Ian Beale confronts Kathy about vicious rumours spread by Richard Cole, but finds the truth hard to take. Aidan Brosnan and Mandy Salter are worried when they see a surveyor looking at their squat at No 5 Albert Square. Mrs Hewitt tries to find Arthur Fowler, but runs foul of Mark. Nigel Bates looks set to play happy families at last but him and Liam Tyler's rivalry over Liam's daughter Claire and Nigel's romance with Debbie Tyler reaches a climax. Liam has blackmailed Debbie into staying with him or he will take Claire away from him. Nigel grabs Liam from behind in a pathetic attempt to beat him. Nigel is unsuccessful. Liam pins him to the floor and pours the wine Nigel bought all over him. Debbie has to try and stop them. In the end, Debbie leaves the flat with Liam. Nigel is left alone.