Episode 5561 (19th March 2010)

Plot[]

Ashley wakes up to a noise from downstairs. Regaining consciousness from a long sleep, Ashley's horrified to find Sally in the kitchen and further distressed when she implies that they've slept together. Sickened by her actions and the implications it will have on his marriage, Ashley forcefully orders her to leave. Sally smugly mentions that their night together will destroy his relationship with Laurel. Alone, Ashley's utterly distraught and crumbles in shock at his ordeal. Later, he puts on a brave face when Laurel returns on a high and as she snuggles up to him in bed, she's blissfully unaware of his anguish. Meanwhile, Aaron feels dejected when Holly's friendliness holds no promise of a romantic reunion. Later, Aaron prepares to go out and when Paddy makes some cruel comments about his shirt, he consciously changes it, before heading into town. Alone, Aaron tries to pluck up the courage to go inside a gay bar. Crossing the road, he takes the next step toward facing up to his true feelings. Before he has chance to go inside, though, a tipsy Ryan and Andy accost him. Thrown by their presence, Aaron declines their offer to join them for a drink. As they walk off, Aaron loses his nerve and is left feeling extremely isolated. Elsewhere, Zak feels sorry for Belle when he leaves to see Lisa in prison. Later, Lisa reluctantly agrees to let Belle visit when Zak describes how desperate she is to see her.