Episode 3522 (29th August 2003)

Plot
Edna corners Terry to give him an earful about squatters frequenting Pear Tree Cottage after hearing suspicious voices and noises coming from the empty neighbouring house during the past couple of weeks. Initially Terry thinks nothing of it, until he spots a flustered Charity heading towards the cottage. He starts to think that perhaps Charity is up to no good. Meanwhile, determined to catch Charity out, Chris decides to play happy families by cooking her dinner. Later in The Woolpack, he reminds Charity that the school holidays are nearly over so Debbie can move back in, meaning that Charity won’t have to see Cain any more. Horrified by the idea, she’s torn between her daughter and her growing feelings for Cain. Laurel’s a bag of nerves as she heads off to the speed-dating event dressed up to the nines in a bid to impress Ashley, who’s also hoping to meet the perfect partner. The ‘date’ goes well but Laurel is disappointed when Ashley admits that he did not tick any matches on his card. Afterwards, they decide to go along to the Marsden’s 70’s party and after few drinks Laurel carries bleary-eyed Ashley back to the vicarage. As she settles him onto the sofa she whispers that she loves him, but her confession goes unheard because Ashley has already fallen asleep. The villagers are all kitted out in their 70’s gear for the party and Robert is knocked out by Elaine’s outfit for the occasion. The teenagers end up kissing but Elaine runs away, overcome with guilt about betraying Donna.