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It is the day of Max's trial and Carl continues to pile the pressure on Ian, but will he go ahead with giving a false witness statement? Sam contemplates leaving his family again.

It’s the day of Max’s trial and Ian can’t sleep. Thinking she’s being reassuring, Denise reminds him he just needs to tell the truth in court. Abi calls Lauren naïve when she finds her looking through Max’s petrol receipts, desperately trying to find evidence of his innocence. Masood offers to drive Carol to court. Max assures his barrister, Jeff Holland, that he’s telling the truth and has no idea why Ian would lie. Still terrified of what Carl would do to his children if he doesn’t give evidence, Ian asks David what he’d do if it was his family in danger. Noting Carl’s wrist support, Kirsty thinks that it’s convenient his wrist’s playing up on the day of the trial. Checking she’s coming to court, Carl thanks her for her support and she’s uneasy when he tells her they’re beyond playing games. Carl visits Ian and informs him they’re taking a taxi to court together. Once Carl’s gone, Ian asks Peter to book him a taxi from the station, he can’t travel with Carl. Ian eyes a holdall he’s tucked under the table. When Carl discovers Ian’s left for court without him, he’s furious and threatens Peter but Peter warns Carl there’s only so far he can push Ian. When Carl arrives at court there’s no sign of Ian and he’s not answering his phone. As the trial begins and Carl gives evidence, a policeman visits the Beales’ looking for Ian. Once the policeman’s gone, Peter opens Ian’s holdall - it’s full of clothes. Concerned, Lucy, Denise and Peter try to work out where Ian is. Back in court, Max’s barrister questions Carl then insists the case is all circumstantial hearsay and asks for it to be dismissed. Carl phones Peter to say ‘big mistake’. As they wait to hear the judge’s verdict, Abi tells Lauren she doesn’t care what Max has or hasn’t done she just wants him home. The Brannings are jubilant when the judge announces there’s no case to answer and directs the jury to find Max not guilty. Carl charges out of court, tearing off his wrist support as he goes. Max is overjoyed; he tells the family he’s going for a walk and will see them at home. Later, a van’s driven into a quarry. The back doors of the van are flung open to reveal Ian - bound, gagged and terrified with Phil and Max staring in at him.

It’s Ava’s birthday and Cora brings her a card. Covering up that he’d forgotten, Sam suggests they an elaborate plan for the day but Cora’s not convinced. Sam instructs Dexter to dress up for drinks in the Vic before lunch. Sam complains to Ava that he can’t win with Cora. Ava suggests Cora probably means that when someone tries too hard, you wonder if they’re just trying to convince themselves it’s what they want. Sam looks at his passport. When Sam’s late for drinks in the Vic, Ava starts to get suspicious and is relieved when he turns up with a large bunch of flowers.

Janine’s shocked when the coroners phone - they’re releasing Michael’s body for burial. Janine informs Alfie she’s given them his details, he’ll have to organise the funeral. Kat thinks Janine should sort out the funeral herself but Janine insists Michael’s ancient history. Janine can’t bring herself to throw out a bag of Michael’s things from the boxing gym that Danny’s left for her in Butcher’s Joints. Janine gives the bag to Alfie and Kat, Kat tells her she’s not fooling anyone.

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30 minutes

Audio described

Clip

Music Played

  • Music Played

    • The Damned

      Smash It Up

    • Roots Manuva

      Here We Go Again

    • The Strokes

      All The Time

    • Stooshe

      Slip

    • Kelly Clarkson

      Stronger

    • Rascals & Professor Green

      Fire Blaze

    • Katy Perry

      Roar

    • Taylor Swift

      State Of Grace

    • Hot Chip

      Night and Day

    • Chlöe Howl

      No Strings

Credits

Role Contributor
Max Branning Jake Wood
Phil Mitchell Steve McFadden
Ian Beale Adam Woodyatt
Carl White Daniel Coonan
Kirsty Branning Kierston Wareing
Lauren Branning Jacqueline Jossa
Abi Branning Lorna Fitzgerald
Carol Jackson Lindsey Coulson
Cora Cross Ann Mitchell
Peter Beale Ben Hardy
Lucy Beale Hetti Bywater
Denise Fox Diane Parish
Ava Hartman Clare Perkins
Sam James Cornell S John
Dexter Hartman Khali Best
Janine Butcher Charlie Brooks
Kat Moon Jessie Wallace
Alfie Moon Shane Richie
David Wicks Michael French
Tamwar Masood Himesh Patel
AJ Ahmed Phaldut Sharma
Masood Ahmed Nitin Ganatra
Gerald Palmer Jonathan Tafler
Jeff Holland Richard Huw
Forewoman Eve-Marie Akers
Judge Philip Bird
PC Evans Adam McNamara
Executive Producer Lorraine Newman
Director Dominic Keavey
Writer Rob Gittins

Broadcasts