Kathy intends to sort out her own parenting problems. Kate denies that she has any parenting problems.

Radio Times: Kate has thoughts of home and Kathy is feeling vulnerable.

Characters: Adam, Ian, Kate, Kathy, Lynda, Phoebe, Vicky

• Ian’s somewhat apprehensive about the proposed day out with Kate, Phoebe and Ruairidh, but Adam’s more upbeat. They head for the Mop Fair.
• Vicky’s concerned at Kathy’s appearance and asks if she’s all right. Kathy says she is, but Vicky is not one to leave matters there. She asks how Jamie is after his evening at the YF dance. Brusquely, Kathy tells her they are both fine.
• As Kathy beats a hasty retreat from the shop, Lynda arrives, and Vicky wastes no time in telling her about Jamie’s escapade. Lynda, like Vicky, is genuinely concerned, and wants to make sure Kathy knows she is not facing the situation alone.
• Ruairidh has a wonderful time at the fair, but Phoebe seems more interested in seeing some school-friends. Kate is tense and tetchy, and when Ian asks how Nolly and Sipho are getting on, she tells him in no uncertain terms that the African grandparents think grand-children are important, unlike Kate’s own parents.
• Lynda calls on Kathy on the pretext of offering her some apples. Kathy makes it clear that she does not want a conversation, but Lynda barges in, full of sympathy and offers of friendship. In the end, Kathy is forced to tell her bluntly that she and Jamie will sort out their own problems.
• Kate opens an email from Nolly, showing a picture of her with a prize-winning model rhino. Phoebe is sad to see that Nolly says she’s lonely and misses Kate. Kate dismisses this – Nolly is a drama queen who is just winding her up.