remarry him and she accepts. Gary stands trial in Spring 2005 for the assault on Bradley, and is found not guilty. Shortly afterwards, Gary and Chrissy remarry. In May 2005, Melanie runs away after a failed relationship with Graham Harker, who is revealed to be Denise's rapist. Gary begins to struggle with the cab business when Dave leaves for Scotland. In the final week of the series, Mel returns home and Gary welcomes her back, and Chrissy eventually warms up to Mel's return. In the final episode, Eileen reveals she had a win on the lottery and bought a house in Chigwell and one next door for the Costellos. Melanie Costello Melanie Costello (formerly Boulter) was played by Rebecca Hunter from September 2003 until May 2005. She returned for the final week of the series in December 2005. Melanie first arrives in Charnham in September 2003, along with her parents Gary and Chrissy, and her 8-year-old sister Chloe. Gary had lost his job and the family were forced to move from a mansion in Chigwell into 12 Stanley Street which had recently been vacated by Jim Webb, his sister Karen, Karen's husband Matt, and their daughter, Grace. Mel struggles to adjust to life in Charnham. Her boyfriend, Bradley had gone travelling to Australia and Melanie finds it difficult to get work. Melanie tries the local pub, The Black Swan, but is rejected after her new friend Lucy Day mentions to Pete that she is underage. Melanie manages to work for Roy Farmer at the cybercafe. Mel briefly experiments with drugs and offers her friend Lewis Davenport some pills, who has an adverse reaction and collapses. Lewis assures Mel that he took the pills of his own accord. Chloe later discovers the pills and ingests one causing her to fall comatose. She recovers, and Gary forgives Mel, but Chrissy does not at first. At the end of 2003, Mel begins dating Brendan. During a dinner at the Costellos, Chrissy talks non-stop about Mel's previous boyfriend Bradley; she makes it clear that she is not happy with Mel dating Brendan, who she hardly knows. Despite Mel continues seeing Brendan, unaware that he is living a double life. After suspicions from Eileen, which are later confirmed by local nurse Tanya Woods, Chrissy is exposed for lying about Chloe having cancer, and is arrested. Melanie is later held in custody after taking £500 from