Ep 4. The Family Business

In the Ackley Bridge season 3 episode 4 titled "The Family Business", tensions run high as the school faces intense scrutiny from the local council. With the academy's future at risk, Sadiq (Adil Ray) enlists the help of his family to help save Ackley Bridge.

Meanwhile, Mandy (Jo Joyner) faces a difficult decision when her father (Tony Jayawardena) arrives at the school with a proposition that could change her life forever. As she grapples with the opportunity, Mandy must also navigate her crumbling personal life, and the unresolved feelings for her ex-husband (Paul Nicholls) that threaten to derail her future.

At the same time, the students at Ackley Bridge face their own trials and tribulations. Nas (Amy-Leigh Hickman) struggles with her feelings for Sameer (Sunjay Sharma), as she attempts to reconcile her traditional Muslim beliefs with her desire for a normal teenage romance. Meanwhile, Cory (Sam Retford) and Naveed (Gurjeet Singh) explore their newfound relationship, even as they navigate the challenges of being gay in their conservative community.

As the episode barrels towards its conclusion, tensions mount as each member of the Ackley Bridge community must face their personal demons in order to help save the school from impending disaster. With so much at stake, the characters must rely on each other, and their own inner strength, to overcome the many obstacles in their path.

Overall, "The Family Business" is a gripping and emotionally charged episode that explores the complex relationships and challenges facing the students, staff, and families of Ackley Bridge. With outstanding performances from the entire cast and nuanced writing that tackles complex themes with sensitivity and grace, this episode is not to be missed.