Liz gets sick of Jim slobbing around and tells him that he's a mess. Reg is put out when Anne tells him that she admires him for looking after Maud for Maureen's sake. He tells Eric Firman that for personal reasons he won't be taking the job. Des is aware of the chemistry between Liz and him but Liz refuses to talk about it. Barry Halstead starts as Kevin's new assistant. Kevin is surprised as he's middle-aged and set in his ways. Reg tells Maureen he's given up the job as he doesn't want her name to be soiled like his and for people to think they ran away. Maud is thrilled when he burns his wig in an act of frustration. Liz is upset by the way she and Jim keep annoying each other. He begs her to talk things through but she refuses. Bill asks Jim to help him with some building work he's been given. Liz is upset as the news doesn't make her feel any different towards him. She breaks down and is comforted by Des. She tells him that she'd rather be with him than Jim and they kiss.