River City - 12/01/2010

Malcolm is in for his routine diabetes check when Marianne wonders if he's had his test results back from the hospital. It seems Malcolm's condition may have got worse and developed into the next stage. Malcolm decides to ignore his predicament and determines to seize the day. Out of the blue, he surprises Liz with his immediate plans to visit Jo and Romeo in Australia. Malcolm is acting strangely and it worries Liz. Gina and Eileen dismiss her fears, but when Malcolm cashes in a savings account and buys the plane tickets they all know he is serious. Malcolm is furious when they confront him - he's a grown man! When Malcolm eventually begins to see how worried Liz is he approaches her with another shocker... will she marry him? Liz refuses, she wants to know what's really going on and Malcolm finally reveals he is ill. Liz is stunned, but Malcolm explains that while his condition is serious it's not immediate and he is more likely to die of old age. They can still enjoy the rest of their lives together. Malcolm doesn't want Gina, Eileen and the girls to know and, despite her misgivings, Liz backs him up. Malcolm and Liz may not be married, but they have the best partnership in town. Iona is a surprise (and unwelcome) houseguest for Robbie and Hayley as they awake to find her sleeping on the couch. Iona is back in town to pick up the mantle Shona has left behind. Raymond is glad she's back to help out at the deli and fears for Robbie and Hayley when Iona stakes her claim to take over the flat too. However, Iona isn't as over Shona's death as she thinks and soon realises she's not the same person without her big sister. Iona makes a fool of herself in the Tall Ship when she drunkenly makes a pass at Charlie. Robbie and Hayley are disgusted and leave. Iona realises just how sad she is, both in life and at the loss of Shona, as she sits alone in the flat late at night. Raymond reaches out to her and it soon becomes clear Iona is lost without Shona. It feels as though she's only half a person without her and it's not the good half either. Iona wonders about selling up and moving away. Raymond doesn't think that's the answer. Raymond comforts her, he knows how she feels, but together they can move on, knowing Shona lives on in their hearts. Iona is buoyed by his words and resolves to stick around a little while longer. Nicki and Stella are excited by the prospect of Bob and Deek returning from the stag do in Prague, but when Deek arrives home alone Nicki is immediately concerned. Deek lies about a mix-up at the airport while Stella jokes it must've been a pretty wild time. Nicki calls Bob and is relieved when he says he'll be home the next day. Nicki plans a special night in for them all and is overjoyed when a sheepish Bob eventually comes home, but there is something about the atmosphere between Bob and Deek that suggests there may be a little more to the missed flight than a mix-up in the departure lounge...