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Carter Krantz arrives in Blackpool to investigate the murder of his mother. He gets a job in the local strip club, and soon realises that the town has many dark secrets and that the killer may even be his boss – the club's owner.
All gather at the Blackpool Tower for the infamous Cross Ball, featuring a mysterious guest in a monkey mask. Carter considers the implications of Mercy's revelations, while the world comes crashing down around Shirley.
Lola tries to pay off her husband's gambling debts but finds the task more complicated than expected. Carter's search leads him into contact with the Woolf family.
Dudley is stunned at the desperate measures Lola resorts to pay off his debts, while Carter presses a local journalist for information about the Woolf family.
Carter prepares to meet local journalist Cryer on the beach but arrives to find he has been killed. Undeterred, he searches the dead man's flat for clues about his mother's murder – and discovers some useful information.
After an outraged Connie evicts him for being unfaithful, Shirley moves into the Shangri-La – where he offers Lola a surprising way to pay off her husband's gambling debt.
Mercy provides Carter with a few tantalising details about his past, while the Mayor and Shirley await a visit from the Finnish entrepreneur – who doesn't live up to expectations.
Carter comes to Lola's aid, while Connie demands Shirley dispose of Mercy. The Mayor thinks he's got away with murder, but soon discovers his problems are only beginning.
Time is running out for the Mayor, while Lola returns from her ordeal and Dudley tries to save his marriage, but he might have left things too late. Carter is determined that not even Ruby will stand in his way.
Shirley is forced to confront his demons, Carter and Lola meet Bridewell, and Connie's decision to take refuge at the Shangri-La rouses Leo's interest and Valerie's concern.
Carter discovers intel Mercy needs to know and offers to tell her if she agrees to share her own secrets. Shirley's recent revelations put his marriage to Connie in jeopardy.
The drama concludes as the characters gather at the Blackpool Tower for the infamous Cross Ball – featuring a mysterious guest in a monkey mask.
