It's Christmas in Chatsworth, and Kev and Lip rob a van load of meat to make a big profit on the estate. However, the meat is for experimental purposes and the army descend on Manchester and quarantine the estate on Christmas Eve to prevent an epidemic, causing chaos to converge on the streets and riots to begin. But many residents have already fallen victim - including Ian. Meanwhile, Sheila is eagerly awaiting the arrival of another Gallagher baby. But when she goes into labour at the Gallagher household with only Steve and Kash's mother by her side, there is a shock in store for all. But Frank is nowhere to be seen. Elsewhere, arsonist Marty is released from prison. But after finding his mother Carol in bed with his best friend, he torches her house, forcing Veronica to let them move in with her and Kev.