Playing the Field

Now the proud mother of Jessica, Jo finds herself on the Blues sub's bench thanks to new coach Gordon.

The first day of the court case comes to an end after Rick's shocking revelations about George's paternity.

Holly becomes exhausted trying to combine work with looking after Lee and the house, so they decide to hire a woman carer, but she is not all that she seems.

Holly is puzzled over carer Ruth's lack of contact with her son. To celebrate success of the under-thirteen football tournament, Lee takes Holly away for her birthday, much to Ruth's displeasure.

Jim and Francine are struggling to come to terms with the factory going into receivership, but they put on a brave face at the women's professional football league function. Martin persuades Rita to go and represent the Blues in the hope that he might meet someone from Bradford City FC. His wish is answered when they meet Ron Milligan, Bradford Chairman, who promises them VIP tickets for a match. Martin is delighted to discover that his form teacher, Ben Harris, is a big fan of Bradford and decides to invite him to the match. Rita worries that Ben is Martin's only schoolfriend. After a chance encounter, Rita and Ben find themselves getting closer. Martin is devastated to find out that his father's girlfriend is having a baby. He then returns to find Rita and Ben kissing passionately. Later he and other youths vandalize the clubhouse, setting it on fire.

The clubhouse has burnt down and Jim's business has gone under. The team falls apart amid accusations and guilt, whilst Pauline tries to win over Matthew's priest as the wedding approaches.