Lean ON ME...
Cash-strapped Stephen sets out to manipulate vulnerable Elaine
Stephen Reid will do literally anything to keep up the illusion that he’s a successful businessman.
When his dastardly deeds inevitably come to light, he will probably make a plea for mercy as he’s led away in handcuffs – ‘I just wan’ed to impress Motherrrrrr…’
This week, he has a new problem to sort when he’s pressured into investing in the new loungewear business Sarah’s setting up with Michael Bailey. Fortunately for him, he has an admirer with a few quid in the bank - Tim’s mum, Elaine.
Tim is concerned to see the pair together in Roy’s Rolls, but Elaine insists the Canadian is as honest as the day is long. Ha! Stephen’s certainly far from honest when Gail, having found his phone, wants to know why he’s had a call from a bloke at a burger joint, Six Fellas…
Worried for his mum, Tim quizzes Stephen about his intentions, and explains what an awful time she had with Geoff. Stephen squirms, and he does more of the same when Gail and Audrey suggest he put £10k into his niece’s new venture. How can he possibly say ‘no’?
‘Stephen was always the guy with the cash, the cars and the factories, and he doesn’t want that facade to disappear,’ says Todd Boyce, who plays the cunning Canadian.
So he sets his sights on a hefty handout from Elaine, sending himself a nasty text that he then makes out is from wife Gabrielle. Trusting Elaine is hugely sympathetic and, convinced he’s being ‘gaslighted’, insists on helping Stephen out.
How long until she’s logging on to her bank account and doing a transfer?