EastEnders - 09/09/2010

Peggy’s dumfounded by Stacey’s murder confession. Stacey goes on to reveal that Archie raped her. Unconvinced by the story, Peggy turns on her, claiming she’s calling the police. Billy meanwhile, cautiously enters Phil’s prison, crowbar in hand. Phil implores Billy for money to buy crack. Panicked as Phil grows increasingly frenetic, Billy flees the room. Finding Billy’s crowbar, Phil smashes through the door before rampaging through the house in search of cash. He comes face-to-face with Peggy. Full of derision, Phil scorns her for ruining his life; claiming she’s always loved the pub more than him. In an act of vengeance, Phil takes a lit match to alcohol in the hall. Peggy watches in horror as the flames take hold and frantically tries to warn the gathered revellers. Panic ensues when there’s a huge explosion, engulfing the pub in flames. Phil emerges into the, now deserted, blazing bar. The ceiling arch collapses on him, leaving him trapped. Realising Phil’s inside, Peggy and Billy re-enter to save him. They drag him out in time amid more explosions as the fire engines arrive. Surveying the carnage of her beloved pub in flames, an overcome Peggy cries: “Let it burn.” Accepting her fate as Peggy says she’s calling the police, a frantic Stacey takes Ryan aside to reveal the truth. They’re interrupted by Pat who takes Stacey to task; accusing her of making a play for Ryan. Amid the mayhem, as everyone scrambles to get out of the burning Vic, a terrified Stacey cowers in the toilets. Remembering Lily’s upstairs, Stacey races to fetch her, but finds that they’re trapped by the flames. Stacey screams for help from a window. Grabbing a ladder, Ryan rescues them. Safely outside, Ryan reassures Stacey that Lily’s okay. He’s stunned as Stacey informs him: “She’s yours.”