Episode 3680 (7th March 2004)

Plot
With the weight of the world on his shoulders, Marlon’s culinary skills begin to slip and he can’t concentrate at work. Having suffered the wrath of several unhappy punters, Diane suggests he take some time off. But emotionally fragile Marlon gets completely the wrong end of the stick, thinking he is being given the chop. Paddy later finds a disconsolate Marlon sulking at the cricket pavilion and tells his friend that time is a great healer. Feeling claustrophobic at the crowded Dingles, Marlon later packs his bags and tells Sam he is going to see Mandy for a while before heading off into the unknown. Zoe vents her anger on Scott when he is late to pick up Jean. Busy with Tate affairs, and with Terry out of action, she admits she will have to take on an assistant. Scott later suggests the job to Dawn over a family meal at Viv’s. Dawn is uncomfortable as downhearted Terry insists she doesn’t need to work. Angry, Dawn points out that they need the cash, as Terry has been too embarrassed to claim sick benefit. Suddenly the family meal takes a frosty turn and Terry storms out. Scott apologises for causing a row, but Dawn insists he was just being helpful and appreciates his offer, telling him she’ll start in the morning. Elsewhere in the village, Jack is concerned about Andy’s relentless workload at the farm and suggests Robert help out for a while. Katie is concerned when she hears about this, as his permanent presence is a little too close for comfort.

Regular cast

 * Marlon Dingle - Mark Charnock
 * Lisa Dingle - Jane Cox
 * Zak Dingle - Steve Halliwell
 * Chas Dingle - Lucy Pargeter
 * Sam Dingle - James Hooton
 * Scott Windsor - Ben Freeman
 * Carl King - Tom Lister
 * Louise Appleton - Emily Symons
 * Paddy Kirk - Dominic Brunt
 * Steph Stokes - Lorraine Chase
 * Jack Sugden - Clive Hornby
 * Andy Sugden - Kelvin Fletcher
 * Terry Woods - Billy Hartman
 * Dawn Woods - Julia Mallam
 * Diane Blackstock - Elizabeth Estensen
 * Tom King - Ken Farrington
 * Donna Windsor - Verity Rushworth
 * Katie Sugden - Sammy Winward
 * Zoe Tate - Leah Bracknell
 * Bob Hope - Tony Audenshaw
 * Viv Hope - Deena Payne
 * Val Lambert - Charlie Hardwick
 * Alan Turner - Richard Thorp
 * Shelly Williams - Carolyn Pickles
 * Emily Kirk - Kate McGregor
 * Robert Sugden - Karl Davies

Guest cast
None