River City - 03/11/2009

When news hits the Mullen household that Learmonth is changing his plea to guilty, the relief for Scarlett is immense. Jimmy struggles to match Scarlett's happiness and something about her behaviour makes him suspicious - is there more to this change of plea than meets the eye? He interrogates Scarlett, finally exploding and demanding to know if Learmonth raped her. Jimmy's fury escalates and only when he realises how much he is frightening his wife does he back off and walk out. After their night apart Jimmy apologises to Scarlett and confesses that he thought all the questions he couldn't bear to ask her himself would have been answered at the trial. Scarlett understands how upset Jimmy was and apologises for her deception, reassuring him that she'll never lie to him again. Joanne surprises Ruth by returning from London unannounced. Ruth thinks it's time for Joanne to start taking responsibility for Romeo and has him move into the flat. But Joanne doesn't take kindly to her sister's meddling and lashes out, claiming that everything she has ever loved has gone and it was Ruth who made that happen. Ruth tries to speak to Joanne the next day but Joanne manipulates her sister yet again, asking her to keep lying to Gina and telling her that she just needs more time. Jennifer succeeds in reconciling Innes and Charlie. However, a night out at the Tall Ship takes an unexpected turn when Innes challenges some drunken lads who are harassing the girls. Innes throws a successful punch which sends the lads scurrying and also catches the eye of Joe. Deek tries to help a homeless girl who reminds him of his mother. Feisty Stella isn't interested but Deek won't give up and his earnestness pays off. Could this be the beginning of a beautiful friendship?