The atmosphere between Justin and Lilian becomes ever colder. Pip’s opinion of Alfie becomes somewhat warmer.

Radio Times: Justin reaches breaking point

Characters: Christine, Justin, Lilian, Lily, Peggy, Pip

• With an interview at the police station hanging over him and Lilian ever more desperate to resume their relationship, Justin is not happy, and when he hears a report of Matt’s scam on the radio he is even less happy. He snarls at all Lilian’s attempts to appease him, saying it is all too little, too late.
• Also in attendance at the police station are Peggy and Christine. DI Thorpe has asked Christine endless questions. They are surprised to see Justin, and speculate on whether he too has been scammed. Peggy does her best to cheer Christine, suggesting a call to wish Brian happy birthday and a visit to the hustings to see how Emma is getting on. Christine wants to stay out of sight, and is not convinced when Peggy remarks that even DI Thorpe is unlikely to get Christine’s money back.
• Lily finds Pip clearing ditches, and delivers a message from Ruth to say that Pip must get back to Brookfield to get ready for her drink with Alfie. Lily sounds as prurient as Ruth as she delves into what has gone on between Alfie and Pip so far. Apparently they talked endlessly about platemeters… as you do.
• Back safely at The Lodge, Christine washes and polishes sherry glasses. Peggy reports on the hustings, where a nervous Emma did quite well, and where a number of young people came to listen, presumably having no work, school or college to attend. Lynda enlivened the proceedings by accusing Jim of tampering with Robert’s election address. It was merely a correction of a minor grammatical inaccuracy, however. Christine is due to have a meal with Jill at Les Soeurs Heureuses tomorrow, but she wants Peggy to go in her place. Peggy then reveals that she told Jill about Christine’s financial disaster, and that David then came along so also had to be told. Christine is mortified; the whole family will know how stupid she has been.
• Lily wants to hear all about Pip’s date which wasn’t a date but a drink. Pip plays it cool, but when Lily says she has seen a picture of him on social media and that he’s not just fit but hot, Pip is forced to agree. Call him then advises lily, the expert in matters romantic.
• Justin returns after a difficult day in which he was questioned exhaustively about the hit and run incident. Lilian continues to try and please him, offering baths and whiskey, but is firmly rejected. Later Lilian attempts to explain what really took place between her and Matt. Scornfully, Justin reveals that he knows all about the texts, arrangements and phone calls, and even her wondering whether to leave Justin for Matt. He doesn’t think he can believe a word she says. Lilian suggests that she might go away for a few days. I think that would be for the best says Justin coldly.