HOMEFRONT SEASON 1 EPISODE 3

UK / ITV-1 Network / 1×60 minute episode / Broadcast Thursday 11 October 2012 @ 9.00pm

Writers: Jan McVerry, Sue Teddern / Director: Ian Bevitt

Series: Homefront
Season 1 Episode 3

Claire (Claire Skinner) is storming through her month’s trial at work. She’s juggling plates and winning, well, apart from the overflowing bin, sink, wash-basket and the arbitrating between her son Sam and warring stepdaughter Millie.

Tasha (Antonia Thomas) is also back at work but when client Julie mentions her husband Tasha dashes out. Salon Manager, Dan (Philip Broadbent) tells her that grief is bad for business and she tells him to stick his job. Cheryl (Lorraine Ashbourne) encourages Tasha to think about setting up her own business with Matt’s insurance payout; they could do it together. Cheryl can’t help but gloat to Paula (Clare Higgins) and touts the idea of a move to Spain, which is news to Tasha. The thought of losing Alfie breaks Paula’s heart.

Claire, Louise (Nicola Stephenson), Tasha and Cheryl swap stories on a girls’ night out. Claire is proud of her new job, but still has to tell Pete (Greg Wise). Cheryl let’s slip about Tasha’s pregnancy and Louise gushes about Joe’s (Warren Brown) turnaround and the promise of an army free future. Julie (Carla Henry) can’t bear to see her friend being made a fool of so tells her straight – the affair is still on. Louise doesn’t want to believe her but the damage is done and the night is brought to an abrupt end. Claire drives Louise home only to find stepdaughter, Millie (Rosie Day), who was meant to be babysitting, in a state of undress with boyfriend Rob (Michael Socha). Claire is livid. Millie begs her not to tell her father. Claire agrees as long as she ends the relationship immediately. During a call home Louise questions Joe about the affair, his silence speaks volumes and she calls time on their marriage.

Pete (Greg Wise) returns from Afghanistan on his R&R and Claire barely manages a kiss before he is dragged away by his CO. Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Spalden (Christopher Bowen) warns Pete about Matt Raveley’s inquest and how older brother, Tom (Chris Reilly) is planning to change his witness statement, which could have disastrous consequences for the army and Pete in particular. Pete vows to smooth things over. Glad to be back in the bosom of his family Pete is shocked to discover that Claire has a job and will be working through his R&R; he asks if there
are any other surprises he should know about. Millie keeps her head down.

Paula, desperately trying to hold on to Matt, commissions a portrait as a surprise for Howard. He’s alone when the portrait arrives and sobs his heart out. Paula returns to see the painting taking pride of place on the living room wall. She hates it, it isn’t her son and won’t bring him back. Meanwhile, Matt’s widow, Tasha receives a letter confirming the inquest date. She rushes in to tell her mum only to find her between the sheets with her ex from Spain, Glen (David Hounslow). Tasha knows that she can never compete with the men in Cheryl’s life. Cheryl leaves for Spain and Tasha is left sad and alone.

At the Barthams’ Millie can do no wrong now daddy’s home and Sam (Ceallach Spellman) can’t bear playing second fiddle any longer, he slips away unnoticed. As Claire gets ready for a dinner party at the Mess, she finds a strip of contraceptive pills in Millie’s room and it’s clear she’s not cooled off the relationship as promised. Claire is torn but plays the dutiful and beautiful Officer’s fiancée at the Mess dinner until she is served by Rob (Michael Socha). Far from being a schoolboy he’s a man, a soldier and it dawns on Rob that he’s been sleeping with the Major’s daughter! Claire feigns a migraine and Pete escorts her home. Pete overhears Millie and Claire rowing and discovers that his baby girl has been taken advantage of. Claire later discovers that Sam is missing; she was too wrapped up in Pete’s daughter to notice that her own son had gone and a question mark is left hanging over their future together.

cast
Nicola Stephenson as Louise Mancetta
Antonia Thomas as Tasha Raveley
Claire Skinner as Claire Marshbrook
Clare Higgins as Paula Raveley
Lorraine Ashbourne as Cheryl Davies
Christopher Bowen as Stuart
Warren Brown as Joe Mancetta
Philip Broadbent as Dan
Victoria Carling as Lydia Spalding
George Costigan as Sgt Howard Raveley
Rosie Day as Millie Bartham
Dean Anthony Fagan as Adam Smeeton
Daniel Francis as Sgt Carl Haleford
Mackinley Guest as Hannah Mancetta
Carla Henry as Julie Desford
David Hounslow as Glen
Ocean Priest as Grace Mancetta
Joe Simpson as Chris
Michael Socha as Rob
Ceallach Spellman as Sam Marshbrook
Amy Strange as Keeley
Greg Wise as Maj Pete Bartham