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Magic Moments > 1991 > Gemma's Departure Episode 1484

Written by Ray Kolle, Directed by Philip East

Outside number 30, Melanie is leaving for work and she starts chatting to Dorothy about Helen’s hen night. Dorothy explains that her friend, Winnie, had a party with some rather interesting entertainment, so she’s going to try and book the same thing. Just then, Helen walks across the street to join them and they go quiet as they see her approach. She asks if they’re planning a prank, but they assure her that she has nothing to worry about. Dorothy starts making small talk but Helen isn’t convinced as she walks away.

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At number 24, Gemma is explaining about her uni and job offer in Newcastle and that she’s been given a great reference so things are looking good. She then says that she can’t accept because she can’t leave when Harold is so sick. Madge tells her that she can’t give up on a chance like this because of her and Harold.

At number 26, Josh and Todd are having breakfast, discussing the situation with Cody. Helen walks in and hears them insulting Cody. She tells them that it must have been a very difficult decision, but Todd says that she’s more interested in Darren Wood now anyway. Helen suggests that Todd goes to speak to Cody, but Helen explains that Cody will be busy as she’s attending the hen night. Lucy rushes out, running late for school, and Todd asks her when Emma’s coming over, as he wouldn’t mind seeing someone else, since Cody isn’t interested.

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At the hospital, Harold wakes up and finds Gemma sitting by his bed. He asks about Madge, and Gemma assures him that she’s coping fine. Madge then comes in and reports that the doctors are pleased with his progress. When Harold mentions Gemma’s offer in Newcastle, Madge explains about Gemma’s reservations, and Harold tells her that you have to live everyday to its fullest.

Emma arrives at number 26 and Lucy explains that she has to go to her gran’s hen’s night, but Todd and Josh will keep her entertained. Lucy goes off to get changed and Emma tells the boys that it’s just going to be an outing, not a date. Josh goes to get the entertainment guide, while Emma asks Todd about Cody, and tells him that they can take his mind off her by going out.

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Dorothy arrives at the hospital to visit Harold, who complains about the food in the hospital. She tells him that if he leaves any, the staff think he’s too ill to go home, so he finishes it. She tells him that it’s lovely to see him, as they actually lost him for a few minutes. He tells her that he had an out-of-body experience and Dorothy says that he’s not the only one who’s been on that particular journey. She says that he must have been terrified, but he says that he felt secure and happy. He says that he’s glad to be back, but he’ll never be scared of death again.

Todd, Emma and Josh are looking through the paper and the phone is ringing. Todd gets up to answer it and tells Josh that it’s Vanessa, his boss. He goes to take the call in the kitchen, while Todd asks Emma what the plans are. She tells him that they can see a movie and get some food, but Josh comes in and says he has to work so he can’t come with them. Emma says it’s going to be tougher now as she’s almost a year older than him and someone might think he’s her toyboy.

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Josh is at number 32, telling Melanie that he’s going to get sacked if he doesn’t do this job. Mel doesn’t see the problem, as nobody will recognise him with the helmet on anyway. She says that nobody would suspect him as a stripper…

At number 22, Cody, Dorothy, Lucy, Caroline and Helen are gathered for the hen’s night and Helen is worried about what’s going to happen. Gemma and Melanie arrive, and Mel announces that Gemma’s leaving for Newcastle that night as she’s been offered the job. Gemma goes over to make her peace with Lucy, then chats to Caroline about Adam. She says that he’ll be sorry to see her go, but he’s bearing up.

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At number 24, Adam is sitting on the couch, looking depressed and Madge sits by him, saying that Gemma won’t be gone long. He says he’ll miss her terribly and Madge agrees, saying that Gemma was never the handful Charlene was. Gemma then gets back and Madge says that she won’t come to the bus as she’ll make a fool of herself. They hug and she thanks Madge for everything. Gemma and Adam then leave, with Madge in tears.

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Dorothy arrives at number 24 to drag Madge out to the party. Madge says she won’t be going, but Dorothy tells her that she has to go, as she’s Helen’s best friend. She tells her to forget her problems by getting out and enjoying herself, and she shouldn’t let things get the better of her like this. Madge says she’ll be ready in ten minutes.

Emma and Todd arrive back at number 26 and she thanks him for dinner. She says that she thought he’d be brooding all night about Cody, but he says that he really likes her and they kiss.

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Madge arrives at the party and Helen is thrilled to see her. Cody is telling Lucy and Dorothy about how scared she is about leaving, but Lucy says that Todd isn’t very happy about her decision. There’s a knock at the door and Helen is confused, as everyone has already arrived. Dorothy forces Helen to answer the door, which she reluctantly does and a Roman warrior walks in and puts some music on, while all the women laugh.

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At the bus station, Gemma is telling Adam that he’ll soon be able to come and stay at weekends, but they mustn’t let the distance spoil things. They hug and she says that she has to go, before getting on the bus. She waves from the window as Adam tearfully watches the bus leave.

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The stripper finishes his act and Lucy and Cody think the guy looks quite familiar. Everyone starts calling for him to remove his helmet, but Melanie tries to stop them. Caroline then comes down the stairs and sneaks up behind him, removing his helmet and revealing an embarrassed Josh…

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