Episode 4159 (14th March 1997)

Plot
Claire packs her bags. Des swears nothing happened between him and Samantha but she is upset that she trusted him. She tells him suddenly he's not worth her RAF pension. Ken faces the Governors and is astounded to be told Sue has admitted she was in the wrong and has resigned and left the school. Des tells Claire Samantha set him up and he got carried away but she tells him she's not taking any more risks on him. Becky is disappointed when she hears Des was involved with someone else. She breaks down when Claire says they're leaving as she thought of No. 6 as her home. Ken feels glad Sue has taken all the blame and tells the Governors it's obvious he is absolved. He is pleased when they say the matter is closed but stunned when they announce they have to make more cut-backs and he's going to be made redundant. Liz meets with Fraser and agrees to give him an alibi for the night of the warehouse raid. He warns her they'll have to be more careful in the future. Claire refuses to live with the fear Des will go off with another woman. She and Becky leave with Jarvis the budgie. Des is shattered. Sean sees Claire going and offers Des support. The Duckworths tell Tricia they can't babysit Brad when she goes out with Ray Thorpe as they find they're too tired to run the pub. Tricia threatens to move out and is amazed when they agree. Andy suffers delayed shock, tormented by the memory of the gun. Sean is amazed to hear how Des made a play for Samantha and how she saw him off. Sue tells Ken she's sorry her resignation didn't help him. He tells her he's going to fight the decision. Angry Sean sacks Des from the bookies.