Christmas was approaching on Kingston Road and, although excitement for the festive season bubbled along nicely, one thing was on the minds of the residents of Benefits Street as the last episode of the series began – money.

While the cash was tighter than ever, single mother-of-six Julie was preparing the perfect Christmas for her son Reagan, marking another milestone for the family. They had feared for his life after he suffered a stroke aged just nine months, leaving him severely brain damaged.

Despite longing to take her 15-year-old to Lapland to visit Santa, his elves and reindeer, Julie had to face the reality of another Christmas on Kingston Road. Though, unbeknown to the family, best friend Sue was on a mission to make it a wintery celebration they’d never forget.

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, Sue began ringing around various reindeer companies to gauge the price tag of bringing Christmas to Julie’s doorstep though on being confronted with a four-figure quote, she decided there was only one thing to do…

Things with Jezza didn’t quite go to plan, however Sue did manage to hunt down a company that charged a lesser £500 for a reindeer ride down Kingston Road. And so she set off across the estate, collecting any spare change residents had to rustle up enough dosh, and we were all in awe of the spirit and support the community offered for the good cause.

It was a success and as Sue broke the news to Julie and Reagan over a cuppa, we couldn’t quite swallow the lump in throats as we watched Julie wipe away her happy tears.

Reagan’s Christmas was one the family had always dreamt of – Father Christmas made an impromptu visit with his carol-singing elves after which Julie and Reagan were whisked off for a once-in-a-lifetime reindeer ride.

Benefits Street
(Channel 4/Screengrab)

Christmas Day soon approached and while the children of Kingston Road were busy ripping open their presents, Julie had had a sleepless night awake with Reagan as he’d been suffering from breathing issues.

Nevertheless the supermum was determined to make it a Christmas to remember, opening presents with her children and cooking a hearty roast for over a dozen guests.

A few nights later, though, events took a desperately sad turn. Reagan was rushed to hospital following more breathing difficulty, and there was nothing the doctors could do to save his life. Viewers were in floods of tears as they watched the community come together to give Reagan the perfect send-off – just as they had done for Christmas.

Not only were viewers praising the strength of the community but the unconditional love and care Julie showered upon not just Reagan, but all her children. The last episode of Benefit Street had left us truly heartbroken.