Fred comes in and asks them if they would like to move into the pub, because he wants to move over with Ashley and baby Josh, Shelley is very keen cos of the saving on rent and there is a lot more room, again Peter isnt really interested, but she persuades him and then runs off to tell Fred the good news..................she is so excited about this coming wedding, she tells Peter that she is so happy, and its all because of him, (poor deluded girl)

Over at Audreys, the police come round to tell Gail and the kids that its safe for them to move back home..............Gail and the children are all for it, but Audrey has her reservations, she doesnt think it is safe.

Curly and Emma are still bickering about this 2 week course for her to become an inspector.........Curly knows she has to do it, but he is not happy about spending 2 weeks without her.

At the flower shop, Lucy is in a good mood, she tells Tracy, that she has decided to marry her baby's father. Tracy congratulates her, then leaves for an early lunch, so she can go and buy Devs birthday prezzie.

Curly sees Emma off on her course, while Rita sends a reporter away with a flea in her ear!!!!!

Gail and the children go home, the locks have been changed and alarms and panic buttons fitted..............Gail is still very insistant that Richard wouldn't hurt them......another deluded woman???? Audrey and Martin are not at all happy about her moving back in.

Lucy and Peter are in bed...............Tracy knocks at the door, she has brought the shop takings for the day.......... wow close call there!!!!! He still hasnt told Shelley!!

Gail is acting very strange...she is washing everything, cleaning everything...........she says that Richard is on everything she touches. Martin is worried, he offers to stay over but she tells him and her mam to go home.

At Ashleys, Fred wants to move the furniture around, but Ashley wants to leave it as Maxine had it...............and he talks to Joshua about his mummy. Awwwwwww

Todd and Jason are in the pub having a drink.............When Jasons dad walks in with his girlfriend, Jason stays in his seat..............but then Eileen walks in and sees Tony (Jasons dad). She is not happy and wont even take a drink from him.....Jason walks over to see if she is ok, and his dad offers him a drink too.........Eileen walks out with Todd....Jason follows, Back at home Eileen is so upset, but Jason tells her to forget it!

Meanwhile.....Tracy has just realised she has left Devs prezzie at work.....silly girl...............

Lucy and Peter are in bed, STILL???? he decides he has better get going, and Just as he is going out the door, guess who is stood there?????????? Tracey................wow the cat is well and truly among the pigeons now isnt it????????/

Sue Nicholson

Gail's house [formerly the Hillmans'] in early morning, and the family is still reeling from the events of the last few days. Naturally, Gail hasn't slept much, but she feels safe, and things have to revert to normal as soon as possible, with the kids going to school, for starters. The doorbell goes, and Gail realises that the press are camped outside, en masse.

Peter is frantically trying to contact Tracy on his mobile, but is interrupted by Shelley, who is organising their move into the Rovers' flat today.

The girls gather at the factory door, and Janice thinks that Gail must have known what Richard was up to all along.

One of the journalists tries to interview Kevin at the garage, but Kevin chases him off.

Once more, the spineless Peter is on his mobile, this time to Lucy, and once more he's interrupted by Shelley. Peter is sorry that he has to go off to a meeting [that what they call it these days?] but he'll be back later, planting a Judas' kiss on Shelley's cheek.

In the Corner Shop, Tracy arrives to see Dev, who tells her that a rather edgy Peter is looking for her. Dev suspects that something is afoot...

Martin arrives in his car to collect the kids for school, but the poor kids have to run the gauntlet of the gentlemen of the press, while Norris and Ken look on, Norris remarking to Ken that he's almost ashamed of being in the same business as these vultures. Vera and Jack look on too, and begin to wonder if their investment with Richard is safe.

A journalist calls at Ashley's house, just as Fred is telling little Josh that he's kept his Granpa up most of the night. Jack Nichols, the journalist, doesn't receive a good reception!

Peter calls to see his favourite florist - not to see her, of course, for he's still searching vainly for Tracy, who may just blab at any time. Peter decides to wait for Tracy, who's late for work.

Martin arrives back from ferrying the kids to school, and is none too pleased that Gail should have put them through that spat with the press. Gail confesses that Richard loved the kids - as she did - and that they loved him too. [Does Martin ever work?] Gail is so sorry that her world has collapsed, and her kids' world as well, but she has to force herself to continue, although her life will never be the same again.

Back at the flower shop, and the errant Tracy breezes in and tells Lucy that she ought to have been honest about whom she was seeing, since they're friends. Peter accuses Tracy of interfering. [This is one of the rare occasions where Peter isn't on his mobile!]

Ashley tells his Dad that he contemplated selling his story to the press, for revenge.

Back at Gail's, and Audrey has disconnected the phone and the doorbell, but Gail admits to her Mum that she wants her kids away from her at the moment. Audrey will help her daughter.

Again at the florist's, and Lucy leaves Tracy in charge while she and Peter go off to the Registrar's to arrange for their imminent wedding, but not before Tracy warns her duplicitous brother that she may well let Shelley know his 'little secret'!

Chez Duckworth, and Vera and Jack learn the unpalatable truth that their financial firm, which holds their investment, does not exist.

Gail turns to the bottle for solace. How else can she face the world?

Rosie is preparing to go out to her friend's, Stacey, for a sleepover, but Kevin is not pleased to see his little daughter as a Brittany look-alike, complete with make-up and a bare midriff, and he orders her upstairs to change.

The Nelson home, and Tommy warns his kids, Craig and Katy, to keep a low profile while the press are around. Mum Angela notices that Katy is unusually quiet, but Katy remains, er, quiet...

Ashley meets up with Ken in the street, and apologises for what he said to him a few days ago. Ken forgives him, and their friendship is re-cemented. Dev meets Tracy in a hurry - she's got urgent business in the Rovers, which may prove interesting. David, on his way home from school, is assaulted by one of his fellow pupils, and is rescued by Todd, Sarah and Candice. This boy then turns on Gail and accuses her of being the wife of a murderer, then spits in her face before running off.

The Nelson home again, and Katy is going for a lie-down. [Angela wonders why. So do I!] Craig rushes downstairs to say that there's someone in the garden.

Tracy calls in at the Rovers to see Shelley, who's reading in the back room. Of course, she has no wish to be malicious, but she tells Shelley that there's something she should know about Peter....

Part 2

In the back room of the Rovers, Tracy's attempt to spill the beans about her brother is interrupted by the phone - it's Shelley's Mum.

Tommy Nelson and his son, Craig, plus Martin, collar a photographer in the back garden and 'politely' warn him off.

Lucy and Peter discuss babies, but Peter is more concerned that Tracy will tell all before he does. [Will he summon up the courage to tell Shelley before he weds Lucy in three weeks' time?] Peter promises to sort out the mess, and Lucy apparently believes him.

Gail's house, and they all wonder where the elusive Richard can be, while the press keeps up a vigil outside.

The Websters' happy home, and Rosie comes downstairs, having [ostensibly!] changed into a dreary buttoned-up cardigan, of which Kevin approves. Rosie has gone off Harry Potter, and she tells Sophie that she's welcome to her videos of Harry. Kevin smiles at his daughter's munificence toward her little sister, and Sally reminds Kevin that his daughter is just growing up.

Boris, the butcher [the real one!], calls to see Fred and reminds him that he needs help at the shop. Boris' fingers display a few sticking plasters [blue, of course, which are used in shops and restaurants] and Fred will be happy to do some time at the shop. Fred passes little Josh to Ashley - his nappy needs changing.

Rosie and her friend Stacey jump into Stacey's Dad's car for her sleepover at Stacey's house. The resourceful Rosie immediately removes her cardigan to reveal - what else? - her original get-up, with the ubiquitous bare midriff.

In the Rovers, Ken confirms to Jack his and Vera's worst suspicions - the financial firm they thought they had invested with does not exist. [Ken has contacted Companies' House.]

The cheating Peter [hiss!! boo!!] arrives to chat to Shelley and, as he approaches the door of the back room, he hears weeping and assumes [wrongly] that Tracy has blabbed. She hasn't. [But not for want of trying!] Peter begins a stuttering apology to a distraught Shelley, but he soon learns that her tears are not for him and his wayward ways - her sister is in hospital. Peter apologises to Shelley for his being 'held up', and Tracy leaves, promising Shelley that they'll talk again, soon. Peter embraces Shelley and asks her to trust him. [She seems to, yeugh!!]

The CID arrive at Gail's and tell her that they've had sightings of Mr Hillman, but they haven't caught him yet. Gail has another drink and contemplates the mess her life is in. Martin offers to stay [on the couch, of course].

Vera and Jack discuss their financial plight, after Ken's devastating discovery. Vera thinks back to when she was happy - Terry was a little boy then. Happy days. "And then he grew up!" mutters Jack.

In the Rovers, Peter again makes a half-hearted attempt to reveal all to Shelley, but procrastinates. Again! One of the 'gentlemen of the press' comes in for a drink, and overhears the conversation of Norris, Ken and Emily, who all reckon that Gail was blinkered and knew nothing of Richard's dastardly deeds. Peter sees what the journalist is doing, and throws him out of the pub, very violently, much to Ken's surprise at his son's behaviour. [He's got things on his mind, Ken.]

Martin calls in to the Nelsons', to thank Tommy for his co-operation in getting rid of the photographer. Martin opines that the Nelsons are a 'normal' family, not like his dysfunctional one! Katy is, once more, tired and Martin is reminded that Sarah was that way a couple of years ago. [Mmmm, do we put two and two together here?]

Ashley tells Fred that their job-share is not working, for Fred would rather be at the pub or his butcher's shop than with wee Josh. Ashley wants to get back to work, and Fred 'thinks on'...

Gail has another bottle of wine. [Can you blame her?] She confides that she wishes that Richard would commit suicide - maybe then her life would revert to some sort of normality, but she doubts that...

Tracy gives her errant brother an ultimatum - either he tells Shelley the truth, or she will.

Iain McDougall

Ashley is in the shop buying nappies for Josh, who is growing so fast, Sunita offers to go into town shopping with him to get new clothes for the baby. Ashley thinks that's a brilliant idea and they decide to go on the tram and make a day of it.

Gail is having a lie-in, but the kids wont eat breakfast, and Martin wants to know what's up........they are worried about money and how they are going to manage, Martin tells them not to worry, they managed fine before Richard came along!!!

Peter still hasn't told Shelley about him and Lucy..........everytime he tries, they are either interrupted or she gets the wrong end of the stick, so she waffles on about the wedding and invitations and stuff.

Katy is working in the cafe.....she doesn't look at all well, sick and dizzy, so Vera walks her home................her dad has finished early and he was going to take them out for the day, but it looks like that's off now, he thanks Vera for bringing her home and Vera comments there's no wonder she is dizzy, cos all she does is drink water................

Over in the pub, Tracy is still on at Peter to tell Shelley..........but Shelley comes over and tells them both that she would love for Tracy to be her bridesmaid.........Tracey grins, she says she can't wait!!! Kevin is worried about Rosie growing up too fast....Sally has taken them shopping, she comes in and tells him what a nightmare it has been with her tantrums and carry on!! When they get back home they find that Rosie has plastered Sally's makeup on and looks like a clown, but she has ruined her mums make up and Sally is not pleased!!

Fred is in the cafe, when Boris comes in.............he has had enough of being stuck in that shop all the time on his own so he has shut up shop and he gives Fred the keys, so Fred has to go and open the shop.

Vera eventually gets hold of the paper, although Jack has been trying to hide it from her.............she is chuffed to bits with the headline and the pic............. Norris is pushing the paper on everyone, but when Tommy sees his lads pic in the back ground he is furious and pushes his lad outside.........he tells him that all the people who they are hiding from will see it and know where they are now!!!

Shelley realises that Peter is miserable and demands that he tells her what is wrong, he tells her to sit down, and she starts to cry and asks does he love her...he says he does and doesn't want to hurt her, but he still bottles it, and doesn't tell her about Lucy!! ( what a wimp!)

Vera decides that its about time Gail saw the paper, so she shouts through Gail's letter box and then pushes the paper in...........Gail is devastated about what is in the paper...she rants and raves and reckons her life is ruined!!!!

Sue Nicholson

Well, we are building up to the big one now. Are you ready to sit at the edge of your seat ..... Here we go....

Sarah asks Gail if she can go to school. Gail says she doesn't want the press chasing her. The family are very fractious. David says he wonders if it is true what Jack and Vera say in the paper.

In the Nelson household, Tommy is worried about Craig being photographed in the paper.

Karen is talking to Steve in the cafe about her job. She was told that she has the right attitude for the job. Roy buts in and says her attitude is profit motivated, and does not support the staff.

Roy refuses to accept payment from Jack for the food he has ate. He doesn't want his money because it has come from selling his story to the tabloids. As far as he is concerned it is "blood" money.

Mike arrives at the factory as the girls are about to go in. He tells them that he has a buyer coming in and want to impress him.

Ken buys a newspaper and is pleased to see that at least one tabloid is not running with Jack and Vera's story. He tells Rita that people won't forget what Jack and Vera did. While he is talking to Rita, Norris comes in and talks about how Gail and Richard were splashing their money around, at which point Audrey comes in. Needless to say she immediately walks out.

The buyer comes into Underworld. Karen sees him and tells him that Mike is in "packing" and invites him into the office. She tells him that she is the supervisor and gives him her (business) card. Then Mike comes in with Joe. He tells her to leave, she tries to stand her position but tells her to leave.

Outside the office the girls start an argument with Karen, which culminates in some screaming and hair pulling between Janice and Karen. Joe comes out and stops the argument. As the buyer leaves and sees the girls, he hands Karen back her card and tells her he has corrected her spelling error on it.

Angela and Tommy come to the conclusion everything must be ok about the photo. "They" would be here by now if anyone had recognized Craig.

Gail apologizes to David. She says she should have explained a bit more about Richard and the newspaper article instead of just throwing it away.

There is a ring on the doorbell. Gail receives an unexpected visitor. It is, Emily (phew!). Gail says she was on her way over to see her. However she felt a great difficulty in facing her. She assures Emily that she knew nothing about what Richard had done. Emily understands and says that he had us all fooled. Emily thinks Gail needs a lot of support rather than the blame that is being heaped upon her.

Mike reprimands Karen and Janice. He tells Karen he doesn't care that she is supervisor, she is not to come into his office again with permission.

Rita apologizes to Audrey and Norris comes in muttering. They are very suspicious of his muttering and his tone of voice!

Jason is in the cafe with his father.

Gail comes into the cafe. Vera starts yelling asking why she should come in. She says to Gail that she hopes that she has a big cheque for her. When Gail turns around to walk out, Vera follows and starts yelling in the street. Gail turns round to Vera and apologizes. Then Audrey joins in. Vera is still shouting and accuses both of them.

Jason's dad wants to know all about him. What he has done over the years. He invites Jason for a drink.

Tommy apologizes to Craig. He says him shouting was a stupid thing to do.

Martin prepares to leave Gail's. Gail thinks all is ok. It is only Vera that hates her.

Tommy plays with Craig who is very moody, to make him laugh.

Karen tries to explain to Steve what happened. Then Janice comes in to StreetCars and embarrasses her in front of Steve.

Gail thanks Sarah for all her help. She has held the family together. Gail puts the milk bottles outside the door, but lurking the doorway shadows is.. Richard

Angela tells Tommy that she thinks Kate is going to skive off school today. She says she will not let her.

Martin is discussing with Gail about seeing the solicitor this afternoon. He then takes Bethany and Martin to school.

Craig was going with Kate bowling. As she is not well, he is going to be a player short. Angela suggests asking David Platt.

Gail announces that she is going to return to work tomorrow.

Karen wants to "play" with Steve before leaving for work.

Gail is thumbing through the newspapers. Rita assures her that they are ok, and there is no more about her in them. Norris comes through and wonders if she has heard from Richard. She retorts that there is no reason why she should.

Shelley is worried about her sister. It seems she is going to have a serious operation. Peter offers to take her to the station.

Joe and Mike talk about Karen. Joe is convinced that she has potential.

Craig and David come home from school. They say goodbye at David's door, but arrange to meet later.

Joe invites Karen to come back later to meet a buyer.

Craig calls at David's door. There is no reply. Richard has him in the house with his hand over David's mouth.

Steve comes home, and Karen is drinking. She says she can't stay because she has to go out on a "bit of business" which she has to do. She tells him that she is going out with an important client for dinner. Steve is reluctant believe her.

Jason is getting dressed to go out. He is surprised to see his mother still there. He hopes that she will not be in the pub tonight. She guesses that he must have a date.

Sarah and Todd come home. He takes her inside and then goes off. Guess who is lurking around the corner inside the house? Yes he comes forward holding Bethany. Sarah screams that she wants her back. He won't give her to Sarah. Richard tells her that nothing will happen provided they do what he says.

Meanwhile Gail comes into the pub with Audrey and Archie. She has to convince the solicitor that she didn't know what was happening.

Jason and his father chat in the pub. Father tells why he is not been around. He has been very busy. However now he suggests going into town tonight straight from school.

Gail returns home and Richard is there waiting for her. He says he has missed her. She tells him to go. He says he won't because he lives there, oh yes "till death do us part"!!. Richard tells Gail that the kids are ok. She wants to know where they are.

The next exciting installment comes on Wednedsay from Iain.

Richard's 'Final Solution'...

Gail's house, and a terrified Gail confronts a seemingly sane Richard, who tells her not to be afraid; he would never harm her, or the children who, he assures her, are safe. Gail attempts to escape, but Richard grabs her and forces her to the floor, where he covers her mouth, preventing her from screaming. [Janice and Mick pass by outside, quite oblivious to the drama unfolding.]

Richard only wants Gail to listen to him, and Gail, trembling with fright, agrees. But she wants to know where the kids are, and Richard once again assures her that they're safe. Richard has seen the newspapers, and he's written a confession which should exonerate Gail. He places the envelope on a side table. All he wants is to make amends - he's not a psychopath, nor a Norman Bates, as Gail had accused him of being. Richard claims that he tried his best, for his family. He's not mad, just ambitious.

[Gail seems to realize that she'll have to humour Richard, and she tries a different tack...] Gail suggests, calmly, that he should give himself up, but Richard can't live without Gail if he went to jail; he's been two weeks without her and he can't bear being parted from her, even though Gail offers to visit him in prison. No. That is not the answer. The kids, he says, are in the car [in the garage] and they're waiting for Gail and him. Everything is arranged. However, before he takes Gail to see her kids, he asks her to let him tie her hands together with tape, and a meek Gail complies...

... but not before snatching a pair of scissors from the side table!

Katy Nelson is on her own next door, but hears nothing of the neighbours' drama.

Richard has retrieved Gail's rings, which she'd taken off but not discarded, and gently replaces them on her finger. He tells Gail, now increasingly in command of her emotions, that all their problems are behind them and he leads her to the garage for her to see her kids...

... who are tied-up and gagged in the back seat. Little Bethany is not tied-up, but Richard explains that he's given her a sedative which she had on their trip to Florida last year. Richard explains to an incredulous Gail that they're going to get on with their lives, together, as a family, and the way forward is to die together, as a family.

Meanwhile, in the Rovers, Audrey tells Archie and Harry that Gail is going back to work again tomorrow, and that she's coping well with her situation.

Gail begs Richard to believe her that she loves him, and why can't he just drive off; she'll not say anything to the police. Richard rejects her pleas, but he agrees to her kissing Sarah and David, for the last time. [During this, Gail manages to pass the scissors to Sarah.] Gail kisses her kids and she tells them that she loves them. Richard tells them that he loves them too, and the door is closed.

Tommy and Kevin are working on a car at Kevin's garage, but are unaware of what's happening only a few feet away.

Gail, now gagged, is in the front passenger seat, and Richard gets into the driver's seat, starts the engine and rolls the windows down. "We're nearly there!" he says, and turns on a tape of a song both he and Gail had enjoyed listening to in Florida on their family holiday...

... while, outside, Tommy and Kevin eventually get the car they've been working on fixed, and rev the engine up. Audrey arrives at her daughter's, but finds that the door is bolted from the inside. Martin arrives and chats to Tommy and Kevin.

Back in Gail's garage, the tape is playing and Richard encourages them all to 'sing along'. [How can they do that, when they're all gagged?] However, Sarah gets busy with the scissors.

Audrey tells Tommy, Martin and Kevin that she can't get in to Gail's house, and music is heard coming from Gail's garage. What is going on? Carbon monoxide is smelt, and the garage door is forced open, revealing Richard and his prisoners. The garage door open now, Richard drives off into the night, with the trio of Tommy, Martin and Kevin in hot pursuit in the newly repaired car.

In the Rovers, a breathless Norris, who has seen the escape, rushes in to spread the news of Richard's return, and Mick gets on his mobile to inform the cops.

Sarah gets her hands free and she passes the scissors to David, who also gets free, while Richard drives like a madman through various streets, pursued by Tommy, Martin and Kevin.

The police arrive at the Rovers, and Angela assumes that they're there for her and her family. Not so, says Katy.

With David free, he takes executive action and attacks Richard, who tries to fight him off, swerving all over the road as a result.

Richard loses control of the car and it plunges into a canal...

Iain McDougall

In the Rovers, everyone is frantic to know what's happening and Ken suggests they phone the police. Karen, all titivated-up for her night out [on business] with Joe, arrives and asks what's happening...

Chez Nelson, and Angela, Katy and Craig anxiously await news of Tommy. Angela assures the kids that their Dad will be home soon.

Back at the canal, Tommy, Martin and Gail and her family, although soaked and shaken by the events, are safe; an ambulance arrives. David looks toward the canal and voices what everyone is wondering - where is Richard?

Back in the Rovers, Mike is warning Karen to behave during her business meal and not to drink too much.

While Gail and her family clamber into the ambulance, Martin leaves them for a few moments to thank Tommy for his having saved his family - he'll never forget what Tommy did. Tommy is driven home by a still-dry Kevin.

Back in the Rovers, Eileen tells Steve that he's very understanding - letting his wife go out for a meal with Joe; Steve, however, doesn't see that he has any choice in the matter, but asks Mike which restaurant they're off to. Delphine's. [Very posh!] Peter asks Harry to look after things while he goes off to see about 'a bit of business'. Mick hears from the police that Gail and her family have been rescued, but the whereabouts of the villain, Richard, are unknown.

Back at the canal, and police divers arrive, complete with a large crane, to search the canal and pull the car out. [Will Richard ever be found... dead or alive?]

At Delphine's, Joe confides to Karen [who is getting stuck into a few glasses of wine!] that the client they're to see, well, fancies him, just as the said client arrives. Chrissy Barker swans over and is introduced to Karen, and then proceeds to ignore her. Chrissy finds out that Karen is a refugee from the shop floor, and opines that 'it'll be somewhere to go back to'. [Bit bitchy, eh?] Chrissy orders a G&T. Karen orders a pint. Joe will order food for them all - whatever Joe's having, they'll have.

Tommy arrives safely home after his heroic night, only to be told off by Angela for throwing his wet clothes into the laundry basket! [Welcome back to the real world, Tommy!!]

Lucy's, and the duplicitous Peter is there, his hand on her abdomen to feel the baby inside. His mobile rings and, what a surprise, it's his darling Shelley, who's off to see her ill sister. Of course, he's in the Rovers, he lies.

Delphine's, and Joe and Chrissy talk business, while Karen feels distinctly left out of things and gets on with what she knows best - getting plastered - while the hapless Joe tries to keep the peace between the two ladies. Joe and Chrissy agree a deal, and Chrissy leaves, but not before warning Joe about this woman he's dragged along. Karen has another pint.

At Gail's, the family is safely home, with Audrey and Martin in attendance. Martin will sleep on the sofa tonight. The kids go off to bed. Gail confides to her Mum that she is so sorry for what she's put her family through, all for a man she thought she loved. Audrey thinks that Richard may have loved Gail 'in his own way'!!

Delphine's, and Karen is, by this time, quite drunk when her husband [Remember Steve, Karen?] arrives, offering to run her home, which kind offer she refuses. Steve wonders where the elusive buyer is, and storms off, leaving Joe and Karen to enjoy some time together...

The police arrive at Gail's. They've found a body, male, and Gail insists on identifying the body immediately and goes to get dressed.

The cheating swine Peter phones the Rovers and asks Harry to lock up for the night, since he won't make it home in time. Of course, Harry is sworn to secrecy. Rita, Norris and Archie wonder where Richard is; has he survived? An unhappy Steve has finished his shift and joins Eileen for a pint or two.

The canal side, and Gail arrives to identify the found body. She looks at the body in the bag and, yes, it's Richard Hillman. She walks slowly to the side of the canal with Audrey, slips off her rings and throws them into the water. "I'll sleep now!" she says...

Iain McDougall

Peter is leaving the flowershop after a night there with Lucy........Shelley is due back from her sisters,and Lucy tells him to be firm and tell her........... Tracy reckons he hasnt the nerve, and they bicker about it.

Eileen is stood looking at the Hillmans garage...........she tells Norris that she can't decide whether Richard Hillman was evil or sick, to try and kill an innocent child like little Bethany. Martin and Norris talk about how he pulled the wool over peoples eyes.........Norris says he knew, but nobody believed him!!!!

Bethany is at the sink washing her dolly.........she holds the dolly under the water, and Sarah grabs her away from the sink...........poor Sarah is worried that it might all have affected her badly, but Gail tries to reassure Sarah that Bethany is just playing.

Shelley is back................she is soooooooo pleased to see Peter and she hugs him, he tells her they need to talk, but Harry comes in to tell Shelley whats been going on in the pub...........then Maria comes in. Peter still can't talk to Shelley................it's a bit like Piccadilly Circus in that back room....then the phone rings, its Shelleys Mum...........her sister had died that morning. Poor Shelley is devastated!!!!!

Over at the Hillmans.........David is busy throwing things into black bags..........he doesn't want anything in the house that Richard bought.................Martin tells him not to be so hasty, he may regret it later. Gail disagrees, she thinks its Davids way of dealing with it, so Martin takes the bags and puts them in the garage..but theres no way David will go in there, and who can blame him??

Over in the cafe.............Todd and Candice are asking Sarah how it felt to be so close to death?? did she see her life flash past her?? she replies "what life? I'm only 16" Vera says she can put it all behind her now, not like her and Jack...........now Richard is dead, they have no chance of getting their money back. Talk about tactless????

Back in the pub, Peter gives Shelley a brandy, she tells him about what happened leading up to her sisters death, she is upset to think that it happened as she was on her way home from seeing her..............Peter tells her to pack her bag and he will drive her back to Bradford. He offers to stay there with her for a few days, but she says no .......... On the phone he tells Lucy that he has told Shelley and that he is stuck at the bookies and will see her later.(liar!!)

Gail is just sooooooo happy to be alive, she has found a suicide note from Richard that vindicates her.........now everyone will know she didn't know about Richards dirty dealings..........Emily tells her to look to the future and enjoy life. I'm not sure it will be that easy.

Steve asks Joe just how long is it going to go on, this taking his wife on "business meals" looks to me like Joe is loving the fuss he is causing..........

Ade goes to visit Ken....Deidre is not happy..........he has bought Ken a new book, Its "crime and punishment"...........Ken reckons he has changed, as he walks away without that familiar swagger........looks like his spirit has been broken in prison....surely Deidre should understand that

Mike asks Joe if he is playing away...............because he got that woman to extend her deadlines, she is known to be a tough nut!! Joe laughs and tells Mike he should buy all the girls a drink for working hard........

Steve buys Karen a huge bunch of flowers.......awwwwwwww

Back at the flower shop..Lucy is watching the clock Peter walks in looking very frazzled....she thinks it because he's told Shelley and it went bad..........she thinks he has left Shelley....................he tells her he has, but he hasnt told her about Lucy and the baby cos she was so upset............... he is such a lying pig!!!

Sue Nicholson

Gail and family are trying to get themselves back to normal. It is suggested that they all go on holiday.

Fred is reluctant to look after baby Joshua. He offers to cover Ashley's shift at work. He is complaining because the baby keeps crying. Ashley explains that he is trying to communicate. Fred then looks down on him in the pram and starts to talk (more like a shout) to try and get him to say "hello", like he would talk to a parrot!

Joe takes all the girls out for a a drink on St Patrick's night. However he is only interested in one of the girls. As the others leave Karen and Joe go off to another pub (which looks exactly like the Rovers with green - St Patrick's - tinsel around the bar and walls. There they spend some time. Steve is at home getting angry. He goes round to Joe's flat and bangs on the door. Of course neither of them are in there. At the end of the evening, Joe wants to take things with Karen a little further. She is having none of it, and decides to leave. When she gets home Steve is really angry and accuses Joe of having his "way" with her. He does not believe her when she says nothing happened.

Katy Nelson invites herself out with Tyrone, and Jason and Kirk come along to the Rovers as well. She is very thirsty, and drinks a lot of lemonade and orange juice. Eventually she collapses and falls. The boys take her home, where Tommy doesn't believe she has not had alcohol, as he tries to bring her round. He tells the boys to go away. They find Martin in the street, and tell him to go round. He looks at her for a few moments and tells Tommy to call an ambulance.

At the hospital, Martin pops by (although not his ward), and asks if there is any news. Tommy says they have just done "tests" and he has heard nothing since. Martin looks at the bedside chart. He says he will have a word with the doctors. When he returns he tells Tommy that the doctors will be round to see him to explain everything. Tommy is impatient and wants to know now. Martin tells him that Katy is suffering from diabetes. {personal note - as a sufferer of diabetes, and Membership Secretary of our local diabetes group, I think this is a good story line!).

At the flower shop Peter, once again has to explain why he has not told Shelley that he is dumping her for Lucy. This time because of Shelley's sudden bereavement.

At the Rovers everybody is sympathizes with Peter. Tracy hears this and is surprised that they are so sympathetic to him, because she thinks he has told Shelley. She hears things like, it is good you are there to stand by her. Tracy thinks that is because Lucy is pregnant, but what is meant is standing by Shelley after her news!

I am sorry to disappoint you but that is all that I can remember. Normal service should be resumed tomorrow night.

Martin Rosen

Here is your midweek episode update.

Steve has been sleeping on the couch. He is woken by Dev who has come round to discuss business. The flat is in disarray.

Fizz and Karen are in the cafe. She tells Karen that she cannot stay at her place again. Karen insists that she may have done a lot of flirting but has done nothing wrong.

Steve tells Dev about Karen and Joe Carter. Steve believes that she will come crawling back. However as far as he is concerned his marriage is over.

Phone rings in the Rovers. Betty answers it. It is Shelley wanting to speak to Peter. She tells him that he has gone into town.

Norris tells Fred that he has received notification that he has been called for jury service. Rita says it is two months away, and he is becoming annoying about it already.

Fred complains about looking after the baby. Rita says she doesn't mind looking after him for about an hour. Fred jumps at the chance.

Tyrone and Jason discuss Katy. Tommy comes over to them, and they again protest their innocence. He tells them that they did do something, they helped her home. She has been diagnosed with diabetes. Tommy then goes over to thank Martin for his help.

Ashley goes to work. He leaves Fred playing with Joshua. Ashley insists that they don't need a nanny, they will cope between them.

Joe asks Karen how things are. They chat and confirm nothing happened between them.

Steve discusses with Eileen about Karen. He says not to put her through to him if she rings up.

In the factory Janice winds up Karen. Karen goes over and forcibly tells her nothing went on between her and Joe.

Katy lies on a hospital bed. Her mother explains all about diabetes to her. Karen says she is worried that she may need to have injections for the rest of her life. (Depending on the type of Diabetes you have, it is possible to get through with diet and medication).

Sunita is summing up her life with Dev. She says when she gets married it will be for life.

Joe comes into the shop. Dev manages to antagonize him. He makes one purchase and leaves.

Steve asks Eileen if Karen has called. When she says no, he says that she will.

Tommy and Joan discuss Katy's condition. They are concerned they don't know much about it.

Joe and Karen are in the pub. He tells her that he has had Mike and Dev have a go at him. She walks out.

Ashley pops into the corner shop on his way home. He is surprised to find Joshua there. Rita says that Fred just dropped by. However Norris says that he has been with them for a couple of hours.

Ashley goes home to confront Fred. He confirms he has got a child-minder.

Martin goes to see Katy in hospital. She confirms everything has been explained to her. He says he is available to help if necessary.

Dev goes round to see Steve again. He manages to annoy him by referring to his wife.

In the pub raffle the money has gone missing. Harry thinks that Fred is accusing him. Fred tries to protest that he was not accusing him. Harry resigns.

Steve goes to the factory to see Karen. She is told she is in the loo. Meanwhile he spots Joe in his office. Joe protests his innocence, Karen returns just to see Steve punch Joe on the nose.

Martin Rosen

It is Friday, and that means another edition of your favourite soap. Here in the UK it was broadcast 30 minutes late than scheduled. Something to do with an extra news report. Well here to take your mind away from all that, let's here about the bust ups in Coronation Street!

We start off at Steve's flat with Karen banging on the door. He has changed the locks. He comes to open in (girls, he is wearing a t-shirt and boxers!), and she punches him to the floor. She says that is the only way to get through to him.

Mike tells Joe that he heard about him and Steve fighting. He tells him that he doesn't want that to happen again. Joe apologizes and says it won't. Mike tells him to go home as he will be too much of a distraction for the girls.

Karen says she wants to talk to Steve. He doesn't, and says that she should start talking to her solicitor, he has been talking to his. Karen claims that she has been flirting and nothing has happened with Joe. He believes that because he has told her that he doesn't want to see her anymore she is trying to come back.

Fred tells Ashley he will get a memorial bench for Maxine, and although the money raised has disappeared, he will pay for it himself if necessary.

Karen bursts into tears in the corner shop. She tells Dev that nothing happened between her and Joe. He says he doesn't want to get involved. He reminds her of the incident of what she did between him and Gina.

Peter comes into the Rovers and is surprised to see Fred washing the floor. Fred explains that Harry walked out, when he asked him if he knew anything about the money for the memorial.

Katy is home from hospital. Tommy wants to feed her. When she declines, he says she must relax. Katy says that she knows what to eat and when. She says that even though she has diabetes she can lead a normal life.

Peter admits that he saw the money and took it to the bank.

Tyrone jokes to Katy that when she collapsed that he almost gave her the kiss of life. Roy, knowingly says to her that she is on an insulin injection. She confirms that and says she is on two a day for the rest of her life.

Peter tells Sally that he is going to Bradford to join his grieving fiancŽe.

Dev is chatting to Steve. Dev asks Steve what evidence he has of Karen's infidelity. He says he believes her that nothing happened. He insists that she knows where to draw the line. He says that Karen is loyal to Steve. Steve thinks about it.

Peter comes into the flower shop and snogs Lucy. She suggests that he should move in. He tells her that he will do when they are married. He is still paying rent on the old flat. Lucy says that he would not have to pay rent if he moved in. He says he wants to make a fresh start when they are married.

Karen goes to Joe. She thanks him for allowing him letting her all take all the flack. She says all she came round for is to see that he is all right. He persuades her to stay for a glass of wine. She apologizes for Steve's actions. She tells Joe that Steve says they are finished for good.

Peter is looking to the future. Lucy says she went out with a guy for seven months. They were going to get married, but she didn't how up. She says she can't wait till Monday when they get married.

Joe and Karen kiss. Then Steve rings Karen's mobile. He says he wants to talk. Joe tries to persuade her to stay.

Katy has to inject herself, but she cannot do it for herself. Tommy says he will help, but when it comes to it he can't do either.

Joe tries to persuade Karen that her marriage is over. Despite his persuasions she is strong and decides to go.

Martin comes round to Katy's and gives her the injection. When he does it she is surprised that it was so quick and painless. He tells her that she will get used to it.

Karen returns home. Steve apologizes and says he wants her back. She says she may not want to come back. Steve says what upsets him is that whenever he sees her she is with Joe. He is jealous. He fears that she will leave him. She assures he that she will never cheat on him.

Shelley rings Peter to say that the funeral is on Monday (the same day as the wedding). Peter is a bit taken aback, but assures her that he will be there.

Martin Rosen

Shelley is back home, Peter says she should have stayed at her Mums, but Shelley misses him so much and is worried about him, and if he should get called up for the war, because he used to be in the army, but he reassures her they are not that desperate..................Deirdre calls in to see her, Shelley tells her she is really dreading the funeral on Monday, but Deirdre reckons she will feel better once it is all over with...........Peters phone rings, playing the wedding march! very appropriate I must say, he says it is Sally and he leaves for work

Outside, Tracy reminds him that he is supposed to be marrying Lucy on Monday!!

Karen rings Eileen and tells her that Steve is ill........they have obviously had a wonderful night making up :o)

Peter goes to see Lucy, he tries to persuade her that if they wait a while, she can have a "proper" wedding, not a rushed one..........she thinks he wants to wait so he can make it up with his dad first.......she doesn't know that his dad doesn't know she exits..................she just thinks he is being really nice and thoughtful............. Yeh??

Martin has to go and help Katy again to do her injection..poor lass just can't get the hang of it, so he chats to her and shows her how to do it in an orange.......he is very patient that Martin. She really seems at ease with him showing her.....it can't be nice for the poor kid.

Karen and Steve go out to get some shopping...........Janice mocks Steve for taking her back.................but Joe tells him there was never anything between them.

Deirdre sees Peter in the street. He thanks her for visiting Shelley that morning. Deirdre tells him that Shelley was panicking because she forgot to order flowers for the funeral, so Deirdre told her to go and see Tracy at the flower shop.

When she gets there Tracy is in the shop and they decide together which flowers she wants.............then Lucy comes in and Shelley introduces herself. Shelley notices Lucy's pregnancy and wishes her well............. after she has gone...Lucy feels really guilty because she didn't know about Shelley's sister dying, and she feels bad because Peter has dumped her right when she needed him!! huh!!! that's what she thinks

Over in the cafe.....Vera reckons Jack is up to something, nothing new there then..............he is poring over magazine competitions with Kirk.

Peter goes round to the florists...........Lucy plays hell with him because he didn't tell her about Shelley's sister.............. she also tells him that Shelley is still wearing his ring!!

In the pub...Fred apologizes to Harry and asks him if he will come back.............Harry is still on his high horse, and he says he will think about it!

Tracey goes to see Peter in the bookies.....now she is worried..........she knows that if Lucy finds out that she knew all along that Peter hadn't dumped Shelley, then Tracy is well in the poo..............

Back at the pub, Peter tells Shelley that he has an appointment with the customs and excise on Monday...........so he can't go to the funeral.....she goes mad!! she tells him she needs him there and he will have to cancel his appointment!!!

Audrey tells Gail that all the magazines have disappeared from the salon, Ha -Ha!!!!!!! Jack and KIrk!! Gail is worried about how she is going to cope now, once all the mess is over with.............but Audrey reassures her that she will make sure they have a normal secure family life.........now that's a laugh!! The policeman arrives at the door to tell Gail that the coroner has finished with Richards body, so she can decide what she wants doing with it.

Peter is still trying to get out of going to the funeral...........and Shelley gets really upset...............she screams at him, then she cries.....he says he is sorry and he will be there for her..........but she thinks there is something else...she says he hasn't even touched her since she came back from her mums........he tells her it is because all this talk of the funeral is bringing back his twin sisters funeral...........but he promises Shelley he will be there!!!

Wonder how he's going to wangle that then????????

Sue Nicholson

Peter and Shelley at breakfast, and Peter is quizzing Shelley about the proposed time-table for today - after all, how's he going to manage the funeral of Sharon, his fiancŽe's sister, and get to the Registry Office to, well, get married to his other fiancŽe? His mobile rings, and it's the bride-to-be, but Peter switches his phone off, claiming that it was the Customs and Excise. Peter assures Shelley that "all that matters today is you!" [Peter has got the knack of faking sincerity off to a fine art form.]

A reconciled Steve and Karen kiss and cuddle before they both go off to their separate places of work, just as Joe arrives at the factory. Sarah tells Todd that her Mum is depressed, but Todd will be there for Sarah whenever she wants him. [Ahhh - young love: I remember it well!] Peter is on his mobile to Lucy, just as Tracy arrives to enquire: "Which one is that - the bride or the bereaved?" Peter explains to his sister that the funeral is at 11am, in Bradford, but that he'll make it back across the Pennines to attend his wedding at 1.30pm. Tracy warns him that she'll not cover for his lies...

In Underworld, Joe tells Mike about his new ideas for men's underwear, and he'd like to make up some samples for a Trade Fair in Wolverhampton. Mike agrees. [If it means money, Mike always agrees.]

Audrey and Archie call to see Gail, and Archie outlines Gail's options for Richard's cremation. Gail just wants it to be cheap and uncheerful. No hymns. No flowers. No mourners. And the sooner the better.

Peter and Shelley leave for the funeral, Peter still concerned about the time it's going to take. Ken and Deirdre wish them well on this sad day, and Shelley, much to Peter's discomfiture, invites them along but they decline, regretfully of course. [Shelley tells them that at least they 'showed willing', unlike her fiancŽ!]

In the factory, Joe tells Karen that he wants the best girls to make up the samples, and then goes on to assure Karen that he still fancies her. Karen wants Joe to forget his feelings. Karen: "In your dreams!" Joe: "In yours too, Karen!"

Meanwhile, in the florist's shop, Lucy is looking forward to her big day, while Tracy is her cynical best about men and marriage. Lucy tells Tracy that, two years ago, she was ditched at the altar but, this time, she feels that Peter is the right man for her. After all, Lucy says that she's a good judge of character. [Three hours to the nuptials...]

Shelley's Mum's house, and Peter gets to meet Uncle Lenny, who complains about the horrendous traffic on the roads around Bradford. Peter constantly checks his watch. Shelley is reminded by her Mum that it's only five years and two months ago when they buried her Dad, and it's so good that Shelley can stay with her for a while after Sharon's funeral. Uncle Lenny assumes that Peter is staying too - "You've a big part to play later, lad!" [Lenny doesn't realize how right he is.]

In the factory office, Joe makes a big play of a phone call to Lisa [a recently acquired girlfriend] with Karen listening. However, Karen thinks that this is a 'pretend' phone call, for her ears only.

In the Rovers, Audrey tells Gail that Stephen has invited them all over to Canada for a holiday - flights paid for by him. And Gail will get to see Nick again. [Wow! How can she refuse?] Fred and Ashley discuss the memorial bench for Maxine, and its unveiling...

The funeral is over, and the family arrive back for the wake to Shelley's Mum's house. Peter is still anxious to get away. [Can he manage to get to his wedding on time?]

Mike wants his car serviced and gives his keys to Kevin, for Mike is off to Spain on holiday. [Mike trusts a wee back-street garage to do a full service on his Jaguar!]

Martin meets up with Tommy Nelson and his daughter, Katy, in the street; Katy has conquered her fear of needles, thanks to Martin's help and encouragement. Tyrone salivates about working on Mike's Jag, and promises a passing Katy that he'll have a car like that one day.

In the Rovers, Archie tells Gail that he has a slot for tomorrow for Richard's cremation at 3pm. Gail agrees, but no flowers, no hymns, no fuss, no mourners. No-one must know - Richard will go to Hell on his own.

Shelley's Mum's house, and the wake continues, as does Peter's stress. Peter's mobile rings and, yes, it's the bride-to-be, Lucy, in her curlers, just to remind her Lothario not to be late for their imminent wedding. True to form, Peter whispers "I love you" into his mobile and claims to be having a pint in a pub, even though the planned wedding is but an hour away...

Back at the wake for Sharon, and Peter gets increasingly agitated as he sees the clock ticking off the minutes to his (secret) nuptials: it's now 12.30 and the wedding is due to take place at 1.30!! He assures Shelley that he's going to stay to support her...

Once more chez Lucy, and she's all dressed-up for her 'big day', with her pals Tracy and Mandy. A horn sounds outside - the taxi has arrived to take them to the Registry Office. The time is now 12.35. [Of course, Tracy knows where her cheating swine of a brother is, and what he's up to, but will she keep her big gob shut, for once in her life?]

Shelley's Mum's house, and Peter eventually summons up the courage to excuse himself from the wake, in spite of Shelley's pleading with her duplicitous fiancŽ to stay and support her. Peter mutters a pitiful 'sorry' and rushes to his car, with Shelley's words ringing in his ears - "I'll never forgive you for this!" - as he drives off. Shelley's Mum makes excuses for Peter.

Sally calls in to see Gail, who blames herself for all that's happened. Gail thinks she's been so stupid, but Sally offers support and friendship. Never mind, says Gail, there are only a few loose ends to attend to and the nightmare will be over. Gail tells Sally about Stephen's offer of a holiday in Canada for the family, but she omits any mention of Richard's impending cremation.

The Registry Office, and Lucy is getting jittery. Where is her intended? What is he doing? Why is he not here? Tracy tells her not to worry. [If Tracy tells you not to worry - WORRY!]

Back in Underworld, Joe again tries to make Karen jealous, but she resists his advances yet again. Joe looks forward to his lunch date with Lisa, a hotel manager...

Ashley phones Harry and, in spite of Fred's loud protestations, invites him to the unveiling of Maxine's memorial bench. Fred wants Harry back, but he won't grovel - I say, he won't grovel.

In the Rovers, the girls discuss men's underwear. Fiz says that Kirk likes black, Angela states that Tommy will only wear white, while Janice states that Mick likes to have 'colour on his cheeks'. [Enough personal details - ed.]

Registry Office, and the clock is still ticking: 1.20pm. Where is the groom? Lucy thinks that Tracy is putting up far too many excuses for the wayward Peter, and she wonders if Tracy knows more than she's admitting to.

Back again at Underworld, and the wily Joe is still trying his best to pull Karen, who still thinks that Lisa is a figment of Joe's imagination. Joe tells Karen that he has strong feelings for her, but Karen reminds him that she's married. Joe exits Underworld, just as Lisa arrives in her wee red sports car to whisk Joe off to some lunch-time delights, culinary or otherwise, while Karen watches their departure, puffing on her fag...

Registry Office again. Lucy is getting increasingly suspicious that Peter is not going to show up, and she presses Tracy to tell her the truth. Lucy knows that something is wrong, and she suspects Tracy of being complicit ...

... just as Peter arrives, tearing off his black tie and dumping it in a bin and replacing it with a natty colorful one, more suited to a wedding. The time is 1.50pm. Peter apologizes [he's good at that!] and he swears to Tracy that he'll tell Shelley the truth tomorrow. [Oh well, that's all right then, eh?] Lucy welcomes Peter with open arms, and the nuptials can begin.

In the Rovers, Eileen confides to Sally that she's worried that Todd will sacrifice his place at Oxford for his 'love' for Sarah. Mike tells Tyrone to do a good service on his Jaguar and to drop his car keys into his flat. Harry arrives, and Fred begs him to let bygones be bygones. Harry agrees to consider, while supping a free pint...

The marriage ceremony begins - Lucy Victoria Richards versus Peter Barlow. [Sorry, I didn't mean to say 'versus'. Ooops!!]

Martin calls in to see Gail, and she tells him about the cremation. A secret. Gail is not going, nor are the kids.

Shelley is still at her Mum's, and she regrets having said to Peter that she'd never forgive him for leaving her in her hour of need. She'll forgive him anything. [Oh, maybe not anything!!] Shelley wants to go back to Weatherfield to make thinks right with Peter...

... just as Lucy and Peter are being pronounced 'Man and Wife'! [Lucy has booked a fancy hotel for their honeymoon night.]

Harry agrees to come back to the Rovers, as cleaner and potman. Fred is pleased.

Shelley, still regretting her outburst to Peter, decides to get a train back to Weatherfield, but not before the newly married Peter phones her (from the gents' toilet) to persuade Shelley to stay with her Mum - her Mum needs her at this trying time - and he'll pick her up tomorrow. Brief messages of 'I love you' are exchanged, before Peter goes back to join his new bride.

Outside the Registry Office, the happy couple, Peter and Lucy, pose for some photos, all smiles...

... while Shelley comforts her Mum.

* * * * * *

Iain McDougall

I suppose you could describe tonight's episode, Past, Present, and Future. Relating to Richard, a bench and Peter and Lucy. Peter wakes up, to find Lucy coming into the bedroom with a tray of orange juice and champagne to make a Bucks Fizz. Lucy suggests they stay in bed for the day. Unfortunately Peter has to go work in Bradford for a meeting. Lucy cannot believe it, but he says it is really important. Then she tells him she has booked a surprise honeymoon to Copenhagen (Denmark). Peter is relieved that it is not until Friday. However he does have to go to work today. Peter begins to look a little worried when she says she will come with him.

Betty speaks to Shelley on the phone. Betty says she has not seen Peter. When she came in, the doors were unlocked and the alarm was not set.

Archie goes round to see Gail. She says she doesn't want to go to Richard's funeral, she would feel like a hypocrite.

Peter tries to get through Shelley on the mobile while Lucy is in the bathroom. Her line is constantly engaged. Eventually he makes a connection. She tells him that it is essential that someone stays at the Rovers overnight. However she realizes he is "busy" and tells him that he doesn't have to come over. She says she will stay at her mum's for a few days.

Ashley invites Archie to come along to the memorial ceremony of Maxine's bench. He explains he has another job on, which Ashley realizes is Richard's funeral.

Karen takes a call for Joe in the office. It is Lisa. He tells her to say that he is too busy to take the call, and she tells her that he will ring back.

Katy is in the cafe. Tommy comes in and says if she is ok to be there she can go back to school.

Ashley polishes the bench, at the back of the pub. Harry comes out and Ashley invites him to sit on the bench. Harry notices there is no inscription. Then Ashley asks him to put a plate on it.

Steve, Karen and Dev are talking in the pub. They see Joe with a woman. Karen says she is a buyer. Dev gets excited about her!

Gail arrives at Archie's funeral parlour.

Fred and Audrey are in the back of the Rovers drinking G & T's. Audrey mentions the funeral. Archie sympathizes with her over a horrible day. He says if people had listened to her earlier then Maxine would still be alive.

Lucy and Peter are in bed together. He is joking about what newlyweds should do! It is all in 'The Book'

Tyrone has Mike Baldwin's keys, and he and Katy let themselves into the flat. He is nervous.

Archie reads from the Book of Ecclesiastics (featured in The Byrds' 60s hit 'Turn,.turn,turn.'.

The street are awaiting for the ceremony of Maxine's memorial bench. Rita is surprised that Gail is not there. Martin says she can't look Ashley in the eye. She feels so guilty.

Katy is wandering around Mike's flat. They put on the hi fi, and take his crisps!

Lucy is in bed while Peter is on the phone. She overhears him talking to Shelley.

Fred does the speech in dedicating the bench in celebration of Maxine, and offers everyone drinks.

Lucy confronts Peter about why he was talking to Shelley. She says her sister died yesterday and she just wanted someone to speak to.

Emily persuades Ashley to say a few words. He said he thought long and hard about what to do for Maxine. A bench outside the hairdresser seems appropriate.

Gail arrives at the funeral and is about to go over but Ashley calls her back.

Thanks go Ian for covering the majority of this week.

Martin Rosen

Mid-morning at Gail's house, and Audrey is trying to persuade her daughter to accept Steven's offer of a trip to Canada for the whole family; Gail, however, doesn't know what to do for the best.

Chez Lucy, and Peter is up early, on the ubiquitous mobile to someone, but rings off when Lucy appears. Lucy asks who it was and Peter claims it was Sally at the bookies, so he'll have to go round there to 'sort things out', but he'll be back later. Lucy [a tad suspicious, methinks] persuades him to part with his mobile and leave it in the flat. No sooner has Peter slunk off than Lucy picks up his mobile and checks the calls he's been receiving. Shelley, Shelley, Shelley, Shelley, Shelley, Shelley... [Imminent marital discord seems to be promised.]

In the cafŽ, Katy and Tyrone plan their next visit to Mike's flat - dinner time [lunch to you and me!]. Vera watches the pair and tells Angela that 'there's summat going on there!', but Angela claims that they're just mates. Martin offers to take Bethany to playgroup, and tells Sarah and David that things have to get back to normal.

Karen meets Joe at the door of the Corner Shop, and Joe hints that he'll be seeing Lisa [of the red sports car] later, maybe, but that she's just 'filling a gap'. [Which gap's that then, Joe?] Karen seems disconcerted by Joe's apparent interest in Lisa and brushes past him into the shop. Joe grins.

Ashley is sitting on the new memorial bench [Amazing - no-one has pinched the bench yet!!] and Fred arrives to discuss the search for a nanny. Ashley will take the matter in hand...

... while Fred spies the newly wed Peter and takes him to task for not having stayed above the Rovers last night. Peter does the two things he's best at - he lies and says sorry, then goes on to embellish his story by claiming that poor Shelley is distraught. Fred enquires where Peter will be sleeping tonight. The Rovers, of course, Peter replies. [You could well be right, Peter!]

Back at Gail's, and Richard's financial affairs are in some disarray and confusion, so Gail's bank accounts are still frozen. Audrey promises her daughter financial support and the English panacea - a cuppa.

Mick arrives in the Rovers, and Les doesn't take kindly to his being near him at the bar. Janice enters, and Mick reminds Les that 'she's with me now'. Janice promises Mick that she'll sort Les out... Martin tries to cheer up a doleful Peter, who claims that Shelley is so distraught by her sister's death.

Again chez Lucy, and all is not sweetness and light. Lucy accuses Tracy of being untruthful and disloyal to her concerning Peter's 'activities'. Tracy at first denies all knowledge of what's been going on, but then blurts out the stark reality - Peter has not told Shelley of his relationship with Lucy, far less of his recent nuptials, and the hapless Lucy, thinking back over the last few days, realises that her new husband has spun her a pack of lies, and continues to do so. Lucy is distraught. [That word again!]

Katy and Tyrone arrive in Mike's flat and they discuss their respective mothers. Tyrone accuses Katy of not saying very much about her family and background, but Katy remains tight-lipped.

In the Rovers, Tracy is there and is joined by Joe, and then by Dev, who quickly extricates Tracy from talking to the bad influence that is Joe. At the other end of the bar, Janice, Fiz and Hayley, join Steve and Karen and wonder who will be the male models for the latest men's underwear. Karen sneaks a glance or two in Joe's direction. Gail comes in and meets her Mum - Steven has booked flights for them all to Canada, and the flight leaves tomorrow morning. Gail seems excited at the idea, as is Audrey.

Mike's flat, and Tyrone and Katy get up to some pranks. [You're too far ahead there, dear reader!!] Tyrone is practising his golf swing, but Katy takes the club from his hands and breaks an ornament in the process. Katy wonders if it's a Ming, but Tyrone opines that, well, it's certainly 'mingin'...

In Underworld, the girls subject Karen to their playful banter, about Joe and Karen's apparent not-so-secret lusting after him. Karen is not amused. Joe is.

Gail's house, and the subject under discussion is - are they going to Canada tomorrow morning? Sarah pleads that she has so much school work to do that she'll have to stay behind, and Martin agrees to look after her while the rest of the family jet off to the Land of the Maple Leaf. [David hints that Sarah may well spend more time with Todd than with her studies. We'll see...]

Gail phones Steven with the glad tidings. (Canada is situated in the North American Continent, one of its Provinces being what is now called the United States of America.)

At the Nelson's, and Katy tells her brother Craig about her dark secret [her daily incursion with Tyrone into Mike's flat] and, in return for his remaining stumm, she'll not tell that he's not in the school play. Angela arrives from work, pleased to see they're not knocking lumps out of each other, for a change.

Peter arrives at Lucy's to a rather frosty reception, to say the least. Peter tries to lie his way out of the truth, but Lucy has had many hours to nurse her wrath to keep it warm and the honeymoon, if not the marriage, would appear to be over.

Janice bursts into the cafŽ, and orders a HOT cup of tea - no milk, no sugar. She then approaches Les, who's sitting eating, and orders him to fill in the divorce papers, which he's always ripped up. When Les promises to continue ripping up these papers, Janice throws her cup of tea over him and exits.

Back at Lucy's, and Peter's still trying to convince Lucy that she's the love of his life, and that she's all that he wants. Lucy has had enough of Peter's lies and subterfuge and throws him out, never wanting to see him again. Peter finds himself shut out of Lucy's flat, and perhaps, her life.

Iain McDougall

Peter is in the Rovers back room...he looks miserable and downtrodden, fag hanging out his mouth, and then the phone rings.............he just raises his eyes to look at it, but doesn't answer......................

Vera is just fetching the milk in, but the birds have pecked the top, so she is not happy.....she wanted to make yorkshire puds with the roast dinner, but she chucks the milk in the bin, Tyrone tells her he won't be in for dinner cos he is going out with a girl.........Kirk over hears and asks who it is...........Katy!! but Jason was after her!!

Martin comes back from the airport and goes to see Sarah, he tell her that her Mum got off ok and he will be back after his shift at the hospital, she tells him that while he is on nights she wants Todd to stay over, he says its ok but any trouble and she will be in big strife.................brave girl for being upfront about it!!

Todd gives his Mum a mothers day card.............she is sooooooooo chuffed!!! He tells her he will be staying at Sarah's for a couple of nights...she tells him he is 18 so its his choice, but be careful.......

Janice and Fiz are in the shop.............Janice tells Fiz she is determined to get a divorce, she really wants to be with Mick........he's civilized.............they have a laugh about Les keeping his socks on in the bath..........Fiz reckons that's disgusting!!!...she asks Dev if he does that.

Peter is parked outside Lucy's flower shop..........watching. His phone rings, its Shelley, but he doesn't answer it.

Tyrone and Katy are in Mikes flat.....she rings her friend in Sheffield..................

Lucy and Tracy are arguing.............Lucy just can't believe that Tracy kept all Peters secrets from her...........Peter walks in, and tells Lucy that its not Tracy's fault.............but she won't listen and she sacks Tracy!!! Lucy tells them both to get out and she slaps Peter hard across his face.....................

Betty answers the phone to Shelley, she is coming home today.

Tracy is furious with Peter...............she loved that job. Peter tells her he love Lucy, she says there's no competition between Lucy and "brainless" Shelley, and he jumps to Shelley's defense................but he loves Lucy and its her he wants to be with and her he wants to have a family with...........Tracy tells him to "tell her ........not me!!" Tracy says he reminds her of his Dad................ (poor Ken, what has HE done?)

Katy is still chatting to her friend on Mikes phone and Tyrone is not happy, she's been chatting for an hour!!! He tries to kiss her, but she tells him NO! she sees him as a mate....................

Todd asks Sarah if she thinks he is boring............... he has helped little Bethany to make her a card for Mothers day.........awww sweet :o)

Fred is having a good moan about being stuck in the bar again....... Les is having a go at Mick about him nicking his wife.....he goes on and on calling Mick "Mr Plodd" Mick eventually gets fed up and him and Janice leave.......

Peter bangs on Lucy's door..............he begs her to give him another chance...gets on his knees ........but she won't listen, she says he is a liar and she doesn't want to be married to a liar!!!

Katy and Tyrone go to a cafe for egg and chips then go home..........Tyrone tells Vera he doesn't understand women. Vera says never mind, she's saved him a roast dinner with 2 yorkshire puds!!!

Mick has had enough of Les....he tells Janice he wants to ask for a transfer so the two of them can make a fresh start away from Les.............Janice won't hear of it..she says she is not running away from Les..............she asks Mick to move in with her.......he says lets go and pack ...........awwwwwwwwww

Shelley and her Mum arrive at the Rovers.............Fred is soooooooo pleased to see her, she introduces her Mum and tells Fred she will be staying for a while, so he offers her his old room......... Shelley asks for Peter...........................

Lucy is packing her bags into the van, Peter pleads with her, but she wont budge......... She says she loves him, but he's not going to get a chance to let her down again or her baby!!! he begs her.....but she drives off!!

Please note that this report is being written under strict reporting conditions. My wife is watching me!

Shelley comes down in the morning to find Peter sleeping on the couch. He explains that he got home very late, or rather early in the morning. He had been with the accountants sorting out tax and VAT and then they went out for a meal together.

Peter explains that he has to go back to his flat to tidy up and have a wash. Shelley suggests that he could do that at the Rovers, but he says he has things to sort out and then open the bookies (suddenly Sally can't do it! (Point of thought, as Sally is the only other staff at the bookies, and Peter is more often not there, who does all the settling of bets, marking up the odds - surely Sally can't do that and take the bets as well).

Sarah has overslept. She is rushing around. Todd offers to take Beth to the cr�che.

Kate sees Tyrone at the garage. She asks him if he understood that they are just mates. Tyrone says that is ok. (I think he secretly hopes it will come to a bit more!).

Les sees Janice and Mick. He stirs it up by suggesting that she spends all her money on bingo. However Janice gives as good as she got in terms of verbal abuse. Mick tells him to stop pestering.

Tracy goes into the cafe and sees Peter. She asks him if he has seen Lucy and sorted things out. He shows her the ring which he is still holding. Tracy tells Peter that he will find her in the shop, because as she has been sacked there is nobody else to keep the place going. She suggests that Peter should tell Shelley in front of Lucy, and that way both of them will get their respective messages.

Jason tells Todd that he is going out with his Dad that night. Todd says that their Mum would not approve, so Jason suggests that they don't tell her.

Les spots Kirk and Fizz in the Rovers. He tells them that he saw Janice and Mick, but he is still trying to get Janice back for himself. Fizz tells him that he just doesn't understand women.

Bev asks Shelley if everything was ok between her and Peter. She says that it is, but Bev suggests there is something on his mind.

Peter goes to the florist. Lucy is not there. There is a girl working there; she has been told that the job would probably be for a minimum of a couple of months.

Emma is on her way to work. Curly however has other thoughts, and wants to have a quick snog before she goes. He says it doesn't matter if she is a little late, after all she is a sergeant. Emma says that she can't be late and slips out that she has been short listed for promotion. Curly is surprised as she has not told him. He fears it may mean they would have to move away.

Fred and Bev are chatting at the bar. Shelley introduces her mother to Sunita. Bev mentions that Shelley and Peter don't seem to have any plans for the wedding. Sunita says that she would prepare a list. She says she has already started it. Item one, find a husband!

Peter tells Tracy that he is unable to contact Lucy.

Steve tells Les to go and pick up a new car from the garage. (Would you trust Les with a new car?!).

Tyrone tells Katy that they will go out in the evening. She is not sure.

Bev tells Shelley that she wonders if Peter may have money worries.

Emma and Mick preparing for duty have a snack in the police car.

Shelley meets Peter in the cafe. She asks him if he is in trouble. He says he is ok, just has a number of things to sort out.

Emma and Mick give chase to a joy rider who goes through red traffic lights.

Mike Baldwin comes back to find Kevin in the Rovers. He says he thought he had arranged for his car to be delivered back to his flat but it is not there. When Kevin says he did get it back there, Mike believes it is stolen and therefore contacts the police.

Mick and Emma stop the joyrider and start to interview him. When he gets out of the car, they see it is Les. Mick and Les get very tense, but Emma tries to calm the situation. Les says that Mick is not happy with pinching his wife, but he is about to pinch his license. Emma suggests that he be let off with a caution, but Mick doesn't want to let it go. Eventually Mick punches and kicks Les to the ground. Emma looks on and tells Mick to stop.

Les tries to get up and Mick tries to help him. Les says he is in great pain. When Mick starts to caution him, Emma tries to stop him to no avail.

Jason is in the cafe waiting for his father. Roy wants to close up and asks him to leave. He points out that Peter and Shelley haven't been asked to leave. Roy says they are talking and have had two cups of coffee each!

Peter and Shelley chatting. She says that she wants to share any money problems he may have. Peter tells her that she has every right to chuck him. He has not being around at crucial times.

Jason's father arrives at which time Roy rushes over to say they are closed. They decide to go into town.

Police reinforcements arrive to the aid Emma and Mick. Les shouts his innocence and denies everything. Mick tries to justify himself with Emma.

Mike tells Kevin that he is holding responsible for the loss of his car. He asks in the pub if anyone has seen Tyrone. Vera says that his probably out with Katy again. This is much to the amazement of her parents.

Back at the police station Mick gives his version of the events. By now he has a very blood red eye. He is told that he should have a medical check up, it maybe needed for evidence.

Shelley is still talking to Peter about money.

Mick is enhancing the situation for his report. He tells Emma that he couldn't stop himself. He has been niggling away for weeks. He says he isn't going to throw his career away for him.

Bev asks Shelley if she has found out anything about Peter. She says that things had just getting on top of him.

Tracy comes into the Rovers and joins Shelley and Peter. When Shelley goes off he tells Tracy that he still hasn't been ablte to tell Shelley. He says he has messed up everybody's life. He doesn't want to upset Shelley.

The police come to Les and arrest him.

Tyrone and Katy come back from a drive in Mike's car. He says they will get some chips and then go into Baldwin's.

Tyrone and Katy go into Baldwin's flat. They start getting their chips out, and out pops Mike. He threatens them with the police and chucks them out.

Emma returns home early to Curly. She wants a hug from him. She tells him everything she knows about the incident. She says that Les alleges that Mick beat him up. Curly asks if it is true. She tells him that he used "reasonable force".

Mick returns home to Janice. She asks him what happened He tells her that Les started off.

Janice thinks Les got everything he deserved.

Les is locked up in jail. He tries to protest his innocence to the warden.

Martin Rosen

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