S40E02 - 7 March 1999

Rita accuses Natalie of enjoying ruining people's lives. Natalie is baffled until Rita tells her Ian is Sharon's fiancé. Rita and Betty are certain she's lying when she swears she didn't know. Vik tells Steve his accounts are in a terrible state. Gary's father, Peter Mallett, and brother, Shane arrive for the christening. Shane feels Gary should be relieved the twins look like him after Judy's affair. Ian is stunned when Natalie confronts him over his lies. He tells her he's confused by his feelings and never planned to hurt either Sharon or her. She tells him he's weak and pathetic and is amazed that he intends to go through with the wedding. She is stunned when he says he hopes they can still see each other after he's married. Ian begs Rita not to tell Sharon about him and Sharon, swearing Natalie did all the running. Vera, Jack and Jim are the Malletts' godparents. Jack discovers he can't be godfather as he hasn't been christened himself so the vicar quickly christens him. Ken and Vera are forced to be his godparents. Natalie proves to Rita that Ian would carry on being unfaithful by phoning him and letting her listen as he tries to woo her again. Sharon is nervous on her wedding day but is taken care of by Sally. Whilst everyone goes to the church, Rita tells her that Ian has been seeing Natalie. Sharon blames herself for rushing Ian into marriage and makes excuses for him. She tells herself he still loves her and feels it was a last fling. Rita is amazed when she says the wedding will go ahead. Vik warns Steve that his business is going down the drain. He suggests he reduces his outgoings. Rita gives Sharon away at St. Mary's but whilst Ian says his vows Sharon attacks him, calling him a liar before running out of the church. Sharon goes for Natalie, calling her a whore. Natalie pities her. Curly returns to find Jackie and Tyrone living in his house.