the saga brings ash and shirley closer together and it is not long before they start a relationship. ash wants to keep it a secret because he knows his father will be furious if he finds out. shirley begins to get irritated with ash's inability to tell dan, particularly when dan tries to woo shirley for a second time. ash explains that he had been a compulsive gambler, and dan had bailed him out of serious financial difficulties after he lost his house and his wife. he owes his father everything and is unwilling to hurt him. however, when dan tries kissing shirley she told him that she is with his son, ash. this revelation causes huge rows at the ferreiras' and although ash loves shirley, he feels he has no choice but to finish with her to keep the peace.