Lilian finds comfort away from home.

Radio Times: Lilian makes her choice and Mike is getting breathless.

Characters: James, Lilian, Matt, Mike, Paul, Vicky

• Mike has agreed to accompany Vicky to her antenatal class, though he lives in dread of another film on childbirth. He has been talking to Ed about the power failure in the dairy, but clearly has no idea how bad things are with Ed and Emma.
• James has to get his own lunch, but Matt takes pity on him and helps. Matt asks where Lilian is; apparently she has gone Christmas shopping in Birmingham, which is news to Matt, who is somewhat put out.
• Far from the Birmingham shopping experience, Lilian is enjoying a romantic lunch with Paul at his hotel. He listens sympathetically to her account of Joyce and Arthur’s troubles, and how Matt seems to discount her entirely. Lilian is touched by Paul’s concern, and soon suggests going up to his room.
• On their return, Mike and Vicky practise relaxation technique, though soon dissolve in laughter. Vicky assures Mike that he will be the best possible father to their baby.
• Lilian is reluctant to leave Paul, but he promises to come back to Borsetshire as soon as he can. When she gets home, she finds Matt cooking a meal. Unable to believe her eyes, Lilian is taken aback by his apparent concern and interest in her shopping trip. She stammers through a story, but when Matt tells her that from now on he will communicate better with her and they will soon be a team again, Lilian seems rather underwhelmed. She has no idea where she is anymore.