Much to Yvonne's dismay Ron unexpectedly turns up at the Sparrow household with suitcase in hand, Stella has thrown him out and he needs a place to stay. Meanwhile, back in 1942 Phoebe's orphaned niece and nephew Sally and Peter return from Buckinghamshire to move in with her at the Royal Oak.

Phoebe's husband Donald, who has escaped from a prisoner of war camp in Italy, returns home to a hero's welcome, forcing Gary and Phoebe to re-evaluate their relationship. In 1996, Yvonne wants Gary to get a sensible job and arranges an interview for him with her company.