Heartbeat - Touch and Go

23 December 2007 @ 8-9pm on ITV1.

At Ashfordly Police Station, Mason (Joe McFadden) hands over the spare keys of the police house to Sergeant Miller (John Duttine) and admits he's feeling apprehensive about the move down to London and wants to stay in Aidensfield.

Miller says it's too late for him to stay as his replacement PC Don Wetherby (Rupert Ward-Lewis) is due at any moment. While Miller is persuading Joe to take up his placement and give the Met a go, an enthusiastic PC Wetherby turns up.

Later, as Mason drives Wetherby to the police house, he proceeds to make Mason feel worse than he already does by raving about the beauty of the Yorkshire Moors. He can't understand why Mason would want to leave, not realising Mason clearly is having second thoughts.

Elsewhere, Nurse Carol Cassidy (Lisa Kay) attends Ashfordly Grammar to visit the children to administer vaccinations. When Jimmy Masters (Dominic Holmes) takes his turn, Carol becomes concerned about the boy's well-being when she sees numerous bruises on his body. Is there more to Jimmy's bruises?

Jimmy's father, Max Philpott (Daniel Ryan), scrutinises the line of boys waiting outside the office, before meeting with the headmaster. Max wants to see Jimmy, but things aren't as straight forward as they seem, especially as Max hasn't seen his son in four years. Legally the headmaster has no choice but to deny Mr Philpott the visit. Will Max be able to speak to his son after all these years?

At the police house, Wetherby is overwhelmed by the house and pleased there is enough room for his wife and kids. As the pair discuss the job, Mason can't decide if he likes the new village bobby. When Mason introduces Don to Bernie (Peter Benson) at the garage, Bernie isn't sure how to take to his manner. Will the new constable make a better impression on the other villagers?

Over in the Aidensfield Arms, Lord Ashfordly (Rupert Vansittart) is encouraging the villagers to support Nurse Cassidy's appeal for a dialysis machine for Ashfordly Hospital. Everyone is supportive and quick to suggest ideas for fundraising events.

After numerous ideas, the group decide to host a quiz show, with Oscar (Derek Fowlds) as the host. As all are agreed on the idea, Lord Ashfordly makes a kind donation. He offers to double the prize money. Will the quiz night be a success and raise the funds required?

That afternoon, Max, arrives at the Aidensfield Arms at the same time Mason is introducing everyone to Wetherby. As Gina (Tricia Penrose) serves Max a drink, Jimmy's step-father, George Masters (Rupert Proctor), arrives late with the delivery of eggs.

He sees Max at the bar and stops in his tracks. Without any provocation, George lunges at Max and begins to shower him with punches. Mason and Wetherby pull the two men apart. Eager to take control of the situation, Wetherby promptly arrests George, a move which Mason feels is inappropriate. Believing Wetherby is overreacting, but unable to change his mind, Mason reluctantly escorts George to the police station. Max is determined to press charges against George, but will the charges stick?

Elsewhere, Miller receives a phone call from the school about a suspected case of child abuse. Bellamy (Mark Jordon) reluctantly heads off to meet Carol at the school. When Carol informs Bellamy some of the bruises on Jimmy are weeks old and not as recent as he suggested, their suspicions are raised and they decide to visit Jimmy's parents. Will they find the answers they need?

Over the next couple of days as Carol and Bellamy delve deeper into Jimmy's circumstances more questions are raised about his wellbeing. As the true reasons for his injuries begin to surface, Max and George continue to argue particularly after Wetherby tells Max that George has been violent towards his son.

Determined to take Jimmy back to Rhodesia with him, Max becomes unhinged and violent. Taking Jimmy away from his mother at gunpoint, he threatens anyone that comes near, including Bellamy, Mason, Wetherby and George.

Concerned for the boy's wellbeing, and stepping into the line of fire, Bellamy tries to talk Max around and take control of the situation. Unable to calm the menacing father, Bellamy's life flashes before him as Max pulls the trigger on the gun. Bellamy falls to the floor, and dies in Joe's arms.