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Monday (1873, 1 January 1979)
It's New Year's Day 1979. Stan is surprised to find that his
breakfast isn't waiting for him, but Hilda has resolved that he's
not having breakfast each day unless he's washed, shaved and dressed.
"When you've stopped yourself being filthy and smelly, I'll
stop you being hungry - if it's possible with a belly that size!".
She takes down her Christmas cards, remarking that she could paint
a better design herself (she has a point, the one she shows is
just a splodge!). Stan says that the skirting board needs doing!
Later after doing that work, Hilda notices that the scrap board
she put on the floor looks very much like the splodgy Christmas
card, and spends the rest of the afternoon playing with her paintbrushes.
Rita wants a dishwasher. Len, who looks after all their finances tells her that they can't afford it, which she doesn't believe (and is either unable or unwilling to check?!). Alf Roberts helps Deirdre work out her total benefit entitlement (she is also portrayed as incapable of dealing with finances. Which in her case is still true in 1997!). This comes to £24.70 per week. She is shocked and goes to see Len and ask for her job. He agrees but reminds her it's only part time. Later Deirdre sees Rita and mentions the job, she smiles but is furious with Len at home. She says that the £32 per week he's paying Deirdre could have gone towards a dishwasher. She orders Len to tell Deirdre that there's no job, or else!
Gail is looking forward to her date with Brian. Elsie tells her that getting married is the quick way to an easy life. Gail borrows some perfume from Deirdre (in the scene it's clear that the gap between the houses is only just bigger than the bench, BTW). Later she's waiting outside the Roxy cinema. The films showing are:
Screen 1: Big Banana Feet
Screen 2: Fantasm
Screen 3: Let's Get Laid (X-rated, ooo!)
Screen 4: Kingdom of the Spiders
Screen 5: Grease
It must be a derelict cinema, because there's no-one else around (with that lineup it's no surprise) except a lad who tries to chat her up. Anyway, it looks as if Brian has stood her up.
Ken tells Karen that he's put Dave right about her reading lessons, and they arrange another one for that evening - which we join at the end with Ken coming downstairs from Albert's room. Karen offers to cook a meal for Albert. There is a very loud banging on the front door. Bailiffs? No, it's Dave! In the ensuing argument Ken sticks to his guns (doesn't he know he's about to get his head kicked in?!) and says "you might have something against me, but you have no right to stop her learning to read!". He challenges Dave to show Karen how easy it is to read, and holds a paper out in front of him, but he just looks awkward before angrily refusing (he obviously can't read/write either). Dave drags Karen kicking and screaming out of Kens house, and returns to sort Ken out. Except that all he does is point an angry finger at him and say "Just...". Just what?!
Tuesday (1874, 3 January 1979)
Karen knocks on Ken's door first thing in the morning (spotted
by Betty Turpin). Karen asks Ken if she should stop coming for
lessons. Ken says that Dave could cause trouble. Karen plays up
the emotional blackmail, saying that she can read all the adverts
and things now, and to stop now would be like showing a child
a lollipop and snatching it away. Ken gives in. Albert is still
ill and thumps on the ceiling.
Rita says Len hasn't got a good reason to employ Deirdre (apart from having someone to answer the phone and do all the paperwork). She says he should do it all himself, and puts it to him that he only offered Deirdre the job because he felt sorry for her and can't really afford to employ her. He admits this but says he can't sack her. Rita offers to tell Deirdre on his behalf.
Alf tells Deirdre that they can get in touch with Ray in Holland to demand maintenance money. Deirdre madly seems to think it wouldn't be worth it. Alf advises Deirdre that Ray is liable and she is entitled. Later, Deirdre is on the phone to a Mrs Dixon arranging child care. Rita arrives to sack her, but she can hardly get a word in edgeways. Eventually she manages to say that Len has changed his mind. Later at home Rita tells Len that she's sacked Deirdre, and they eat their meal in silence.
In the Rovers, Gail is looking downcast. Elsie Tanner talks of a time she was stood up in Macclesfield by a sailer. Gail says she'll kill Brian. Elsie advises Gail never to wait more than 5 minutes for someone.
Hilda is at home painting. Stan arrives expecting his dinner on the table. Hilda says she has a natural gift for painting. Stan goes to the Rovers for a pie for his lunch instead. Eddie says it's a mystery that he's never seen Hilda without her curlers in. Back home and later on, Hilda isn't having much joy with her painting. She says it's no fun if it's hard. "It should be easy, like squeezing out toothpaste". Eddie points out to Hilda that the splodge-type paintings are sometimes sold for hundreds of pounds!
Ken is asleep, woken up by Karen arriving. They have another lesson, "quietly so as not to wake Albert". Karen remarks that they are "like kids getting up to mischief". As she says goodbye she kisses Ken on the cheek.
It's night, and Dave Barnes somehow has a key to Albert's house. He sneaks in.
Wednesday (1875, 8 January 1979)
Dave Barnes is in Albert's house. He sees the reading books
on the table and swipes them off in a fit of anger. Albert confronts
him but is clearly no match for him. Dave doesn't believe that
Ken and Karen aren't "doing things on the mat" along
with the cat!
Eddie Yates gives Hilda an old picture frame, but Stan hasn't got a saw to trim Hilda's picture with. He later sells the painting to Annie Walker, who doesn't know that Hilda painted it. Hilda is over the moon but Eddie is evasive as to the buyer's identity. Hilda and Eddie split the money. Eddie says that she'll see it soon enough... in the Rovers! Hilda screams with laughter and hugs him.
Ken is just leaving the Rovers but Annie Walker collars him to change the pumps. Eddie takes Hilda's painting into the Rovers. Gail and Bet say that it's rubbish. Ken emerges from the back, thanking Annie Walker for the Sherry. She says that the painting "conveys a feeling". Ken leaves as he has to get back to Albert.
Ken puts his key in his front door which alerts Dave and Albert inside. Emily grabs her storyline chance, and drops all her belongings on the pavement. Ken to the rescue.
Ken eventually goes inside. Dave says that he's given him all the warnings, and now he's going to teach Ken a lesson! In the next 10 seconds, Dave pushes Ken into the dresser, and Ken punches Dave who falls over. That's all. But there is a very loud "thwack!" sound-effect, and Albert announces that Dave has been rendered unconscious.
When he comes around, Ken tells him again that nothing was going on. Dave's problem now is that he doesn't like the idea of Karen being able to read and write. Ken tells Dave that he knows he didn't write his own letters, because of the old-fashioned handwriting used (but he hasn't told Karen this).
The next day, Emily is trying again for a storyline - she's got a cold! Gail asks Emily if she can have a job in the cafe. Emily says it'll be fine. Brian arrives in the Rovers but Gail tells him to "get knotted".
Albert is amazed that Ken isn't going to press charges against Dave. Karen arrives and apologises. Albert insists that he'll go to the police. Karen says that Dave wants that because it (the supposed affair) will "all come out in court".
Thursday (1876, 10 January 1979)
In the back room of the Rovers, Annie Walker tells Bet that
she's lucky to be single. Hilda arrives and pretends to admire
the painting. Annie is incredulous that Hilda would appreciate
it. She says it is by an acquaintance of Eddie Yates, and that
"art transcends all barriers".
Ken tries to persuade Albert not to go to the police. Albert says that Ken is trying to protect Karen. Ken thinks that Karen wouldn't testify against her own husband in court. He says he's sick of the whole business. Karen turns up at Ken's house and asks Ken if he'll go to the police. Ken says that he won't, and shows Karen the door.
It's Gail's first day in the cafe (or is it a bread shop - shelves full of bread behind them?). Emily says it's a year to the day since Ernest died.
Later Emily is forced to admire Annie Walker's painting and listen to her boasting "It is obvious that the artist has terrific vitality". Emily suggests a better frame. Bet Lynch helps change the frame and spots a message on the back of the picture which she reads aloud - "Stan. Have gone to bingo. Your tea is in the oven." Annie Walker is angry that she's been taken in, but she decides not to let on that she knows, planning "a more subtle revenge".
Brian turns up on his motorbike and asks Gail what's up. He claims that he was drunk out of his mind and didn't remember arranging the date. He later appears in the cafe and asks her out again. Later still, they are in the Rovers together. Elsie tells Gail and Brain that Suzie has sent a message saying she's on her way back home.
Annie Walker tells Hilda that she's sold the painting to an art dealer who was very excited about it, and paid enough for a new necklace, which she produces. Hilda takes it all out on poor Stan at home! Annie Walker tells Bet that the painting is really in her dustbin, and every time Hilda sees her wearing the new necklace it will be a reminder of all the money Hilda supposedly missed out on. She warns Bet that as she is the only other person who knows the truth, she had better keep her mouth shut. Bet remarks that Mrs Thatcher "hasn't got a patch on Annie Walker".
Friday (1877, 15 January 1979)
Suzie arrives back in the street, with a lift in a Jaguar.
She acts all high and mighty and leaves Gail to take her suitcases
into the house. Gail and Elsie complain that Suzie didn't bother
to tell them where she was. Suzie says she stayed in flat in Chelsea,
and worked as a croupier. The owner of the Jaguar was a customer
who just happened to be passing on business.
Deirdre's post has arrived - we know it is mostly bills because of a lingering closeup of an envelope with "Telephone Bill" on the outside (as if!). She tells Renee in the shop that she'll have to sell the house. Renee is trying to compete with Deirdre in the glasses department - it looks like she's had new bigger ones for Christmas!
Ron Mather and Fred Gee decide to take the afternoon off to go to the bookies. Ron asks Elsie to join them but she says Mike wouldn't give her the time off. Betty tells Fred that he can't go - Annie Walker has left her in charge. Fred moans that the power has gone to her head.
Suzie tells Steve Fisher tales of champagne breakfasts and the high life in London. Steve tells her about Gail's new friend Brian.
Deirdre goes to the Kabin (no sign of Tracy) and gives Mavis a postcard to put up in the window to try and find somewhere to live. She says that her estate agent had offered her a flat but she couldn't afford it. After she leaves, Rita comes out of the back room and Mavis says that Deirdre has "just got back this morning". Mavis tells Rita that Deirdre is selling her house and looking for a flat, and that she still hasn't got a job. Cruel Rita says that Deirdre brought it all on herself through "stupid pride"! "You weren't saying that a few weeks ago", says Mavis. "At least she were being honest with herself" - accusing Rita that the real reason she blocked Deirdre's job was that she didn't trust Len.
Rita goes to see Deirdre, apologises about the job and makes up with her. She offers to lend Deirdre some money if needed. Later, Deirdre goes into the corner shop but bottles out of asking Renee for a job. She phones her mum Blanche who tells her to mention her name to Alf.
Fred takes Mrs Walker's portable TV into the bar so that he and Ron can watch the horse race. Betty is very annoyed and says that if Mrs Walker finds out she won't cover for them. Mike Baldwin and some other customers persuade Fred to take bets for them and put them on by phone - but it's engaged. He pockets the money, but Mike's horse wins at 20-1. Oh dear!
Monday (1878, 17 January 1979)
Gail and Elsie are rushing to leave for work, and Suzie is
sitting reading a newspaper. Elsie asks Suzie to put the casserole
on for lunch.
Alf goes to visit Deirdre who asks him to have a word with his council friends so that she can jump the housing queue. He says he will because the bloke, Frank Rudge, owes him a favour. He phones from the corner shop and arranges to go and see him to put Deirdre's case.
Fred Gee is desperate to get the £40 he owes Mike Baldwin. He phones a mate who refuses, then he tries to sweet-talk Betty Turpin who also won't entertain the idea!
Deirdre goes to the Kabin and buys some sweets for Tracy (sitting on the counter). After she has gone Rita repeats her harsh high moral stance that Deirdre "brought it all upon herself". Pah.
Gail gets home for lunch and Suzie hasn't bothered to put the casserole on. She is furious as it's the only thing Elsie asked Suzie to do, and she'd just been lazing around all morning. Elsie gets back and is annoyed as well. Suzie swans downstairs and announces that she's going out. The phone rings - it's a message for Suzie, which Elsie takes.
Mike Baldwin is in the Rovers looking for Fred. Betty says he's in the cellar. Mike is feeling generous and buys lots of drinks for Steve and Rita, which he wants to take from his "special money"! Fred surfaces and pays up in full, to Betty's surprise.
Rita returns to the Kabin where Suzie is talking to Mavis. Suzie tells them that she's looking for a job - not any old job though, after her work in a posh London nightclub (as opposed to a casino which is what she told Gail and Elsie).
Suzie arrives in the Rovers. She tells Elsie that she's been into town for lunch and that she signed up at a modelling agency, which was "a bit of a dump after Chelsea". Elsie tells her that she's had a message from her flatmate Brenda in Paddington, not Chelsea, who wants the £10.50 that Suzie owes her! Suzie leaves without saying a word :-)
Alf and Renee phones Deirdre late at night to give her some good news - there's a flat available for her if she wants it. Alf doesn't say where it is though.
Ron Mather is very tipsy, along with Steve Fisher and Elsie Tanner. Betty and Fred close the Rovers and kick them out. Betty is counting the money - "I'll do that!" says Fred. She discovers that the till is short. Fred admits that he took Mike's money out of the till and promises to put it back the next day. He puts an IOU into the till. Betty says that she hopes it looks as good to Mrs Walker as it does to him!
Tuesday (1879, 22 January 1979)
Brian arrives on his motorbike and gives Gail a lift to work.
Hilda moans about Ron's taxi which has been parked outside all
night, but Suzie hits back with a quip about Stan's cart. Back
inside, Elsie demands to know the truth about London. Suzie admits
that she had a horrible time, didn't meet anyone, and had to come
back because she was broke.
In the Rovers Hilda is nattering to Betty about Elsie Tanner. She accuses Ron of being Elsie's "non-paying guest". Fred is leaving to go and get the money to put into the till. Betty warns him that Annie Walker might be back early (from where?) and take them by surprise. Hilda tries to listen to their conversation but they tell her to mind her own business.
Alf visits Deirdre and apparently there isn't a flat available, yet. It might take a week or so for one to become vacant.
Brian buys his lunch from Gail in the cafe. Albert Tatlock, now apparently up and well after his illness at Christmas, says that Gail couldn't keep her eyes off Brian. "I've seen it all before scores of times but its still better than watering cabbages!", he laughs.
Emily says that Brian seems a very nice young man, but Gail is wary of appearing too eager. Later Brian tells Gail that Ivy Tilsley is his mum.
Mrs Walker arrives back (from Derbyshire, it seems) just as Hilda is leaving. She looks in the till to get £5 for the taxi driver, and finds Fred's IOU!
Now that Suzie's image of a highlife is shattered, she's doing some cooking at home. The phone rings, and a Ted Thomas invites her out that evening. Elsie arrives home and complements Suzie - she's tidied up the house. She tells Elsie that she's got a modelling job.
In the Rovers, Fred's betting mates from the other day arrive and talk about how lucky Fred is to have such a nice pub and staff. But this time Mrs Walker is there! She is outraged at their suggestion that Fred is her boss, and demands to see him in her back room. She gives him a roasting and rips up his IOU. If he ever does it again he'll be answering to the police, not her!
Deirdre has a "For Sale" sign up on the house, and tells Hilda she is asking £7,000 for it. Deirdre tells Emily that Ray wants his share in cash. Emily tells Deirdre that she could always stay with her if the council flat falls through.
Suzie's modelling job turns out to be in a supermarket. They want her to cook German sausages on a promotional stand for the customers, dressed up as a chef. She just glares at them!
Wednesday (1880, 24 January 1979)
Suzie is painting her nails, so she says she can't make the
tea or toast for Gail and Elsie. She tells them she's modelling
some French perfume but refuses to say where.
There is a frosty atmosphere in the Rovers. Amazingly, Annie Walker blames Betty for what happened; she "should have prevented" the gambling on the premises. Betty is angry at Fred because of this.
Suzie is in the supermarket dressed up as a chef. She recites the sales patter with no expression at all and all the customers walk away :-). Her boss tells her to get stuck in and "have faith in the sausage"!
Hilda tells Stan in the Rovers that she rang up the estate agent to check if Deirdre really was asking £7,000 for her house. In this scene, Hilda has not got her curlers in! She wants to buy Deirdre's house but Stan says that they can't afford it. They overhear Elsie telling Mrs Walker about Suzie's modelling job.
Brian invites Gail to meet his parents at home that evening. Gail politely declines, telling him that Ivy Tilsley "has a bit of a reputation round 'ere".
Suzie is complaining bitterly to her boss about her job. Who's that in the background? Hilda Ogden (again no curlers, and a fetching purple coat)! She comes up to Suzie and says that she heard some story about perfume, and the sausages can't be much good if they are giving them away!
It's Tracey's birthday, and Deirdre receives a soft toy sent from Ray in Holland. Gail arrives with a present that Emily has sent, and offers to babysit for Deirdre that night.
Hilda goes around to Elsie Tanner's and proudly announces to her and Gail that she saw Suzie in the supermarket in Victoria street. "The only scent she's got on her is sausage!". They decide to go and see for themselves. Elsie, Gail and Suzie all laugh about it together.
In the Rovers Hilda, Stan, Fred and Albert are wondering where Deirdre is going to live. Alf arrives but refuses to talk about it.
Emily and Deirdre depart for the cinema leaving Brian and Gail together. Gail puts a record on! They start snogging but Tracy immediately starts crying from upstairs :-)
Suzie arrives home and is exhausted after one day's work. Elsie tells her that Gail is babysitting with Brian.
Back at Deirdre's, Ivy suddenly turns up "to see Deirdre about the house" (in the evening without phoning first). She is surprised to see Brian and knew nothing about his new girlfriend. She says that the price is right and they might be moving in!
Thursday (1881, 29 January 1979)
Alf asks Deirdre if she's got time to look around a flat.
In the factory, Ivy tells Vera Duckworth that she wants Deirdre's house because it has all mod cons. Elsie points out some poor stitching to Ivy and there is a mini-argument. Vera says she is looking forward to when Ivy lives on the street, and how much fun it'll be!
Len is swamped with work. Mike wants a new sink for his workers and Len promises to do it that day.
Ivy and Deirdre are showing Bert Tilsley around the house. He says that the imitation fireplace will have to go, the downstairs is smaller than their existing one and if the master bedroom is too small they can forget it!
Brian and Gail are at home and Suzie walks downstairs with virtually NO CLOTHES ON (sorry Mike P, no video capture card yet)! Suzie is lazing around and flirts with Brian.
In the Rovers, Bert and Ivy ask Mike about Deirdre's house, whether they'll need a survey. Mike tells them it was in good condition when he sold it. Bert isn't keen on the house but Ivy tells him that she wants it. He reluctantly relents.
Renee warns Alf about getting himself involved with Deirdre's flat. She is worried that people will gossip (not about the outrageous queue-jumping which they all accept and laugh off, but about Alf and Deirdre).
Len is fixing the new sink in the factory. Steve and Elsie go home, Steve says he has a hot date. Len is overtired, and falls over.
Ivy asks Mike if he'll give them a loan of £500 to pay the deposit for their house. He agrees - interest free - if Ivy will get the girls to agree to a new work rota that they've recently refused.
Gail and Brian go out for the evening. Suzie is all tarted up, and very catty towards Gail and Elsie. Suzie's date Paul arrives, a bloke displaying silvery-grey maturity. They tell Elsie they met at the modelling agency.
Back in the factory, Len is still working. He snorts a bit, then collapses onto the floor.
Friday (1882, 31 January 1979)
Rita goes in the Rovers looking for Len. Betty and Bet tell
her that they haven't seen him.
Back in the factory, Mike is in his office and tells Hilda to make a start cleaning the floor. She does so, singing "If I ruled the world", then notices Len on the floor. Mike and Hilda help him up and take him into the office. He refuses offers of a doctor. Mike says he doesn't look well. Meanwhile Rita is washing up, annoyed at Len's non-appearance.
Elsie, Gail and Brain talk about Suzie's new bloke in the Rovers. They are joined by Ivy, Bert and Vera Duckworth.
Mike takes Len home to Rita, who is initially angry but then worried when she lets Mike get a word in edgeways to explain, and phones a doctor.
Alf tells Deirdre that her council flat is in Appleton Court, and she can see it the next day.
The doctor takes Len's blood pressure and says it is normal. He says that Len flaked out because he is overworking, and he must ease up otherwise he'll be the richest man in the graveyard. After he's gone, Rita tells him that he's off beer and work for a few days. "There's only one thing left then!", he says with a glint in his eye. Rita says that he's to have no excitement whatsoever :-)
The next day in the factory Ivy tells Elsie about Len's collapse. Elsie runs out to visit Len. He denies he fainted but Rita tells Elsie the truth. Renee arrives to join the party, bringing some "pick me up" for Len.
Alf, Deirdre, Tracy (and Emily!) go to see the flat. It turns out to be in a high-rise tower block. Back at home, Deirdre tells Emily that she can't possible live there. Telling Alf is one problem, telling Ivy that she's not moving out of her house is another!
Meanwhile in the Rovers Ivy and Bert are celebrating because they've sold their house. Deirdre arrives and tells Ivy that the deal's off. Ivy says that because they had verbally agreed she is entitled to the house, despite the fact that no contracts had been signed (erm...!). "I'm not being flaming gazumped!", says Ivy.
Suzie and Paul arrive at Elsie's house and he's got his hands all over her ("we got away with it last night"). Elsie walks in on them and he says he was just leaving! "Oh, you're not going are you... I thought we'd talk about what we were doing on VE night, only it'd leave Suzie out of the conversation!" Meow! He leaves, and Elsie tells Suzie to have some self-respect. They have a shouting match, and Elsie slaps Suzie on the face. "If you want to carry on with fellas, out! OUT!"
Monday (1883, 5 February 1979)
Rita is having breakfast and Len come downstairs. She reminds
him that the doctor ordered another week off work and sends him
back upstairs. He says he is ok. Elsie comes around to see how
he is. Just as Rita is leaving for work, the phone rings. It is
one of Len's customers. Rita starts telling them that Len is off
work but Len grabs the phone and accepts the job.
Ivy is shopping in the corner shop, and tells Renee she'll fight for the house. Alf appears and says he did the best he could for Deirdre.
Betty Turpin is having tea round at Deirdre's. She says that Ivy "looks the sort to give trouble". Deirdre asks Betty if she should take the flat in Hampton Court, but Betty says that Ivy hasn't got a leg to stand on.
Rita arrives at Len's workshop and storms into the office. She phones the job centre and asks them to "send an assistant" for Len.
Eddie Yates asks Betty for tick in the Rovers, and she refuses. He says he can't get a pint of bitter without a summit meeting. She buys Eddie half a pint. Ron and Suzie are then joined at the bar by a frosty Elsie. The argument about Suzie's new friend Paul obviously hasn't been resolved.
Ivy bumps into Deirdre in the corner shop. Ivy chases Deirdre out of the shop and down the street, shouting at her. "You're a gazumper, you!", she screams and threatens to go to her solicitor (and do what?). Emily witnesses this and tries miserably to pull Ivy away. Deirdre retreats into her house, and bursts into tears.
Back in Len's office, the "assistant" hasn't turned up. "Ray Langtons don't just grow on trees you know", he tells her. Rita doesn't want Len putting himself in hospital and is frustrated by the apparent shortage of job seekers.
Emily is with Deirdre, comforting her. Deirdre says that everything seems to be going wrong at once, and that Ivy's really got to her. Emily tells her to look forward, and reminds her that she has plenty of room for her and Tracy.
In the Rovers, Bert Tilsley says that he can understand Deirdre's position, and tells Ivy to be fair because Deirdre is a single mother. Gail and Brian are over at the bar, but Brian seems more interested in his motorbike magazine than anything else.
Eddie tries to buy 5 cigarettes from Renee, but she won't split a pack of 10. Deirdre just happens to be there and goes halves with him. She asks Alf how long she'd have to wait for a ground floor flat. Alf says it'd probably be about six months, but if she was rid of her house she'd be "more of an urgent case".
In the Rovers Betty buys Eddie another half so that he'll owe her a full pint. Paul Stringer walks in and orders drinks for himself and Elsie. "That girl definitely has the makings of another Elsie Tanner", observes Annie Walker.
Emily visits Deirdre with a sticky cake for Tracy. She asks Emily if her offer is still open; it wouldn't be for long but it would get her through a difficult patch. Emily is beside herself with joy.
Paul invites Suzie to go on to the Gatsby club with him. They invite Ron and Elsie, Ron is keen but Elsie declines firmly. As they leave, Mrs Walker remarks on how expensive Paul's coat looks. Eddie says it isn't fair; he has nothing. "I'm sure he's worked for everything he has", snaps Mrs Walker. "So would I, given the chance", says Eddie. Rita pounces and tells him that she's giving him his chance!
Rita drags Eddie to Len's yard. When he sees Eddie, Len says he isn't that desperate (!). Eddie says he isn't that keen either! Rita makes Len give Eddie a job, and they shake hands.
Tuesday (1884, 7 February 1979)
Len and Rita are having breakfast. Len doesn't like the idea
of giving Eddie a job - "there's very few fellas that can
make Stan Ogden look dynamic but Eddie Yates is one of them!".
At the yard, Eddie has turned up on time and is waiting for Len. Len arrives but isn't as cheerful as Eddie.
In the corner shop, Emily tells Renee and Alf that Deirdre and Tracy are moving in that day - she's taken the day off as well! Alf assures her that he'll do his best to find somewhere else for Deirdre as soon as he can, but Emily says that there's no rush. After she's gone Alf calls it frustrated maternal instinct on Emily's part.
Ron Mather is helping Deirdre to pack. Deirdre says that she doesn't intend to stay at Emily's for long, but Ron says that she has acquired an extra mum.
Eddie and Len are removing an old fireplace. Eddie is rather heavy-handed and says he has always enjoyed smashing things.
In the Rovers, Gail wants to talk about Valentine's day but Brian is more interested in his motorbike magazine. They arrange to go out that evening. Annie Walker says to Betty that Brian will have to take his overalls off before he comes back into the Rovers!
Len arrives at the house with the new fireplace, but Eddie isn't around to help him unload it. Len is annoyed but only until Eddie appears and says that the neighbour wouldn't be outdone, and wants a new gas fire as well! Later Len grudgingly admits to Rita that Eddie did quite well. He hangs around until Rita offers him a meal.
In the Rovers Ron announces that he's thinking of giving up taxi driving. Brian turns up in his overalls, late. He says he can't go anyway, and Gail storms out. Annie Walker refuses to serve him. Ivy gives Annie Walker a piece of her mind.
Deirdre is ready to leave her house (but unfortunately she's leaving those horrible curtains). Emily arrives and says the tea's ready. "Come on then Tracy", says Deirdre, "We don't live here anymore".
Wednesday (1885, 12 February 1979)
Ivy is making a big effort in her new house - Bert can't find
the milk for his cereals because it's now kept in a jug! "I
didn't know the Queen was coming for breakfast", says Brian.
Gail asks Elsie if she is more important than a motorbike. Elsie says that men are more interested in their interests than women. She leaves and Suzie waltzes in. She moans at Suzie for being out so late. Gail has a go at her too - "old men, fat wallets and fatter tummies!".
In the street Hilda finds Ivy cleaning her windows - she suggests that Stan do the job in future, 50p for the whole house. Ivy refuses and shuts her door. Hilda is about to get annoyed but spots a Mercedes parked outside Elsie Tanner's house.
The car's owner is Suzie's manfriend Paul. He has brought some dresses around, Suzie is allowed to choose one on the condition that she wears it that evening. She tries to says that she's too tired to go out again but reluctantly agrees.
In the Rovers Ken says he admires Bet for making such an effort with her appearance on such a horrible winter day. Gail arrives, looking for Brian. Suzie comes in and tells Gail about her new expensive dress.
Albert calls in on Ivy and Bert to welcome them in. He starts spreading gossip about everyone in the street, and warns Ivy to watch out for Annie Walker!
Suzie tries to persuade Gail to go out with her and Paul. In the Rovers, Brian is smartly dressed and buys drinks for his mum and dad. Ivy says that she told Brian not to appear in the Rovers until Mrs Walker had apologised - she will think she's won. Cut to Annie Walker talking Bet Lynch, declaring "a total victory. You have to be firm with these people right from the start - especially her sort!". Two students walk in selling Rag-mags.
In the Gatsby club Suzie is sitting at a table with Paul and his friend Frank. They then start dancing (I think).
Back in the Rovers, Rita suggests to the students that if they're looking for someone to kidnap (to raise ransom money for charity), Bet Lynch would be a very popular choice.
Thursday (1886, 14 February 1979)
The students (Harvey Stone and Josie Clark) arrive bright
and early to kidnap Bet, but she first goes into the Rovers and
tells Annie Walker that she has to take a sick Robin to the vets
and she'll be about an hour. Hilda sees her get into their car.
Bet suggests that they do it in the lunchtime rush.
Rita arrives at Elsie's house with some magazines that Mavis forgot to put in with the newspapers. But of course this scene was orchestrated so that Suzie could tell Rita that Ralph Lancaster (owner of the Gatsby club) was asking after her :-).
In the Rovers Rita tells Len that Ralph Lancaster has asked her to sing in the club. Len isn't amused and says he'll go as well. Bet is kidnapped and the students give Hilda the ransom note. Back in their digs, they are bored and Bet suggests they play strip poker.
Eddie Yates arrives at Ivy's with the big roll of lino that he had persuaded them to buy. They say that they've changed their minds.
Gail says that she'll never speak to Brian again. She's going out with Suzie.
Bet's ransom money is only £4.56 1/2p. She's not amused that the Rovers hasn't ground to a halt in her absence.
In the Gatsby club Rita is the star act. Gail isn't amused by the pressure she's under to have a drink, and storms off. Suzie follows her, and when she returns to the table Frank is all over some other trollop. Paul Stringer tells her that the replacement is "a lot of fun", like Suzie! Suzie looks mortified.
Friday (1887, 19 February 1979)
Len gives Eddie his wages - he not happy with the amount of
tax and National Insurance that's been deducted!
Elsie asks Suzie why she and Gail didn't come back together last night. Suzie won't tell her.
Len and Eddie are doing a roofing job in Garibaldi street. The woman who had the new fireplace has moved house! Len leaves Eddie to get on with it himself. He pulls a couple of slates off the roof of the next house, and then tells the owner that the roof needs fixing!
Ivy and Bert are saying that Brian has hardly said a word since Gail gave him the elbow.
Ken wants some table tennis balls from the Kabin. Gail comes in for some change. Mavis puts her foot in things and asks her to take a magazine for Brian.
Suzie gets a phonecall from Paul Stringer. She tells him that she won't be going out with him again, she's seen herself differently and didn't like it.
In the Rovers, the factory staff arrive for their lunch. Ivy tells them all that Brian is buying the drinks. Gail walks in and sits down in the corner with Elsie and Ron. Brian eventually talks to Gail and apologises.
Suzie admits to Elsie what happened in the Gatsby club. She gets upset and Elsie is sympathetic.
In the Kabin, Stan tells Len that Eddie isn't on Mrs Watson's roof, he's on Mrs Simms'! Len rushes around but believes Eddie's story. Eddie has also "found" damage to the next roof.
Vera and Ida Clough toast Ivy and Bert and wish them well in their new home. Unfortunately they've kept Deirdre's horrible curtains.
Elsie ridicules Ron's idea that he would ever give up taxi driving.
Monday (1888, 21 February 1979)
Ivy needs new plugs for all her appliances - "it wants
modern ones in here". Bert says that it's all a con to get
more money out of people. Gail arrives for her lift to work.
Suzie tells Elsie that she must have upset Ron when she said he was all talk.
Len and Eddie go back to Garibaldi street to work on the third roof, Mrs Fox's. Len leaves Eddie to get on with the job.
Ron is in Elsie's house waiting for her. He's in a suit ready for a job interview. Elsie is at work though so he says he'll call back later.
In the Rovers, Len tells Stan and Fred that Eddie's getting on very well. Ida and Vera decide to call in on Ivy in her new house. Elsie tries to persuade Steve Fisher to ask Suzie out, but he declines saying he's too young for Suzie!
Ivy isn't very amused to find that Vera and Ida have only brought two pies around for their dinner - ie nothing for her!
Mr Fox arrives at Len's workshop, accusing him of being a con artist. There was nothing wrong with his roof the other day when he checked it. He demands his money back. Eddie is nowhere to be seen. When he returns, Eddie denies that he did anything wrong. He acts upset that no-one believes him, saying that Mr Fox has had his roof repaired for free. Len eventually gives in and doesn't sack him.
Rita's bought a new dress. Suzie is holding it up against her, Len walks in and doesn't realise it's Rita's. He's annoyed Rita spent £45 when he's so hard up.
Elsie tells Suzie that it was probably the fact that Rita goes out singing that upsets Len. Suzie remembers that Ron came around, and tells Elsie that he was all dressed up. At that moment Ron arrives and tells Elsie that he's applied for a job as a chauffeur for a millionaire "down south". He says that he's got the job, and they also need a housekeeper. He wants Elsie to apply for it and move down with him.
Tuesday (1889, 26 February 1979)
Mavis gives Rita a birthday card. The record that Brian ordered
has arrived.
Suzie tells Gail that she hasn't got a modelling job lined up. Elsie tells Gail and Suzie that she doesn't know if she'll go to Torquay with Ron.
Stan and Hilda discuss the Tilsley's windows - since only Hilda was told not to clean them, Stan decides to treat them as new customers. Clean the windows and ask them to pay up!
Brian plays his new record loudly to the annoyance of Bert. Vera flirts with Bert suggesting he puts on something a bit more smoochy.
In the Kabin, Deirdre tells how Emily is spoiling her and Tracy. Elsie comes in to buy some tights. She tells Rita that she and Ron were celebrating Ron's new job. Mavis and Rita are shocked that Elsie would consider moving away, but then realise that she hasn't got any ties.
Stan collects Emily's window money from Deirdre, and then starts on the Tilsley's windows.
Ron calls in on Elsie and Suzie. Suzie says that if Elsie won't go with him, she will! Ron can't understand what Elsie has to think about. They both pressure Elsie into going for a job interview in Torquay. Elsie says that she's not doing anything until she's had her dinner!
Stan knocks on the Tilsley's door, and Bert is just about to hand over the 50p when Ivy appears and tells Stan that she's not paying. When Hilda finds out that Ivy let Stan clean all the windows before refusing to pay, she runs out and throws a bucket of dirty water over Ivy's front window :-).
In the Rovers, Len wishes Rita a happy birthday. She wants it kept quiet, but Mike arrives giving Rita his best wishes - he remembered because it's two days before his own birthday.
Renee advises Ivy that Hilda likes a fight, and the best way to deal with her - and to annoy her - is to ignore her.
Hilda is wondering why Ivy hasn't come round. "Why can't we love our neighbours like normal people do!" says Stan. "Because they're not normal are they", says Hilda, "they're Tilsleys!". She sees Ivy going back to work and thinks she must be up to something.
Elsie tells Suzie that she went for the interview as housekeeper and has been offered the job. She has to let them know the next day.
The Tilsleys decide to have a house-warming party. Everyone will be invited except that Hilda Ogden!
Rita and Mavis call in on Elsie and Ron. Ron tells them that he's sold his taxi and is leaving at the end of the week. Elsie announces that she's going too. Len looks shocked.
Wednesday (1890, 28 February 1979)
Ron Mather is in a cheerful mood in the Kabin.
In the Rovers, Mrs Walker tells Elsie that she'll find that it's a different way of life in Torquay, and that she envies her. She says that sometimes it's too late to move, comparing herself to a tree. "It's not easy to transplant a mature tree", she says wistfully. Bert and Stan agree that they have no argument with each other. Mike tells Elsie that he's already advertised her job, so she can't have it back if things don't work out.
Stan arranges to go to a football match with Bert. Hilda is furious when she finds out but Stan tells her to shut up! He slaps his hand on the table and Hilda is completely speechless :-). Bert has also agreed that Stan can do his windows in future.
Elsie tells Len that she has doubts about going to Torquay, as her roots are in Weatherfield. She admits that she doesn't really want to go. Len tells her that it's not fair to keep up a pretence to Ron.
Ron arrives in his new boss's Rolls. Elsie tells Ron that she's not going. He says that he's still going, even if she stays.
At Ivy and Bert's housewarming party, Vera says that "nothing drags our Jack away from the Conservative Club on a Saturday night", thus setting the scene for future appearances of Jack Duckworth. Mike arrives. Stan has been invited but not Hilda. Stan tries to get Hilda to go but she refuses, and is left doing the ironing. "Who invited fat-guts", Ivy asks Bert.
Ken is chatting up Mavis sitting on the stairs. Mavis invites Ken to go around sometime. Then she suggests that he make a welcome speech. The room has been transformed into a TARDIS, holding about 30 people. The horrible curtains have gone, hooray! They all drink a toast to the Tilsleys. Stan goes next door to persuade Hilda to come. She and Ivy are eventually civil to each other.
Mike is dancing with Deirdre. He asks her out, and she says she'll think about it.
Ron and Elsie say goodbye. Ron leaves, saying he hates goodbyes and begs her to stay inside the house. Elsie cries.
Thursday (1891, 5 March 1979)
It's breakfast at Emily's house. She tells Deirdre it would
be nice to go out with Mike - "he's intelligent, amusing...
really rather attractive".
In the Corner Shop's spacious back room (which has a kitchen behind it), Alf says that neither of them are getting any younger and that Renee should have some help in the shop.
Deirdre's friend Sally comes to visit. Sally was apparently in the bed next to Deirdre in the maternity ward, and Emily knew her from the hospital. She tells Deirdre that she gave her baby away to be adopted, because her boyfriend "ran away" and her cruel, heartless parents wouldn't help her raise the child.
Mrs Walker and Ena Sharples are discussing the terrors of crime and violence. Len and Eddie arrive, and Eddie is conned into buying a round of drinks.
Sally asks if she could take Tracy out for a walk in the park while Deirdre makes the dinner.
Ena Sharples spots a mouse in the cafe. Emily, Gail and Brian don't believe her (but they didn't see the shot of it running along the floor!).
Back home Emily is concerned when she hears that Deirdre has given Tracy to Sally. She tells Deirdre that the reason she'd seen her in the hospital was because she was having mental treatment.
Alf tells Renee that he can afford to leave his job at the Post Office to help her in the shop.
It's 2:15, and there's still no sign of Sally. But then she arrives home, much relief all round - Tracy wouldn't come off the swings and she forgot the time.
Hilda sees the mouse in the cafe, screams and jumps onto a chair. Gail does the same! Hilda leaves in a hurry.
Renee asks Rita how she'd feel if Len came to work in the Kabin. Rita admits that she wouldn't like it.
Gail tells Emily that they really do have mice. Emily says that they shouldn't tell Mr Dawson if they can help it. Eddie Yates arrives saying that he's heard about the "plague of rats" and has a mousetrap.
In the Rovers, Ena Sharples tells Hilda that she wasn't the only one to see a mouse. This then quickly escalates into "dozens" of "great big ones" - Len warns Hilda that she might face a writ for slander. She points to Ena Sharples as a witness. "And there's not a judge in the country who'd argue with her", comments Bet Lynch to a stone-faced Ena.
Eddie sets the mousetrap. "You'll have a new special on the menu tomorrow!" he quips. Emily thanks him and they both leave. Gail doesn't like the idea of the mouse being hurt, and gets Brian to unset the trap.
At home Emily tells Deirdre how sorry she feels for Sally. Deirdre says that she doesn't know how to tell Sally that she won't let her take Tracy out again.
Friday (1892, 7 March 1979)
Eddie and Emily find the mousetrap empty. Eddie says that
they must be dealing with a supermouse, and suggests using treacle
to stick the mouse's feet to the trap! Gail confesses that she
and Brian sprung the trap.
Renee still hasn't told Alf that she doesn't want him working in the shop with her.
Deirdre is tidying up Emily's house, she tells Tracy that it'll all be done by robots when she is grown up! Sally comes round with a new doll for Tracy. She tells Deirdre that she gets more than enough money on the dole and wants to buy Tracy a dress as well.
In the Rovers, Hilda says that Emily is responsible for the mouse because she's in charge. Ena points out that Hilda must therefore be responsible for the plague of mice she had in her house, and that everyone gets mice. Annie Walker corrects her on that last point :-).
Len tells Alf to think twice before he gives up his job, but Alf says he can't wait. He goes home full of ambition but Renee finally tells him she doesn't want him to give up his job. Alf is annoyed and says she should have told him before they got married that she thought they'd get under each other's feet. Renee accuses him of marrying her just for the shop.
Eddie arrives in the cafe with a nice black cat, because they asked for a more humane solution than the mousetrap. But Emily and Gail say that it's worse and tell Eddie to take it away. Later they ask him to come back and reset the trap. There is a loud crack, and the deed is done. Gail can't bring herself to look and it's down to Emily to confirm that the mouse is dead. "Poor, innocent, little thing" bleats Gail. "Let's hope there's no more!" says Hilda who was "just passing".
Deirdre says goodbye to Sally and leaves Tracy in her pram, unattended in the freezing cold outside the Rovers. This is seconds after getting rid of Sally who she doesn't trust! She goes inside to see Mrs Walker about a knitting pattern. While they are in the back room, there is suddenly lots of loud squealing of brakes and smashing sounds. They rush out to find a large lorry lying on its side in the street, with its load of planks piled up virtually blocking the Rovers door. "Tracy! Tracy!" screams Deirdre in desperation.
Monday (1893, 12 March 1979)
We rejoin the action at the moment we last left, with a wide
overhead shot of the Street. The lorry is lying on its left side
with the front facing towards the factory and its contents on
the pavement outside (and into) the Rovers. The front windscreen
is smashed and the driver is dead. Everyone in the street rushes
out to help (or rather, stand around watching). Deirdre is still
screaming "Tracy! Tracy!".
Inside the Rovers, there are more planks of wood and piles of dust. Annie Walker is rooted to the spot in shock. Alf is lying unconscious under a pile of planks. Mike Baldwin has hurt his leg. Betty goes outside to see what all the shouting is. She and Ken help Deirdre move the planks to try and find Tracy. We hear an ambulance and the police arrive. Emily takes Deirdre to her house.
Renee arrives and is worried about Alf. The ambulance men take him to hospital on a stretcher. The firemen outside ask for silence to listen for Tracy, but they can't hear anything. Back in Emily's house, Deirdre is convinced that Tracy is dead. She says it's her fault for sending Ray away (?!).
Annie Walker has now regained her composure. She says that the world has gone mad. Mike and Len go off to the hospital. The firemen find the doll that Sally had given to Tracy.
A young lad (credited as "Youth. Craig Ralph") comes into the corner shop and finds it empty. He starts filling his pockets but Vera arrives and catches him. She gives him a clip over the ear and sends him packing. He vows to remember Vera's face. Rita arrives to look after the shop. Later Hilda comes in and says that she lost her grandson in a car accident in Australia many years ago.
Bet Lynch is upset at the day's events. Betty Turpin tells her that she always cheers her up.
The police knock on Emily's front door. They tell her and Ena that they could only find the doll, and there was no sign of a pram or baby. Emily rushes through to tell Deirdre that Tracy's not dead - but Deirdre's gone and the back door is wide open. Deirdre walks sadly down the ginnel.
Tuesday (1894, 14 March 1979)
We start with another overhead shot. The lorry is still lying
in the street but its load is now all but cleared. A car tries
to turn into the street at the other end, but is turned away by
a policeman.
The CID arrive at Emily's house and start investigating. They ask if Deirdre is "moody" and "of sound mind". Emily tells them that Deirdre is 24 years old and gives a description. The CID say that they'll want to search Emily's house.
Deirdre is wandering the streets. She is carrying one of Tracy's stuffed toys, which she gives to a child sitting on a step. The mother appears and whisks the child indoors.
The Rovers is serving tea for all the helpers in the street. The CID inspector asks Annie Walker and Bet Lynch if either of them actually saw the pushchair. Bet remembers that Alf came in just after Deirdre. They telephone the hospital to question him but he is still unconscious.
Rita arrives in the hospital. Mike is in bed but Len is up and about, ready to leave. Neither of them know where Alf is. Betty Turpin arrives and doesn't know anything about Alf either. She says that Renee went home because there was nothing that she could do.
Ena Sharples offers to go back to the hospital with Renee. Alf is brought into the ward but the curtains are quickly drawn around his bed.
Deirdre stands on a bridge watching the water in the canal lock below.
Wednesday (1895, 19 March 1979)
In the Rovers, Ken, Len, Emily, Stan and Betty are still talking
about whether or not Ray should be contacted. Eddie arrives and
is told what has happened. Mrs Walker offers everyone a drink
but Emily rushes out upset.
In the hospital, Alf is still unconscious; Renee and Ena are there sitting with him. Ena is sure that he'll pull through. Eddie and Len arrives with Alf's things. Mike is still lying in his bed concussed. There is some sexist banter with a nurse. Steve Fisher arrives to see Mike.
At Emily's house, Betty is consoling a distraught Emily. Annie Walker has sent some tea with brandy but it takes Ena's sharp tongue to get Emily to drink it. The CID detective arrives to check a few things - no-one had seen that particular doll before. Emily gives him a photo of Tracy.
A doctor tells Renee that Alf has a fractured skull and they will do a brain scan. He assures her that Alf is in very good hands.
Ena recognises the doll and says it was "that girl" who gave it to Tracy. The penny drops and Emily tells the detective all about Sally, that she was going to be visiting Deirdre, and a description.
Sally is in the park with Tracy. "Come on", she says, "Mummy'll take you home."
Annie Walker asks Eddie and Len to board up the front of the Rovers, so that they can carry on with business as usual.
The police are in a car on the lookout for women and babies. They spot Sally and Tracy.
Steve is talking to Mike about the day's work in the factory, but Mike isn't paying attention. "I'm glad I never had a kid", he muses.
There is a knock on Emily's door - it's the police bringing Tracy home. "Now let's go and find the mother", they say. Deirdre is standing under a bridge by the edge of the canal. A policewoman sees Deirdre and shouts to her that they've got Tracy, but she shakes her head in disbelief.
Ken, Len and Emily go out to see if they can help find Deirdre. They meet up with the police at the canal. Deirdre doesn't believe that Tracy is still alive so Len goes back to fetch her. Only when they take Tracy down to the canal side saying "mummy mummy" does Deirdre finally turn around. Mother and baby are happily reunited.
Thursday (1896, 21 March 1979)
Eddie and Len finish boarding up the front of the Rovers.
Renee goes off to visit Alf in the hospital.
Deirdre tells Emily that she had been trying to think of reasons not to throw herself in the canal. Emily tells her that it will all become part of the past.
Mike wants to use the hospital phone and is making demands, but Nurse Phillips isn't standing for any nonsense! Renee arrives and is shown to Alf's bed. She wishes she could do something, and the nurse suggests talking to Alf. Alf is in a coma.
Annie Walker is wondering why one of the Newton and Ridley bosses hasn't returned her phonecall. She is suspicious that they might use the accident as an excuse to close down the Rovers. Betty says that she thinks the Rovers is good for another 50 years.
Mike is moaning at Len that you can only have the phone for one call at a time. He says he's asked for a private room (there is a fee for this). Len goes around to Renee at Alf's bed. It's her wedding anniversary and she's brought the cards to put by the bed. Len talks to Alf his wedding day as Renee looks on.
Ena Sharples calls in on Emily and Deirdre. Deirdre says that she isn't going to run off and stay with her mum, and she feels as if she's been given a second chance. The conversation turns to Sally - Emily is ashamed for shouting at her, but Ena says she deserves locking up. Deirdre realises that Sally saved Tracy's life, and says she'll always be grateful to her.
Len arrives back into the Rovers and updates#CLASSIC everyone on Alf's progress. The phone rings - it's Mr Creswell from the brewery. Mrs Walker returns all smiles, saying that the future of the Rovers was never in any doubt.
Steve Fisher visits Mike in his private room and brings him some cigars, which are promptly confiscated by Nurse Phillips :-). He puts Steve in charge of the factory whilst he is out of action.
A man in a white coat with his hands in his pockets explains to Renee what a coma is, and that they can't really say anything at all other than "relatively encouraging".
Friday (1897, 26 March 1979)
Renee phones the hospital from the shop but there's no change
in Alf's condition. It's been four days now. Betty tries to cheer
her up. Later, Betty is serving in the shop and Suzie walks in.
Betty suggests that Suzie help out, seeing as Renee is desperate
and Suzie needs a job. But she is too mean and stuck-up to entertain
the idea, wanting to look for better jobs first.
Ivy visits Mike at hospital with a bowl of fruit, the result of a whip-round. Mike asks Ivy to "keep an eye" on Steve. Back in the factory, Vera arrives just after Steve and he finds out that Ida Clough had clocked Vera in. He gives them a mini-wigging before retreating to the office. Vera says that Steve is too "wet" to take all the girls on.
Len and Renee are in the hospital. Len is surprised that Renee is trying to keep the shop open, and it worried that she'll be the next to be ill.
Mavis comes into the Rovers complaining of a big craving for tomato juice. Len asks Mavis to take over the corner shop, and he'll okay it with Rita. Renee is delighted when Mavis tells her.
Gail and Brian say they have been going out with each other for 3 months and 4 days. Gail says that they must have a lot in common, because she normally dumps boys before then. Bert Tilsley says that seeing them together makes him wish he was 21 again.
Steve tells Vera that he's going to dock her wages because she was half an hour late. Vera says that Mike is the boss, not Steve, and storms out. On the phone, Steve tells Mike that everything is "fine". Steve announces to everyone that wages will be docked for lateness. Vera maintains that she was only 20 minutes late, and stops work to read for the other 10 minutes that she isn't going to be paid for! She tells Ivy it's up to her to put Steve in his place. Ivy reminds them that Mike is in hospital and Steve is only young.
Fred Gee and Betty look at some of the jobs in the newspaper for Suzie. None are suitable - too old, too young, wrong skills. Betty says she's found one that doesn't specify an age, which turns out to be a cleaner's job. Suzie storms out of the Rovers and reappears in the Corner shop. She announces that she is "offering her services; wages, hours and perks open to negotiation". Renee tells her where to go, since Mavis has already started. Albert Tatlock agrees with Renee saying that Suzie needs taking down a peg or two.
In the Rovers, Vera tells Ida that Ivy must be up to something. Suzie moans at Gail and Brian but they tell her it's her own fault for being "too choosey, Suzie!".
Renee is talking to Alf, and his eyes flicker. She excitedly fetches the doctor (who is there in seconds - obviously not a real hospital!), but he cautions her that he doesn't know how complete Alf's recovery will be.
Monday (1898, 28 March 1979)
Vera arrives for work only just in time. Ivy arrives just
afterwards. Vera complains that Ivy isn't properly representing
them to Steve. Ivy points out that Steve hasn't done anything
that he isn't entitled to do.
Alf is awake and talking to Renee. The doctor appears again and advises Renee to get some sleep. He says that in some cases people are left with headaches and short tempers, but this is rare. Len arrives and tries to reassure Renee.
Mike phones Steve to ask why he hasn't heard from him. Steve lies and says that the "girls" (I assume he means factory workers) are eating out of his hands. Meanwhile Vera and Ida are still annoyed with Ivy.
In the Rovers, Len organises a whip-round to buy Alf a present.
Vera sneaks into the office and finds a time-and-motion study which Steve had been doing without telling them. They confront Steve who says it was in their interest. Ivy tells Steve that it was out of order for him to spy on everyone, and he can either tear it up or they'll all stop work. She phones Mike who is furious, and discharges himself.
Betty and Albert bring some fruit and flowers for Alf, the result of the collection. Alf tells Renee that he's decided he'll be better off staying at the Post Office.
Mike tells both Ivy and Steve off for creating such a mess. He convinces Ivy that there will be no more clock-watching, and so work starts up again. Mike tells Steve that he still has a lot to learn.
In the Rovers, Gail and Brian are all over each other. Bert and Ivy look on. Ivy tells Bert that Gail has wedding bells in her ears!
Tuesday (1899, 2 April 1979)
Hilda is apparently away staying with Trevor. Stan says that
he's sick of fish and chips. Neither of them can afford any of
the investment opportunities in the newspaper.
Ivy nags Brian for spending all his time with Gail. After he leaves, Ivy tells Bert that Brian is too young to get married. In the Rovers, Gail talk about going away for Easter. Suzie makes out that Gail had complained that Brian was boring, obviously trying to cause tension between them.
Eddie Yates discusses his lack of investment capital with Betty. Eddie offers to do all the hard work on Albert's allotment for him - as long as he can keep hens! Albert agrees.
Mavis is still working in the corner shop, to help Renee out. Derek Wilton walks in! They are both shocked to see each other. Derek says he is no longer working in office furniture - he's now working for Sandicroft's, selling seasonal novelties. Mavis says that she hasn't got the authority to buy anything, so he goes to leave. Just in time, she says that she'll ask Renee and he can call back later.
Ivy asks Gail what religion she is - she says CofE. The Tilsley's are catholics, but Bert and Gail agree that it doesn't matter these days. After Gail has gone Bert shouts at Ivy for trying to cause trouble.
Rita turns up out of breath in Len's workshop, because he didn't answer the phone and she thought he might have had more heart trouble. There is an urgent job, but the van is gone. There's a little note from Eddie saying that he's borrowed it!
Derek returns to the shop. Renee has agreed to order 3 dozen Easter eggs, but Derek haggles Mavis up to 6 dozen. Tch! He also persuades her to go for a drink after work.
Eddie arrives back at Stan's with the hens. He persuades Stan to look after them just for one night, until the hen run is ready at Albert's allotment. Len calls in to retrieve his keys, calling Eddie a "dead loss".
In the Rovers, Ken tells Albert that he won't be allowed to keep hens on the allotment. Derek tells Mavis that he's doing quite well in his new job, and might get the Salesman of the Month award!
Albert walks down the ginnel and hears the hens in Stan's yard. He looks over the gate and tells Eddie that he's sorry but he can't keep them on the allotment.
Wednesday (1900, 4 April 1979)
Eddie feeds the hens first thing in the morning, and talks
to them. Stan comes out and complains that he couldn't sleep because
of all the squawking. Eddie finds an egg and is thrilled - "We're
in business!".
Brian tells Ivy that Gail is beginning to notice that Ivy never has a good word for her. Ivy tells him that she doesn't think Gail is right for him. Later, Bert advises Ivy that she should let things run their course. Ivy says that Brian has been missing night classes because of Gail.
Derek arrives in the corner shop with the order of Easter eggs. Mavis is all excited like a little kid - any frostiness between them has been wiped away. But Rita turns up furious with Mavis - she didn't want the load of eggs that Mavis ordered for the Kabin, and tells her to get rid of them.
Eddie calls in on Len in the workshop, who agrees to sell him some bits and pieces (to build a hen run) for £2.
In the Rovers, Derek and Mavis try and persuade Rita to keep the Easter novelties. She refuses to back down until Derek mentions that he's in line for the Salesman of the Month award, and it would look bad if he returned any orders. Rita relents on the condition that Mavis pays for any unsold items.
Gail goes to see Brian, who is working on a car in the middle of nowhere near a bridge. She asks if he wants them to finish, because she is worried about Ivy making life difficult. Brian tells her not to worry. "How d'ya fancy getting engaged?" he says (how romantic!). "Alright!" she says sheepishly.
Eddie is busy building his hen run in Stan's back yard. Stan tells him the hens will have to go when Hilda returns. But Eddie pooh-poohs him.
In the Rovers, Derek tells Mavis excitedly that he's won the prize - the 3rd prize! Not the weekend in Paris for two, but some cutlery! Rita arrives and reels off a big list of unsold items. They tell Rita that Derek's won the 3rd prize. Derek says that his mother would have enjoyed the weekend in Paris; Mavis looks mortified because she thought she would have been going, and annoyed at being used. Rita tells Derek that he hasn't changed.
Brian and Gail tell Ivy that they're engaged. Ivy looks as if she's about to explode.
Thursday (1901, 9 April 1979)
Gail tells Suzie that she's engaged. Over at Ivy's house,
Ivy tries to persuade Brian not to tell everyone about his engagement.
He says that he'll keep quiet for a couple of days and no more.
After he's gone, Ivy says that it will give her time to think
of something.
Eddie Yates is talking to his hens again - he's given them all names such as "Hilda", "Mrs Walker" and "Mrs Sharples". Stan thinks that you can catch chicken pox from them!
Brain tells Gail that he thinks his mum just wants a few days to get used to the idea, but Gail sees through Ivy's plan. She's annoyed, but they are both determined that they will still be engaged no matter what. Suzie waltzes in and demands a drink from Brian. She tells Gail that if Ivy will be her mother-in-law, it's time she got one or two things straight!
Hilda arrives home to find a hen on the table! She rushes through to the back yard and demands an explanation. It's all Stan's fault of course; Eddie tries to tell her that she'll get used to them. Hilda is having none of it, and says that they'd better be gone by the next day! Later when she discovers that Eddie's favourite hen is called "Hilda", she goes mad and says that they must be gone by tea-time.
Gail and Brian go off to look for engagement rings. Derek arrives in the Rovers and Rita gives him an earbashing for using Mavis to get his prize, and there are now two shops full of stock that won't sell. Derek apologises and says that he wants Mavis to have the cutlery, but she won't accept it.
Suzie tells Ivy that she thinks it's Brian who isn't good enough for Gail, not the other way around. Ivy is outraged at Suzie's nerve, and also that Bert just stood there as if he agreed with Suzie...
Eddie and Stan tell Hilda that someone will be around to collect the hens that afternoon - but they'll be in freezers the next day! Hilda relents, saying that she doesn't want the lives of six innocent chickens on her conscience.
Derek goes around to Mavis' flat and gives her the cutlery set, which she decides that she'll accept after all. She invites Derek to have a meal with her the next week.
Friday (1902, 11 April 1979)
It's Gail's 21st birthday soon and she wishes she could have
a double celebration. Suzie says that Ivy acts the way she does
because she is jealous of her, and knows that Gail will be the
one to take her son away from her.
Bert reminds Ivy that they don't own Brian, and since he seems to be happy they shouldn't interfere.
Hilda is paying lots of attention to the hens, cooking for them and talking to them. There are no leftovers to give to Eddie today!
Rita goes up to the Kabin flat to find out where Mavis has got to - she's busy preparing Derek's meal. Derek arrives later and they both have a nice meal but they both have to be up early the next day. They arrange to do it again sometime, but on a Saturday. Derek says he feels guilty that the cutlery set was "meant" for his mother, and so Mavis gives it back feeling rather deflated.
Brian has remembered that it's Gail's birthday, and suggests that they hold a party and announce their engagement then. When Brian tells Ivy and Bert, Ivy still isn't pleased but Bert offers to help pay the cost of a do in the Rovers. Brian tells them that they're going to choose a ring after work.
Suzie answers the phone while Gail is out, and invites whoever it is to Gail's party.
Brain and Gail show Bert the ring - Gail is wearing it around her neck to keep it a secret until the party next Monday. Bert says he's booked the Select for them.
Ivy refuses to go to the engagement party, saying that she'd be a hypocrite.
Gail says that Renee was pleased because Alf is coming out of hospital on Easter Monday. Suzie tells her that her mother phoned, and she invited her to the party. Gail storms out saying that Suzie has ruined everything!
Monday (1903, 16 April 1979)
We open with a shot of "Happy Easter", "21
today" and "You're engaged!" cards. Gail is making
tea, and Suzie tells her that Elsie got back late the previous
night. Elsie congratulates Gail on the engagement.
Bert pleads with Ivy to admit defeat, as the party is that night. "What party", she says sullenly.
Betty tells Fred that she will be in the Select, and Fred'll be in the main bar. Hilda convinces them that as Mrs. Walker is with her Joaney, and Bet is on holiday, they will "need" her services at double time and "all she can drink".
Alf arrives home from hospital. He tells Renee that all the arguing is behind them now. Later on he shouts at her when she offers him a hot water bottle, but then quickly recovers, and says that they'll have a party when he's fully on his feet.
Rita and Len tell Bert that Ivy is bound to change her mind and turn up at the party. Albert asks Fred if everything will be free, as he doesn't know Brian very well (the rest of his appearances for a few days concern him moaning about the quality of the food). Emily and Mavis arrive with trays of sausage rolls.
Gail gets presents from Brian, Elsie and Suzie. She is crying with happiness when there's a knock at the door and Audrey Potter walks in. She likes the look of Brian and introduces herself to everyone, but Gail is obviously not pleased to see her mum.
Ivy is reading a newspaper as Brian is leaving - she refuses to go, saying that she'd spoil it. "This is the first time you've ever let me down", he says.
Audrey and Elsie both light up and exchange gossip. Audrey tells her that she never got married, and brought Gail up on her own. Elsie tells Gail that she likes her mum. Gail says that she's alright, but just a bit overpowering :-).
In the Rovers, Elsie introduces Audrey to Ivy and Bert. She congratulates Bert for somehow persuading Ivy to go. In the Select, there is a disco. Bert announces the engagement, and everyone claps and cheers. They form a conga with Audrey at the front, followed by Len (she's been flirting with him all night). This goes past Rita, who doesn't look very happy!
Tuesday (1904, 18 April 1979)
We start where we left off, with the conga arriving at Elsie's
house. Suzie organises drinks and Brian puts a record on. Len
says that Rita was supposed to be singing at the Gatsby, but he
thought he saw her outside the Rovers.
At the Rovers, Hilda is supposed to be clearing up but she says that as it's almost the next day, they might as well clear up next day and she's off to Elsie's to join the party. Fred persuades Betty that they should do the same, since Mrs Walker is away.
Rita arrives at Elsie's house to find Audrey sitting on Len's lap. "She's harmless", Elsie says to Rita. "I'm not!" is the reply. Elsie then goes off to Renee's to see if they can get some more booze. In a stilted conversation, Gail thanks Ivy for coming, and Ivy tells her she looks lovely. Knowing that this is the highest compliment she's going to get, Gail is pleased. Meanwhile Mavis is getting drunk and making a complete fool of herself.
Elsie asks Renee how Alf is. Renee mentions that he's fine, and that Elsie had been away when it happened. She puts a brave face on it but looks unsure as soon as Elsie has gone.
Back at the party, the disco DJ from the last episode is talking to Suzie on the stairs, and suggests they go somewhere a bit more comfortable! Emily escorts Mavis home. Betty tells Hilda that she'd better turn up the next day or else. Bert and Ivy leave to go home. Fred tries to ask Audrey out for a drive the next day, but she hastily retreats, saying she'll be staying indoors at Elsie's.
It's the morning after, and Gail is admiring her ring. She thanks Elsie for a great party. Over at the Tilsley's, Ivy says that perhaps Gail wants some security if her mother is "like that".
At the Rovers, Hilda tells Betty that she'll want double time for clearing up, because the mess was created the previous day. She says that Eddie is always telling her that the system is there to be exploited!
Rita visits Alf and Renee, and Renee tells her that there are rumours flying around about Len and another woman. Rita tells them that she knows who it is - it's Gail's mother.
Audrey comes downstairs at Elsie's house and asks Gail to give her another chance as a mother. They make up and smile.
In the Rovers, Audrey buys a round for Elsie, Len and Rita as a thankyou for a great party. Fred tries to chat Audrey up again, but she puts him down - "even your bald patch looks tired!". There is friendly banter and it seems that Rita doesn't hold any grudges.
In Renee's massive back room, Alf has just finished his first course and refuses any pudding. Renee keeps on offering alternatives and suddenly Alf bites her head off, shouting that he doesn't want any more. Renee apologises, shocked. "That's alright", says Alf and goes back to his newspaper as if nothing had happened.
Wednesday (1905, 23 April 1979)
Hilda is singing to the chickens in the back yard. Rita leans
out of her window and complains about the noise. Hilda is delighted
to find 6 eggs have been laid. Eddie and Stan come out to see;
Eddie taunts Hilda that she had originally wanted to get rid of
the hens.
Fred Gee tells Betty that he's worried about his hair. Annie Walker has returned, and announces that she'll be out all morning and Fred should wash the car. Hilda is late, blaming the chickens, but Mrs Walker isn't impressed.
In the Kabin, Rita is very angry that they haven't sold Derek's novelty Easter chocolates, and tells Mavis that Derek is a con man. Ken arrives, and Rita tells him that she has "put some aside" for him and the youth club and cons him into agreeing to buy them at 12p each! Ken says he'll pick them up later.
Stan and Eddie are eating eggs for lunch. Ken arrives and tries one, complementing Hilda on the quality. Hilda boasts that shop-bought eggs wouldn't be the same. Ken asks them if they have calculated how much they are spending, compared to the number of eggs laid.
Alf arrives in the Rovers, hesitantly looking over at the repaired front wall. They all welcome him back. Albert tells him that he should claim for pain and suffering from the lorry driver's insurance. Annie Walker agrees, telling him he has a duty to claim whatever he can.
Fred Gee has been shopping - he's bought a wig. Annie Walker manages to restrain herself when she sees it, telling Betty that they should let him draw their attention to it.
In the Corner Shop, Renee and Alf tell Ken that Derek's chocolate eggs are a problem, and why Rita was trying to get rid of them. Renee offers Ken her eggs at 10p each, and Ken buys them on the spot.
In the Rovers, Bert, Vera, Mavis and Rita are all very tactful about Fred's wig. But Albert walks in and opens his big mouth. "You're the first to notice", Fred says. Cue a conversation across all sides of the bar with much (unkind) laughter and leg-pulling.
Hilda has calculated the cost of the hens. They'll have to go!
In the Corner shop, Mrs Walker finds that Renee doesn't stock what she wants. She tells Renee that she really should raise the profile of the shop and stock higher quality items! Alf rushes in from the back and shouts at Mrs Walker, saying that she is always looking down on other people as if she were superior.
Thursday (1906, 25 April 1979)
The hens have only laid two eggs, so Eddie pops round to the
Corner Shop to buy some more. He slips them into the coup to ensure
the hen's continued existance. later in the shop, Alf lets slip
to Hilda that Eddie bought half-a-dozen eggs that morning.
Alf explodes again in the shop when the subject of Annie Walker is brought up. Renee goes to see her in the back room of the Rovers, apologises and blames the accident. Later Alf and Renee go to the Rovers and Alf tries to apologise. Mrs Walker stops him, saying there's no need, Renee has already said the apologies. Alf launches into another tirade, complaining about people interfering in his life - it's clear there's something not quite right.
Rita isn't too happy when she finds that Renee has sold Ken Barlow her Easter eggs.
Fred's wearing the wig again - so everyone takes the mickey again. He conceeds defeat, and puts the wig in the bin. Betty sees it and rescues it - "you might want to wear it when you get dressed up' (!!)
Friday (1907, 30 April 1979)
Alf tells Renee that people do get annoyed, even if they haven't
had a bang on the head. He's said he is sorry and that should
be the end of it.
Hilda shows Stan and Eddie an egg, saying that it's the only one they'll see today that costs a fiver to produce. Eddie says that she should give the chickens a chance. "They've had more chances than Elsie Tanner's had fellas!" she retorts.
In the Rovers, Mrs Sharples tells Albert that Lilly Ashgrove was asking after him. They natter on about the old days and characters in a nice scene in the Snug.
Eddie Yates buys some eggs from the corner shop. Alf and Renee are suspicious. Eddie sneaks into the Ogden's yard and puts the eggs into the hen's hutch - and Renee is watching from her upstairs window! Hilda arrives home from her shopping to find 5 eggs have been laid, and she's thrilled.
Back in the Rovers, Mavis wants someone to go jogging with. Steve Fisher persuades Ken to restart his keep-fit classes.
Hilda goes into the shop boasting that her eggs are much bigger and better than those you can buy from Renee! Elsie is also there, and after Hilda's gone Alf and Renee stop laughing for long enough to tell her what's so funny.
Later, Renee tells Betty Turpin how worried she is and that Alf seems a different person. Betty tells her that she can't go on living under this strain. Renee says that she can't approach the subject because as soon as she does, Alf flies off at the deep end.
In the Rovers, Mavis and Steve try to persuade Suzie to join their jogging club. Eddie Yates suggests that an orgy would be better for keeping fit! Suzie slags Eddie off, but he says that her bum is so big she could change the course of the Nile! She storms out in a huff. Back at Elsie's, she learns about Eddie scam with the eggs. She decides to put some hard-boiled eggs in the hen's hutch, and then see if Hilda will be so pleased!
Monday (1908, 2 May 1979)
We open with Suzie doing the dirty deed. Back at home, Elsie
is very amused when she is told.
In the shop, Mrs Sharples pooh-poohs the idea of accepting eggs from Hilda. Hilda suggests that when they are producing commercially, Renee could be one of their country-wide outlets.
In the Rovers, Eddie tells Stan that he's just seen Ena Sharples coming out of Hilda's house with two eggs (uh-oh!). Over in the shop, Suzie and Renee have a good laugh. Alf arrives back with some travel brochures; the idea of a holiday pleases Renee.
Hilda arrives in the Rovers and makes another song and dance, this time to Annie Walker, about how good her eggs are. She walks off without saying a word. Ena Sharples arrives and drops an egg on the table. She cuts it up on the table and shows that it was hard boiled! She's not amused. Hilda runs out, ordering Stan to follow her. Stan and Eddie know that someone has been playing games.
Elsie Tanner calls in on Hilda, bringing the egg (sent by Mrs Walker "in case Hilda had a use for it"). "Have you asked the hens?", she asks Hilda, laughing. Back in the Rovers, Stan and Eddie try to work out who is responsible. Fred Gee? No, he's on holiday. They decide to go and interrogate Renee, but she denies everything.
Hilda tells Stan and Eddie that the hens have to go. If you're an Ogden you don't give people an excuse to laugh at you.
Ken and Mavis are the only people who turn up to go jogging. Back in the Rovers, Steve Fisher and Suzie say they are too tired, and Deirdre had forgotten all about it. "Typical of the youth of today", sneers Mrs Walker.
Ted Bovis from Hi-De-Hi has turned up to visit Alf. Alf is still off sick, but Ted (really Alf's boss Frank Roper from the Post Office, played by Paul Shane) notices the travel brochures and makes a jocular remark about Alf living a life of luxury. Alf explodes in another fit of rage. Elsie, also in the shop at the time, looks on in shock.
Tuesday (1909, 7 May 1979)
Betty tells Mrs Walker that Elsie has told her what happened,
and gets permission to pop out and visit Alf and Renee. When she
goes, Alf is out at a council meeting (! on sick leave from work
as well, not to mention working in the shop!). Renee doesn't know
what to do. Later she tries to mention the doctor to Alf, but
he changes the subject to their holiday. In the Rovers, Annie
Walker says that sometimes these things have more weight coming
from someone outside the family, and offers to talk to Alf herself.
She doesn't have any luck - if anything Alf is more annoyed that
the whole street is ganging up on him - but he does keep his temper.
Suzie tells Gail that she should make Brain swap his motorbike for a car. "You could hardly walk when you came in last night!" (ooer). When Gail mentions it to Brian, he doesn't think she's serious. He wants them to go on a touring holiday in North Wales for a week, on his bike. In the Rovers, Brian accuses Gail of nagging and storms out.
Over at Hilda's, she is still insisting that the hens must go. This time, she isn't persuaded with tales of them being killed for food. Neither Eddie nor Stan want to do the deed. Eddie asks Albert Tatlock to help - he agrees as long as there's one for him. Ena Sharples overhears and tells them that she isn't impressed with either of them.
In the Rovers, Steve and Suzie are given a telling off by their elders for not turning up to Ken's jogging class. They decide to go jogging straight away - all the way to the Flying Horse.
Albert kills one of the Ogden's chickens, and dumps it on the table. Apparently it's the one that was called "Hilda". Hilda (Ogden) is a bit upset (although I'm sure the chicken was as well) and accuses Stan of telling Albert which one to do first! It's Stan's birthday the next day.
Alf tells Renee that no-one can persuade him to see a doctor, not even Annie Walker. Renee says that in that case, she will go to stay with her mother until he changes his mind.
Wednesday (1910, 9 May 1979)
It's Stan's 57th birthday. Hilda gives him a card, he shakes
it to see if there's a present inside. Eddie arrives with a card
as well. Stan's present will be the chicken for his tea, Eddie
invites himself over as well since they were his hens.
Alf insists that he's perfectly fine, but Renee has had enough as well. She repeats her intention to stay with her mother. Alf tells Betty what Renee has been threatening, and so Betty says that it proves that she cares. Later, Alf tells Renee that he's going to see the doctor after all. She offers to shut up the shop and go with him but he insists on going alone.
In the Rovers, Suzie tells Gail that it's up to Brian to apologise to her. Ena Sharples says that it's 15 years to the day since Martha Longhurst died there in the Snug. She tells Annie Walker that she'll always remember her as a little girl aged 10. Later, Gail visits Brian and they make up.
Hilda serves the chicken; Stan and Eddie are both suddenly reluctant to eat it. None of them want it! Albert arrives to kill another chicken. They tell him not to kill any more, and give him the one that Hilda's cooked. They are left with nothing to eat. Eddie sells the hens to Harry Parsons - who is a butcher. This angers Hilda and she tells Stan he can make his own tea.
At the doctor's, Alf cheerfully explains that he's fine and that it's everyone else who is saying that he's not himself. The doctor gives him an appointment to see a specialist, Alf looks concerned. He goes home to Renee and tells her that he doesn't mind seeing the specialist if it'll make her happy, but it'll be another waste of time.
Brian arrives home and announces that he's found a buyer for his motorbike. Ivy is delighted, as she's been worried about him for years. She is very annoyed though when she finds out that it was Gail who persuaded him. Bert says that Ivy is jealous of Gail.
In the Rovers, Renee tells Annie Walker about the appointment with Dr. Galespie. Mrs Walker has heard of him - he's a psychiatrist. Renee is very worried, saying that she's sure Alf didn't realise.
Monday (1911, 14 May 1979)
Ivy doesn't want Brian to have a car - because Gail wanted
it. Bert tries to tell him not to do anything silly.
Alf and Renee have decided to go to Spain. Renee doesn't want to book it in case it clashes with Alf's hospital appointment. The phone rings - it's the hospital; there's been a cancellation and so Alf can go that afternoon.
Ken is organising a disco, all proceeds for the youth club. He foisters tickets onto Gail and Elsie Tanner to get rid of. In the Rovers, Ken has a poster to put up. Fred Gee is back, sans wig, but he says the disco wouldn't be his cup of tea. Ken leaves some ticket for them to sell. Brian arrives and tells Ivy that he's sold his bike. It's lunchtime but Gail isn't around.
Renee tells Betty that she's worried about Alf having a shock when he finds out that his specialist is a psychiatrist. Betty advises her to tell him, otherwise he'll be even more annoyed to find out later that she knew. Later, she does tell him - and he isn't pleased, but agrees to go so that Renee will stop nagging him.
In the Youth Centre, Ken puts up a hideous poster of John Travolta ready for the disco. Deirdre calls in looking for a course to do, she says she's bored. No sign of Tracy.
Brian calls into the cafe to tell Gail that he's sold his bike - but she already knows. She tells him how Ivy came around earlier, blaming Gail for everything.
Alf returns from the hospital. He says that he did all the talking, and that the psychiatrist said there was nothing wrong with him. Alf says that he now has to see a neurologist, but he doesn't seem concerned.
In the Rovers, Brian tells Steve and Suzie that he's buying a car. Deirdre arrives, saying that Tracy is at a birthday party. Ken invites Deirdre to his disco, and she accepts.
Tuesday (1912, 16 May 1979)
Ken is blowing up balloons for the disco. Deirdre pops in
with Tracy and offers to help. They both blow together.
In the cafe, Brian and Gail arrange to look at 2nd hand cars after lunch. The one Brian looks at is priced £450, takes 3 attempts to start, and the salesman admits that the 82,000 mileage "isn't guaranteed"!
Alf returns from the neurologist, saying that he's had a brain scan and had to go to the psychiatrist again and is on tranquillisers. Later in the Rovers, Bert tells Alf that he shouldn't drive whilst he's on tranquillisers.
Brian calls round to pick Gail up. She's all dressed up, but Suzie is wearing a waistcoat and not much underneath. At the disco, they dance to "Hit me with your rythm stick". Ken and Deirdre pretend to dance. Gail walks off and stops dancing because she can't keep up with Brian, so she gets Suzie to dance with him.
Alf tells Renee that he's booked a holiday in Spain for them, and they leave the next Monday. Renee is thrilled.
Back at the disco, the smoothie DJ changes the record to a smoochie number. Brian carries on dancing with Suzie. Gail throws her engagement ring onto the floor in a fit of jealousy and leaves.
Friday (1913, 21 May 1979)
Gail is late down for her breakfast. Suzie and Gail both tell
Elsie to ask the other one why they aren't talking. Gail says
that Suzie and Brian were practically making love (erm, hardly!).
In the factory, Steve is in charge whilst Mike is in London. He's all in a flap because Elsie is late. Later, there is a problem because "that freelance designer" has provided such a design that they can't sew the pockets on properly. There are some derogatory remarks aimed at this mystery designer.
Brian sees Deirdre in the street. She says that she can't speak for Gail and doesn't know how seriously she'll take his dancing with Suzie.
Bet Gilroy is back after a long absence. Annie Walker is having four guests over that evening, and has a busy day ahead of her preparing. "Good taste is such a rare commodity", she says. "With you having the lion's share, there isn't a lot left for anybody else", oozes Bet. "Well dear! What a thing to say", replies Annie Walker, and they give each other sickly sweet smiles.
In the cafe, Gail is very downcast. Deirdre walks in and thanks Ken for last night. She has a quiet word with Gail. She gives her the ring back and tells her to kiss and make up with Brian. Gail is all smiles again. Later Brian arrives and Gail bounces over. But he tells her off for "showing him up" and says he wasn't doing anything wrong. Gail gets upset, puts her ring into his pocket, and tells him to get lost.
Annie Walker arrives home annoyed that her butcher had forgotten about the woodpigeon that she had specially ordered a week in advance. She sends Fred on an errand in her car to get some.
Gail refuses to serve Suzie in the cafe, but Emily forces her to. Suzie says that she's done nothing wrong and they have a big row.
In the Rovers, Ken and Deirdre arrange to go out for a meal that night. Annie Walker is worried because Fred hasn't got back yet. Bert can't understand why Gail gave Brian the ring back, and he tells him to sort it out.
Gail has cooked a meal for her and Elsie, but none for Suzie. There's another big row. There's a knock at the door, but Gail doesn't want to speak to Brian. Elsie tells him that Gail's gone to the cinema. Brian walks off in disgust.
Fred walks around a corner just in time to see Annie Walker's car being driven away - he'd parked it on double yellow lines.
Monday (1914, 23 May 1979)
Fred argues with the traffic warden claiming the car had only
been parked for a few minutes, but she says she reported it to
the police over half an hour ago. She gives him the address of
the police pound.
Suzie tells Gail that it's just a tiff with Brian and she should make it up with him. Gail is upset and bursts into tears.
Fred arrives back at the Rovers. He hesitantly tells Mrs Walker that the shop was closed, he went all over town but had no luck. Annie panics and asks Bet to phone her guest and cancel, complaining of a migraine. She isn't exactly pleased to hear about the car either, and gives Fred money to pay for its release.
In the factory, Ivy and Elsie argue about who is responsible for Gail and Brian's broken engagement.
Ken and Deirdre arrive back from their meal out saying it was awful. Ken asks Mrs Walker how her dinner party went, but she is too upset to talk about it. Fred arrives back with the news that the parking ticket was £6, but the bill for towing the car away was another £20. And they add £2 per night for storage! Annie goes to bed saying that it has been "a day of disaster! Utter disaster!".
The next day Elsie urges Gail to apologise to Brian otherwise she'll lose him. Gail sees Brian in the street but he walks past her. Later he sees Suzie who tries to persuade him to talk to Gail, but he says it's up to Gail.
The bill for the car fine is now £28. Annie tells Fred that "after careful consideration" she had decided he should pay it, and she'll dock his wages. Bet says that she wouldn't stand for it and would sooner resign. Fred does just that and tells Mrs Walker that either she pays or he leaves the Rovers for good.
Another huge argument erupts in the factory over Brian and Gail. Steve tries to stop it but Ivy turns on him. Steve wisely knows when he's beaten and walks out of the factory - he runs into Brian outside and gives him an earful for holding up the factory's important order. This escalates into mindless violence with Steve pushing Brian through the front window's sugar-glass and Brian landing a blow smack on Steve's face.
Mrs Walker proudly announces that Billy is coming to visit. Ken points out to Fred that he's picked the wrong time to threaten to leave.
Tuesday (1915, 28 May 1979)
Annie Walker is doing the bar staff's wages and removes some
money from his envelope. Fred is outraged that £5 has been
deducted but Annie says that any complaint must be in writing.
Elsie and Suzie taunt Gail over the fight in the street. Over at Ivy's house Bert complains that the whole street is talking about it. Ivy blames Gail but Brian doesn't want to hear her name.
In the Rovers there is much fun made of Steve's black eye. Billy arrives.
In the Kabin, they've had a postcard from Alf and Renee complete with a "we are here!" arrow. Gail comes in and Ena Sharples tells her how she made up with her husband years ago when they were courting. Gail is too reticent to phone Brian so Suzie does on her behalf - he's on his way home, apparently.
Annie Walker receives a phone call from Sammy Long, steward of the Legion asking if Fred Gee is "available". She tells Billy that since Sammy sounded so keen, if Fred hands in his notice she will accept it. Billy doesn't look happy at being the man that the brewery stipulates should be around.
Gail and Brian bump into each other in the Kabin. Gail says that she's going to the pictures and Brian can come if he likes.
Billy sees Deirdre and Ken together and asks Rita and Len what's going on. They tell him that's what they'd like to know! It turns out that Annie hasn't told him anything about Ray leaving Deirdre and living in Holland - none of it.
Wednesday (1916, 30 May 1979)
Gail arrives at the garage and gives Brian some sandwiches.
Brian puts the ring back on her finger and their engagement is
restored. When Ivy finds out, she goes mental, saying that if
he start crawling to Gail now he'll be doing it for the rest of
his life. "That's right, look at me!" pipes up Bert
:-).
Annie Walker is composing a reference for Fred. Billy tells her that he doesn't agree with what she's going and has a go at her for not telling him about Deirdre and Ray. Later she gives a stunned Fred the letter and says she won't stand in his way.
Elsie and Suzie are both pleased to her Gail's news. Suzie has some news as well - she has landed an "up-market" job modelling cheese!
Rita and Mavis gossip about what Billy will do now that he knows Deirdre is single. Over in the Rovers Ken assures Billy that there is nothing going on with him and Deirdre.
Billy and Fred agree that it would be better if Billy reimburses Fred the £28. That way Fred can stay and keep his money, Annie will still think that she'd deducting it and they'll all be happy. When Fred tells her that he'd like to stay, she generously offers to only make him pay half of the fine, leaving him in profit!
Deirdre arrives in the Rovers. Ken offers to buy her a drink but Billy beats him to it, and asks Deirdre to go out with him the next night.
Thursday (1917, 4 June 1979)
Hilda complains of a bad back. Bet says that she's caught
it from Stan!
Emily tells Deirdre that she's always willing to babysit for her whenever Ken asks her out. She says it doesn't just apply to Ken, of course, but she couldn't imagine her going out with anyone else with Ken showing such an interest.
Eddie's got a metal detector. He's enthusiastic about finding treasure but Stan is unconvinced. He finds 50p on the floor which Hilda promptly claims. Now all they need is a site! He goes into the Rovers to ask Ena Sharples and Albert Tatlock whether there are any historical sites in Weatherfield. Albert says that he should look on his allotment, but it's just a trick to wind Eddie up.
Billy calls round to see Deirdre to ask if she has made up her mind about going out. Deirdre says she'll have to ask Emily to babysit. When Billy returns to the Rovers, Annie asks him to work that night because Fred is away and Betty is sick - but he refuses, saying he's arranged to go out. Later, Deirdre has tarted herself up and Emily agrees to babysit, assuming that she is going out with Ken.
Eddie and Stan go out to some wasteland to test the metal detector. They find a tin box containing some bones - probably a dead and buried pet. Then they find a BR spoon. Stan's doing all the hard work, digging.
Back at Emily's, Ken calls round. Emily then realises that Deirdre has gone out with someone else - gasp!
In the Rovers, Albert tells Ena that his plan is for Eddie and Stan to dig over his allotment for him - they'll dig up all the old rusty nails and things in the process. Billy tells Len that he wants to buy into a wine bar abroad - he needs his mum to lend him £2,500. He says that Deirdre thinks it's a great idea.
Friday (1918, 6 June 1979)
Billy offers to take his mum on a day-trip to North Wales
the next day, as there is something he wants to discuss with her
(such as some money he wants!). She "warns" him about
Deirdre but he says that there's nothing wrong with being friends
with Deirdre - and nothing wrong if it was more than that.
Emily tells Deirdre that she knows she didn't go out with Ken. Deirdre thinks people shouldn't interfere. She pops into the Rovers to buy two bottles of tomato juice, but really so that Billy can ask her out to the dogs that afternoon. When Emily is asked to babysit and finds out Deirdre won't be going anywhere with Ken, she lies and says that she was planning on going shopping and can't babysit.
At Albert's allotment, Hilda gets Albert to agree that they'll have half the value of whatever is found. Stan and Eddie start digging. There is much excitement when they find something - but it turns out to be a 1978 2p coin, buried 1ft deep.
Deirdre pops into the Rovers to tell Billy that Emily won't babysit. Mavis overhears and offers to step in, and so Emily's evil plan is thwarted. Plan B then springs into operation - in walks Ken, sent by Emily, offering to take Deirdre and Tracy out for a walk in the park! Billy tells him that he's too late.
Mavis is babysitting and Emily arrives home. She's not pleased to find out that both her interfering little plans were foiled, but Mavis is on Deirdre's side. When Emily suggests that there is no need for Mavis to hang around, Mavis insists on staying.
Billy asks Annie for a loan of £2,500 but she says that he only ever comes to visit her when he wants something.
Back in the Rovers, Stan says he's done his back in and Albert demands the 1p they owe him! He offers for them to dig over his allotment "again next year" and Hilda angrily realises that he planned the whole thing.
Emily tells Deirdre that people will "talk" about her and Billy. She tells her that she ought to stop and ask where "all this" is leading. Deirdre rightly gets annoyed at Emily's interference. Emily says it's her business because Deirdre lives in her house.
Monday (1919, 11 June 1979)
Renee's back from her holiday and tells Deirdre how much she
enjoyed it. Rita says that she's been trying to get Len to take
her away for ages.
Things are very productive in the factory. They've already made and dispatched 3/4 of the big order - Mike says to Steve and Elsie that the "girls" could slow down and still qualify for their bonus!
Deirdre asks Bet to look out for a flat for her. She wants to get away from Emily but Bet thinks she's surely better off staying. Later Emily apologises and Deirdre agrees to stay. But Emily says she still disagrees with her seeing Billy.
Annie Walker agrees to lend Billy the money. She gives him her blessing and says she has faith in him. Billy arranges to take Deirdre out that evening. Ken immediately arrives and asks her to go to a Weatherfield Operatic Society performance - bad luck Ken!
In the factory, there is a big delivery. It's the Chadwick order - all returned as substandard. Mike speaks to Mr Chadwick on the phone but can't change his mind. The garments were really bad, and he gives the workers an angry telling off. Mike tries to offload the garments onto other buyers but has no success.
Emily says that she's going to the cinema with Mavis, but says that Deirdre is allowed to entertain Billy at home. Emily is at pains to point out that she won't be out late, but then again she'll probably go around to Mavis' flat afterwards...
Steve apologises to Mike for not checking thoroughly enough, but Mike doesn't blame him. The only order left is the Marshall order - after that the order book is empty so they'll have to go on a 3-day week.
Billy asks Deirdre to go back with him. "What about the back bedroom?" "Take it with us", he says.
Tuesday (1920, 13 June 1979)
Mike fights to keep the factory working, but finally has
to tell the girls they're on short time
Mike tells Steve that he's got to get them out of the mess, and is now angry with Steve. He makes off with a suitcase to go door-to-door selling. Ida Clough has confidence in Mike, saying "he could flog ice cubes to Eskimos". But the others aren't so sure, and Vera says that she needs to know one way or the other.
Annie Walker says that she won't lend Billy the money - she'll give him the money outright as a tax-free gift. He's overjoyed.
Deirdre isn't sure what she should do. She and Billy sit down to talk. Billy is enthusiastic and tells Deirdre his good news. Deirdre realises that he hasn't yet told Annie about her.
In the Rovers, Annie laughs when Rita suggests that Billy might be serious about Deirdre.
Mike returns from his selling. He tells everyone that if they can't offload some of the faulty Chadwick order and get some new orders, they'll have to go to a 3-day week. Vera still isn't happy, and even suggests going on strike!
In the Rovers, Rita hints wants a holiday, but Len isn't keen. He says he'd trust her to go away without him. Bet listens wistfully. Mike tells Steve that a Mrs Goodwin will be coming around the next day; a routine call but there might be some work in it.
Billy tells Annie Walker that he's asked Deirdre to go with him to Jersey. She is distraught. Billy makes a strong case. Annie declares that Deirdre isn't the right girl for him, and asks if he will propose to her, knowing how his mother feels. Billy says he would. Annie cries as she says she won't give him the money - he has to choose Deirdre or her.
Wednesday (1921, 18 June 1979)
Billy tells his mother that he has asked Deirdre and Tracy
to live with him
Rita is lazily reading a magazine when Len pops home all flustered, looking for a bit of paper he's lost. She tells him that he needs a holiday, and suggests lots of countries but he's not interested.
Betty arrives in the Rovers back room, amidst lots of frost between Billy and Annie. Annie goes off shopping and Betty demands to know what's up. Billy fills her in.
Vera's late again, but she doesn't care. She's been for an interview and has got another job at Harrison's supermarket. She tells Mike that she wants to leave, and just as Mike is sarcastically remarking that it'll be like loosing a member of the family, Mrs Goodwin from Browns walks in :-).
Annie goes to visit Emily and tells her that Billy has asked Deirdre to go to Jersey with him. She tries to persuade Emily to help her "discourage" the relationship. Emily is shocked but says that Deirdre should make up her own mind, much to Annie's annoyance! Later Deirdre pops into the Rovers and tells Billy that she's decided she will go with him. He's overjoyed.
Mike tries to sweet-talk Mrs Goodwin, but she is having none of it. He gives her a tour. She says that they meet all her firm's "minimum standards", and that they will probably place a trial order.
Billy tells his mum that Deirdre is going with him. She says that she won't fund his love-life and reminds him that it means she won't give or lend him any money.
Ken says he used to think that Father's Day was "rank commercialisation", but these days he feels neglected if the day passes without some communication. Susan had phoned him, because "Peter's got bigger fish to fry". Deirdre and Billy walk in, to a frosty reception from Annie.
Len is reading a holiday brochure, and Rita arrives home after a busy day. Rita tells him that she's put a deposit down on a caravan in Morecambe, total cost £20! He's mortified. And it's Ralf Lancaster's caravan.
Ken gives Deirdre his best wishes and says that he's sure that she'll be happy. She asks him what happened with Janet [Barlow], and he tells her that she didn't get on with his children and wanted to send them away to school. Deirdre is horrified.
Thursday (1922, 20 June 1979)
Deirdre tells Billy that she and Tracy can't go to Jersey
with him after all
Billy and Annie are having breakfast. He's had a letter from his friend Tom who he'd be going into business in the wine bar with.
Emily tells Deirdre that Ken and Janet were different from her and Billy; Billy would never turn his back on Tracy like Janet did with the twins. She says that Janet was jealous and neurotic, but Billy is much more open.
Mike is pleased that everyone in the factory is working hard, until Vera arrives late. She doesn't care because she already has another job. Mrs Goodwin arrives. After another tour, she agrees that their quality is good. She leaves and drops the hint that they might get some work. [This virtually duplicates scenes from the previous episode, but with different dialogue.]
Billy asks Ken if he fancied Deirdre, but Ken dodges the question and says that he shouldn't ask questions, but merely lend an ear if a customer wants one. Len says, mysteriously, that one day Ray Langton might return and that Deirdre should be here to greet him. Len asks Ken what he thinks of caravans. Ken asks why he is going if he hates them so much?
Billy phones Deirdre and says that he's going back to Jersey that weekend, and pressures her to come with him then. She says that there's too much to do and it's out of the question. Billy races around to Emily's house and asks Deirdre why she was so edgy. Deirdre is busy sewing and doesn't really pay much attention to him. Eventually Deirdre admits that she can't go with him, because she's not sure and he doesn't "excite" her in the way that Ray did. Billy angrily storms out, slamming the door.
He tells Annie, who says that she's very sorry and that even though she opposed it, perhaps Deirdre could have made him happy in time. They are both crying. She tells him that the money is his if he wants it, whilst he looks for the airport's phone number to get back to Jersey as soon as he possibly can.
Steve Fisher is excited and hugs Elsie. He's just had a phonecall from Mrs Goodwin - they've got a trial order! Elsie announces it to everyone's delight. Mike arrives and refuses to react and orders them back to work! They are all annoyed but Mike tells Steve that "they work better when they hate me"!
Len accepts a job (a month's work) of building a toilet block somewhere starting the next week, and can't go on holiday. Rita angrily says that she's going anyway, and will paint Morecambe red!
Friday (1923, 25 June 1979)
When Len is offered a good job, he decides he and Rita
can't go to the caravan they booked
Len insists that he couldn't turn the job down, and work comes before a holiday. Rita isn't happy, and is busy packing for one! In the Rovers, Fred mentions that Annie Walker is away, so he could drive Rita to Morecambe in the Rover. Bet walks in complaining that she's got nothing to do on her week off. Rita invites Bet, who is happy to accept.
Ivy tells Mike that the girls are having to work slower to produce perfect goods, and so won't earn their bonuses; the should have a higher rate of pay. Mike tells her that he isn't interested. Later Ivy tells Steve and Elsie that they won't let Baldwin trample all over them.
Fred assures Betty that he'll be back in time for the evening opening at 6pm. He thinks that he'll be alone with Rita! Stan and Eddie come into the Rovers and have a moan about pub daytime closing. Especially 2:00 - 7:30 on Sundays in the summer!
Outside in the Street, watched by Hilda, Fred loads up the car and is just leaving when Bet Lynch cooees to him. He's not happy! Len comes and tries to talk Rita out of it, but to no avail. When they arrive, the caravan has the same Tarditian qualities as the Rovers!
Steve persuades Mike to reconsider his position. He says that it goes against the grain though - paying more money to do good work, as if it was something special. Mike announces that the trial job they are doing for Browns is make or break for them, and so if they get it there'll be more money for everyone in the future.
Hilda is telling Stan about the day's events when Eddie bursts in, all excited. He's got an ice-cream van! It's cover for his next scheme - selling beer during the pub closing hours in the hot summer. Hilda says that it'll end in tears, and Stan is to have no part in it.
Bet and Rita have a visitor, Tommy. He and his friend Alec are there for the fishing, apparently. Bet almost throws herself at him, and invites him out the next day. Rita isn't very keen. "Stick with me kid, I've got a feeling about this one!", says Bet.
Monday (1924, 27 June 1979)
Mike promises a bonus, which boosts production at the factory
Rita and Bet make themselves breakfast in the caravan. The gas isn't very good and the kettle doesn't look as if it'll boil in a hurry. Meanwhile Len is rushing around looking for his wellies, getting all flustered.
Eddie calls in on Stan and Hilda. He's got an ID card to use to buy booze in bulk. Hilda says that what he's doing is against the law, but his response is that if they lived in a civilised country it wouldn't be!
Rita and Bet are dragging a heavy gas container uphill, and are rescued by Tommy. He and his mate Alec change the gas over for them, and stay for a cup of tea.
Mike, Steve and Elsie inspect the clothes that are being made for the Browns order - all is fine, and Mike winks at Vera. The only thing he's worried about is his profit margin. In the Rovers, Hilda isn't pleased to discover that the others are on a bonus and she isn't.
Eddie gives Stan a lift in his ice-cream van. Outside the Rovers, Len quips that it's a bit conspicuous for a getaway vehicle! Eddie sells ice-cream to some kids, and sends them to get their dads to sell booze to. He has one customer, and asks him to pass the word around - quietly!
Tommy and Alec take Bet and Rita out fishing. We later see them cooking the results in the caravan, for a meal for four.
Hilda goes to see Mike to ask for a bonus. He says that he was the first to arrive that morning and wasn't impressed, and laughs at the idea of Hilda having a bonus. She retreats, humiliated, and tells Elsie that they are "negotiating".
Eddie's doing a roaring trade, but a policeman arrives. He spots the beer and breathalises him. Eddie passes OK, but the police are suspicious and make him play the chimes so that they'll recognise the van in future! LOL!
Len's job has been held up, so he tells Albert that he'll go up to the caravan and join Rita. Back in the caravan, Rita comments that the men haven't noticed her wedding ring. Bet points out that she hasn't mentioned it either!
Tuesday (1925, 2 July 1979)
Len decides to pay Rita and Bet a surprise visit at their
holiday caravan
Annie Walker is back, and gloats about Eddie's icecream scam. Eddie insists that he wasn't causing any harm. Bert comments that he thought the new government would be in favour of private enterprise!
Rita and Bet are entertaining their guests. Rita the cabaret star sings and they all join in - very drunk but then Rita chucks them out. In the night Rita is nervous and keeps hearing noises. Suddenly there's a knock on the door, it's Tommy and Alec claiming that they've lost their key. They con Rita into letting them stay the night. In the morning, they bring the ladies tea in bed.
Elsie and Ivy are having a good old natter in the Rovers. Ivy invites Elsie back to her house. Ivy admits that Gail won't make such a bad daughter-in-law, but Elsie lets slip that Gail had an affair with a married man in the past. The next day, Ivy wastes no time in dropping hints to Brian that he doesn't know everything about Gail. "Be sure your sins will find you out", she thunders.
Len arrives at the caravan just as Rita and Bet are cooking breakfast. Len bursts in with a bottle of milk, and Tommy assumes he's the milkman! "Well I'm not the flamin' milkman for a start, but I could be 'er 'usband!" he roars. He sends the men packing, and later tells Rita that he's going to stay for a few days and that Bet will have to go home.
Alf has decided to leave the Post Office and work in the shop full time. He tells Mrs Sharples that he's got a £6,000 lump sum and £2,000 per year as a medical pension. But Renee isn't really enthusiastic about Alf blabbing the full details.
Ivy tells Bert what she's found out about Gail. She doesn't believe Gail was innocent and says that she's going to tell Brian.
Wednesday (1926, 4 July 1979)
Gail fixes a wedding date with Brian
Len tells Rita that he'll drop subtle hints to get Bet to go back.
Elsie tells Gail that Ivy was complementing her the other night - Gail is thrilled and says it's made her day. Over at Ivy's house, and Ivy fishes Brian about Gail's past to find out if he already knows about the affair.
Alf says that there's lots of improvements he can make to the corner shop, starting with a time and motion study. Renee isn't keen. Later when Eddie pops in for some tomato sauce, he's moved it and neither of them can find it.
Len, Rita and Bet are having a meal. Rita and Len talk loudly about it being the first time they've been away together since their honeymoon, and other rather heavy hints. Bet doesn't flinch!
Len phones the Rovers and asks to speak to Eddie. Eddie says that Len wants him to run the business while he's away. Back in the caravan, he and Rita try and persuade Bet that she's homesick. They offer to run her to the station - but no thanks, she'll stay :-). Bet suggests going to the cinema, and Rita is keen but Len doesn't want to see any soppy movie. Alec and Tommy/Tony pop in saying they are going fishing, and Len goes with them, leaving Bet and Rita to go to the cinema.
Brian says to Gail that since Ivy has calmed down a bit, there's no need to wait any longer and they should set a date for the wedding. Gail is thrilled.
Suzie gets a phone canvassing job, working from home. Elsie is concerned at the phone bills, but apparently the company will pay them. (Neither of them are concerned at the annoyance and intrusion that Suzie will cause, but perhaps things weren't so bad in 1979!). Gail bursts in, out of breath and tells them that she'll get married sometime the next month. [ie August 1979 - or it would have been, if there wasn't a strike!]. They are thrilled.
Gail and Brian tell Bert that they've fixed a date. He congratulates them. (Ivy is out at the bingo with Ida and Vera). Later when Ivy hears the news, she says that she'll tell Brian about Gail's past affair. But Bert gets very angry and tells her to keep her nose out.
Brian arrives home later on, and Ivy has waited up for him. She snaps that there are things he ought to know - but she's had her orders not to say anything. She then throws all that out of the window and tells him to ask Gail about Roy Thornley.
Thursday (1927, 9 July 1979)
Gail confesses to Brian that she had an affair with a married
man - and a confused Brian decides to leave home
Bet, Rita and Len arrive back from their holiday with Bet complaining at having to get up so early in the morning.
Ivy pushes Brian and asks him if he's going to ask Gail about Thornley. She says that Elsie Tanner told her and leaves for work, and Bert tells Brian it was in Gail's past and there's no need to drag it all up now. Later, Bert angrily accuses Ivy of trying to stop the wedding. Ivy is unrepentant.
Over at Elsie's, Gail is reading "Wedding" magazine and talking to Elsie and Suzie about arrangements.
Brian sees Elsie in the Rovers, and asks her what happened with Gail and Roy Thornley. She says that it's not her place to say, but if he asks Gail he should remember that it's now that matters, not the past.
Brian calls in to the cafe and asks Gail who Roy Thornley was. She bursts into tears and rushes into the back room. Emily follows her and Gail tells her how she fell in love with Roy Thornley, and then his wife found out and threatened to cite her for divorce. Emily says that if Brian loves her, he'll understand.
Gail goes to see Brian at his work place and tells him the whole story. Brian is annoyed, but later Bert defends Gail. He says that he knows Bert is right but he's not sure if he can forgive her.
Suzie is on the phone trying to give away dancing lessons. She gets some abuse, quite rightly, but she slams the phone down the quickest! Elsie arrives home, followed by an unhappy Gail. Elsie is nervous that she might have caused some harm with her big mouth. Suzie asks Elsie to lend her money for a modelling course, but Elsie says it's not a good idea.
The Tilsleys are eating their tea in silence. Ivy asks Brian if he's asked Gail - and it's not just that one they know about, what about all the other affairs! Brian walks away in anger. Ivy cries crocodile tears and says she's doing it for Brian's good. Bert is sick of Ivy's recent behaviour. "Of course I care, you stupid bitch!" roars Bert. In the midst of the argument, Brian returns with his bag packed. He announces that he's leaving, glares at Ivy, and leaves the house.
Friday (1928, 11 July 1979)
[DATE: Wedding fixed for August 11th
- (a) During the strike (b) not on a Mon or Wed, so we know it
will change!]
Brian returns to Gail, and Steve hires Suzie
At the breakfast table Bert says he's going out to look for Brian. He goes over to Elsie's house to see if Brian was around there, and says Brian walked out when Ivy was going on to him about Roy Thornley. Gail realises that Ivy told him - but how did Ivy know? Elsie confesses to an angry Gail.
Elsie then goes around to Ivy's house and gives her a fantastic earbashing. Later she looses her patience with Suzie, who still hasn't found a job or paid any rent.
In the Rovers, Steve tells Mike that they'll need 2 or 3 more machinists to make their contract. Suzie tells Steve that Elsie's threatened to throw her out. Steve offers her a job as a trainee machinist, and she eventually accepts.
Bert tells Ivy that he's seen Brian, but he didn't say when he was coming back home.
Emily sends Gail home early, as she is just moping around. At home, she has a visitor - Brian, who says that he needed to get away from him mum to sort out what he wanted. He says he wants Gail, and they hug. He tells her that whatever happened before they met is her business.
Steve tells Mike that he's offered Suzie the trainee's job. Mike says that he'll have to un-tell her because he doesn't want Suzie.
In the Rovers, Brian and Gail have a marriage licence.
[Freeze-frame!: The Register Office Elliot House 3 Jackson's Row Deansgate Manchester 2. About your forthcoming marriage on 11-8-79 at 11:45]
They tell Steve that they've fixed a date for August the 11th and he congratulates them. Steve reminds Mike that he delegated him to hire the new staff, and if he doesn't have confidence in him he'll resign. Mike backs down but threatens to sack them both if things don't work out.
Brian tells Bert that their wedding will be on the 11th of August at Weatherfield registry office.
Brian goes home and tells Ivy that Brian is staying at his mate's again, and won't be coming home. Furthermore, Gail and Brian will get married in spite of her, but she's welcome at the wedding! Ivy is shocked.
Monday (1929, 16 July 1979)
Suzie starts work at the factory but gets into bother with
the other girls
Ken gives Tracy some crayons that he'd found lying in the street. He invites Deirdre out that night - or rather in, for some home cooking. Uncle Albert is away.
At the factory, Ivy is annoyed that she has been chosen to teach Suzie how to use the machines. Suzie insists that it won't be for long because she learns quickly. The first thing Ivy does is to demand a brew for all the girls, and send her to the corner shop for cakes!
In the shop, Betty tells Alf that her compensation has come through (from the lorry crash). Renee and Alf say that their insurance man is coming around that afternoon - Alf is expecting a lot more money that Betty. The insurance man, Mr Webster offers him £500 and Alf haggles him up to £800 (how? not in real life you don't!). Alf is very pleased with his victory.
Elsie tells the factory girls to give Suzie a fair chance, but when she returns from the corner shop, Ivy sends her to the maintenance room to get a Long Reach. They all laugh. At dinnertime Suzie is annoyed at being treated like dirt. She vows to earn the other's respect. Later, Ivy complements Suzie on her work.
Ken has prepared a table *with two candles on*! He gives Deirdre a slightly chilled cherry, and describes the menu ahead (and the food). They both enjoy the meal. Ken says that he likes her perfume, ooooh!
In the Rovers, Betty asks Ivy how Suzie had got on. "Alright", Ivy grudgingly admits. Hilda overhears, and harps on about not being told in advance and Suzie not having the qualifications. Alf boasts about his compensation, but Fred says that Betty got £300 for barely being scratched!
Tuesday (1930, 18 July 1979)
When Deirdre and Tracy go on a picnic with Ken he offers
them a holiday at his cottage
In the corner shop, Alf tells Renee that he's been diddled by the insurance man. Renee is annoyed and points out that Alf has already signed to accept it. Hilda comes in and says that Mike Baldwin's amount was "in the thousands".
Suzie is doing good work, even Ivy admits it. But Mike says that fast learners usually don't bother to keep the standard up. In the Rovers, Hilda is after Suzie's job. She goes to see Steve asking for a job. Mike explains that they can't afford to train her as she's too old, but she would probably have been very good. He tells Steve that was his tactic for keeping up Hilda's self-esteem.
Suzie tells Elsie that Steve is "controllable" and sets her sights on ensnaring him.
Ken invites Deirdre on a picnic. Ken moans that his budget has been cut and ten years ago he'd have walked out of his job. Deirdre suggests he needs a break - he says he's been offered a cottage in the Lakes but he's got no-one to go with.
In the Rovers, Betty tells Alf she had free legal advice for her claim. Mike tells Alf that "in the thousands" was an exaggeration and he got £600.
Deirdre tells Ken that he should go on holiday to the lakes. He agrees, if Deirdre will go with him. She accepts.
Wednesday (1931, 23 July 1979)
Betty discovers one of her clocks is missing after Eddie
and his friend have been in her house
Albert overhears Ken arranging the holiday in the Lakes cottage, which his committee friend is lending him. He assumes that he's going, until Ken puts him right. He reminds Ken that Deirdre is married, and says that he's being silly.
Deirdre tells Emily and gets a similar response. Emily says that she's old-fashioned, but since it's Ken he wouldn't take advantage.
In the Rovers, Betty Turpin tells Eddie that she needs her roof insulating. Eddie says he'll see if Len will give him time to do the job cheaply. He returns with Len's permission - she can have the materials at cost and only pay for Eddie's time on top.
Ena Sharples comes into the Rovers and Albert moans that Ken is going away with Deirdre. Betty overhears and rushes over and tells Bet, Elsie and Hilda on the other side of the bar. Later, Elsie is telling Rita and Mavis in the Kabin, when Deirdre walks in. Elsie tells her that people will go to town on their gossip, and to be prepared for them. It doesn't take long - Hilda is soon onto her, saying that Tracy won't know who to call "Daddy" next. When Emily finds out she says that Hilda has a wicked tongue, and Deirdre should never even think such a thing.
Eddie arrives at Betty's house and unloads the van. Herbie, an old friend from prison bumps into him and tells him a sob story. Eddie takes him into Betty's house and gives him a cup of tea. Whilst he's in the kitchen, Herbie pockets a small carriage clock.
Albert tells Ken that he should be taking his own children, Peter and Susan, on holiday and not Tracy!
Ivy is still worried about Brian because she doesn't know where he's living. Elsie says she should ask Gail - who's just arrived in the Rovers - but Ivy walks out as soon as she sees Gail.
Betty arrives home, sees that her clock has gone, and blames Eddie.
Thursday (1932, 25 July 1979)
Betty and Eddie face separate dilemmas over the theft from
her house
Emily is still angry with Hilda and is firmly on Deirdre's side. She says that it would be Ray's fault if Tracy was confused, and he could have easily visited by now. She encourages Deirdre to go on holiday with Ken and have a good time.
Betty tells Bet in the Rovers that the clock is missing. Cyril's pals from the force had bought it for their wedding anniversary, and she treasured it. Bet tells her that it must have been Eddie, but Betty says she is frightened of finding out that someone she trusted has let her down.
Ena Sharples visits Ken and Albert and gives her blessing to the holiday. Albert is annoyed at her, calling her a hypocrite and says that she would have been thundering fire and damnation from the pulpit a few years ago! She says that some people get more tolerant when they get older, and offers to cook meals for Albert while Ken is away. Ken is very grateful. "I'm norra flipping dog to be taken t'ut kennels!" protests Albert. "That's true - a dog would be less trouble", says Ken. Ena then tells Albert there are one or two job she'd want him to do in return, and he looks completely defeated. [This was a great scene!]
Emily goes into the Rovers just as they are opening. Hilda sneers that Deirdre won't be seeing much of the Lakes on her holiday. Emily takes her into the back room and threatens to sue her if she carries on making "wicked insinuations".
Betty confronts Eddie. He's very upset and swears to her that he had nothing to do with it. She asks if there was anyone else in the house - Eddie realises it was his mate, and begs Betty not to go to the police.
Ken has hired a car and they set off. Emily and Albert wish them well, and they carelessly put Tracy loose on the back seat of the car. Hilda is watching from behind her net curtains.
Eddie tells Stan that he might have to take the blame because another stretch in prison would probably kill old Herbert. But he's annoyed at being put in this position.
Gail is all excited because she and Brian are going to look at a flat in Stockport later that day. When Ivy goes into the Kabin to get a DIY magazine for Bert, Rita quips that Brian and Gail will be keeping him busy with odd jobs in their new flat - which Ivy knew nothing about.
Bet advises Betty that she hasn't got much choice - she'll have to go to the police.
Friday (1933, 30 July 1979)
Ivy makes a surprise move to reconcile herself to Gail
and Brian's marriage
Ivy moans to Bert about Brian's flat in Stockport. Bert says it's obviously get himself away from her, and not to worry about bus fares because the way things are going they won't be visiting very often! Later she apologises to Bert. He says it's not too late to make things up with Brian.
Fred visits Betty and is falling over himself to take Betty to the police.
Stan tells Eddie that since there are no witnesses, he'll be ok. Eddie isn't so sure, since it was Cyril Turpin's widow. Hilda comes home with a "teach yourself to play the piano" book. Eddie points out that she'll also need a piano! Hilda later uses the Rovers piano, until she is evicted by an angry Annie Walker.
Hardman Fred, sans glasses, has a heated argument with Eddie in the ginnel. He doesn't believe Eddie's story and demands that the clock be returned.
In the Rovers, Annie and Hilda muse over the Lakes, and how lucky Ken and Deirdre are to have gone there. Mike's factory burglar alarm is faulty, and permanently ringing. Mike promises Ena that he'll have it repaired the next day.
Ivy visits a surprised Gail, and asks what she's like for a wedding present. Gail says they haven't made a list yet, but she'll let her know. Later she pops over to Ivy's with a list. She says that the rent on the flat will be quite expensive, so they won't find it easy to save for their own place. Ivy says that she and Brian are welcome to come and live with her and Bert. Bert is stunned.
Eddie tells Betty that he can't find Herbie Cook, and offers to pay the value of the clock. Betty says that's not what she wants - he can have another 24 hours and then after that it's the police.
Gail tells Brian of Ivy's change in behaviour, but he doesn't like the idea. He says it would never work, and doesn't care what she wants but he doesn't want to go back and live with her.
Monday (1934, 1 August 1979)
Eddie finally hunts down the thief who stole Betty's clock
Annie Walker catches Hilda practising on the Rover's piano again, and doesn't believe her excuse that she was just dusting it. She tells Hilda to practice on a raft in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean!
Eddie tells Stan there are one or two places that Herbie just might be. Stan wishes him good luck in finding him.
Suzie tells Gail that it never works if you move in with in-laws after getting married. Elsie has had a letter from Ron Mather, so she's not interested in the argument. Suzie storms out in disgust, and Elsie says that Suzie was right. Gail goes over and sees Bert. He says that Ivy's motive was partly to get Brian back, and partly to make it up with Gail. Gail tells him that Brian wasn't in favour of the idea.
Eddie finds Herbie sitting drunk under a bridge. He says that he sold the clock, and refuses to go with Eddie and confess to Betty. In the Rovers, Ena buys him a drink much to everyone else's disgust. She tells him that she believes him. Hilda comes into the Rovers, and Ena gives her permission to play quietly so that Annie Walker won't hear. Hilda plays "Beautiful Dreamer" with one finger.
Eddie goes to see Betty and again begs her not to go to the police. He says the whole system will close up and put him down. "Oh I must be barmy!" she says, and agrees to let it lie.
Gail tries again to persuade Brian to move in with his mum after they were married. She points out that they'd be able to save money more quickly, and have enough for a deposit in six months. He agrees. He goes around and accepts Ivy's offer. She send him upstairs to get cleaned up for tea, and cries with happiness.
Tuesday (1935, 6 August 1979)
[At 22:07 on Monday 6 August 1979, a
strike broke out in the Thames region of ITV. This gradually spread
to other regions; HTV staff were locked out at 18:00 on 8 August.
This means that viewers in Thames and HTV never saw episode 1936.]
The burglar alarm disturbs everyone's peaceful Sunday, so with encouragement from Bet and Annie, Stan hits it with a poker and fuses the whole street
The Church bells are ringing, so it must be a Sunday. Ken, Deirdre and Tracy arrive back from their holiday. Mike Baldwin goes off in his car for the day.
It's the Rovers at 7:30pm, and the customers are moaning that Mike's burglar alarm has been going off since midday. Annie Walker says that if any man in the street could silence the alarm, she'll give him a medal and a free pint. Stan pokes it, and the sound stops. However the whole street's electricity is cut off at the same time, in "Realistic Soap Storyline no. 52".
Annie Walker is angry at Steve Fisher - their electricity is back and she "will complain to the relevant authorities", but she blames him for the torture that they have been put through. She is grateful to Stan. Bet Lynch warns Stan that he'll be for it when Mike gets back.
Over at Ken's house, he turns the light off and starts snogging Deirdre.
Back in the Rovers, still on Sunday night, Brian says to Gail that it's only 10 more days until they get married [this would have made it Wed 15th August, and not the 11th which is when they booked the registry office for. This is a possible discrepancy]. Looking on, Ivy tells Bert that she'd love them to have a proper church wedding in her church.
It's Monday morning, and Mike isn't back yet. There's still no electricity in the factory, so the workers are all waiting outside with no work they can do. Vera Duckworth even kisses Stan, she's so grateful.
In the Rovers, Len tells Ken that next time he takes Deirdre on holiday he should remember that she's a married woman. He says he's defending Ray in his absence. Ken isn't impressed.
Ivy asks Gail whether she'd like a white wedding. Gail seems keen and says she'll ask Brian.
Mike gets back at lunchtime and is furious with Stan when he finds out what's happened. He starts threatening him in the Rovers, but then one by one in fast perfectly timed succession, the entire cast (!) back Stan up. First Annie says that he brought relief to the whole street. Bert agrees, then Hilda. Then Bet says that Mike could be at fault under the Noise Abatement Act! Len agrees, and then Ken! Mike storms out, humiliated.
Hilda is chuffed to bits, but Annie reminds her that she said she "couldn't condone Stan's method". Back at home, Hilda thinks it was a compliment but their dictionary has fallen apart and so they can't look the word "condone" up!
Brian and Gail tell Ivy that they'd love a church wedding. Ivy is thrilled.
Deirdre has had a letter from Holland, delivered to the Tilsley's house by mistake. Bert takes it around and leaves. Deirdre reads it, and takes her glasses off and cries.
Wednesday (1936, 8 August 1979)
(not shown on Thames or HTV)
Mavis tells Rita that she had a terrible night's sleep the last night. Rita mocks her, saying it was Derek! Mavis says it was strange noises that kept her awake.
Emily asks Deirdre what's wrong - she reads the letter to Emily. The letter is from Ray, and he says that it's almost a year since they split up, so they should get divorced. Ray says that it they'd have to wait two years if it was just because they had split up, so he'll bring an action citing Ken so that it'll be all over quickly. Deirdre tells Emily that she was upset, and then angry that she should be blamed for the breakup of the marriage. But she thinks it's a relief, and she'll be free even though she wonders who told Ray about Ken.
Mavis gets in a flap in the shop and knocks over a stand. Rita marches her up to the flat, but they can't hear anything. Rita doesn't believe her, and tells her to buy a pick-me-up from the Rovers at lunchtime. Annie Walker prepares her a brown cherry, raw egg and the top of a milk bottle. Mavis insists to Hilda and Stan that she isn't imagining the noises in her flat.
In the Kabin, Eddie offers to stay the night with her to put her mind at rest. In the end Mavis agrees. Eddie says all he'll want in return is a cracking good supper. He goes over to the Rovers and stocks up with booze. He enjoys Mavis's cooking and watching her telly, but doesn't hear anything. Mavis is reluctant to let him stay and sleep on her sofa, but just as he is leaving she hears something and screams for him to come back!
Alf puts a chair in the shop, to benefit the customers so he says. Hilda says that people will sit on it and gossip - but not her, of course.
Kens calls over to see Deirdre. Emily tactfully leaves and Ken kisses Deirdre and is eager to show her the holiday photos. Deirdre shows him Ray's letter. Ken is furious, wondering how he found out. He demands to be kept out of the divorce.
By 10 August 1979, all the ITV regions except Channel TV were on strike. Channel kept on going with a heavily modified schedule (lots of local programmes, much shorter transmission hours).
Programmes resumed at 5.45pm on Wednesday 24 October 1979. Episode 1937 was introduced by Peter Adamson (Len Fairclough), describing what had been going on in Weatherfield to refresh everyone's memory, and for the benefit of viewers in Thames and HTV who missed episode 1936.
Thanks to Darren Meldrum, John Bennet (ex HTV Bristol staff cameraman), Rob Wilcox, Paul Ryan (Technical Director - GMTV), and other users of the uk.tech.broadcast newsgroup for this information, and their memories :-)
Dates in green are the dates the episodes would have been shown had it not been for the ITV strike. At some point, the storyline moves towards the actual transmission dates - by watching for known events (eg Hallowe'en, Fireworks, Christmas etc.) we shall see where this happens!
Thursday (1937, 24 October 1979) [Monday 13 August]
It's the next day, and Mavis is very embarrassed when Eddie comes downstairs. Rita freezes in shock in front of a customer. She then has a field day teasing Mavis. She says that they are living in the middle of 1979, and people will assume the worst. Rita goes upstairs and accuses Eddie of conning Mavis, just to be well fed. She demands that he gets a ladder and checks the loft.
Mrs Walker politely refuses Alf's offer to sit down, saying it was only in days past that people sat down in shops. "Florrie Lindley used to have one; I think it was Maggie Clegg that did away with it", she says. She then starts reminiscing, saying it is 19 years since Florrie took over the shop... and eventually sits down anyway.
Ken asks Deirdre to write to Ray asking him to wait a year and then get a quiet divorce. She isn't happy. Ken is worried about the newspaper reporting that he caused the marriage to break up. In the Rovers, Ken tells Len about Ray's letter. Len tells Elsie that he thinks he might be responsible.
In the corner shop, Hilda is perched on the chair making a nuisance of herself.
Len sees Ken in the street and admits that he wrote to Ray. He says that he knew Ray wanted Deirdre back and he thought he'd come back from Holland if he was told. At Emily's house, Ken tells chainsmoking Deirdre, but she says she is sure he had the best intentions. He repeats what he said before - he doesn't want a part of it - but it doesn't change how he feels about her. Rita comes over to apologise for Len. Deirdre is upset because Ken wants out, and cries with her glasses on.
Mavis has heard her noise again, and is beside herself. Eddie's bought some fish and chips, and settles down to watch TV but then hears the noise himself. Mavis asks Eddie to stay another night. During the night we hear the scratching again. Eddie is scared, and calls for Mavis.
Friday (1938, 29 October 1979) [Wednesday 15 August]
It's the next morning, and Eddie and Mavis hear the strange noise again. Eddie is happy to be making himself a nice big breakfast, saying that finding the source could be a long job. After breakfast they hear it again - it's coming from the chimney. Eddie says it's probably a bird trapped in there. He looks up with a torch, but there is a ledge blocking the chimney.
Deirdre tells Emily that Len told Ken he told Ray. She says that she doesn't feel any emotion, in a way it's a relief that something has happened. She says that she's not sure of anything any more.
Brian calls in to see Gail. He says that Bert and Ivy have gone away on holiday,and phoned to say that they got there ok. He isn't used to being left on his own, and hasn't even got any bread to make sandwiches. Gail makes him breakfast.
Ken calls in and sees Emily. He tries to blame Len, but Emily sternly tells him that she doesn't want to see anyone hurt Deirdre.
Elsie takes her lunch a few minutes early, but Mike finds her in the Rovers and gives her a hard time about it. Ken tells Mike that Ray is citing him in the divorce, and asks his advice. Mike says that Deirdre should counter-sue, citing Janice Stubbs - the girl Ray had an affair with.
Ken goes and confidently says that she can cite Janice Stubbs. In an amazing display of double-standards, Deirdre rejects this saying that it wouldn't be fair on Tracy when she grows up to find out about Ray (but it's fine for her own name to be dragged through the mud). Deirdre says that for Tracy's sake, she is prepared to take the whole blame herself.
Len says that they can't rescue the bird short of pulling the chimney breast out, which they can forget. Mavis says the only thing she can do is to call the RSPCA. An inspector duly arrives but doesn't seem very keen - he tries to dissuade Mavis from having the chimney dismantled! Mavis is determined, and says she'll pay for any work that needs to be done.
Mike asks Ken how it went, and then suggests that Ray should cite "person or persons unknown". Later, Ken goes over to see Deirdre again. She says that in her letter she'll ask him to wait a year (another u-turn! she refused before!), otherwise there's nothing they can do to stop the papers telling a big story. Ken says that there is a way, and tells her that Ray can cite Deirdre and persons unknown. She's furious that he only cares about saving his own skin. Young as she is, the neck definitely makes an appearance. She tells Ken that she doesn't ever want to see him again.
There were no actor's credits at all for this episode, only writer, director and producer. Hmm...
Monday (1939, 31 October 1979) [Monday
20 August]
Ken realises he is prepared to sacrifice everything
for Deirdre
Elsie is in a flap, and moans about working for Mike Baldwin. Brian arrives, with a postcard from his mum.
Emily doesn't believe that Ken could be so callous. Deirdre says that it's because Emily was so lucky and hasn't had these bad experiences. Later, Ken knocks on Emily's door but Deirdre tells him to go away.
Mavis is beside herself with grief about the little bird. Rita says that they need someone with a way with words to get Len's permission - and in walks Stan Ogden. Stan says don't worry, it'll be dead by the morning! Len walks in and Mavis says she'll pay for all the work and redecorating, so says he'll send Eddie around.
Rita tells Len about all the trouble he's caused. Len hints that he knows something about Ray. Rita drags it out of him, and we next see her round at Deirdre's. Ray has a girlfriend in Holland who is pregnant - that's why he wants a quick divorce.
In the Rovers, Betty is rushed off her feet - Fred is on holiday, it's Bet's day off and Annie Walker has a migraine. Mike and Ena give Ken some encouragement.
Harry Scott, the RSPCA inspector, calls around to see how Eddie's doing. He puts his arms up the hole that Eddies made and rescues the bird - it's a likkle budgie! He says that Mavis can look after it for the time being.
Mike calls in to Elsie's house and demands that Elsie go into work an hour earlier to do some urgent sorting out. Elsie is very annoyed, saying that he can't talk to her like that outside of work hours. He says he doesn't care and leaves.
Ken calls in on Deirdre again. He insists on speaking to her, inside. He apologises and says it would be unbearable to lose her. He's happy for Ray to cite him. This is all without knowing about Ray's pregnant girlfriend. Deirdre is overcome with emotion and hugs him.
Tuesday (1940, 5 November 1979) [Wednesday
22 August]
[DATE: A Bank Holiday (so perhaps
this was originally scheduled to be transmitted 27 August 1979
- Graham) ]
[DATE: Two years to the week since Mike employed Steve (this ties
in - Steve Fisher's first credited appearance was 29 August 1977
- Graham) ]
[No street scenes, so no hint of the weather]
Ron Mather has a surprise for Elsie, Harry Scott pays Mavis a visit and offers to paint her wall, and Hilda finds a ring in the Rovers
Hilda has to work on her bank holiday, so she tells Stan that he ought to as well. In the Rovers she finds a ring on the floor.
Mavis makes a fuss over her budgie. She's got a cage with bells and mirrors, and talks to her new pet.
Ron Mather creeps into Elsie's house and surprises Suzie. She fills him in on the news. He says he's "fleeing the trippers".
Over in the Rovers, Elsie and Vera have a drink and smoke together. Mike tells Steve that Elsie isn't doing her job very well and isn't pushing the girls hard enough. Steve tries to back Elsie up but Mike reminds him it's two years to the week since he employed him, and he's still wet behind the ears. Albert tells Ena that Deirdre has gone to visit her mother, without Ken going with her. Hilda pops in and drags Stan home, saying she has something to show him. Alf suggests that she is feeling "fruity" - "no, that was a week last Tuesday!" says Stan.
Ron hides in the kitchen when they hear Elsie arrive back home. She flops down on the sofa, moaning about this and that. Ron leaps out, and Elsie is thrilled to see him. Later when they talk, she tells him that her boss is getting her down. He says he'll cheer her up.
Hilda shows Stan the ring. It's gold and has a diamond. They giggle with glee at their newfound fortune.
Harry Scott pays a visit to check on the budgie. Rita teases and tells Harry that Mavis has called the budgie "Harry". He says that no-one has reported a lost budgie, so Mavis can keep him. He stays for tea and offers to repaint the chimney breast for her. Mavis goes all coy and can't say no.
Eddie walks into Hilda's back room, and asks to see what they are hiding just as a microphone sweeps across the screen. He verifies that it's a diamond by scratching it across a glass picture frame. Hilda doesn't trust him to take it away and get it valued, but gets uncomfortable when asked why she didn't hand it in to Mrs Walker!
Ron stresses to Elsie that his offer of a life in Torquay is still open.
Wednesday (1941, 7 November 1979) [Monday
27 August]
[No street scenes, so no hint of the weather]
Harry is too ill to decorate Mavis's flat, so he send a friend to do the job instead. Meanwhile, Elsie receives a surprise offer
Hilda's been playing with her gold ring, but it's got stuck on her finger. Stan helps, and luckily they get it off together. They talk about the possibility of the owner having left the country, but eventually Hilda admits she'll have to ask around.
Rita notices that Mavis' flat is spotlessly clean, and teases her about it. Then she tells Mavis that she should play hard to get for a change.
Hilda is acting strange whilst cleaning the Rovers. Fred and Bet are very suspicious.
Ron finds Elsie in the Rovers. Mike and Steve have just had an argument with her, but they say that it's left behind them in the factory and they can still drink together. As Hilda is leaving, she asks Bet if anyone has been asking about lost property, but she does it in such a roundabout way Bet doesn't understand. Back at home, she relents and gives it to Eddie to get it valued.
Stan and Eddie return, not looking very pleased. They are reluctant to tell Hilda, but eventually admit that the ring is a white sapphire worth only £10.
Jack Walsh calls into the Kabin, saying that Harry is ill. Mavis isn't bothered but he insists that he's promised Harry to help Mavis out, and won't let them down. They arrange for him to do the work the next day. He tells her that Harry is "a devil with the ladies".
Hilda (sans curlers) calls into the Rovers and hands in the ring. She plays up the fact that it must be valuable and she was doing the right thing by handing it in. It turns out to be Vera's, but after Hilda has gone Vera tells Bet that she lost it last week, so Hilda couldn't have found it that day.
Elsie is clearly in two minds about going to Torquay. Ron tells her how wonderful it would be, and she has a glazed look in her eyes. "Alright, I'll come," she says. She looks as if she is in shock.
Thursday (1942, 12 November 1979) [Wednesday
29 August]
Elsie hands in her notice. Meanwhile, Gail and Susan
solve a problem
Gail and Brian visit the church. It's a beautiful sunny day. The vicar mentions that it's two weeks to go until their wedding. The only thing left to settle is who will give Gail away.
Elsie tells Suzie that she's going to Torquay to live with Ron. Ron makes himself scarce. Suzie feels deserted that Gail and Elsie will both be leaving, and gets upset.
In the Kabin, Mavis is still waiting for her flat to be redecorated, 2 days after Jack Walsh's visit. Deirdre calls in with bruises on her face, saying that she fell over one of Tracy's toys.
In the Tilsley house, they discuss the wedding. Brian wants to hire a pony and trap, and talks of morning suits [er, with only two weeks left?..]. They all agree to help think of someone who could give Gail away.
Albert Tatlock moans at Alf for daring to shut the shop at lunchtime. Alf says that it's because Renee is away visiting her mother and it's tough!
Deirdre finds Ken in the Rovers, and asks him how Glasgow was. He says it was fine, and it was nice to see his children again.
Elsie sees Mike in the street and gives him a week's notice. But he scoffs, tells her that she can finish that night, and drives off.
Jack Walsh pops in to the Kabin with the bad news that he can't do her decorating that day. Rita helpfully suggests that he calls into the Rovers later, because Mavis is at the dentist. When Mavis returns, she complains of a frozen jaw and says that she's staying in - until Rita tells her who will be in the Rovers later.
Gail asks Elsie if Ron Mather would give her away. Elsie says she should ask him herself. Meanwhile Ivy is writing an invitation list [er, with only two weeks left?...]. Bert reminds her of all the people they should invite.
In the Rovers, Rita and Mavis are standing dolled up by the bar. Mavis is fidgeting. Ron says that he'd be delighted to give Gail away, and they joke about him making speeches. Mike sneers "happy retirement" at Elsie. Jack Walsh arrives but he can't stop, so Rita invites him and Mavis over for a meal the next day.
Back at home, Len has had chips and made a mess. Rita tells him that she's invited guests for dinner the next day. He's not happy but it's tough.
Elsie tells Suzie that her house is in the hands of an estate agent, so it already on the market. Suzie is gobsmacked.
Friday (1943, 14 November 1979) [Monday
3 September]
Elsie leaves for Torquay to live with Ron, and Number
11 goes up for sale
Rita isn't sure what she should cook for the meal that night, since Jack Walsh might be a vegetarian. Len says that a meal with two old married people will put Mavis and Jack off, so Rita says she'll invite some more people. Later in the Kabin, Rita invites Deirdre and asks her to take Ken.
Gail is upset when Elsie says she's too busy to help choose her dress, but Elsie promises to be at the wedding. Later, Gail and Suzie are back at Ivy's having bought their dresses. Suzie has a deep purple dress which Ivy isn't very keen on. Later again, Gail confesses to Elsie that Suzie's dress isn't really suitable and she doesn't know what she should do.
Alf comes into the Rovers, and Bet makes a play of the fact that she's staying with him while Renee is away. He's very embarrassed.
Elsie sits Gail down and tells how she feels almost like a mother to her, and advises her never to let people walk all over her. "I hate bossy women. If there's one thing I'm not going to be it's a domineering wife", says Gail. Elsie tells her that marriage is a partnership, and that they should be equals and respect each other.
Ron arrives home with the news that unfortunately he won't be able to give Gail away after all.
Ivy and Bert have finished their invitation list.
Elsie gives Suzie a tongue-lashing and insists that she change her dress. Suzie relents on condition that they tell Gail it was her idea.
Rita's dinner party gets into full swing, in her massive front room. There's some outrageously sexist small talk. After the meal there's an awkward moment when Ken and Deirdre's shocking sinful relationship is thrown to the forefront of the conversation.
Ivy suggests that Mike Baldwin give Gail away. Neither Brian nor Gail are particularly keen, but Gail says she hasn't got much choice.
Elsie and Ron leave the Rovers. Mike is being very rude to Elsie, which annoys everyone else.
Gail tells Ivy that her mum is coming up to stay early to help organise the wedding. Ivy looks a bit stuck but she hasn't got a choice.
Elsie and Ron drive off for Torquay. Brian, Gail and Suzie see them off, then Brian and Gail walk arm in arm back to Ivy's house, whilst Suzie looks wistfully up at the For Sale sign.
Monday (1944, 19 November 1979) [Wednesday 5 September]
[DATE: less than a week before the wedding - "this Saturday" [Gail's mother arrives - much to Ivy's annoyance]
Suzie answers a phonecall enquiring about the house. She tells them that they can't come around because it "isn't convenient". Gail says that she hopes Suzie isn't going to try and put people off.
Ivy leaves for work, anxious that the house should be in perfect condition ready for Gail's mother arriving.
Annie Walker visits Alf and asks how he's getting on with Renee away. Bet comes downstairs and makes some suggestive comments, to the embarrassment of Alf and Annie.
Gail and Brian decide where to for their honeymoon. Gail takes a phonecall about the house, and arranges to show it that evening.
In the Rovers, Hilda wonders what is happening with the wedding. Stan doesn't know what she's on about. "Where've you been, the last 6 months?" "Cleaning windows, standing in here, sleeping in my bed and minding my own business!". Hilda hasn't received an invitation. At the other side of the bar, Bet makes fun of Albert and flirts outrageously at Alf. He tells Len that he's getting worried, because Renee is bound to hear about it. Len advises Alf to play along with Bet, and then she'll run a mile. Later, Alf sits Bet down for a cup of tea and tries playing the seducer. Bet looks very uncomfortable. But later on, she's back to the nodding and winking.
Audrey arrives to stay with Gail. They're pleased to see each other. She goes over to Ivy's house, but when she sees Ivy's plans for a reception at the Co-Op she says she can't afford it (even with the "divvy"!). Bert says that he and Ivy would be happy to help pay, but Audrey refuses.
Back at Elsie Tanner's house, Suzie brings the prospective buyer into the downstairs room and announces the end of her tour. She spots Gail and Brian, and Brian tells her that the wedding is "this Saturday" [Saturday 24 November]. She tells Suzie that she'll tell her husband about the foundation trouble that Suzie warned her about to see what he says. Gail has a go at Suzie for this, who goes very quiet.
Audrey comes bursting back home, and suggests "that pub on the corner" which was so nice for Gail's 21st birthday party, as a cheaper venue for their wedding reception. Gail and Brian admit under pressure that it was alright, so that's settled.
Hilda pops into see Ivy and Bert, to ask about the wedding present list. She hangs about awkwardly, but a wedding invitation isn't forthcoming.
Audrey goes into the Rovers and asks Annie about holding Gail's reception in the Select. She isn't interested in Annie's sales talk, but asks if the price can be cut a bit by serving thinner slices of meat! "That says it all", says Annie to Bet, shaking her head sadly.
Bet arrives home, and Alf says that he's been waiting up for her. He is really quite sinister, making suggestive remarks without letting her know he isn't serious (most women these days would be reaching for personal alarms at this kind of behaviour). Bet eventually talks him down and goes up to bed alone, looking concerned.
Audrey goes over to Ivy's and excitedly tells them that she's booked a buffet lunch for 30 at the Rovers. Ivy is annoyed, and tells Bert that she won't get any sleep that night.
Tuesday (1944, 21 November 1979) [Monday 10 September]
[DAY: A Wednesday, before wedding on Saturday - mentioned by Suzie] [Alf decides to play Bet at her own game]
Alf goes into Bet's bedroom taking her a cup of tea. He's still playing Mr Sinister, emphasising that Renee is away - Bet looks very nervous. When she leaves for work, he bursts out laughing.
Ivy pops around to offer to chip in towards the cost of the wedding, but Audrey refuses.
Suzie takes another phonecall from a prospective buyer, but she puts them off telling them about damp patch upstairs. Ivy suggests that Gail and Brian buy the house.
[slow fade to black and back up]
Gail goes into the Rovers tells Brian about Ivy's "idea" - they both agree it's too close and they don't like it. Brian goes home and tells Ivy that they couldn't afford Elsie Tanner's house. Ivy is also not happy to hear that Audrey Potter will be attending the wedding as Matron of Honour.
Bet has told Fred that she's worried about Alf. When Fred mentions this to Len and Mike, Len smirks and quietly tells Mike what Alf is really up to.
Hilda Ogden overhears Audrey giving Steve Fisher his ushering instructions, and says that she hasn't been invited to the reception, but would like to go to the church.
Ivy phones Annie Walker and tells her to order a better meal, and she will pay the extra. It's a secret deal and Audrey is not to be told.
Bert goes to see Gail, and tells her that Ivy's only behaving as she is because she is so fond of Brian. He says that it would help to smooth things over if Audrey wasn't Matron of Honour. Gail agrees to talk to her mother. When she does, Audrey tells her that she's never really given her anything and wants to be there for her. Gail is moved and says she'll talk to Ivy.
But later that night, Audrey goes over to Ivy's and says that she's decided not to be Matron of Honour as she'll have her latest boyfriend with her, and "some people" might not like it. Bert and Ivy are mystified as to who!
Andy, Brian's best man phones up to make arrangements. Apparently he'll be arriving on Friday. Suzie gets excited at the prospects of a new man! Gail and Brian gaze into each other's eyes.
Wednesday (1946, 26 November 1979) [Wednesday 12 September]
[DATE: in the script, the wedding is supposed to be on a Saturday. So this has to be the 24 November 1979. When books etc say "Gail got married on 26/28 November 1979", they must be referring to the episode transmission dates of these two episodes, which both cover the events of the day.]
Suzie comes downstairs looking very hung over. Gail sits at the kitchen table and Suzie tells her that it's not too late to back out if she's got cold feet. It's Gail's wedding day. Over at Ivy's house, Bert and Brian are tucking into their breakfast but Ivy is too nervous to eat. Andy, Brian's best man appears, also hung over.
In the Rovers, Annie Walker tells Bet that her own wedding day was the only day she wasn't on the defensive. Hilda arrives and Annie warns her not to touch anything in the Select, as she has prepared it herself personally.
Back at Elsie's, Suzie mentions that Elsie won't be coming as she has tonsillitis. Audrey gives Gail some advice - never to let Brian see her cry.
Back at Ivy's, Brian thanks Bert for supporting him about Gail. Ivy fusses over everyone making sure they look tidy.
Frank Wilson arrives with Mike - he's Audrey's boyfriend. Gail comes downstairs in her dress looking great, and Mike kisses her. [fade and mix to next scene].
Ivy's household are all ready, waiting and nervous. Steve Fisher arrives to pick them up.
In church, Brian sits and waits nervously with Andy. Outside, Ivy tells her mum and dad that it's time to go inside. Back inside, Vera is sitting with her husband Jack and introduces him to Bet, sitting behind. "Who did she say he was?", mutters Ena Sharples. "I didn't think she liked to be seen out with him!". Meanwhile Hilda tells Stan to "act religious".
Mike walks Gail down the aisle and the service begins.
In the Rovers, Annie tells the DJ that there is a "frail old man" living next door, so he should keep the noise down later on. He agrees, but after he has left an amazed Fred Gee laughs and calls Annie "a wicked woman". She smiles sweetly.
The marriage service concludes and Ivy starts crying. Freeze-frame as Gail and Brian walk down the aisle, a married couple.
Jim Nelson ALAN HOCKEY Alice Nelson LYN DOUGLAS Jack Duckworth WILLIAM TARMEY Father Harris PAUL SEED Disc Jockey MIKE BOONE Photographer SUZANNE JEFFRIES Andy Rowlands PAUL DUNCAN Frank Wilson BILL McGUIRK
Directed by MALCOLM TAYLOR
Thursday (1947, 28 November 1979)
[Monday 17 September]
Hilda attempts to gate-crash the wedding
We rejoin the action on a few minutes after we left off from the last episode. Outside the church, everyone is taking photographs.
Back in the Rovers, Fred and Annie have a quiet moment - Fred has been a widower for 3 years, and Annie has been a widow for 9 years. The wedding party arrives, and Annie congratulates the happy couple. Hilda pops up and gives Gail a nutmeg grater as a present. She points out that since Elsie is ill, there'll be an empty seat at the reception. Just in the nick of time, Ivy interrupts and says that Father Harris will be making up the numbers.
It's chucking out time in the Rovers; Hilda is still annoyed that she's not in the reception but Annie asks her to work as she's short-staffed, so she climbs down.
The photography fusses around taking more photos. The best man (Andy) makes his speech, and then Mike makes one too. Everyone toasts Gail and Brian.
Andy is trying to pull Suzie, but she's having none of it. The DJ starts up the music. Deirdre pops home to check that her babysitter is ok. Vera finds Jack sitting drinking on his own, and angrily tells him off in front of everyone.
It's after 5:30pm now, and the Rovers is open for general business. Ivy finds Hilda inside the Select, and isn't amused! Hilda says that she's working, and it's her break - so Ivy dumps some empty glasses on her! Annie also comes and catches her in the Select, so she has the perfect excuse - "just collecting these glasses, Mrs Walker!".
Deirdre returns and tells Ken she's had a phonecall from Ray. He's changed his mind, and wants Deirdre to divorce him instead of the other way around, so that it can all be done quickly. Deirdre says she's accepted.
Gail and Brian leave in a taxi for their honeymoon. Everyone in the street sees them off, and then goes back into the Rovers. Bert is last back, very drunk.
Directed by MALCOLM TAYLOR
Friday (1948, 3 December 1979) [Wednesday
19 September]
The factory girls accuse Mike of trying to put a
stop to their trip to France
[DATE: a working day, during the honeymoon. Back on track as Monday 3 December ?] [Anorak set changes: We now see Elsie's downstairs room from the other side (facing towards Hilda's house)]
Suzie comes downstairs in her dressing gown first thing in the morning to answer the phone - it's another prospective buyer. She then puts the radio on, and Hilda's voice comes screaming through the wall demanding that it be turned down. Steve Fisher pops in to return some records (yeah, right) and ask if she's heard from Gail and Brian - she says not. She tells Steve that someone will be coming to view the house at lunchtime.
Hilda goes into work and moans about Suzie's loud music. "I'd get more peace and quiet in a tent on Piccadilly station!".
At the factory, Ivy isn't pleased with Vera because of Jack's behaviour at the reception. This erupts into a shouting match.
Ken goes over to see Deirdre and gives Tracy a colouring book. They talk about Deirdre's divorce. Deirdre invites him to lunch.
In the corner shop, Alf tells Len that Renee is due back - Len is sprawled on the chair. Ida and Vera come in, then just as they leave Renee arrives.
Suzie is showing her buyer around the house. She comments on the "good solid walls", and encourages the lady (Mrs Lacy - Rosalie Williams) to bang on the walls to test them. This results in a barrage of abuse from Hilda, who even comes around in person and frightens off the buyer! But Suzie's plan has worked, and she kisses a surprised Hilda.
In the factory, Steve asks the workers which 5 of them will be going on the exchange visit to France. He hands them a letter which Mike hasn't shown them giving details - they knew nothing about it.
In the Rovers, Betty tells Mike and Len that Bet Lynch is worried about Alf. They tell her that Alf was only pulling her leg. Steve arrives, and Mike says that he'd phoned the Trades Council up about the exchange trip and said that no-one would be going. He's annoyed to find out that the news has leaked.
Emily comes home early from the cafe. Ken is taking Tracy for a walk in the part, and Emily says that she could do a lot worse than Ken!
Mike returns to an angry mob in the factory, but claims he merely hadn't had time to tell them about the letter. Problem solved!
Alf tries to tell Renee that nothing happened with Bet whilst she was away, but Bet makes a hasty exit and Renee is suspicious.
Suzie receives a phonecall from Elsie's estate agent. He wants to pay her a visit to see all the "faults" with the house that prospective buyers keep finding.
Mike tells Steve that they need to have a "serious talk" the next day. Steve looks very worried.
Directed by RICHARD HOLTHOUSE
Monday (1949, 5 December 1979)
Renee investigates Alf and Bet's 'bit of fun' and Mike
sends Steve Fisher away to his London factory
[DATE: Steve Fisher leaves]
In the corner shop, Alf explains again to Renee that he was fed up with Bet's flirting, so played her at her own game. He says it was only a bit of fun, but Renee isn't very happy.
In the street, Ivy tells Bet that since she is a Senior Machinist she should definitely get a place on the French trip. Suzie is leaving for work early to avoid the estate agent. In the factory, there's an argument as to which five people should go on the trip, but Ivy and Vera are outvoted and it's decided that there should be a draw.
Mike has his chat with Steve, and says that Steve is still naive. Steve blames Mike for not delegating enough, and only giving Steve responsibility when he absolutely has to. Mike suggests that Steve go and work for Eric Williams in the London factory, with a view to taking over when Eric retires.
Ken and Deirdre are having elevenses together. Tracy is at a play group. Deirdre says that she wants to get a job when her divorce is settled.
In the Rovers, Bet tells Len that she thinks Alf is going around the twist; more personality changes since his accident. Len bursts out laughing and tells her it was all a joke. Steve Fisher comes in and tells Betty about the draw. Hilda overhears this news and rushes over to put her name in. She arrives in the nick of time, just as Mike is shaking the box - she hadn't been included (surprise!). This is rectified and the results are drawn:
1 Eunice Mariot (from packing, absent)
2 Vera Duckworth
3 May Thomas
4 Florrie Smith
5 Hilda Ogden!
Paul Haines (played by David Fleeshman), the estate agent, comes over to see Suzie. He says that Elsie has complained about the lack of progress, and reads out a list of reasons that potential buyers have reported after their viewings. Suzie refuses to admit that she's putting people off the house.
Steve tells Suzie that he's being moved to London, and promises to employ her as his PA in the future.
Emily tells Ken that Deirdre is afraid of having to make decisions, and will feel less secure when she's a free agent and has completed her divorce.
Mike receives more details about the weekend in France - it will cost £40 per head plus about £20 spending money. The workers who lost out in the draw laugh and jeer at this news, and Vera isn't very happy!
Steve accepts Mike's offer. Mike tries to arrange a party, but Steve is embarrassed at the reason he's being moved, so declines. They shake hands and agree to have a drink down in London when Mike next goes down.
In the corner shop, Alf asks Len to explain everything to Renee - but Len denies everything! Renee tells Alf not to make it worse for himself, and she's suspected for some time... then bursts out laughing and the joke's on Alf! Alf asks her how she knows that nothing really did go on while she was away. "Don't be ridiculous," she says. "Who but me would fancy a pudding like you!".
Suzie receives a phonecall from Elsie. After an angry exchange, it seems that Suzie has been ordered to leave the house within a week.
Directed by RICHARD HOLTHOUSE
Tuesday (1950, 10 December 1979)
Suzie meets a punk rocker at a house party
[DATE REF: first mention of Christmas]
Hilda moans at Stan because she can't afford to go to France. She calls it the second biggest disappointment in her life - the first being marrying Stan! Stan says that she would have got seasick anyway, and he is genuinely sorry he can't afford it. Hilda says she'll go if it's the last thing she does.
Suzie tells Mike that Elsie's given her a week to get out of the house, whether or not it's sold. Mike says to let him know if she's in trouble. Mike also says he'll go out with her that evening to the party she was going to.
In the Rovers, Len says that Elsie won't get more the £7,500 for her house. Bert says he'd better get back to decorate Brian and Gail's bedroom. Eddie Yates offers to help him. Ivy isn't happy when she finds Eddie in her home later, but she goes along with it.
Suzie calls in to see Hilda to leave the house key with her, so that some buyers will be able to view the house. She spots a dress that Hilda had been letting down, and says that it's all the rage and would be worth a tenner in a second hand shop. Later, Hilda has filled a suitcase with old clothes and tells Stan that she's determined to have a good Christmas, and go to France as well.
Mike picks Suzie up to go out, and Hilda is lurking in the shadows and spots them. She tells Suzie that the couple who saw the house wasn't really impressed.
In the Rovers, Vera is full of herself talking about France. Ivy says she's missed Gail and Brian and it'll be nice to have them back.
Mike and Suzie arrive back at Elsie's. Mike is full of himself, and said he found the party fascinating - especially "the bloke with the striped hair". He snogs Suzie but she cooly stands up and leaves him frustrated.
Hilda's clothes bring back memories. Each item has a story behind it. In a moving scene, she recounts some of these. Stan vows to make sure she can afford to go to France.
Mike and Suzie are examining each other's tonsils when there's a knock at the door. Mike says to ignore it but Suzie says it might be Gail, who has a key. [This would mean Gail and Brian's honeymoon was 16 days if they were due to arrive back on that Monday night. Sounds right.] But it's Norman the punk from the party (Norman Mannion, played by Andrew Scoefield), who is taking Suzie up on a previous offer of somewhere to sleep if he needed it. Mike is very unhappy to see him, and leaves when Suzie refuses to kick Norman out.
Eddie calls in on Hilda and Stan, and gives Hilda £5 towards the Send Hilda Ogden To France fund. Hilda is very moved, and invites Eddie to Christmas dinner.
Norman and Suzie talk politics, and Suzie tells him that he's different from how she expected. He asks her what her neighbours will think when they see him leave in the morning.
Directed by MARY McMURRAY and LAURENCE MOODY (Yes, a single episode with two directors)
Wednesday (1951, 12 December 1979)
The arrival of Brian and Gail's new bed causes trouble
for the Tilsleys
[DATE: set on Tue 11 Dec (guessed)]
It's the next morning, and Norman has made breakfast for Suzie. He says that Elsie's sofa was very comfortable [obligatory confirmation of sleeping arrangements!]. He asks if he could stay for the day, and offers to work in return by tidying the house and washing.
Ivy is inspecting Bert's paint work, and Vera calls over. Ivy reminds Bert that Brian's bed will be arriving.
Hilda tells Stan that she's got £24.90 towards her trip to France. Stan says that there is plenty of time because the trip isn't until the middle of the next month. Stan says that he could get an evening job in a pub, or go back on the lorries - if it wasn't for his back!
Hilda spots Norman in Suzie's back yard, and rushes around accusing him of trespassing. "You're one of those punk rockets, aren't you!", she says. Later she catches Suzie outside her house, and quizzes her about Norman. She says that Elsie Tanner is broad minded, but not that much - and wouldn't be pleased to find out! But Suzie silences her by telling her that Norman will be buying the house and be her new next door neighbour.
In the Rovers, Stan and Eddie talk about ways of saving money. Bert is there and Stan offers to help with the painting, but Bert declines, giving the excuse that he'll be out all afternoon. When the bed arrives, Bert is at home but Stan stops the delivery man from knocking and tells him that Bert is out and Ivy is over the road. He suggests they put the bed in the back yard.
Ivy returns home and asks Bert how the bed looks. She accuses Bert of falling asleep and missing the delivery men, but Bert insists he was working hard upstairs the whole time. Ivy finds the bed outside in the back yard.
In the Rovers, Mavis and Rita talk to Annie about the sightings of the street's punk rocker. Rita accuses Mavis of "pining after her RSPCA man" and suggests Mavis phones him up. Hilda arrives and tells them who she thinks will be buying Elsie's house. "She can kick us in the teeth from 300 miles off!... You'll be laffin' the other side of your faces when yer houses get devoluted!".
Stan tells Bert that he helpfully suggested the bed be delivered in the back yard since Bert was out. Bert can't say anything because he was trying to avoid giving Stan any work, and then asks him and Eddie to help carry the bed upstairs. Norman and Suzie walk in. Annie Walker is delighted to meet Norman, and says so. Hilda arrives and Norman teases her, saying that it will be a commune of 10 punks living in the house. "Did you hear that, Stan? Communists! I'm not stopping here to be sexually insulted!".
Ivy tells Bert that the bedroom looks great. She says she can't wait - only two more days and "he'll be back". Bert reminds her that it's "they" now, and there may be problems ahead with two women living in the same house.
Brilliant lines from Hilda - "punk rocket", "devoluted", "sexually insulted"!
Directed by MARY McMURRAY and LAURENCE MOODY, again
Thursday (1952, 17 December 1979)
Brian and Gail return from their honeymoon
[possibly set on Wed 12 Dec, from Mavis's remarks in Kabin. or perhaps this was a boob.]
Ivy and Bert talk about Gail and Brian arriving back home. They are due back at lunchtime. Bert says he'll buy a bolt for their bedroom door.
Suzie calls into the Kabin. Apparently she is still living at Elsie's. She says that she's fed up with Weatherfield, and wants to go back to London.
The Christmas decorations are up in the Rovers. Hilda is daydreaming about going to France. Annie Walker gives Betty instructions for when the drain men come for their money - if it's the old one send him through, but if it's the other one, just settle up. Betty suggests that Hilda can get her Christmas money back from Renee (which she's been paying in since June), and use it to pay for France.
In the factory, Mike is angry with Suzie for being late. "Steve's gone. There's no-one you can twist round your little finger now". Suzie gives Mike her notice, and he agrees to give her a reference. Mike leaves and Suzie sneaks into his office and tries to phone Steve Fisher in London, but Steve isn't available.
In the Kabin, Rita wants to go on holiday for Christmas but Len insists on staying at home. Hilda pops in and asks what the Kabin's rules would be for a Christmas club - apparently Renee is being funny about refunding Hilda's money because she's already got the stock in.
Gail and Brian are in the back of a taxi. Gail suddenly doesn't seem very happy about going to live with Ivy and Bert. They arrive back in Coronation Street, but Gail says Brian will have to wait until they have their own place before he carries her over the threshold.
In the Rovers, Hilda is slagging Renee off because she can't get her money back. Vera and Ida recall the disasters of the factory Christmas club last year. Vera agrees to buy Hilda's club fund from her, for the full value of £20.
Mike catches Suzie using his phone and sacks her on the spot. She tells him that he's petty and he can stick his job.
Back in the Kabin, Rita moans on about Len to Mavis. Mavis accuses Rita of encouraging her to chase men, citing the fact that "yesterday" she was trying to get her to phone up Harry from the RSPCA. Rita sadly says that her life isn't what Len had promised her.
Ron Mather bursts into the Rovers, in a panic. He asks if anyone has seen Elsie - she's disappeared, leaving him a note on his kitchen table. Outside, the For Sale sign is still mounted up on Elsie's house.
Directed by MARY McMURRAY and LAURENCE MOODY, again
Episode 1953 (19 December 1979) possibly not transmitted by ITV Plus...
**********************************
Evidence to support a missing episode: - Suzie leaving - she has just vanished in the 27 February 1998 episode - Gail and Brian dropping the bombshell that they will be going to Audrey's for Christmas dinner - this is mentioned casually with no fuss in the 27 February 1998 episode - Vera buying Hilda's Christmas fund from Renee - this isn't mentioned again after the 26 February 1998 episode - the Welsh couple who decide to buy Elsie's house - who shows them around, Suzie or the Estate agent? When are they shown around? - the sequence of Directors for the previous and following episodesEvidence against a missing episode: - two lines mentioning that Suzie has gone to London explains where she is
**********************************
Friday (1954, 24 December 1979) or (1953, 19 December
1979)
[Anorak set changes: We now see
Elsie's front room from the original side, perhaps the change
was symbolic while she was away]
[DATE: Christmas Eve]
Ron Mather knocks on Elsie's front door, but there's no answer. Hilda is on her way home from the Rovers and tells him that Elsie isn't there. Ron says he's phoned Elsie's daughter but she isn't staying with her, either. He walks off and wishes Hilda a merry Christmas - Hilda peers through the letter box and we pan down to see a pile of unopened mail. Suzie has apparently gone.
At home, Stan hasn't done any of the housework. He says he's on holiday and Hilda should be nice to him. Hilda moans about the lack of decorations in her house, but Stan blames her for cutting everything to the bone to pay for the French trip.
At Ivy's house, Brian turns on their Christmas tree lights. Bert comes downstairs after hunting for presents upstairs. Ivy comes home loaded with shopping. Bert asks who will be eating it all, Ivy says that just because there will only be the two of them it doesn't mean that they won't have plenty of food. She suggests sending a food parcel with Brian and Gail when they go to visit Audrey Potter. [no bombshell]
In the Rovers, Len and Ron are having a drink. Betty Turpin tries to reassure Ron that Elsie will turn up soon. Ron says that only last week Elsie was saying that she didn't know where Dennis Tanner was living, so she can't be with him. Audrey arrives in the Rovers, closely followed by Bert and Rita. Audrey thinks that she's helping out by inviting Gail and Brian to dinner, but Bert tells her it's causing more trouble.
Hilda arrives home to Stan and Eddie, loaded with shopping. She says she's always the same, leaving it until the last minute. She's bought a rather small chicken, much to Stan and Eddie's horror, but she says "we won't go short tomorrow". Eddie gives Hilda a blouse that he'd bought for her, but tells her it's from Stan.
Elsie arrives in the Street in a taxi. Pan upwards, and the For Sale sign now says "Sold". She goes in and lights up.
In the Rovers, Len is getting merry, and flirts with Audrey. Ena Sharples tells Albert that he'd better cheer up otherwise she won't cook Christmas dinner for him.
Hilda hears Elsie's radio through the wall, and rushes out into the street. Ron Mather just happens to be there, so she tells him that Elsie is at home. He thanks her and barges in on Elsie. Elsie says that she was homesick at Christmas. She didn't expect him to understand so she left a note. Ron tells her that Suzie has gone to London, and Elsie confirms that all her clothes have been taken.
A rather tipsy Bert and Audrey get back to Ivy's and suggest that Audrey comes to have dinner with them on Boxing Day. Ivy agrees.
Len is in the corner shop, very drunk. Alf sells him the last box of chocolates for Rita, but he has no wrapping paper left. Len tells Alf that he owes him one.
In the Rovers, Ena is at the piano and everyone's having a singsong. Rita is unhappy with her present from Len, who is getting rowdier by the minute. She points out that the shops were not closed last week, or the week before. Just as Audrey is leaving Len grabs her and kisses her, with Rita standing next to him. Rita is furious but is persuaded into singing White Christmas.
Back at Elsie's Ron says he has to get back but he can't leave without and explanation. He calls Elsie's house a morgue and can't explain why she wanted to be there. Elsie then reveals that Ron's boss, Mr Pickering, couldn't keep his hands off her. She's angry that Ron didn't even notice, and accuses him of turning a blind eye so as not to cause trouble. "Goodbye Ron", says Elsie, and turns her back on him. Ron goes, leaving Elsie alone in her house.
(VCR cut off before the Director's name(s), argh.)
Originally transmitted: 24, 26, 31 December
1979; 2 & 7 January 1980
Transmitted by ITV Plus: Monday 2 - Friday 6 March 1998
Episode Numbers: 1954 - 1958
Monday (1955, 26 December 1979) or (1954, 24 December
1979)
It's Boxing Day on the Street but the Ogdens' cupboard
is rather bare
It's Boxing Day in the Ogden house, but lunch consists of only chicken soup. Eddie and Stan moan, but Hilda says that it won't harm them because they are both as fat as pigs!
Gail calls in to see Elsie, and they hug saying how they've missed each other. Elsie tells Gail that everything is over between her and Ron. Gail says she's very happy with Brian. Gail asks Elsie what her plans are, but she hasn't a clue.
Albert is in the corner shop, moaning because Renee hasn't got any fresh bread. Ken has gone up to Glasgow to visit his children and Albert has to fend for himself.
Brian and Bert are in the Rovers, having a drink while Ivy rushes around at home preparing lunch. Bert explains that it's a battle between Ivy and Audrey to see who can feed Brian the best. They leave to get back for their lunch, and Hilda comes in with Stan and Eddie. Hilda's wearing her new blouse. Also at the bar are Rita, Len and Alf. Rita tells Bet Gilroy that she only had a box of chocolates, and Bet calls Len a rotten husband.
Bet calls round to see Elsie. Elsie tells her that Ron, the job and everything is lost. Elsie tells Bet about Ron's boss, and how his wife knew what was going on and blamed Elsie. And how Ron also knew, but didn't say a word to anyone. The phone rings, and the couple who are buying the house want to come around to measure up for curtains! Elsie tells Bet that she'll have to tell them she's not selling.
At Ivy's, Gail and Brian are full up and can't eat any more. Audrey boasts that there was no problem with their appetites are her house. Bert suggests that they invite people from the street around for a knees-up, as there is plenty of food left.
Elsie's buyers visit her, a very obviously Welsh couple. (Mrs Ellis, played by Sharon Morgan. Mr Ellis, played by Robin Griffith). They say they are in a bedsit at the moment, and the wife is pregnant. Elsie tells them she's not selling, the husband gets angry and the wife bursts into tears.
Over at the Ogdens, they can't afford to go out for the afternoon. Eddie suggests that they play cards. Bert walks in and invites them over to the Tilsley's, but they have to take a bottle. Eddie finds some very old homemade stuff, and decide to mix it up into one bottle. "We wont have to drink it!" says Hilda.
At the party, Alf and Renee are there, as is Rita and Len. Bert tells Ivy and Elsie said she didn't want to go. Ivy goes over to Elsie's and twists her arm.
Eddie pours out a glass of his wine for Renee. "By heck, I've had worse but not much!" she says. "Good for unblocking drains", remarks Len.
Elsie arrives at the party, and Hilda tells her how much she's looking forward to having that young couple as neighbours. Elsie tells her that she's not selling, she's back for good.
Directed by MALCOLM TAYLOR
Tuesday (1956, 31 December 1979) or (1955, 26 December
1979)
Ken's daughter pays a surprise visit to the Street
on New Year's Eve
[DATE: New Year's Eve]
Len arrives home from work. Rita has told Elsie that Len bought her a bracelet for Christmas, but Len says he didn't have time to buy it and he'll get it the next day. The phone rings - it's Ralph Lancaster saying he's been let down and can Rita fill in? Len puts his foot down, saying they've arranged to go to the Fiesta, and that is where they are going!
At Emily's, Deirdre is getting Tracy ready for bed. Ken is going take her out, and Emily is quite happy to babysit for her.
At Ken's, we slowly pan back from a photo of Ken, Val, Peter and Susan to see that Susan and Ken are there. Hilda pops over for some 50p's for the gas, but Ken doesn't introduce them and leaves Hilda guessing as to who Susan is. She goes over to the corner shop, and Deirdre just happens to be in there at the same time. Hilda tells her that Ken must have been hiding something because he didn't introduce her to his lady-friend.
In the Rovers, Annie tells Ena that inflation has beaten her, and there will be a small charge for the hotpot this New Year's Eve. Ena is drinking in the snug with Elsie. Len and Rita arrive - Rita isn't happy about calling into the Rovers, and Len promptly buys a huge round of drinks for everyone which pleases her even less! Bert says that you need tickets for the Fiesta and it's sold out. Len looks very awkward as he just assumed you could pay on the door. He goes home to check.
Ken and Susan go over to see Emily and Deirdre. Emily is thrilled to see Susan again after so many years. Deirdre wasn't fooled by Hilda. Susan says she is going to a disco over the road.
Alf and Renee arrive in the Rovers. Len returns, saying that everywhere is booked up. Eddie suggests the Gatsby, but that's the one place they can't go. They agree to stay in the Rovers. "Why not," snaps Rita. "I've had an imaginary Christmas, I'll have an imaginary New Year".
Albert arrives home, and is pleased to see Susan. He offers to walk her over the road, and says he'll then go to the Rovers. Deirdre arrives and says that she'd rather be somewhere peaceful, so they decide to stay in. Ken had tickets for the Fiesta, which he rips up and throws on the fire!
In the Rovers, Annie calls the decade the "savage seventies". Alf is chosen to go outside with coal, salt and whiskey. Outside, he's dragged off by three mad women to a party.
Ken and Deirdre snog to the sound of the clock chiming midnight.
In the Rovers, everyone is waiting for Alf to walk through the door, but he doesn't appear. Fred is sent after him, and finds Alf staggering down the road. He goes back to Alf's party and phones Len in the Rovers, telling him to get over to 32 Bessie Street for the party. Len "suggests" that the lads should go out and look for Fred and Alf - and they'll look all night if they have to!
Directed by RICHARD HOLTHOUSE
Wednesday (1957, 2 January 1980) or (1956, 31 December
1979)
Len, Alf and Bert return from the party on New Year's
Day and have to dream up a story to tell their wives
[DATE: New Year's Day] [1980 copyright date in the credits]
ITV confirm episode 1957 was transmitted 2 January 1980 - Graham
Len, Alf, Bert, Fred and Eddie are in the street coming back from their party. They go into the Rovers, and Fred checks that Annie is asleep. They try and think of a story to cover the three separate disappearances. They decide that Alf slipped over, Fred found him and called an ambulance but didn't want to worry Renee, and everyone went with him to casualty all night.
Susan tells Albert that she'll stay for a few days, but she has to be back for school. She says she'll probably visit Deirdre and Tracy. As soon as Deirdre is mentioned, Albert clams up.
Alf arrives back home in the corner shop and tells Renee his story about going to hospital. Renee asks why no-one bothered to come to the Rovers to tell her.
Rita is furious with Len and doesn't believe his story. She scares him into telling the truth. Over at Ivy's, Bert fumbles around and tells Ivy the truth without even attempting to lie.
In the Rovers, Len, Alf and Bert tell each other that they thought better of lying and "decided" to tell their wives the truth. Rita tells Renee and Ivy that the woman who holds the party every year in Bessie Street came into the Kabin and told her what happened anyway. Elsie buys a milk stout and a lager for Ena and herself in the snug. She tells Ena that she hasn't gone off Gin and Tonic, but a change is as good as a rest.
Fred panics when he finds out that the truth has slipped out, because he's told Mrs Walker what they agreed. Over at the other side of the bar, Annie is on the phone to the hospital and finds out that there was no Mr Roberts in casualty the previous night! She tells Fred that he can't have the evening off, and then hands Len and the others a bill for drinks which their wives had bought in their absence!
In the corner shop, Hilda says that she's bumped into Molly Coggan on Rosamund Street, and heard about her party. She tries to quiz Alf but he says that he's there to sell groceries, not answer personal questions.
In the Rovers, Annie offers to find Elsie a job in a pub somewhere, but Elsie says she is confident of getting her old job back. Ivy hears about this and is furious, because she understood that Mike had given her Elsie's old supervisor job.
Directed by RICHARD HOLTHOUSE
Thursday (1958, 7 January 1980)
Rita reaches the end of her tether with Len
It's Monday morning in the factory. Hilda is sweeping up, and she says she came in at the crack of dawn because she couldn't make it the previous Friday. Mike Baldwin walks in and tells everyone to get to work before the machines seize up through lack of use! (nice Christmas, Mike?!)
Rita tells Len she's sick of their grotty house. The toaster's been broken for ages and Len still hasn't fixed it. Len can't see that his house is a dump. But he says that if Rita makes a list, he'll sort things out just to keep her quiet.
Jim Sedgewick comes into the cafe, and introduces himself to Emily and Gail. They say that they haven't seen Mr Dawson for over a week, not since the Friday before New Year's Eve. Jim tells them that he's bought the place.
In the factory, Mike catches Vera learning French and tells her to get back to work. Ivy moans about her supervisor's job after he leaves.
In the Rovers, Albert tells Annie that Susan got off alright on her journey back. Annie says that Susan is a delightful girl, and Ken can be proud of her. Elsie comes in - she's been to the job centre and tells Mike that she's back for good. He agrees to consider giving her her old job back. Ida Clough is sitting not far away, with burning ears.
Gail is beside herself with worry. She wants to know if her job is safe.
Ida tells Ivy that Mike has arranged an interview with Elsie. Ivy looks upset at the news. Later she asks Mike what's happening, saying that she's been doing two jobs in all but name since Elsie left and wants recognition. She warns him that the workforce wouldn't be happy and smooth-running if Elsie came swanning back as supervisor.
Rita gives Len her list of things she wants done to the house - imitation log fire, kitchen units, two rooms knocking into one. Len is angry, thinking it would be a simple lick of paint. Rita shouts her head off, saying she is sick of the way things are going.
Jim Sedgewick tells Emily that the jobs are safe, and the he's going to install a jukebox and make the cafe more suitable for the lorry park that opened in Canal Street a few months ago. He says that there's more profit in fry-ups. "But this is a tea-shop!" protests Emily.
In the Rovers, Elsie asks Mike if she really needs a formal interview, but he again tells her to see him tomorrow. After she leaves, he tells Len of his staff problems.
Directed by LAURENCE MOODY
Friday (1959, 9 January 1980)
Vera continues to practice her French, Hilda stirs up trouble
at the factory, and Rita leaves Len.
Rita pops home for a cup of tea. Len isn't dressed, and was about to shave in the kitchen sink but Rita starts doing washing up. She says that other people worse off than them have better living conditions.
In the cafe, Albert moans that he hasn't been served yet, but Gail tells him that he's supposed to go to the counter to order on his way in. Emily says that it's sad that all the current customers will probably leave when all Jim's changes are done. But Gail doesn't mind the idea of a jukebox.
Len moans at Annie about the work Rita wants done, but Annie says that it's quite right and she doesn't know how Rita has stuck it for so long. Len tells Hilda that Aspinol (sp?) is paying his workers' fares to France. Hilda is very interested to hear this.
Jim has installed a gambling machine, but Emily is very unhappy about it. Later, Jim tells Gail that she can have all the overtime she wants. Brian is pleased, but Jim says it isn't Gail he's worried about - and we pan across to see Emily gazing into space.
Mike tells Elsie that there isn't a job for her. She isn't happy but Mike says that's that and leaves. On the way out, Elsie gives the workers the impression that she's been given the job. Later, Mike tells everyone that there wasn't a job for Elsie, and thing will stay they way they are - or else.
Rita tells Len that she just wants a home she can be happy in. Len says that he's been there for years, and no-one has complained before. He says that he's still the same man she married, but she says that that man would have got her a Christmas present. He walks out to go to the Rovers.
Emily can't stand the noise from the jukebox.
In the Rovers, Hilda tells Vera and Ida that the Aspinol girls are having their fares paid, and they agree to have it out with Mike the next day. Gail tells Elsie that she's heard Mike didn't give her the job because he didn't want to cause aggro in the factory.
Rita walks out on Len. "It's your house - I hope you'll both be very happy," she says.
Directed by LAURENCE MOODY
Written by Mike Henry
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