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The Chase
The staff are stunned by the death of a loved colleague. Anna contemplates life as a single mother while Sarah must give an answer to Adrian's proposal. The sisters are infuriated by the arrival of Claudie's sister Paula, and the contents of her beauty salon. There are other new arrivals in Oxley as both Fiona's father and Montgomery's younger brother appear to have an interest in the Williams family. But nothing can prepare them for the final revelation of the day, as the police come knocking at the door.
As the investigation into George's murder begins, Anna and Sarah are distracted by the possibility of losing everything to their stepmother. The atmosphere at The Chase becomes strained, and police, poodles and pamper packs culminate in a shock resignation. With morale at an all-time low, the staff look forward to attending the Montgomery Estate ball, where Anna finds an unlikely prince charming.
It's the morning after the ball and Anna is nowhere to be found. Wondering where she is, Tom takes matters into his own hands. Just as it seems they might be reconciled, Fiona strikes again. Sparks fly, and Anna's response to Tom's infidelity is finally made clear. The practice is in chaos with Margaret on reception and Paula's clients taking over, plus Claudie's brother Liam and his dog Stan. Anna finds comfort from a surprising source.
Deborah is back at work and enforcing a tough new regime. Faced with pedometers and mission statements, Clare and Rick are feeling the strain. Matt saves the day for Anna as he covertly stops Claudie making more changes to the house.
The Chase is bursting with new life as an emergency caesarean brings forth a yapping litter of Labrador pups. A life or death situation leaves Sarah's future hanging in the balance. Adrian, Anna and Sebastian try to put the pieces back together, but with emotions running high, are the right people left keeping the right secrets?
With Adrian and Sarah back from honeymoon, Anna is quick to ensure her betrayal of Sarah's confidence is kept secret. She is distracted by the arrival of Fiona however, who is requesting a reference. Liam is questioned by the police about George's death. Still convinced that Fiona is responsible for her father's murder, Sarah decides to take her cousin on once and for all, with terrifying consequences.
Tom is reeling from Fiona's confession and the realisation he is again embroiled in her life. Meanwhile, the local battle of the bands leaves Matt with a tricky dilemma and he and Anna are forced to consider their relationship. Sarah turns to Sebastian for support when she discovers Adrian knows the truth about her fertility problems and that Anna betrayed her trust.
There's excitement at The Chase as Tom treats a lion cub on the premises. Anna contemplates her new relationship with Matt, while Sarah agonises over her one-night stand with Sebastian. Claudie is facing sentencing for her fraud conviction and is panicked at the possibility of being sent to jail. A quick earner for Liam has dangerous and expensive ramifications.
Deborah is in her element as she moonlights as William Montgomery's PA. As their friendly rapport develops, Deborah wonders if their relationship could become something other than professional. Margaret's internet dating gets her involved with a local hunt saboteur. Rick oversteps the mark with his jealousy and lashes out at Clare. Could this finally spell the end of their affair?
Tempers become heated at The Chase as Deborah fires Clare while Rick stands helplessly by. Anna and Sarah move from one crisis to the next as the mediation over George’s estate leaves Claudie holding all the cards. Tom, desperate to escape Fiona's mind games, makes a last-ditch attempt to persuade Anna to move to Botswana. Rick is devastated to see Clare with a mystery man.
Terrified that Fiona will find out about his move to Botswana, Tom is forced to make promises he can't keep. Matt is devastated that Anna is leaving The Chase, while Rick and Clare suffer yet another set back in their relationship. Frank's concern for Fiona makes it even more difficult for Tom to juggle the women in his life, leading to a startling discovery for Anna.
The investigation into George's murder gathers pace and Tom is desperate to get Anna away before Fiona implicates him. Matt is determined to change Anna's mind while Clare is surprised by an unexpected guest. Frank reveals the truth behind his affair with Anna's mother, but his new relationship with his daughter is curtailed by a confrontation with Fiona.
