Episode 3619 (26th December 2003)

Plot
Marlon holds onto a glimmer of hope as Tricia’s still there on Boxing Day but she is quick to remind him that nothing has changed between them and the marriage is over. To make matters worse, Cain rubs salt in the wound by winding Tricia up, claiming that Marlon has always fancied Charity. At the end of his tether, Marlon loses his cool and lunges at Cain, as Tricia watches on in despair. Paddy is cruel to be kind suggesting that Marlon faces up to the fact that his marriage could be over for good. Dawn feels deflated after what she had hoped would be her happiest Christmas ever was spoilt by Terry letting his ego get the better of him. Back at the hospital the mood is sombre between the two as they reflect on the day’s events. Guilty for causing a scene, Terry encourages his worn out wife to take some time away and visit her mother in Spain. Acknowledging the break would do her and T.J. good, Dawn reluctantly agrees although she feels she is abandoning ship, leaving Terry alone. Elsewhere in the village, motherhood proves to be an uphill struggle for Chas as she tries to keep her son Aaron entertained. Matters are made worse when Chas loses her temper with Aaron, pulling and ripping his jumper hood. Aaron storms off declaring that he hates his mum and wishes she was dead, leaving Chas in despair about what to do next.