Christmas is approaching, but Barbara is unhappy. She’s lost her wedding ring, and Jim has secretly won a hundred pounds on a scratch card she found while searching for it. He hasn't told her. He’s also not very supportive about Dave’s difficulties. Meanwhile, the Royle family rallies together to help their recently widowed neighbor, Joe, enjoy a special Christmas dinner at their house with Philomena, a woman he met through a classified ad. On Christmas Day, Barbara confronts Jim about his laziness and childish behavior – though his story about a barmaid surprisingly helps Dave. However, she’s surprised by how Jim spent his winnings.
