Episode 4105 (9th December 1996)

Plot
Liz feels isolated and thinks she's being controlled by a maniac she's never met. Claire feels Des should apologise to the Wiltons. Becky teases them about not setting a good example to her. She celebrates her fourteenth birthday. Rita thinks it's wonderful that Mavis was caught with cannabis. Joyce cuts Judy dead in the street. Tricia hopes to discuss her rights over maternity leave with Mike and is stunned when he tells her she hasn't any rights; she's a bad time keeper and she's sacked. Tricia accuses him of making excuses to get out of paying maternity but he insists she's a bad worker. Curly plans to tell Eric Firman that he's leaving but stops when Eric tells him he's heard Reg's baby has been born and he's unemployed. Sally is horrified that Mike has sacked Tricia. Tricia is bitter because she doesn't want to scrounge off the social as she enjoyed having a job. Mike tells Sally he sacked Tricia because she was a bad worker and points out she'll be better off on the social. Sally remains angry and threatens to resign if he doesn't take Tricia back. He refuses so she walks out. Vera comforts Tricia over her losing her job. Kevin is amazed that Sally has resigned out of principle. She tells him she won't be staying at home but will find another job. Anne tells Eric that Curly is planning to leave and asks if she can replace him. Joyce throws £45 at Judy. Judy still worries about her money problems. Curly is disappointed when Eric tells him he won't stop him leaving but asks him to work over Christmas before going. The Palmers join in Becky's birthday party but the celebrations are spoilt when Derek and Mavis burst in. Derek delights in telling the Palmers about Des keeping drugs but realises he's gone too far when he sees he's spoilt Becky's party.