Waterloo Road (2006) s05e09 Episode Script
Series 5, Episode 9
Do you reckon Mum'll be allowed to come home straightaway in Miss Mason's car? I I don't know.
I don't think that's really how it works, Em.
When she comes home, we'll start again, just the three of us.
No rows and no secrets.
Fingers crossed.
Morning, girls.
Lindsay, are you all set? We don't have to leave for a while but I'll meet you back down here.
What are you doing? I moved out.
- What, into your car? - In a hurry.
I tried to have a conversation about the details of the divorce, moving out, the whole process It didn't go down too well.
And you slept in there? Yeah, well, we finished arguing about 3:30.
My options were limited.
Lindsay, you going to another funeral? - Leave it, Michaela.
- What's your problem? She's going to court, isn't she? Today? It'll be better than telly.
Reckon we can watch? You are joking.
Double English or watching Lindsay's mum get banged up.
See you.
Can't you just leave her alone? Er, no.
It's gonna be great.
Did you hear about Jo? That Outstanding Teacher award? It's amazing, isn't it? I suppose Max will have something to say.
He's not in yet, but I assume he'll be jumping at the chance to make a speech.
Can you keep a little eye on Emily today? Yeah, course.
If there are any problems, just give me a call.
- OK.
- Good luck.
Hey.
Lindsay.
How are you feeling? Yes, all right.
Nervous.
Yeah.
Shall we get going? Actually, just give it a minute, then come in after me, yeah? - Are you ashamed of me? - No.
It's just You know what everyone's like.
It'll be gossip gold if we arrive together.
Just give it a minute.
Trouble getting out of bed this morning? No.
It's not like that.
Of course it isn't.
Morning, everyone.
I'd like to announce and start the day by congratulating Jo Lipsett.
Some of you may know she's been nominated for an Outstanding Teacher award.
Needless to say, I'm delighted He's left his wife.
Is that what he's saying? unerringly focussed on progress and He turned up on my doorstep with all of his stuff in the back of the car.
taking the MFL department from strength Men like Max know what they want, they get it and they move on.
Be careful, Kim.
Jo, you are the bastion of good-quality teaching here at the new Waterloo Road.
We're all very proud of you.
Well done.
Go steady, eh? You'll be showing the rest of us up.
Well done, Jo, that's brilliant.
Was I boring you, Steph? Kim and I had a lot to catch up on.
Yes.
I hope you're not sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong.
Well, you know us girls.
We tell each other everything.
Listen to each other, keep an eye on each other, that sort of thing.
Kim's a good friend, so obviously I'm going to look out for her.
That's the way I am and you'll get used to it if you're serious about her.
Make sure you look after her.
Eh? Otherwise I shall have to hunt you down like an animal.
Yes.
Hi, Miss Mason.
Hi, Lindsay.
All ready? Yeah, I think so.
We'll be starting soon.
Your mum will go in first, and when we're ready for you this gentleman here will come and get you.
You can go in, too.
Turn left and sit in the public gallery.
Public gallery? How many people will be watching? Just put it out of your mind, Lindsay.
Answer as many questions as you can as best you can, and try to ignore everybody else.
Jo? I'm made up for you.
An award-winning teacher on our team.
Thanks, but I haven't won anything, actually.
Yet.
Anyway, this calls for a celebration.
Let me be responsible for some fizz sur la glace.
So, congratulations.
Thank you, Steph.
This is just not my kind of thing, but thank you anyway.
For? It was a kind gesture but you could have warned me, Max.
Who said it was me who nominated you? That might be seen as improper.
Oh, well, thank you to whoever it was, then.
I saw Steph making a fuss.
Oscar-winning performance there.
I didn't think she was putting on a show.
Having a member of her department heralded like this only serves to highlight her own failings.
Hey, Chris, just the man.
The man in charge.
Today strikes me as a good day to get a few things sorted.
Such as? I'd like to pull Steph Haydock in for a chat for one.
A chat? About what? I'm a bit concerned about her attitude of late.
I'd just like to check in on her.
- I think we should wait for Rachel.
- I'd like to do it today.
I don't think we need to bother Rachel unless you have a problem with me talking to my own members of staff now.
- No.
- Good.
Good.
Michaela! - What are you doing here? - She'll need to see a friendly face as well.
Ditch the school stuff.
I don't want to get chucked out because of you.
Come on.
Come on, let's not do this.
What? You've got to be joking.
I'm not.
This isn't right.
It's sick.
Sick? It's awesome.
Can we go in now? There she is.
Who's that? It's my aunt.
My uncles.
I don't want them here.
They hate mum and they hate me.
They can't hurt you, Lindsay, you know.
Just be strong.
Ignore them, pretend they're not there.
He showed deep wounds to the torso, starting in the front, mid-abdomen, and running round the left side of his torso to the back.
He died from a combination of major organ failure and blood loss.
She must have gone crazy.
What do these injuries suggest to you about the state of mind or the intentions of the person who inflicted them? The pattern of the wounds suggests Mr James was turning away to defend himself or escape.
There were lacerations to the hands, too.
Told you this would be better than the telly.
How are you feeling, Emily? - What? - Are you OK? She's stressed out cos of her mum an' that.
It's the trial.
Lindsay's at the court with Miss Mason to decide whether to let her out or bang her up.
- Yes, I know, Denzil.
- (Knock at door) Is that for me? I'll be fine soon.
Mum'll be coming home.
Lindsay came upstairs.
She was in a panic.
She said she had something to tell me.
She was so terrified.
I'd never seen her like that before.
At first, I didn't believe it.
What did she say? She told me what Tony had been doing to her when I wasn't around.
Mrs James, I know this is hard, but can you clarify? Doing what? He was abusing her.
A summons.
(Tuts) Stephanie, what have you done? Has anyone got one? Maybe you've won one of those Outstanding Teacher awards as well.
Hilarious, Grantly.
It says: To discuss your performance.
- Ouch.
- Why is he picking on me? I don't understand why you're always so paranoid.
Give it time.
Em had just come down and I didn't want her to know about any of it, so I went and I got the kids out.
You sent them to school? It was the first day of term.
Lindsay didn't want to go but I made her.
And what happened next? I snapped.
There was a knife on the side.
I picked it up and I must have stabbed him.
I don't I don't remember, really.
I just wanted him to stop.
Lindsay James, please.
Now? - Now, now? Is it now? - Yes, and you're going to be fine.
I'll be in the gallery rooting for you, OK? It will be all right.
I'll take your stuff.
Go on, Lindsay.
You wanted to see me.
Come in.
Is there something wrong? Well, yes.
The thing is, Steph, we've got a bit of a situation here.
As you know, Jo has been nominated for this teaching award.
That's good, isn't it? Yes, I'm glad you're happy for your colleague.
However, Jo's nomination has shone a spotlight on the Modern Foreign Languages department and illuminated certain unacceptable weak links.
What unacceptable weak links? Please take the Bible in your right hand and read the words on the card out loud to the room.
I swear by Almighty God that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
He said that I was this close to being out on my tod.
Clearly that Outstanding Teacher business has gone to her head.
So, what now? I thought maybe you could have a word.
- With Jo? - With Max.
He listens to you and Jo listens to him.
Yeah.
And? Surely he can pull rank.
Wasn't it you that was saying to me this morning that I should be keeping away from him? I wouldn't ask you, Kim, if I really didn't need the favour.
Yeah, OK.
I'll talk to him.
He's certainly pulling out all the stops.
Mm.
I really want it to work, it's just After everything that's happened, I just need him to take it slowly.
Max doesn't do slow, Kim.
He's persistent.
I just don't want you to end up on a daytime talk show.
"I slept with my married boss.
" Don't you have somewhere to be, Steph? I'm um still on my free, actually.
Pastoral Care's for the pupils, not the staff.
When did he start behaving in a sexual way with you? When I was about Em's age, about 11.
Why didn't you tell your mum from the start? Cos he said I'd be destroying the family.
I didn't want my mum to get hurt.
Did you ever see, with your own eyes, your dad hitting your mum? Yeah.
Yeah, loads of times.
Um once I came downstairs er He didn't used to shout, he was just kind of hitting at her, you know, like, really mean.
But quiet, so he didn't wake me and Em up.
I saw him.
He was kicking her.
She was lying on the floor and he was kicking her in the back.
So, why did you choose this particular morning to tell her? - I had to tell her.
- You had to tell her? Why? Had he threatened you? Miss James? Is there anything you're not telling this court? I just couldn't take any more.
Steph seems to think that you're not exactly her biggest fan and she's not known for her discretion.
And I'm so petty I'd let it cloud my professional judgement.
- Is that what she said? - Oh, come on.
You can't blame her for feeling a little bit paranoid at the moment, can you? I can blame her for using you to get to me.
I know she's a good friend of yours but she's a rotten teacher.
She's certainly not the kind of person you should be listening to, Kim.
You've got to start trusting me.
You do trust me, don't you? I tell you what.
I'll have a word with Jo, try and dissuade her.
OK? No promises.
Nice flowers, by the way.
Someone must be head over heels.
Hey.
I heard you had a meeting with Max earlier.
Yeah, and I think I got the message loud and clear, thank you.
How's your special day going? Yeah, good, thanks.
I've been so busy I've hardly had time to think about it.
- The press have been on to me and everything.
- Really? Well, you know what they say.
It's windy at the top.
On the morning of your father's death, what time did you leave the house? Like I said, earlier than usual.
My mum made me go to school early.
She wanted me and Em out of the way.
- That's understandable.
- Yeah.
So you got up, got dressed, had a big row with your father, you went and told your mum about all these years of abuse, then your mother came down, got breakfast, got you and Em out to school all in time to have a massive argument with your father and eventually kill him.
And this all happened in 15 minutes? Um l-I don't know.
You told us you got up at 7:30am.
Yeah.
The estimated time of death is 7:45am.
You can see my confusion.
So, what did you do between 7:45 and 9am? I just went to school early.
Ah, not according to the school.
No, you didn't get there until after registration.
Haven't I answered enough questions yet? We have two witnesses who have testified to seeing you leave the house at about 8:20am.
That's a good half-hour after your father's death.
Can you explain that? I'm not answering any more questions.
- Lindsay, were you there? - No! No, I wasn't.
I suggest you were there.
Before, during and after your father was killed.
- No.
- Yes.
You were there.
In the half-hour that follows, your mother got you to cook up some story about a violent, abusive father.
She got you to lie in order to win the sympathy of this jury.
Is that not the case? - Will you leave her alone! - It wasn't like that.
She didn't tell me to say anything.
What was it like at school that morning, Miss James, knowing that you had to keep that awful secret? I wasn't keeping a secret.
It must have been very tiring, very stressful, sitting there, knowing that your father was lying on the kitchen floor dead.
I didn't.
I didn't do anything.
Will you leave me alone? - Leave me alone! - Stop it! Please, just stop it! I'm not saying any more.
Let me out! (Knock at door) - You wanted to see me? - Hey.
Come in.
Take a seat.
So, what's up? Listen, Jo, I know it's never nice to hear this sort of thing but I had Steph in here earlier, and she wasn't exactly acting like your biggest fan.
What did she say? I can't go into details but you shouldn't be surprised.
She's not exactly a team player, is she? No, but we've been through a lot together.
I thought we were over any trouble.
She's jealous.
She's jealous that you're her boss, that you're younger than her, you're more capable than her.
And this award nomination, it's just about pushed her over the edge.
To be honest, I think we might be running out of options with her.
She has the worst record of any member of staff I've ever had.
But she's showing genuine improvement.
All these courses she's been on, she's really really trying, Max.
Yeah, and you've done more than your fair share to keep her in this position.
But today, today she's showing her true colours.
Let me talk to her.
If you talk to her, she'll be on her best behaviour for the next two days, you'll tell me you're making progress and then all of a sudden we'll be back to square one.
It sounds like you're suggesting we get rid of her.
Let's let's let her cool off for a bit, get over the sour grapes of this nomination.
It's your day, Jo, you should be enjoying it.
OK? I'll go back and have a little chat with her.
Right.
Give it up for the boxing bard, Waterloo Road's poetry pugilist, the one, the only, Bolton Smilie.
Yeah, man! Go on, Bolton, son.
Nah.
Come on, we proper want to hear it, don't we? - Yeah.
- You're not hearing anything until it's ready.
I'm a perfectionist, innit.
Anyway, Ryan's the star of the show.
Do some Budgen or something.
Yeah.
(As Budgen) 108 years in this bubbling cesspit of a learning institute, and do I get any thanks from the little miscreants? No.
That's so him.
Do some Haydock.
Haydock.
(Clears throat) Translate for me, please, into French: Does my bum look big in this? Miss Haydock, what's the French word for "bum"? Bum, hm.
I don't know if I know it.
Er, Phil, mate.
Er, bum.
Let me think for a sec.
Boom.
Er, les boom, huh? Not funny? Very funny.
Very funny, Ryan.
A word.
Les boom boom! Come in.
- That was very funny, Ryan.
- Thank you, sir.
- Are you going to do it at the show? - I probably shouldn't.
No, I think you should.
Take a seat.
I imagine Miss Haydock's a rich source of material.
- I suppose so.
- Mm-hm.
And not always firing on all cylinders.
Yeah? Would you like to do me a favour? OK.
Well, between you and me, it'd be very useful if I could know a bit more about when Miss Haydock's performing well and when she's performing not so well.
Particularly the last bit.
Right.
It's my job to know what's going on but I can't be in every lesson all the time.
- Can I? - No.
So, it would help me if you could give me a few examples of I don't know, times when Miss Haydock's grasp on discipline has not been all it should be, or, say, when her grasp of the French language is a bit shaky.
I don't know about this.
Which bit don't you know? It just doesn't seem right.
I'm your Executive Head.
If I say it's right, it's right.
There's nothing in particular.
Miss Haydock's all right.
I was just having a laugh before.
Does your entire family lack ambition? - Sorry? - Sorry? Oh, I see.
You think I'm being unreasonable.
- I didn't say that.
- Then why will you not do what I'm telling you? I just can't, OK? Where do you think you're going? I haven't finished with you.
That was clumsy, wasn't it? You'd best stay on my good side for Miss Mason's sake.
You'd best serve her by buckling down.
I'll do it.
Good lad, Ryan.
Good lad.
You're the head teacher, aren't you? What exactly do you teach people at that school? I'm sorry, I don't understand what you mean.
Why's Lindsay telling all those lies? Can you imagine how much it hurts our family? What about my mum, listening to her granddaughter spouting that kind of filth.
I do appreciate, it can't be pleasant hearing that about your brother, but I just think right now Lindsay needs the support of her family, doesn't she? As far as I'm concerned, she's no niece of mine.
There's no point having this conversation.
I am sorry.
She's a liar.
- Where is she? - She's in a private room.
She's fine.
- It'll give her time to calm down.
- Can I see her? Down the corridor, third on the left.
Thank you.
Miss? Michaela.
I don't know what you two were thinking, coming here today.
We didn't know.
I thought it was gonna be a laugh.
Miss, I feel so awful.
It's a really awful situation, but you two need to get back to school now, OK? Right now.
And, remember, what was said in there today was not meant to be shared with you, so if either of you ever mention a word of what you heard - No way, Miss.
- No, we won't.
Come on.
Yeah? Get back to school.
OK.
And then Miss Campbell's like, "Ooh, Mr Tyler, let me paint you in so many lines that will just capture your essence.
" And he's like, "Miss Campbell, it will be my pleasure.
Clothes on, or clothes" - Lauren? - Sambuca Kelly.
Funny, is it, to mock your teachers? No, sir.
Is it funny to gossip and lie about the people who bend over backwards to lift you and the rest of your feral family out of the gutter? I wasn't gossiping.
Play games with me again, Sambuca, and your whole family will suffer.
You're vermin.
I'm not helping my mum at all, am I? You shouldn't even think about that.
Why not? It's why I'm here, isn't it? You're here to help prove what happened.
What's Em going to say? If I go back and Mum's been done for murder, eh, cos of me? I promised her, I promised her.
It wouldn't be because of you, Lindsay.
None of this is your fault.
What your dad did to you was horrific.
You're not responsible for any of it.
- Aren't I? - No.
And you don't owe your mum or Emily anything at all.
Other than to tell the truth.
That's just it, Miss.
I haven't told the truth.
Come on.
Hiya.
Emily's joining me today.
I thought I'd give her a behind the scenes tour.
- I'm big brother while Lindsay's not here.
- A role that suits you so well, Chris.
If you need me to take over, I can do.
I'm fine, thanks.
I'm enjoying it.
Erm, shall we have a little digestif? Yeah.
Not on my account.
I'm just leaving.
Steph? Can I have a word, please? Yes.
You're the boss.
I'm getting the impression that things have been said It's funny, because I'm getting exactly the same impression.
Right, well, I think we should have it out, then.
Oh, I get it.
Let's engineer a big blow-up so that Steph looks unreasonable.
No.
I think we should just keep our distance, don't you? Do you know what, I don't like being made to feel like I'm the bad guy.
I'm sure, what with you being such an outstanding teacher and everything.
I didn't have you down as the jealous type.
Can you two pipe down a bit? And I didn't have you down as a backstabbing Judas.
Well, I suppose it takes one to know one, doesn't it? It makes you realise that you never really know a person, do you, Jo? Steph.
St What's going on? Steph? She's been behaving like a complete spoiled brat ever since this damn nomination was announced.
And do you know what else? Max is gunning for her.
If she carries on like this, she isn't even going to make it through the day.
Where does that slutty cow get off? You didn't exactly do yourself any favours back there.
Well, I've not noticed you doing me any favours either.
I did my best, OK? It doesn't make me look great, trying to pull strings with the boss.
I'm so sorry to embarrass you in front of your boyfriend.
At least I know where I stand.
Maybe if you'd shown some restraint in the first place, you wouldn't be in this mess.
God, you're even starting to sound like him now.
There's something that you need to know.
About that morning.
OK.
It it didn't happen the way they're saying.
Right.
So how did it happen? Lindsay? Were you there? Were you there? Did you see it? Yeah.
Yeah, I was right there.
You saw your mum do it? I'm sorry, I don't understand.
What is it you're trying to tell me? My mum's not a murderer.
I know she isn't.
I know that.
She just did what anyone might have done.
No, she She didn't do anything.
OK.
My mum didn't do anything.
I did.
I killed him.
Tell him what Mr Tyler said, what he called you.
He called me vermin.
Are you sure? What do you mean, am I sure? He said, "You're vermin, you are.
" Can you believe that man? - Vermin's like rats, isn't it? - What had you done to make him call you that? It doesn't matter what she did, Tom.
He's not allowed to call her things like that.
- That's an insult to all of us, that is.
- Are you absolutely sure? Tom, Sam wouldn't make something like this up.
I've a good mind to speak to that Mr Tyler, call him a few names.
Are you sure that's a good idea? Are you gonna do something about it? What, me? Why should I speak to him? You're head of department.
You're more on his level.
- It might be better coming from a colleague.
- Better for you! Please.
Well, um I'll see what I can do.
If you're going back to school, you're going on your own.
I can't face it.
I'm going back in.
If Mason catches you, you're dead.
I don't care.
We can't just leave Lindsay now.
She told Rose.
Rose Kelly.
The dinner lady? Yeah.
Her mum.
She said you called her vermin.
Sorry, I'm confused.
You want me to speak to Rose? No.
So why are you here? Just as a favour.
It's great that you've got time for favours what with your new position.
How's that going, by the way? - It's going all right, I think.
- You think? Well, er yeah.
It's going well.
The job's what you make of it, Tom.
Look at Jo Lipsett, what she's managed to achieve this week.
I can't imagine she's found the time or the inclination to run around after ladies in the canteen.
When Mum comes home, I'm gonna behave myself all the time.
Emily It's good to stay positive and I know that everyone's doing all they can to help your mum.
But you can't be absolutely sure that she will come home right away.
I just don't want you to be disappointed, that's all.
It'll be all right.
Lindsay said.
Miss James.
Do I need to remind you you're still under oath? - If we discover you're not telling the truth - I'll tell you the truth.
I'll tell you the truth right now if you'll listen.
That morning, he'd arranged a trip for me and my mum.
A shopping trip.
He said we deserved it.
But I knew what he was planning.
He wanted Em alone.
Lindsay? Don't.
Please tell her to stop.
My mum was upstairs with Em.
I went into the living room.
And I told him I was not leaving my little sister with him.
He said it was my fault.
That if I'd been nicer to him, he wouldn't need Em.
So what happened then? I tried to hit him.
But he pushed me away.
He shouted at me.
He said it wouldn't just be me who got it.
If I kept making a fuss, my mum would get it too.
I said I'd tell her about us.
But he said she wouldn't believe me.
So you told your mum? No.
I went into the kitchen.
And I picked up a knife.
And when he came in, I stabbed him.
Lindsay, no! (Sobbing) God, no! Mrs James! I killed him.
And I'm glad.
He deserved it.
Please, she's just making it up.
She just wants to help me.
Lindsay! Mum! Mum! I just want my mummy! Miss James, stay where you are.
(Sobbing) I just want my mummy! I just want my mum! I just want my mum! I just want my mum! I hear there was an altercation in the staff room earlier.
I couldn't pretend nothing had happened.
In front of other staff and, I believe, a pupil.
I'm not that two-faced.
Not like Jo Lipsett.
That's your problem - confrontational, unprofessional, difficult to work with.
Rachel won't stand for this.
Rachel can't save you.
You're pretty much washed up.
Your head of department has made an official complaint about your attitude.
Pupils have complained to me about your lesson content and conduct.
And you're out of allies in the staff room.
You can't just fire a teacher like this, surely? I'm not firing you.
I'm suspending you and then I'll fire you.
Anything else? You'll go to your classroom, get anything you need, then get in your car and go home.
And we'll be in touch.
Ah, Steph, I wanted to ask - What was all that about? - Sit down.
I'll fill you in.
What's up with Miss Haydock? She's got a right mard on.
Is everything all right, miss? Yes, yes.
It's just perfect.
Are you going home early? I am going home early, yes.
And just a word of advice for the future, girls.
Careful who you're nice to, cos you know what they say.
No good deed goes unpunished.
What good deed? Ask Miss Lipsett.
Tom! Tom! - Hey.
- Well? Right, I saw him.
And? Maybe Sam's overreacted.
Overreacted? To being called vermin? - We don't know he called her that.
- He's calling her a liar now? No, I'm just saying, we don't know the full story.
Is that why you went to see Max, Tom, to get the full story? And to be fair Look, it sounds like she was bang out of order, the way she was behaving.
Thanks, Tom, you've been a great help! What do you want me to do, give him a bollocking? I thought you might go in there like a man, not a schoolboy.
Do you mind? This shouldn't be my job.
I'm Sam's school teacher - you're her parent.
Yeah.
Thanks for clearing that up, Tom.
I didn't mean it like - We'll talk about this later.
- No, we won't.
I've got kids to look after.
Chris, I can't talk now.
I'm sorry.
I'm gonna have to explain later.
It's quite unbelievable.
What is it that's so urgent? Not Steph? Look, I can't deal with that now.
It's not my main priority.
Chris, I'm gonna have to go.
I'll get back as soon as I can.
Lindsay! - Lindsay! - Michaela! - Can I just talk to her? - Now isn't the time.
Lindsay, I'm so sorry! We shouldn't have fought over gangs.
Please! It was stupid.
We're gonna get you out.
We're gonna get you in the paper.
- She shouldn't have to go to jail.
- I know.
- Will she be OK, miss? - I hope so, Ros.
You two, get back to school now, OK? OK, what's going on? Is this some kind of a joke? An answer, please.
Somebody.
No, it's not a joke, miss.
We're just showing you our backs, miss.
So it'll be easier for you when you decide to stab us in them.
You two, outside.
Now.
Who have I stabbed in the back? Miss Haydock.
We know you had her sacked.
You think you're all that now with the award.
(Sighs) This is ridiculous.
All right? I mean, I admire your loyalty.
And I'm sure she would be very flattered.
But whatever you think you know about myself and Miss Haydock, you've got it all wrong.
There's stuff you don't know, too.
Meaning? If it wasn't for Miss Haydock, you wouldn't even be up for this stupid award.
It was her that persuaded us to do it.
Do what? Vote to get you nominated.
She wanted to do something nice for you.
We shouldn't have listened.
Do you reckon we can de-nominate? - Are you sure about this? - We wrote the letters.
Has Miss Haydock been fired? - Firstly, it's none of your business.
- So that's a yes.
And secondly, no, she hasn't.
So why's she packing up all her stuff and going home? (Door opens) What did you say to Steph? I'm not allowed to discuss Rubbish, Max.
Don't go quoting protocol and procedure just cos it suits you.
Just tell me you did not go behind my back and discipline Steph Haydock.
For God's sake, grow up.
If I had to wait for everyone's approval, nothing would ever get done.
I'd be out of a job and soon you would be too.
It was my understanding you were just gonna have a chat with her.
What is it about Steph that threatens you so much? No, seriously.
I don't know what personal axe you have to grind.
Nothing apart from her appalling professional record.
Why are you so fond of her considering how she acted after your nomination? It was Steph that nominated me for this award.
See? You're not as good at playing people as you think you are, Max.
Divide and rule.
It doesn't always work.
Now what Steph Haydock needs to know is that there's been a mistake.
And that you are very sorry.
You have to be joking.
Or I walk.
I'm sorry to hear that.
You're clearly not the teacher I thought you were.
Lindsay, I want you to listen to me.
In a moment, they're gonna charge you, OK? Now, I don't want you to panic.
They have to do this.
I know.
It's going to sound bad when they say it, but it just means they believe you.
- I know.
It's fine.
- OK.
- Your solicitor's explained? - Yeah.
Yeah, it's fine.
Just do it.
You, Lindsay James, are being charged with the murder of Tony James by stabbing.
You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention now something which you later rely on in court.
Anything you do say may be given in evidence.
Do you understand? Yeah.
Rose.
I'm sorry about earlier.
No, you've nothing to apologise for.
- I do understand.
- I should've been tougher with Max.
No, you've got your career to think about.
You can't jeopardise that over some name-calling.
Listen, Tom.
I can't expect you to be a father to my kids.
And I was wrong to expect you to It's not that, it's just No, hear me out a second.
I know that with everything else going on in your life You're head of department now and you know, the whole dad thing That it's not gonna happen.
And that's fine.
If it makes you feel better, we could call it a break.
See how it goes.
Well? Hi, Philip.
Are you OK? Er yeah, I'm all right.
I just sprained my back a bit.
It's not a problem.
You should see a doctor.
Look, I'm all right, OK? Hiya.
Hi.
What a nightmare, eh? You OK? Big drink tonight.
You can tell me all about it.
Several big drinks, I think.
What's been going on? I don't want to add to your worries but I wanted to catch you before you saw Max.
The Steph thing's got worse.
How? In that it's not just Steph.
What? Jo's walked out in sympathy.
Are you joking? No, I'm not.
I'm sorry, Rachel.
I feel like I've let you down.
No, you haven't.
Emily needed you.
You prioritised perfectly.
- Has she gone home? - Yeah, her auntie's picked her up.
- Is Max still inside? - In his office.
Right.
Good luck.
(Door opens) OK, Max, come on.
Tell me what happened today with Steph and Jo.
I'm simply recommending Steph Haydock's dismissal to the Board of Governors.
She's disruptive and a drag on morale.
I'm doing what should have been done years ago.
In the meantime, she won't be coming in.
Do I really need to remind you about procedure? We have to give Miss Haydock chances to improve her performance but I'd say we're well beyond that.
So why did Jo go? Cold feet.
I'll have a word with her when she's cooled off.
She'll be back in tomorrow.
Yeah, they'll both be back tomorrow.
Excuse me? I'll be contacting them this evening, making it clear that Steph's dismissal was illegal and that I expect to see them both back at school tomorrow as usual.
Where exactly do you get the nerve, Rachel? In case you hadn't noticed, there was a crisis today.
But as usual, you weren't here.
You're right.
I left you alone for one day and there was a crisis.
You should be thankful I had the guts to act and do the right thing.
You don't seriously expect gratitude from me? Are you not embarrassed by your failure to lead this school? I'll tell you what I'm embarrassed about, Max.
I'm embarrassed that it's taken me this long to realise what you are.
You're a bully.
Pathetic, old-fashioned bully.
(Laughter) Well.
This is a meeting of the ex-language teachers.
I'm not sure you qualify.
I'm sure our lord and master has filled you in on how disruptive Steph has been today and how she's failing the school.
Yes, and it's all nonsense and none of it stands.
- I'm not sure he'll agree with that.
- Well, I don't give a toss.
He's trying to run the school like a mini dictator.
It's not happening, so I expect to see you both at school tomorrow.
- Have you cleared that with him? - I don't need to.
I'm the head.
I'm in charge of staffing, you know.
Fancy another? (Exhales)
I don't think that's really how it works, Em.
When she comes home, we'll start again, just the three of us.
No rows and no secrets.
Fingers crossed.
Morning, girls.
Lindsay, are you all set? We don't have to leave for a while but I'll meet you back down here.
What are you doing? I moved out.
- What, into your car? - In a hurry.
I tried to have a conversation about the details of the divorce, moving out, the whole process It didn't go down too well.
And you slept in there? Yeah, well, we finished arguing about 3:30.
My options were limited.
Lindsay, you going to another funeral? - Leave it, Michaela.
- What's your problem? She's going to court, isn't she? Today? It'll be better than telly.
Reckon we can watch? You are joking.
Double English or watching Lindsay's mum get banged up.
See you.
Can't you just leave her alone? Er, no.
It's gonna be great.
Did you hear about Jo? That Outstanding Teacher award? It's amazing, isn't it? I suppose Max will have something to say.
He's not in yet, but I assume he'll be jumping at the chance to make a speech.
Can you keep a little eye on Emily today? Yeah, course.
If there are any problems, just give me a call.
- OK.
- Good luck.
Hey.
Lindsay.
How are you feeling? Yes, all right.
Nervous.
Yeah.
Shall we get going? Actually, just give it a minute, then come in after me, yeah? - Are you ashamed of me? - No.
It's just You know what everyone's like.
It'll be gossip gold if we arrive together.
Just give it a minute.
Trouble getting out of bed this morning? No.
It's not like that.
Of course it isn't.
Morning, everyone.
I'd like to announce and start the day by congratulating Jo Lipsett.
Some of you may know she's been nominated for an Outstanding Teacher award.
Needless to say, I'm delighted He's left his wife.
Is that what he's saying? unerringly focussed on progress and He turned up on my doorstep with all of his stuff in the back of the car.
taking the MFL department from strength Men like Max know what they want, they get it and they move on.
Be careful, Kim.
Jo, you are the bastion of good-quality teaching here at the new Waterloo Road.
We're all very proud of you.
Well done.
Go steady, eh? You'll be showing the rest of us up.
Well done, Jo, that's brilliant.
Was I boring you, Steph? Kim and I had a lot to catch up on.
Yes.
I hope you're not sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong.
Well, you know us girls.
We tell each other everything.
Listen to each other, keep an eye on each other, that sort of thing.
Kim's a good friend, so obviously I'm going to look out for her.
That's the way I am and you'll get used to it if you're serious about her.
Make sure you look after her.
Eh? Otherwise I shall have to hunt you down like an animal.
Yes.
Hi, Miss Mason.
Hi, Lindsay.
All ready? Yeah, I think so.
We'll be starting soon.
Your mum will go in first, and when we're ready for you this gentleman here will come and get you.
You can go in, too.
Turn left and sit in the public gallery.
Public gallery? How many people will be watching? Just put it out of your mind, Lindsay.
Answer as many questions as you can as best you can, and try to ignore everybody else.
Jo? I'm made up for you.
An award-winning teacher on our team.
Thanks, but I haven't won anything, actually.
Yet.
Anyway, this calls for a celebration.
Let me be responsible for some fizz sur la glace.
So, congratulations.
Thank you, Steph.
This is just not my kind of thing, but thank you anyway.
For? It was a kind gesture but you could have warned me, Max.
Who said it was me who nominated you? That might be seen as improper.
Oh, well, thank you to whoever it was, then.
I saw Steph making a fuss.
Oscar-winning performance there.
I didn't think she was putting on a show.
Having a member of her department heralded like this only serves to highlight her own failings.
Hey, Chris, just the man.
The man in charge.
Today strikes me as a good day to get a few things sorted.
Such as? I'd like to pull Steph Haydock in for a chat for one.
A chat? About what? I'm a bit concerned about her attitude of late.
I'd just like to check in on her.
- I think we should wait for Rachel.
- I'd like to do it today.
I don't think we need to bother Rachel unless you have a problem with me talking to my own members of staff now.
- No.
- Good.
Good.
Michaela! - What are you doing here? - She'll need to see a friendly face as well.
Ditch the school stuff.
I don't want to get chucked out because of you.
Come on.
Come on, let's not do this.
What? You've got to be joking.
I'm not.
This isn't right.
It's sick.
Sick? It's awesome.
Can we go in now? There she is.
Who's that? It's my aunt.
My uncles.
I don't want them here.
They hate mum and they hate me.
They can't hurt you, Lindsay, you know.
Just be strong.
Ignore them, pretend they're not there.
He showed deep wounds to the torso, starting in the front, mid-abdomen, and running round the left side of his torso to the back.
He died from a combination of major organ failure and blood loss.
She must have gone crazy.
What do these injuries suggest to you about the state of mind or the intentions of the person who inflicted them? The pattern of the wounds suggests Mr James was turning away to defend himself or escape.
There were lacerations to the hands, too.
Told you this would be better than the telly.
How are you feeling, Emily? - What? - Are you OK? She's stressed out cos of her mum an' that.
It's the trial.
Lindsay's at the court with Miss Mason to decide whether to let her out or bang her up.
- Yes, I know, Denzil.
- (Knock at door) Is that for me? I'll be fine soon.
Mum'll be coming home.
Lindsay came upstairs.
She was in a panic.
She said she had something to tell me.
She was so terrified.
I'd never seen her like that before.
At first, I didn't believe it.
What did she say? She told me what Tony had been doing to her when I wasn't around.
Mrs James, I know this is hard, but can you clarify? Doing what? He was abusing her.
A summons.
(Tuts) Stephanie, what have you done? Has anyone got one? Maybe you've won one of those Outstanding Teacher awards as well.
Hilarious, Grantly.
It says: To discuss your performance.
- Ouch.
- Why is he picking on me? I don't understand why you're always so paranoid.
Give it time.
Em had just come down and I didn't want her to know about any of it, so I went and I got the kids out.
You sent them to school? It was the first day of term.
Lindsay didn't want to go but I made her.
And what happened next? I snapped.
There was a knife on the side.
I picked it up and I must have stabbed him.
I don't I don't remember, really.
I just wanted him to stop.
Lindsay James, please.
Now? - Now, now? Is it now? - Yes, and you're going to be fine.
I'll be in the gallery rooting for you, OK? It will be all right.
I'll take your stuff.
Go on, Lindsay.
You wanted to see me.
Come in.
Is there something wrong? Well, yes.
The thing is, Steph, we've got a bit of a situation here.
As you know, Jo has been nominated for this teaching award.
That's good, isn't it? Yes, I'm glad you're happy for your colleague.
However, Jo's nomination has shone a spotlight on the Modern Foreign Languages department and illuminated certain unacceptable weak links.
What unacceptable weak links? Please take the Bible in your right hand and read the words on the card out loud to the room.
I swear by Almighty God that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
He said that I was this close to being out on my tod.
Clearly that Outstanding Teacher business has gone to her head.
So, what now? I thought maybe you could have a word.
- With Jo? - With Max.
He listens to you and Jo listens to him.
Yeah.
And? Surely he can pull rank.
Wasn't it you that was saying to me this morning that I should be keeping away from him? I wouldn't ask you, Kim, if I really didn't need the favour.
Yeah, OK.
I'll talk to him.
He's certainly pulling out all the stops.
Mm.
I really want it to work, it's just After everything that's happened, I just need him to take it slowly.
Max doesn't do slow, Kim.
He's persistent.
I just don't want you to end up on a daytime talk show.
"I slept with my married boss.
" Don't you have somewhere to be, Steph? I'm um still on my free, actually.
Pastoral Care's for the pupils, not the staff.
When did he start behaving in a sexual way with you? When I was about Em's age, about 11.
Why didn't you tell your mum from the start? Cos he said I'd be destroying the family.
I didn't want my mum to get hurt.
Did you ever see, with your own eyes, your dad hitting your mum? Yeah.
Yeah, loads of times.
Um once I came downstairs er He didn't used to shout, he was just kind of hitting at her, you know, like, really mean.
But quiet, so he didn't wake me and Em up.
I saw him.
He was kicking her.
She was lying on the floor and he was kicking her in the back.
So, why did you choose this particular morning to tell her? - I had to tell her.
- You had to tell her? Why? Had he threatened you? Miss James? Is there anything you're not telling this court? I just couldn't take any more.
Steph seems to think that you're not exactly her biggest fan and she's not known for her discretion.
And I'm so petty I'd let it cloud my professional judgement.
- Is that what she said? - Oh, come on.
You can't blame her for feeling a little bit paranoid at the moment, can you? I can blame her for using you to get to me.
I know she's a good friend of yours but she's a rotten teacher.
She's certainly not the kind of person you should be listening to, Kim.
You've got to start trusting me.
You do trust me, don't you? I tell you what.
I'll have a word with Jo, try and dissuade her.
OK? No promises.
Nice flowers, by the way.
Someone must be head over heels.
Hey.
I heard you had a meeting with Max earlier.
Yeah, and I think I got the message loud and clear, thank you.
How's your special day going? Yeah, good, thanks.
I've been so busy I've hardly had time to think about it.
- The press have been on to me and everything.
- Really? Well, you know what they say.
It's windy at the top.
On the morning of your father's death, what time did you leave the house? Like I said, earlier than usual.
My mum made me go to school early.
She wanted me and Em out of the way.
- That's understandable.
- Yeah.
So you got up, got dressed, had a big row with your father, you went and told your mum about all these years of abuse, then your mother came down, got breakfast, got you and Em out to school all in time to have a massive argument with your father and eventually kill him.
And this all happened in 15 minutes? Um l-I don't know.
You told us you got up at 7:30am.
Yeah.
The estimated time of death is 7:45am.
You can see my confusion.
So, what did you do between 7:45 and 9am? I just went to school early.
Ah, not according to the school.
No, you didn't get there until after registration.
Haven't I answered enough questions yet? We have two witnesses who have testified to seeing you leave the house at about 8:20am.
That's a good half-hour after your father's death.
Can you explain that? I'm not answering any more questions.
- Lindsay, were you there? - No! No, I wasn't.
I suggest you were there.
Before, during and after your father was killed.
- No.
- Yes.
You were there.
In the half-hour that follows, your mother got you to cook up some story about a violent, abusive father.
She got you to lie in order to win the sympathy of this jury.
Is that not the case? - Will you leave her alone! - It wasn't like that.
She didn't tell me to say anything.
What was it like at school that morning, Miss James, knowing that you had to keep that awful secret? I wasn't keeping a secret.
It must have been very tiring, very stressful, sitting there, knowing that your father was lying on the kitchen floor dead.
I didn't.
I didn't do anything.
Will you leave me alone? - Leave me alone! - Stop it! Please, just stop it! I'm not saying any more.
Let me out! (Knock at door) - You wanted to see me? - Hey.
Come in.
Take a seat.
So, what's up? Listen, Jo, I know it's never nice to hear this sort of thing but I had Steph in here earlier, and she wasn't exactly acting like your biggest fan.
What did she say? I can't go into details but you shouldn't be surprised.
She's not exactly a team player, is she? No, but we've been through a lot together.
I thought we were over any trouble.
She's jealous.
She's jealous that you're her boss, that you're younger than her, you're more capable than her.
And this award nomination, it's just about pushed her over the edge.
To be honest, I think we might be running out of options with her.
She has the worst record of any member of staff I've ever had.
But she's showing genuine improvement.
All these courses she's been on, she's really really trying, Max.
Yeah, and you've done more than your fair share to keep her in this position.
But today, today she's showing her true colours.
Let me talk to her.
If you talk to her, she'll be on her best behaviour for the next two days, you'll tell me you're making progress and then all of a sudden we'll be back to square one.
It sounds like you're suggesting we get rid of her.
Let's let's let her cool off for a bit, get over the sour grapes of this nomination.
It's your day, Jo, you should be enjoying it.
OK? I'll go back and have a little chat with her.
Right.
Give it up for the boxing bard, Waterloo Road's poetry pugilist, the one, the only, Bolton Smilie.
Yeah, man! Go on, Bolton, son.
Nah.
Come on, we proper want to hear it, don't we? - Yeah.
- You're not hearing anything until it's ready.
I'm a perfectionist, innit.
Anyway, Ryan's the star of the show.
Do some Budgen or something.
Yeah.
(As Budgen) 108 years in this bubbling cesspit of a learning institute, and do I get any thanks from the little miscreants? No.
That's so him.
Do some Haydock.
Haydock.
(Clears throat) Translate for me, please, into French: Does my bum look big in this? Miss Haydock, what's the French word for "bum"? Bum, hm.
I don't know if I know it.
Er, Phil, mate.
Er, bum.
Let me think for a sec.
Boom.
Er, les boom, huh? Not funny? Very funny.
Very funny, Ryan.
A word.
Les boom boom! Come in.
- That was very funny, Ryan.
- Thank you, sir.
- Are you going to do it at the show? - I probably shouldn't.
No, I think you should.
Take a seat.
I imagine Miss Haydock's a rich source of material.
- I suppose so.
- Mm-hm.
And not always firing on all cylinders.
Yeah? Would you like to do me a favour? OK.
Well, between you and me, it'd be very useful if I could know a bit more about when Miss Haydock's performing well and when she's performing not so well.
Particularly the last bit.
Right.
It's my job to know what's going on but I can't be in every lesson all the time.
- Can I? - No.
So, it would help me if you could give me a few examples of I don't know, times when Miss Haydock's grasp on discipline has not been all it should be, or, say, when her grasp of the French language is a bit shaky.
I don't know about this.
Which bit don't you know? It just doesn't seem right.
I'm your Executive Head.
If I say it's right, it's right.
There's nothing in particular.
Miss Haydock's all right.
I was just having a laugh before.
Does your entire family lack ambition? - Sorry? - Sorry? Oh, I see.
You think I'm being unreasonable.
- I didn't say that.
- Then why will you not do what I'm telling you? I just can't, OK? Where do you think you're going? I haven't finished with you.
That was clumsy, wasn't it? You'd best stay on my good side for Miss Mason's sake.
You'd best serve her by buckling down.
I'll do it.
Good lad, Ryan.
Good lad.
You're the head teacher, aren't you? What exactly do you teach people at that school? I'm sorry, I don't understand what you mean.
Why's Lindsay telling all those lies? Can you imagine how much it hurts our family? What about my mum, listening to her granddaughter spouting that kind of filth.
I do appreciate, it can't be pleasant hearing that about your brother, but I just think right now Lindsay needs the support of her family, doesn't she? As far as I'm concerned, she's no niece of mine.
There's no point having this conversation.
I am sorry.
She's a liar.
- Where is she? - She's in a private room.
She's fine.
- It'll give her time to calm down.
- Can I see her? Down the corridor, third on the left.
Thank you.
Miss? Michaela.
I don't know what you two were thinking, coming here today.
We didn't know.
I thought it was gonna be a laugh.
Miss, I feel so awful.
It's a really awful situation, but you two need to get back to school now, OK? Right now.
And, remember, what was said in there today was not meant to be shared with you, so if either of you ever mention a word of what you heard - No way, Miss.
- No, we won't.
Come on.
Yeah? Get back to school.
OK.
And then Miss Campbell's like, "Ooh, Mr Tyler, let me paint you in so many lines that will just capture your essence.
" And he's like, "Miss Campbell, it will be my pleasure.
Clothes on, or clothes" - Lauren? - Sambuca Kelly.
Funny, is it, to mock your teachers? No, sir.
Is it funny to gossip and lie about the people who bend over backwards to lift you and the rest of your feral family out of the gutter? I wasn't gossiping.
Play games with me again, Sambuca, and your whole family will suffer.
You're vermin.
I'm not helping my mum at all, am I? You shouldn't even think about that.
Why not? It's why I'm here, isn't it? You're here to help prove what happened.
What's Em going to say? If I go back and Mum's been done for murder, eh, cos of me? I promised her, I promised her.
It wouldn't be because of you, Lindsay.
None of this is your fault.
What your dad did to you was horrific.
You're not responsible for any of it.
- Aren't I? - No.
And you don't owe your mum or Emily anything at all.
Other than to tell the truth.
That's just it, Miss.
I haven't told the truth.
Come on.
Hiya.
Emily's joining me today.
I thought I'd give her a behind the scenes tour.
- I'm big brother while Lindsay's not here.
- A role that suits you so well, Chris.
If you need me to take over, I can do.
I'm fine, thanks.
I'm enjoying it.
Erm, shall we have a little digestif? Yeah.
Not on my account.
I'm just leaving.
Steph? Can I have a word, please? Yes.
You're the boss.
I'm getting the impression that things have been said It's funny, because I'm getting exactly the same impression.
Right, well, I think we should have it out, then.
Oh, I get it.
Let's engineer a big blow-up so that Steph looks unreasonable.
No.
I think we should just keep our distance, don't you? Do you know what, I don't like being made to feel like I'm the bad guy.
I'm sure, what with you being such an outstanding teacher and everything.
I didn't have you down as the jealous type.
Can you two pipe down a bit? And I didn't have you down as a backstabbing Judas.
Well, I suppose it takes one to know one, doesn't it? It makes you realise that you never really know a person, do you, Jo? Steph.
St What's going on? Steph? She's been behaving like a complete spoiled brat ever since this damn nomination was announced.
And do you know what else? Max is gunning for her.
If she carries on like this, she isn't even going to make it through the day.
Where does that slutty cow get off? You didn't exactly do yourself any favours back there.
Well, I've not noticed you doing me any favours either.
I did my best, OK? It doesn't make me look great, trying to pull strings with the boss.
I'm so sorry to embarrass you in front of your boyfriend.
At least I know where I stand.
Maybe if you'd shown some restraint in the first place, you wouldn't be in this mess.
God, you're even starting to sound like him now.
There's something that you need to know.
About that morning.
OK.
It it didn't happen the way they're saying.
Right.
So how did it happen? Lindsay? Were you there? Were you there? Did you see it? Yeah.
Yeah, I was right there.
You saw your mum do it? I'm sorry, I don't understand.
What is it you're trying to tell me? My mum's not a murderer.
I know she isn't.
I know that.
She just did what anyone might have done.
No, she She didn't do anything.
OK.
My mum didn't do anything.
I did.
I killed him.
Tell him what Mr Tyler said, what he called you.
He called me vermin.
Are you sure? What do you mean, am I sure? He said, "You're vermin, you are.
" Can you believe that man? - Vermin's like rats, isn't it? - What had you done to make him call you that? It doesn't matter what she did, Tom.
He's not allowed to call her things like that.
- That's an insult to all of us, that is.
- Are you absolutely sure? Tom, Sam wouldn't make something like this up.
I've a good mind to speak to that Mr Tyler, call him a few names.
Are you sure that's a good idea? Are you gonna do something about it? What, me? Why should I speak to him? You're head of department.
You're more on his level.
- It might be better coming from a colleague.
- Better for you! Please.
Well, um I'll see what I can do.
If you're going back to school, you're going on your own.
I can't face it.
I'm going back in.
If Mason catches you, you're dead.
I don't care.
We can't just leave Lindsay now.
She told Rose.
Rose Kelly.
The dinner lady? Yeah.
Her mum.
She said you called her vermin.
Sorry, I'm confused.
You want me to speak to Rose? No.
So why are you here? Just as a favour.
It's great that you've got time for favours what with your new position.
How's that going, by the way? - It's going all right, I think.
- You think? Well, er yeah.
It's going well.
The job's what you make of it, Tom.
Look at Jo Lipsett, what she's managed to achieve this week.
I can't imagine she's found the time or the inclination to run around after ladies in the canteen.
When Mum comes home, I'm gonna behave myself all the time.
Emily It's good to stay positive and I know that everyone's doing all they can to help your mum.
But you can't be absolutely sure that she will come home right away.
I just don't want you to be disappointed, that's all.
It'll be all right.
Lindsay said.
Miss James.
Do I need to remind you you're still under oath? - If we discover you're not telling the truth - I'll tell you the truth.
I'll tell you the truth right now if you'll listen.
That morning, he'd arranged a trip for me and my mum.
A shopping trip.
He said we deserved it.
But I knew what he was planning.
He wanted Em alone.
Lindsay? Don't.
Please tell her to stop.
My mum was upstairs with Em.
I went into the living room.
And I told him I was not leaving my little sister with him.
He said it was my fault.
That if I'd been nicer to him, he wouldn't need Em.
So what happened then? I tried to hit him.
But he pushed me away.
He shouted at me.
He said it wouldn't just be me who got it.
If I kept making a fuss, my mum would get it too.
I said I'd tell her about us.
But he said she wouldn't believe me.
So you told your mum? No.
I went into the kitchen.
And I picked up a knife.
And when he came in, I stabbed him.
Lindsay, no! (Sobbing) God, no! Mrs James! I killed him.
And I'm glad.
He deserved it.
Please, she's just making it up.
She just wants to help me.
Lindsay! Mum! Mum! I just want my mummy! Miss James, stay where you are.
(Sobbing) I just want my mummy! I just want my mum! I just want my mum! I just want my mum! I hear there was an altercation in the staff room earlier.
I couldn't pretend nothing had happened.
In front of other staff and, I believe, a pupil.
I'm not that two-faced.
Not like Jo Lipsett.
That's your problem - confrontational, unprofessional, difficult to work with.
Rachel won't stand for this.
Rachel can't save you.
You're pretty much washed up.
Your head of department has made an official complaint about your attitude.
Pupils have complained to me about your lesson content and conduct.
And you're out of allies in the staff room.
You can't just fire a teacher like this, surely? I'm not firing you.
I'm suspending you and then I'll fire you.
Anything else? You'll go to your classroom, get anything you need, then get in your car and go home.
And we'll be in touch.
Ah, Steph, I wanted to ask - What was all that about? - Sit down.
I'll fill you in.
What's up with Miss Haydock? She's got a right mard on.
Is everything all right, miss? Yes, yes.
It's just perfect.
Are you going home early? I am going home early, yes.
And just a word of advice for the future, girls.
Careful who you're nice to, cos you know what they say.
No good deed goes unpunished.
What good deed? Ask Miss Lipsett.
Tom! Tom! - Hey.
- Well? Right, I saw him.
And? Maybe Sam's overreacted.
Overreacted? To being called vermin? - We don't know he called her that.
- He's calling her a liar now? No, I'm just saying, we don't know the full story.
Is that why you went to see Max, Tom, to get the full story? And to be fair Look, it sounds like she was bang out of order, the way she was behaving.
Thanks, Tom, you've been a great help! What do you want me to do, give him a bollocking? I thought you might go in there like a man, not a schoolboy.
Do you mind? This shouldn't be my job.
I'm Sam's school teacher - you're her parent.
Yeah.
Thanks for clearing that up, Tom.
I didn't mean it like - We'll talk about this later.
- No, we won't.
I've got kids to look after.
Chris, I can't talk now.
I'm sorry.
I'm gonna have to explain later.
It's quite unbelievable.
What is it that's so urgent? Not Steph? Look, I can't deal with that now.
It's not my main priority.
Chris, I'm gonna have to go.
I'll get back as soon as I can.
Lindsay! - Lindsay! - Michaela! - Can I just talk to her? - Now isn't the time.
Lindsay, I'm so sorry! We shouldn't have fought over gangs.
Please! It was stupid.
We're gonna get you out.
We're gonna get you in the paper.
- She shouldn't have to go to jail.
- I know.
- Will she be OK, miss? - I hope so, Ros.
You two, get back to school now, OK? OK, what's going on? Is this some kind of a joke? An answer, please.
Somebody.
No, it's not a joke, miss.
We're just showing you our backs, miss.
So it'll be easier for you when you decide to stab us in them.
You two, outside.
Now.
Who have I stabbed in the back? Miss Haydock.
We know you had her sacked.
You think you're all that now with the award.
(Sighs) This is ridiculous.
All right? I mean, I admire your loyalty.
And I'm sure she would be very flattered.
But whatever you think you know about myself and Miss Haydock, you've got it all wrong.
There's stuff you don't know, too.
Meaning? If it wasn't for Miss Haydock, you wouldn't even be up for this stupid award.
It was her that persuaded us to do it.
Do what? Vote to get you nominated.
She wanted to do something nice for you.
We shouldn't have listened.
Do you reckon we can de-nominate? - Are you sure about this? - We wrote the letters.
Has Miss Haydock been fired? - Firstly, it's none of your business.
- So that's a yes.
And secondly, no, she hasn't.
So why's she packing up all her stuff and going home? (Door opens) What did you say to Steph? I'm not allowed to discuss Rubbish, Max.
Don't go quoting protocol and procedure just cos it suits you.
Just tell me you did not go behind my back and discipline Steph Haydock.
For God's sake, grow up.
If I had to wait for everyone's approval, nothing would ever get done.
I'd be out of a job and soon you would be too.
It was my understanding you were just gonna have a chat with her.
What is it about Steph that threatens you so much? No, seriously.
I don't know what personal axe you have to grind.
Nothing apart from her appalling professional record.
Why are you so fond of her considering how she acted after your nomination? It was Steph that nominated me for this award.
See? You're not as good at playing people as you think you are, Max.
Divide and rule.
It doesn't always work.
Now what Steph Haydock needs to know is that there's been a mistake.
And that you are very sorry.
You have to be joking.
Or I walk.
I'm sorry to hear that.
You're clearly not the teacher I thought you were.
Lindsay, I want you to listen to me.
In a moment, they're gonna charge you, OK? Now, I don't want you to panic.
They have to do this.
I know.
It's going to sound bad when they say it, but it just means they believe you.
- I know.
It's fine.
- OK.
- Your solicitor's explained? - Yeah.
Yeah, it's fine.
Just do it.
You, Lindsay James, are being charged with the murder of Tony James by stabbing.
You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention now something which you later rely on in court.
Anything you do say may be given in evidence.
Do you understand? Yeah.
Rose.
I'm sorry about earlier.
No, you've nothing to apologise for.
- I do understand.
- I should've been tougher with Max.
No, you've got your career to think about.
You can't jeopardise that over some name-calling.
Listen, Tom.
I can't expect you to be a father to my kids.
And I was wrong to expect you to It's not that, it's just No, hear me out a second.
I know that with everything else going on in your life You're head of department now and you know, the whole dad thing That it's not gonna happen.
And that's fine.
If it makes you feel better, we could call it a break.
See how it goes.
Well? Hi, Philip.
Are you OK? Er yeah, I'm all right.
I just sprained my back a bit.
It's not a problem.
You should see a doctor.
Look, I'm all right, OK? Hiya.
Hi.
What a nightmare, eh? You OK? Big drink tonight.
You can tell me all about it.
Several big drinks, I think.
What's been going on? I don't want to add to your worries but I wanted to catch you before you saw Max.
The Steph thing's got worse.
How? In that it's not just Steph.
What? Jo's walked out in sympathy.
Are you joking? No, I'm not.
I'm sorry, Rachel.
I feel like I've let you down.
No, you haven't.
Emily needed you.
You prioritised perfectly.
- Has she gone home? - Yeah, her auntie's picked her up.
- Is Max still inside? - In his office.
Right.
Good luck.
(Door opens) OK, Max, come on.
Tell me what happened today with Steph and Jo.
I'm simply recommending Steph Haydock's dismissal to the Board of Governors.
She's disruptive and a drag on morale.
I'm doing what should have been done years ago.
In the meantime, she won't be coming in.
Do I really need to remind you about procedure? We have to give Miss Haydock chances to improve her performance but I'd say we're well beyond that.
So why did Jo go? Cold feet.
I'll have a word with her when she's cooled off.
She'll be back in tomorrow.
Yeah, they'll both be back tomorrow.
Excuse me? I'll be contacting them this evening, making it clear that Steph's dismissal was illegal and that I expect to see them both back at school tomorrow as usual.
Where exactly do you get the nerve, Rachel? In case you hadn't noticed, there was a crisis today.
But as usual, you weren't here.
You're right.
I left you alone for one day and there was a crisis.
You should be thankful I had the guts to act and do the right thing.
You don't seriously expect gratitude from me? Are you not embarrassed by your failure to lead this school? I'll tell you what I'm embarrassed about, Max.
I'm embarrassed that it's taken me this long to realise what you are.
You're a bully.
Pathetic, old-fashioned bully.
(Laughter) Well.
This is a meeting of the ex-language teachers.
I'm not sure you qualify.
I'm sure our lord and master has filled you in on how disruptive Steph has been today and how she's failing the school.
Yes, and it's all nonsense and none of it stands.
- I'm not sure he'll agree with that.
- Well, I don't give a toss.
He's trying to run the school like a mini dictator.
It's not happening, so I expect to see you both at school tomorrow.
- Have you cleared that with him? - I don't need to.
I'm the head.
I'm in charge of staffing, you know.
Fancy another? (Exhales)