Neighbours

During the chase they find themselves hiding out in an alleyway. Pressed close to each other, there’s an unmistakeable moment of strong attraction – which Lucas won’t ackowledge.

Unsure of how to respond to Zeke’s profession of love, Sunny tries to run and hide – but can’t escape Donna’s ideas about how to return his feelings. Sunny finally confesses that it’s not the gesture that’s worrying her, but the fact she’s not sure how she feels about Zeke. Bridget advises her to just be honest and Sunny finds her own way to express how she feels.

With school about to return, Bridget faces the competing demands of motherhood and a scholastic career. In trying to do so, she finds common ground with Kate, who knows what it’s like to feel out of place in a teen world.

Steph is bewildered by Lucas’ refusal to acknowledge what happened between them and fears she may have damaged a good friendship. Feeling guilty about his gambling and his treatment of Steph, Lucas throws himself back into life with Elle. However, when she falls asleep during their romantic night in, Lucas can’t resist the temptation to join the local poker game and ruthlessly chases a win. Steph arrives to find that he’s annihilated the competition and questions whether his gambling is getting out of control. Lucas accuses Steph of blowing things out of proportion because she can’t accept that he doesn’t return her feelings. Hurt Steph has no choice but to retreat but, back at home, Lucas gambles his poker winnings over the internet. Does Lucas have a problem?

Bridget and Declan prepare for their first day back at school as new parents. Bridget’s determined to make it work, but she knows she’ll have to be ferociously organised and discipline. Steve tries to make her see that she needs some fun in her life, along with her new responsibilities and studies, but stubborn Bridget refuses to admit that she might not be able to do everything. As well as parenting and studying, she somehow finds time to reach out to Kate as well. But is Bridget expecting too much of herself? And what will happen to her ambitions under the pressure of being a new mother? 

Kate is similarly nervous about her first day at Erinsborough High. Relieved to realise that she isn’t the only one who has some catching up to do, Kate starts to fit in but her joy is short-lived. As the others make plans to hang out after school, Kate is forced to accept that her family responsibilities mean she won’t be joining in.

Libby and Dan hope for the best as Toadie faces the hospital board again. But when he warns he’ll use public opinion in their fight, Dr. Brian Rode threatens to publicise embarrassing information about the Kennedy-Fitzgeralds. Rattled, Toadie keeps this secret from Libby, and is relieved when she and Dan decide they can’t afford to fight the hospital. However, when Bridget hears what’s going on, she stirs the women of Erinsborough to take grass roots action. Worried, Toadie reveals what’s at stake, but brave Libby insists she’s not afraid of being shamed. As the protest heats up Miranda pleads with Bridget to back down. But stubborn Bridget won’t – and finds herself under arrest! 

Dan, in the grip of severe needle phobia, struggles to support Libby as she continues taking her medication. When Ben chooses to do a school assignment on Lucas rather than his step-dad, it’s another blow to Dan’s ego. But as Lucas confronts his past racing glory, he worries his best days are behind him. Feeling unworthy of Ben’s admiration, he takes it out on Dan and the two brothers butt heads.

Susan’s ongoing hormone treatment is taking its toll on her emotional state. When Harry tentatively reaches out to her, her mood swings drive him away. She fears she’s blown her chance to get through to him. 

In the fallout from Bridget’s arrest, Declan points out that Bridget is trying to do everything – be super-mum, a super-student and a good friend. He’s worried for her – will she have any spare time to enjoy life, or be with him? But Susan helps her see that she doesn’t need to give up her dreams of becoming a doctor – she just needs more time.

Susan and Karl are faced with a dilemma over whether or not to give photographs of the protest to the Erinsborough News. If a story runs, the hospital might retaliate and air their private life in public but if they don’t go to print, all hopes of the IVF process being reinstated will be lost. After an attempt to corner Dr. Brian Rode fails, the Kennedys are convinced they have no other option but to go ahead with the story. Despite Karl’s concerns about Paul’s ethical shortcomings, they entrust him to print the article and photos. But unexpectedly, the hospital caves and reinstates the Kennedys’ IVF treatment with the proviso that there’s no further media coverage. Can Susan and Karl convince Paul to hold the story? 

Callum doesn’t understand why he’s drawn to Sophie... but he is. Toadie convinces him to approach her but uncomfortable Sophie rejects Callum’s offer of a play date. Callum’s hurt until he realises that he has another appeal for Sophie – his irresistible new puppy. Sophie and Callum find a way to relate – all thanks to Rocky the pup.

Libby’s thrilled that the IVF process has been re-instated but there is yet another setback when Susan reveals that Paul’s refusal to pull the article about the hospital protest could still derail the process. Drawing on the family’s support, Libby decides to forge on, as Elle upbraids Paul for undermining her authority at the paper - yet again. Paul finally relents and buries the story, but is shocked to hear that Elle is determined to quit Erinsborough News.

When Mickey reveals he’s going to New York with his Mum and Dad, Lou and Callum are upset to be losing their friend. Callum comes up with a plan to force him to stay, but finally realises how important it is for Mickey to be back with his parents.

Ringo discovers Declan is becoming a responsible Dad when he insists on putting the needs of his daughter ahead of their friendship.