Sharon starts to phone Brian at home, putting the phone down when Gail answers. Alf is tempted by Joyce Lomax's offer of a partnership. Gail gets Sharon to babysit as she and Brian are both going out. Mrs Lowther rings Annie and gets a verbal reference about Hilda; Hilda worries about what Annie said. Annie is furious to discover that Joyce is trying to persuade Alf to convert the shop into an off-licence. Brian returns home drunk. Sharon makes a pass at him which he enjoys. Nicky's crying stops their romantic mood.