Sunday 2 June

Roy's Rolls
Roy's on the phone giving directions to somebody when he's caught by Hayley. She's come home to work on the costumes and wants to know why Roy's making sneaky phone calls from the caff. He tells her that if she knew what he was really doing she'd say he was over-reacting so he's trying to get things done on the quiet. Hayley thinks that Roy's getting to involved in the politics of it all.

The Street
Betty arrives for work just as Fred's having the sign changed above the door (how did he manage that on a bank holiday Sunday?). She comments on how many times she's seen the name change and pushes her way into the pub. Solemnly Fred looks at the old sign with Eve's name and quietly removes his wedding ring.

The Garage
Sam's got his head under a bonnet and Kev thanks him for coming in and asks him to come in tomorrow as well. Sam refuses as he's involved with the re-enactment and despite Kev's pleadings and the offer of treble time Sam won't budge. Fred's promised him a big role and a fancy costume.

The knicker factory
Mike and Joe arrive and Mike's all excited as tomorrow he'll be off on his jollies. Karen's miserable face is tripping her as usual and she complains that she's been waiting 5 minutes and Mike must be mad to leave Joe in charge. (I've never known so many people working a bank holiday weekend)

Rovers Return - back room
Shelley's pumping Geena for information on her date with Joe when Betty comes in and tells them both that Fred's changing the name over the door. Neither of the girls are surprised but for some reason Betty seems put out, it doesn't seem 2 minutes since it was Duggie's name over the door. Shelley can't understand what Betty's problem is, after all what difference does it make to them who's the licensee? Betty's tired of all the changes and goes off into the kitchen. The girls carry on discussing Geena's date with Joe. Geena gives Joe 9.5/10 and says how refreshing it is being with someone other than Dev.

Roy's Rolls
Roy's just about to go shopping. Hayley wants some boot polish so she can dirty up the costumes a bit. Fred arrives and asks if they're open. They're not and especially not to the enemy replies Roy. Fred's put out, they're only going to be enemies on the battlefield tomorrow. Roy tells him that after his stunt in the pub of bribing everyone to be on his side they're enemies now. Fred says it was democracy but Roy says only the democracy of a feudal Lord. Fred leaves and Roy tells Hayley he'll see her later, when he's back from Bolton! Roy's going to fight fire with fire.

Gail and Tricky Dicky's
Gail and Richard are just about to leave to go shopping for the show flat. Sarah's still moaning about having to look after David and David asks if he can come shopping instead. Gail suggests that Sarah gets Todd to help her plan a party for Bethany's birthday. Gail wants to invite the neighbours and Sarah can invite her friends. Neither Todd nor Sarah are particularly enamoured by the idea of the neighbours coming.

A house somewhere in Bolton
Roy arrives at his mystery destination apologising for disturbing whoeveritis' Sunday. The guy is a weapons specialist for the civil war and is going to provide Roy with some much needed weapons. He asks Roy if he wants to look at all the stuff he has. Roy thinks he's died and gone to heaven.

Rover's Return - bar
Lunchtime. Karen and Janice get some drinks then Mike and Joe enter. Joe tells Mike to grab a table as he'll get the drinks in - really he wants to talk to Geena at the bar. They discuss what a good night they had and agree to go out again sometime. Dev watches on miserably. He's sitting with Vik who tuts at Dev's misery over Geena and her new boyfriend. Dev tells him to stop calling him her boyfriend and Vik moans at Dev and tells him to move on. Dev says he has moved on but he doesn't want to see Geena get hurt even though he knows it's none of his business. Vik tells him that if he says anything to Geena it will just look like sour grapes. Dev agrees and tells Vik that he'll have to tell Geena about Joe's shady prison past. Vik refuses point blank, Geena's not stupid she'll know Dev's behind it. Reluctantly Dev agrees. He admits he doesn't want to get back with Geena he just wants to look out for her but it would never seem like that to anyone else.

A house somewhere in Bolton
The replica weapons maker tells Roy about how he makes his toys. He's sheet metal worker by trade and the weapons is his hobby. He does have some real muskets but as Roy doesn't have the requisite licenses he can't let him have any of them - it's replicas only for Roy. Roy tells him how it started out just being hand to hand combat but thanks to matters beyond his control he's having to resort to weapons. Muskets are certainly going to be better than little wooden swords. He launches off into how he envisions Fred getting his comeuppance. The weapons blokie isn't in the slightest fazed and tells Roy he has a cannon in the garage, Roaring Meg. Roy's very tempted but will stick to his replica musket - £12 a day plus a £200 deposit. As a favour he gives Roy instructions on how to look like a competent musketeer. It's all very sad.

Rovers Return - bar
Mike and Joe are discussing Joe's role as the manager. Joe wants to make sure that he can sack someone if the need arises after all "wait till Mike gets back" won't make him look too good in the girls eyes will it? Mike agrees, Joe can have full reign to do what he likes while Mike's golfing as long as he doesn't have too many harebrained schemes. Karen and Janice are watching them scheming and are doing a bit themselves little realising the carte blanche Mike's just given Joe.

A supermarket
Roy's picking up a few bits for himself and Hayley but can't resist having a look at the musket again. He takes it out of it's case and swings around towards some customers standing in the checkout queue, frightening everyone. Customers and staff alike think he's holding up the store and everything is witnessed on camera by the store security guard. Roy looks around puzzled as everyone runs and hides.

Ads - milk with one please

A Supermarket
Not quite realising the enormity of the situation Roy tries to calm down the shoppers and staff while trying to rebuild a kitchen roll tower display. While he's explaining the gun's a replica the police arrive. He's forced to his knees and arrested for armed robbery. All he's bothered about is the shoe polish in the basket he needs for Hayley.

Business woman of the year's house
Sal's having tea with the gurrls who are excited about going on holiday. They've both seen nice bikinis and clothes they want in a catalogue. Sal tells them there's no easy way to say it and they're going to hate her regardless but they're not going on holiday. They're devastated, Sal promised them. Sal explains that she didn't get as much money as she thought from the insurance. Rosie can't believe her ears, she was there when Sal got the letter from the insurers, and she said that everything was fine then. Sal explains she has to pay bills with the money but maybe if they get some money later in the year they could go then. Rosie's having none of it. Sophie as usual doesn't have any lines to say.

Gail and Tricky's
Candice and Todd are taking the mickey out of the party for Bethany. Todd jokes that Norris will be DJing. Sarah's angry and tells them that she's going to invite Aiden. Todd is jealous but Candice points out that Aiden wouldn't be seen dead at a 2 year olds party. He might if I ask him says Sarah. Todd and Candice are not happy.

Police Station
Roy's trying to explain, while he's booked in, that the whole thing is a gross mistake. He wasn't holding up the store and the gun's for a re-enactment the following day. They're making a big mistake. He points to their poster advertising the event on the wall - one of the PC's daughters is in one of the twirling Kazoo bands. The other PC explains that whether it's true or not Roy was stupid to be brandishing a gun in supermarket. He pointed the gun at them and scared them. Roy tries to explain that he was in fact rodding his charge. The PC explains to Roy that whether it's real or not the fact that the gun could be mistaken for real means the charge of attempted armed robbery still holds. Roy accepts that he was stupid and apologises but he didn't mean to cause any harm.

Gail and Tricky's
Sarah and Todd are sitting at the kitchen table while we hear Gail and Richard discussing their shopping trip from the living room. They're ribbing each other about the carpets and worktops they've seen. Todd laughs at them and Sarah's glad to see he's out of his strop at last. Sarah tells him she only mentioned inviting Aiden to wind him and Candice up. They were having a go at her and so she wanted to shut them both up. Todd's not amused, it's not nice to hear your girlfriend wanting some other bloke. Sarah denies she fancies him but Todd thinks she's lying. Sarah says at least Aiden's not boring. Todd gets up to leave and Sarah catches him up at the door and tells him to stop being childish. Being called boring and childish is the last straw for Todd and he tells her they may as well finish and walks out of the house. Gail and Richard raise their eyebrows to the perils of young love.

Police Station
Roy's on the phone to Hayley trying to explain what's happened. He thinks that as soon as the police investigate properly everything will be ok. Hayley has no idea what he's on about and tells him to start from the beginning.

Rovers Return - Bar
Shelley asks Betty if her mood's improved from the morning. Betty admits she's tired and needs a bit of a break. Her Gordon rang her the previous evening and invited her to stay for the bank holiday. She'd like to go and will ask Fred. Shelley says they'll cope and she should go it will do her good. Fred arrives from out the back. He's just a phone call, the dray horse he was going to use is poorly and so he's now without a steed for the big day tomorrow. Kirk's eavesdropping and tells Fred that he'll be able to get a horse no problem. Unconvinced Fred agrees. Sal's telling Kev how upset the gurrls were about their cancelled holiday. It was worse because they weren't angry just very very upset. Sal thinks she's a lousy mother. Kev tells her that it will all be forgotten in a couple of days but Sal knows it will take Rosie a long time to get over her disappointment. She thinks she shouldn't have mentioned the holiday until she'd got the cheque then none of this would be happening. Kev tries to reassure her. Fred's fiddling with a spanner and one of the pumps. He's struggling and Betty suggests getting Jack as he'll know what to do. Fred disagrees, after all he has to learn sometime. Betty asks him if now is a good time to ask him for some time off tomorrow but Fred says no, it's all hands to the pumps. Betty points out that they'll all be running round the Red Rec in fancy dress but she'll be the one having to work. Fred's not interested, the answer is no.

Police Station
Roy's asking when he's going to be let out but the PC tells him they're snowed under as there's been a shooting. Roy tells him there are no charges for him to answer but the PC tells him that's up to the Sergeant not him. It looks like it won't be till tomorrow morning at the earliest, anyway they can't find Mr Burford who Roy got the replica from.

The knicker factory
It's the end of the day and Mike gives Joe the keys to the factory. Joe thanks Mike again for standing by him and putting his faith into him. Mike tells him he doesn't think he's got anything to worry about after all he wouldn't be so stupid as to try anything would he? He'd be prime suspect even if the petty cash was down by 50p. Anyway if after 2 weeks when Mike returns and the place is a shambles Mike would sack him and then bad-mouth him to everyone in the industry, Joe would never work again! Joe realises that all that's true. Mike holds all the cards really.

The police station
Roy's being put in a cell, still protesting his innocence - loudly. The door slams and locks behind him which subdues him.

Roll credits.


Monday 3 June

Hour long special.

I went into Manchester yesterday and had an enjoyable Jubilee day, watched a very colourful parade,listened to the BBC concert orchestra in Albert square and was mesmorised by various street theatre /musicians in Manchester's other squares. In true Mancuanian style though it rained on the parade LOL.

Roy is still in the cells tries to get the police to treat his case as urgent. Ken and Peter try to decide what to do if Roy isn't released.

Over at the Rovers, Shelley and Geena note that their necklines are very low. Fred insists it is authentic . The witch, Fred was going to burn has called off her corns are playing up, so he is looking for a replacement. Fred despatches Norris to the cafe for a snoop as the historical society try to fob him off th ephone erings, it is the police. Ken manages not to give anything away. Norris scuttles back to the Rovers where the Royalists are looking splendid in their costumes . Karen is getting jealous of the attention Gina and Shelley are recieving in their costumes, wants to join in. Geena riminds Fred of the role that has become vacant. Kirk hasn't been abl eto get a horse.Fred and Norris discuss how they are going to save face with Roy. Karen enters the Bar in a black outfit , still oblivious of what is to come.

At the police station , Roy is being interviewed , the police are worried there are more idiots like him about to go into battle on the wreck. They also remind him of the seriousness of what he has done, pulling a gun out in a supermarket and you can't always take people at face value. Roy might look as though he couldn't hurt a fly but he may have a collecion of guns for all they know.

Police call round to the cafe to check if there are any more guns. They spot Emma in her outfit , she vouches for Roy calling him the salt of the earth. Les runs into the Rovers reporting there is a cop car outside the cafe all the Royalists run out to have a look.They can only speculate on what has happened,Fred bribes Fizz to be a spy.

Roy is released , rallies his troops reminding them that they are in the Hollywood version of events.

At he red wreck the celebrations are in full swing, tug of war , Morris Dancers, Sophie and Riosie whinging(nothing new there) Karen still unaware of her role ,laughs when she hears th ewitch is going to get a ducking until she realises she is the Witch. Struggles to get free but is tied up and placed on a stool. The bucket of water won't tipple over, Sam tries to fix it , the water tips over him. Karen breaks free.

Ade asks Sarah Lou out on Wednesday , she declines as it is Bethany's birthday. Ade isn't too impressed

Fred takes over the mike announces he is sponsoring the event, free samples from his shop are handed round. Roy looks on with disbelief. Fizz owns up to Roy about Fred bribing her but has since changed her mind because she has seen how much it means to him. Fred puts her in the stocks for her duplicity.

Back in the Rovers , Maria and Toyah discuss their Holiday. Betty thinks they are laughing at her because she is old. Betty admits to Toyah that she has done a lot of thinking recently wonders if it is time to move over.

The battle commences, Fred more like a Pirate than an Earl. Curly stops to take his glasses off before he gets killed. Les and Kirk are killed then run off to the beer tent. The rest are dramatically finished off leaving the 2 leaders battling. Maxine enters the field with a pantomime horse. Roy snaps refusing to die, the battle becomes personal all the "dead" soldiers jump back to life and the battle recommences. Karen releases Fizz from the stocks ,they start throwing pies at Fred & Crew. The crowd joins in throwing pies . Security is called to end the skirmish.

Back at the Rovers, Fred feels humiliated,he wants revenge his men encourahge him to do something about it. Meanwhile at the Cafe ,Roy's bunch are doing th esame. Fred storms out of the pub and is met by Roy in the street. They have a slanging match which turns very personal. When Fred calls Hayley a weirdo, Roy slaps him across the face. Fred swings at Roy with his sword breaking Roys's sword.Roy retaliates with the pike pushing Fred over and pinning him to the floor with the pike at his throat. Peter & Ken have to pull him off.

Janette


Wednesday 5 June

Roy, in the cafe, is looking decidedly glum in the aftermath of the re-enactment and Hayley tries to cheer him up, but unsuccessfully. Poor Roy has also to suffer the barracking of the terrible trio of Karen, Janice and Fiz, as they recall the event with much hilarity. Joe Carter, Mike's temporary manager, calls in and orders the trio to work.

In the Rovers' back room, Fred is equally despondent, and his mood is not lightened by Betty's observation about 'two grown men fighting in the street'. Fred denies responsibility, saying that Roy slapped his face with a glove, and that was a challenge which he could not ignore. Fred also accuses Roy of refusing to die, as in the script. Fred's excuse of 'losing his footing' is countered by Betty's accusation of his 'losing face'. Shelley and Geena are enjoying his discomfiture.

Chez Gail, Richard is off to work to see about the flat and the furniture he and Gail have ordered for it. Sarah complains to her Mum that she never has any fun these days. Gail leaves for work, and gives Sarah some chores to do for Bethany's birthday party this evening. Bethany is two years of age today.

In the factory, Joe tries to be Mr Nice Guy, but that doesn't wash with Karen, who is determined to make his life a misery. Janice tells Karen that she's pushing him too far.

Sam arrives at the garage, his right arm, broken, in plaster after his skirmishing. Kevin is not amused and, after a rather heated exchange of views, Sam quits his job.

Outside in the street, Hayley rushes out of the factory to ask Roy if he's thought about a present for wee Bethany. No. Fred is seen crossing the street to the Rovers and he and Roy exchange a glare. Gail meets Rita outside the Kabin and asks if she has candles for Bethany's cake. Rita asks Gail how Sarah is feeling after her day off school - oh oh!!

Back in the Rovers, it's lunch time, and Fiz, Sam, Karen and Janice are going over the events of the re-enactment, Fiz blaming Fred for the fiasco. Fred is 'invited' by Betty (whom he calls Lemon Lips) to do some work her side of the bar. Steve arrives, and Karen asks him for a drink, for she's going to have an extended lunch hour... Steve tells Fred that he's heard that he's 'come a Cropper'!

Emma and Curly, with wee Ben, are returning home and Les passes. Curly thinks it's not a good time to talk to Les about the rubbish in his back yard.

Karen arrives back late at the factory. Joe notices her arrival, but says nothing and Karen thinks that he's a 'pushover'.

Gail arrives home and tackles Sarah about her missing lessons. Sarah conjures up all sorts of excuses, but Gail is not convinced and produces some work from Mr Barlow for her to catch up.

The girls finish work at the factory, but Joe confronts Karen about her time-keeping. Karen will have to stay at her machine and make the time up.

In the Rovers, Joe and Geena try to arrange a date, but they're both busy. Next week? Steve arrives and chats to Joe - "my wife works there" - who has already met Karen! Fiz informs Steve that Karen has been given detention, by Joe. Roy appears. Fred seems a bit uncomfortable about his presence...

Chez Gail, and Richard and Gail discuss Sarah's truthfulness, or not, about her bunking off. Candice pops in to apologize for her non-attendance at Bethany's party. Todd arrives just as Candice leaves - Sarah doesn't look too excited to see him...

Emma approaches Les in the Rovers, to ask him about the rubbish in his yard, but Les imagines that Emma has her eye on some stuff that he's thrown out! Karen appears and throws the factory keys to Joe, then insists to Steve that they depart right away. Roy sits quietly, while Les declares that he is a very worthy winner of the confrontation.

At Bethany's party, Sarah tells Todd that she hates her Mum, for she has no fun, then decides to go out for more ice cream, on her own. Gail wonders where Sarah has gone.

Back in the Rovers, Les has become a big fan of Roy. Betty informs Fred that she's had enough and has decided to retire. Betty exits. Roy approaches the bar and apologises to Fred. Peace is restored by a handshake.

Todd goes off to look for Sarah. Gail is worried about where she is.

In the cafe, Roy confides to Hayley that he has apologised to Fred; not only did he let power go to his head, but, even worse, he had earned the respect of Les Battersby!!

Todd comes back to Gail's, not having found Sarah. He goes off home. Just before Gail phones the police, Sarah appears, to Gail's wrath about their worry about her disappearance. Richard and Audrey join in. Sarah apologises, but that isn't good enough for Gail. Sarah tells them all that, at 15 years of age, she feels that her life is over...

Iain McDougall


Friday 7 June

Chez mummy Platt. Sarah looks over Bethany's birthday cards while Gail goes into 'grump mode', as she reminds her errant daughter about her going AWOL during the birthday party. Someone at the door. Richard goes to answer it and finds Todd there, wishing to see Sarah. "Not a good time", says Richard. Meanwhile, inside the happy home, Gail is making it clear to Sarah that she has work to do for Ken, for school, and she'd best get on with it. Sarah apologises to her Mum, but only gets a sarcastic 'you're always sorry' for her trouble.

Curly and Emma are making plans for the barbeque in their back yard. However, their closest neighbour, Les, has built up an enormous amount of rubbish in his back yard which is beginning to smell. Emma, unlike Curly, is willing and eager to wage war on Les for this and wants to sort him out. Curly warns Emma that Les can be 'volatile'.

In the back room of the Rovers, Betty reiterates her intention of retiring to Fred, but he thinks Betty is just playing games.

Kirk arrives at the garage to show off his new tattoo (a red devil), which he claims will give him a new image and be a real 'girl magnet'. Tyrone and Kevin laugh at his idiocy, while Sam watches the hilarity from across the street. Les appears and tells Sam that he's doing the right thing, leaving Weatherfield. As Les puts it, very politely of course, Sam can look forward to sun, sea and 'plenty of the other' in Ibiza. Sam doesn't look too sure...

Richard speaks to Sarah outside the Platt home. Sarah is obviously very depressed, and the caring Richard suggests that she and he approach Gail with the idea of taking Bethany off her hands for a few days. Sarah thinks that is a brilliant idea.

In the salon, Maxine is there with wee Josh, and Maria complains to Audrey about her lack of tips from clients. Maria can't make ends meet, but Audrey won't hear of a raise in salary. Maria then asks if her rent can be late...

Emma and Curly make a neighbourly call on Les about the rubbish he's accumulated in his back yard. While Curly tries the softly-softly approach, Emma prefers the more direct confrontation, much to Curly's unease. Les doesn't take kindly to his being told what to do by a councilor and a copper, but Emma makes it clear to Les that he has to sort things out now! (Girl power, or what!)

Chez Gail, and Richard moots the idea to Gail of letting Sarah have a few days off, while they look after Bethany. Gail thinks that Sarah, after her truancy and her 'walkabout', doesn't deserve such consideration and that Sarah's lucky she gets the support she does. Sarah and Richard take that as a NO!

In the Rovers, much talk of Betty's imminent retirement. Everyone is sorry to see her go, while Fred still thinks she's bluffing. (Oh no, she's not!) Kirk overhears Maria talking to Audrey about a possible flat-mate, and he suggests that he could be her flat-mate. Maria rejects this immediately. Fred at last realises that Betty is serious about retiring, and is almost lost for words.

In Roy's Rolls, Maria is trying to talk Toyah into sharing her flat with her, and Toyah promises to speak to her Mum about it. Emma and Curly talk about Les and his rubbish. Curly reminds her that Les once head-butted him over a dispute about loud music. Emma apologises to her husband - she thought he was just a woos! Sam appears, all set for his departure, and wants to talk to Toyah. She'll finish early to say goodbye.

Back room of the Rovers. Fred bemoans the fact that he's chased away the best barmaid by his actions, but Betty tells him that she doesn't want to spend her last few hours in the pub propping up his ego. She doesn't want any fuss about her leaving. (Oh yeah?)

Sam and Toyah meet for their au revoir. He promises to write, but Toyah thinks that he'll be too busy, and Toyah plants a wee kiss on his cheek before he shuffles off the street, with a last backward glance at the garage.

In the cafe, Eileen warns Todd that Sarah is selfish, and that he deserves much better. Hayley asks Roy why he's been acting peculiar (so what else is new?) and Roy admits to latent violent emotions. Roy mentions 'next year' but Hayley makes it crystal clear that there will be no more re-enactments. (Thank you, Hayley!)

Gail and Richard are off for a drink, leaving Sarah in the house alone to look after Bethany. Sarah is pleased to see them leave her for a while. Todd arrives, and Sarah tells him she can't believe what a cow her Mum has been to her.

Back in the Rovers, secret plans are afoot for Betty's retirement after 33 years of being behind the bar. Betty has said that she doesn't want any fuss, but who would believe that? Rita and Ken put their plans into action...

Again at Gail's, where Todd questions Sarah about why she went 'walkabout' during Bethany's birthday party. He thinks Sarah fancies Aidan (do we care?) and storms out, leaving Sarah in tears.

Iain McDougall


Sunday 9 June

The scene opens in the back room of the Rovers, with Fred, Shelley and Geena discussing the plans for Betty's last day in the pub. All is hush-hush, as Betty arrives, seemingly a bit depressed. Betty declares to Fred that she was once called 'winsome' (mmm) and the girls, Shelley and Geena, both say they will miss her. (But they can't make hot pot, eh?)

Chez Gail, where she offers to look after wee Bethany for Sarah, which will give Sarah a few hours of freedom. Gail smiles!

Chez Watts. The barbeque gets underway in the Watts' back yard (what a lovely setting!) which is only spoiled by the stench from Les' pile of rubbish rotting in his back yard next door. Emma is prepared to 'do battle' but Curly advises diplomacy... Give Les more time.

In the Kabin, Ken and Rita go over the proposed guest list for Betty's retirement party. Some names are suggested - Jack and Vera, Nathalie, Billy Walker and even Bet. Ken will try to contact them.

In the corner shop, Karen eventually learns the truth about Joe Carlin from Steve and Vikram, while Dev listens in the background. Of course, Karen will keep this snippet of gossip, about Joe's recently being in jail, to herself...

Back at the barby, the stench is putting the guests off their food. Tracy and Ashley decide to have their food indoors. Emma decides to take action - she shouts to Les, who appears in his vest, to get something done, only to get the promise of Les to get his shirt on and join them!

Back at the Kabin, Ken is going over his plans for contacting various 'oldies' from the past. Todd and Sarah meet, but they decide to part their separate ways. (Young love - yeugh!)

Karen meets Hayley and Fiz in the street, and wastes no time in informing them of Joe's having been in prison. (Karen tells then it's not gossip, but the gospel truth, and Fiz says that the gospel truth is the best gossip!) Hayley reminds Karen that Steve has been in prison... (Ouch!)

Again at the barby. Les doesn't like the taste of his burger and throws it over the wall into his back yard. He also discards his empty can of beer in the same way, and is taken to task by Emily... ... just as a scream is heard from inside the house. Tracy has seen 'something' creeping along the carpet. A rat. Les accuses the Watts of having a dirty house.

Inside the Watts' house, Les declares that he's not eating any more, as their food's not safe. Emma is so angry!

In the Rovers, Eileen and Maria are so sad to hear of Betty's imminent retiral, while Shelley takes the initiative of offering herself to Fred for the job of Bar Manager, Geena looking on.

Back with the young ones. Sarah is again trying to become friends with Aidan, and Candice warns her about him. (Who needs enemies when you have friends like Candice?)

In the Rovers, Fred tells the warring barmaids to 'fight it out' for the manager's job. Karen and Janice discuss men. Janice thinks that women like them can only get the worst of men, and Geena overhears their talk of Joe...

At Curly's, Tracy and Ashley make tracks for home, just as a rat is seen creeping around their living room. As Tracy and Ashley leave, (hastily!), with little Josh, Kevin and Emily have a search for rats in the house. None is found.

In the Rovers, Kirk offers to share Maria's flat, but she wisely declines. Geena has heard the gossip about Joe, and she accuses Dev of orchestrating this. Dev gloats about this turn of events.

Back to the kids. Aidan and Candice are going off together, while Sarah runs after them - Candice calling her too fat to run. Eileen and Todd look on - and Eileen reckons that Todd is 'well rid'.

In the Rovers, Betty is mid-shift, but Fred insists that she has the afternoon off, and he'll treat her to her last wages in the back room. The regulars give Betty a resounding cheer.

Chez Watts. Their guests have gone, but a rat remains, which Emma sees off. Emma gives Curly 5 minutes to sort out Les... or else!!

Fred speaks to Betty in the back room of the Rovers. Oh dear, he's made some mistakes in her wages and she'll have to come back tomorrow to collect them. Betty is very unhappy, especially as she had insisted that there would be no party, or fuss. Fred excuses himself - he's needed - while Betty mutters "Wish I was".

In the aftermath of the Watts' barby, Emma has had enough. She goes to Les' back door and confronts him about the rats. Not for Emma the softly-softly approach. Instead, she openly threatens Les with 'something that hurts' if he continues his refusal to get rid of his rubbish.

Iain McDougall


Monday 10 June

Curly and Emma's
Emma's getting ready for work and ranting to Curly about the rats from Les Battersby's. Curly agrees that all the rubbish next door must go which pleases Emma who tells him to get it sorted. She wants him to ring the council but Curly's not keen, it sounds like grassing Les up and he doesn't think it's right. Emma doesn't agree, it's up to Les to ring them and he hasn't and more importantly he won't. There's a knock at the door which Emma goes to answer - it's Les. He's come to tell them that he's sorting out the rat problem today. Curly's pleased but Emma's less convinced.

The knicker factory
Karen's complaining to anyone who'll listen about Joe (no shocks there then). She can't understand why Mike's taken on an ex-crim and wonders how they know each other (we're all wondering the same thing, it seems to have been glossed over by the writers). Fizz thinks Mike could be his dad which has every one in stitches (boom boom). They all wonder about why he was in prison and Karen suggests they ask him, no-one's keen so she says she will. Joe arrives for work and shouts "good morning ladies" Karen asks who he's calling ladies and Hayley, who's getting fed up with Karen and her constant sniping of Joe, replies he meant all of us but not you. Everyone sniggers.

Rovers Return
Geena and Shelley are getting the bar ready for opening. Shelley wonders if it's true about Joe being in prison. Geena supposes it must be but is more annoyed at how happy Dev was when she heard the news. She tells Shelley that she's not going to see Joe again, not because he's been inside but because he wasn't honest with her. She's fed up with dishonest men. Fred comes through with his list of food for Betty's leaving do - crisps and salted nuts. No sandwiches because most people will have had their tea. He might see if there's any pies Ashley's not sold and give them out too. Betty arrives unexpectedly, Fred told her to come to pick up her wages as a ruse to getting her there for her party. Unfortunately Betty's about 6 hours too early. Fred makes some excuse about them not being ready and she's to come back at 5:30.

The Street
Audrey's runs across the road to Ken's. He and Peter have made a banner for the party - "Bye Bye Betty Our Hotpot Queen". Unsurprisingly it's not quite up to Audrey's "standards" but they see Betty and start talking "rhubarb". Sarah comes past too and sees Aiden who she calls over. He's bunking off school and she's taking Bethany to the clinic. He's going into town and asks her (minus Bethany) to come too. Sarah explains she can't so he tells her to forget it. As he starts walking away Sarah shouts after him that she's no longer seeing Todd. Ade's not that interested which upsets Sarah.

The Kabin
Rita comments that Old Mother Norris is looking particularly pleased with himself. Norris confesses that he's been accepted as a volunteer for the Commonwealth games, although he'd rather call them the Empire Games. Apparently you need to be a team player, with a positive attitude and be committed to having fun. Rita makes an obvious joke about Norris still managing to get through which upsets him. Norris is under the impression that he will be working with the dignitaries and the athletes which probably means he'll be in a kiosk giving out directions for 2 weeks. Rita asks him what he intends to do about his "real" job but Norris had already thought of that and had booked the 2 weeks of the games off as holidays several months previously - knowing of course that he would get the job!

The knicker factory
Joe comes over to give Fizz some help with her machine. When he finishes he comments to Karen about her doing no work. Karen asks him where he learned to sew, was it in prison sewing mailbags? All the girls stop working and look very uncomfortable but not as uncomfortable as Joe does. He's lost for words and can only tell them to get back to work and walks away. Smugly Karen makes nasty comments about the look on his face but both Hayley and Janice tell her to leave him alone and get back to work.

The Corner Shop
This is where Joe walked away to. He confronts Dev about spreading the rumours of him being in jail. Which Dev finds amusing. Dev reminds him that he wasn't the only one who knew, Mike did too. Joe points out that Mike is in Spain and couldn't have told the factory girls. Dev admits he told he cousin (Vik) and that's how the story got around. Dev says he didn't think Joe was the type to get embarrassed, and Joe says he isn't but at least now he knows who put the knife in. Dev makes a comment about Geena and Joe twigs what Dev's whole game is. He warns Dev.

The Rovers Return - bar
The pub's filling up in preparation for Betty's party. Geena serves Jack and Vera, Vera tells her to straighten her face. Geena says she can't be bothered. Vera asks Fred if he's sent a taxi for Betty but Fred thought she may have suspected something if he had so decided against it. He tells Vera his "wages" ruse to get Betty to come to the pub. Gordon (Betty's son) and Caroline (his wife) arrive and are greeted by Ken. It seems that they've had a nightmare motorway journey up from Wimbledon which goes some way to explaining Caroline's miserable face. Fred introduces himself to Gordon and Caroline and starts praising Betty to the skies. He tells them that their first drink is on him and to put their money away.

The knicker factory
It's knocking off time and Joe comes out of the office and thanks the girls for their hard work. Karen faces up to him and starts making digs about prison to him. Then getting to the point she tells him that she wants to know what he was sent down for, was it something sad like stealing knickers from washing lines. Fizz tells her to give it a rest and is backed up by Hayley and Janice. Janice comes over and tells Joe the only reason Karen's interested is because Steve has also been inside - twice. Karen's face is a picture but there's no stopping Janice in full flow, she gives it to Karen with both barrels. She explains to Joe that Steve's crimes were thieving the first time and the second time was for conspiring to pervert the course of justice. Karen is livid. Janice asks her that if she can ask Joe why he was inside then why can't anyone ask why Steve was inside? Karen makes a lunge for Janice but Joe stops her. He tells them all to go home. As they all leave he pulls Karen to one side and tells her something she needs to hear. Karen was bone idle today and any more disruption, any more not pulling of weight and she'll have cause to regret it. Karen understands him.

The Rovers Return - bar.
Ken's banner is in place and everyone's just waiting for Betty. Caroline's talking to Vera, Jack and Emily. Vera tells her that she and Jack were thinking of moving "down south" at one time - Macclesfield! The signal is given - Betty's coming down the street. Gordon and Caroline are hidden in one of the snugs. Betty arrives, her usual miserable, grump, self and moans at everyone looking at her. Fred tells her it's party for her and unfurls the banner. For once Betty smiles and then is ecstatic to see Gordon. I'd almost forgotten that Betty knew how to be anything other than miserable.

Ads - time for a brew.

The Kabin
Rita and Norris are discussing him and the commonwealth games. Norris says he's very public spirited, he's always having a go at dog owners whose dogs foul the pavement. He says he's always enjoyed various athletic events but try as he might he can't seem to get Emily interested. Rita's intrigued, what sort of sports could he be on about. Norris says it's ping pong. He offered to buy them a table but Emily wouldn't hear of it and when he mentioned perhaps buying a trampoline for the backyard Emily refused to even discuss it. Rita thinks they both need a drink after those revelations.

Rovers Return - bar
Peter's disappointed at the low turnout for Betty but Emily reminds him it's early yet - wait till the evening. They all discuss Betty and how many people must have eaten her hotpot over the years. The conversation turns to working and Jack tells Vera he'd like her to carry on working for as long as possible so her brains don't turn to mush (!). He tells her that the bottle factory are taking on if she fancies a job there...Vera's not as green as she's cabbage looking and knows Jack's plan is to stay in bed all day and drink her wages all evening - it's not going to happen. Ken calls Shelley over to get a round in just as Rita and Norris arrive. Betty's sitting with Gordon and Caroline and hopes they didn't have to ruin any of their plans to come up to Manchester for the party. Gordon assures her that they wouldn't have missed it for the world. Betty tells them both that they're staying at hers, she won't have them wasting money on a hotel. Gordon's thrilled and takes the opportunity to ask Betty to move to Wimbledon and come and live with him and Caroline. This is news to Caroline and not very good news at that.

Curly and Emma's
Emma comes home from work and asks Curly if any of Les's rubbish has been shifted. Curly has no idea - he's not been out all day. Emma goes to have a look, nothing's changed. In fact there's even more rubbish there than before. Emma is livid and Curly starts making excuses that maybe Les has been busy. Emma's having none of it and much to Curly's horror she storms round to Les's back door. Les comes out all smiles and Emma launches into full attack mode. Les tells her everything's in hand and he can't just shift all the rubbish as the rats will run away and might just decide to infest Emma and Curly's so Les has done the next best thing - he's borrowed a cat from a friend of his who's a rat catcher. Emma and Curly are distinctly unimpressed.

Gail and Tricky's
Gail's on the phone to Richard who's away on a business trip. She's all lovey dovey and a listening Sarah isn't too happy. When she comes off the phone Gail reminds Sarah how lucky they all are to have Richard. How many other men would have taken on their family? Reluctantly Sarah agrees as she does really like him. Gail goes to get ready for Betty's party and tells Sarah that she's going out with Sally the following day to cheer her up. So Sarah will be left in on her own with Bethany as David is going to Martin's. As an after thought she asks Sarah if she wants any company because she can always ask Emily round for the evening. Unsurprisingly Sarah says no to this and as Gail goes up the stairs Sarah plots to get Ade round and some booze in to have a party for 2.

Emma and Curly's
Emma is livid with both Les and Curly. She tells Curly to get on to the council right away about the rats but he refuses as the offices are closed. Emma asks him what he's going to do now and he replies that he'll block the hole up between the yards to stop the rats getting through. Emma poo-poo's the idea saying the rats could always come under the gate or over the wall. Curly gives in and promises to ring the council first thing.

Rovers Return - bar
A happy Betty is telling Emily of Gordon's request that she moves to London to live with him. She's not sure what to do as she's lived in Weatherfield all her life and she'll miss her friends but Gordon is her flesh and blood and that means more to her than anything. Jack and Old Mother Norris are discussing Norris' role in the Commonwealth games. Jack asks that if Norris is working with the synchronised swimmers could he get him in - just to get some autographs of course.... Caroline finally gets a moment with Gordon and tears a strip off him for his offer to Betty. Gordon thinks it's a great idea but the discussion is curtailed as Betty joins them. She's decided she will join them in London - she can help Caroline with the cooking and cleaning. Gordon is thrilled but a po faced Caroline asks her about missing her old friends. Betty replies that most of her friends are dead now (apart from the ones in the pub) and maybe she'd be better off spending her last few years with her family.

Piccadilly Station
We catch a glimpse of a tall blonde lady in a leopard skin coat and shoes climbing into the back of a taxi. It's Bet of course, who asks the driver to take her to the Rovers Return, Coronation Street, Weatherfield if you know it cock.

2nd of tonight's shows

The Street
Bet arrives at the Rovers in the taxi. As she stands looking at the door she looks very apprehensive then she fastens on a huge smile and enters the pub.

Rovers Return - bar
Amongst the general chatter Vera's complaining to Jack that they never got a send off when they left the pub, when Bet enters. It takes a couple of seconds for her to be noticed and eventually everyone falls silent staring at her. Emily's the 1st one to speak and Ken follows up with how pleased he is to see her. He'd left messages for her about Betty's send off but she didn't return any of his calls. She gives Ken a peck on the cheek and a big hug for Betty who's over the moon to see her. Betty tells her how she knew nothing of the party and Bet tells her she was all for jumping out of a big cardboard cake. While they're catching up, Old Mother Norris asks Rita if that's Mrs Gilroy and weren't they friends at one time? Rita admits they were once and explains to Norris how they fell out when Rita refused to lend her the money to buy the pub and haven't spoken in over 7 years. Bet makes small talk with all the other regulars, Jack, Vera and Emily.

Curly and Emma's
Emma's made a decision, she's not leaving Ben to sleep in the house another night. Curly admits that Les is out of order and that he should have rung the council when she asked but he thinks Emma's over-reacting. Emma brushes past him and picks up the phone. She rings an ex-colleague who's also got a baby and arranges to stay with her until Curly gets the council in to sort out the rats. Curly's not happy.

Rovers Return - bar
Bet hands £20 over the bar to get a round in and also drinks for the staff. She explains to Geena and Shelley that she worked behind the Rovers bar herself. Emily asks how long she's staying and Bet replies only a couple of days. She tells them all that she's living in Brighton and still living it up. Ken tells her he's back teaching. Fred appears and is introduced to Bet. She remembers him from the butchers and tells him that after the 25 years she spent behind the bar she'd rather sell horse muck door to door than work there again. Betty asks Rita if she and Bet have spoken yet and Rita says no. Betty tells her that life's too short and they should make up. Rita's not keen but Betty says it's all water under the bridge, Vicky wouldn't lend her the money for the pub either but she and Bet are great friends now. Rita changes the subject to Betty moving to London. Betty's not too sure about whether Caroline wants her there but Rita points out they wouldn't have asked her otherwise. This puts Betty's mind to rest. Caroline and Gordon are having a row. Caroline's fuming that Gordon just asked Betty to live with them without even discussing it with her first. Although he had mentioned it to her previously she'd only said she'd think about it. Gordon says it's too late now, he's invited her and she's accepted. Bet's chatting to Vera about Raquel. They've kept in touch over the years and Raquel seems very happy. Vera tells her that's Curly's also remarried and has a baby. She tells her about Emma being a policewoman. Bet raises her eyebrows and comments that everyone will probably know who wears the trousers then.

The Street
Emma's securing Ben into his car seat. Curly wishes she wasn't going but Emma refuses to listen. She's left the phone number and will back tomorrow to check up on what he's done on the rat front. Slamming the door she drives off.

Rovers Return - bar
Fred primes Shelley and Geena that everyone must have a drink as he's about to do a speech. Audrey comes in and Fred gets her a G&T. She's genuinely pleased to see Bet and likewise Bet's pleased to see her. Fred starts his speech, just a small introduction and then passes the honours over to Ken. He makes a great speech about how long she's been at the pub despite numerous landlords. How she's always been there to cheer them up and feed them hotpot. He finishes with how much she's loved and will be missed before asking her to come up and receive her gift - a mobile phone with a £50 credit on it. Betty's thrilled and then tells them all that she's leaving the area to live with her son in London. She starts to say how much she'll miss everyone but breaks down. Many arms reach out to comfort her and Bet starts a chorus of "For She's a Jolly Good fellow" that has everyone joining in and helps put the smile back on Betty's face.

Ads - coffee please, Milk no sugar

Rovers Return - bar
Bet and Audrey are sitting in one of the cubicle's. Bet tells Audrey how sorry she was to hear about Alf dying. She loved Alf and he was very good to her, he gave her the flat above the shop when she was at her most desperate and was a very good friend. Audrey sighs and says how much she loved him too and how she wishes she'd met him sooner. But better late than never at all. Joe comes to the bar and talks to Geena but she refuses to serve him and walks away. Dev's watching all this, smiling away to himself. Joe orders a pint from Shelley. Still reminiscing Bet tells Audrey how she lost a good man too, someone she met in Tenerife, Bruce. He had a 40 foot yacht and they had a great time together - until he died. They both empathise with each other and Bet goes to get more drinks before they start getting too maudlin.

Gail and Tricky's
Gail's off to the pub, she tells Sarah to make sure all her school work's done that she was meant to do over the holidays. Sarah tells her to stop nagging and Gail leaves. As soon as she hears the front door close she rings Ade and asks him to call her back when he gets her message - especially if he fancies going to a little party the following night.

Rovers Return - bar
Bet reveals that when Bruce died he left her is boat which she sold. With the proceeds she bought herself a little bar in Brighton which is quite upmarket and it means she's close to Vicky. Audrey asks her if she's any men in her life and winking Bet replies yes but more importantly there's life in her men. They both laugh but soon stop when Rita come over and says hello to Bet. Obviously not to keen to speak to her, Bet says hello back. They exchange pleasantries. Rita asks if Bet's seen Alec but apparently she hasn't since their divorce. She's also changed her name back to Lynch. Janice, Toyah and Maria are sitting at a table watching Bet, when Gail comes in Janice asks her who the old slapper sitting with her mum is. Laughing loudly Gail explains who Bet is (she called her Lynch too - how did she know she'd changed her name back?) and say they'd better not let her hear them call her that.

Joe tries again to talk to Geena but she tells him no she's working, anyway there's too many people about. Joe calls Fred over and asks if he can have 5 minutes with Geena and Fred agrees. They go outside.

The Street
Geena tells him she only agreed so he wouldn't make a scene and Joe tells her he had no intention of embarrassing anyone. He tells her it's obvious she knows he's just come out of prison. Geena admits it but reckons that she was also the last person to know about it. Joe apologises profusely but Geena's hurt that he wasn't honest with her especially as they were meant to be straight with each other. Joe tells her the only reason he didn't tell her was because he thought she'd blank him. He didn't think he'd stand a chance with her if he'd have told her. Geena asks him why he was inside and he tells her it was nothing sensational, he was involved in a VAT fiddle over some fabric and when it got found out he carried the can for it. He would have told her when he was more sure of her and it's certainly something he's never going to again. Geena's thawing now and asks him how she can that what he's told her is the truth. Joe says he doesn't know but he's really really sorry.

Rovers Return - bar
It's Jack and Vera's turn to sit with Bet. Jack tells her he still does a bit in the cellar and Bet asks what their opinions are of Fred. Vera tells her that it was bought for his wife but she's cleared off and left him. Bet jokes that now Betty is too and what will he do without her hotpot. Jack and Vera both agree that he doesn't seem to know much about the licensed trade - certainly not as much as they do anyway. Audrey returns with some drinks and asks Bet if she knew that Jack and Vera owned the pub for a bit. Bet falls about laughing at this much to Vera's disgust. She asks if it fell apart because Jack drank all the profits. Jack gets the hump and says that it was because Vera messed up the books. They start rowing but Bet calms them down. Vera tells Bet that they were no worse than her, and when push came to shove it was her husband who ripped them off. Bet raised her glass - they were all in the same boat then weren't they?

The Street
Steve and Karen cross the road to the pub as Geena and Joe are still talking outside the door. Steve gives a friendly hello, Geena a sarky one and Karen just blanks everyone. Joe asks Geena if she can imagine the kind of tales Karen must be wanting to spread round about him. Geena wants to get back to work but Joe asks her to come out with him one night. Geena agrees and says her first night off is Sunday.

Rovers Return - bar
Steve sees Bet and tells Karen he'll have to go over and also he'll introduce her. Karen's not keen. Geena and Joe walk in the door and Dev collars Geena. Joe asks if she'll be ok and leaves when she says she will. Dev's not a happy chicken. What's Geena doing with that jailbird? Geena tells him to mind his own business and pushes him away. Janice is amused at Les. He hasn't taken his eyes off Bet since he walked into the pub (just after Karen and Steve). She laughs at him fancying Bet. Toyah asks her if she's jealous and Janice snorts. Anyone who fancies Les is welcome to him. The girls want to go clubbing but have no money so they all settle for a bag of chips instead and leave the pub. Audrey leaves Bet on her own for a moment and Steve takes the opportunity to go and say his hellos. Bet's none too pleased to see him and tells him Vicky is happily married this time round when Steve asks after her. Steve's pleased, so is he and takes the chance to introduce Karen. Bet looks up and wonders out loud why Karen married him. Karen's bouncing and drags Steve away. Seizing his chance Les sits down and introduces himself to Bet. He says he likes a bet being a gambling man. Bet asks him if he'd like to lose his shirt and his trousers. Les is happy and tells her that he only lives down the street. Bet corrects him and says he lives under a stone and should crawl back there while they're still friends. Les is furious and tells "Grumpy drawers" that she's had her chance before he storms off. Betty's sitting with Gordon, Caroline, Norris, Rita, Emily and Gail. Fred approaches them and asks if Betty will join him in a brandy. She politely refuses and says they must be going. Fred asks her a last favour, will she come and pour her last pint behind the bar? Betty's touched.

The Street
Janice, Toyah and Maria are walking from the chippy eating their chips. Toyah asks Maria to go to some new club in town on Friday night. Janice asks if she can come too and both girls agree. She explains that she wants to go because she feels like a new fella. Quietly Toyah asks her if this means she's over Dennis. A little upset, Janice says no, again she just wants a new fella. Toyah asks her that if she does meet someone and brings him back what is she meant to do? Sit on the landing twiddling her thumbs? Janice thinks about it for a minute and says yes, either that or go spend the night at Les's. Toyah doesn't fancy the prospect of either of those choices and takes the opportunity to mention how small her mum's is and how Maria's offered her a flat-share. Pretending not to be hurt Janice agrees that it's an excellent idea and Toyah should go for it. Toyah and Maria are thrilled.

Rovers Return - Bar
Everyone's standing at the bar watching Betty pull her last pint and a big cheer goes up when she's finished. She asks who the pint's for and Fred says if she doesn't want it herself then she should bestow it to anyone she likes. Laughing at the thought of drinking a pint Betty offers the jug to Jack and hands it to him. Jack's touched and tells Betty they've had some moments working together. Betty laughs and says she's off before she drops and leaves behind the bar. Betty says her goodbyes to everyone and thanks them all for coming. She tells them that she's not leaving the area just yet, she'll be going in a few days. She and Bet have a hug a Bet says they've had some good times and bad. Chucking her under the chin Betty reminds her it was more good than bad and Bet starts to sniffle. Betty and family leave the Rovers while Bet sits back down. Audrey asks her where she's staying and Bet's horrified, she's not sorted anywhere yet. Audrey's glad, Bet can come and stay with her and she's not taking no for an answer. Audrey says she'll open a bottle of gin and they'll pour people to pieces. Sounds like a good idea to Bet. Bet asks if Audrey's sure about her staying. Audrey admits she's lonely especially when you're used to having a fella. She gets up to ring a taxi and Bet looks like she's about to burst into tears and says under her breath to Audrey's comment that doesn't she flaming know it.

The End


Wednesday 12 June

The Merry Widow's
It's morning and Audrey comes downstairs to the sight of Bet sprawled across the sofa. She looks like she's been dragged through a hedge backwards - her wig's skew whiff, her false eyelashes are skew whiff and her make-up and eyeliner are spread across her face. Audrey goes to open a window and Bet lights up her first ciggie of the day, takes a huge drag (no pun intended) and starts coughing for Britain. Unimpressed Audrey goes to put the kettle on.

The Street
Janice and Hayley are walking to work. Janice tells her Toyah is moving out to live with Maria. Hayley's pleased for her, she likes Maria. Janice is putting on a brave face and tells Hayley she's going to have some fun now she's got the place to herself. She's thinking of going "Platinum Blonde", aren't blondes meant to have more fun? She tried it once in '94 but she didn't have more fun actually. They pass Sarah who's leaving her house while chatting to Ade on the phone. She's inviting him round to hers that evening. From the one side of the conversation we can hear, Ade's skipping school that afternoon and asks Sarah to join him. She has double English and can't no matter how much she'd like to. They arrange for him to come round that evening.

The knicker factory.
Joe's opening the doors for the girls. Karen tells him she doesn't feel like work today and he remarks that when does she ever? They have a little bit of "friendly" banter but the dislike between them both is obvious.

Curly and Emma's
Emma lets herself in the house. Curly's surprised (and pleased) to see her. Emma makes an excuse of forgetting her cravat then admits immediately that she's lying, she came round to apologize. She's had a terrible night as her friends little girl is teething and was crying all night and she had Ben in with her who kicked her constantly too. Curly asks where he is and is disappointed when Emma tells him she's left him with her friend. She meant what she said about not bringing him into the house until the rat problem is cleared up. Suddenly the smoke alarm in the kitchen goes off - Curly's toast is burning.

The Merry Widow's
Audrey's late for work. Bet's at the table having breakfast. She's scraped her slap off, removed her wig and has her real hair tied up. She looks another 20 years older. Audrey gives Bet a spare set of keys and tells her not to bother with the alarm, she only puts it on at night. Bet doesn't think she'll be going anywhere anyway although she asks if she can get anything in for their tea. Audrey says he has some salad but Bet was thinking more along the lines of fish and chips. Bet apologises for being so long in the bathroom and making Audrey late. Audrey laughs politely, she's not used to having guests. She asks Bet how long she's staying for and Bet replies a week probably two. Audrey's face falls, she didn't expect it to be that long. Bet says she has some business in Manchester. She's seen a club she's interested in buying. She comments to Audrey that she hasn't shared a flat since the corner shop with Irma Barlow. Audrey's never heard of her and asks if she was one of Ken's wives. Bet doesn't think so. Audrey leaves for work and once again Bet's happy mask slips. Something is bothering her.

Rovers Return - bar
Geena and Shelley are doing the cleaning and having a good old moan. There's only the 2 of them and they have to do all the cleaning, serving, cooking and most of the cellar work as Jack can't do too much and Fred's about as much use as a hairdryer in a tornado. They need to present a united front to Fred. They're going to nag him.

The Street
A van with "Environmental Health" emblazoned on the side parks up outside Les Battersby's. A lady gets out and knocks at his front door just as Emma leaves hers. Les comes to the door and the lady explains she's there about his rodent infestation. Les denies all knowledge of it but Emma's not having it and tells the E.H officer to go round to the back and see the rubbish. Nastily Les tells her to keep her nose out. Emma again tells her about the state of both the back and inside the house and about the rats. Les denies any knowledge of any rats. Gail and Janice are watching the row from across the street. Emma and Les are going at it hammer and tongs. Emma's ranting to the E.H Officer about having to move her baby out of the house because of the mess and rats. Gail and Janice cross over to enjoy the melee. Gail is horrified about the rats but Les is more annoyed that Emma says his house smells. Emma snootily tells him that although he doesn't own the house (he rents it from the council) he could at least take a bit of pride in where he lives. Janice takes offence at this (why?) and also that Emma called the environmental health people in. She starts sticking up for Les saying it's not easy for him (eh? Most single people seem to manage ok) Janice starts having a go at Emma who sighs and leaves for work with Janice still shouting insults at her. Gail tries to calm Janice down, can't Janice see Emma's upset for the health of her baby? The E.H Officer pushes past Les and tells him to brew up while she has a look round. Les is disheartened and asks Janice if he really does smell. They smile at each other. ***Has Janice forgotten that Les all but murdered Denis? She seemed to forgive him and be all pally pally with him virtually straight away. What rubbish***

The knicker factory
Joe's on the phone in the office. He puts the phone down and sighs heavily. He tells Hayley it was a call she'd asked him to return last week about the current order they're doing. It seems that the caller wants the order doubling and done by Monday and Joe's had to agree to do it although it's almost impossible to do. Joe blames Hayley, why didn't she remind him to call back a couple of days ago? Hayley asks how was she to know he hadn't? Joe's frantic, especially as Mike will be back on Monday. Nearly in tears, Hayley leaves the office.

The Kabin
Rita's serving Emily when an agitated Norris runs in looking for bicycle clips, he knows they have 2 sets somewhere from last weeks stock check. A bemused Rita asks him why he needs them and Norris tells them of Les Battersby's rodent infestation. The bicycle clips are to stop any stray rats from running up Norris' trouser legs. When he's left Emily asks Rita if she enjoyed Betty's send off. Rita thinks they did her proud and it was er...interesting to Bet again. Audrey comes in, she's had a tough morning. Rita asks her if it's because she and Bet put too much gin away the previous night. Audrey recounts the tale of finding a still dressed and passed out Bet asleep on her sofa in the morning. She doesn't even remember asking her to stay and was shocked to hear she was staying two weeks - it shocks Rita and Emily too. Audrey complains the place smells like a working men's club and after 2 weeks she'll probably have yellow ceilings. Rita comments that Bet said she had a little bit of business, what could take 2 weeks for Bet to sort out? Audrey tells them that all she knows is it's something to do with a club. Emily remarks that maybe they'll be seeing more of her then. Rita rolls her eyes and groans. It was bad enough making small talk at Betty's party without running into her all the time. Rita decides to take the bull by the horns. If Bet's around for a while then Rita feels it's about time they cleared the air. Audrey, surprisingly tactful, offers to stay out of the way so Rita can go round to hers. Rita's thankful, she doesn't expect it to be that pleasurable a visit.

Ads - bagsy 1st to the loo

The knicker factory
It's clocking off time. Karen's holding Janice up, she wants to get round to see Les as he was shaken earlier! Karen arranges to meet Janice later in the Rovers. Joe calls Hayley into the office and apologises profusely for earlier. Hayley's relieved, she hates atmospheres - unlike Karen, comments Joe. Hayley tells him not to worry about the order, she'll make sure there's no slacking.

Gail and Tricky's
Sarah lets Ade in. The coast is clear, everyone's out and Bethany's asleep in bed. Ade brought a video round and Sarah asks if he wants a drink. There's some beer but he doesn't touch the stuff as it's what his dad drinks. He asks for some orange juice which surprises Sarah until he pulls out a bottle of vodka from his bag. Happily she goes to get the OJ.

The merry widow's
Bet's back in her glam rags and her face, wig and eyelashes are back on. She's lying on the sofa having a cuppa when the doorbell rings. She opens the door - to Rita. Not entirely pleasantly surprised she lets her in after Rita tells her it's Bet she's come to see.

Rovers Return - bar
The united nagging of Fred is about to start. Geena calls Fred over and tells him they're out of tonics, Fred asks Shelley to go down to the cellar to get some. Shelley refuses she doesn't want to ladder yet another pair of tights on a barrel or end up with a pile of cobwebs in her hair. Fred's confused and Shelley spells it out for him. She's a great believer in there being men's work and women's work, cellars are for men. Fred's astounded, he only asked her to get some tonics. Ah but this morning he also asked her to make sandwiches and clean the windows. Both she and Geena are more than happy to help out but he has to promise to get the vacancies sorted. They can't keep doing the work of 4 people. Fred's put out, after all he's there isn't he? Shelley asks him if he knows how to make a bloody Mary, or how much lemonade goes in a lager top. In full flow and taking it in turns to speak, Shelley and Geena let rip their demands. They want someone to come and do the cleaning, someone to make the food, another bar staff member, a fit young bloke with a nice bum and a nice smile to do the cellar. Good now that's sorted! Oh look they don't need tonics after all, Geena's found some. Never mind and the girls go back to work leaving Fred open-mouthed and Audrey (who's been listening to the whole thing) much amused. Kirk's having a drink with his sister Maria. He's desperate to leave home and is gutted that Maria gave Bobbi's old room to Toyah. Things have got even more unbearable now their mother has started line dancing again. Maria tells him to get a place on his own but Kirk's not keen. Audrey goes to sit with Old Mother Norris and Emily - Emily's very grateful, who wouldn't be? Audrey asks if he saw Rita before she went to hers. Norris remarks Rita had the same glint in her eye that his mother used to get if she was taking shoddy clothing back to a store. Emily looks on the positive side, Rita's bound to offer the olive branch. Indeed, but will Bet break it in half as Audrey suspects?

The Merry Widow's
Rita and Bet are having a G&T. Rita comments that they didn't have much time to speak last night, Bet reminds her that they were both avoiding each other. Rita sighs, it's shame because they were such good friends for such a long time. Bet emphasizes the past tense and Rita's glad Bet's not pretending they still are friends. How could they be when Rita kicked her in the teeth when she needed her help most, counters Bet. Rita doesn't think that's fair and doesn't think Bet does either. Rita held her tongue at the party for Betty' sake. She explains to Bet that she knows she's staying round for a couple of weeks and came to see her so she wouldn't have to feel like she needed to avoid Bet. Rita changes the subject and mentions Bet's divorce. Bet comments that Alec's probably shacked up with a hoofer now - or an old singer which makes Rita squirm. She starts to say something about her and Alex but Bet knows all about it. Apparently Alec was going through a "nostalgic stage". He made the choice of Rita over a woman with a performing seal, Rita got the "top billing". Rita says she's still good friends with him. Bet says lucky you, we're still enemies. Rita comments on how bitter Bet is and Bet says she has good cause. She thought Alec would be there with her for ever and that Rita was her best mate - how wrong she was. They discuss how Rita wouldn't lend Bet the money to buy the Rovers as a partnership for both of them. Rita was worried they wouldn't have made a go of it but Bet is adamant she would have. Bet says she's run a couple of pubs in the last 7 years, very successfully too. Bet holds up her hand and shows Rita a diamond ring, the diamond's about the same size as Liz Taylor's only looks vulgar :) Rita's pleased for her and Bet asks her if she's being funny. She isn't, Bet seems well off and happy and so she's glad for her.

Gail and Tricky's
Ade and Sarah are nissed as pewts. They discuss some Johnny Depp films while snuggling on the sofa. Ade gets a bit closer and suggests something to do - pierce Sarah's eyebrow. He thinks it would go with her eyes as they're her best feature. He says his piercing was more a statement than to beautify himself. If Sarah agrees to let him do it to her he'll give her his eyebrow ring as he has another at home. His ring....that's all Sarah needs to hear to convince her.

Rovers Return - bar
Les comes in shouting out Councilor Watts. Les tells him Environmental Health have just left and they've sorted out his problem.. Curly's chuffed and asks Geena to get Les a pint. It's made his day. Janice, Karen, Maria and Kirk are sitting round a table. They're talking about Kirk moving out or in with a woman with no sense. Janice suggests he have a chat with Les, he has a spare room and could do with the rent. Kirk thinks it's a splendid idea. Curly's on the phone to Emma, and tells her it's all sorted, to get her stuff together, grab Ben and get home.

Gail and Tricky's
Sarah's lying on a cushion on the floor while Ade straddles her with a needle in his hand. Sarah's very drunk and is giggling. Ade's quietens her down and is just about to pierce her eyebrow when Gail walks in. From Gail's angle it looks like they're both "up to no good" and she's livid. They scramble up and get onto the sofa. Sarah introduces Ade and tells her Beth's asleep upstairs. It's obvious what Gail thinks was going on but Sarah explains he was just going to pierce her eyebrow which of course doesn't make it any better in Gail's eyes. Ade comments that the needle's now bent which has him and Sarah laughing. Gail realises that they're both drunk. She tells him Sarah's only 15 and he laughs and says he is too. Gail tells him to get out of the house so he leaves, thanking Gail for her hospitality on his way out.

The Merry Widow's
Bet's pouring them both another drink. She's surprised Rita's still living over the shop, she expected her to be in a big house as she could just see her with a bay window. She asks Rita if she's any aftershave on her dressing table and when Rita says no and asks her the same Bet launches into a tale of how it was her birthday last month and to guess how old she was, Rita says 65 but Bet says 62. Anyway, she decided to give up men on her birthday just like she decided to give up ciggies on New Years Day - she ran 2 under the tap and lit up the third. People like them will never change. Rita takes umbrage at that, they're nothing alike! Bet argues they're from the same mould but Rita says they may have been once but it was a long time ago, people change. Bet says she hasn't. Rita agrees, she's worked hard for everything she has but Bet just seems to drift along usually with some fella. Bet laughs, Rita really thinks she's better than everyone else but Bet's known her too long. Rita only got the shop because Len died. Rita argues it was her shop but Bet counters with it was Len's money. Bet then says that in reality Rita did her a favour by not buying her the Rovers as she'd probably still be stuck behind the bar now. Rita thought the Rovers meant everything to Bet but apparently not, Bet's seen something of the real world now. At the end of the day the Rovers is no more than a grotty back street pub and Rita, despite all her airs and graces, just runs a little toffee shop. Rita gets up, angry. Bet can't understand why, she was only saying. Rita wonders if the place is so awful then why has Bet come back? Oh she knows it's some romanticised story but it's probably down to some bloke and a pile of debts. Rita thinks she was a fool to come round, they have both changed - Bet's turned into a hard petty woman and Rita feels sorry for her. Why doesn't she do everyone a favour and get lost and take that vulgar ring with her. Rita turns and walks out leaving a stunned and angry Bet.

Roll Credits

P.S.

Physically Bet looks no different after all these years and much kudos to her for allowing herself to look such a mess so early in on her return - and boy did she look a mess :)

I've held my tongue over Janice and Les as I wasn't too sure where everyone else in the world was up to but it sticks in my throat that she forgave him so easily - maybe because I liked Denis and really really despise Les (possibly because he's so typical of a lot men round here :) My mother in law told me some interesting gossip about Bruce Jones and how he was taken to court twice for refusing to pay for goods and services. He doesn't sound particularly pleasant in real life too - lol

Dee


Friday 14 June

 

Early morning chez Audrey, with Bet (in pony tail and the ubiquitous fag in the holder) fulminating about Rita's visit yesterday, while Audrey gets ready to go to work. Bet reckons that Rita is jealous of her and her success in life - what has Rita to look forward to, apart from getting up at 6am to sort papers? Bet wonders if Mike will be around - as she says, it'll be nice to talk to someone who doesn't look down their nose at you. Audrey warns Bet that Mike has been through some hard times recently. Of course, Bet will be the soul of discretion...

Sarah is about to leave for school, but her Mum calls her back for 'a word'. Gail switches to 'caring maternal mode' and advises her errant daughter to be more responsible. Gail will look after Bethany today. Hugs. And a glass of water and headache pills provided to boot! Sarah looks happy. Gail looks happy. (Can this last?)

In the factory, Joe cracks the whip (not literally) to get the girls to work, but Karen arrives late, with the excuse that her old man wouldn't let her out of bed. Work starts...

In the Kabin, Audrey meets Gail and wee Bethany, and invites them all for dinner on Sunday, while warning Gail that Bet might still be a lodger. Gail thinks it'll be nice to see Bet again. After Gail and Bethany leave, Audrey asks Rita about her visit to see Bet, to talk of old times. Well, it appears that Bet and Rita have one thing in common - they both hate each other!

Bet meets Emily in the street and they chat. Bet is staying for a few days, not just overnight. Emily says that she has a 'gentleman lodger' and Bet admits that she'd be disappointed at having one of those... Kirk appears and batters on the door of Les' house - no reply. He'll try the back, he says, but Bet advises him that, if Les is not in at the front, he'll also not be in at the back. 'Relative of Einstein?', asks Bet. Kirk will return later. (Sorry, he does.) On her way to the factory, Bet meets Audrey coming out of the Kabin, and Bet assumes that Audrey has been getting Rita's side of the story. (She assumes correctly.)

In the factory, the girls stop for tea, just as Bet arrives looking for Mike. Joe appears, and Bet tells him that she's looking for Mr Baldwin, her old pal. (Cue for sniggers from the girls.) Before leaving, Bet has a slight flirt with Joe, and she tells the girls it must be hard for them to work for such a handsome guy. Bet departs, with a wink...

Back room of the Rovers. War has broken out between Geena and Shelley, with the hapless Fred in no-man's-land in the middle, trying, unsuccessfully, to keep the peace.

In the Corner Shop, Bet arrives and is introduced to Sunita (both having stayed at the flat above the shop.) Bet assures Sunita that, at Sunita's age, she should have dreams and not settle for a weekend in Southport. (Must be a very busy wee shop, with two full-time assistants on the check-out!)

In the Rovers, Janice tells her pals that she wishes Baldwin was back. Karen points out that "Joe is on trial", to much hilarity, and then goes on to talk about overtime, and going slow to secure this. Kirk approaches Les about renting a room. Toyah collects the keys to Maria's flat - she's moving in.

In the street, Aidan suggests going for a burger to Sarah. Agreed. However, Gail has been called to work so Sarah will have to look after Bethany.

Kirk looks over Les' accommodation and is very pleased, especially as he'll get the chance to do some ratting, which he'll enjoy! Emma is disgusted.

Back at the factory, Joe pleads with the staff to do some overtime, to get the order out on time, and Karen gets the girls to agree to work on Sunday - at double time. Joe caves in...

In the Rovers, Rita joins Ken and Deirdre for a drink, but leaves when Bet's imminent arrival is mentioned. The girls gloat that they've conned Joe for double time. Toyah thinks that her Mum will miss her (all hugs and kisses) but Janice is glad to be free of her. Bet starts to tell Ken why she's back in Weatherfield...

Gail arrives home to find Emily looking after little Bethany. Where is Sarah?

Les welcomes his new house-guest, Kirk. (Les and he seem to deserve each other.)

In the Rovers, Bet bares all (wait!) to Ken. She's back in Weatherfield after a disastrous affair with Phil, her paramour then, who has conned her out of a small fortune to set up a night-club , which failed, and Bet is the star witness at the trial in Manchester.

Sarah arrives home to face the wrath of her Mum. A shouting match ensues, and Sarah ends it by accusing Bethany of ruining her life, so much so that she wants to 'give her away'...

Back in the Rovers, Joe assures Geena that he'll get over his recent 'difficulties' with the girls at the factory... ... while Bet assures Ken (for his ears only!) that, if the imminent court case goes against her, she'll be even worse off than she was thirty years ago behind the bar of the Rovers.

Iain McDougall


Sunday 16 June

 


Written By Keith Blacklock, Directed By Tony Prescott

Factory The girls have been offered double time to come in on a Sunday, but Karen has other ideas, and suggest to all the girls they should stick it out and ask for triple time. Hayley is the only one who thinks they are blackmailing Joe. He tells them that they have put him in an impossible situation, and the jobs depend on the success of the factory. Hayley tells then it's a good offer and they should stick to double time, and Joe insists that it's double time or nothing. Karen looks disappointed as the girls get to work, and Joe asks if they can call a truce. He tells her she is a good worker, and he would hate for her to loose her job.

Joe suddenly remembers that he has a lunch date with Geena, and nips out to tell her he will have to cancel. Geena persuades his to stay for a drink. Meanwhile, the factory girls decide to send out for a balm cake to the Rovers, and Janice spots Joe with Geena, and relates it all back to the girls that when they are slogging their guts out, he has his arms wrapped around Geena. They all decide to stop the overtime, and when Joe returns there's only Hayley working. He asks Hayley to persuade the girls to come back, he tells her that they can't afford to loose this order. She tells him that is not going to happen, and he tells her to get off home, while he stays and tries to work out what he is going to say to Mike.

Audrey is trying to get rid of the smell of Bet's smoke, and tells her Gail doesn't like it, and is coming over to lunch. Bet gets the hint, and dresses herself up, and is just leaving when Gail and co arrive. She coos over Bethany, and congratulates Gail on her engagement, and is stunned when she finds out the baby is Sara-Loos ad not Gail's.

Emma goes to complain about Les and his loud music. As she goes into rant mode about music and rats, Kirk informs Les that the rat catcher said it was Ok to remove them now. Les tells him, for opening his mouth and spoiling a lazy Sunday, he can help clear the yard, roping in Tyrone on the way. A not very comic scene imho!

Gail tells Martin that Sara-Lou is threatening to give Bethany away, and Martin says he will have a word with her. S.L tells Martin that Bethany would be better off without her, and she wants a life, she's only 15. Martin tells her that Bethany loves her, and does she love Bethany, Of course she does, and cuddles Bethany to her.

Ken ask after Bet in the Rovers, and she tells him she feels like Marie Antoinette on the guillotine. ken tells her that she'll be fine, she has a strong case.

Janice GAffney


Monday 17 June

 


Wednesday 19 June

 

Sarah misses the bus , Aid beckons her to the cafe they plan to go shopping with the money Aid has stolen from his father. Gail has spotted Sarah Lou going into the cafe scuppers their plans by taking Bethany to Creche and arranging for Ken to take her to school.

Joe and Geena discuss his prospects on the dole. Karen has started a collection for his leaving present. Hayley isn't sure that he has left.

Audrey thinks of every reason possible NOT to do the hair and Makeup of Archie's clients.

Mike defends his decision to let Joe go. Hayley informs of him of all the facts ,how Joe had stayed all night ,sewing knickers himself etc.

Audrey runs the idea of helping Archie by Maxine. She isn't to keen on the idea of beautifying the stiffs(her words not mine) as no-one will see them where they are going!

Curl;y ,on Maxine's advice has bought various snacks and nibbles for the Mother and baby meeting he is holding. Maxine rushes around finding an outfit for Josh to compliment the clothes she will be wearing. Emma is relieved she will be in bed and miss it all.

Bet tries to bluff Mike about her visit. He isn't falling for it, he knows her too well. Bet let's it slip it's Man trouble that has brought her back. Explains to him on the way to the Rovers (we don't get to hear!)

Karen has a dignified cat fight in the rovers. Geena handles herself with Decorum leaving Shelley to serve her..Mike has a business plan he wants to run by Dev. Dev congratulates him on sacking Joe.

The mothers are busing swapping tales of woe with each other about lack of sleep etc. Maxine is out her depth blunders her with her opinion on breastfeeding stating hers are Ashley's.

Mike catches up with Joe, offers him his job back and a fresh start. Joe agrees only if Karen goes. Mike doesn't think they have grounds for sacking her. Joe wants to do things his way with Mike backing him.

Audrey agrees to "Beautify" Archie's clients as long as he keeps it their little secret.

Fred offers Bet the job of Landlady, Bet refuses claiming wild horses wouldn't drag her back behind that bar.

Joe and Mike turn up at the factory together causing the girls to speculate why. Karen is positive that it is to collect his P45. Joe has brought some wine for them to thank them for their hard work, misses Karen out when handing the drinks out. Karen quietly tells him he has made his point. Joe replies with some home truths and sacks her. Karen leaves without making a scene knowing that she has lost. Geena sees her departing.

Janette


Friday 21 June

 

Morning at the McDonald's, and Karen has a hangover. Just before Steve leaves for work, Karen "admits" that she has resigned from the factory, because of Joe's bullying, and she tells Steve that Baldwin doesn't want to know. She also admits that she can be a bit 'lippy' at times (at times??), but she'll get another job with no problem.

Aidan and Sarah meet at the bus stop, where Sarah is waiting for the bus to take Bethany to the creche. Aidan suggests that they bunk off together, but Sarah refuses - she has to be careful. Aidan departs, calling her dull and boring. Todd arrives and, after a chat, Sarah and he agree to be mates again.

In the Corner Shop, Steve meets up with the 'bully', Jo, who very quickly reveals the truth about Karen's termination of employment - she was fired. The cat is out of the sack! Maxine regales Dev with all the facilities for mothers and babies at Freshco's - Dev turns a blind ear to her prattling on, for he sees Geena arriving. Geena meets Jo, and calls him a brave man for sacking Karen. Maxine has selected a can of peaches and asks Dev if it contains nuts, but Dev continues to watch Geena... ... who kisses Jo, telling him she'll see him in the Rovers at lunch.

Chez Watts. Curly has broken his specs and will have to get a new pair. He says he doesn't mind going out with no specs - the world looks 'impressionistic' and quite romantic. Emma goes off to bed after her night-shift.

In Underworld, Mike is delighted to see the girls working so well. Jo hands Mike a list of machinists who are available. Mike is impressed, and even smiles.

In the back room of the Rovers, Shelley asks Geena how much she fancies Jo, but Geena pretends to be coy. Geena wonders if, instead of being serious, her relationship with Jo can just be 'foon'. Fred breezes in, and their conversation is cut short.

Curly comes out of his house to face a morning without specs. It's a fuzzy old world! Maxine approaches and invites Emma, Ben and him for Sunday nibbles. Curly is off to the soft play area - maybe he'll see Maxine there? If he has his new specs, that is!

Outside the Corner Shop, Jo tells Dev that he likes his car, but quickly adds that he's not thinking of nicking it. Dev remains cool towards Jo, who claims to be trying to be friendly, but he reminds Dev that Geena is now a free agent. Dev says he doesn't care. (But he does.)

In the Rovers, Janice tries to talk sense to Karen about her sacking; it was her fault, not Joe's. Steve arrives, and starts to support his wife, so much so that he's willing, eager, to fight her corner after her 'resignation'. He'll see Baldwin. Karen pleads with him to leave things as they are.

Dev arrives at the factory office to see Mike, who asks Jo to leave, which he does, but being goaded by Dev into the bargain. Mike sets out his proposition to Dev - he's found some land in Spain on which he plans to build some luxury apartments. Is Dev interested?

Back in the Rovers, Steve continues to talk to Karen about her 'resignation'. When she doesn't want to talk about it any more, he storms out, threatening to give Jo a good thrashing. Janice hands Karen her denim jacket and Karen decides it's time to put a stop to her husband's foolish threats against Jo. She leaves the pub. Outside Underworld, Karen sees Steve, with a large wrench in his hand, seemingly prepared to do battle on her behalf. (Curly arrives home, still specless...) Steve and Karen have a meaningful shouting match, following Steve's admission that he's known, since this morning, about Karen's having been sacked. Mike and Jo, coming out of the factory, witness this little bit of marital discord.

Curly gets in the house and takes the baby upstairs for a sleep with his Mum, before going off to collect his new specs.

In the Rovers, Peter meets up with Jo, who doesn't seem too happy to learn that Geena is really chuffed that Jo will be around for a while...

Aidan meets Sarah from the bus. He's had a lovely day, bunking off, and Sarah invites him home. Gail is out. Seems a good idea. Curly arrives home, complete with new specs...

... only to get in the door to a welcoming scream from Emma, who has woken up to find that he'd brought the wrong baby home. Curly wonders if he should call the police - "I am the police!", says Emma.

Chez Gail. Aidan and Sarah chat and Aidan suggests that she do her maths homework, right now. He wonders if he's a good influence, but Sarah denies the need for any influence, good or bad. After a kiss, which they both enjoy, Aidan wonders out loud if they should do it again, or should he go home for his tea. He decides tea is the better prospect, just as Gail arrives home with Bethany. He takes his leave of a frosty-faced Gail with the words: 'It must be difficult for mothers of young girls to keep them on the straight and narrow!'

Curly and Emma are distraught - where is Ben? Someone knocks at the door. Everything is now alright. Ben has been brought back by Lily's Mum and the babies are exchanged. Mr Magoo has a hard time, and apologises.

In the factory office, Mike accuses Jo of sulking after his meeting with Dev. Mike invites Jo for a pint, and adds a warning to him about Geena's wanting to get a ring on her finger.

Back chez Gail, who wants to know if Aidan is Sarah's new boyfriend. Sarah denies this...

Back at the McDonald's, Karen has prepared a sumptuous meal for them both - beans on toast. Steve assumes that this is in way of an apology, but Karen doesn't know what the word 'apology' means and, firstly, throws a tantrum and, secondly, throws a plate of beans on toast at Steve, who ducks and the meal ends up splattered on the wall. Steve thinks that her aim is as good as her cooking...

Iain McDougall


Sunday 23 June

 


Monday 24 June

 

Gail and her happy daughter's
It's breakfast time and we've just arrived during the closing speeches of yet another argument between Sarah and Gail. A yawning Martin arrives with the brat David. Sarah gets up from the breakfast table and Gail reminds her to be home early as Hayley is coming to fit her for her bridesmaid dress. Sarah pulls a face and Martin makes a dramatic comment on what this row's about. He asks Sarah what her problem is this time, and the brat David laughs and says it must be about Ade. Martin asks who "Ade" is and Gail replies that he's a trouble maker that Sarah brought home from school. The brat David makes a joke about how they must have been kissing and Sarah flies off the handle and tells him to shut up. Martin again makes a pathetic attempt at humour and asks if he's the person who's been making her mother's life a misery. On his way upstairs the brat David comments they needn't worry as he'll be dumping her soon enough - they all do at some point. Getting it from all directions makes Sarah shout that Martin can't tell her who she can or can't see and neither can "She". Martin shouts back that it's Gail's house and so she decides who comes and goes. Gail tells him to stop (nice one Gail, he's about as much use as an ashtray on a motorbike) and tells Sarah she's not to see Ade anywhere, home, school, street - nowhere. Sarah asks her if she's going to go in to the school and make sure the teachers spy on her and Gail says she might. Martin pipes up and says she deserves it if he's the reason she's been going off the rails. Sarah tells him he's just as pigheaded as Gail and storms upstairs. No-one notices Richard coming home during the furore. Martin leaves, Gail and Richard have a big hug while Gail tells him how much she missed him. He asks her how everything is and Gail tells him everything is fine. He laughs and tells her he doesn't believe her.

Roy's Rolls
Steve and Karen are having breakfast. Steve asks Karen if she's going to look for a job as he doesn't want her to be an idle mare. Karen says she can't help it if Joe took an instant dislike to her and made her life a misery (Eh? Must have missed those episodes, I only saw Karen being a complete cow to Joe :). Sally comes over and asks to speak to Karen. She's got an interview for Karen's old job in the knicker factory and wants Karen to hear it from her and not on the grapevine. She hope's Karen doesn't mind her going for it but she's got the kids to feed. Karen's fine about it and tells her to watch out for Joe Carter though. Sally leaves and Steve sighs, that's Karen's chance of her job back completely gone. Karen reminds him she can get better and wouldn't go back there if they paid her. Richard arrives and takes Karen's seat when she gets up and leaves - making sure she gets a dig in at Steve just before she goes. Steve's suspicious, he's done his work on the flats what does Richard want now? Richard wants to give him a cheque for £10,000 - Steve's gaffer's fee for completing the job. It seems one of his "Home Reversion" plans paid out so he can pay Steve now and not when the flat's are sold. Steve finds it a bit grim that he's got this money thanks to someone dying but pockets the cheque anyway. Richard tells him he should use it as the deposit on one of the flats (as Karen wants one) before he gets used to having the money (and spends it) or Karen finds out (and spends it).

The Merry Widow's
Bet has a visitor, her solicitor. Audrey sits him down while Bet's "getting ready" (let's hope he had the foresight to cancel the rest of his appointments that day then :) She starts to pump the guy for information. She tells him enough to show that Bet's obviously confided in her over the whole incident and eventually asks him specifically if he's any idea how long Bet's former partner was helping himself to her money. Politely he tells her that she's better off hearing it from Bet then. Nicely done sir :)

The Street - Tricky's car
Sarah's in the back seat and it seems they're waiting for the brat David. Richard takes the opportunity to tell Sarah that Gail's told him all about what's been going on. Sarah's only half paying attention as she's just received a text on her mobile phone - it's from Ade asking her if she's walking to school. Richard carries on with his lecture and tells Sarah he wants the run up to the wedding to be stress free for Gail. He wants to be able to look at the wedding photos and remember all the fun it was and not how this Ade character managed to ruin everything. Sarah asks him how he can say that when he's never even met Ade (good point!). Richard tells her that Gail's a very very shrewd judge of character and if she thinks he's no good then he probably is no good (I just have to clean up the mouthful of coffee I've just spluttered over the keyboard). Richard goes on to say that she should watch out as some boys only want to take advantage. Sarah tells him that she knows all about that, does he know where Bethany came from? Anyway Ade's not like that. They're interrupted by the brat David getting in the car. As they're about to leave Gail knocks on the window and tells the kids she's going food shopping and to feed themselves or wait for her to come home after school. The brat David says he's going to a friends house anyway so it doesn't matter to him, Sarah makes no comment but is busy typing out a message on her mobile phone. They drive off and as they go round the corner we see Ade sitting in the bus shelter. As they drive past Ade's phone alerts him to a text message - it's from Sarah telling him that she has the house to herself after school. He smiles.

Rovers Return - back room
Shelley and Geena are having a brew and a gossip. Shelley's asking Geena about her and Joe and when's she seeing him next. Geena's got the night off but doesn't want to ask Joe out as she doesn't want to look too keen and anyway it's about time he made some arrangements himself.

The knicker factory
Joe's looking at the orders they have coming up in the next few weeks. He comments to Mike that they're going to be busy and how it's about time too. He's been looking at the records and can see that a few months ago Mike was struggling. Mike takes the hint and asks Joe if he's angling for a pay rise. Joe reminds Mike that Mike said he's look into it after Joe had shown his worth. Mike tells him that he will, when he's been there a bit longer. Joe realises that Mike's basically saying no and that he should be grateful he has a job at all. Out of the blue Mike asks him if Geena's put him up to asking. Joe's surprised and truthfully denies it but Mike tells him that usually when someone asks for more money there's usually a woman behind it. Joe tells him he just wants paying what he's worth. Mike's being light-hearted (smarmy really) but seriously points out that they could be in trouble now they're a good machinist down. Joe tells him it's all in hand and says Sally is coming in for an interview. Mike's horrified, he tells Joe about Sally trying to rip him off and trusts that Joe will "do the right thing" when she comes for interview. Joe tells Mike that all the hiring and firing is up to him and Mike wouldn't be trying to influence or undermine any decision he might make would he? Mike tells him that he's trusting Joe to make the right decision, that's what he pays him for.

Roy's Rolls
Hayley and Vera are looking in some wedding magazines for ideas for Sarah's bridesmaid outfit. Hayley's worried as what she likes Sarah might hate as teenagers know what they like these days. Vera launches into a tale of how she used to look like Jayne Mansfield, she used to copy her clothes from the Picture Post but needed a bit of padding up top. Hayley says she always wanted to look like Olivia Neutron Bomb in Grease and hurries off as Vera asks her if this was before or after and points "down there" :) Audrey comes in and as she's ordering she's collared by Archie. It seems Audrey's required for that "little favour" she promised to do. Reluctantly Audrey agrees and makes arrangements for Archie to discreetly pick her up from the salon that afternoon.

Tea break - milk with one please.

Rovers Return - bar
Karen's not having any joy job hunting. She finds it humiliating ringing round asking for work. Tricky comes over and asks if they've thought any more about the flat - with the discount of course. Karen would love it but financially they can't right now. Richards tells Karen that Steve has his gaffer's fee now and that would be the deposit. Steve suddenly remembers an airport run he has to do and legs it out of the pub. Karen asks Richard about this "gaffers fee" and Richard says that as they're married there's no harm in him telling her that he gave Steve a cheque for £10k. Karen's livid and runs after Steve. Audrey comes in and gets herself and Mike Baldwin a drink. They discuss Bet's problem and Audrey confides that Bet seems more worried about Rita finding out than anything else. She confides in Mike that she's desperate to help Bet, they've had a row over it all already and if she falls out with her then she really will have no-one.

Gail and Tricky's
Sarah, Bethany and Ade are enjoying having the house to themselves. Ade looks at his watch, it's 4:30 and that means cocktail hour. Sarah moans, she doesn't want a drink. Sitting net to her Ade asks her why she bothered inviting him round then. They get a bit closer to each other on the sofa.

Rovers Return - bar
Gail and Sally are having a drink. Sally's nervous about her interview (bit of a continuity error here, we know it's 4:30 because Ade's just said so and Sally told Karen her interview was at 2:30. Sally hasn't had her interview yet....) Gail wishes her luck and goes to sit with Tricky. He tells her about his little chat with Sarah and how she's set on seeing Ade. He asks Gail if maybe it wouldn't fizzle out a bit quicker if they backed off and left them to it. Gail thinks not as by then Sarah will be well in with all his mates too and they're probably all like him. Richard says that Sarah's argument will be that Gail's only doing all this because Sarah's a mum and for no other reason. Gail tells him that she's doing it because SHE's a mum and is looking out for Sarah.

Joe comes in and Geena is surprised when he makes a beeline for Sally. Not pulling any punches Joe asks Sally why she approached him for a job and he'd be surprised if she can't remember what happened before as Mike obviously can. Sheepishly Sally asks him if Mike also told him how she got into that situation, how her life and family were nearly destroyed (that's still all your own fault Sally). Joe says he's all for giving people 2nd chances and Sally says she's sure he is but maybe if she'd gone to prison she would get one. Joe is angry (and rightly so) and calmly tells Sally that he's not getting into a discussion about that and that he wishes Sally luck about getting another job. Putting her drink on the bar Sal mumbles that she bets he does and storms off out of the pub. Geena serves Joe and Karen rushes in and asks Shelley if she's seen Steve - he's been hiding from her all day - lol

We move to Geena and Joe, as Joe takes a swig from his bottle he nods towards the door and tells her that his talking to Sally was business. She tells him that Mike's certainly getting his money's worth. Geena then tries to make arrangements for another date but Joe comes up with one excuse after another not to. Just before he leaves he tells her that they'll sort something out soon and leaves hurriedly.

The Street
Archie pulls up in his Rover to drop Audrey off. Audrey has a large bunch of flowers that was given to her by the deceased's family, they were very pleased with the effort she'd made with their family member. Audrey apologises to Archie for all the fuss she made over the job and promises that she'll be prepared if he needs her again - it will be an honour. It then transpires that Audrey had done the hair for Archie's previous hairdresser as she was the deceased. They have a laugh and a joke about her (tastefully) and Archie lavishes more praise on Audrey's work.

Gail and Tricky's
Sarah and Ade are necking on the sofa when there's a knock at the door. Ade hides in the kitchen as Sarah lets in Hayley. She's brought round a large collection of bridesmaid dresses pictures to give Sarah some ideas. She tells Sarah she'll need to measure her up but Sarah tells her she's busy with school work and to come round tomorrow. While they're discussing this Gail arrives home and catches Ade trying to sneak out of the kitchen door. He tells her he was just going to look at the rabbit but Gail orders him out of the house. Gail and Sarah start world war 3. Gail tells Sarah she shouldn't have behaved better towards Hayley (who's standing between the warring pair), Sarah refuses, she didn't ask Hayley to come round poking her nose in. Gail then says that Hayley was doing her a favour but Sarah says she didn't ask her to. Hayley takes the opportunity to make good her escape while Sarah and Gail carry on. Sarah tries to make a beeline for the stairs but Gail tells her to stay right where she is. Ding ding end of round one.

Rovers Return - bar
Steve and Martin are next to each other at the bar. Steve reckons Martin has it made, no female to tell him what to do. Martin doesn't quite see it that way, he has a family down the road that he's sitting on the outside looking in on. Unable to be there for the kids when they need him. Nicely depressed now Steve goes to leave when Shelley tells him that Karen was in earlier looking for him. Steve magnanimously decides he can't leave poor old Martin on his own and will stay for another drink to cheer him up :)

The Merry Widow's
Audrey has a visitor - Mike Baldwin. He thought she didn't seem to clever at lunch time and was just checking she was ok. Audrey's fine but she thinks Bet's none to clever. Things aren't looking too good and she doesn't see how Bet will cope facing Phil. Mike thinks everything will be fine. Audrey's taken the Wednesday off to go to the court for moral support (and not because she's a nosy old so and so...)

Rovers Return - bar
Peter joins Joe at a table. He makes a comment on Joe not being out with Geena and Joe says they're just keeping things light so no he's not. Putting 2 + 2 together and coming up with 5 Peter asks who's letting who down gently. He explains that if Joe's sitting there with a face like a wet weekend then Geena's probably sitting somewhere else with the same face. Joe explains that everyone seems to assume that they're going to be serious and he's not ready for that. Peter can empathise, when he came out of the Navy he presumed the same thing about every woman he met but it's not true. He tells Joe that he should be explaining his feelings to Geena to avoid any misunderstandings. Karen finally catches up with Steve. She asks him when he was going to bother telling her about the £10k. He tells her to keep it down and that he sweated blood for that money. Karen's having none of it and tries to search all his pockets, laughing. Eventually he hands it over and Karen's ecstatic, it's the deposit for their flat and the furnishings. In fact in her head it's all already spent.

Gail and Tricky's
Ding ding round two. Sarah's arguing that she and Ade were not up to anything so Gail shouldn't be moaning. Gail is moaning though and that's just because Ade was in her house and what about Bethany, what must she think? Richard comes in and tries to calm them both down. Gail asks Sarah if she wants to explain what's been going on but Sarah doesn't want to as it seems Gail is the only one who is having a problem. Gail says ever since Sarah's been hanging around Ade she's done nothing but spoil for a fight, Sarah disagrees, she's only had Ade round because he's her boyfriend and that's what you do when you have a boyfriend. The volume's gone up a good few decibels and Gail tells Sarah that Ade's a no good loud mouth and Sarah doesn't know him all that well. Sarah turns and points to Richard shouting at Gail that she doesn't exactly know Richard very well. Quietly Gail says she trusts Richard and that they care for each other. Sarah mocks that and says that she's allowed another chance at happiness but all Sarah gets to chose is what Bethany gets to eat for her tea. On a roll now Sarah gives it to Gail and Richard with both barrels. Gail just picked Richard up and moved him in never mind that she and David can't stand him. Richard's horrified, he thought that they were all getting along great. Gail tells her to apologize to Richard but Sarah screams why should I at her back. She turns to Richard and tells him that neither she or David can stand him, turning back to Gail she tells her that she'll have to find someone else to smile and hold her flowers at the wedding as neither she or Bethany will be there. She leaves a stunned Gail and Richard in her wake as she rushes up the stairs.

Roll credits.


Wednesday 26 June

 

Karen has made Steve a birthday breakfast, it soon dawns on him that it is a ploy to get him to put the £10,000 as a deposit on the flat. He refuses ,reminding Karen that with only one wage coming in they couldn't afford the payments. Steve warns Karen to stop acting as though they have won the lottery and to go and get a job.

Richard is still upset about Sarah lou saying she didn't like him . Gail points out that Sarah is just saying it to get at her.

Joe wriggles out of seeing Geena YET again leaving Geena wondering what she has done.

Audrey relives the Court appearance saying that Bet's talons seemed to grow when Phil entered the stand. Audrey was shocked to see that Phil seemed to be a very nice chap not at all what she expected. Mike sussed he was a swindler on sight and was glad the judge wasn't female or Phil would have turned his charm on her.

Eileen informs Steve that Karen has gone to the "posh" shops in Chester, Steve radios for the cab to turn back. Karen replies they are already on the Motorway so it's too late .

Gail is adamant that she is going to nip the relationship with Aid in the bud. Richard offers to talk to Sarah as he thinks Gail is being to harsh,. Sarah admits she does like Richard and want's him to be part of the family. Richard wants to know what she would do if it was Bethany who had hooked up with the wrong sort. Sarah tries to understand where her mum is coming from but insists she will go on seeing Aid.

Janice is at a loose end as non of the girls are in the Rovers. Les offers her his company , he doesn't see why they can't put the past behind them .As they live in the same street they should be civil to each other. Les claims to be domesticated now that Kirk is his lodger. Janice reminds him what a slob he was when they lived together. Civility is forgotten when, Les takes offence at a remark Janice has made about why she left him. Janice leaves the pub , Les follows her out to the street.

Joe and Geena have a chat about their relationship. Joe is relieved to find that Geena just wants fun and nothing serious. They agree to play it by ear and leave together for a meal.

Karen returns laden with shopping. Threatens Steve that if he doesn't buy the flat she will fritter the money away. Steve thinks that's blackmail,

Richard thinks there must be a compromise between Gail and Sarah, as the way Gail is reacting it will push Sarah into Aid's arms.

Les admits he was a lousy husband but he needs to hear that they had some good times. Janice goes back to Les's and they start drinking a bottle of Metaxa(Greek Brandy?) Les puts some music on and they start to talk over the good times. After finishing the bottle, Janice decides to go home, she trips falling on to Les who is laid on the sofa. They kiss .

Janette


Friday 28 June

 

Early morning chez Les, and Janice (looking the worse for wear!) creeps down the stairs trying to sneak away after her night of passion, but Les, full of the joys of life, intercepts her flight. Les is convinced that he's got his life back on track, with Janice, but she realises that she's made a horrible mistake and just wants to escape to work.

Audrey is opening the salon, and Mike appears. The topic, of course, is the court case, Bett versus Phil. (Janice passes and is reminded by Mike that she's going the wrong way to the factory - Janice assures him that she'll be there.) Audrey and Mike discuss a celebratory dinner at Audrey's, for Bett's imminent court triumph. It's a date!

Gail's house. Sarah is assured by her Mum that Ade is now welcome in her house, but Sarah has to agree to be worthy of the trust Gail is giving her. Sarah readily agrees; Gail doesn't want any more family friction. Richard tells Gail that he thinks she handled the situation very well. Peace seems to have broken out...

Eileen has bought a card for Jason (who's still in Blackpool) for his birthday today, while Todd looks out the door watching for Sarah. Eileen just wants Jason home. Todd, seeing Sarah leave for school, rushes off...

... and just happens to bump into Sarah in the street. As soon as they meet, Todd mentions Ade, and Sarah flies off the handle, accusing him of being like her Mum.

Steve is leaving for work, and is trying to say goodbye to Karen, who stands at the door of their flat, wrapped in a towel. Steve pleads with her to go inside and get some clothes on, but she insists that she wants to visit the show flat and will not take 'no' for an answer. Steve puts up a brave front, but Karen, still draped in the towel, follows him down the street and eventually Steve agrees that they'll view the show flat today.

In the cafe, Les arrives to tell an incredulous (and tanned!) Toyah his 'good news' - he and Janice are back together.

Back room of the Rovers. Geena informs Shelley that she and Jo are just friends, with no commitment to each other - they both want that. Fred arrives, and Geena leaves. Taking advantage of having Fred on his own, Shelley tells him that, well, Geena's a great friend BUT, if he makes Geena manager, she'll leave. Fred thanks her for her honesty.

Janice arrives in the cafe to put Toyah straight about 'last night'; she and Les are not getting back together, ever. Janice was stupid, and drunk, she admits - will Toyah tell Les the truth? Toyah will not...

In the Rovers, Richard is having a quiet pint, when Steve and the now-clothed Karen appear. Richard offers them the Grand Tour of one of the luxury flats. Karen is very excited. Steve is not. Jo asks Geena if, since they're not being 'serious' in their relationship, if it'd be ok with her if he went out with other girls. Shelley overhears, and smiles at Geena's obvious disappointment.

Chez Les. Janice arrives. They have to talk... Les is so excited at the prospect of getting back with Janice that he doesn't listen to what she has to say at first. He does learn the truth eventually - Janice has no intention of getting their marriage back - and Janice leaves, full of regret for what she allowed to happen.

Richard gives Karen and Steve the Grand Tour of the show flat, where he practices his selling technique to the pair of warring love-birds. Karen is especially enthralled by the kitchen - does this mean that she'll start cooking, Steve asks!

In the Rovers, Geena advises Fred that, if he were to appoint Shelley to be manager, she would have to leave. Fred thanks her for her honesty - there's a lot of it about!

Back at the show flat, where Richard leaves Steve and Karen to discuss the possible purchase. A row ensues. Steve will only agree to the sale if Karen gets a job, first. No job, no flat. And that's flat!!

Audrey arrives in the Rovers to tell Mike that Bett has lost her court case against Phil. Not only that, but Bett has packed her bags and is on the first train back to Brighton. Les stares into his pint. Toyah arrives, and Les tells her that he wants Janice back. Audrey and Mike agree to eat the food and drink the wine, even though the celebratory dinner for Bett's winning her court case is now a lost cause. After all, Bett has departed for Brighton, but let not the food and drink go to waste.

In the street, Ade and Sarah chat about his 'welcome' chez Gail, while Richard watches from his car...

... and, as soon as Sarah goes off home, Richard springs from his car for a 'chat' with Ade. At first, Ade tries to act smart with Richard, but Richard makes it quite clear to him that, if he doesn't behave himself with Sarah and respect her, Richard will be after him, and Ade's destination will be the hospital. Ade doesn't look so happy after his chat with Richard. (No more Mr Nice Guy?)

At Audrey's, Mike and she share a few glasses of wine and reminisce about Bett - how can she be so unlucky in life?

Gail's again. Sarah assures her Mum that she'll be at the wedding - hugs and kisses. Richard thinks that the family can cope with Ade, even though Gail says that Richard has never even met Ade. (Oh, yes, he has, Gail!)

Iain McDougall


Sunday 30 June

 



Updates written by Richard Whitbread, Amanda Soppit, Martin Rosen, Kathy Brown, Gareth Chess, Audrey Watson, Janette McMylor, Sue Nicholson and Iain McDougall


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