As the snow begins to fall, it's a welcome break at the coffee shop after some busy Christmas shopping. Christine displays uncharacteristic generosity when she discovers she has more loyalty points on her card than she expected, while Michelle is annoyed that Alan has lost his wallet somewhere in town. Dismayed at the prospect of having to cancel her cards so close to Christmas, she sends him out to look for it again.

Taking advantage of the weather, the neighbours head for the back garden, but it's hardly relaxing as Beth fields criticisms of everything from her garden furniture to her slabs.

Chaos ensues as Ian and Gordon's pals park up at Beth and Eric's for their Aussie holiday, and an organised Morven becomes increasingly tense with Lin's lack of packing skills.

Beth and Eric are throwing Christine a 69th birthday party, but the celebration gets usurped by chat about a funeral, which leads Christine to start thinking about her own.

There's great excitement as Colin introduces the neighbours to his new partner, Anne Marie. But the gang are quickly taken aback by her enthusiastic approach to the dinner party.

Alan is laid up on the sofa after an accident. Beth and Eric are looking after him when Christine arrives with goodies, and Colin can't wait to share details of internet dates.

Colin is vulnerable after being unceremoniously dumped. Beth and Eric are doing their best, but conversation is already strained when Christine steams in demanding gory details.