It is Louisa's first day back at school and their new child minder, Mel, is late for work. When Mel finally does arrive Martin is dubious about handing James over to this woman who is constantly scratching. Martin insists the new nanny has a medical appointment to diagnose the cause of the itch. Meanwhile, Ruth has been roped into doing a phone-in programme on Radio Portwenn with Caroline the DJ, and a listener called 'Cliff' phones in saying he finds it difficult to make friends.