2296: Kris sets Zak and Elliot a challenge

Max and Steph's relationship hits rock-bottom as they clash over money issues and Max reveals to Kieron his insecurities about what Steph wants from the relationship. Steph, realising that they need to get back on track, books a romantic meal at II Gnosh and awkwardly takes Niall up on his offer to fix her hair, but is horrified when Niall spills red wine over her new dress. She reluctantly puts on one of Niall's t-shirts while it dries. However, Max comes back with Kieron and instantly jumps to the wrong conclusion.

Although Steph and Niall manage to convince him that it is totally innocent, the couple continue to bicker in Il Gnosh. The row escalates as Max tells an offended Steph that he thinks they should have a pre-nuptial agreement. Realising that he neither trusts nor believes in her, Steph has no option but to call the relationship off and is devastated and heartbroken as Max walks away from her.

Jack and Darren are busy with the clear-up from the previous day's cellar flood. As Jack surveys the damage, Newt overhears him telling Darren they are not insured and is devastated to learn the extent of the damage he has caused. Jack is almost at breaking-point and Darren tries to be strong for his dad, not allowing him to declare bankruptcy; there must be another way! He begs Warren for help, blaming him for their predicament, but Warren has his own problems and although he is intrigued to learn how bad things are, he's not interested in small-fry like Darren Osborne. Is there any hope left for Darren?

With a miserable Elliot wanting to be a normal, average guy and a love-lorn Zak feeling sorry for himself, Kris declares a challenge - Elliot has to ditch the geek and Zak has to find a woman. They agree to the challenge as long as Kris agrees to be tactful for the night. However, all three are struggling to rise to the challenge - until the gorgeous Sam walks into the SU Bar. Kris and Zak vie for her attention but a stunned Zak is the winner and also the only one who manages to complete his challenge – could his luck with women be about to change?

Dom, struggling with his insecurities about Tina's surrogacy, is worried that the village will take him for a laughing stock now the truth's out in the open and takes the chance to open up to a stunned Max, Kieron and Warren. Fearing a backlash, he is amazed and heartened to find that, rather than ridicule him, they admire his bravery. Feeling for him, Tina buys him a model castle and it soon does the trick as, angered by Jacqui booking a holiday for her and Tony, Dom snubs her and becomes engrossed in building his castle, troubles forgotten for the moment.