Sharon is worried about the stranger in her home, while Den is nervous about all the police in Albert Square. DS Quick tells Andy the police heard there is a "villain" in the area and Ali worries about two men he sees. Pete and Kathy worry that Sharon will be a bad influence on Ian, while Simon tells them that Sharon is unhappy and needs a friend.

Pauline starts a new cleaning job at Colin's flat. Arthur complains that she's taking on too many jobs. Lou warns Pat to leave Pete alone, and accuses her of a past affair with Pete's brother Kenny, suggesting Kenny is the real father of Simon. At a post-mortem for The Banned in the community centre Ian and Kelvin become suspicious that Harry doesn't seem bothered that their performance was sabotaged.

Pete breaks with family tradition and plans to spend Christmas Day at the Vic with Den. Pat decides to stay in Albert Square and asks Doctor Legg to rent Ethel's flat.

New Year's Day and Lofty is woken by Michelle typing. Michelle kicks out Ian and Wicksy, who both crashed out at the flat, and prepares to deal with her hungover husband.

Pete and Simon are released by the police but Pete must come up with an alibi as to his whereabouts in regards to the recent spate of attacks on local women. Guizin and her three children are homeless after Mehmet gambled their house away and then did a runner.

Pete is fed up of being constantly hounded by the police. Kathy visits Pat in hospital to get her to confirm that Pete did not attack her but Pat says she does not know so she would be lying.

Ethel has started collecting odd coins she finds on the floor while cleaning at the Vic. Mary is arrested and taken to the Magistrate's Court for none payment of debt. Tony decides he's going to move back home to Trinidad and buys his flight ticket that afternoon. He tells Colin his plan but asks him not to tell Kelvin yet.

The pirate radio station is still operating from the café. Mary rings up her mum wanting Annie back, but when her mum refuses Mary tries to lend money from various people in order to go up north herself, but is unsuccessful and throws a brick through her window. Sue and Ali visit baby Hassan's grave and Sue opens up her heart to Ali. Den confronts Wicksy about the missing money and Magda, leading to Wicksy getting kneed and ear full from him.

An unusual woman arrives in Walford. Colin and Barry end up in a row which leads to Colin putting down his foot about rent issues in which Barry isn't paying. Doctor Legg and Dot discuss how Mary deserves to be with Annie. Martin has a near accident in Lou's care.

Den crosses paths with Wicksy while walking Roly in the Square gardens, and makes amends following the scrap over Magda and Wicky's sacking. Pete and Donna chat in the Vic but Donna becomes defensive when Pete asks about her parents and where in Scotland her dad's pub is. Doctor Legg is let down again by Darren who continues leave the outside of the surgery half painted. Den suggests he and Angie spend the night together, but she declines.

Lou talks to Pete about him and Pauline inheriting the stall when she's gone. Pete tells Pauline they should just sell it and split the proceeds, but Pauline says they're not selling it. Barry's reached his target weight of ten and a half stone. Colin offers to cook a meal for Sharon, Barry and Donna, but Donna starts getting defensive when the others start asking her about her mysterious background.