I'm so pleased you took the day off work today to help out.
Yeah, well, thankfully,
I got most of the undercoat on at Carl's yesterday.
Otherwise, I'd have had to bail on you today.
You wouldn't have dared! Not in a million years.
I'm not scared of you! Get off! Get off me! You'll crease my dress!
Do I look all right?
You look beautiful. It's not too much?
You're perfect.
Seriously, thanks for doing this. Yeah, well, it has been a while.
I can't promise I'll be any good.
You'll be perfect.
Hey, Mike.
Hey, Mike! We've got to go, like now!
I can't turn up to my own event without the main attraction.
And a bag of strawberry bonbons, please.
So, yeah, me and Jamie are on speaking terms, but that's about it.
That's a shame. I thought he was lovely.
Yeah, and very funny, but unfortunately not for me.
No, no. On me.
And those as well, please.
Thank you.
So, there's a cake stall just behind you.
Maybe grab yourself a piece of Victoria sponge.
We've also got lots of mini workshops
going on throughout the day.
And there's a seating area just behind you,
that's a safe place for people
to talk with our incredible specialist, Ruhma.
Oh, and there's live music later, too.
Great. Thank you so much.
I really hope I can help some of these couples.
Well, you really helped me. Thank you.
You must be Meena. I'm Luca, a nurse from the Mill.
Nice to meet you. Dr Reid, lovely to see you again.
This is fantastic. It's great you've
managed to get so many people together.
Bonbon? No, thanks. I'm trying to be good.
Ooh, who is that?
Oh, that's my husband Mike.
Is it?
Oh, right.
I didn't know. I'm so sorry.
Has anyone seen Bear? No?
I'm going to go and find him. Please excuse me.
Oh, dear. God loves a tryer!
Why don't I just call a plumber in?
I don't want to be keeping you from paid work.
Don't fret. I've given myself the day off.
Another one? The perks of being your own boss!
Ah, your gasket's ripped.
Come again?! The door seal, it's split.
I'll pick us up a new one this afters
and it should be as good as new.
If it's not, I'll get us a new machine.
Buying things for this house isn't your job any more, Rich.
You should be saving for a place of your own.
KNOCK ON WINDOW
You've got to be kidding me!
MOBILE PHONE RINGS
Hello, The Price is Right Painting and Decorating.
Oh, hi, Carl. It's Meena. Mike's a bit busy. Can I help?
Yesterday?
I'm sure he said he was working round your place.
I can only apologise on his behalf. He'll be there first thing tomorrow.
OK. Thanks. Bye.
Excuse me.
Hi, it's Meena, isn't it? Yes.
I'm Bear Sylvester, business manager for the Campus and The Mill.
I just thought I'd introduce myself. Nice to meet you, Mr Sylvester.
Thank you so much for The Mill's
support and for helping us find such a perfect place.
It was a no-brainer. It's a great cause.
It looks like you're busy, so I'll leave you to it. See you later. Bye.
If they try again, I really hope it works out for them.
You know, during that pregnancy,
Mike was there for Meena every step of the way.
He was so attentive, wasn't he? He's one of the good ones.
Didn't know they existed any more.
Right, I better go and do my chitchat.
Wish me luck. Good luck! You'll be fine.
Hey.
Hey. Sorry I'm late, got caught up.
You ready to go? Yeah, if you are?
Got your big boy pants on? I'm going commando.
Ooh, get you! Come on, let's go.
Well, this is a surprise. We weren't expecting...
I've brought you some pickled eggs.
Oh, Auntie Nicola, you shouldn't have.
I hope you don't mind me dropping in on you like this.
Only my hairdresser, Aubrey, died last month
and there's no-one else for miles around
who I can truly trust to do a proper wash and set.
Apart from Pierre down at A Ladies Crown on the high street.
It's an extra bus, but worth the journey for a proper do, you know.
You still an odd jobs man, Richard?
Well, my official title is freelance tradesperson,
but yeah.
It's great. I'm my own boss and I get to pick my own hours.
You don't pick many of those.
It would be nice if you'd come over
and visit me more often. Well... Not that I've had a minute to spare.
I've been looking after your cousin Tracey.
She found out George has been playing away!
The poor woman's broken.
She's staying with me for now.
I've put her up on a blow-up bed in the dining room.
Which reminds me, have you got a pump I can borrow, Richard?
You really should come and see her.
I think she'd really appreciate that. Of course, I'll...
You two are very nearly the last couple still together in the family!
Kevin and Donna split last year, you know.
Yes, I heard there was another man involved. There was, love.
Him and Kevin live in Brighton now with a pug called Snoop.
But I knew you two were made of stronger stuff.
Want a cup of tea? Yes, please, dear.
Would you mind giving me a hand...
..love?
You OK? Yeah, yeah.
Let's just crack on.
Hello, Edith. You managed to turn it on today.
You know what she's like.
Us splitting up would be broadcast
to all and sundry before she's on the first bus home!
Ollie can't find out from someone else. It has to come from us.
Noted.
Whilst she's here, we have to put
on a damn good display of happy coupledom.
Happy coupledom?
I think I can manage that. No problem!
On second thoughts, why don't you
get the part you need for the dishwasher?
I've already called them. They'll have it in this afternoon.
Right, well, just stay in the kitchen and keep out of the way.
Out of the way? Yes. You can manage that, can't you?
Yeah.
Sure.
One, two. One, two.
FEEDBACK
Sorry, everyone.
One, two. One, two.
Close your eyes, Mike.
Ollie is really enjoying his training. Loving it, in fact.
You both must be so proud
to have raised such a responsible and upright young man.
We couldn't be prouder.
Well, it's been so lovely to see you.
You're not leaving already, are you?
That just won't do.
We need a proper catch up.
I've popped some pizzas and some curly fries in the oven.
Ooh, lovely.
Well, it is lunchtime.
My love.
Here you go. Where was that? I've been searching all over for it.
You look stressed.
Yeah, well, it's been a while. I'm a bit rusty.
I've already managed to deafen everyone before I even sing!
It'll be nice to get the old outfit back on.
Might encourage you to get a few more bookings in the diary.
I told you, this is a one-off.
Where were you yesterday afternoon?
I was at Carl's place painting, why?
Don't lie to me, Michael. I know you weren't there.
Where did you hear that? Of course I was.
Don't bother. Carl told me. Have you been checking up on me?
No, of course not. He called just
now and asked why you didn't turn up.
Why would you lie about it, Mike?
What's going on? Is the business in trouble?
I know money's tight at the moment,
but you can't keep working the way you are.
Not sleeping, double booking, letting customers down.
Something's got to change. You're going to burn out.
Work's work Meena. Everything's fine.
Right, I better get this all sorted and get into costume.
Fine. We can talk about it later then.
Strawberry bonbon?
Very retro. Yeah.
Thank you.
So how was your hot date, then, the other day?
It's a bit soon for that, isn't it?
Anyway, I would never kiss and tell. Oh, so there was a kiss?!
How's it going?
Friendzone. You sure?
Bear.
Keep your nose out? Shut your face? Exactly.
He was actually just telling me about his new hot boyfriend.
This is killing you. Yeah.
MOBILE PONE RINGS
What are you up to?
Erm, I just wanted to clear my head before I start, that's all.
Looks like you're hiding out here. I'm not hiding.
What are you accusing me of?
You tell me. You've been on your phone a lot recently.
Why are you always talking down to me?
At least I try and talk to you. You give me nothing!
MOBILE PHONE RINGS
Where were you yesterday, Mike?
You're seeing somebody else, aren't you?
I guess your silence says it all.
I hope she was worth it.
Look, Meena, come on.
So I've had to cancel my Friday evening bridge club.
It was at my house, you see,
in the dining room, but now it's at Joan's.
I'm not going to Joan's.
She's got one of those big, slobbery dogs.
Why don't you do the washing up and check on the pizzas?
OK. I'll dig out that air-bed pump from the garage whilst I'm at it.
What's going on, love?
Nothing. Why?
You and Richard.
Me and... I can tell something's troubling you, dear.
Erm, no. You know you can confide in me, love.
Discretion is my middle name.
I think I might be going through the change.
Oh, darling, why didn't you say? Have you spoken to him about it?
Not yet. Well, you need to.
If you're going through the change,
it can play havoc with your sex life.
Horny goat weed. Sorry? And Fish oil. That's what I took.
And I was back in the sack with your uncle Jim in no time.
Thank you, Auntie Nicola. I'll give it a go.
Grub's up! Thank you, darling.
It's like he doesn't even want to be here sometimes.
Just give me one sec, sorry.
Luca, what you doing for lunch? Not a lot.
Great, I'll see you at the Icon. Say 1:00pm?
Sorry about that.
I'm not saying anything. I was told!
Yes. Yes, you were!
BABY CRIES
LOUD CRYING
Hey.
Glad you could make it.
I ordered drinks for us. I hope you don't mind. No.
Shall we? Yeah.
Are you forgetting something? I don't drink.
It's alcohol free.
Oh, bubbles.
Very retro-romantic.
I told you, I'm an old-fashioned kind of guy.
Do "old-fashioned kinda guys" normally arrange dates with people
when they're already seeing someone else?
I'm only human. He's a pilot and a part-time model, so...
So what are you doing here with me?
I'm just teasing, I'm sorry. I couldn't resist.
The guy just spent the whole night talking about himself
and checking his socials.
I mean, to say there was no spark is an understatement!
So you prefer your men to show you some attention?
I do like the sound of that.
Tell me more.
Are we going to do this or what?
ECHOING: Are we going to do this or what?
KNOCK ON DOOR
Mike, are you in there? It's Ruhma.
I can't breathe. My chest is...
Mike?
Mike, I'm going to unlock the door and I'm coming in, OK?
Hey.
Come here, come here.
I'm having a panic attack.
OK, sh.
Listen, I know this is scary, OK?
I know this is scary,
but I need you to work with me, all right?
I need you to focus on your breathing. Look at me, look at me.
OK, let's breath.
And in, one, two, that's good.
Three, good, four,
And hold it for me. Good. Hold it.
And out, exhale, one...
Good, two, three...
This should stop Tracey feeling so deflated.
She's actually very depressed, Richard.
Well, it's been lovely seeing you.
You should come and see us more often.
Why don't you pop in every month when you get your hair done?
I'll do my best. It's been wonderful seeing you both.
Take care of each other and you remember what I said, Kirsty.
Horny goat weed. And fish oil. How could I forget?!
And Auntie, keep my little problem to yourself, yeah?
Mum's the word, Kirsty. I'm no gossip.
Your hair looks lovely, by the way.
I thought you'd never say!
I can't believe you put pizzas in! You should've seen your face.
Why have you got a problem with horny goats?
You don't want to know!
We make a damn good team, Kirst.
Rich... Hey, what do you say to giving us another go...
Today doesn't change anything. I'm sorry.
I can't make myself feel something I don't.
OK.
Right, well, I'll go and get that dishwasher part now.
How are you feeling?
I feel...
Embarrassed, to be honest. You've got nothing to be embarrassed about.
Seriously.
Panic attacks, they're really common.
They happen all the time.
You've got nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about.
These, erm....
..attacks, is there...
Is there a trigger?
Yeah, they...
They started about six months ago.
That's when we lost him.
Yeah.
You know, even though...
Even though Danny never took a breath in this world,
he was real to me.
Of course he was.
We were going to call him Danny, after my grandad.
I decorated his room. We'd chosen his pram.
I'd even bought him his first Wolves kit.
I was going to take him to all the games,
do all the things with Danny that my dad did with me.
I loved him.
I still love him.
Do I sound daft?
You sound like a dad.
'Hey, Mandeep, I'm out with that hot nurse.
'Oh, my gosh. He is a terrible flirt. He's all over me like a rash.
'And so in love with himself.
'I got you, right? I'm sorry, I had to get you back.
I've just ordered another bottle, hope that's OK?'
Listen, why don't you try and be honest with Meena
and tell her how you are feeling?
I can't.
She's been through so much more than me.
She carried him.
She gave birth to him and yet
somehow she's managed to hold it together.
Why would I drag her down with my problems?
Because she would want to support you.
I should be the one supporting her.
I should be the strong one, but instead I'm just falling apart.
Listen, Mike.
This pain is valid.
You've lost a baby too.
Have you ever considered trying to get some help?
I had help.
Breathing apps.
Coping with anxiety apps.
Mindfulness, meditation.
My phone was flipping full of them.
That's down the pan now!
It was making a difference though.
Until Meena thought I was having an affair,
when all I was trying to do was meditate.
She was worried. Yeah.
Yeah, and I've just made things worse.
Maybe I should consider getting some proper help.
You can't be strong forever.
Hey, a friend once said to me,
"We are at our strongest when we share our weaknesses."
It's cheesy, isn't it?
It's true though.
MOBILE PHONE RINGS
It's Meena.
Hey. Hi, Ruhma. Have you seen Mike?
His phone just keeps going to answerphone.
Yeah. He's with me.
Look, everything is fine, but he's not feeling very good.
No, I bet he's not! I'll announce that he can't sing.
He's getting good at letting me down.
OK, she is going to tell everybody that you're not performing.
Oh, no.
I can do it. Are you sure?
It's time to face the music.
Come on.
'Hey, Mandeep. I'm out with that hot nurse.
'Oh, my gosh, he is such a terrible flirt.
'He's all over me like a rash and so in love with himself.'
OK, firstly, I am a hot nurse. Guilty.
But I am not in love with myself. I just leave that to everybody else!
So you don't deny being a terrible flirt?
Oh, no, I'm an outrageous flirt.
APPLAUSE
I've, erm...
I've been lying.
I've been lying to myself.
Pretending that I'm OK.
We lost our little boy, Danny, six months ago.
And even though...
Even though I never had the chance to hear him cry, or...
..change his nappy...
..I did hear Danny's heartbeat.
Hey, Mike.
It's time to go to the scan.
Close your eyes, Mike.
BABY'S HEARTBEAT
I felt him.
Hey, Mike.
Are we going to do this or what?
Come here.
Feel.
But we lost him.
See, I was embarrassed at how much losing my son hurt.
So embarrassed, in fact,
that I pushed away the person I love most in the world.
My beautiful wife.
Sorry, everyone.
I know this isn't what you were expecting.
It's not what I expected either.
But someone once said to me...
.."We are at our strongest when we share our weaknesses."
So, I'm sharing.
With you lot!
Anyway, I'm not here to talk. I'm here to sing!
APPLAUSE
# Put your head against my life
# What do you hear?
# A million words just trying to make
# The love song of the year... #
Would you mind if I did something spontaneous?
It's not really spontaneous if you have to ask first!
What is it you'd...
# The words that make me scared
# A million love songs later
# And here I am trying to tell you
# That I care
# A million love songs later
# Here I am
# A million love songs later
# Here I am. #
CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
Health care at a moment of crisis. Pointless.
I'm going to find myself a quiet corner and have a little snooze.
You and I should do funding issues, Al and Jimmi should do waiting lists
and Emma and Sid should do staff shortages.
Shut up and listen.
What do you want?
There is a bomb in the foyer.
And it's triggered by my phone.