EastEnders - 09/07/2010

Fearing Ben won’t cope in prison Phil claims he won’t be going to court. Horrified on hearing Phil’s plans for Ben to abscond, Shirley tries to dissuade him. With Ben having refused to leave his family, Phil decides that they will all go. Shirley’s incredulous at the proposal and later blows, accusing Phil of not considering her. To her relief, she convinces Phil against running. Later, Phil tells Ben they’re leaving in the morning with Louise and to forget about Shirley. Shirley listens at the door, gutted. Lucas sends a text from Denise’s phone. He feigns surprise on learning that the girls have received a text from Denise to say ‘I’m sorry’. When Patrick suggests they call the police, Lucas swiftly advises against it. He goes to the canal where he throws Denise’s phone in the water and sets off her car alarm. The police reveal they’ve found Denise’s car. Lucas calls the family to pray for Denise’s safe return. Meanwhile, at the canal, the police recover a woman’s body from the water. Christian informs the Masoods that he’s selling his share in Masala Queen to start his own business, and will sell to the highest bidder between the Masoods and the Beales. Unable to resist, Syed enquires into Christian’s new business venture as a personal trainer. There’s a moment of awkwardness between the two. A troubled Syed visits his therapist. Peggy and Glenda vie to outdo each other for Ronnie’s birthday. Peggy holds her family meal, but Glenda manages to trump her by revealing she’s brought Jack home. Alone with Ronnie, Jack says he wants to set a date for their wedding. Having slept at the car lot, Darren again attempts to apologise to an unyielding Minty. Having made amends with Jodie, Darren sets about finding a flat.