Episode 8.11 - 2006 Christmas Special
Written by Phil Ford
Produced by Sharon Houlihan
Directed by Laurence Moody
It’s the night before Christmas and Hollamby is at home preparing for a visit from her son, Bobby Darren. But when he visits to tell her he will be bringing his new partner, a vicious argument ensues, resulting in Hollamby damaging what fragile relationship they did have. Meanwhile, back on G-Wing Julie S is looking forward to a visit from David and her new granddaughter, Ashanti. However, it appears that the daughter-in-law from hell has put a last minute block on the visit and Julie is devastated when an apologetic David turns up alone.
Mandy is understandably devastated when her partner leaves her for another woman, but while Donny is sympathetic, Hollamby couldn’t care less. She’s got more important things to worry about, like overflowing drains and a decomposing hand appearing from a toilet! The Julies – realising that Natalie’s body must be causing a blockage – manage to convince Hollamby that stress and overwork are causing her eyes to play tricks on her. With Pat locked up on the block it looks like they’ll have to fix it themselves before a plumber is called.
When the sewers spill out through the loo in their cell, Phyl and Bev join Janine and Tina in the dorm as a temporary measure and it’s a good job too because Janine has gone into premature labour and hasn’t even realised! When Hollamby ignores the cell alarm, Bev is forced to step in as a make-do midwife. But the labour is difficult and without medical help, Janine and her tiny tot may not make it.
Julie S makes her way down into the Larkhall drainage system and nearly has the fright of her life when she encounters Natalie’s badly composed corpse. As much trouble in death as she is in life, Natalie is now blocking the drainage grate and it’s down to Julie to carefully clear what remains of her out of the way. As Julie loses the contents of her stomach, Donny loses his rag when he comes face to face with Hollamby. He holds her solely responsible for the fact that Janine and the baby nearly died. Hollamby can’t believe Donny’s insolence and promptly suspends him from duty.
It’s been a tough day on G-Wing but matters get a whole lost worse for Hollamby when the ghost of Natalie Buxton appears to her in a dream. Natalie has decided to pay Hollamby a visit to congratulate her on her latest spate of evilness. People hate Hollamby even more than they hated her and that demands respect. As Hollamby’s personal ghost of Christmas present, she takes her on a tour around Larkhall, culminating in a trip to G-Wing. A huge party is in swing… and why? The answer lies underneath the prison, deep inside the rotting drains – Hollamby’s dead body.
Christmas Day dawns. It’s snowing outside and Hollamby is full of seasonal goodwill. She’s determined to mend her ways and starts by heading straight for the MBU. Both mother and baby are doing well and are flabbergasted when Hollamby makes a heartfelt apology. Back on G-Wing, nobody can believe it when old Bodybag turns up with a new tree and bottles of wine. Pat, newly reinstated from the block, suspects that Hollamby is suffering from a brain tumour… although that would probably be one Christmas miracle too far! Or is it? It seems that Hollamby has one more surprise up her sleeve, as Julie S finds out when David, Fidelity, and baby Ashanti arrive for a visit.
After receiving an emotional answer phone message, Bobby Darren brings his partner, Brian, along to Larkhall to meet his mum. Hollamby’s delighted and finally, all seems to be forgiven. The Christmas spirit may be flowing, but as she is quick to remind Phyl and Bev, it’ll be back to business as usual tomorrow!