Jennifer offers emotional support to Lilian. Annette offers emotional support to Helen. Ruth’s in need of emotional support after talking to Pip.

Radio Times: Pip has a crisis of confidence.

Characters: Annette, Helen, Jennifer, Lilian, Pip, Ruth

• Most of Ambridge descends on Underwoods for the sale. Lilian helps Jennifer find a dress for the New Year’s Eve ball at Lower Loxley, but us somewhat scathing about her sister’s taste. Jennifer accepts what she says, and manages to find a more suitable dress. When Lilian tells her how hard she finds prison visits, Jennifer offers to come with her, to help the conversation along. Lilian accepts gratefully.
• Ruth and Pip are also looking for clothes, but Pip’s in no mood for it. She moans that she has nowhere to go even if she does find something to wear. Luckily for Ruth, she spots Izzy, and rushes off to see her while Ruth joins Lilian and Jennifer in the coffee shop.
• A despondent Helen comes home early, and suggests a night in to Annette. At first Annette is wary, but when Helen tells her about her humiliation by Leon at the bar last night, Annette seems oddly relieved, and offers support and sympathy. Helen feels much better after telling Annette.
• Pip goes out for a pizza with Izzy and some friends from the supermarket, but comes home early. She tells Ruth she’s had a great time, and then drops her bomb-shell – she’s decided not to go back to college. She wants to work on the farm and have some money to spend, like Izzy and her friends. Ruth is appalled, and tries to make Pip see the importance of qualifications, but Pip is adamant. College is a waste of time and she won’t go back.