Marcus's first day almost ends in disaster when he wades into Ronan's home life before properly understanding the situation, driving father and son further apart. Tom is concerned at Josh's inability to stand up for himself. Janeece calls Ruby on her past - will Ruby really make a good mother to her baby?

Ruth gets a taste of popularity when she proves to be Waterloo Road's strongest entrant in the interschool debating contest, but will it last? As his bullying continues and his parent's separation causes conflict, Harry's bulimia reaches crisis point. Ruby grows tired of Janeece using her as a personal slave.