Season 16 · Episode 4 — Episode 1834 - Excuses

Max and Susannah return home and discover they have squatters. Lindsey tries to persuade Jimmy not to leave. It is time for Georgia and Nat…

Georgia doesn't approve of Nat's ideas on how to prevent another pregnancy. Ron tries to convince Jackie to move in with him again. Mick an…

Mike receives some good news, but his celebrations may be premature. It's Jack and Julia's engagement party, but will they both be present?…

Mick plans a romantic candle-lit meal with Elaine, Ron plans a few days away with Jackie, and Terry tries to find a long-lost relative. But…

Bel confronts Georgia about what Nat has told them about the pregnancy scare, and finds out that things were even worse than she thought. D…

Ron's faith in human nature is restored when some furniture arrives, but then he finds out that he has to pay for it. Despite Jacqui and Ju…

Lindsey and Jackie go to visit Jimmy in London, Mick finds that yet again he is unable to be alone with Elaine, and Leo makes extensive pre…

Against Terry's advice, Jack sets a date for his wedding to Julia. About to sign the contract, Jacqui begins measuring up at number ten. Mi…

There is an unexpected arrival at the pizza parlour. Terry asks Georgia for ideas on the decoration of the new development, and Sinbad for…

Jacqui, Katie and Rachel plan a girls' night out, but Mick and Sinbad invite themselves along. Elaine finds a more effective way than Mick…

David tries to convince Ron that he will have to accept Jackie's decision. Mick advises Sinbad to arrange a lads' night out, but where will…

Max is much less keen that Susannah to spend an evening with the Simpsons. When no-one will write a reference for Jimmy, he attempts to pro…

Ron throws a house-warming party, but Ollie might not be able to convince Bel to come out of the kitchen. Sinbad and David are both concern…

Despite other people's objections, Rachel continues to see Nat. On his first day at the youth club, Jimmy discovers Tinhead selling illicit…

Mick turns up just in time to help Elaine move Gladys in with her and Tanya. Ron interviews applicants for the "Trading Post" job with sign…

PC Coban investigates the disappearance of alcoholic lemonade from Terry's, but will Jimmy help with his enquiries? The publicity for the s…

Although Sinbad is convinced that she is doing the wrong thing again, Rachel gets a job at Terry's bar. Elaine finds that Cassie is not exa…

Rachel and Ollie try to persuade Peter not to report Nat to the police. Pushed to the limit, Terry brings matters to a head by introducing…

Ollie takes Nat for counselling, and finds that he is expected to answer a few questions too. The new bar on the parade is opened, but with…

Bel returns to find that things have not really improved in her absence. Susannah wonders whether she, or particularly Max, should take ste…

Elaine refuses to sacrifice her principles. Cassie and Bel cannot agree on what should be stocked in the "Trading Post". Lindsey arranges t…

Bel tries to prove to Cassie that exotic cheeses will be popular with the "Trading Post" customers. When Max and Susannah dine at "Bar Broo…

Mike shaves off his beard, and thinks he has found another source of income. Gladys must decide whether to go private for her operation. Ra…

David and Max resolve their past differences, and go to watch Matthew try out for the hockey team. Tinhead tried to sell knock-off gear at…

Sinbad is still looking for accomodation, and he might not be the only one. Jacqui receives a fax from Terry, but is it good news? Worrying…

Max tries to put the case against him having a vasectomy to Susannah, but it seems to be based mainly on total cowardice. Jimmy tries to bu…

Ron decides to get rid of Bel's new innovations, but asks for David's support when he tells her. Sinbad and Jimmy confront Tinhead about th…

Bel forces Ron to find another assistant for the day, so Mike steps in. Gladys receives the results of her tests. Max is given a choice abo…

Bel's work-to-rule continues to infuriate Ron. Max has a convenient dose of flu on the day he is due to have his vasectomy, so Susannah enl…

Sinbad has to make a few phony phone calls to help Jimmy try to find the missing body. Ron jumps to some wrong conclusions, Danny goes to s…

Danny tries to reconcile his parents. David stands in for Jackie at the petrol station, and Sinbad does his best to help Jimmy make sure th…

Jimmy visits the graveyard to make an apology. Ron is concerned to hear that there are plans to expand and modernise the garage. Julia find…

There is emotional turmoil for the Simpsons as they all attend a final family therapy session in a last attempt to reach the root of their…

Jackie tells Lindsey that she is going to go to art classes, and have a baby. Jimmy becomes angry when he finds out that Ron knew about the…

Julia tries to presuade Jack to go to the authorities and confess what he has done. Jackie tries to convince Jimmy that the baby is his. Mi…

Matthew saves the day at the hockey semi-final, Danny spots some anomalies in Bel's business plan, Jimmy earns some legitimate money for on…

JC's unique style of justice leads to David becoming the proud owner of a Monet painting. Elaine has her hen party. Julia insists that Jack…

Ollie returns home early after reading a surprising newspaper article, and finds some unwelcome lodgers. Susannah helps to prepare Max for…

Danny does some accounting work for Sinbad, and tries to persuade him to sell Bel a chiller unit. Jacqui insists that Ron cleans up after h…

Jimmy takes drastic action to make sure everyone knows he is going to be a father. Mick makes some enquiries about one of the wedding teleg…

Bel tries to convince Ollie to change his views about Nat and Georgia. News of the accident spreads around the Close, and a policeman with…

Max's wine-tasting session with Jacqui has to be interrupted, as some very bad news awaits him at the local hospital.

Jimmy wonders if Jackie should have her baby at home. Cassie finds out that Gladys has refused her treatment, and blames Mick. There is ano…

Cassie insists on finding out what can be done to help Gladys, but will she agree? Ron reminds Bel of the benefits of all things great and…

Bel tries to make Ollie accept that Nat and Georgia are gone forever. Jacqui finds Rachel and Christian kissing behind the bar. Cassie find…

Jimmy has an unusual present for Jackie. Bel and Ollie try to explain what has happened to Nat and Georgia. Ron wonders where David is goin…

Fearing that he will lose his livelihood, Ron isn't speaking to David. Mick has bad news for Jimmy and Lindsey. Max discovers that Susannah…

Gladys wants to help Mick with his bills. Max feels that things still aren't getting any better. Katie asks Christian to take it easy with…

Mick's idea on how to resolve his financial problems depends on Jacqui. Mike discovers that the publishers want him to pay for his book to…

Danny is the only one who remembers Bel and Ollie's wedding anniversary. The Johnsons suffer a setback during the pub quiz. Susannah doesn'…

Jacqui and Katie realise that Christian and Katie want the house to themselves for an evening. Gladys has another fall at home, but doesn't…

Max dismantles the playthings in the garden, and Susannah continues to blame herself for Matthew and Emily's deaths. Rachel is suspicious w…

Max finds the treasure trail which Emily left for him before she died. Ben tries to chat up Jacqui. Elaine finds out about Gladys's "living…

Sinbad has a date with a mystery lady, a face from Jacqui's past returns, David receives more news from Patricia, Gladys needs to see her s…

When Gladys finds out what Cassie has been saying, she plans to put her straight. David's uniform arrives, and Ron is suitably unimpressed.…

Ron sends Cassie to spy on David while he carries out a sandwich survey. Susannah's sister returns to the Close with a new job. Rachel help…

Mick confides in Sinbad about Gladys's thoughts on mercy-killing. Max tries to convince Susannah to come with him, Thomas and Alice to spen…

Max prepares to go away on holiday without Susannah, but will she force a last-minute change of plan? Katie encourages Rachel to ask Christ…

Rachel tells Sinbad she is moving in with Christian. Susannah finds it difficult to cope with Thomas and Alice. Jacqui gives Mick another s…

Susannah moves her things into Emily's room while Thomas and Alice are staying. Tim borrows tools from David so that he can steal a washing…

Will Susannah move back into Max's room? Will Ron accept David's peace offering? Will JC accept any of the blame for the damage to Mick and…

Sinbad tells Mick he has finished with Carmel. Elaine tells Bel the pizza parlour may not reopen. Despite Jacqui and Katie's advice, Rachel…

Max plans to surprise Susannah with a holiday, but she has other things on her mind. Sinbad and Mick try to rexolve their differences. Glad…

It is the grand opening of David's garage, but the residents of the Close are in a sombre mood after hearing that Susannah has died. Sinbad…

Tinhead starts working at the garage, but will he last? Sinbad tries to convince Mick to accept Gladys's money. Rachel can't stop crying af…

Max decides that is time for a holiday, but first there are some ashes that need to be scattered. On Ron's first visit to the garage, Tinhe…

Sinbad and David are not convinced that Rachel is doing the right thing. Tinhead is told that he hasn't been sacked after all. Mick discove…

Max and Susannah discover, from a letter inadvertently opened by Ron, that the police will not be pressing charges. Jacqui hopes that she w…

Gladys decides that she needs to stay upstairs rather than try to move around. Jacqui comes home, and insists that no-one is taking over he…

Christian is still jealous of Rachel and Mike. Katie helps Jacqui to convince everyone that she is still in control. Susannah and Max enjoy…

Mick's chip-shop plans suffer a severe setback. Max wakes up and finds that he is alone. Danny is agog with indifference about his forthcom…

Gladys gives Mick and Elaine more money, and refuses to undergo readiotherapy. Danny finds a different kind of work experience from that wh…

Jacqui sees a solicitor, and continues to lie about her problems. Ollie assures Bel he is not having an affair. Gladys's condition deterior…

Jackie wonders if number 10 should be sold so that the bills can be paid. Elaine harangues the doctor when he can't help Gladys. Christian…

Rachel plans to choose a best man for Christian, but will he be agreeable? Mike rings the posh girl he slept with the previous night, and g…

Bel is anxious to prevent Mike talking about what happened the previous night, but the gossip has already started. Jacqui consults a privat…

Jacqui stays off work, and Mike is not feeling well enough to go in either. Gladys is fading fast, so Mick has to take drastic measures. Su…

Elaine wonders whether Gladys ought to go into hospital after all. Ollie returns, but can he and Bel resolve any of their differences? Max…

Ollie and Bel decide to give things another go, but there is something they don't know. Jimmy worries that the Johnsons will get him into t…

While Ron apologises for over-reacting to Mike having a sexually transmitted disease, Ollie visits a doctor, and is horrified by what he di…

Ollie compiles a list of everyone he has recently slept with, and asks Bel to do the same. Mick confides in Sinbad about what he has done,…

The Corkhills have a sleepless night as they try to stop the steam coming from Cracker's ears, and Jimmy also feels the after-effects of th…

Rachel is not keen on Christian's idea that she arrives by taxi for her wedding. Ollie and Bel argue over access to Danny at the "clap clin…

Elaine wants to tell Cassie the truth, but Mick doubts that this is a good idea. Jimmy and Jackie have different ideas for baby names, but…

David and Sinbad decide to treat Rachel to a honeymoon. Katie wakens up to find an occupied tent in the back garden. Cassie and Elaine sort…

Elaine goes back to work, and Cassie gets a surprise job offer. Jacqui is frustrated by David's efforts to make things easier for her, and…

Jimmy receives his NVQ certificates. David asks Cassie's advice on wallpaper patterns, but Jacqui and Katie tell him they are moving out of…

Jackie is not impressed when Jimmy names the baby after a pair of underpants. Jacqui thinks that Julia is about to start a collection for a…

Lindsey returns to sing at the "Legion", but this time as herself. Cassie believes she is going to lose out on some of her inheritance from…

Elaine discovers why Cassie has been ignoring her and Mick. Danny refuses to talk about Bel. Jimmy goes to the employment office, David sad…

Rachel wants to postpone the wedding because Mandy is stuck in Australia, but Christian won't let her. Mick discovers that Jacqui has repor…

On Rachel and Christian's big day, Lindsey is invited to an audition. Ron intercepts a letter to Jacqui, but what can he do about it? Elain…

David gets an answering machine and a cleaner/cook. Lindsey turns down Ron's offer of top billing at the "Legion". Cassie agrees to loan Mi…

Danny sets out to prove to Jimmy that he could use forged certificates to get a job. Cassie is sent home from work, suffering from delayed…

Lindsey tells Jimmy she has been selected to "Sing Like A Star", but he is more surprised to hear who took her to the audition. Jacqui has…

Elaine wants to try to explain to Cassie. Rachel and Christian return from their honeymoon. Danny decides that there is only one career for…

Susannah offers to look after Jackie's baby. David warns Ron against his proposed business venture. Ollie tries to bribe Danny. Elaine is c…

After hearing her calling out during the night, Danny asks if Eleanor is religious. Elaine wants to report Cassie's disappearance to the po…

Max has to choose between trying to get Susannah pregnant or going to Ollie's card school. Cassie cannot keep quiet about what Elaine has t…

When Rachel shows Jacqui her honeymoon photos, she finds that those taken on the beach are missing. Mick thinks Sinbad and Jimmy are talkin…

David feels that Ron has behaved unethically by becoming Jacqui's business partner without telling her. Cassie walks in on Mick and Elaine…

Elaine wants to tell Tanya what she has done before Cassie reveals all, but she may have left it too late. Jacqui and Ron buy new clothes f…

Ollie and a reluctant Danny help Eleanor move into her new premises. Jacqui plans to ensure that the court know what Leanne is capable of,…

Ron invites everyone to "Bar Brookie" to celebrate his new partnership. Eleanor tries to reassure Mick and Elaine. Jimmy is interviewed for…

Eleanor advises Jacqui that she is probably stuck with Ron as a partner. When Susannah's doctor refuses to send her for tests, she decides…

Christian attempts to manipulate Rachel into giving up her job. The Dixons return to court to hear the verdict of Leanne's trial, but will…

There is friction in "Bar Brookie" when Ron is determined to protect his investment, and in church when Jackie and Jimmy still can't agree…

Sinbad tries to persuade the kids to go back to school. Carmel tries to make plans for the future. Jacqui wants to deny Ron's pork scratchi…

Sinbad moves out of the Corkhills' to join Carmel. Mick goes to ask Mr Thornton to keep an eye on Leo and Gemma, and is asked to step down…

Danny, fed up with being served muesli for breakfast just because Eleanor prefers it, rebels by skipping school and getting into a stolen c…

The police make further enquiries around the Close, and Elaine feels that it is time for a family holiday away from the gossips. Kylie star…

When Ollie plans not to give Jimmy a full discount on his college textbooks, Danny takes matters into his own hands. Sinbad is forced off t…

The Farnhams seek advice on adoption, but may not like the outcome. Jimmy's first day of teacher training goes slightly wrong when he dismi…

Jimmy finds his course hard going. Max tries not to give up hope, but Susannah is despondent. Ollie plans to impress Eleanor with his cooki…

Max and a reluctant Susannah go for counselling, but will it do any good? Carmel tries to talk to Tinhead about the handbag theft. Jimmy is…

Jackie invites Sinbad to move back in. Danny and Tinhead remove the evidence which shows who committed the handbag theft. Susannah turns he…

Jackie refuses to believe that Susannah didn't abduct her baby. Carmel tries to encourage Sinbad to move back in with her. Jimmy thinks his…

Christian still isn't speaking to Rachel. Lisa takes Susannah shopping. Lindsey is filmed for "Sing Like A Star" at the pizza-parlour, but…

Sinbad doesn't get any thanks for helping Tinhead out of trouble. Jimmy receives a grant cheque - but it's almost all already spoken for. D…

Jimmy needs to borrow some gear for a field trip, and finds someone nearby who has it. The Johnsons return, but a shock awaits them. Max co…

Susannah comes to a conclusion about Max's idea, and goes back to work. Elaine and Mick attend their committal hearing. Jimmy soaks his fee…

Jimmy goes off on his field trip. Elaine refuses to let Tanya go back to school, and tries again to persuade Mick to do a runner. The Farnh…

Lisa stresses to Max and Susannah that she would prefer her eggs to be unfertilised. Mick has second thoughts about going on the run. Ron r…

Mick finds out that the case against him was going to be dropped, but it isn't now. Danny assures Ollie that he is past his rebellion phase…

Danny makes a mysterious phone call to arrange a secret meeting. Callum insists that Jacqui listens to his full "sales pitch". Tim has a pr…

Tim is optimistic about his chances. Ron feels that he can't turn his back on "Bar Brookie", despite what has happened to Mike. Sinbad trie…

Lindsey and Peter plan to go for a weekend away in Southport. Mick tries to persuade Cassie to change her statement. Ron and Jacqui are for…

Ron needs to find a new tenant and a new home. Mick feels that his position is worse than ever - but has Sinbad found the solution? Christi…

The O'Learys arrive on the Close, as Ron moves in with David. But where will Mike go? Jacqui gets nowhere when she tries to reduce the week…

Ron and David discover that Mike has pitched a tent in their back garden. Carmel doesn't appreciate Julia telling her to keep an eye on "Sk…

Despite Max's reluctance, he visits a surrogacy agency with Susannah. Eleanor has little to tell Ollie about her past. Jackie tells Cassie…

Jacqui looks for new ways to improve profits, but Callum has some "advice" for her. Peter and Lindsey return from their holiday. Susannah l…

It is Danny's custody hearing, but will he have any impact on the final decision? Carmel replaces Ron's furniture with her own, and encoura…

Susannah insists that either she or Max sound out Jacqui as a prospective surrogate mother. Bel arrives at Ollie's - but which of them will…

Ollie reassures Eleanor that things will just be the same, but then she has a makeover. Ron offers Lindsey a gig, but what has Barry to off…

Eleanor finds out why Ollie objects to her new look, and wants to talk about it. Sinbad discovers that Rachel has gone to stay with Mandy.…

Julia reveals what Tim has done, and Sinbad gets him a punchbag. Peter has a few things to say to Lindsey. When Ron suffers another attack,…

Ollie and Eleanor disagree over a burst condom. Max discovers that he has volunteered to be Julia's driving instructor. Jacqui makes a deal…

Max discovers that Susannah has made a down-payment to Jacqui without getting any kind of receipt. Danny finds a pregnancy testing kit in t…

Barry hopes that his attempts to chat up Lindsey will be more successful than his first try at ejecting Callum. Julia and David visit Ron i…

Ollie asks Eleanor to move in permanently with him, and she agrees to think about it. Tim explains why he is home early from the training c…

Jackie is surprised to hear that Barry is going to take Lindsey to her audition in Norwich. Katie makes an important discovery about surrog…

Jacqui is fertile, but Max is away at a food show in Leeds. Louise returns, and Eleanor takes her to lunch - but will she tell Ollie? Cassi…

Susannah gives Julia the day off to go and see Tim getting his award, but she manages to throw the Farnhams' plans into jeopardy first. Ron…

Lindsey may not be able to finish things with Barry before Peter comes home. Tim gets into a fracas with Ron. Eleanor agonises over Louise,…

David hears from Julia that Ron has been asked to organise the Christmas pantomime, but believes he should intervene. Jackie thinks it is t…

Rachel moves back in with Jacqui and Katie. Mick tries to make arrangements for Leo and Gemma if he goes to prison. David has ideas for an…

Mick and the children set off to see Josie. Eleanor has lunch with Louise, who has a few questions for her. Jacqui and Ron have both writte…

The morning after a heavy drinking session, Ben is horrified to discover who he wakes up with. Jacqui may have some news for Max and Susann…

Katie worries that Eleanor may want to take her place at the office. Jacqui discovers that the rumours have already started regarding her i…

Katie is prepared to resign, but will she go through with it? The Johnsons return from Cornwall. Lindsey takes part in "Sing Like A Star",…

Jacqui decides to sell part of the salon, but will she find a willing buyer? Carmel tries to reason with Tim, but he storms out again and r…

Jacqui prepares to tell Max their deal is off, but can't find the right moment. Jimmy takes Jackie to the school Christmas dance - but how…

Eleanor obtains the telephone number of Louise's foster parents and calls them. Lindsey prepares for another gig, unaware that there are a…

A flu bug is striking down the cast of the pantomime, so Julia has to find some willing stand-ins, and thinks Jacqui would be perfect for t…

Ron decides that he and David need a new image to set about impressing the landed gentry. Jackie comes home to find Barry in Lindsey's bedr…

Eleanor and Ollie meet Louise's foster parents. David and Ron go golfing, but will they meet any potential dates? Barry wants his payment f…

Jimmy plans to take over "Chips With Everything" if Mick goes to prison, but Mick may have other ideas. Ron and David go to the sherry and…

Cassie visits the Johnsons on Christmas Day, but she may just be bringing more bad news for Mick. Ron reflects on his life as he turns 50.…

In a special 78-minute extended Christmas episode, Jackie and Jimmy decide that it is time for them to convince Barry once and for all that…

Mick must decide whether to see Elaine, Ron tries to improve his putting, Peter finds Lindsey's story difficult to believe, and careless dr…

Eleanor is reluctant to help Louise to find her father. An old face turns up unexpectedly at the chip shop. David and Ron celebrate New Yea…