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.