Gail and Brian are close but don't know what the future holds. Alan celebrates his birthday but feels bored. Vera decides she'd like the job of Susan's assistant at the Factory Shop. Ivy and Audrey are thrilled that the Tilsleys are reconciled. Rita tells Alan that she wants the £2,000 she loaned him back as he's not using it now. Susan doesn't want to spend her time running the shop. Alan considers proposing to Rita but doesn't want to be turned down again. Susan gives Linda Norton from the packing department the job of her assistant. Mike tells her that he's not sacrificing one of his workers in the factory - it's her place to run the shop.