Helen finds that dealing with Rob is becoming increasingly difficult.

Radio Times: Jennifer has an unexpected call, and Emma wants to treat the kids.

Characters: Brian, Ed, Emma, Helen, Jennifer, Lynda, Pat

• With Pat serving at the farm shop, Lynda grows ever more uncertain about Kate’s skills as a needlewoman. Both Pat and Jennifer insist that they didn’t know of any such latent talents. Helen calls in to invite Pat to Henry’s nativity later on. She will leave Jack with Tony in order to keep disturbance from the audience to a minimum.
• Emma drops by to remind Ed to get himself ready for the nativity play. Yesterday’s photo shoot went well and apparently Emma now has ideas on spending £100 on tickets to a professional pantomime with a meal for four thrown in. Ed’s not so sure, cash is tight, but Emma eventually wins him over. It will be a family event for all of them to remember.
• At Home Farm, Jennifer blusters in as Brian is finishing a call to Justin. Having hung up, she demands a blow by blow account of the conversation. Well, after some chat of a domestic nature the subject of the land purchase unsurprisingly raised its head. Justin has agreed not to market it until after Christmas. So to some extent, the pressure has been eased. As Brian leaves for a dental appointment, the phone rings and the caller is treated as a long lost friend. Perhaps it is!
• While waiting for the start of the nativity, Pat expresses her concern over Helen’s planned visit to see Jess tomorrow. Wouldn’t a phone call do? Helen insists that she wants to thank her in person for her help at Crown Court. Elsewhere, as the congregation settles down, Ed whispers to Emma that he’s just seen Rob skulking in the porch. At Home Farm, Lynda has called to express her concern about Kate’s ability to deliver the costumes on time. She leaves as Brian returns. He’s had a filling at the dentist. The good news is that Jenny’s mystery phone caller was Debbie and she’s coming home for Christmas.
• At Bridge Farm, Henry’s in bed and Pat and Helen are winding down after spotting Rob at church. Pat’s furious that he turned up, but Helen isn’t so scathing, he slipped in quietly and stood inconspicuously behind a pillar. She understands that Henry still loves him as a father and still calls him “Daddy”. Pat feels that they should all discourage the practice, but Helen’s not so sure. He should work it out in his own time. But she can see that at this time of year, Rob will find things difficult. Pat is well and truly horrified at Helen’s stance… does Helen still love him? After a long moment, Helen says no!