Season 4 Episode 18 Episode 220 Sky One Transmission Date: Sunday 11th February 2001 Written By Richard Davis Directed By Steve Finn

Nikki Eddie, Danny, Campbell Danny, Maria Lynda, Lizzie, Ray Eddie, Maria

GS: Roger Frost (Ken Hadley) Maria Kitson (Claire Tyler) Nikki Peggs (Nina Muschallik) Pawnbroker (Michael Lunney) Trevor Cutler (V/O) (Stephen Rashbrook) Still on cloud nine he is waking up next to Maria, Eddie lets slip it is his 25th birthday tomorrow. In training, Campbell lets Danny know Maria has returned to sink her claws into Eddie. At a meeting with Roger, Lynda is presented with the month's payroll, which makes uncomfortable reading being quarter-of-a-million more than last month. Roger adds it’s bonuses for wins and goals, plus appearance fees up now they are seventh in the table, not to mention the returned Eddie’s wages. Roger tells Lynda they can't sign it off until they've spoken with the bank, as it will take them past their overdraft also having paid Chelsea the second lot of money for Jamie. Lynda is confused as they should have the money from Marseille for Didier, but Roger informs her it isn't there. Ray gets a call from his opposite at Villa, John Gregory, with an enquiry about selling Fletch, and Ray tells him Fletch isn't for sale. Ray sneaks into Lynda's office and finds a fax from Villa, hiding it from Lynda. In the boutique section of the health club, Tash attempts to use two of her cards, but both are declined. Jamie is stunned to learn he owes fifty grand to his bookie when he tries to place yet another bet. Lynda calls Trevor Cutler who turns down her request for a temporary increase of £300K on their overdraft, while Marseille are seemingly avoiding her calls. Tash and Lizzie discover just who Maria is when she appears at the Barrons and introduces herself as Eddie's girlfriend. Roger recommends Lynda remove all due bonuses for the players, as it will cover them until the Marseille money comes through. Campbell is annoyed when Maria is hanging around the house, and voices his opinion that Maria spiked Danny at the party. Eddie flips and has to be held back by Danny from fighting Campbell, ordering him out of the house. Danny tells Campbell he will stay in the house, as if they both go Maria will have won, and Campbell goes to stay with Monday while Siobhan is away. Jamie bluffs his way through Tash's questions about the bank refusing her cards and where their Porsche Jamie has pawned has disappeared to. Ray sends Andy to fetch a video of Newcastle from his car, and Andy happens upon the Aston Villa fax Ray is keeping. Andy asks Ray why the club wouldn't want a six-and-a-half million bid for Fletch, and Ray replies without Fletch they won't make Europe. Maria walks around in the Italian national team shirt she got Eddie for his birthday, and comes onto Danny kissing him. Maria then warns Danny he better not cause trouble, otherwise she will tell Eddie about he kissing her, reminding Danny Eddie has already gotten rid of Campbell. Jamie continues gambling, and even has to ask Fletch to lend him five grand. Eddie holds his birthday party in a packed Studs, and Fletch and Scott realise Eddie's new love is the gold-digger from the party. Jamie runs into more trouble when Tash wants to go to Bermuda this summer like he promised for their honeymoon. Lizzie arrives and when Tash asks is Kitty back, Lizzie turns to look at Ray and Lynda before remarking Mrs Wyatt is definitely back. Danny brings Campbell over to Eddie, where he says he wants to apologise for what he said. Eddie can't stay mad at Campbell for long, and soon the boys have made up, as Maria watches on irked. The lights dim and Eddie makes a speech to the crowd, calling on an uncomfortable Maria to join him on stage. Eddie talks of how Maria has made him a better player since he has returned and gets down on his knee. Eddie pulls out a ring and asks Maria to marry him, which she is taken aback, reminding him they have only known each other a few days. Eddie says that doesn't matter to him and he loves her, so Maria says yes, as Campbell and Danny watch on in horror, and Maria herself knows she is now deeper than she planned. Notes: Best Known For: Michael Lunney appeared in the TV movie “The Widowmaker” (1990), “Blackpool” (2004) and shortly after this DT appearance the recurring role of Detective Jim Garland in “Crossroads” (2001). He has been the Artistic Director and Producer of Middle Ground Theatre since it’s founding in 1988. The Best: Maria at the same fitness class as Tash, and Tash unimpressed at Maria wearing the same top as her. Lizzie going right up to Lynda and Ray at Eddie’s birthday, and can’t resist bringing up Kitty's whereabouts to Ray, before turning to Lynda and asking whether she's put on a bit of weight. Quotes: Victoria (to Prash, on seeing through Maria): "You can just see the tackiness oozing out of her can't you? Little tramp!". Tash (to Maria): "I know where I've seen you before, you were at that Christmas party weren't you? Your slapper mate ain't here is she?!" while Maria denies Donna Friend is her friend. Foreshadowing: Nina Muschallik makes an early appearance behind the counter of the health club. She is a regular from 5.1 Passports Out onwards, with it stated in 5.8 From Russia With Love that Nikki Peggs had worked for the club for two years, likely the health club is a part of the HUFC empire. Additional Info: Harchester sit on 66 points and need 78 to qualify for the Champions League, which they can achieve the 12 points needed with four wins. Soundtrack: Luciano Pavarotti & Placido Domingo: "Nessun Dorma", Stone Roses: "I am the Resurrection" and “One Love”, Air: "All I Need",  Binary Finary: "1999", Veracocha: "Carte Blanche", Darude: "Sandstorm" <<SE04 EP17 |  Season 4 Main Page | SE04 EP19>>