Episode 4312 (7th December 1997)

Plot
Zoe assures the Malletts she hasn't come to cause trouble, just to see Katie. The party guests leave as it's obvious Judy is preoccupied. Des is taken by surprise when Ritchie jumps him and smashes him into the pavement. Les sees the assault and fights Ritchie off Des. Jack is horrified when Renee Turnbull tracks him down to return his shoe, still thinking he's called Ken. Zoe is horrified when Judy tells her she can't see Katie again as she doesn't want her growing up confused. Zoe feels that the money makes no difference; Katie is hers. Gary throws her out. Vera is alarmed when she sees Renee all over Jack in the pub. She tells her to keep her hands off her husband. Samantha is surprised when Ritchie calls on her. He accuses her of leading all the men she meets on. She feels threatened by his presence when he tells her he's shown Des who's boss. He begs her to give him a chance to prove he's better for her than Des. Sally tells Rita that she's been seeing Chris but assures her the girls are her first priority. Rita tells her she's got nothing to be ashamed of. Samantha makes Ritchie see that she'll never love him and there's no future for them. Bloodied Des comforts her. When Judy tells Gary she wants to run away he suggests they go to live with his brother Shaun in Newcastle.