Already feeling immense pressure to deliver on the Christmas festivities, Ashley's on the verge of cracking but perks up when he hears Laurel's voice on the phone. Disheartened to realise that Laurel only wants to make arrangements to see Gabby on Christmas Day, Ashley's hopes of a reunion are quickly dashed. Concerned for Ashley, Sally and Edna are en route to see him but are accosted by an irate Nicola in the street. Ashley angrily opens the door to a frantic Edna as an argument rages between Sally and Nicola. Simmering inside Mulberry, Edna pleads with Ashley to return to his duties, while Sally covertly steals one of Ashley's Christmas cards. Later, as Edna airs her woes in The Woolpack, Doug angrily follows Sally out after she makes a show of being the only one on Ashley's side. Meanw