage to say he’s pleased that Helen is so happy. Pat is touched at his sensitivity. Tony says he’ll try not to spoil things for Helen. She may be happy, but they can’t expect Tony to be.
• David’s less than pleased to get a call from Elizabeth telling him he’s alienating Pip, and needs to alter his approach to Jude. David is furious, and suggests that Elizabeth’s ‘chum’ Jude has put her up to this. Elizabeth persists in telling him how to handle Pip, so David hangs up on her.
• Nigel tries to pour oil on troubled waters, pointing out that Lizzie wouldn’t like it if David interfered over the twins. Pigheaded and irrational Lizzie’s not in a mood to listen to calm advice, though; it’s her brother who’s being pig-headed and irrational.