Lynda solves a major problem for Pat and Tony, but causes problems amongst the panto cast

Radio Times: Pat gets a belated gift; Ian looks to the future

Characters: Ian, Kirsty, Lexi, Lynda, Pat, Tony

• Tony takes Pat into the cleared-out shed to look at her Christmas present, which has just arrived. He wonders if he has done the right thing, but when Pat sees the two Saanen nanny-goats he has bought her, Pat is absolutely delighted.
• At Grey Gables Lynda is in organising mode, but Lexi does manage to suggest that they seat older guests in a room away from the live music. Noticing that Ian seems even glummer than usual, if that is possible, Lexi suggests a drink after work. As Kirsty sets off for panto rehearsal, she tells them that she wishes the boiler would prove impossible to mend; that way the show would have to be cancelled.
• En route for the village hall, Kirsty encounters Lynda on her bike. Lynda enquires about Kirsty’s Christmas presents, but the answer goes unnoticed as Lynda holds forth about her vouchers for Spiritual Home. Kirsty does at least manage a sly dig at Kate’s enterprise.
• Goat heaven is short lived at Bridge Farm, as Pat tries to milk a very reluctant goat. Seeing how full the goat’s udder is, Pat becomes agitated, so Tony has a go, but he too fails. There is only one thing for it – ask Lynda, who used to keep goats. She comes immediately and shows the Bridge Farm duo how to do it; they must milk her from behind, not from the side, and they must not pull too hard. A very grateful Pat and Tony watch her prepare to go to rehearsal, with a promise to come tomorrow to instruct them fully, but first the goats must be found names. In honour of Lynda, who reveals her middle name, they will be called Lynda and Scarlett.
• The rehearsal is predictably awful, with Lynda adding lines and spoiling cues. Kirsty goes in search of a large brandy at Grey Gables afterwards.
• Ian is upset because he saw parents shouting and screaming at a little girl. Why do people have children if they don’t want them? Lexi gently asks how plans are going for Ian and Adam, and is pleased to hear that Adam’s test was fine. Realising that Lexi might have taken offence at his comments, because her girls are looked after by her mother, Ian apologises, but Lexi brushes it aside. This time next year Ian and Adam might have their own child.