Aidan reaches a decision on his football career and Ricky fancies a job change. Michelle gets unwanted attention, while Hattie tries to celebrate her 18th birthday - but Steve has other things on his mind.

June Brown

Gillian Taylforth

Adam Woodyatt

Steve McFadden

Nicola Stapleton

Sean Maguire

Mark Monero

Gretchen Franklin

Wendy Richard

Michael Cashman

John Altman

Susan Tully

Letitia Dean

Natalie Cassidy

Stephen Woodcock

Leonard Fenton

Michelle Gayle

Bill Hays

Tricky Dicky takes on Ian. Pete sees a face from the past and Steve gives Hattie an answer.

Pat hides as news of the accident spreads. Sam plans a weekend away, but is it work or pleasure? And Pauline meets an old schoolfriend who makes a big impression on Pete.

Public opinion adds to the pressures on Pat.

Sam's new friend Clive pushes his luck and visits the Vic. Kathy takes positive action to deal with a recurring problem from the past. And the trial of Nick Cotton finally begins.

Nick Cotton watches as the prosecution case is made and Dot faces Eddie's father. Meanwhile Ian has a confession to make to Kathy.

Phil is concerned about the state of Sam's marriage, Arthur spots some football talent at Walford Town and the trial of Nick Cotton reaches a climax.

The Fowlers get a new lodger, Pete gets a pleasant surprise and Dot makes a sad decision.

Nigel has problems at the launderette. Ricky makes a last effort to save his marriage. There are problems for the Fowlers, and Pete Beale has a pleasant surprise.

Ricky makes a last effort to save his marriage and Sam comes to a decision. Frank tries to help Pat face going to court and Rachel gets fed up with market life.

Michelle is put out when Rachel helps Jack with his college work. Ricky is forced to accept Sam's plans for the future, and Pat has an unexpected visitor.

Arthur's guilt over the lies he is telling comes to a head, Pete finds out the truth about Rose's absent husband and has to make a brave decision. An old friend of Tricky Dicky's turns up.

Arthur makes a mistake, a new trader appears on the market - to Rachel's disgust - and Mandy's evening in with Aidan has an unexpected conclusion.

Michelle is horrified to find Jack making friends with Pauline; Kathy's bistro runs into a few opening night problems; and a friendly poker game turns serious for Sanjay and Nigel.

Will straight talk from an old adversary make Pat realise that time will heal her anguish? Pauline's patience is tested by a house full of football fans; Sanjay has some explaining to do when his wife Gita arrives sooner than expected; and Rose is told to drop Pete before someone gets hurt.

Frank discovers that the cab company may not have a future. Gita is furious when she discovers that Sanjay has been gambling; and Pete and Rose have some unwanted visitors.

Clyde finds himself in dispute with the Mitchell brothers over the running of the pub, Rose makes a decision about her future with Pete, and Mandy goes to new lengths in her pursuit of Aidan.

Rachel hears some good news; Arthur gets into trouble with an unexpected bill: and Michelle has a late-night encounter.

Rose brings unexpected news of husband Alfie, Clyde tries to contact Sharon, Michelle gets a shock and Rachel finds it does not take long for her good news to spread round the Square.

The Fowler's world turns upside down - but where is Arthur?

As the hours tick by, Michelle's agony continues. How much longer will it be before Vicki is found? Meanwhile, her college friend Jack is furious when he faces questions.

Michelle struggles to rebuild her life; Sharon's return to the Vic has an unexpected conclusion.

Tricky Dicky gets involved in family matters and finds he's out of his depth. Michelle's emotions are put to the test again. As Sanjay goes flat-hunting, Richard does his best to keep Gita company, but things do not go smoothly.

Michelle confronts Sharon about life with Grant, and Sanjay sorts out his priorities, while Ian turns detective.

Grant reaches boiling point with Sharon and comes face to face with the consequences. Pete's hopes are shattered as Rose lays down her plans for the future.

Cindy's back and Dot tells everyone. Sharon is torn over Grant's arrest. Clyde decides to work for Frank, and Michelle has something Nigel wants.

Kathy gets a new assistant in the café, while Michelle has a narrow escape from an undesirable lodger. Kathy and Pat have to learn to accept Ian's new "family". At the Vic, it looks like Sharon may have got what she wanted - but what does she want?

Michelle's new lodger settles in, Pete gives Arthur some good news and Aidan's team trial has an unexpected outcome.

Sanjay and Gita invite Richard for a meal. Pauline and Arthur have a surprise encounter in the Bistro. Mandy finds Aidan in a positive frame of mind after his setback.

Hattie gets a belated surprise. Arthur gives Aidan a pep talk. Steve and Mark's venture takes off. Michelle gives Jack another warning. With her friends' help can she finally get through to him that she is not interested?

Preparations continue for a rave in Albert Square but problems along the way mean even Nigel is roped in to help. An alternative gig in the Vic ignites an old flame for Pauline while Arthur confides his work worries to Christine.

Jack's back but Sharon is in no position to advise Michelle as domestic bliss at the Vic is becoming strained, and Ricky attempts to run the Butcher empire single handed.

Shelley persuades Michelle to take matters into her own hands. Nigel gets a shock when he visits an old friend, and Danny is determined to show Pauline a good time.

Michelle turns the tables on Jack for the last time. Grant gets an unexpected visitor and Sharon has to face the consequences of deceiving Phil.

Tricky Dicky is caught redhanded, and Pat prepares herself for her court case.

Pauline has a showdown with Mandy over Aidan and Frank tries to help Pat face going to Court. Arthur has to make a difficult phone call while Sharon has to accept Phil's plans.

Pat is sent to prison, while Grant is released. Rose decides she can't live without Pete.

Alfie's family become a genuine threat and Pete takes the only course of action open to him. Phil and Grant discuss the future, Sharon and the Vic. Arthur and Mrs. Hewitt have a close shave. The burger war comes to an end.

An unexpected visitor arrives at the Taverniers, Danny buys Pauline a present and Arthur helps Aidan come to a decision about his future.

Cindy gets friendly with Tricky Dicky and hears what Gita thinks of him, Sharon tries to adjust to having Grant around and Mark helps Mandy out.

Gita gives Ian some advice, and Grant and Phil rescue Nigel from his birthday blues. Jules makes a confession to Dot, and Michelle is suspicious of a blossoming new friendship.

There is some unexpected news at the Taverniers.

Pauline has to respond to Danny's offer, but Arthur is more concerned with his interview. Richard gains the upper hand in his dirty tricks campaign against Ian. And Clyde learns more about Gidea.

Hattie's worst fears about Gidea seem to be realised.

Christine has to choose between Greg and Arthur. Michelle helps Clyde come to a decision. Nigel bumps into an old friend and Ian's behaviour is beginning to worry Cindy.

It's a bad day for Ian, Hattie and Steve. Clyde takes matters into his own hands. Nigel faces a disappointment. Meanwhile, Greg sees something he should not have.

Arthur has an unexpected visitor and Phil discovers a new drinking partner. Frank gets a hot tip and Hattie is forced to accept Ian's plans for the future.

Nigel has a dream date. Frank is out of his depth. And Greg Hewitt has news for Arthur and Christine. Good news?

Mandy is looking for another sucker, Jules tries to pour oil on troubled waters, Sharon's future is uncertain and Shelley has set her heart on Mark.

Dr. Legg becomes the latest in a long line of suckers. Mark's memories get in Shelley's way. Dot interferes with Nigel's love life. Grant is surprised at Phil's luke-warm reaction to his good news, while Hattie notices that Steve is becoming increasingly tetchy - is it just pre-wedding nerves?

Hattie has to face up to reality while Steve runs away. Phil stands by her and makes a new friend from a different world.

Hattie turns the tables on Steve but Clyde discovers there's something she hasn't told him. Clyde and Hattie are reconciled but a surprise visit makes things worse. Sharon is hostile when Phil brings a friend to the Vic.

There is tension in the Tavernier household as two secrets are unveiled, Michelle and Hattie have a heart to heart and Phil asks a favour from Clyde and Nigel.

It's a big day for Phil and Nadia, Kathy forces Mrs. Hewitt into a confession, Gidea gives Clyde an answer and Nigel and Debbie clear the air.

Nigel plans a special evening and Arthur keeps a low profile. Mark reaches boiling point and Clyde is forced to accept Gidea's plans for the future.

Sanjay takes some advice from Richard, and Mark is concerned about Aidan and Mandy. Gidea and Hattie share a problem.

Pauline wonders what's happened to Pete. The Kapoors' family loyalties are strained and Cindy is irritated by Ian's support of Hattie. Tricky Dicky takes advantage.

Shelley is ready to be more than just friends with Mark... if only they could get a moment alone. Pauline gets to the bottom of Pete's disappearance. Clyde and Gidea tie up loose ends and Gita warns Cindy about Richard.

Phil has a surprise for Mandy and Aidan, Cindy makes a date, Pauline explains her worries to Kathy and Dot gets a shock when a visitor arrives bringing news of Nick - but will she be willing to listen this time?

Tensions in the Kapoor household come to a head.

Ricky tries Frank's patience and Dot learns more about Nick's past. Aidan is offered the chance of a better life. But will he take it?

Tricky Dicky gets an unwelcome surprise. Nigel receives some bad news.

Mandy and Aidan discover they are not as streetwise as they would like to imagine. Richard and Cindy are telling different stories about their involvement. Shelley and her college friends turn out to be unsuitable babysitters.

Michelle and Sharon's past comes back to haunt them. Nigel wallows in self-pity but fails to arouse any sympathy. Dot's grandson begins to fall from grace. Gita does battle with Tricky Dicky - but who will come off worse?

Mandy has money to spend, but where is she getting it from? Phil and Nigel make an unusual purchase, and Cindy has a surprise in store for Ian.

Tensions between Hattie and Cindy come to a head with Ian caught in the middle. Arthur gets more surprises than he bargained for on his birthday.

Zoe has a startling proposition for Dot, and Pat is released from prison, but how will she react to her new freedom?

As Pauline and Arthur are drawn closer together, Christine becomes more desperate.

Mrs. Hewitt continues to put pressure on Arthur while a trip to France gives Frank the opportunity to practise his non-existent French. And romance is in the air for both the Mitchell brothers.

Frank has to face another family crisis. Pat is supportive but stubbornness seems to run in the family. Grant and Sharon resolve their differences. Meanwhile Phil and Kathy discuss past loves.

A surprise visit for Nick can only mean more trouble for Nigel. Mrs Hewitt presents Arthur with an ultimatum.

Phil hears about Tricky Dicky's latest exploits and is determined to have it out with him. There's a painful and emotional showdown at the Fowlers'. Is divorce the only answer for Arthur and Pauline or can he win her round?

Michelle and Mark struggle to pick up the pieces when they hear of their parents' trouble and Arthur tries to do the decent thing. Sanjay comes up with a plan to make money and Nigel moves house.

Kathy tries to make her peace with Pauline, Mrs. Hewitt has an unexpected visitor and Mandy is forced to come clean.

Nigel and Sanjay play musical dogs. Pauline holds her ground while Arthur's life falls apart.

Arthur neglects his work to play hero, but Pauline is not taken in. Aidan has big plans but Mandy does not share his enthusiasm for work. When temptation is put in her way will she prove that old habits die hard? Cindy is taken aback when Hattie renegotiates her status at work. Meena causes tension between her sister, Gita, and Sanjay.

Arthur's attempts to console Christine get him into trouble, Sanjay's hopes of a windfall are dashed and Nigel has some visitors from the past.

Nigel has another traumatic meeting and Tricky Dicky makes a startling claim.

There's a shock for Pauline when she overhears some gossip.

Ian confronts Kathy about vicious rumours, but finds the truth hard to take. Mrs. Hewitt tries to find Arthur but runs foul of Mark. Nigel looks set to play happy families at last.

Nigel's gone missing, but only Phil seems to care. Meanwhile, he and Sanjay have to decide what to do with the dogs. There's a new addition at the Butchers' and it's not good news for Ricky.

Ricky has an idea to help the homeless, but it backfires on him when Frank decides to do some DIY. Meena seeds Gita's suspicions about Sanjay's wanderings. Pat resumes her role as surrogate mother.

Ricky feels let down and and Tricky Dicky's flirtation with Shelley becomes more intense.

It's Sharon's birthday but no one is in the mood to celebrate. Michelle puts Richard in his place, tension between Ian and Cindy reaches a head and Frank is losing his patience with Janine.

Cindy is still worried about Tricky Dicky's rumour mongering, and when he winds her up in the Vic she finds no one willing to come to her defence.

Ricky is put in charge of organising Janine's party - is disaster inevitable? Ian is furious with Kathy for attacking Cindy and drags up a nasty secret from her past in front of Phil. Michelle has a confession to make to Pauline.

Kathy's business plans conflict with Ian's. Mandy and Aidan are up to their tricks.

Michelle faces a setback in her holiday plans. Phil's past catches up with him. Frank's under pressure but is it really Ricky's fault?

The Butcher's find that a new house doesn't necessarily mean a better way of life. Mark has a surprise present for Michelle; and a Home Office official has some awkward questions for Phil.

Frank's feud with the rival cab firm hots up. Aidan receives some news and Shelley finds herself looking forward to her trip to Amsterdam.

Mark, Michelle, Clem and Shelley set off for their weekend away. Michelle gets some unwelcome attention while Shelley gets a shock. In the Square, Gita's suspicions are aroused again.

Tensions flare up in Amsterdam as relationships are put to the test, and Michelle and Shelley come home with more than they bargained for.

Michelle and Shelley are back from Amsterdam but what has happened to Mark and Clem?

Ricky discovers the truth behind Janine's unhappiness and takes matters into his own hands, while Frank plots his revenge.

Ian is struggling - will Cindy swallow her pride and ask Kathy for help? Meanwhile Ricky's got a more serious problem - with the police.

Tricky Dicky's in trouble on the market - will he give Big Ron's stall back? Pauline's hopes of finding Pete are renewed. Dr. Legg drops another bombshell on Mandy and Aidan.

As the Square prepares for Christmas, Tricky Dicky faces up to discontent among the stall-holders and Gita's resolve begins to crumble.

While preparations get under way at the Vic for a homecoming, Frank comes to a decision about the cab company and Ian has some good news for Kathy.

Ian steps in to help Arthur and Pauline. Pat discovers Frank has gone behind her back.

Pat decides to take matters into her own hands and Frank is, naturally, less than pleased. Phil and Kathy agree to spend Christmas away together, but a surprise visit from someone scuppers their plans.

The everyday lives of working-class residents of Albert Square, a traditional Victorian square of terrace houses surrounding a park in the East End of London's Walford borough.

855

Seasons42

Season 9 Episodes105

Cast18

Crew1

Discussion

Episode Summary