RUSH focuses on the lives of six students at a mainstream college – on their relationships and their ambitions, and on their struggle to make sense of their lives.

RUSH is written and directed by Ray Harrison Graham and produced by Hilary Durman, who together with Cilla Ware created the award-winning dramas Strong Language (Japan Prize, Prix Jeunesse) and Dream On (BAFTA and Royal Television Society).

Episode 8

Mel is traumatised after Casey has forced her to have sex with him. At home, she reacts violently to Nicky when he surprises her with a friendly hug, turning on him with a knife. She has had enough of being treated like an object. Shocked, Nicky leaves.

At Kelly's flat, when Kelly wakes, Wayne has gone, leaving her a note. Later the romantic glow vanishes when two girls arrive to see Wayne, and pick up a lost earring. It's clear Wayne had one of them round while Kelly was away.

Meanwhile, Michael is visiting Annie, and learns that Adam has moved back into the flat he shares with Troy. Annie is feeling lonely and vulnerable and turns on Michael, accusing him of gloating. She feels that people use her – and at this moment, she seems to mean deaf people – then they simply move on. Michael observes that she has this idea of helping the 'deaf and needy', and she's good at it, but she shouldn't be surprised when they don't need her any more. The conversation ends in a row.

Nicky goes back to Mel's flat to find she has calmed down. She's had an idea about how she can help Nicky raise the money he needs...

Wayne comes back to Kelly's and she turns on him. It was hard for Kelly to allow herself to have feelings for him, and he betrayed her. She throws him out, and then breaks down in misery.

At Errol's club, Troy and Adam arrive with Kara, and Errol offers to get them a cab home. While they wait, Adam gets a call from Kelly but ignores it.

At the lapdancing club, Mel is at the bar while Nicky steals money from Casey's safe hiding place. Casey realises that something is wrong, but Mel runs at him in fury while Nicky escapes. Mel joins him. There is much more money than they had expected.

The taxi arrives for Adam, Troy and Kara, and Errol goes to settle with the driver. But it isn't a taxi – it's Errol's rival, Clancy, who raises a gun. Errol runs and, as two shots ring out, he falls.

Help and info

Kelly, Wayne and Mel have all been victims of abuse. If you have any concerns about sexual abuse or sexual violence, or any other sort of relationship or sexual problem – involving yourself or someone else – you can get help from the sources listed along with episode 7.

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