Linda tells her old boss and lover, Paul Wheeler, that she needs a job. He agrees to take her back even though she tells him their relationship will have to be professional. Maxine returns from honeymoon alone, telling Fred and Doreen that Ashley was too scared to fly home so he is working his passage on a ship. Tom isn't happy when his father, Duggie Ferguson, tracks him down and belittles him for being a hairdresser. Spider manages to track down Emily's wallpaper and pays Hayley to repair the curtains. Duggie gets drunk in the Rovers and assaults Tom, causing Natalie to throw him out. Sharon goes away for the weekend with Ian, telling Rita that she's seeing friends. Linda assures Mike she can handle Paul. He isn't convinced.