As the cash tills ring, it's another busy Christmas Eve at Valco Warrington. Gavin is delighted! Not only does it look like Valco are going to smash the all-time highest takings record, but he's also found a kindred spirit in new star employee Tim.
As the doors open on a new year, Valco has rolled out a new uniform. Cheryl is delighted to see that Gavin has turned a real corner when it comes to coping with change.
With the launch of 24 hour opening imminent, Gavin is forced to interview for a new night manager. He's less than impressed and when scatty, shambolic candidate Lou crashes into his office it might be the final straw.
After Gavin and Cheryl's wedding venue cancels, Gavin is left in charge of the wedding plans, a decision Cheryl soon comes to seriously regret. It's also Lou's induction and with Gavin's mind on other matters, Katie is left to show Lou the ropes.
It's a big day for Valco Warrington: the launch of Valco 24. As Gavin struggles to hand over the keys to Lou, Sue is stunned to learn that Linda has volunteered to work a night shift-until she meets hot new night worker Craig.
Gavin and Cheryl are stunned when Gavin's mother, Lillian pays a surprise visit. As Gavin proudly gives her "the tour" it soon becomes clear that she doesn't exactly share Gavin's passion for all things supermarket or his outlook on anything really.
Arriving to an evacuated Valco, Gavin is horrified to learn that there's been a fire in the store on the night shift. As Cheryl questions Lou's ability, Gavin starts to seriously reflect on his actions.
After Lou learns of Gavin's devious plan to set her up to fail, Gavin is mortified and sets about throwing everything he's got into making Lou a "capable supermarket night manager!" But with Cheryl hugely suspicious, is it too little too late?
As Lou works out her notice period, things between Gavin and Cheryl are at rock bottom. Desperate to make amends and with the wedding imminent, Gavin must make a decision regarding his future at Valco.
