27/12/2024

Alice invites Brian to join her, Martha and Chris at Ambridge View. As Brian admires the garden layout he and Alice reminisce about their old home. The garden was Jennifer’s pride and joy. Kate’s efforts on Christmas Day has made Brian realise you don’t have to do Christmas the same way every year. As Brian observes how well Alice is doing, they discuss the potential new job on offer. Alice is tempted but despite the allure, staying at the Stables will give her more control over rebuilding her relationship with Martha. And she really loves the work. Joy brings Rochelle to the Bull. Jolene offers them all champagne on the house to say congratulations, but Joy hurriedly stops Jolene saying any more. She quietly explains the non-proposal to Jolene, who realises Rochelle’s arrival scuppered Joy’s plan. Jolene agrees to bring the bubbly over and just say congrats on Mick and Joy moving in together. Over lunch, Rochelle finds out more about Mick and Joy. She also realises Joy has talked her up to Jolene about her majorette days. When Joy’s away from the table Mick and Rochelle start to bond. He feels lucky to have Joy; Rochelle feels that Joy is also a lucky woman. Mick encourages Rochelle to stick around, as Joy would love it. Joy returns and presses Rochelle on her lack of news. Rochelle agrees to stay around only if Joy stops asking questions. She just wants to enjoy a Christmas together like they used to. Of course they can, agrees Joy.