Life Begins

Maggie's branch of the travel agency takes over another branch – so abrasive Genevieve and disgruntled Kevin join the staff, and Jeff has to decide who'll be his deputy. Cuts are being made in Phil's office by his ex-girlfriend Anna, Guy takes a risk by expanding his business, and Maggie goes to school with her dad who is giving a talk about his wartime experiences.

Jeff's new deputy Maggie clashes again with Genevieve at work; old flame Frank (Roy Dotrice) re-enters her mother Brenda's life; Phil leans on Maggie for support as his redundancy looms; and Maggie disapproves of daughter Becca's boyfriend, and when the neighbours are away, Samantha has a party that gets out of hand.

Guy gets the wrong end of the stick when he sees Maggie comforting Phil, Maggie learns the reasons behind Genevieve's poor timekeeping at the travel agency (and it's a very touching moment), and Maggie and Paul's plans to spend some intimate time together go awry yet again.

Something unbelievable happened in last week's episode. Maggie's estranged husband Phil, who's just been fired, started spending more time in the marital home than when they were married, which her new partner, history teacher Paul, didn't seem to mind. And Maggie, who had such a tough time after Phil left her, is oozing sympathy for his predicament. It just doesn't seem right. Fortunately, things look as though they're returning to normal. Phil has agreed to move into Paul's flat to ease his financial problems, while Paul gets to move into Maggie's home to give the pair more opportunities to get cosy. But with Phil's depression over his job prospects reaching crisis point, you'll have to hope Maggie can restrain her compulsion to get all motherly and move him back into her life.

Maggie realises the stress her mother is under looking after Eric, and suggests that he comes to stay for a weekend to give Brenda a break. Then Maggie discovers that Brenda isn't out enjoying the sea air with her friend Nancy - but with her old flame Frank. Clare challenges Maggie about Phil, telling her she is being foolish and could lose Paul - but Maggie is defensive and won't talk about it.

Fed up with her mum and dumped by her boyfriend, Becca goes next door to be cheered up by Samantha. But when her friend's back is turned, Becca takes some pills and ends up in hospital. Phil takes it out on Paul who was supposed to be looking after her.

Maggie plans a Christmas holiday with Paul, the kids, her parents and Clare’s family. But Phil sees signs that he can rekindle his relationship with Maggie when Paul gets a visit from his ex-wife Paula (Sally Dexter).