Neil may have the answer to Tom’s staffing problem.

Radio Times: Jack and Peggy seek assistance.

Characters: Caroline, Jennifer, Lilian, Lynda, Neil, Peggy, Tom

• Lynda is back at work, still coughing well but bored at home. She confides to Caroline that all is not well with the panto.
• Peggy has appreciated Lilian’s help getting Jack up; it’s been wearing her out. She is also worried about Jennifer doing too much and just to reinforce the point Jennifer turns up unnecessarily.
• While helping Tom with the pigs, Neil is pleased to hear about Pat’s idea for the Swap Club – an exchange scheme for Christmas decorations, allowing everyone to have something fresh. Neil will pass on the idea to Susan, whose Christmas promises to be ruined with envy over Sabrina Thwaite’s new decorations.
• Lilian lobbies for Jennifer to take a holiday because mum is worried about her but she is adamant she will not go to Hungary. They ring Maria, only to learn that she is not free to help. When Jennifer suggests that the family can cope indefinitely, Lilian is furious.
• Neil was happy to help Tom today but turns down a regular commitment. However he knows of someone who might just fit the bill – a student who wants some experience with an outdoor herd; apparently she is a hard worker and needs three months work before going to college.
• Over coffee, Lynda explains to Caroline her misgivings about Robert’s casting; one of his choices really needs to be changed.