Episode 4574 (22 January 2013)

Synopsis

Max’s sceptical about the signed divorce papers – what’s the catch? Kirsty tells him about Lauren’s visit and calls a cab to prove she’s leaving tonight. They hug goodbye, a poignant moment for them both. Back home, Max shows Tanya the signed papers claiming he met Kirsty outside, he’s free. Max insists he’s fine about it and Tanya, pleading a headache, heads upstairs. Max reassures Lauren, who’s feeling guilty about her part in persuading Kirsty to go. Kirsty hands her notice in to Alfie and he gives her more money than she’s owed. Returning to the B&B, Kirsty puts the rent money in a sleeping Patrick’s hand. Lauren appears; asking if Kirsty’s got somewhere to go? Kirsty’s initially irritated, then tells Lauren she’s alright but advises her to cut down on the booze, she doesn’t want to end up like her. Meanwhile, a tense and maudlin Max takes Tanya water and an aspirin. She kisses him and starts unbuttoning his shirt but he resists her advances. She asks if he really wants Kirsty out of his life and demands to know what happened on the day of Derek’s funeral. Max’s forced to admit that they kissed. He confesses he was in love with Kirsty once and still has some feelings for her. Tanya’s sure there’s something else, and Max tells her about the abortion. Max insists he loves Tanya, it doesn’t matter how he feels about Kirsty - once she’s gone the feelings will go. Gutted, Tanya tells him he makes her physically sick. To the shock of Lauren and Abi, Tanya throws Max out of the house, they’re done. As Tanya storms back inside, Max turns to see Kirsty drive away in a taxi – he’s lost them both.

Credits