Episode 4315 (12th December 1997)

Plot
Ashley is stuck in the middle between pleasing Maxine and feeling sorry for Zoe. Zoe tells him she'll leave but wants to say goodbye to Katie first. Vera tries to make the peace with Jack, saying she was only getting back at him. Judy is upset when Ashley tells her Zoe has the right to see her baby. When she sees that Zoe is still in residence, Maxine packs her bags and storms out. Les scrounges pints off Des and keeps reminding him of how he saved him from Ritchie. Des just wants to get the gratitude over with. Ashley refuses to let Zoe sleep rough and tells her to stay at No. 4 with him. Chris shops for Christmas presents for the girls, causing concern for Sally that he's getting too close. Des can't shake Les off and ends up having to take him back home to share a take-away with Samantha. Les is disappointed when Samantha insists Janice joins them. Gary finishes his contract with the cable company and celebrates being out of work. Des is stunned when Les assumes he wants some wife swapping, assuring him that Janice will be game. Janice shoves Les home when he brings up his curry. Sally tells Chris she feels there's nothing long term for them and she doesn't want him becoming part of her family as she fears the girls will get hurt. She is relieved when he accepts the brush off without a fuss. He is hurt and tells her he'll give the presents to someone else.