Ruth shares some home truths with David; Rob’s visit is laden with future danger.

Radio Times: Helen puts on a brave face, and Ruth begs Pip to reconsider.

Characters: David, Helen, Johnny, Pip, Rob, Ruth

• Helen has a quiet word with Johnny about what happened at the fashion show. She notices that his beard has gone and wonders if he’s OK. Eventually, he admits that as far as he’s concerned, Amber was virtually better than him at everything. He made a complete fool of himself. Helen couldn’t disagree more. As far as she’s concerned, Johnny’s one of the nicest chaps in Borsetshire and Amber has lost out. And Helen admits to knowing what she’s talking about.
• David is suffering from the evils of overindulgence yesterday evening. Pip is mildly sympathetic until Ruth turns up with coffee, mince pies and stories of too much brandy. Pip can spot a hangover when she sees one. Ruth asks Pip’s opinion about bread sauce with the Christmas meal. Pip takes the opportunity to tell her parents that she will be eating with Toby at Rickyard Cottage and then hurries off to prepare lunch. David and Ruth are almost struck dumb by the news.
• Johnny leaves Helen warming in the Bridge Farm kitchen while he goes off to prepare some college coursework. There’s a knock at the door. Helen answers. It’s Rob!
• At Brookfield, Ruth has one last go at persuading Pip that Toby would be welcome to eat with the family on Christmas day. Given David and Jill’s views, Pip begs to differ. As Ruth tries to explain how much it means to her, David appears and Pip leaves. David blusters about Pip’s choice of boyfriend, a step too far for Ruth. She insists, loudly, that both he and his mother need to respect Pip’s choice or they risk losing Pip for good.
• Helen accuses Rob of watching the farm and turning up when he thought she was alone. She reassures him that all is well and tries to close the door. His foot prevents her. He’s brought presents for the boys, a book and a rattle. He just wants to know that he can somehow be part of his children’s Christmas. She puts him straight with regard to “his” children but accepts the gifts. He says that he’s been seeing Alan who has helped him to understand that he needs to apologise. He admits he’s a mess but wants to be a better man. He asks if there’s a chance of forgiveness and reconciliation. Does it have to be over? Helen is horrified. With a threat to call Johnny, she slams the door. Johnny returns and seeing her distress, asks her if she’s all right. “Yes”, she says firmly, “I’m absolutely fine.”