The boiler at Benito's house explodes, and - much to his regret - Charlie offers to put him up. Over in number 23, Ruth and Leigh aren't getting on too well, and Caralyn is distraught at the news of a relationship that she didn't even know about, is ending.

It's that void week between Christmas and New Year, but plenty is happening for Charlie and the girls; he's about to become a father, Ruth is set to go to a party with a (probably) gay man, and Caralyn is sent out to get some fancy dress costumes...