Wednesday 2 August

Norris is watching the train go round and round Emily's table, enthusing on how the original must have looked, inspiring young boys who may even now be piloting the real thing. Hmm, says Emily. Then the music cranks up from the Battersby's. Why do grown men have to behave like children? asks Norris, then says tiddley tum tiddley tum as he watches the train go round again. Emily rolls her eyes.

Curly comes down to breakfast, to find it beautifully prepared by Emma. She wanted to make this moment special. She's going to move in. She's even got champagne.

In the Rovers, Leanne tells Natalie that Steve is being frightened out of testifying. She's not impressed, and won't let some jumped-up little wannabe gangster get away with killing her son.

David and Martin are having their cereal on the sofa. Martin tries to sympathise with David having had a hard time recently, and says it's no-one's fault. David blames Sarah for getting pregnant. Martin gets cross and says he's old enough to understand. Yes, and he was old enough to be told when she was pregnant. Stupid baby! Bethany cries on cue.

The local DJ announces that was Des O'Connor singing 3 Times a Lady and later we'll have your DIY disasters. (Sounds like a riveting show). He's feigning a very bad mid-Atlantic drawl, which he drops when he talks to Toyah. She's brought him a coffee and tells him about Ken's book launch. Could she do an interview? He agrees. That seemed too easy, but they're clearly short of material.

Roy is serving Gary in the café and tries to interest him in the launch. But he's grumpy cos Paula's had to cancel due to pressure of work. Vera commiserates but says it will all be worth it if she's the right one. Meanwhile, Leanne tells Steve that she told Natalie. He gets a call on the mobile but there's no-one there. It's been happening all day. Nat appears at his shoulder.

Now it's Gail's turn to chat to David. Oh no, Martin's there on the other side of the table. Time for the good cop bad cop routine. After about 5 secs, Martin gets cross again. What is it that David wants? If he wants to blame anyone it should be him and Gail. Gail thinks he should be proud to be a godfather. I never said I wouldn't do it! Ah, so he will then. And he also agrees to go a bit easier on Sarah and Bethany. OK then, so maybe we could go shopping this afternoon for Voodoo Warrior III (sic). Gail also says that he could rent a video too as the girls are going out this evening.

Natalie thinks Steve should ask for police protection. And remember, she won't hand over the reward money if he doesn't testify. Steve says he can't use the money if he's dead and walks out. Natalie clearly thought this was a trump card and we see her wondering what she can try next.

Interval

Ken has written his article based on Edna's information. She reads it in the Rovers and is concerned it's obvious it's about Underworld. He assures her that's just because she knows it is and is reading that into it. It could equally apply to any number of places. She hopes so, as her job's on the line.

Curly and Emma announce their plans and everyone is very happy. They decline a drink as they still have the effects of the champagne that morning. Les sniffs out the celebration in the hope of a free drink. He's even happier when he hears they've got their own copper. He hopes she'll turn a blind eye to any dodgy dealings by the neighbours.

Norris is still playing with the train and snatches the box off the floor before Emily hoovers over it. In his panic, he reveals that the box alone in mint condition can fetch £40-50. Emily gets out of him the real value of the full set. £160.

Toyah is in the café and tells Ken about the interview. Deirdre arrives brandishing the paper. What does he think he's playing at, writing about Underworld like that. She knows he didn't get the information from her. But Ken can't reveal his sources. Huh, she says, I've heard that before, and stomps out.

David has Godzilla and wonders when the girls will be leaving. Gail comes downstairs and says they can go now that Bethany is settled. But she wants them back by 10. Quite a pointless scene.

Norris has bought a round (surely a first), for Alma, Vera, and Emily. Vera thinks she's got him well-trained, but Emily says he's in the doghouse, and makes him reveal his crime. I've defrauded the Friends of Weatherfield Hospital. They look suitably horrified. Emily adds that they're still negotiating punishment. Norris expands. I was temporarily overexcited by the sight of the Duchess of Atholl! That got their attention. Emily says he'll have to pay £170 to the charity shop, £160 for the train and £10 for his deceit. And he can keep it in his bedroom from now on. Norris doesn't have that kind of money so will have to get it from his Post Office account later in the week. Alma has now recovered enough to suggest this may incur interest. Norris looks horrified: haven't I suffered enough! Emily says that's for her to decide.

Natalie serves Steve. Yes, she's going to keep giving him a hard time until he agrees to go to court. He says that's not going to happen and leaves.

At the book launch, Deirdre is still banging on about the article. Roy introduces Ken to 2 members of the local history society. Anthony (the bookshop owner) is chatting to Rita. They're both there to support the author as they're selling his book. Ken interrupts in his escape from the 2 bores and tells Rita that Anthony writes the theatre review in the Gazette, and Anthony that Rita used to tread the boards. Then goes to mingle.

Candice and Sarah are at the bus-stop. She's pleased to be out. Candice asked her mam for money to get a dress for the christening and has been forbidden to go. But they agree she'll sneak out anyway.

Curly and Emma are snuggling on the sofa. Sometimes she feels like it's going too fast, and at other times it seems like she's known him all her life. She has to go to work now, but promises him something better than croissant for his breakfast tomorrow. Oh no, Curly will never sleep now!

Ken finishes his reading. Time for a break but there'll be questions later. Anthony gets Rita some wine but then has to see a colleague. Emily comes over and teases Rita. She confesses to watching them earlier as her attention did start to wander. Toyah has taped some of the reading to go with the interview. The piece will go out on Sunday.

Steve gets in the cab and finds Nat sitting in the back seat. He hadn't locked the door (seems strange if he's that scared). She's checked with her lawyer. If Steve refuses to give evidence he can be jailed for contempt. Jes could get to him a lot easier if he was in the next cell. She tells him that they're in this together and together they can get Jes out of their lives forever.


Friday 4 August
Sunday 6 August

Another week, another broken tape! A new video recorder is going to have to be acquired soon!!

Anyway over to as much of Weatherfield as I can decipher.

Next Saturday I shall be visiting Cadbury's Chocolate World and I hope they will be ready to reward yet another plug - this time for mentioning the appearance of Cadbury's Caramel before, during and after Coronation Street brought to us by ITV Television

Written by Phil Ford Directed by Graham Wetherell

Toyah is central to tonight's activities and she meets Ken on the door of the Kabin and we are told about the piece she is intending to appear on this afternoon's programme. Natalie and sister also meet in the Street - both lacking essentials for breakfast. The subject of the impending trial is uppermost in the minds of both. Edna grabs Ken to remind him to keep her identity secret as the "Underworld" mole (if she keeps approaching him in the Street everyone will know who is to blame).

Over at the Platts David is continuing to be objectionable. David gets a telling off from Sarah so he calls her a slag. They resort to fisticuffs. Martin and Gail separate them and the shouting wakes the baby. David gets another telling off for stealing a roll of film and then he storms out after a row. Gail and Martin discuss David. By accident Gail implies that the Platts are to blame. David did say that he wished they were all dead. Gail laments the state of the family.

Gary is enjoying Paula's breakfast. They have had a great weekend but she has to go and catch the 12:30 bus - a fossilised service. Warren has had an "Ace" time. Gary mentions it as a holiday romance but then acknowledges that if she wants it they can have more - and after all she is not resident on Bondi Beach. Gary has to go to Blackpool next weekend.

Jason Ross listens to Toyah's tape but refuses to play it - he describes it as "a boring trolley pusher grinding on about Weatherfield when it was all soot and privies". Jason gives her the old line about "encouraging her" and how she will thank him when she is sitting in his chair at his age and asks for another cup of coffee.

In the Rovers Blanche and Deirdre are giving Ken a difficult time over his "secret" - Mike and Linda reckon it was Dreary and that she is a double agent for the KGB (She is - Ken's Grim and Boring - isn't he?). Les has returned a couple of trolleys to Freshco from the canal and asks Curly for a free drink - which he provides along with the information that the trolleys cost 80 each. Natalie brings out the radio in time for the radio piece - some culture - it reminds Blanche of the day King George appeared on the radio - war broke out. Ken congratulates Les on having such a good daughter - Les agrees - the next Kate Adie is on her way! Gary arrives in the Rovers and Vera brings him up to date on yesterday's fare - she has done a runner and they are both out of pocket, neither are amused, Gary will have to repay StreetCars - 45.

X is playing the usual Ruby's recipes instead of Toyah's piece. He tells her never to ignore your opportunities in life - he has four minutes to go to the toilet! He departs and Toyah locks the studio door behind him. Toyah arranges for the recipe tape to die due to technical problems and she starts playing the piece she has recorded with Ken. X is seen through the glass unable to get back into the studio and unhappy with what he is hearing.

The recording is not actually heard as we get the inevitable commercial break - largely Hula Hoops and the new Vauxhall sports car!

Rita is leafing through a magazine when Anthony Stevens arrives with an old theatre poster of Rita (Rita Littlewood) in a stage show. Tommy Cooper was on the same bill. She is grateful for the reminder of her history. They share a cup of tea.

We hear the end of the interview in the Rovers and Ken gets a round of applause from the assembled crowd, although Les asks for Toyah to be given a share of the profits. Steve and Jim are sharing a drink and the former is pre-occupied by recent events. Steve is getting more worried by the minute. Les talks Curly into 2.50 for each trolley he drags up from the canal, after a bit of bartering. (Is Les allowed to sell the items he drags up and anyway will he find other ways of acquiring trolleys?).

Mike and Linda arrive; somewhat surprisingly Mike has heard Ken's interview and chides him for interfering in other people's business. Ken recommends the letters page of the Gazette but Mike prefers to threaten Ken and Deirdre, although the latter considers she has been betrayed.

Rita is reflecting on her musical career with Anthony and both are exchanging views on the passing years. He invites her on a trip to the theatre as he always gets two tickets for shows he reviews for the Gazette and she accepts (Rita is off on a date!!).

Martin and Gail are now worried about the missing David and as Martin goes out to look for him Candice arrives to apologise. Candice is sorry for the events - Candice is forgiven although he mother need her head examined!

Gary explains the problem to Steve and asks for extra hours to make it up - as Steve is going to be in court he reckons there will be plenty for Gary to do. Gary is pleased because it means he will be able to afford to go to Blackpool. Emma and Curly are discussing David's misdemeanour - and the problems in the family. Emma is worried about being their neighbours.

Martin tracks David down kicking a ball around outside Nuttall's brewery. David tells them they should not have been worried. martin has trouble getting David to talk and the latter runs away.

Rita tells Emily about the theatre trip with Anthony. Emily reckons he seems like a nice man - indeed a very good match.

Toyah walks into the Rovers and both Les and Ken offer their congratulations. In particular Ken reckons she must have a good career in front of her. Sadly she responds this is unlikely. She hijacked the studio and now they have kicked her out - career over.

Gary turns up at the B&B and insists on paying Vera. He tells Vera about the extra hours and she is pleased to see him so happy. They both reckon Judy would have liked Paula - nothing will stop him getting there - he has fallen for her.

Time for some brief comments tonight.

Does Gary have to go? Can't he and Paula settle down together in the Street? I know he has not always been perfect but I really do feel he should not be going and she looks like a worthy addition

The bunking woman from Friday will presumably return in some form shortly.

Perhaps sorting out David might bring Gail and Martin together although to be honest I reckon that the marriage remains beyond repair.

And as the spoilers already make clear there is more to Anthony than we know!

See you all next week but sadly the update will run late. We will be spending Sunday at Drayton Manor Park after spending the Saturday with Cadbury's and I am unlikely to be able to produce the update until the Monday evening.

K Richard Whitbread


Monday 7 August


Wednesday 9 August

In the shop, Emily is telling Rita that Norris is worried about her. He thinks that Anthony is up to no good. Rita reveals that he was right and she'll tell Emily about it in the Rovers at lunchtime.

Deirdre leaves Ken in the café. He assure her she'll find getting a job easier this time. Why, because I haven't got a prison record? No, because of her experience. Unsoothed, she leaves. Emily takes her seat. She's not happy that Toyah's got the sack, and she clearly thinks it's Ken's fault.

Duggie arrives at court. He's given an update on Steve's evidence of yesterday. Natalie is stir crazy from having to wait outside til she's been called. Vinnie will stay with her.

Deirdre is now in the shop. She's had no luck in the Job Centre so has printed a load of begging letters on Ken's computer. Now she needs stamps. Edna is there and says that all the girls are sorry she's left. Deirdre suspects one of them is happy to see her go, as now she's not a suspect. And I hope she can live with herself!

Les and Dennis are in the Rovers. He has a public-spirited proposition for him. Is it legal? Does it involve a motor vehicle? Les assures him no on both counts. In another booth, Emily hears Rita's story. She thought she could spot a cheating fella by now. They wonder what he told his wife and if he'd done it before. Rita thinks he probably has, not many old people start new habits, they just carry on with their old ones. Emily finds it rather distasteful, using his wife's illness as an excuse. But at least he's not from round here, so she won't have to see him again.

Toyah returns to the radio station with Ken to plead to Jason on her behalf. He says she was enthusiastic and reliable. Toyah acted on impulse, call it the exuberance of youth. Call it what you like, she's not coming back, says Jason. Then Ken gets him to admit that it's not actually his job to hire and fire, that's down to the station manager. So they wait in his office.

Natalie is finally in the witness box, being questioned by the defence counsel. She has to admit that the last time she saw Tony, she gave him £4000 to buy drugs and he inhabited an unsavoury world. She also states that she never actually saw Tony with Jez or heard his name mentioned. Her only grounds for the connection is what Steve Macdonald told her. Natalie defends Steve, just because he stands to get a large reward and has a criminal record doesn't make him a liar. No, but it does make him an unreliable witness.

Jez looks smart and smug throughout.

Interval

The station manager, Paul, arrives. He recognises Ken from Toyah's party and unprompted, mentions the interview. It saved him from another boring aubergine recipe. Toyah claims the tape got damaged and she had to recover the situation. Paul liked the interview and didn't find it boring. He thought it was articulate but not overly-intellectual. They'd be surprised how many listeners were interested in local history. He laughs at the idea she might get the sack and says Jason would go first. She should think about who else she could interview.

Mike enters the Rovers and pays Deirdre off. She maintains her innocence and he asks who it could be if not her. I'm not Sherlock Holmes! But there's no other suspects, says Mike (not being his usual astute self in this case surely, personality transplant fairy ahoy). Deirdre tells him he's got a factory full of suspects.

He takes his drink as Toyah and Ken enter. She tells everyone the story and then goes into the back to update Leanne. Deirdre is not happy that she's the one Ken chose to help and says so in a cryptic fashion.

A forensic expert is now on the stand. The prosecutor leads him in detail to describe a baseball bat found in a sports bag in Jez's wardrobe. It had never been used to play baseball, but there was an indentation on it. This matched exactly with that found on Tony's skull. It also had samples of his blood, flesh, skin and hair. Natalie goes pale. There was detergent as if someone had tried to clean it, and fibres from Tony's clothing. There's more details about flesh and fluids and Natalie has to leave.

Edna buys Ken's book in the shop. He's also there and after paying, she asks him if she should confess so Deirdre can get her job back. Her conscience is clearly troubling her. But Ken is pleased that Deirdre isn't working for Mike any more and advises Edna against this course of action.

Anthony arrives to explain. All Rita needs to know is that he's married and she's not prepared to discuss this in such a public place. They then proceed to do just that. He says that he hasn't deceived Rita, he said he was married as soon as she asked. His wife is in a nursing home and is mentally ill. She doesn't know who he is half the time.

Jez is giving evidence. He claims that someone put the bat in his bag. His prints weren't on it. No, he can't say who did this. OK, how could he not have known it was there? He stopped going to the gym and so had no reason to go inside the bag. He never told Steve he'd killed Tony. The prosecutor gives another graphic description of the bashing received by Tony's skull.

Anthony's wife has Alzheimer's. Rita can sympathise, her husband had a brain tumour. But she's still his wife. She thinks he sounds sorry for himself but not for her. Anthony explains it as he sees it. The illness is so far gone now that his wife is really out of it. He doesn't want to be alone, but part of a couple. Rita says he already is, but it's not with her. She asks him to leave.

Les reveals his plan. They'll steal the trolleys from Freshco and then sell them back to Curly! Dennis points out Curly isn't stupid and he lives next door to Les. But Les says he wears glasses so won't see a thing (Doh!)

The court crowd are now back in the pub. They review the evidence and agree with the prosecuting counsel that it's incontrovertible. They all drink to that. Incontrovertible... I hope, says Natalie.

Kathy Brown


Friday 11 August
Sunday 13 August

Apologies for late posting, sadly we did not return early enough on Sunday evening to permit me time to provide an update - luckily the video appears to have been working.

The episode was sponsored by Caramel from Cadburys who did not seem to have freebies ready for me on Saturday but were very helpful in explaining how they make chocolate to my daughter. And we did frequent the shop afterwards!

Written by: Phil Ford Directed by: David Kester

Events open in the back room at the Rovers where Leanne is asking Vince how Natalie is feeling. Vince replies that she has hardly slept and none of them can believe Quigley was acquitted. British justice is worthless, they all want to see Jez locked up. Leanne reckons the jury had been got at - by Jez - she knows what he is capable of, although Vince reckons he is not the mafia. Later in the bar Natalie and Vince pursue the discussion. Natalie is convinced that he is guilty. Steve McDonald's attachment to money is discussed - Natalie is not paying up the reward money.

Down at the Corner Shop Auntie Maya is left in charge - Dev asks her to look after it for the rest of the day as he has to investigate falling profits at another part of the empire. Dev is having to run round after the other shops - Auntie Maya asks for extra help - she has had enough - she is not a slave. Later when Dev departs we see the advert in the window but Maya is told she will be busy next week as Dev has various jobs to do and is moving from the flat upstairs.

In answer to a query from Norris we find that Rita's bouquet is blooming. Norris is expecting a further bouquet to be delivered if Anthony is really sorry. Emily is told, sotto voce, that Rita had phoned him but only got the answering machine. She did leave a message asking for the call to be returned.

Steve is on his own in the flat when there is a knocking at the door. He is worried but it is only Jim McDonald. Jim wants to know why he borrowed the money from Quigley - no choice says Steve. Steve is worried about his remaining life span and reckons he needs to move away- quickly. Quigley is a killer, a psycho. Later Steve is seen packing and refuses to tell Jim where he is going. Jim does not want to lose another son. They argue - Jim reckons it is not worth Steve running - he is leaving behind the things of value. Jim reckons that now is not the time for Steve to break up the family - they have a much better relationship. Jim asks Steve to stay around for him - he does not want to lose his son.

Norris decides to tell Rita that he thinks Anthony is an improper companion for her, he does not expect her to consort with a married man. Rita puts him straight - she is not consorting with a married man and there will be no tears in any event she can look after herself.

In the Rovers Les gives Emma a piece of his mind over the Quigley decision - after all Jez maltreated Leanne. Emma says that justice is better than vigilantes. In a booth Mike and Linda are discussing the wedding - Linda wants the shop floor workers - Mike worries bout them being on the loose in a country hotel. At the bar Ken explains that a retrial is not possible - even if new evidence came forward - he can never be tired again.

Anthony arrives in the Kabin and whilst Norris denies knowledge of Rita's whereabouts as she arrives from the stock room. Anthony and Rita go up to the flat and Norris is told to close at lunchtime.

The wedding discussions continue. Dreary is removed from the invitation list, but Linda will send her wedding cake laced with rat poison. Mike also observes that her family are still missing - presumably they are relations of the "Addams" family. Later Karen Phillips joins them for a drink and when Linda goes to the bar Mike asks her about the family. Karen fills in some of the Sykes family background - it appears that they are far far worse than the Battersbys and ruined Linda's chances when she was younger at school. Mike (sorry Mr Baldwin - she is an employee) should leave well alone.

Steve and Jim arrive for a drink and Natalie hands out a piece of her mind but Steve retorts that without his evidence there would never have been a court case and his life is now on the line for grassing him up. Later Jim asks Natalie to go a little easier on Steve - she is given food for thought. Elsewhere in the Rovers Norris is bringing Emily up to date with events and Emily is pleased by the news that they are making up. She tells Norris that he should keep his nose out of such matters and to think of Rita's best interests. Back at the bar, Fred, Ken and Debs are discussing the inability for Quigley to be retried. Ken reckons it will be meat for his next newspaper column. Fred is not so sure - what if Quigley really is innocent and the justice system has worked?

The investigating policeman comes in. He does not know why he was acquitted but Quigley will be watched and will be dealt with once he steps out of line.

Anthony and Rita are having a cup of tea and Rita apologises for not giving him a chance to explain. Anthony and his wife had good times and bad times, but there is little of Isobel left these days - he visits regularly but now there is nothing of the wife with whom he enjoyed good times and bad times. Anthony gets ready to depart. They have talked over the situation and Rita understands. Anthony cannot grieve for Isobel as she is still there, it is not death and Isobel can be very difficult - and he is unhappy and he is lonely. They agree to be friends and he smiles.

Natalie sits down with Jim and Steve and says that Quigley is unlikely to turn nasty whilst he is being watched by the police. Steve is worried but decides to stay around.

Vera and Tommy arrive at the B&B and are greeted by Tyrone where his grandmother, Doreen, is waiting to collect him. Doreen has moved out on husband Geoff and moved in with Carl. Tyrone takes Tommy to see the pups. Vera decides that she has to talk to Geoff before releasing Tommy into her care. After the phone call Vera refuses to let Doreen anywhere near Tommy. They struggle when Jack comes in but Jack tells Doreen to get on her way. Jack re-assures Vera.

Far too late to comment tonight - see you all again next Sunday.

K Richard Whitbread


Monday 14 August


Wednesday 16 August

Dennis makes breakfast while Les in on the phone to Janice. Her mother's better and she's on her way back. Dennis will need to make himself scarce. But no rush, says Les, have your breakfast, then you can tidy round a bit.

Steve arrives at the garage to tell Jim about Jez's visit. He's on his way to return the money. He also reveals that Jez confessed (again) to Tony's murder. Dennis arrives, he's got a job. Jim directs him to Tyrone, who's in charge of the bike division.

Rita is off on an outing, looking round churchyards with Anthony. Norris makes a snide comment about this being a cheap date. They're going looking for Rita's ancestors. She goes in the back and Anthony arrives. He tries to make small-talk with Norris but he asks about his wife instead. He hears about the Alzheimer's'.

Fred is in the corner shop, chatting to Dev about the vacancy notice. Is he sacking people or expanding the business? Dev is fed up with sitting behind the counter. Yes, the curse of the shopkeeper, replies Fred. But you still need to be around to keep an eye on your staff. That's why Dev is looking for someone honest and reliable. Where are you going to find them? asks Fred. Cue Deidre. Ah, says Fred, here's someone, and she's worked here before. He leaves. Dev asks if she's interested. I only came in for some shopping. And I'm offering you a future. Baldwin's a slavedriver, while I'm every employee's dream. Deirdre admits to being currently unemployed and Dev takes this as a sign, she was sent by the gods. No, by my mother, she's run out of cornflakes. But Dev's charm has worked and she agrees to think about it.

Mark has sent Leanne a postcard, which she shows Debs. Thailand is postponed and he's on his way to Italy first. Nat pokes her head in on the way to a barrister. She's going to see if he can give her any advice on how to proceed against Jez. She leaves and the others agree that she'll only listen if he tells her what she wants to hear.

Deirdre tells Ken about her job offer. Blanche arrives to offer her an old cast-off blouse, and overhears. She tells Deirdre that to go back to being a shop assistant, especially a job she did 10 years ago, is being ridiculous. Isn't she better than that? Deirdre points out that Blanche is always telling her she isn't, but Blanche claims this is just to egg her on.. She thinks that her and Ken are having a competition to see who can get the lowest job, and leaves in disgust.

Janice returns. She's immediately suspicious on seeing the house so clean. Les says it was done by him. But the cooker is clean and there's even evidence of furniture polish. She knows that Les would never do this and suspects a woman. She goes to inspect the bathroom. Les stops her and admits that Dennis had been staying. So he had the women round? No, there's no women, it was Dennis doing the cleaning. Janice finds this equally hard to believe. She won't ask Dennis, as he'll just back Les up, she'll get an independent witness.

Tyrone has come back to the B&B to check on the puppies. He's having his sandwiches when Doreen and her new man Karl arrive. They want to take Tommy. Vera shuts the door and tells Tyrone to take Tommy out the back. Then she lets them in and phones Jack. While they're alone, Doreen gets Karl to agree that they won't leave without Tommy.

Interval

Tyrone takes Tommy to the café, where Janice is getting the lowdown from Toyah. She backs up Les's story.

Back at the B&B, Vera is laying down the law to Doreen. We're his grandparents too and have the same rights as you have. But Doreen and Geoff went to court, and Tommy is legally their responsibility. Yes, Doreen and Geoff together. She claims that Geoff agrees with her, but it transpires that he doesn't know about this proposal. Jack calls him and returns to confirm that Geoff would prefer Tommy to stay with them. Doreen won't accept that, she's not going without him. Where is Tommy anyway? Out, and won't be back til late, Vera tells her with glee. Well, they're staying. Karl however, has a job lined up for the afternoon, so reluctantly, Doreen leaves. But she's going to see her solicitor and will return with a court order.

Jez turns up at the taxi office. He offers to show Steve an easier way to make a living. Steve gives him the bag of money. Has Steve thought about what Jez told him on his last visit? No, Steve doesn't think it's any of his business. He'll be keeping quiet.

Natalie returns to the pub and tells Leanne that she was told she had no grounds for a retrial and would be unlikely to succeed with a private prosecution. Leanne tries to console her, at least you tried. But Nat isn't finished yet. She'll find another barrister who agrees with her point of view.

At the bar, Maxine gets Fred to agree to organise her golf lessons. He tries to fob her off, saying it's not really a ladies game, but she's having none of that and he caves in.

Debs gets Nat's story. The barrister told her to accept the verdict and get on with her life. Debs says that everyone else would tell her the same thing. So am I just supposed to give up? Yes, give up tormenting yourself, advises Debs.

Rita and Anthony have returned from the trip. They've found where her grandmother is buried and that she came from Glossop. So the next step is to go there. Anthony volunteers to go alone, but Rita has no qualms about leaving Norris on his own.

Janice joins Les and Dennis at the bar and invites him to stay on with them til he finds somewhere else. He'll pay the rent to her. And they'll have to get rid of those supermarket trolleys and bike bits from her backyard.

Ken tells Deirdre that she doesn't need to take the first job that comes along. But she's been thinking, and her happiest time was working at the shop. That was when Alf was there, but she thinks that Dev will leave her pretty much to herself.

Natalie has returned behind the bar and has thought over what Debs said. She will let it drop. Some flowers arrive for Leanne, no name but a message: Can't get you out of my mind. Can't wait to get you in my arms again.

Kathy Brown


Friday 18 August
Sunday 20 August

Good evening. Events conspired so that I missed the broadcast. I am pleased to report that this time the video machine (having been threatened with replacement) worked. I must try threats more often.

For those handing out sympathy I ask for a few seconds for my daughter this evening. Her "A" level grades, B/C/D are excellent but miss the degree offer of C/C/C by one grade and sadly they are unable to offer her a place on the course. To say she feels awful at present is an understatement - and we can hardly celebrate what I consider to be good results. She is now thinking about which way to go.

Anyway in Weatherfield, sponsored by Cadbury's Snack (is this a new one), events have also moved on as we join the Sunday evening episode of Coronation Street and I might remind you that copyright of all the following is held by ITV Television.

Written by David Lane Directed by Ian Bevitt

We open in the Street with Les and Danny pushing the surplus trolleys past the Corner Shop and along the entire Street, before returning them to the yard as Emma arrives with the assets of her life in a huge van. Curly takes one look inside the van and realises he does not have the strength he needs to carry in her and belongings. She jumps in his arms and is carried over the threshold (All together now Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!). Jez passes by noting Emma moving in.

We see Jez making a call on his mobile as he crosses the Street. In the hall of the Rovers Geena answers the phone and we hear Jez asking for Leanne. Jez wants to see Leanne and she refuses to see him. Jez says that the flowers and the necklace all came from him. "Before" was a mistake as far as he was concerned. He tells her he is outside but this stiffens her resolve and she tells him to go away. Geena asks who it was but Leanne is giving nothing away.

At the B&B Jack and Vera receive a gift - a picture of Tyrone in a frame - from Tyrone in celebration of their 43rd wedding anniversary. Jack has however forgotten and asks why Tyrone did not remind him - well Tyrone wanted it to be a surprise, because Vera has asked him to babysit while they go out and celebrate. Vera has booked a suitably expensive restaurant for the celebration, in case Jack had really forgotten. She then tells him that the toilet on the second floor is blocked. Tyrone has a questionnaire for potential puppy purchasers - first question is how much they earn!!

Steve arrives at the Rovers and Leanne tells him that she is being stalked by Mr Quigley, who is being really nice. Steve is initially surprised to find that Quigley is still around and then he tells her to do a runner cos Jez is mad. Janice comes in to remind Leanne about the party for R'Toyah tonight. As Janice said if anyone had told her that she had three "E"s her first thought would be about drugs! (Highly insensitive comment in view of Leanne's problem I would say).

Linda arrives in the pub and calls Geena over and asks if she has decided about being Best Woman. Geena says yes, she has decided and explains that no she cannot do it, because of what she knows. Linda asks her to think again. Mark is coming back for the wedding and Linda needs the support of the one person who knows about the events. So says Geena you want me to make sure you say "I do" to the right man? Linda responds that she has made her decision - it is Mike for better or for worse. Geena smiles and takes Linda's comments on board. She agrees to be "Best Woman" - if Linda will do it so will she.

Along the Street Curly and Emma are in a crowded living room. Curly never expected her to have so much stuff. As they talk he is swinging some pink weights back and forth. Where is it all going to go? Curly makes reference to a chair which is a bit "gurly" and the exercise bike can go in the loft ... but but that is where Curly keeps his telescope, - so he can look at the stars while she exercises! Curly realises that she has been thinking about where it all had to go - all last night in fact! They kiss and cuddle.

At the Rovers Ken is seeking to re-assure Toyah on the alternatives available through Clearing. She agrees to join Ken surfing the Internet. Fred buys Mike a drink and offers one around but Maxine is off the golf club for her first lesson. Strong views against women members are expressed. Geena challenges Mike and Fred to a game of golf if they will take her on at kick boxing. Surprisingly there are no takers. Mike asks Dreary if it is right that she is working in the corner shop (Fred congratulated her on her new job). Yes says Deirdre. After all Dev seems a nice guy to work for and the job is closer to home than her last job!! The job will be hassle free - there were too many in the office. Mike asks her and Ken to the wedding - a rash step without asking Linda.

An Eddie Yeats looking alike is being interviewed as a pup owner. Mr Booth reckons that Tyrone should be locked up for asking such personal questions and Tyrone grabs the puppy and puts him down as unsuitable!

Leanne is looking at the bus timetable when Quigley wanders up behind her. She is not going to give him a chance to explain. Jez wants to prove he can be a good person. How can he show his face in the Street? Jez reminds her that he is innocent. He tells her that the person she knew before was not him as he now is - when will she realise that he has changed? He walks away and Leanne is relieved.

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In the Rovers Linda has news for Mike - he is hoping that her credit card has been stolen as the spending would reduce. No says Linda - I have a best woman. Mike asks what one of those might be and Linda explains. Mike is surprised by the selection of Geena - well wouldn't Linda want someone who would make her look good? And anyway they are not close friends. Linda says they are good friends as she has to talk to someone when he goes to the golf club.

Maxine returns to the Rovers with the golf pro - Brett Grundy. Maxine has had a great time and she was pretty good - she can hit the ball - a real find according to Brett. Max asks if she can borrow Fred's clubs. It is fair to say that his expression more than made up for his lack of words!!

In the back Leanne has phoned Mark.

Les and Dennis are putting trolleys into a builder's skip when Emma and Pat the builder wander by. Pat tells them to hire their own skip and Emma tells them not to dump the trolleys elsewhere. Les denies that they were dumping the trolleys - no they had found them and were recovering them. Emma reckons it is nice to a have a public spirited neighbour like Les. Pat and Emma wander on and Emma asks if she might put a few of Curly's things in the skip - they won't take up much room. Pat agrees.

Jack and Tyrone are discussing the progress so far - four visitors and no buyers. Jack wants them gone and he reminds Tyrone about the intention to buy a car. Jack takes over and will phone the potential buyers.

At the Battersbys Les is recounting the earlier events with Emma. Ken is offered a drink. There are not many present, merely the family, Dennis and Ken. Leanne is sitting quietly and Les teases her about the new boyfriend which Leanne denies. Dennis arrives with food and pleases Janice by passing compliments. The phone goes - it is Spider. Dennis and Les are still discussing disposing of the trolleys. Toyah might stay in the area rather than going to London. Leanne tells Toyah that she is going to travel and then explains that Jez is chasing her. Leanne cannot shake off Quigley. Toyah reckons that it will be good for Leanne to travel and then she has somewhere to go on her hols.

Emma arrives downstairs to show Curly a picture she has found and she likes. Curly explains that he meant to throw it away - it was Raquels and his brow is clouded. Emma says well perhaps they can put it up - she does like it but Curly decides that the Charity Shop bag is the right place. They fall to discussing which toaster. Well Curly's is poor at toast but good at teacakes. Emma did not know he liked teacakes - no he doesn't but she might!! She asks him to come and she what she has done in bedroom - what has she done in the bedroom, nothing yet but she is willing to negotiate - work it out for yourselves.

Emma and Curly emerge as Les and Dennis go past with the trolleys. Curly reckons they are going to dump them but Emma says they can discourage that by following them, she does not want to nick them as they are neighbours. Curly observes that life is going to be interesting living with Emma around, she agrees, gives him a peck and they go off in pursuit.

Jack and Vera are celebrating 20 happy years in the Rovers - well they might have been married 43 but Jack reckons at least 20 of them were happy as he tells Geena. Leanne returns and Geena says she must cover her eyes. Geena leads her into the back room which is full of flowers. They have been arriving on the hour, every hour. Whoever it is has got it bad. Leanne realises that Quigley is not going to go away.

And that was it for tonight.

Obviously we are getting close to Leanne's departure (or have we all got Jez wrong)?

Emma is now resident and brings a welcome "chirpiness" to the Street in my opinion. I still have a problem with her and Curly being in a backstreet terrace and I doubt that she would want to live in "his" house long term (most women would want a fresh start) but I would not want either to leave the Street!!

And what will Linda say when Ken and Dreary arrive at the wedding?

K Richard Whitbread


Monday 21 August


Wednesday 23 August

Mike and Linda are picking up their travellers' cheques from the Post Office. Linda of course has to reveal that's they're staying at an all-inclusive in the Maldives, so she can't think what they'll spend it on. Mike says she could spend money in the Sahara.

Norris reflects to Rita that he and Myrtle had a weekend in Morecambe for their honeymoon. It was the first time in 50 years they'd had hailstones in June. He tries to chat to Rita about the visit to Wales but she's very ratty and just moans about not being able to find anything. In the end she leaves the shop to him.

In the café, Leanne tells Steve about her kidnap, and also tells him Jez's new address. She says that has clinched it, she's definitely leaving now. She'll pawn the necklace he gave her to get a ticket to Amsterdam.

Back in the Kabin, Gail is asking Martin how much extra work a dog would be. Because David would be looking after it (yeh right!). And it might teach him some responsibility. Fred asks after Rita and Norris tells him she's been very snappy after coming back from Wales. Maybe she picked up a bug. He had some suspect prawns once in Abergavenny and was funny for weeks.

Toyah meets Leanne in the street. She tells her of the kidnap but makes her swear not to tell anyone. Toyah wants her to go to the police. He's a murderer, what else can she do? Leanne shows her ticket, she's leaking tonight.

David and Tommy are playing nearby. David challenges him to knock on a door. Tommy sensibly asks what's the point of that? Finally, he succumbs. But he's knocked on the wrong door, he was supposed to get Emily's but he got Ken's instead and now Ken's got him.

Toyah and Leanne have moved to the backroom of the pub. Toyah doesn't think Leanne should let Jez drive her away, but she's been thinking of leaving for a long time, this just gives her the push she needed. Natalie enters, has she done what she wanted? Leanne launches into a gabble about how she knows it's short notice and she's really sorry. She eventually reveals that she's leaving tonight. But Natalie understands how she feels, she's been that way herself. If Leanne has the guts to do it, good for her. It hasn't got anything to do with the necklace has it?

Fred is asked into Rita's. She starts making tea but breaks down. She says she's a stupid old woman who should know better. She thinks she's falling for Anthony.

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Rita knows she should know better at her age. Fred says age doesn't come into it. They still feel young on the inside, no matter how they look on the outside. What does she want? To feel like she did when she was young, to be excited and look forward to things. And that's how Anthony makes her feel. That's wonderful! Yes, he's everything she could want, charming, kind, married. Oh! She tells Fred the story of the wife and he sympathises. Knowing she shouldn't have these feelings makes Rita feel worse. Anthony's made her come alive again but should she stop it now before it gets out of hand or carry on and hope for the best? Fred says she knows that he once had feelings for her, and he has them for Audrey now. He wanted the relationship to develop further, but Audrey's made it plain she only wants friendship from him. He tells himself to be grateful and thankful that he has a friend. Though there's no passion, it's enough. Rita questions if it can be enough, but he says that at their time of life, anything's better than being alone.

At the Battersby's, Les is telling Janice how he lost his job. A woman saw a dodgy character dumping trolleys in the canal. She recognised him from the gang. Janice is just on her way back to work (they need to keep some money coming in) when the girls arrive and Leanne makes her announcement. Janice things something is up, Leanne was only telling her the other day that she'd wait til Mark came back. Leanne spins a story that Mark has got her a job in the bar and she got the chance of a cheap ticket so she'd be silly not to go. They buy this and Les agrees it makes sense. After all, Toyah will be leaving for University soon. He calls them his little brainbox and little globetrotter.

Ken has brought the boys to Vera in the café. David apologises to Ken by saying Tommy was supposed to knock on Emily's door. They try to explain that old people can get hurt by this kind of prank. Vera says David should know better, he was supposed to be looking after Tommy. Ken thinks David has learned his lesson now (yeh right again!), but that they shouldn't really be playing in the street unsupervised at their age.

The Battersbys go to the pub and are greeted by Natalie. Les suggests Leanne pulls him one last pint, perhaps on the house? Toyah is very upset and sitting in a booth. Janice tries to cheer her up by saying Holland is nearby and she could visit. But Toyah has just lost Spider and now Leanne is leaving too.

At the bar, Mike and Linda say they'll miss her happy smiling face. Leanne says she'll be thinking of them when she's lying on a beach with Mark. Their jaws drop. Oh, didn't he tell you?

Gail and Martin are checking that David understands what having a dog means. They recall when he moaned on about a model airplane for months and then stuffed it in a cupboard after 2 weeks. You can't do that with a dog. Not without Rolf Harris coming after you. David promises that he'll look after it, so they agree to go round to Tyrone's tomorrow and choose a puppy. (Now if they can't afford a dog, surely a pedigree is the last thing to buy. Shouldn't they pop down the local home and pick one up for a tenner? What is Tyrone charging anyway?)

As Leanne leaves the back, she's challenged by Linda. Is she getting back with Mark? What's it to you? Nothing, Mike wants to know. Leanne tells her Mike needn't worry, they're just friends. And will he be coming back for the wedding? Well, that depends, he's going to be travelling a lot. Will it be worth it? It's not every day your Dad marries a real live gold digger.

Fred joins Mike and Linda at a booth. They're worried. Why is Mark back with her? It's only 2 weeks to the wedding and there's been no word from him. Fred assures Mike Mark won't let him down.

Steve arrives with the cab. Leanne asks him to go with her, and he wishes her well. A look passes between them. (Quite a touching scene).

At the B&B, Vera is on the warpath. She wants to give those Platt an earful about their David. She was mortified when Ken turned up at the café. Tyrone tells her he was doing much worse at that age. David is a hooligan and he'll end up in the gutter (quite right). How can she look after Tommy with the café and our Jack too? Tyrone offers to take him to the garage. He can sit in the office and play with the computer. Don't worry about Jim, his bark's worse than his bite. Really? Well no, but Tyrone will talk him round. He gets a big hug from Vera, producing a beam.

Outside the Rovers, Janice gives Leanne a going-away present, a St Christopher. Les says she's his little girl and means everything to him. I love you Leanne. Oh, and don't forget, the booze is free on the plane so get stuck in. Steve makes her get in the front of the taxi and off they go.

Kathy Brown


Friday 25 August
Sunday 27 August

The great news is that daughter no 3's GCSE results (2 Bs and 6 Cs) were better than she had expected and she is has had a silly grin on her face since Thursday. Daughter 2 is still considering her options but now seems unlikely to go to university and instead seems likely to pursue a career elsewhere.

Over in Weatherfield, however, entertainment is the order of the day and sponsored by Cadbury's Time out and with all copyright held by ITV Television we can move onto report events on Sunday night.

Written by Peter Mills Directed by Colin Cant

We open at the B&B where Jack is presented with the worst ever plate of porridge you have ever seen by Vera. He complains but Vera starts ranting on about the kidnapping of little Tommy. She does not realise that Tyrone is listening at the door when she criticises her Tyrone's child minding skills. Jack re-assures that no harm will come to Tommy (he with his Grandmother Doreen) but Vera is unhappy at not keeping faith with Geoff. Tyrone apologises for his mistake and Jack demands his porridge. Vera tells him to make his own.

David is mithering Gail for a visit to the dog rescue as they walk down the Street. Gail agrees that they will go on Wednesday on Martin's day off, in the meantime they will go to the pet superstore this afternoon to get all the dog needs. David espies Audrey across the Street and says he can see "dead people". Gail reprimands him and Audrey comes across to look at Bethany. Gail and David depart. Audrey says good morning to Fred who is very looking down in the mouth. Fred is going to have to move his shop due to lease renewal and the new superstore. Fred is sticking with meat but may take one of Duggie's new units. Audrey looks forward to having him as a neighbour - he can pop in and have his hair done. Fred points out that all he needs is the odd polish! Fred is off to break the news to Ashley.

Duggie is coming out of Debs and meets Vinny. Vinny reminds Duggie that on Friday night he had been promised a job by Duggie and clearly the latter has virtually no recall of events (hardly surprising given the alcohol content at the time). Vinny does not look completely surprised when Duggie almost gives him the brush off. Vinny reckons it will be the labour exchange on Monday morning (I thought he was guaranteed his job back as dray man with Nutalls, or was it Newton and Ridley?). Later in the Rovers he brings Natalie up to date on this lack of employment.

Anthony is welcomed by Rita into her flat. She wants to tell him about the different light she now see in him. Anthony gets up to go, but Rita makes him sit and listen. She refers to them being friends and is keen to help him through his difficult time looking after his wife. Anthony tells Rita about he and Isobel met, married, had children and how they grew apart as her illness got worse. He felt very guilty about the bad times and then when she deteriorated how she had gone into care.

In the Rovers, Linda is showing the wedding list to Janice and Bobbi. The list is well out of their reach and they simply cannot afford anything on the list. Janice has to go and cook Sunday roast fish fingers for Les when Toyah and Anna arrive. Janice is proud of Toyah who is taking the course at Weatherfield uni in journalism and she is going to be broke. Indeed she is already broke and Anna offers her money as her loan has come through (oh no it hasn't as term has not started yet - will someone teach the sw's some reality?). Toyah realises she cannot live on fresh air and realises that Leanne's departure leaves a vacancy.

At the B&B Tyrone and Maria are talking over the loss of Tommy - Tyrone is starting to build up a complex about the events, especially when Vera comes in and seeing them in a clinch (? had been trying to re-assure Tyrone) indicates that everything must be all right if they can do that and have no regard for her feelings. Jack returns from contacting Geoff - he has heard nothing so no news is good news, but Vera is worried she will never see Tommy again. Vera reckons that Tommy has been taken to a foreign country where the food is horrible!!

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Anthony is saying farewell to Rita - he has never told anyone else the story about Isobel. Rita smiles as he departs.

Toyah has approached Natalie - has she got a job? Natalie says that Toyah has a job - which she is still doing. And studying - Toyah will do that in her spare time. And clubbing? Toyah does not reckon she will be doing much of that and she would prefer to be learning in the University of Life (also known as the Rovers Return). Natalie says she want to discuss with Geena (who was presumably looking forward to some extra shifts).

Roy raises with Hayley the possibility of an allotment so that they could grow their own organic produce for the cafe and the fresh air would be good for them. Hayley agrees that it is not a bad idea. They can approach the council together and Audrey can perhaps put in a good word. Fred is discussing the shop in a loud voice with Ashley. Fred is reluctant to move but Ashley accepts that the world is changing - Fred it concerned about the Elliott dynasty and passing things on. Hayley overhears this conversation and asks Roy what he thinks will happen when they retire - he answers that he expects to sell up and move to a small cottage in the Lakes - would she like that? This is not the answer she wants - after all he has spent a long time building up the business and does he not want to pass it on? Roy responds that he has only a small family and Hayley is clearly disappointed that he has not grasped her desire for offspring.

At the Platts the door bell goes and David lets in Audrey. Audrey worries about hygiene but David explains they will be taking the baby to the baby rescue centre!! (Great line and well delivered). Gail explains that they will be getting a dog from the dog rescue. Audrey is not happy - dogs lick themselves in strange places. Dog will be company for David. David points out that Bethany is not very clean either and suggests pouring the milk into the baby's nappy - it would save a lot of time and cut out the middleman. Audrey does not understand where he gets it from (probably the sws).

At the Rovers Toyah is chatting to Geena trying to find out how the land lies for the job - do they need more young people? Natalie comes across and notes that pubs run in the family, with Janice and Les's drinking and Leanne's experience so she has got the job.

Duggie has come in to see Vinny. Duggie needs an assistant to help look after things and after some discussion back and forth Vinny nominates himself as Property Manager - rent collector, maintenance man etc - and they shake hands on the deal.

Fred joins Rita in a booth. She tells him that she believes she and Anthony can be friends and nothing more now that she has "met" Isobel. Fred is more realistic pointing out that it is not easy for people to be just good friends and that sometimes the head and heart say different things and she should think of both.

Jack returns to the B&B but has found nothing. Vera bewails the lack of good things in their lives - having Tommy around had been good but now she has lost this. Tyrone heard this from upstairs and goes out.

At the Rovers Fred approaches Duggie and asks in a roundabout way to look at a unit. Duggie and Fred play off each other. Duggie is selective to whom he lets units. Fred is keen to convince Duggie he will bring other customers. They agree to meet on Monday. Both reckon they are essential to the other!!

Vinny breaks the news to Natalie - she will be glad to have a man in a suit. Sadly Vinny has forgotten to agree a start date with Duggie as he discovers when Natalie asks him.

Back at the B&B Tyrone and Maria are discussing events. Tyrone is so wound up by Vera's various comments that he decides he is going to Blackpool and is going to track down Doreen and recover Tommy to return him to Vera.

The Scriptwriters are handing David the best lines tonight - cheeky monkey. History shows that a couple of youngsters on the block is not a bad thing - is Tommy going to return and link up with David - there was some promise there.

Filling the units round the corner is clearly important. I would like to know if Sally and Danny had gone bust yet - they were doing very badly as I recall.

And will Toyah be capable of two jobs and full time study - somehow I doubt it - indeed can she actually pull a pint?

Be back again this time next week.

K Richard Whitbread


Monday 28 August


Wednesday 30 August




Updates written by Richard Whitbread, Helen Johns and Kathy Brown


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