Dickensian

It’s Christmas Eve and Jacob Marley is ruthlessly pursuing his debtors, including Little Nell’s dying grandad at the Old Curiosity Shop. Meanwhile a young Miss Havisham has come into a fortune.

The news of Jacob Marley's murder filters through the Christmas day celebrations, and Inspector Bucket begins his investigation. At Satis House, Amelia Havisham's mysterious rescuer appears again.

Bucket goes to see his old enemy Fagin, convinced he is involved in Marley's murder. Following a lead, he goes after Fagin's henchman Bill Sikes - could his wooden cosh hold a valuable clue? Frances sees a way of scuppering her sister's plans.

At the Havisham New Year's party, Amelia is delighted to see her brother Arthur but perturbed by the arrival of an uninvited guest. Frances Barbary rekindles an old friendship and allows herself to hope it might be more.

Compeyson goes to desperate lengths to make Miss Havisham notice him, and Martha Cratchit's wedding plans are thrown into turmoil by an unexpected knock at the door.

Bob Cratchit fights to clear his name and get home in time for his daughter's wedding, but the evidence is stacked against him. Compeyson's behaviour leaves Amelia confused but intrigued.

A potential rival at Satis House gives Compeyson cause for concern. When a drunken prank goes dangerously wrong, Arthur realises the lengths to which Compeyson will go to achieve his aims.

Will Arthur find the courage to confide in Matthew Pocket before Compeyson continues his plans to be rid of him? Edward Barbary comes into the sights of Inspector Bucket.

Edward Barbary is left facing financial ruin and the situation only gets worse Scrooge comes calling, demanding his loan be repaid. Amelia is devastated by the loss of Jip, but receives an unexpected visit from Compeyson, who gives her a present and makes a surprising declaration.

Compeyson is officially courting Miss Havisham and, in order to seem a more credible suitor, he demands money from Arthur, who is forced to sell personal family items to obtain the money. Elsewhere, Honoria is determined to solve her father's debt problems and avoid an arranged marriage with Sir Leicester, while the Bumbles entertain Mr Gradgrind, and the Cratchits worry about Tiny Tim.

Honoria faces up to the reality of her father's desperate situation and what it means for her relationship with Captain Hawdon. Bucket's patience is rewarded when new evidence leads to a surprise discovery.

It is the day of the important shareholders' meeting and Amelia asks Compeyson to attend and makes sure that Arthur behaves himself.