Features: Episode Guide: March 2001

The following episode guide has been written (where possible) after re-watching the episodes in question. These episodes are immediately obvious because they feature screen captures alongside. Where there is a guide that is accompanied by images of the title sequence it means that the episode has not been viewed and that alternative sources have been used.

Episode: 001 Transmitted: 05- 03- 01 : Written by Deborah Cook

Its all “go” for Rocky, who is a porter down – “but he’s not complaining”. It is also the biggest day of Deputy Manager Jake’s life, surpassing his wedding to wife Tracey by a country mile. He is about to secure himself a 30% share in the family hotel – that is if the contract turns up from the seller.

Mysterious teen Phil Berry arrives at the hotel. When the bike he is riding runs out of petrol, Phil goes looking for supplies in (handyman) Bradley’s shed. Having caught Phil in the act, Bradley is surprised when Rocky offers Phil the job of temporary porter. Not everybody is pleased by Rocky’s initiative, especially spoilt Nicola Russell who finds herself kissing him in full public view on the car park.

Despite his mind being on matters of business, Jake’s body is elsewhere when he meets a pretty young bridesmaid at the wedding reception being held at the hotel. It appears this is yet another chance for him to cheat on his long suffering wife. “She understands him” – apparently.

Upon returning from his liason, Jake is shocked to discover that hotel shareholder Jill Harvey has returned to Crossroads with an unexpected announcement – she has decided NOT to sell her shares after all.

Episode: 002 Transmitted: 06- 03- 01: Written by Deborah Cook

Despite her father’s refusal to let them borrow a porter, Nicola and Chloe get Phil to row them to the island in the boating lake and then have the nerve to leave him hanging on for hours on end while they take photographs for a school project.

Hotel owner Kate discusses life at the hotel with Jill, which starts off amicably enough but hends up with Kate telling Jill that she will fight her if she has to. Jill tries to get back into contact with her estranged daughter Sarah-Jane, but has no luck.

Des and Minty found themselves on the wrong side of fierce head chef Billy again when their attempts tp defrost the freezer go very wrong. Meanwhile it appears that the sous chef Joanne and the barman Ray have a relationship that is more than just professional…

When their boat is sent floating across the lake, Phil is forced to wade out to rescue it. To make up for it, Nicola offers to dry Phil's uniform in her apartment. Unfortunately this leaves him with nothing but a towel on – just as Kate and Patrick come home…

Episode: 003 Transmitted: 07- 03- 01: Written by Gupreet Bhatti

The news of Phil’s appearance in the Russell’s apartment without clothes spreads around the hotel – although uncharacteristically Virginia the hotel gossip appears uninterested in this latest piece of trivia. Only Nicola's brave intervention saves Phil from getting the sack.

Jake gets a nice surprise when he finds out that Jill is penniless and wastes no time in cutting up her useless credit card. When Jake orders Beena to work on the night of her 18th birthday, little does he know he's opening up a can of worms. An upset Beena reveals to Jill about Jake's recent indiscretion with that bridesmaid…

In an attempt to entice Beena to their party, Des and Minty set about stealing a bottle of Tequila from the hotel stores.

Jill has no hesitation in bringing up Jake’s “meeting” with the bridesmaid when he challenges her about her unpaid bill. Their blazing row is witnessed by most of the staff - including Tracey herself who says that this time Jake's gone too far.

Episode: 004 Transmitted: 08- 03- 01 : Written by Jenny Lecoat

Jake is busy trying to sort out the fallout from Jill’s revelations the night before. Tracey is having none of it and another row ensues – this time overheard by their emotional son, Scott. It appears the only respite he has from his turbulent family life are his mis-adventures with schoolmate Dan. This time their plan involves holding Des and Minty’s party booze to ransom – a scheme that first amuses and then frustrates the hapless kitchen duo.

Jill sets out to see her estranged daughter Sarah-Jane but having failed to pluck up the courage to get on the train she finds herself distracted, as ever, by the bottle. One long session later and she's in a bad way. Handsome handyman Bradley spots her tottering out of the pub and takes her back to Crossroads, although this is something he may just regret…

In the hotel reception Jill meets Jake and Tracey who miraculously appear to have patched things up and are celebrating their anniversary with a family meal.

The extremely drunk Jill gets into an acrimonious confrontation with Kate and Jake over her unpaid bill. It appears that someone else wants to book the executive suite. It is possible that a sober Jill may have been able to talk her way out of this, but the drunk one just slaps Jake around the face. Understandably Kate asks her to leave as soon as possible

Episode: 005 Transmitted: 09- 03- 01 : Written by Jenny Lecoat

Jill wakes from the night before as fresh as a daisy – if only her actions could be so easily forgotten. She finally gets enough courage to visit her estranged daughter Sarah-Jane but it's not the happy reunion that she had hoped for. Jill is heartbroken on her return to the hotel at not having had the chance to see Sarah-Jane. She is further upset when Kate repeats her demand that she leave the hotel immediately.

Having agreed to Scott and Daniel’s demands, Des and Minty regain their alcohol in exchange for an invitation to the party. It turns out to be just as dramatic as any good drunken occasion should be, although Daniel's joy at being there is shortlived when his brother Tom spots him.

During the party Des and Minty are distraught to find Beena in a steamy clinch with hotel chef Billy – she was after “something different” – and it appears that she found it – although “Prawn Cocktail crisps” was first on her list. Mandy is even more distraught when Ray and Joanne admit they are engaged.

The party is brought to an abrupt end when a concerned Kate sends Patrick to find out why there is no staff and why there have been complaints about noise from the hotel guests…

Episode: 006 Transmitted: 12- 03- 01: Written by Alison Watt

Rocky’s day does not start well – he’s busy having trouble with his supplements  - not the vitamin kind – the ones that go in the weekend papers. Having reached her limit with Jill, Kate demands that she check out and she instructs Rocky to escort her from the building.

Billy and Beena stayed tight-lipped about the previous night but with Des and Minty both devastated at seeing their ideal girl snogging Billy, he can’t resist strutting around the kitchen – much to Joanne’s dismay. Are there hints of a deeper relationship between them? Later Beena bets both boys a tenner that they won’t be able to “pull” before Friday. Patrick speaks to Nicola about spending time with the staff “I don’t want you mixing – it sends out the wrong message.”

Rocky, Mandy, Doris and Beena are all busy doing their jobs – and desperate to get into the executive suite - but there's no sign of Jill. When they finally decide to go in they find Jill collapsed in the bathroom with an empty bottle of pills next to her. An ambulance is called and the shareholder is rushed to hospital which leaves Kate feeling guilty (not knowing that Jake had a greater part to play). Doris accompanies her old friend to hospital while Kate tries to get information over the telephone.

Jake speaks to a contact over the phone and asks “What would happen to her share if she died?” On hearing the news he seems very keen to get in touch with the elusive Miss Sarah Jane Harvey. Tracey reminds Jake that if she does die that he was “the last person to see her alive.”

Finally Kate gets news from the hospital: Jill is NOT responding to treatment. Perhaps this is the end…?

Episode: 007 Transmitted: 13- 03- 01: Written by Peter Milligan

Kate is still reeling from Jill’s suicide attempt although personal feelings have to be left aside when gossip starts spreading among the staff. Jake and Kate try to enlist Billy’s help in quashing the rumours although he enjoys the opportunity to involve busybody Virgina.

Minty and Des turn their amorous attentions elsewhere. Minty tries (and fails) to chat-up a young Irish student whilst Des set his sights on Mandy. Neither seems to be making much progress – although perhaps Minty is having more luck than he realises…

Valuables are stolen from a guest's bedroom. It's the second theft in as many days and Beena encourages everyone to point the finger at new boy Phil Berry. He shows himself to be a little bit hot-tempered by flying at Minty following an ill-advised remark. Needless to say this only adds fuel to the fire…

It seems that Minty and his student are destined not to be together when the note she leaves for him is thrown away by an absent minded Virginia. Elsewhere a Miss Sarah – Jane Harvey turns up at the Crossroads Hotel to visit her mother. Surely Jake wouldn’t take advantage of this situation..?

Episode: 008 Transmitted: 14- 03- 01: Written by Lisselle Kayla

In their apartment Jake and Tracey talk about Jill’s newly arrived daughter. Tracey asks what Sarah Jane is like “I dunno” he says… “Oh so she’s attractive is she?” asks Tracey – she obviously knows her husband too well! On reception, Rocky and Virginia discuss the leaving party for housekeeper Wendy. “Who’s taking her place?” asks Rocky. “Surely it will be Doris!” Virginia seems less keen on the idea.

At the hospital Sarah Jane is on the phone arguing with her boyfriend. She goes on to say that she stayed the night in a B&B. Clearly Mick is not happy with the situation. “She IS my mother” she says. Finally she reveals that she has no plans to go back home – it seems he’s been in trouble with the police once too often!

The staff are unhappy about the CCTV that Rocky has set up in the staff room. Billy takes matters into his own hands and argues with Patrick in reception… Apparently Mr Russell had no idea. Later this leads to a huge argument between Jake and Patrick. Bradley takes refuge from the extra CCTV by hiding in the laundry with his Aunty Doris. He is busy helping Tom choose an audition piece for young Daniel. “When are you going to get yourself a nice girl?” she asks. He changes the topic and tries to convince her to apply for Wendy’s job.

Jill leaves hospital – unsteady on her feet. She returns to Crossroads supported by Sarah Jane. They are met by Jake – doing his very best to smooth things over.  Sarah Jane agrees to stay at Crossroads for a couple of days to look after her mother. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you better” says Jake to an (obviously interested) Sarah Jane.

Episode: 009 Transmitted: 15- 03- 01: Written by Charles Lambert Hewitt

Kate and Patrick talk about Billy’s supplies – he’s going to have to make some cutbacks – apparently a 31 year old Balsamic Vinegar is pushing things slightly too far!

Mandy goes on her date with Des and much to her surprise enjoys herself. Meanwhile, Rocky's new security cameras land him in hot water with Virginia when she's unwittingly filmed trying on one of Beena’s racy little tops in the staff room! The kitchen staff waste no time in teasing her – and unsurprisingly Rocky ends up feeling the full force of her wrath!

Desperate to find out about his new young friend, Rocky tries getting information from Phil about his family life. The mention of his father sends him scurrying away as though there is something he wants to hide.

Jill meets Sarah Jane in the hotel reception and she orders champagne to celebrate their newly developing relationship. “A relationship” is certainly what Jake Booth has in mind…Later, in the salon Sarah Jane meets Mrs Jake Booth who makes it very clear that she wants her man all for herself.

Jake decides the time is right to speak to Jill. She tells him that now adamant that the shares should stay in the Harvey family. Jake seems more than happy with this arrangement and begins the charm offensive. He offers Sarah-Jane her own room - an idea that's quickly vetoed by Kate and Tracey.

Episode: 010 Transmitted: 16- 03- 01: Written by Charles Lambert Hewitt

At the hotel management meeting Patrick wants progress in catching the hotel thief. Kate is more interested in the “Jill Harvey situation” as the Executive Suite bill is mounting steadily. Jake offers to speak to Sarah Jane and delights in revealing Jill’s cash flow problem. Sarah Jane is astonished. She speaks to Jill who reveals that most of her money went on John’s (her ex husband) medical expenses. Sarah Jane wants to know how a woman with no money can be given the Executive Suite and a bar tab…

Billy is furious to discover that his food order has been tampered with – and that all of the expensive ingredients he needs have been vetoed in favour of cheaper alternatives. He initially refuses to accept the order and when that doesn’t work he slams a chunk of meat onto the reception desk.

Rocky reveals his elaborate security investigation to Patrick. Despite the colour-coded and “post it note” festooned records there is nothing significant to report. Later Rocky takes a box of chocolates to Virginia to apologise for the incident with the cameras.

Hormones are also racing among the hotel’s teen employees too. Chloe continues to gush about her date with Phil, much to Nicola’s annoyance. Mandy is definitely unsure about her budding romance with Des and Minty is not too thrilled at losing the attention of his best friend either.

Having a grumpy chef is not the only staffing problem for the hotel when Virginia calls off sick with a migraine. Fortunately Sarah-Jane Harvey steps in to do a late shift with Jake and they end up chatting intimately. Jake reveals that her mother isn’t completely broke… she still owns 30% of the hotel!

Episode: 011 Transmitted: 19- 03- 01: Written by  Fred Lawless

Rocky looks decidedly sheepish as he enters the hotel office. Virginia is discussing another theft with Mr. Russell … This time petty cash from behind reception. Patrick is unimpressed with Virginia when she reveals that she left the key in a drawer –Rocky is quick to leap to her defence and offers to go through the CCTV footage. He also has the ulterior motive that Phil was on duty the night before – and is therefore Patrick’s number one suspect!

Whilst visiting Bradley in the shed, Minty sees an advert for a hotel football league. The idea for “Dynamo crossroads” is born.

Jake agrees to accompany Tracey on a shopping trip. Tracey is relieved that with Virgina’s return to work there will be no need for Sarah Jane to cover any shifts on reception. “I’m sure she’s very willing” quips Tracey.

In the executive suite, Jill goes through some papers and finds her hotel bill. She does what anyone down on their luck, and struggling for cash does… She screws it up and throws it into the bin.

Later Mandy goes into the executive suite accompanied by love-struck Des. Rocky sees them on the CCTV and rushes off to catch them up to… whatever it is that young people get up to in hotel rooms. Des launches himself onto the bed “Care to join me?” he asks. Mandy is unimpressed and refuses, before finding the discarded bill in the bin… just as Rocky enters the room. The head porter swoops on the bill and rushes off with it…

In reception Patrick is in a flap as Jake has sold the wine that has been ordered for a Rotary Club meal. Patrick intends to pay special attention to the Rotarians in the hope of securing a place on the committee. When the replacement wine delivery arrives – it is brought by Adam Chance (ex husband of Jill Harvey). “You know I’ll never let you down – not my style” he declares. Adam asks Patrick whether he can pay cash for this delivery since his PA has already made up this month’s bill. Patrick agrees and asks Adam to call back later. Doris is stunned when she sees Adam in reception.

Sarah Jane arrives in reception and Kate asks to speak to her in the office. When Kate hands her the bill she claims that she “must have dropped it”

In the laundry Kully asks Doris whether it is true that she has applied for the housekeepers job – but before they can continue Virginia arrives in a very unhappy mood… The guest in room 174 has creased sheets! “Maybe we should get somebody else in to do it” teases Virginia. Doris is having none of this and suggests that Virginia should try doing the laundry. “I wouldn’t be seen dead working in a place like this” she scowls.

In the restaurant Beena the waitress is chatted up by a Rotarian, who gives her the details of a modeling agent friend.

During his break, Rocky buys flowers for Virginia – in a further attempt to cheer her up. Instead of handing them to her, nerves get the better of him and he dumps them on reception. Virginia starts to imagine that she has a secret admirer – and first on her list is suave Adam Chance.

Rocky and Phil return to studying the CCTV and they are stunned to see Minty sneaking behind reception on his hands and knees. It appears they have caught the hotel thief red-handed… and of course, they can’t wait to show Jake Booth their discovery.

Back in their apartment, Patrick and Kate discuss the day’s events. Sadly it seems that his dreams of getting on the committee are not to be – although on the positive side the Rotarians have booked again for next month “Jake isn’t the only go getter” he claims. Kate tells Patrick that Jake is feeling down following Jill’s refusal to sell him her shares. Kate suggests that they sell a third of their shares to him instead.

Adam arrives back at the hotel for his cash… and catches sight of Jill. He rushes off – stunned that she has returned. 

Episode: 012 Transmitted: 20- 03- 01: Written by Tankita Gupta

Des tries to get Minty to stir from his bed, but the threat of dismissal following the CCTV images implicating him in the hotel thefts is enough to make him hide away under his Aston Villa duvet. Des tries the threat of Billy’s wrath, but Minty knows the CCTV evidence must be convincing – even if the truth was they were planting a bowl of water on top of Rocky’s door.

In their apartment, Patrick is busy mulling over Kate’s suggestion of selling Jake a share in the hotel. Reluctantly he agrees and Kate is overjoyed – on the condition that Nicola and Mark inherit the rest.

On reception Rocky speaks to Virginia who is busy looking at her flowers – little realising they are from the shy porter himself. Virginia believes she knows who it is – the lovely Mr. Chance!

In the office Billy talks with Jake. It seems that he has arranged a better deal with his meat supplier. They discuss the evidence linking Minty to the thefts. Billy asks whether the sacking can wait until after lunch as he needs him in the kitchen! Later Kate comes in and tells Jake that Patrick is willing to sell the shares. Jake is stunned.

On hearing the news that she needs photographs to show the modeling agency, Beena hunts round the hotel for a likely photographer and luckily Bradley offers Tom’s services. Her next port of call is Tracey, where she asks whether Tracey can make her hair “cool” – like Sarah Jane’s. “Well in that case… book yourself into a dog parlour!” Tracey fumes.

Ray and Bradley ask Billy to join in the football team but he refuses - leaving Bradley as captain, coach and one man team. Later Billy is embarrassed into joining the team when Kully teases him that he is probably too old anyway!

Adam arrives at the hotel and speaks to Virginia. Despite having to let her down about the flowers – she reveals to him that Jill’s husband John has died and that she is at the hotel with Sarah Jane. Later he engineers a “surprise” meeting at the bar…

Des returns to his room “Billy is going ballistic” he tells Minty. Des tries to persuade him to go and see Mr. Booth but Minty is having none of it. Later Des tries going to see Jake himself but he is not willing to listen. “The longer he stays away the guiltier he seems”

In the office there is a family celebration to welcome the new partner in the hotel – “To Crossroads, the Russell family and our new shareholder” declares Kate.

In the laundry Doris shows Bradley her interview letter – “Its years since I had an interview” she worries. Bradley tells her that she will be fine but she isn’t convinced. To change the subject Doris talks about Virginia “She should have got married and had children…” Bradley knows this a pointed message for him – if only Doris knew…

In the café Chloe is busy discussing her upcoming date with Phil. Her excitement reaches new heights when Phil comes in looking for Minty – Although from the furtive glances it  seems that he is more interested in Nicola.

In reception Mandy is dressed up, and looking beautiful ready for her date with Des – but when he arrives he has to call it off – it seems that Minty has disappeared and he needs to look for his friend. Meanwhile Minty sits in the hotel shed - Cold and hungry.

Episode: 013 Transmitted: 21- 03- 01: Written by Tankita Gupta

In the Russell apartment, Kate, Patrick and Nicola are looking at a postcard from Mark who is “busy doing nothing”. Nicola is unimpressed.

Somewhere in Walsall Sarah Jane stands outside her apartment block. She pulls out her mobile phone and makes a call… Meanwhile, back at Crossroads Jill looks through old photos - until she is brought back to earth by the sound of the phone… It’s Adam making absolutely sure that his ex wife will still be meeting him for lunch.

In the staffroom Des apologises to Mandy about standing her up the night before. “We can do it another time,” she suggests. Des tells her that he is going to see Mrs Russell in the hope that she can save Minty’s job. Ray bursts in - having been for a jog round the lake. Des tries suggesting that Phil is guilty rather than Minty but Mandy is too busy looking  at a half-dressed Ray. “It’s a shame Des isn’t as fit as Ray.” she later tells Kully.

In the office Minty goes to see Jake, but rather than this resolving the situation – a cornered Minty snaps… “I quit” he declares. Jake isn’t entirely unhappy with this result. “You’ve got 48 hours then I want you out.” he replies.

In her flat, Sarah Jane grabs cash and a savings booklet before stuffing clothes into a suitcase. Just as she leaves the phone rings but she ignores it. Finally she throws her door keys onto the bed.

Jill is busy trying on clothes for her lunch-date with Adam when Doris comes in with some fresh towels. “The sight of Adam puts me in a state” she admits.

Outside the hotel Rocky asks Phil about his date with Chloe. Phil admits that he switched off after a while. Later, at the café, Chloe’s version of events sounds a lot different. “I had a great date with Phil,” she swoons.  “I felt as though he was listening to every word I said – he didn’t jump on me like most blokes.” When Phil conveniently enters the café there are yet more snatched glances between he and Nicola. Later still Phil tries to sort out Rocky’s love life when he tells Virginia that the flowers were from his friend – “I don’t think so” she replies.

Jill’s lunch date with Adam goes well. He clearly enjoys talking about his financial success although her decision to use a previous surname confuses him… “Why Harvey? Not Chance?” he asks her.  “I always liked the name Harvey” she tells him. Sarah Jane arrives back at Crossroads in time to see Adam and Jill arrive back from their date.

Beena arrives back from her meeting with the modeling agency with bad news. They don’t accept “snapshots” – Fortunately however they can offer her a deal on some studio shots and all for the bargain price of £250.

In her interview Doris handles the questions really well – her experience shining through. Kate is clearly impressed – even if she did put your age down as “56” on the application form!

When walking down a hotel corridor Phil is just in time to catch Nicola Russell coming out of a guest’s bedroom. It seems that Patrick should have looked a little closer to home when it came to the hotel thief!

Episode: 014 Transmitted: 22- 03- 01: Written by Tim O’Mara

Things are looking up for Minty when Des bursts into the café with the news that there has been another theft at the hotel – putting him in the clear! Minty is unsure that he wants his job back, but after a hearty breakfast he changes his mind.

At the hotel, Phil tries to speak to Nicola about seeing her sneaking out of a room, but before he can arrange anything Patrick arrives on the scene to send his daughter to school and Phil off to work. Patrick and Kate then discuss the latest hotel thefts. “That clears Minty” says Patrick.

At the café Dan continues to sulk that Scott has been chosen for the school play. Tom suggests that Dan help out with the lights – but Dan points out is for dorks. Later he receives good news when it turns out that one of the cast members is ill and he is needed as an understudy.

Kate reminds Jake that being a good boss is about earning the respect of your staff… a piece of advice that seems to have passed him by when Minty arrives at the hotel. “It seems you got it wrong” Jake accuses Minty before trying to persuade him that he should have stuck to his guns instead of throwing in the towel.

Kate and Patrick discuss the whereabouts of Sarah Jane Harvey. Patrick assures Kate that she promised him the money for Jill’s bill would be arriving shortly… Kate is less than convinced – so when Sarah Jane arrives she nearly has to eat her words – until Sarah reveals that she only has enough cash to pay half of it… for the time being.

Kate goes into the kitchen to tell them there has been an extra booking for a party of twenty for the evening. She welcomes Minty back with a smile – and a reminder that an Aston Villa shirt is no substitute for whites. As she leaves Mandy arrives to congratulate Des on playing his part in getting Minty his job back. Des takes the opportunity to rearrange the missed date – Mandy agrees but looks less than happy about it.

Jake is presiding over the reception desk as Sarah Jane walks past. He teases her over the expense of the executive suite but she is quick to point out that part of the bill has been settled. Jake takes the opportunity to remind Sarah Jane that one solution to the Harvey family cash flow problems would be to sell him their share in the hotel. Sarah Jane points out to him (not that he needs reminding) that with his current share – and Jill’s share – he could be the majority shareholder in the hotel. “Where does that leave me?” she asks.

Rocky tells Phil that he has relieved a phone call from an anonymous yet abrupt caller. Phil doesn’t seem interested. “Is there anything you want to get off your chest?” asks Rocky, but Phil doesn’t want to say anything. Later Rocky receives another call. Phil again refuses to speak but eventually tells Rocky that the caller – Shaun – is hassling him because they had planned to get a flat together before Phil pulled out.

Sarah Jane goes to see her mother in the executive suite to inform her that she has paid half the bill. As Sarah Jane is quick to point out, Kate is hassling them for the rest. Jill wants them to stand “shoulder to shoulder” but at the moment Sarah Jane is more concerned by the fact that Adam Chance is sniffing around. “Have you told him about your share in the hotel?” she asks. Jill and Sarah agree that it’s best if he doesn’t find out… although Adam seems to be something of a fixture at the hotel. He and Patrick discuss the Rotary Club and pressures of work…Inevitably the conversation turns to the Russell’s sleeping partner – a certain Jill Harvey! “I take it she’s a shareholder then?” he asks nonchalantly.

At the modeling agency, Beena and the owner look over her professional shots. “Shame,” declares the woman “You’re not right”. Beena is upset that she has paid for the photos but that she will get nothing from it. However, as the woman points out – there is always the option of glamour modeling – if only Beena could “build on her assets” Beena is tempted…

In the bar Adam walks up to Sarah Jane. “The last time I saw you I was 8 years old, in a bridesmaid’s dress” she tells him. “I don’t think we’ve got a lot to talk about… do you?” Adam tells Sarah that he has been thinking about Jill and he suggests that she take a flat in the area. Sarah assures him that she has no intention of leaving Jill on her own.

Rocky and Phil call in at the café for a snack. Chloe pounces on Phil to ask when they are going to go on their next date. “Its me he wants to talk to…” gloats Nicola. “Something very important!”

Patrick goes into the kitchen with the news that a conference is running late. He asks Billy whether he can stay on to cover the extra 40 guests in the restaurant. Billy reluctantly agrees and informs Des that he will have to stand Mandy up again… Des is understandably unhappy with this so Patrick arranges with Phil to cover in the kitchen – much to Des’ relief… and Minty’s annoyance.

On the reception desk Kate and Patrick reminisce over their first conference – and the carefree life they could be leading. They decide on a date – chips and a film – followed by the evening in a posh hotel…

If only romance wasn’t quite so lacking for Des and Mandy either. As they leave the restaurant on their way to the bus stop he puts his arm round her before lunging in for a kiss. She is not impressed.

Back in the kitchen the inevitable argument develops between Minty, Billy and Phil – resulting in punches being thrown… just as Patrick comes in…

Episode: 015 Transmitted: 23- 03- 01

Phil finally pins the blame on Nicola as he catches her red-handed in a hotel room. But that's not the only thing he pins on her as they end up in a passionate embrace. Oooo-er.

Other people have the motives moved by matters of romance too. Jake offers Sarah-Jane the receptionist's job in an act of terrible ageism against the lovely Virginia. This means she's shunted into the position of housekeeper, yes the position that hardworking, loyal Doris Luke was coveting. This upsets Doris and angers Patrick, but he's ineffectual. Virginia is not happy at being demoted in her eyes.

Beena's not the tallest girl ever to consider modelling. In fact, lovely though she is, she's too short for the catwalk. That means the option left open to her is glamour modelling. Strange how too such lovely words can have an entirely different aura when conjoined. Should she do it?

Episode: 016 Transmitted: 26- 03- 01

Following that hot clinch between Nicola and Phil, he’s dumped Chloe. Could it be that true love is in the air for the upstairs-downstairs couple? And how is that going to affect Nicola’s bestie-friend status with Chloe?

One person who’s not full of the joys of spring is Kate Russell. She’s come back from a conference and is furious at Jake’s new staffing arrangements what with Sarah-Jane on Reception and Virginia in the Housekeeper's position. Sarah-Jane’s ousted Virginia from reception, which in turn leaves Doris without that well-deserved promotion. The cheek of it.

Sarah-Jane’s considerable charms have not only managed to get her a place on reception, it’s also got her bed-and-board. She’s sweet-talked Jake into letting her move into Mark’s unoccupied room in the Russells’ flat. Oh the cheek of it. Although its only a temporary measure, of course.

Episode: 017 Transmitted: 27- 03- 01

Rocky's Mrs Marple-like antics (seraching staff bedrooms and the like) in pursuit of the thief have caused righteous outrage amongst the colleagues. But it's not only the workers who come under his magnifying glass - the search is being extended to management quarters. Phil races to warn the light-fingered Nicola who manages to stash away the swag just in time in a rather handily provided laundry bag.

Mandy finds some of the loot in the laundry bag and rather naively decides to sport a necklace from the haul. Patrick spots her and she becomes the latest in a long line of suspects.

It's not as if Patrick doesn't have enough tension in his life as Sarah-Jane's residence in the Russell family apartment continues to cause friction. Tracey's seen off many a strumpet in her time and isn't about to let Sarah-Jane break the Booths. She gives Ms Harvey a warning in no uncertain terms. Jake, however, has a mind of his own

Episode: 018 Transmitted: 28- 03- 01

Jake "my wife understands me" Booth is all set to make his move on the delectable Sarah-Jane Harvey. But lo, his plans are foiled as step-brother Mark Russell makes a surprise return from his travels to find her in his room. Jake probably won't be happy to see Mark, but for the females at Crossroads, it’s a welcome addition to the hotel. He’s absolutely gorgeous.

Poor little Mandy is devastated to be sacked for thieving. Phil urges the real culprit Nicola to do something to help her. As time passes, the guilt factor creeps up on Nicola but can she stop it from forcing her to own up?

Patrick’s made a big boob in accusing Mandy, but Beena’s got other boobs on her mind. Following the words of advice from that dodgy modelling agency, she’s now after a quote for a surgical enhancement to her chest.

Episode: 019 Transmitted: 29- 03- 01 – Nicola confesses all!

Ray and Joanne go house hunting in King’s Oak, but it appears that things are not as cosy as they might be. Could it be that Ray is not as keen on the relationship as he once was – or is he having doubts?

Nicola is upset when she meets a jobless Mandy in the street. Unfortunately being accused of being the hotel thief has had far reaching implications – no reference – no job. Things are going better for Nicola’s brother, Mark who continues to flirt with the ladies at the hotel.

The Russell's find themselves sharing food and small talk with Jill Harvey and Adam Chance at the worlds worst dinner party. To make matters worse, Nicola chooses to drop a bombshell…. Stung by guilt over poor Mandy's plight and annoyed by her dad's continuing distrust of Phil Berry, Nicola confesses to being the real hotel thief.

Patrick is, understandably, shocked to find that his darling daughter's not such a darling after all.

Episode: 020 Transmitted: 30- 03- 01

Mandy looks like the cat who got the cream when Kate offers her her job back. Things get even better when (in an attempt to make amends) she also gives her a room at the hotel… Its just a shame that Joanne had already earmarked that room for her and Ray.

Jill’s decides that she’d like her involvement in the running of the hotel to extend beyond running up a big bar tab. Kate therefore offers her the job of beauty salon receptionist.

Adam successfully talks Jill out of giving her 30% of Crossroads to Sarah Jane. Later he warns Sarah-Jane that when it comes to scheming he is always one step ahead…

Back in reception, the man responsible for the security of pop group STEPS  has a meeting to discuss their forthcoming arrival. At the Crossroads Staff meeting, Nicola confesses that it is she that is the hotel thief.

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Thanks to:

Natalie King for providing copies of episodes 6 – 10

Martin McDowell for providing copies of episodes 11 – 18

From which screen captures were taken to illustrate this page.