Max begins his job at the vets. Paddy introduces him to the new receptionist - Libby. Max is up for a kiss or two when he asks Libby out for a drink after work. Meanwhile, Eric is going to court for his trading standards case. Val is on tenterhooks waiting for Eric and she admits to Diane that she's not sure if he's coming back. Diane is surprised by Val's reaction, but her sister tells her that Eric is misunderstood. Eric waltzes into the pub a free man after Steph took all the blame in the handbag scandal and was given a conditional discharge.