Ryan reveals that he has not been honest with the GA group; he never stopped gambling.

Radio Times: Alistair refuses to take a gamble.

Characters: Alistair, Lorna, Lynda, Mike, Ryan, Shula

• Ryan is a bit quiet; he explains to Alistair that he lost his job last week due to cutbacks. If he misses another months rent the landlord will turn them out – so he took his last paycheck to the bookie’s.
• Shula appreciates Mike’s help carrying costumes and gets an update on the building work; he is much more comfortable with Neil and Susan, though he insists he could go home. Mike is pleased with his dame outfit and is rather getting carried away with wig and makeup too, administered by Lorna.
• Ryan reveals to Alistair that, despite what he has told the GA meeting, he has never given up gambling. Alistair tells him he just needs to be honest; but he is sure that if he told his wife she would leave him. Ryan asks for a loan but Alistair turns him down; it would go straight to the bookie’s. Back home Shula finds him having a reflective soak in the bath but he doesn’t explain why.
• Mike is struggling to do his lines without a script and an unruly bosom isn’t helping. Lynda is getting really uptight about the lack of progress and is worried that the panto will be a farce – isn’t that the idea?