蜜芽传媒

It's polling day in Shieldinch and a big day for Nick and Hannah Morrison. The couple are excited, the result could change their lives forever. Meanwhile, in the Brodie household, an infatuated and desperately sad Nicole starts her day aware that it could be the last time she sees Nick. Nicole goes in search of Nick to give him a farewell gift but gets swept up in proceedings when Hannah strong-arms her into helping them out. Nick's raging but can't show Hannah. Nicole's delighted!

At the Tall Ship, Campaign Manager Eileen has slept in. She takes her frustration out on Raymond while the poor guy is juggling a sick baby and feeling queasy himself. Eileen's not pleased to see Nicole with the Morrison's when they turn up to use the Tall Ship as campaign HQ, but it's the least of her worries when she can't get a babysitter and Raymond is throwing up. Nicole suggests her house instead and Hannah agrees. They make for the Brodies and, en route, Hannah manages to sign up Charlie as a campaigner for Nick before realising she's left a voters list at home. She heads off to collect it, leaving Nick and Nicole alone at the Brodies. Nick's very uncomfortable and even more so when Nicole presents him with her gift - a special tie for Election Day. He's mortified.

On the streets of Shieldinch, Charlie tries to rally 'Nick' votes but gets a lacklustre response. In fact, Deek bets him 20 pounds that Nick will lose! At the Deli, Iona's equally unenthusiastic and shows Charlie defamatory flyers that are circulating town. Charlie bumps into Nicole who becomes immediately incensed. She defends Nick's honour to sarcastic Fraser, and is so angry and upset that when she spies Nick across the road, she almost gets herself knocked down by a passing car to get to him. The posters shock Nick, but he tries to be positive while a smug Callum Duff appears and starts to stir. Nicole is infuriated and gives Callum a piece of her mind. He's quite taken aback, intrigued by her devotion to Nick. Nick has to drag her away. Livid about the posters, Hannah suggests a fight back smear campaign against Tim Greenaway. Nick's having none of it and Hannah storms out leaving Nick alone with Nicole once again. This time Nicole wears her heart on her sleeve. She tells him how much she will miss not seeing him after today and that she loves him. Nick is gobsmacked, desperate not to engage with her. He makes a sharp exit.

At the Tall Ship, Eileen tells Raymond about Nick and Nicole's kiss. He can't believe it, why has she not told Michael? It's clear Eileen is burying her head in the sand. Eileen then clocks Nicole crying with Nick and intercepts Callum Duff who's heading towards them. From the frying pan to the fire - Eileen deflects Callum but is forced to tell Hannah what has been going on. Hannah tells Eileen that if she still wants a career in politics then she should keep her mouth shut. She then turns her attention to Nick - in her mind he no longer has the moral highground, they are playing the campaign game her way from now on. Eventually, swayed by Raymond's advice and her own conscience, Eileen comes clean to Michael. Michael goes hunting for Nick's blood and confronts him in the Tall Ship. Nick and Hannah lie and claim Nicole tried to blackmail Nick when he wouldn't return her feelings. Angry and confused, Michael can't believe Nicole's behaviour. An almighty row ensues between father and daughter with Leyla getting advised to butt out.

Charlie's had a long day and heads home. The TV announces polls are about to close when the penny drops - he has forgotten to go to the ballot box himself. He races round, bumping into Stella who has just voted - too late Charlie, the doors are closed.

With the count underway, Nick finds the strength to ask Hannah if she loves him but they are interrupted by Callum Duff. Nicole sneaks out the house to be at the community centre for the results. The atmosphere is tense. Nick wins by a narrow margin but as he takes the stage for what should be his acceptance speech, he actually announces he won't be taking the MSP position, he doesn't feel fit for the job. Shock and disbelief all round - the press go wild. Hannah tells Nick she wants nothing more to do with him. Nicole follows Nick outside, she thinks this gesture is for her. It's not. Nick tries to lead her home but they bump into an irate Michael. For the first time, Nick opens up about everything, he doesn;t want Michael to blame Nicole. Though Nick's life is in tatters, career and marriage over, he's finally done the right thing. He is his own man now.