Neighbours: Mothers and Daughters

(Wednesday 5^th – Wednesday 12^th August 2020)

Jane’s daughter, Nicolette Stone turned up in Erinsborough, almost tragically eager to see her mother and hoping that she had asked Terese to contact her. Of course, Jane is still in Perth and hasn’t done anything of the sort. So, the story goes that their relationship is pretty fractured. When Nicolette came out as gay, although Jane was supportive, she kept her deep in the closet as far as Mrs Mangel was concerned, which I totally get was hurtful to Nicolette. It made her feel like Jane wasn’t supportive at all. And it drove a huge wedge between them, especially knowing the relationship we know that Jane and Mrs Mangel had. But thinking that Jane had asked for her, Nicolette came rushing and was crestfallen to realise her mother wasn’t even there.

Terese pointed out that if Jane knew that Nicolette wanted to sort things out, she would undoubtedly be delighted but Nicolette was doubtful and also unconcerned about her mother getting her heart broken for the millionth time. In the meantime, she bonded with Chloe and became quite smitten, assuming she was gay and not realising that she would flirt with a post. When she made the bold move of asking her out, Chloe awkwardly explained that she was married – to Pierce. Later, she explained that she was bisexual and she had really enjoyed spending time with her.

Nicolette is smitten with Chloe
(photo credit: Yahoo)

Unhappy Nic accidentally bumped into Paul, letting the cat out of the bag regarding Terese’s communications with Jane. Paul was horrified to hear of the breakup but even more upset to realise that he has been left completely in the dark. He is possibly the biggest busy body soap has ever seen! Terese had no choice but to contact Jane and admit that she contacted her daughter and just as Nicolette is all set to leave town, Terese informed her that Jane was on her way, desperate to repair their relationship. Unfortunately, things didn’t go terribly well as while Jane apologised for throwing her out of the house after Nicolette told her and Des exactly what she thought of their relationship (which prompted the breakup), Nicolette was unrepentant and clearly carrying a lot of hurt from the past. While Nicolette prepared to pack up and say goodbye, Jane asked newly returned Karl and Susan for a place to stay.

Nicolette and Jane have a tense reunion…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Well, I have to say, I am thrilled that Jane has returned as a regular cast member at last and Nicolette definitely has the potential to be a good character, I think. Her first scene with Jane was brilliant. Their relationship will be a very interesting story to tell. And now that Elly is gone and we can see serious cracks in Chloe and Pierce’s relationship, Nicolette could very easily be the answer!

Across the Street, Aaron and David have had all kinds of trouble with Emmett and his brother, Brent but their compassion won out when they realised what it was like for Brent in residential care. They agreed to take Brent on for a week’s trial and to look after the two of them. The first day seemed to be going well with lots of fun, games and doughnuts. However, when Aaron was busy, Brent persuaded reluctant Emmett to climb onto the roof with him. When they were getting down, Emmett struggled and fell! Ouchy.

Sheila finally broke and admitted the truth about what happened to Levi. She had popped out for some milk when some thugs broke in and attacked him as a child, causing a head injury that also caused seizures. She admitted that the thugs had been the lads that Kyle hung around with; she had sent him away to turn his life around and get him away from them. She never told the police, meaning Levi never got justice and so suffered with nightmares for many years. Instead, she sorted things out quietly with the boys’ parents. Kyle was horrified, having had no idea he was responsible for what happened and Levi was devastated that Sheila essentially chose Kyle over him.

Kyle is devastated to be partly responsible for what happened to Levi
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Storming out, Levi turned to Bea for support. There is definitely a romance brewing there, I think. And quite frankly, Bea deserves someone nice for a change. Kyle turned to Roxy over his guilt. He attempted to plead Sheila’s case to Levi but the boys nearly ended up fighting instead. While Levi decided to move out, Roxy persuaded Ned to help her cheer Kyle up with some ‘classy’ nude pictures. And she and Sheila finally made amends. Hooray! Sheila admitted to Kyle that she loves him like a son because she raised him like one; essentially she does love him more than her other grandchildren.

Dipi was becoming more confused and frustrated by Shane’s erratic moods. One minute he is pulling and all-nighter and not even calling, the next he is sleeping like the dead, then he can’t concentrate, then he is very grumpy… Alongside the drugs Harlow and Hendrix have now found in the school and Yashvi is investigating rather well for a rookie, plus that weird conversation he and Ritchie had the other day, I’m assuming… well, drugs.

Monday – Friday, Channel 5 @ 1:45pm and 5:30pm

Neighbours: Unlocked…

(Monday 9^th – Friday 13^th March 2020)

Well, we’re hurtling towards Neighbours’ birthday week this week with Finn getting darker and darker in his mood towards poor Bea, secretly holding her responsible for the return of his memory and bringing Trent back into his life. Subsequently, he persuades David to arrange a meeting between him and old accomplice, Harry, who reveals the truth about their old storage locker, claiming he wants to eradicate the past.

Finn finally confronts his father about the way he let him down when he needed him most, blaming him for the person he became. Anger turns to violence and Finn assaults Trent, although he stops himself from going as far as he would clearly like to. Trent runs off, warning Finn that he needs help.

While Bea frets to Elly that Finn is being off with her, Finn tells Elly that he is no longer in love with Bea and that he wants to be with her instead. Elly makes it clear that she could never betray her sister like that, although when pressed, she admits it would be different if they didn’t have so many complications in their way and she does have feelings for him. Unfortunately, that leads Finn to start seeing Bea as ‘an obstacle’.

Lucy and Mark G decide to make a go of things but this memory thing gets mentioned again so I’m pretty sure it’s a storyline, not a passing remark. Mark proposes to Lucy and pledges to move to New York to be with her. Paige and Mark B are also officially an item again and opt for the long distance romance, with Paige having to stay with her son and Mark having to stay with his mother.

Out of nowhere, Mark and Paige are back together…

Harlow is horrified to discover that Prue is lying to Gary. In a quandary over whether to tell Gary or not, Harlow turns to Finn for advice but he is useless. Her suspicions are raised when he spills a drink and immediately remembers where to go for cloths to clean up the mess. He makes up excuses but he knows she doesn’t buy it. Gary and Prue’s impending nuptials cause friction between Gary and Kyle.

When Jane cannot let the Richard Catfish situation go, Terese puts her directly in touch with Paul’s PI, prompting Paul to have to tell his friend the truth, although not before Terese reads Richard’s final letter herself and has some serious questions! Paul arranges a meeting between Jane and Mannix and Jane finally regains her dignity and puts Mannix in his place.

Neighbours is on Channel 5, 1:45pm and 5:30pm

(This week it’s also on at 10pm on Channel 5 with extra late night episodes)

Neighbours: Don’t Look Back in Anger…

(Monday 2^nd – Friday 6^th March 2020)

Everything is building towards the big birthday bash and this week begins with Finn losing his temper with Bea when she admits she suspected that Lucy had asked him to leave the party but he manages to calm down.

Chloe plans a big party on her new island for Elly’s 35^th birthday and with all their scenes together right now, #chelly fans must be going crazy! Cue: Neighbours 35^th birthday from hell! Hurrah! Bea is desperate for Finn to be able to come to the island too but he needs a guardian to come with him. When Susan tells Finn how much a part of the family he is, he gets another flashback to some kind of lockup that he doesn’t quite understand.

Mark G catches Lucy and Jane up on his brother Stephen who is still married to the legendary Phoebe Bright with whom he has five children. He gets Beth and Gaby mixed up. Now, I don’t know if this is supposed to just be a kooky part of his personality or we’re about to have some sort of medical issue… Jane notices the spark between Lucy and Mark G who is about to take the plunge and ask him out but the parallels between her life and Paige’s put her off. However, Mark G makes it clear that he wants to make a go of things. She admits that she is worried about ending up in the same position, being dumped for the church. He tells her that being a Priest was never his vocation. They end up getting it on!

Elly and Paige both separately agree to promote the Wedding Expo – in their wedding dresses. It’s quite a shock for Mark B when he bumps into them! While Mark and Paige’s loved ones are eager to push the former couple back together, Mark and Paige are hesitant to take such a risk. When Mark is called back to work sooner than expected, Aaron and David meddle again and Mark manages to stay on a few more days in order to spend more time with Paige. Seriously, guys, since when were Mark and Paige loves young dream? He always looked down on her, he was so boring and high maintenance, he arrested her on their wedding day, patronised her all the time and treated her as if she had the morals of an alley cat, which she never did. They’re not exactly Sonya and Toadie!

Anyway, Elly walks off the job in protest after Lucy kicks Finn off the premises again, making Bea feel guilty that she didn’t properly stand up for her boyfriend the previous night. Finn suggests that Bea should quit her job at The Waterhole in defence of him but Bea argues her case. Is this manipulative Patrick creeping out? Finn backs down but alone in his room, Finn makes an angry video diary. He is furious that Bea wouldn’t stand up for him and is convinced that Elly would have. However, he remains determined that he will not return to being the person he used to be.

Finn’s frustration and anger continues to bubble away inside, even when he gets the news that Toadie will come to the island as his Guardian. When Trent calls him, it triggers another fit of rage and he rants to his video diary, blaming Bea for bringing his father back into his life. The only place he finds happiness and peace is with Elly and Aster but that’s against the rules. Susan tells him off when he is unkind to Bea. Knowing she is right, Finn vows to access the storage locker and destroy what’s inside.

Paul’s PI finds Jane’s catfish but rather than contacting the police, Paul opts to handle things on his own. ‘Richard’ turns out to be an old nemesis of Paul’s, Mannix. Paul tracks him down and calls his bluff when he threatens to leak all the messages Jane has sent him. He demands the money back, making up the difference himself. Jane is thrilled but still keen to pursue the matter legally. Paul then copies messages from ‘Richard’ to write Jane a heartfelt apology in order to persuade her to let the matter lie. I just feel like this is going to seriously backfire…

It’s the one year anniversary of Sonya’s death and like me, Toadie is grieving. Nobody else seems that bothered until Roxy walks past Toadie, crying on the bench by Sonya’s mural. Oblivious. She is supposed to take a wedding dress to spend the day promoting the Expo. Of course, she grabs the one dress that has been put separately that isn’t supposed to be used: Sonya’s. And worse than that, she uses staples to alter it in length. Mark B and Dipi panic when they see her and realise what she has done but it’s already too late. Toadie spots her and loses the plot, screaming at her to take the dress of. Poor Roxy hasn’t realised what she has done.

Shane, Dipi, Mark and Kyle look after Toadie who feels terrible for the way he treated Roxy. The woman herself has rectified her alterations to the dress and tentatively approaches Toadie, promising to dry clean the dress, full of apologies. Toadie can only apologise to Roxy for the way he shouted at her. On the plus side, at least his loved ones have finally acknowledged what day it is! Susan is nominated to nudge him into joining them at a small gathering in her honour. Afterwards, Pierce temps Toadie to join them on the island trip with the promise of amazing fishing (throw back of course). He also agrees to display Sonya’s dress at the Expo.

Harlow is anxious as she comes face to face with Prue who explains that Gary happened to get in touch with her on the day she left The Order. She swears that she has returned to Erinsborough for Harlow but it soon transpires that she and Gary are engaged. While some fake congratulations better than others, Prue explains that she was the one who popped the question. I suspect she is up to no good. Harlow walks out, still hurt that Gary is Prue’s priority and also convinced that her mother will only end up letting Gary down. Meanwhile, Sheila and Kyle are very worried about Gary’s decision making. Terese tries to be supportive, prompting Lucy to have a big idea. To make the Wedding Expo stand out, she thinks they should host five weddings, all different from each other, all expenses paid. Ignoring Terese and Paul’s concerns, her first suggestion is to ask Gary and Prue to take part. They immediately accept.

Channel 5, 1:45pm and 5:30pm

Neighbours: Mardi Gras!

(Monday 24^th – Friday 28^th February 2020)

Jane confides in Susan about the catfish and although Susan is compassionate, she makes it clear that harassing students is not acceptable. Jane is suitably abashed. When Jane accuses Elly, nobody believes it. Eager to help, Paul sets Jane up with Private Investigator to help her find the catfish. Unfortunately, Jane then walks in on Paul talking to Dipi, exasperated over how Jane could be so foolish as to fall for it in the first place. Jane gives a heartfelt explanation which comes down to one thing: loneliness. It’s genuinely sad, especially when she tells him it’s even worse now as she’s broke and embarrassed on top of being lonely.

Thinking they are being burgled, Roxy attacks Paige who has come to visit. Roxy denies that she has any interest in Mark but is blatantly jealous over the obvious attraction between Paige and Mark. Paige privately admits that she and Jack are having relationship issues and she thinks he may be having an affair; he barely speaks to her and he is always chatting online to someone. Roxy calls Paige out on already knowing that Mark was in Erinsborough and having the full intention of getting back together with him, which she denies. I am Team Roxy on this one.

Terese is a good Aunt and interferes, bringing Jack to Ramsay Street to sort things out with Paige. He also brings with him none other than Mark Gottlieb! And he is just as annoying as he was in the nineties! He has given up the collar and is now a celebrity chef but met Jack on a Christian forum and has been counselling him. Paige and Jack finally talk. Jack explains that he needs to go back to the Priesthood. They have the friendliest and crappiest breakup in the world. It’s just weak. Paige and Jack fought so hard to be together during their last stint on the show and they worked so well. Presumably the story is to bring Paige and Mark together, a couple that never worked. They made a terrible couple. So now they’ve broken up a lovely couple just for the sake of this. I’m sorry, Neighbours but this is utter rubbish.

Mark G, meanwhile bumps into old flame, Lucy. One of the weddings we’re going to see during the birthday week, perhaps?

Pierce gives Chloe a random island he once bought to do whatever she wants with. You know, just a causal island. Who doesn’t have an island? And if you can afford an island and a hotel, of course you’d be living in a small house on a cul-de-sac, wouldn’t you? Anyway, the island is of course necessary for Neighbours’ birthday party so I won’t complain too much…

Sheila is furious with Gary for abandoning the house while she was away. He went to London to find Prue and soon after he returns home, Sheila and Harlow discover that Prue is also on her way to Erinsborough, having left The Order. Harlow is beside herself with anxiety over seeing her mother and then further upset to realise that she is actually coming to see Gary, not her. Sheila walks in on a rather naughty Skype call between Gary and Prue!

Hendrix admits to Pierce that he and Harlow nearly kissed. When Harlow confides in Mackenzie, her friend warns Hendrix not to mess her around. This finally gives Hendrix the green light to tell Harlow how he really feels. When Harlow is upset about Prue, he is genuinely sweet to her. I think this could be a lovely pairing.

Lucy asks Bea to be their hotel wedding singer for the Wedding Expo. However, she tells her that for the sake of the hotel’s reputation, Finn is not welcome at the event. Bea turns down the gig on principal. Finn is furious with Lucy for putting his girlfriend in that position and also for judging him on a past he doesn’t remember when he has changed so much since then. Finn continues to ignore calls from Trent.

When Karl installs a sensor alarm for Elly that keeps going off, he sends Finn round to fix it. But the sound completely overwhelms Finn to the point that all his memories are triggered. Everything that happened, everything he did and everything that was done to him – his relationship with Elly, posing as Patrick and using Bea, Susan pushing him off the cliff – everything comes rushing back. His whole memory has been restored. Leaving Kyle to fix the alarm, Finn rushes home, sobbing alone. His whole life has changed forever.

It’s Mardi Gras and Aaron and David set off to represent Lassiters! They have an amazing day (filmed the year before in order to show it on the correct day) where they wave and cheer on the float, have to run and hide from one of Aaron’s exes, Aaron makes a fool of himself in front of Jake Shears and they have a fabulous conversation with Courtney Act. This is probably my favourite Neighbours cameo ever. She is the just the best!

Back in Erinsborough, everyone gathers to celebrate Mardi Gras as a community and Lassisters is all dressed up in rainbows! While Mackenzie is overwhelmed to be in a situation to be in a gathering where she is actually being celebrated rather than tolerated, everyone is partying and looking forward to seeing Aaron and David on TV. I truly love the inclusivity of Neighbours. Long may it continue.

Finn attends the party, attempting to pretend that nothing has happened. He lies to Elly that he was just feeling overwhelmed as they were supposed to stay away from each other. Things take a turn when Lucy orders him to leave. He struggles to control his anger, following her out of the party where she phones Chris to talk to their daughter. The old Finn would have had no qualms in harming her. But he manages to control himself and leaves the party to go home. He confides in his video diary and is still desperate to be a good person. Well, the trailers reveal that that’s not going to work out…!

Finn’s world comes crashing down as his memories return…

Channel 5, 1:45pm and 5:30pm

Neighbours: Memories…

(Monday 17^th – Friday 21^st February 2020)

When Ned suspects that Yashvi is working for Zenin, he foolishly interferes and takes her place, once more messing up the whole thing. Of course Yashvi isn’t working for Zenin; it’s a sting operation and she’s working undercover for the police. Yashvi manages to put in some damage limitation and Zenin is at least caught out but unfortunately, Ned is caught too. It’s funny really. When these two first got together, she was the young, immature one who was absolutely besotted with him. Recently, Yashvi has really grown up and he just seems to make mistake after mistake. I think she’s outgrown him.

Ned interferes with bringing Zenin down…

Things get worse for Ned as, in the dog house with Yashvi, he also finds himself in trouble with the law. The case is much bigger than with just the local police and who is the Detective covering their area? Detective Mark Brennan! Newly promoted, just in time for Neighbours 35^th birthday! Toadie is furious to learn that Ned sent Zenin a forged letter from him on letter headed paper, which prompted his offices to be broken in to. Therefore he can’t represent him. And while Terese and Paul tell Ned off for blaming Yashvi for keeping secrets, Mark advises Yashvi to rethink her choice of relationship while she has a promising career ahead of her.

Mark’s friends and family are thrilled to see him back in Erinsborough. Ned apologises to Toadie but Shane is determined to see him out of Yashvi’s life. Roxy is oddly familiar with Mark considering how badly he treated her before his departure. Mark agrees to give a talk to the Buddy Club.

Another returnee to Erinsborough is Lucy Robinson. Chloe is surprised although apparently she was copied in on emails. Evidently she has been flooded with emails with Paul in a bid to overwhelm her and make her miss Lucy’s arrival. She is immediately under pressure from Lucy, although Pierce stands up for her. Terese does her best to encourage Lucy to support Chloe who is having an absolute nightmare back at the hotel but nothing Chloe does is good enough.

It’s the last straw when Chloe is let down over the royal wedding dress but while Lucy is at least willing to listen to her other ideas, Paul tears a strip off of her. Encouraged by Pierce to stand up for herself, Chloe goes too far and loses it with him, getting extremely personal as she attempts to put him in his place. Having witnessed the argument, Lucy decides to let Chloe go. She also asks Terese to resume her role at the hotel in her place. Despite her guilt over Chloe and her love of the Buddy Club, Terese takes the job. Well, what has Lassiters been without Terese at the helm? Terese immediately has ideas about the wedding expo, looking at infamous weddings from Erinsborough past. She asks Toadie about displaying Sonya’s wedding dress as part of the expo. She accidentally offends Chloe by asking to resume her previous role as her Executive Assistant. She was only trying to be nice…

Meanwhile, Elly’s family and friends gather for Aster’s Naming Day Ceremony, conducted by Susan. Finn and Bea are named as Godparents and Shaun is mentioned a lot. There is no way this guy isn’t coming back from the dead at some point. His ‘death’ was way too odd. No grandparents on either side bother to show up and Elly’s so called best friend, who was at one time going to be the kid’s step-mother is too busy with her own life to attend either. Mark and Elly come face to face for the first time since the baby has been born. It’s awkward. She kind of thrusts the baby at him. It’s more awkward. Aaron also backs out of the ceremony and goes for drinks with Mark. Chloe and Pierce join them, with Chloe having just been fired.

Having enjoyed such a lovely family day together, Susan and Karl invite Elly and Aster to stay the night. However, things go bump in the night when everyone else is asleep and it’s just Elly and Finn awake. Finn is under pressure from Trent constantly trying to contact him and Elly is emotional from the day just gone. Of course an emotional conversation leads to a kiss. And during the kiss, Finn has a flashback to kissing Elly during the life he has forgotten. They both panic, Elly because she has cheated on her sister and Finn because a) he has cheated on his girlfriend and b) because of what a flashback could mean. She goes home and neither of them gets any sleep. He considers telling David the truth but backs out when he imagines his Doctor’s response. He retreats further when Susan reiterates that he is very much part of their family now.

Jane just about manages to talk her way out of trouble with Susan for rooting through her files. She goes through various suspects including Mr Muggleton who has just jetted off on an expensive holiday during term time and out of the blue and then Ritchie who we know from Erinsborough High, has completely reformed and is now dating Mackenzie. So, with those two ruled out, it’s back to the drawing board but one thing I am finding annoying is that Jane is supposed to be exceptionally intelligent. I’m not saying clever people wouldn’t fall for a catfish, especially someone lonely and vulnerable like Jane but would she really be charging around the way she is, trying to find out who tricked her?

Harlow and Hendrix argue over Clementine again. But then, what don’t they argue over? When Mark finds the cat at home, he throws her out, not knowing that they have shared custody. Outside, Harlow accidentally reverses over her with the car! No! That’s horrible! Poor little cat. At least she had caviar for her last meal, I suppose. But seriously, this is unnecessary trauma, killing off the cat…

Hendrix is devastated and blames Harlow, believing that she did it on purpose because she hated her and hates him. Harlow, Hendrix, Ned, Terese and Roxy gather for Clementine’s funeral (Piper sends her thoughts and a book, being that she was originally her cat). Terese says a few words, including the fact that Clementine was the first person she told about her cancer. Hendrix is genuinely emotional, explaining that Clementine was the only person who really gave him a chance on the Street, no questions asked. He finally realises that her death was an accident when Harlow expresses her regret and appreciates how much love and joy she brought to people’s lives. When Harlow gives Hendrix one of the cat’s toys, she also offers her friendship. They are about to kiss when Harlow sneezes, allergic to the toy. It ruins the moment and I still don’t think it’s acceptable to kill the cat just to bring these two together. There were other ways! But I guess I’m pleased that they’re heading in the right direction.

Hendrix is devastated over Clementine’s death…

Hendrix is furious when he learns that Mark put the cat out, prior to her death, prompting him to apologise to Terese and the family for his role in her death. I am reminded why I am probably the only viewer who never really liked Mark.

Two other things to note: a very random story about Naked Roxy hosting a naked brunch, attended by Naked Kyle, Naked Aaron, Naked Toadie and Naked Karl. Also, so much love to Neighbours for their tribute to Eastenders’ 35^th birthday. They had a fab shot of Eastenders themed cocktails outside The Waterhole. One birthday soap to another. I’d just love it if Eastenders, who are famous for slipping in an extra scene here and there, would return the gesture in a few weeks when it’s Neighbours’ birthday.

Happy birthday, Eastenders – love Neighbours!

Channel 5, 1:45pm and 5:30pm

Neighbours: Plain Jane Super Brain

(Monday 10^th – Friday 14^th February 2020)

Jane Harris returns to Erinsborough and she seems to have a real spring in her step. It soon transpires, at least to us, that she has a new man in her life. However, all is not as it seems as she speaks to him on the phone about making a ‘transfer’ and by the next day, the champagne she’s bought and the hotel room she’s decorated have all gone to waste and her mood is completely destroyed. Poor Jane.

When Paul spots Jane in a state, demanding that her room be cleaned up (and also claiming that the decoration was a mistake), he takes it as another opportunity to lay into Chloe. However, he is suitable concerned about Jane’s state of mind and frustrated when she won’t open up to him. She does open up to Dipi though. Richard, the man she has been talking to online, now doesn’t want anything to do with her – since she transferred him all of her savings. Dipi is supportive and encourages her to speak to the police. Jane remains convinced that it’s all a misunderstanding until Dipi discovers that the photo he used is a stock photo from the Internet. Jane starts a job teaching at the school where Harlow behaves really oddly around her. Susan, who is already perplexed that Jane would accept such a junior position, catches Jane searching through files in her office.

With Paul still on her back and fearing she is not impressing Lucy, Chloe comes up with the idea of holding a wedding expo at the hotel. Her USP is that she is able to get a vaguely royal wedding dress. Elly helps her prep, giving hope to all the #chelly fans out there. She pitches the idea to Paul, who remains unconvinced. However, all the Neighbours fans out there will be aware that the show’s 35^th birthday is coming up soon and it will fear FIVE WEDDINGS (and three deaths!) so presumably Chloe’s idea will be a success (please let Skye and Lana be one of the weddings! Please!)

Finn opens up to Bea and Susan about his father, Trent and considers contacting him. Interfering Bea jumps the gun and contacts him herself. Always helpful. She and Elly arrange to meet Trent and discover that he did gather together the ransom money to rescue his son. Unfortunately, being an alcoholic at the time, he got drunk, slept with a woman at his hotel and she stole the cash. He then left Columbia with his tail between his legs and Finn was left abandoned to his kidnappers as his wife was only ever interested in rescuing Shaun. While Bea and Elly are eager for Trent to reconnect with Finn, they implore him not to tell him that he was too drunk and useless to save him.

Father and son do reconnect but Finn grows suspicious when he later sees Trent and Elly arguing. He confronts Elly and Bea over what they are clearly keeping from him. They are forced to tell him the truth. He is devastated and storms out. Elly catches up with him and he opens up to her about everything he went through and how his parents let him down.

Desperate to resolve the situation with Zenin, Ned enlists Kyle’s help in buying a gun from him and reporting it to the police to get him arrested. Unfortunately, Yashvi finds the gun and is utterly furious with Ned for his stupid plan. The next day, having reported it all, Zenin isn’t immediately arrested, although the police assure them they are dealing with it. Later, Zenin texts Yashvi. Something odd is going on…

Meanwhile, poor Kyle is an absolute mess. While Aaron and David and a very excited and supportive Paul are getting very excited about Mardi Gras, there is a very cute moment where a confetti cannon explodes and Kyle nearly craps himself. He later sets one off on purpose to prove he’s fine.

Against Shane’s request, Karl is busy keeping an eye on Dipi and Gary and is shocked when he witnesses the pair seemingly too comfortable together at the house. However, Dipi decides that now might be the time to try and speak to Shane. Unfortunately, that all goes out the window when Shane and Roxy get rostered on together and Dipi witnesses them sharing a bit of a moment. Furious, she comes home to rant to Gary. Karl peers over the fence at just the wrong moment – Dipi plants a kiss on stunned Gary. Overwhelmed with guilt, Dipi resolves to tell Shane the truth but of course, meddling Karl gets there first. Shane is furious but also deeply hurt when he realises that Dipi initiated the kiss. Karl is apologetic, especially when he realises that the woman he overheard him lamenting over was actually Prue, not Dipi.

Dipi and Shane finally talk things through, leading him to make a really sweet romantic gesture. He takes them through their whole relationship, reminding them of everything they’ve been through and pledging his commitment to their future. Now, we know from the promo for their 35^th anniversary that three people are going to die. Shane and Dipi have been through a massive upheaval. Now they’re desperately in love again. They are prime candidates for being killed off…

Channel 5, 1:45pm and 5:30pm