'A Second Chance'

Michelle has heard that Kirsten came in to see Archie at the Campus from Melody and can’t believe that Archie let her slip through his fingers without getting a date. Michelle checks that Melody’s OK with Archie dating. She admits that it feels a bit weird but she knows that she and Archie weren’t right for each other and that she wants him to be happy.

Ruth, Michelle and Melody are chuffed when Kirsten turns up again, at ‘The Mill’, this time with some posters for Archie. Archie can’t fail to realise that she’s really come to ‘The Mill’ to see him. Urged on by Michelle and Melody’s encouragement from over Kirsten’s shoulder, he asks her out for a date. Kirsten accepts.

Heston also has dating on his mind. He’s been trying to think of the kind of date that Lily would really appreciate but he’s stuck. He pretends to be seeking out advice for a ‘friend’ and asks his colleagues what their perfect date would be. Of course no-one is fooled by Heston’s ‘friend’; they all know that its Lily, apart from Julia.

When Julia naively speculates about who Heston has his eye on she confronts Heston about her appointment. Heston lists the many admirable qualities that Lily has as a GP and again he defends why he employed her but it’s screamingly obvious in everything he says that he adores her.

Ruth’s excited having a holiday with Michelle and she’s planning the whole thing. Michelle’s barely lifting a finger and just can’t wait for sunshine, bars and boys. Ruth just can’t wait to be alone with her best mate, but with Archie all set up with Kirsten, Michelle and Ruth playing bosom buddies, and even Heston getting a sniff at some action, Melody finds herself feeling decidedly left out:

Vivien is extremely subdued awaiting the final sentencing for the two boys that raped her. Ronnie finally phones her at the end of the day but he explains that another trial ran over and the judge has moved her hearing to tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Peter Peyton (46) seemingly lives a happy life with his wife Mary Peyton (45) until we discover that Peter is hiding something. He attempts to hide a bank statement from Mary but she uncovers his actions. Blaming poker addiction for money withdrawals, Mary fears for their livelihood and their daughter’s fees for university.

Enraged and emotional, Mary declares she can’t take it any more and abruptly leaves the house for the surgery. Mary meets Melody, in hope of getting a repeat prescription for anti-depressants. Revealing to Melody that their daughter (Jessica) is hard working and doing well at Oxford, Mary further implies that Jessica has a keen interest in voluntary work, particularly charity based. Melody knows a charity that might interest Jessica. Mary seems interested but is a little hesitant when Melody offers to drop a leaflet off at their house later.

When Melody arrives at their house Mary explains that Jessica is upstairs studying but mustn’t be disturbed, Melody becomes suspicious. She makes a shocking discovery, that Jessica is a figment of Mary’s imagination. Peter confides in Melody telling her that he has been battling with Mary’s depression for over 16 years it’s time to reveal the full truth. They did have a child (Annie) but Mary rejected her. Because Mary was fairly obsessed with respectability and living in fear of what other people will think of her because her daughter was born with Downs Syndrome, she put her into care.

Unbeknownst to Mary, Peter has continue to father Annie and has supported her all these years, revealing that he hasn’t been spending money on gambling but he has financially been supporting Annie’s care. Peter introduces her to them both as the charity shop she is working at. Mary struggles to allow herself to let Annie into her life and threatens Peter to make a choice between them both.

Peter stands firm with his choice, leaving Mary running off distraught. Melody explains to Mary that she has nothing to be ashamed of and even offers to help her seek professional help. Finally confronting Annie and the secret she has been harbouring for all these years, it seems that there’s a hope for this family that was torn apart all those years ago to be rekindled.