The pantomime cast cause Lynda problems. Toby continues to cause David problems.

Radio Times: David fights a losing battle, and Lynda despairs at her cast’s interventions.

Characters: Elizabeth, Kenton, Lynda, Ruth, Toby

• Lynda gives Kenton an earful for failing to make rehearsal. In an attempt to mitigate the Snell wrath, Kenton informs her that he and Toby have worked on the egg-laying scene and is now hilarious. Lynda in unconvinced.
• Elizabeth goes to Brookfield to see her mother, and intends calling at Bridge Farm to wish the family luck for the Family Court hearing. She encounters Kenton, who airily tells her that Jolene is fine about the car he bought. She admits to being in a quandary about Richard Locke; she does like him and they get on, but Shula has feelings for him, and she would hate Shula to find out that he had been after Elizabeth all the time. Kenton dismisses this; Shula would never want to be a stumbling block to Elizabeth’s happiness. She should go for it.
• A furious David assails Toby and orders him to remove his still from Brookfield premises. Toby informs him that the lease fails to specify the type of business conducted there, so David cannot terminate the lease. “Oh can’t I?” yells David. “Just try me.”
• Ruth confesses to Elizabeth that things are very difficult. They rarely see Pip nowadays and they haven’t a leg to stand on regarding the use of Hollowtree for gin-making. She just hopes he will get bored with Pip and go off with someone else.
• Kenton and Toby demonstrate the re-written scene complete with vulgar noises. Lynda is appalled but Kenton assures her that all families love fart jokes. Mustering all her dignity, Lynda declares that it is tasteless and vulgar and she will not have it in a Lynda Snell production.
• In her best quiet and caring voice, Ruth attempts to discuss the Toby matter in a reasonable manner with David. She reminds him that they weathered last Christmas, when she went to New Zealand. She wants to have a peaceful family Christmas this year. They must just bite their tongues and smile. And that includes Jill, she adds meaningfully.