Phil delivers dad tidings

Keanu and Sharon get a Christmas surprise as their lies are exposed

There have been some false alarms over the past few weeks, but now Sharon and Keanu’s baby secret is finally going to be exposed.

Sadly though, neither of them know what’s coming as Phil quizzes the people who can confirm his suspicions. By Christmas Eve – which also happens to be the date of Kathy’s welcome home party for Louise and Keanu – he’s worked it all out. And on Christmas Day, he puts his revenge plan into action.

Over at the Vic, Linda promises to cut back on her drinking – in the New Year. In the meantime though, she’s still hitting the bottle, causing a scene at the Ball and Change winners dinner. And when Mick reacts by pouring her wine down the sink, she gives him a mouthful, only to be left mortified when she realises Ollie has overheard it all.

Linda deals with her guilt by drinking in the Square Gardens until she passes out, unaware that Mick is taking delivery of her surprise Christmas present – Lee. The Carters are worried when she fails to show up for Christmas Day, and the strain of trying to be jolly is enough to give Mick another panic attack. Gray and Chantelle’s vow renewal is scuppered when the venue cancels. Gray decides to hold the ceremony at the Taylors’ instead, but Mitch can’t help noticing that his daughter seemed relieved when she thought she wouldn’t have to go through with it.

Disaster strikes for Martin while out on a job, and Sonia is later shocked to find him trying to do a runner on Christmas Day. The Panesars have news for the Slaters, Dot gets an alarming message, and Denise plots to catch Sheree out.