28/11/2022

Ben’s been called in for a one-to-one with his university tutor. She’s got some concerns, not only with the standard of his work but the fact that he’s not been his usual positive self. She wonders if she can help. Ben apologises and says he’s had some stuff on recently that’s been distracting but promises to improve. When she suggests the university counselling service and other support, Ben says he’s ok. The thing he was dealing with is done now. Pip tells Stella she’s worried about Ben, and that Ruth and David still aren’t talking to Jill. And she’s dreading picking up Rosie from school; she’ll find out her school Christmas Nativity part today and she desperately wants to be a sheep. Later Pip tells Stella that Rosie’s distraught – she’s got the part of a spider. When Stella suggests finding a way to show Rosie that the spider is the star of the show, Pip agrees but wonders how? Pip catches up with Rex, telling him Ben’s really stressed and hasn’t been out for ages. Rex suggests taking Ben fishing again and later drops in on Ben. But Ben says he’s got too much uni work to do. When Rex mentions Pip’s worried about him, Ben says he’s fine. Rex tests Ben on his coursework, but Ben’s really hard on himself. He worries he’ll be kicked off his course when it’s the one good thing in his life. He asks Rex to leave him to study. Rex says he’s there if Ben needs anything.