Episode 4427 (26th June 1998)

Plot
Alec ropes in an old actress friend, Barbara Day, to help show Vera that her employment methods are wrong. When she arrives Alec and Jack pretend to take against her whilst Vera thinks she's perfect. Barbara pretends to be attracted to Jack, to Vera's annoyance. Alec tells Vera that he's noticed the more mature woman finds Jack attractive, unlike young girls. Gary starts to make alterations to No. 11 but Jim fights to keep everything the way it is, not wanting to think of his state as long-term. When Vera announces she wants a young barmaid Alec pays Barbara her fee. Maxine agrees to rent the shop flat for £65 a week. Spider tries to raise election funds but hardly makes any money. Emily offers him her savings but he refuses. Alec and Fred hope that by backing Audrey they can do their businesses some good. They try to get her to think of policies but she can't be bothered. Steve urges Jim to accept his help and accuses him of driving people away. Jack and Alec are aghast when Vera employs a young blonde hunk called Sandy Hunter as barman.