2501: Rhys bails on his date with Hayley

A thrilled Hayley stuns Zak, Archie and Zoë when she tells them about her forthcoming date with Rhys. Zak is immediately on edge, while Archie revels in winding him up about Rhys' dubious reputation. Meanwhile, Hayley is unfazed by Zoë's attempts to prepare her for Rhys' chequered past. She's confident she can handle him.

After a chat with Rhys, Zak relaxes about the situation, assuming that Rhys won't make an issue of Hayley's wheelchair but unbeknownst to her friends, Rhys still doesn't have a clue about her disability.

Hayley arrives early and observes Rhys from afar in the Dog. She's hit by a wave of insecurity when she sees a good looking Rhys comfortably chatting with pretty girls by the bar.

Overwhelmed by self-doubt, she heads back to halls without making her presence known. Making up an excuse for turning up at Zak's halls, he goes out to get them some beers. Hayley is shocked when Rhys lands on her doorstep wanting to know why she never turned up. She's flattered that he's come looking for her and they agree to go out for their date. As Hayley excitedly goes to get her coat, he clocks her chair and when she returns from getting her coat… Rhys has done a bunk!

Amy grows jealous of Josh's new friend Lydia who seems to be all he can talk about, while Sarah has her hands full at Steph's dance school. Steph begins to think that Sarah has ideas above her station and is horrified to discover that she's trying it on with her. Mayhem ensues as a dance off gets underway.

With each girl trying to out-do the other, the students are unimpressed. Archie, however, is thrilled and takes great delight in watching the girl on girl action. Sarah's resolve begins to quiver as Archie proclaims his undying love for her.

A sheepish Ste turns up at Amy's doorstep, anxious to see Leah. Amy explains that he just can't turn up when he likes and how difficult it would be if anyone found out, but eventually agrees to let him see Leah. Amy panics when Josh makes an appearance and Ste has to hide in the kitchen until Amy can get rid of him. Once Josh leaves, a relieved Amy tells Ste she can't go through this rigmarole again - if Mike ever found out there'd be trouble!

Elliot struggles with his ability to see auras and seeks an explanation in science. Leila's completely out of her depth once Elliot starts asking probing questions and under pressure, flees from a concerned Elliot. Catching up with her, Elliot insists she tells him what's wrong and seizing the moment, Leila imparts that she's a fraud and has never seen an aura in her life. With him asking all the questions, he only highlights her lack of knowledge on the subject.

As she laments how she's a fake, Elliot attempts to buoy her up, but it's to no avail as the tears start to flow. Eventually, Leila allows Elliot to break through her defences and she's thrilled when he begins to help her see auras.

Gilly's intrigued by Rhys' latest conquest and wants to hear all about her. As Rhys dreams of his date, Gilly is left running the pub, giving Rhys plenty of time to prepare. He's soon brought back to earth when Zak arrives to have the 'big brother' chat and misunderstanding Zak's words, Rhys fails to understand the significance of Zak calling Hayley 'special'. Telling Josh about his date, Rhys is angered when Josh seems to prefer hanging out with Amy and Leah, rather than him.