Pat is annoyed by Brian’s achievement. Roy is concerned about Oliver. Tony is taken aback by a household decision

Radio Times: Brian has some exciting news and Helen counts her blessings

Characters: Brian, Helen, Oliver, Pat, Roy, Tony

• When Brian drops Christmas presents off at Bridge Farm, he and Tony indulge in some cynical chat about the non- wedding. Brian tells Tony that Kate is in a strop because he took Nolly clay pigeon shooting, and discovered that she had a natural talent for it, which failed to amuse Kate.
• As Pat and Helen prepare to go and help care for the homeless at The Elms, Pat manages an unpleasant snipe at Brian on account of his having been nominated for Businessman of the Year. Brian’s faux modesty about his ‘charity work’ fails to impress Pat, who makes her feelings very clear. Brian beats a hasty retreat, leaving Pat and Tony to agree that he is insufferable.
• The BL Christmas drinks party takes place at Grey Gables, and as Brian awaits his taxi home, he chats to Roy, mentioning that there is a light in Oliver’s room, which is odd because he has gone to the States for Christmas. Roy will check. Commenting that Lexi is ‘a fine looking woman’, Brian departs.
• Far from heading to the States, Oliver has decided to stay at Grey Gables. Roy is troubled, and offers to keep him company on Christmas Day, but Oliver insists that he wants to be alone with his music and the TV, near to Caroline.
• Pat and Helen arrives for their volunteering, commenting that with their experience, they are surprised not to be helping with food service. Instead they are handing out clothing. Their DBS checks are not yet complete (will Helen’s recent past affect this, we ask.) Helen is overcome at one point and rushes out. It reminds her of the girls she met in prison, who had absolutely nothing. Helen always knew that she had a loving family behind her.
• As the volunteers return, they are full of their experience, so much so that they have volunteered to go and help serve Christmas dinner on Christmas day. Tony, Tom and Johnny will just have to cook for themselves.