Curly is asleep on Jacks sofa with the dog, remember Jack told him Vera sleepwalks? well he wakes up with a jump thinking its Vera there with him and reaches for his specs!!! Jack and Tyrone are doubled up with laughter at him.......lol

In the corner shop, Dev tries to talk to Sunita..............he apologizes for the night before and shows her his Grandmothers ring..........he tells her that his mother sent it to him when he told her he was going to ask Sunita to marry him...............Sunita is not impressed, she still thinks he is trying to arrange his own marriage and does not want to be seen as "good stock", she asks if his mother is behind all this??? She is not at all impressed with all these fine gestures and tells him she doesn't want to work with him in the shop today...she tells him to go!!!

Karen is edgy about the goings on with her and Joe at the factory, Mike is going on holiday today, and Joe says he will get him to sign a big cheque for £12,000 just as he is ready to rush out the door. to catch his plane.

Katy gets ready for the fun run, she has a plate of egg and chips on her head that Roy has made for her..................her Mum reckons that Martin is too serious , so he won't be dressing up!!

In the shop, Sunita tells Shelley about Dev's proposal..............she says why now??? they both think that "leopards don't change their spots" Shelley tells her not to trust him.

Kirk and Fiz are off to see Les, they are really excited to tell him about Curly and Emma splitting up!!!

Deirdre asks Tracey if she fancies the theatre tonight, but Tracy is getting ready to see her new man.. Deirdre asks her if its Dev she is seeing, but Tracey tells her that it's only dogs that go back to vomit!!!! nice turn of phrase.................

Mike and Dev are chatting in the pub, Dev looks down, he tells Mike he has asked Sunita to marry him.........Mike says "do you love her?" Dev reckons he does.........so Mike tells him to TELL HER!!!!

Martin laughs at the idea of dressing up................but Tommy tells him to wear the garage overalls and carry a blow-up hammer and he will get Kevin to sponsor him..........

MIke and Joe are in the office, Mike is nearly ready to leave for his plane......................Joe asks him to quickly sign this cheque because the stuff will arrive before he gets back, but Mike is not daft, its a lot of money and he thinks he could get it cheaper, so he rings around, Karen is looking really scared by now so Joe tells her to go check on the girls.. One of his suppliers says he can have it £500 cheaper but not till Thursday, he can't get it there by Monday.....so Mike signs the cheque.

The fun run is in full go!!!...........Katy has to pull Martin the last few feet........lol, they are worn out but pleased they managed to finish it.............and Martin gives her a big hug!!!

Joe and Karen are really gloating now they have the cheque..........I hope they come unstuck!!!

Over at the prison, Kirk and Fiz tell Les about Curly and Emma, they reckon that Curly knows the truth. Les thinks that Curly sounds at the end of his tether, and if they work on him he will tell the truth.

Wally drops Tracey off, he has bought her a gold necklace, and they are both flirting like mad, his phone rings and Tracey gets out of the car.

Dev comes back to the shop and shuts the door.................he wants to talk, he tells her that when he was in India, he realized she was the one person he missed!!! He tells her he loves her and he wants to marry her, but she still thinks he is kidding himself!!! Make him work for it girl !!!!!

Wally rings Tracey, she is at home.................he thinks she is getting ready to go clubbing, wants to know when he can see her again, but Deirdre walks in so she hangs up................Deirdre quizzes her again.......so he is older and he has money???mmnnnnnnnn if its not Dev, then who is it??

In the pub, Joe is telling Karen that the cheque will clear by Friday, then when Mike signs other cheques they will bounce so the bank with claim the business and that is when they can jump in and buy the business cheap, with the money they have scammed so far............. Then Mike walks in, his mates' wife has had a heart attack so as he isn't going on his trip he will get down to that stock-take he has been putting off!!!!

OOOOOOOOOOerrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Sue Nicholson

In their shared flat, Karen has a nervous puff at her fag, while Joe looks forward to more skull-duggery at the factory. Karen worries if, and how, they'll get away with the scam, especially when Mike is going to do a stock-take. Joe, cocky as ever, has no worries on that score - he can handle things.

Martin, the birthday boy, is at Gail's, receiving gifts. David has bought him a fitness tonic [which he says he needs after the Fun Run] while Sarah has bought him a David Gray CD [David Gray? Answers on a postcard, please!] Bethany has drawn him a picture of herself. [I think!!]

In the street, Dev sidles up to Sunita and reminds her of what he wants. Sunita reminds him of her answer; she doesn't believe it was a genuine offer, but Dev remains stoically persistent. Katy meets up with the birthday boy and profers a gift - a watch - before dashing off for school. Deirdre chats with Sunita, who tells her of Dev's proposal. [Deirdre looks genuinely amazed, which Sunita does not appreciate.]

At the factory, Joe is setting up another part of his scam, arranging lunch with a client for both Mike and him. Karen complains to Mike about some of the needles not being sharp enough, but Mike is more concerned with the stock [or, in this case, lack of it]. Joe informs Mike of their lunch date, with Simon, so Mike reluctantly postpones the stock-check till this afternoon. [Mike should have a stock-cheque!!]

Chez Barlow, where Deirdre witters on about Tracy and the mystery lover, while Ken valiantly tries to read his paper in peace. Ken checks the dictionary for a word [to put in edge-wise, perhaps?] - no, it's not for his beloved crossword, but he wants to read the derivation of the verb 'witter'. Deirdre presses on with her ironing, and her wittering...

Curly is doing some shopping at Fred's butcher's shop, but can't read Vera's writing. Claire is there with wee Joshua and a car draws up, with her boyfriend. Garry [the boyfriend] wants to pick Claire up tonight, and she's not to be late. Ashley goes outside, wondering who this Garry is, and Claire eventually admits of his existence.

In the Rovers, Shelley is bored, and talks to Sunita who rushes off back to work. [When's the wedding, Shelley??] Curly curls himself around a bottle of beer, and moans to Martin that he's missing Ben. [No mention of Emma!] Shelley and Deirdre discuss Sunita and Dev, and both agree that Sunita is just his taste - trendy, go-getting, beautiful. (Miaow!!) Joe, Mike and Simon [the client] enter after a lavish lunch. Joe gets on his mobile to check if the cheque has cleared, giving Mike the chance to bolt off to the factory to count the, erm, bolts of cloth.

In the factory, Mike goes over the bolts of cloth, and Karen complains that the dust is bringing on her asthma. Mike asks about the Artrec order: has it arrived yet? Much oohing and aahing from Karen; mmm, not yet. Joe phones Frank, a friend of his from his days in prison. Joe wants his van round - pronto!

Wally calls at the Barlow residence, with the good news that he's had the pool cleaned. [Deirdre is upstairs as they speak.] Tracy comes over all coy, as Wally suggests that he pick her up at 6pm, a few streets away of course, and bring her swimsuit. Deirdre arrives down from what she was doing upstairs, to find her mother's beau just leaving, after inquiring about Blanche, he says.

Angela answers the phone in the factory, as the girls are leaving. The police want to speak to Mike. Apparently, Mike's alarm in his flat has gone off, so he goes off home to investigate. Never mind, Joe and Karen will do the stock-check. [Or should that not rather be stock-take, literally? Read on...]

Martin calls in at the Harris'. He explains that he cannot accept the watch from Katy, just as Angela gets home. [Katy hides the watch behind her back.]

Mike is just about to drive off home when a tacky blue van arrives. Artrec, Joe helpfully explains.

Katy meets up again with Martin in the street. Martin admits they've done nothing wrong, but he's a mate of her Dad's and she should find someone of her own age. [Yes, Martin said that!!]

In the factory, Karen meets Frank, Joe's ex-jailbird friend and associate. When Frank opens the van, there is no material inside... [No, we are not amazed.]

In the Rovers, Fizz tries, and fails, to gain some sympathy for Les from Janice, who thinks that he's always been a loser and a bully, so there. Tracy is preening herself for her date with her mystery fella, but she is saying nothing about his identity. [I wonder what first attracted Tracy to this multi-millionaire?]

Back in the factory, Karen pours glasses of whisky for her, Joe and Frank, and the phone rings. Mike. He'll be there in twenty minutes, he says, but Joe manages to assure him that he and Karen can cope with the stock-take. Mike grins and goes off to play some golf. The plotters hear a noise. Harry is just finishing his cleaning-up, and he's sent off to the Rovers, while the dreaded duo plan their next move in their own cleaning-up!

Wally collects a smiling Tracy in his fancy motor. [Got your swim-suit, love?]

Joe tells Karen about his end-game: he and Frank are going to stage a real-life "stock-take": that is, they're going to break into the factory tonight and take all the stock...

Back at the factory, Harry still has work to do and has stayed to complete it, while Karen is nervous at the thought of Joe's plans to burgle the factory. Karen will be Joe's alibi, he tells her. Harry eventually leaves, and Joe assures him that he'll set the alarm...

Wally sweeps into his 'umble 'ome - a massive mansion - in his massive car. Tracy cannot conceal her delight at what she sees - not only the mansion, but acres of gardens, all beautifully kept. [Tracy seems to imagine herself being 'beautifully kept' too!]

In the Rovers, Joe makes great play of his and Karen's plans for the evening - some wine, and then a 'quiet night in'. Steve listens in the background. Harry tries to ply Joe with another drink, but Joe cannot keep a lady waiting... [exeunt.]

Chez Wally, and Tracy sees his swimming pool. She's getting fonder of the hapless, but rich, Wally by the minute. Naturally, he has champagne on ice, and he pours a couple of flutes. [As one does of an evening beside one's pool, eh chuck?] "To us!", Wally says, and little Tracy goes upstairs to change into something like a swimsuit.

In the Kabin, Martin is buying a teenage magazine, just to keep up with the kids. [Aye, right!] He admits to Curly that a woman, a student nurse, at the hospital, fancies him, but she's only half his age. Curly doesn't see the age-gap as a problem, and Curly goes off to collect his stuff, as he's moving in with Martin in the interim.

Back at Wally's, and Tracy appears in a natty blue two-piece, Wally's chin almost literally hitting the tiled floor at this vision of loveliness. She is the most beautiful woman he's ever seen, he says. [Have to get out more, Wally!]

Joe takes his leave of Karen to go on his mission of 'merci, Mike'. Karen still has misgivings about the whole escapade, but Joe assures her that, after tonight, they can have whatever they want. Karen's words, 'Be careful!' ring out as he leaves.

Wally is obviously besotted with Tracy, and the champagne flows. Tracy thinks she's in heaven. [Some of us wish she were!]

Garry, Claire's boyfriend, arrives at Ashley's in his car and toots the horn impatiently. Claire invites him into Ashley's, but he refuses. Claire still hasn't finished her work at Ashley's and she makes Garry wait.

Frank, the van, arrives and he and Joe go to the factory to do their version of 'stock-taking'...

Ashley mentions 'the boyfriend' to Claire, but she denies that he's a 'boyfriend'; he's just a bloke she goes out with now and again. She adds that she has no what Ashley refers to as a 'love-life'.

Harry, still in the Rovers, realizes that he's lost his wallet, and goes back to the factory to retrieve it. [Of course, by this time, Joe and his henchman are already in the factory...]

Harry lets himself into the factory, and is surprised to see that the alarm is not activated. He hears a noise, and suspects that someone else is there, but the factory cat makes a useful appearance and Harry gets his wallet, sets the alarm and leaves. Joe quickly shuts the alarm off, and he and Frank load the rest of the bales of cloth and then bolt, trashing the office before they go. [Joe omits to reset the alarm!!!!]

Wally and Tracy sit beside the pool and enjoy caviar [beluga, of course!] and smoked salmon, with a few more glasses of champers. Wally can't keep his eyes off Tracy; he admits he has fallen for her and pleads with her to stay the night. Tracy feigns shock at this outrage: "What sort of girl do you think I am?" [Tracy, we KNOW what sort of a girl you are, thank you very much!]

Sarah calls round to see Katy, who is not happy. Sarah does her sums and comes up with 2 + 2 = 4: it's a lad! [Well, you're getting warm, Sarah.] Sarah warns Katy to stay clear. [Ahh, the wisdom of youth.]

Karen's buzzer buzzes - Rita has come to call. Panic! However, Karen strips off and dons a dressing gown before answering the door, all out of breath. Rita assumes that she's come at 'a bad time'. Karen agrees. Rita only wanted to know when Karen was giving up the flat. Rita apologizes for the intrusion, and departs into the night.

Wally's hormones are working overtime and he pleads with an outraged Tracy to forgive his presumptuousness. Tracy huffs and puffs: "I've my reputation to think of, you know!" [Oh yeh? Which one's that then?] "I wouldn't want you to think I was easy!" [Perish the thought!] Wally tells Tracy that he's devastated since the passing of his wife, he's lonely and he's wealthy. But he has no one to share his wealth with. [Tracy simpers, her cold heart softening at the thought of this sad, lonely, rich man.] Wally deals the final blow to her integrity - if he were to find someone to share his wealth with, she'd be looked after, even when he's gone. Tracy is overcome with sympathy for this nice old man [ie rich old man!] and gives him a cuddle. She agrees to stay the night with him; separate bedrooms, of course. [Aye, right!]

Joe eventually makes it home after the burglary of the factory, and Karen welcomes him with open arms. Joe learns of Rita's visit - another good alibi. Joe can't wait to see Mike's face in the morning. And so, as Samuel Pepys often said: 'And so to bed...'

Iain McDougall

In the factory, Mike realizes that the theft of the invoices may mean some difficulty with the insurance claim; however, he's really convinced that Naveen Alahan is the culprit, and Mike will make sure he gets his just desserts. The girls arrive for work, but have to be sent home, since there is no material to work on. Karen continues to worry...

In the happy Barlow household, Deirdre waxes eloquent about the shortcomings of her errant daughter. What are they going to tell Blanche? [Ken thinks that, in cases like this, the truth will out.] Tracy has an answer: she harboured suspicions about Wally all the time, and this was her way of 'trapping' him into the truth, of course for her Gran's sake. [Tracy has the good grace not to start her explanation with 'once upon a time...' No, I don't see 'happy ever after' mentioned either!]

Back at the factory, the wily Joe is trying Mike's chair for size, while Karen is worried about the girls losing a whole day's pay. Joe will make sure they don't miss out financially in the long term. Karen tries to pressurize Joe into putting down a deposit on their dream penthouse flat, but Joe advises caution. [Should that not be 'penitentiary'?]

Kirk, Tyrone and Fizz arrive for work at Jack's allotment. Fizz settles down on a deckchair, but is sent for necessary supplies of beer and crisps.

Outside the Corner Shop, Dev continues his campaign [with the emphasis on the 'paign'] to get Sunita to agree to marrying him. Mike arrives, not in the best of moods, and accuses Dev's cousin, Naveen, of being behind the break-in at the factory. Dev states that Naveen is not a dodgy businessman, but Mike is convinced that he's the guilty party and drives off, with the conniving Joe, to pay Mr Alahan a visit. Dev phones to warn Naveen of his imminent visitors... [This looks like D-Day, which it is!]

Chez Gail, and the girls, Katy and Sarah, are doing some rare studying [wedged between chunks of gossip, naturally]. Sarah admits that she's going off to Oxford with the lovely Todd [Sarah said that, not I!] and her Mum knows nothing about it. Yet. The boys, David and Craig, arrive, just in time to catch the tail end of the girls' conversation...

Mike breezes into Naveen International's car park, to be met by the owner, plus two swarthy 'heavies' Mike wants his material back - now, but Naveen knows nothing about it. [He doesn't, for the guilty party is standing shoulder to shoulder with Mike.]

In the Rovers, Archie informs an interested Fred about Wally; not rich, not a widower and not a gentleman. Fred wonders if Blanche was the latest victim of his deception, but Archie remains dead-pan. Janice and Hayley agree that Mr Baldwin doesn't seem interested in the factory any more; indeed, they think he's 'past it'. They both agree that Karen is doing a good job.

Mike accuses Naveen of the robbery and wanting revenge. Joe wants to use some violence, but Mike will have recourse to the Old Bill instead.

In the Grimshaws', Todd claims that he's hungry since he's been studying all day, while Jason laughs at the thought of studying being 'work'. Jason wonders when his brother is going to tell Mum that he, Sarah and Bethany are moving to Oxford.

At the allotment, Kirk looks vainly for a toilet, and Tyrone tells him to 'wee' on some weeds. [Kirk considers that 'wee' is derived etymologically from the substantive 'weed'. Mmm, you learn something new every day. Kirk doesn't!] Just as the hapless Kirk is urinating, a girl waves at him. [He resists the temptation wave back, I'm relieved to say.]

In the street, Roy has enlisted the help of a professional driver, Steve, whom he is going to observe, driving. Roy doesn't think much of Steve's driving. [Well, he would choose a male taxi-driver!]

At Ashley's, an ever-sullen Garry arrives to collect his girl-friend, Claire, who still has to bath little Josh, so Garry has to wait.

Again at the allotment, the boys are cleaning their spades when the girl from the next plot arrives to introduce herself: her name is Mad. [Tyrone opines that she's 'well fit'] Both boys are much taken by this girl and they both promise to return, soon. Kirk says he's 'Kirk by name, Kirk by nature'. [No, that's not an oxymoron, just a moron who said it.]

Fred and Ashley arrive home, late as usual, to find Garry in situ, nursing his wrath to keep it warm. [Quotation stolen from Burns' Tam O'Shanter.]

The cops are at the factory, looking over a list of the alleged stolen material, which they reckon may be doctored. However, Mike loses no time in naming his suspect - Naveen Alahan. [The police, apparently, have no material evidence.] Karen still worries, but Joe optimistically thinks the cops are up a dead-end street.

Gail's again, and David returns home, livid that Sarah is shortly going off to Oxford with Bethany. Sarah warns him not to tell Mum.

In the cafŽ, Roy returns home a bit shaken after his drive with Steve who, according to Roy, should not be on the roads. Hayley asks Roy if he gave Steve a tip. [Yes, I did, says Roy... and you can imagine the rest!!]

Mike dolefully admits to Joe that he's in trouble - the insurance company are refusing to pay out on the policy. Joe, however, will stand by Mike. [Like the factory was, Joe is not alarmed.]

Iain McDougall

Sunday morning in the factory, where Joe and Karen are busy tidying-up after the 'break-in'. Karen would like to go and view the penthouse flat again, but Joe advises patience. Harry arrives, looking for Mike, who's not there. Janice arrives, wondering if they should report for work tomorrow. [Such loyalty - working for nothing on a Sunday; so heartwarming!]

Chez Gail, where David is still coming to terms with the fact the Sarah and Bethany will shortly be going off to the dreaming spires of Oxford with Todd. Sarah reassures him that she'll ring, every day if he wants... Gail comes downstairs and voices her concern about David - maybe Sarah could talk to him and find out what's bothering him?

Mike arrives at the factory, where Joe and Karen are still hard at it. [Working!] The hapless Mike seems impressed by their support and loyalty, as Dev [now sporting a beard] arrives to put a good word in for his cousin, Naveen: he's not a crook, unlike some he could mention. Mike tends to go along with Joe's opinion - Naveen is the guilty party. [Karen remains unusually silent.]

Gail's again, and Todd comes to call. Sarah tells him that her Mum knows something is not right, but Todd reckons that their Mums will know soon enough and suggests a pre-exam drink in the Rovers tonight. Gail agrees to Bethany-sit, once again. [Gail seems happy, but for how long?]

In the Rovers, Eileen is excited at the prospect of Todd's exams. Kirk and Tyrone, however, are more concerned with Jack's allotment, and the blond they have met, Maz; maybe they should do some more work there today? Harry looks worried; he knows he DID set the alarm at the factory, so someone must have switched it off, he tells Shelley. After all, Harry says his memory is like total recall, and Shelley says she has that on DVD. [It's the way they tell 'em!]

Barlow domicile, and Ken is anxious to go out for a drink in the Rovers, as long as the tricky subject of Wally doesn't come up. Blanche rings, but Ken doesn't tell her the latest gossip. Tracy approves of her Dad's silence on the matter...

In the cafŽ, Roy is threatening to drive a car. Worse still, Hayley has offered to teach him. Far worse still, if that were possible, Kevin has lent him his car! [Does Kevin do body repair work - if not, he'd best start.] Claire meets Ashley, and apologizes for Gary's rudeness, then rushes off.

In the Rovers, Deirdre advises Tracy not to 'make a bad situation worse' by mentioning Wally. Ken has learned from Blanche that she, Blanche, is 'over' Wally. Tracy sighs a sigh of relief.

Harry [of the total recall memory] meets Mike in the factory and assures him that he DID set the alarm. Mike, however, accuses Harry of being in the factory while the crooks were there. [The crooks are still there, Mike - they're behind you!!]

Sarah asks her Mum how she's managing, but Gail says that she has what she wants - a good family and a secure home. Gail tells Sarah that she has no intention of getting another man. David arrives, still sullen.

Tyrone and Kirk arrive at the allotment and Maz is there. Kirk offers to help her. Maz accepts, and sits down with Tyrone for a chat, while Kirk starts work.

Martin meets Katy in the street, and apologizes for being OTT the other day. Apology accepted. Roy starts the engine of Kevin's car, but wants to test the horn. He revs the engine and switches it off - that'll be enough for today. [Hayley is getting more annoyed by the minute.]

Maz regales Tyrone with her exploits abroad, in Oz, New Zealand and Cambodia. Tyrone listens with wrapt attention. Maz visits her family, but can't stay with them, apparently. Kirk finishes his digging, just as Maz leaves, promising to see them again.

Ashley meets Claire again, coming out of the Kabin. Gary is at her house, and she doesn't want to see him. A protective Ashley offers her sanctuary at his house. [Claire looks at him with big doe eyes - oh dear!]

In the Rovers, Janice is lamenting the loss of wages, but Joe tells her that her job just gives her pin money. Fizz threatens to look for a job elsewhere. Stuart tells Todd that he's mad to go to Oxford with Sarah and Bethany. Is he kidding? [Apparently not!] Sarah leaves in a huff.

Ashley and Claire chat. [Well, he chats and she listens.] She mustn't confuse love with grief. She can do better. She can be happy. [Claire mentally pictures being happy - but with whom, we wonder?]

Back in the Rovers, Eileen overhears Todd and Stuart's conversation and puts in her tuppence worth - why should he take his 'baggage' with him to Oxford? This time, it's Todd's turn to storm off. [Ahhh, the course of true lust...] Karen tells Joe that she's still worried. [As well she might be.] The first thing she's going to do when they take over the factory is to give Harry his job back.

Gail is surprised to see Sarah back early from the Rovers. Todd arrives soon after, and the young lovers have a heart to heart; Sarah has decided not to go to Oxford with Todd - she can't bring herself to leave her Mum and David. A tearful Sarah informs Todd that they're finished; she doesn't want to see him any more...

Iain McDougall

Tonight for the first time, I introduce you all to a new writer. Her name as you will see is Jayne. So thanks to her for part one of Mondays two-parter.

The episode started with Eileen getting up and finding Todd on the settee. Eileen questioned where he had been, he replied just walking around. Eileen replied that she did not scrimp and scrap for nothing. Todd told Eileen that he had changed his mind about Oxford, Sarah and dumped him and it was all Eileen fault.

Gail told Sarah that she had done the right thing by dumping Todd and offered to take Bethany to the cr�che for her. David came downstairs and asked Sarah if it was because of him that he was not going. She replied 'Of course not!'.

Jack came down the stairs moaning to Tyrone that Vera was always asking him for a cup of tea. Tyrone told Jack that he was going down the allotment and that he was going alone.

Mike arrived at the factory and was greeted by Joe and Karen asking about the police investigation. Mike advised that he was going to contact them now and wanted the girls to get back to work as he didn't want an empty factory.

Claire knocked on Ashley's door, started crying because she had split up from her boyfriend. Ashley gave her a cuddle on the doorstep (Norris saw) and offered her a cup of tea inside. Ashley comforted Claire and Claire told Ashley that Gary was waiting for her on her mum's house with a take away Pizza. Gary had a go at her and then Claire told him it was over. Claire told Ashley is was because of what Ashley had said. Ashley wished he had never said anything.

Tyrone met Maz at the allotments. They had a conversation about their past. Tyrone offers to introduce Maz to Jack and Vera, off to the cafe they go.

Dev gave Sunita tickets to go to Barcelona advising Sunita they could go Bull fighting and shop till they drop on his credit card. Sunita said she was not Tracy and could not be bought.

Whilst Todd was sitting in the cafe Sarah walks in looking for Katy. Todd asks to speak to Sarah , could they still see each other at weekends, she said no, couldn't wait around in case he found someone else. Todd upset.

Norris told Audrey what he saw in the morning, started bitching that Maxine had not been dead long. Maria was listening and explained about the party invitation.

Just before going in to the exam room, Katy tries to persuade Sarah to go back to Todd.

Outside the factory, the girls are waiting for the delivery van. Mike and Joe were discussing the order and Joe rings to chase up the order!!!!

Everyone is in the exam room and Todd sits there looking round and thinking.

Audrey tells Fred talk about what Norris saw.

Dev told Sunita that he loves her and wants to marry her. He wants to know what impresses her. Sunita told him to be himself, Dev tells Sunita that he wants to spend the rest his life with her and she said she will think about it.

Eileen buys something special in the shop for Todd's tea in celebration.

Todd writes his name on the exam paper.

Tyrone and Maz arrive at the cafe and introduces Jack to her. Tyrone asks Jack if Maz can use his greenhouse to grow Aubergines, tomatoes etc. Jack agrees if he can have some of the produce.

Ashley wants to invite Claire for tea but Fred advised Ashley what he has heard. Ashley puts it down to Idle gossip.

Todd draws on his exam paper, walks out. The teacher follows him asking if he was feeling ill, he said no he was feeling great. Sarah walks out and asks to speak to him. Todd is not doing his exams, he didn't want to do his exams, did not want to go to Oxford and leave Sarah, he loves her. Sarah told him not to throw his life away but he was adamant he was not going to sit it.

Regards, Jayne Barber

Thanks once again to Jayne for part 1.

Now you may have thought I had disappeared on holiday ... but the bad news is I am back! With my fingers attached to my hands off I go with the second part of tonight's reports.

Todd tells Sarah that he doesn't want to take his exams, nor does he want to go to Oxford (I can tell you the real reason why he doesn't want to go ... he can't ride a bike ! LOL )

Sarah returns to the exam hall. Candice mimes "what's up", to which Sarah just shrubs her shoulders.

Sunita tells Deirdre about the Barcelona that Dev has offered her. She confesses to Deirdre that she loves him.

Eileen tells Deirdre and Sunita that she is getting in something special for Todd as it is his first day of his A levels.

Joe tells the girls in the factory that they will have to cut back. They will all need to work harder or else there will be redundancies.

Betty and Deirdre are in Ashley's butcher shop (with Boris in the background practising his dancing for his holiday). The radio is on in the background, and suddenly it sounds as if it is in the foreground as a request comes on the radio for Ashley from Claire. Back in the Kabin (where I don't recall a radio being on previously), Norris also heard the request.

Norris can't wait to broadcast what he heard to the world! He tells Rita and just teases by saying it was for someone that we know. Gail comes in and overhears the conversation. She asks if it was for Sarah, but Norris tells them it was from Claire for Ashley.

Todd walks home, and bumps into Jason at the garage. Jason asks about the exams. A bit cagey at first, Todd then says he walked out.

Norris, who has decided he must have meat for dinner that evening, goes into the butcher shop. He tells Ashley that he heard the request. Ashley reacts angrily and forcefully tells Norris that there is nothing between him and Claire.

Eileen is at home making supper. Todd walks in and tells her that he didn't do the exams. He then adds to it by telling her that he is not going to Oxford.

Oh just a sort of by-the-way, Sunita tells Betty that Dev has proposed marriage.

Eileen thinks Todd is joking. As she realizes he is not, she gets very angry. He says he only went along with the idea of going to Oxford just to please her. Eileen tries to force him back to school, when Jason comes in and breaks up the argument.

Mike tells Joe that he has had worse problems over the years and he has survived them. However now he just doesn't have much enthusiasm. He says he was going to retire a few years ago. He now wishes he did.

When Ashley gets home he asks Claire about the request on the radio. She says it was not from her.

Eileen and Todd continue arguing. She calls him selfish, and he responds back that it was all her fault. Sarah then comes to the door. Eileen then takes it out on Sarah, blaming her for everything. Gail hearing the argument from several miles away, in the street, comes over to find out what is happening. Big arguments in the street (who remembers Elsie Tanner and Ena Sharples arguing in the street? - now there was an argument!). Todd says he is sick and tired of being manipulated. He says he wants to be with Sarah and Bethany. It is his life and wants to get on with it.

Martin Rosen

Morning, early, and Joe and Karen arrive at the factory to check the mail before Mike arrives - nothing he can't see. Karen is appalled at Joe's looking forward to seeing Mike's empire crash around him. [Karen's brashness is not to the fore right now.]

Ashley is leaving for work, but not before Fred warns Claire that, if Gary interferes again, the police will be called. Ashley wonders if Fred would like fish for tea but he fulminates that he's not a sea-lion. [No - a vote is not necessary!]

In the street, Sarah is on her mobile [aren't all the kids?] but we don't know to whom. Candice sidles up, just as an enraged Eileen storms over the road to Gail's house looking for her absent son, Todd, who isn't there. [No, he's stayed at a mate's house and it's Todd that Sarah's speaking to.] After a few heated words, Eileen storms off home again. Audrey arrives and invites Gail for a drink at the Rovers later. When Audrey gets to the door of the Salon, there is a sharp intake of breath..."How awful!"

The Corner Shop, where Dev continues his charm offensive on Sunita - he insists on treating her to lunch. He'll even close the shop! [Things ARE getting serious.] Fred is doing some shopping, but Audrey arrives and drags him off to see something which cannot wait.

Fred arrives at the Salon and sees what all the fuss is about - stuck to the door is a large poster with the message 'Congratulations to Ashley and Claire on their engagement. Love from Maxine'. Norris appears, to let everyone know that there are other similar posters around the street, and Fred barks at Candice to 'get them down'. [Oh, Fred, there's a time and place...] On second thoughts, he knows the very man to remove the posters before Ashley gets a glimpse of them...

In the strife-torn factory, the girls are planning a drink later, after they get paid of course, while, in the office, Mike has a major problem which he shares with his 'loyal' assistants, Joe and Karen - he hasn't the cash to make up the wages. [Mike realizes (too late?) that he's 'been asleep' and has let things slide.] The girls work on in blissful ignorance of the crisis...

Back room of the Rovers, and Harry gets his orders from Fred: get rid of every single poster, immediately, before Ashley sees them. Harry leaves on his mission of mercy.

Norris arrives at the Watts', ready, willing and able to look after wee Ben while Emma goes off to work. Norris tries, as tactfully as only Norris can be, to advise Emma on her marital problems, but Emma will sort things out herself, thank you. Norris states that he's been married, and knows the 'sheer unrelenting misery' of it all. [The writer would like to point out that he is in a very happy first marriage. His wife sometimes reads this!]

Shelley calls in at the Corner Shop, and is pressed by Sunita to look after things while she goes upstairs to change for her lunch date. Ashley enters, for some milk. Shelley pales. [She has obviously seen the posters.] Ashley leaves the shop.

In the street, Curly spies little Ben being wheeled in his buggy by Norris, and is incensed. Norris tries to be diplomatic and invites Curly in [to his own house!] for a quiet chat. Curly is suitably grateful. Meanwhile, Ashley spots Harry doing what he's been told to do, and approaches to see what's going on. However, Shelley calls Ashley back to the shop, just in time to prevent his seeing the poster which Harry is busy removing. [Phew!]

Back at the Rovers, Fred thanks Harry for his having removed the offending posters. Gail speaks to Eileen and reminds her not to blame Sarah for Todd's decision to avoid a university education. Eileen still regrets that her bright son is not going up to Oxford, while Gail wishes he had gone. Janice has no money for fags [they haven't been paid yet] and borrows £10 from Karen.

A dimly lit restaurant, and Dev is the perfect host to Sunita, who wonders why he never seemed to notice her before. Dev goes into 'gush' mode: "You were there before me every day, and I never really saw you." [I think I preferred the pre-reincarnation of Dev!]

Chez Gail, and the two love-birds are flat-hunting in the papers. [And learning the harsh economic realities of life.] Gail arrives home, and reminds the star-struck kids that they also have to budget for little things like food, clothing and so on; how can they do that without jobs?

In the factory, the girls are back from lunch and wonder where their wages are. Karen feels guilty, and goes to ask Mike to explain to her mates, which he agrees to do. Mike announces to the work-force that their wages cannot be paid, at the moment; there will be a delay, due to a cash-flow problem. The girls, led by Fiz, start chanting: "We want paying'!" [Joe hovers in the background, with an evil grin on his smug unshaven visage, while Karen looks almost humble and penitent.]

The Peacock home, where Ashley is confused at Fred's 'final warning' to Claire about Gary's idiocy. [Ashley still hasn't seen the posters.] Claire goes off home, and Ashley considers that Fred has gone too far; is there anything else he should know? [Nowt, said Fred.]

Back at the factory, Joe suggests a couple of drinks to Mike, but Mike doesn't feel very sociable at the moment, especially in the Rovers, where he'll be seen as the bad guy. [No change there, then?] Joe and Karen depart, Joe placing his hand on Mike's shoulder as a gesture of support. Mike, on his own, starts to think things through...

Emma arrives home, and Curly pleads with her to let him have more access to Ben. Maybe, one day, he'll be able to forgive Emma her trespasses...

In the Rovers, Joe tells Karen that it won't be long now till Mike's empire collapses. [Karen looks even more worried and guilty.] Janice, Fiz and Angela approach a near-tearful Karen to ask what's up with the factory. Joe tells them that they haven't been paid either, so they're all in the same boat. He also tells them that 'it won't be long now'.

Ashley takes little Josh out in the buggy, and spots one of the offending posters lying on the ground. Candice, en passant, lets slip that there have been quite a few of these today, and that this was one that was obviously missed.

In the Rovers, Sunita confides to Shelley that, if Dev proposes marriage again, she will accept. Janice, Fiz and Angela all agree that it would be better if Joe and Karen were running the factory, not Mike. Ashley bursts in to see his Dad, Fred. He has seen the poster, and he promises all sorts of vengeance on Gary...

Iain McDougall

Sunita is hoovering in time to the music, dressed in her sexy slip.......she is soooo happy. The doorbell rings and she goes to see who it is at the door. There is nobody there but she sees Curly at the post box. He says he saw some kids running down the ginnel. He looks sad so she invites him in for a cuppa, but he looks at her skimpy dress and feels quite uncomfortable, so he declines......Sunita hasn't realized ....lol. Karen and Joe are walking past, Joe calls out to her she will catch cold, she realizes she is barely covered and runs inside.

Ashley is absolutely furious after seeing that poster................he is searching through the phone book, ringing all the printers trying to find the one where Gary works...............he doesn't even know his last name!!! He cant get hold of Claire either. Fred doesn't know what to say to him.......... so he gives him a fathers day card from Josh, says Josh couldn't quite reach the counter yet..

Emma gives Curly a fathers day card from Ben..................Curly is not happy with the care arrangements for Ben when Emma is working...............he wants to work something out about it. There is a letter for him.........he opens it and its a visiting order from the prison, for him to visit Les.............Emma asks him, will he go??

Over in the corner shop, Sunita prices Dev with her pricing gun..................he gets her back, and they play fight with the price tickets, and having a good laugh...............she asks him if he fancies her??? she says she wants to feel really wanted, and does he find her physically attractive??? He kisses her...........I guess that's a yes then.....................

Jason is at home stuffing his face with chips, when Todd goes in to get his stuff...........Jason tells him, his mum is gutted about what happened, and he should speak to her.............he refuses and goes upstairs to get his stuff..................Jason sneaks out to tell his mum.

Dev shows Steve his grandmothers engagement ring.................. He tells Steve that Sunita is perfect!!! Steve says are you sure she isn't just convenient.......as in, need a wife.?............go to the local convenience store!!

Sunita is in the pub chatting to Shelley, she tells her about her lovely lunch with Dev...............she thinks Dev will propose again tonight, and she 's going to say yes!!! Shelley's mum wishes her luck :o)

In the pub, the girls quiz Karen about the factory, she tries to reassure them.............but she looks worried.

Claire (the nanny) turns up at Ashley's, her mum told her he had been ringing, she thought there was a problem with Josh. Ashley screams at her and shows her the poster.................he wants to know where Gary lives.......she tells him and he storms out!!!!

Claire apologizes to Fred over and over for Gary's behaviour, he asks her to watch Josh while he goes to find Ashley.

Dev cancels a meeting because he is having dinner with Sunita, blimey he must be serious!!!

Fred calls for Kirk and Tyrone to help him cos Ashley might be in bother..........Jason goes too.

Eileen goes home to see Todd...............she tells him she was wrong ................she pushed him too hard and didn't think about what he wanted.............he wants to be with Sarah, so Eileen says there are universities nearer than oxford and he shouldn't give up on that. He doesn't want to go to university at all.......he leaves.

Ashley has Gary pinned against the wall when Fred and the cavalry arrives................he screams at Gary that his wife was murdered..............Gary is not impressed, he says the poster was only a joke (he admits to doing it then). The lads pull Ashley off, and Fred gives Gary a VERY stern warning...............then poor Ashley breaks down in his dads arms...............awwww

Dev arrives at Sunita's flat, with flowers and a bottle of wine................the flat looks beautiful, and so does Sunita.............Dev is nervous, he has butterflies in his tummy?? they kiss.

Back at home, Ashley talks to his dad...........he tells him that he thought he was coping with Maxine's death, but he's not, Fred tries to reassure him.....but what can he say?

Sunita and Dev are eating dinner...........Jalfrezi chicken and mushroom pie...............mmn different! She asks if he would like children (hypothetically) and he says yes he would.......and a big BIG wedding!!!

Maz(the girl from the allotments) is telling Fiz that she doesn't fancy Kirk, but that Tyrone is another matter.............that pleases Fiz, she tells them she has had loads of jobs but she's not working at the mo.

Karen asks Joe when the girls are going to get paid, some of them have kids to feed.............Joe reckons that the lower the factory gets.....the cheaper he will be able to buy It.........he reckons she shouldn't worry about the girls, they are not important!!! the cheek of the man!!

Back at Sunita's..........the evening has gone really well, Dev gets down on one Knee and takes her hands .................and the doorbell rings!!! Sunita says ignore it, its kids.....they have been doing it all day. He is just about to propose to her again when the door bursts open!!! ITS CIAREN!!!!!

Sue Nicholson

Well it is me back in the hot seat tonight. Depending on whether you are viewer or a reporter you may say unfortunately there was only one episode tonight - however with my reporter's hat on I saw good - less work!!!

Anyway here we go with tonight's report.

Kieran turns up unexpectedly just as Dev was about to propose to Sunita. He thinks as he saw what was about to happen he arrived just at the right time.

Obviously Dev gets a little bit hot under his collar and starts arguing with Kieran and suggests that Kieran should go. Kieran suggests that it should be up to Sunita to decide whether he should go. She suggests they all have coffee!!

Ashley still going over what happened with Gary. He realizes he was one step away from possibly killing him. He hankers after the memory of Maxine.

Dev keeps telling Kieran to go. He wants to throw him out. Sunita suggests that both of them should go, so she can clear her mind. Dev protests, and says he thought they had a life together.

Janice tells Joe that she and the other girls have still not been paid. He admits the company is in financial difficulties and he is trying to sort out the business.

Dev and Kieran continue their argument outside the shop. Dev says he still has the ring that he was going to give Sunita, and he still wants to propose to her. If she says then it will be a whole new "ball game". They actually agree and each of them goes their separate ways, however they keep looking over their shoulder as they don't trust each other.

As soon as they are out of sight of each other, Dev calls round to Sunita. He speaks to her through through the entry phone. She says she wants to leave it for tonight. He says he has an important question to ask her. She says she will see him tomorrow. Dev goes off in a cab, and then Kieran calls round.

He lets himself into the flat. He says he tried to protect her, by not telling her everything. He claims he has nowhere to go for the night. He is skint he has spent all his money getting there. She agrees that he can stay for one night only on the sofa.

Dev is about to call round in the morning only to meet Kieran just leaving with his bag. Dev is annoyed.

Shelley tells Peter that she thought she saw Kieran, but must have been mistaken. Peter says he wouldn't be surprised because nothing makes sense with Kieran.

In the shop both Sunita and Dev are at tenterhooks with one another. He eventually confronts her that he met Kieran coming out of her flat. She says he slept on the sofa and the arrangement was for one night only. She told Kieran to get out of town (does she think she is a sheriff?!), because she is marrying Dev.

Tracy comes in briefly enough to stir it.

Mike comes into the factory and notices that none of the girls are working. He asks them to continue working and they will get paid tomorrow. Hayley suggests they agree.

Dev closes the shop and asks Sunita for more explanation. However the moment of the proposal has gone. They hug.

Claire apologies to Ashley. He tells her that it was not her problem. He then apologizes to her for not trusting her.

Peter goes round to Sunita's and asks where Kieran maybe. She says she doesn't know, but he comes up behind him.

Peter tells Kieran that it was not Shelley that shopped him to the police.

Joe tells Karen the company is sinking like a stone. Karen asks him if the girls are getting paid tomorrow. He tells her that Mike will never pay wages again.

Sunita tells Dev that the letter that Kieran sent never arrived. He confesses that he intercepted it. Sunita is extremely annoyed that he is deciding what she should and should not see.

She tells him that they will not be marrying.

At this point, I would like to apologies for Wednesday nights. There has not been a report for the past few Wednesdays. Our reporter has had a few personal problems of her own. She hopes to back with us all this week.

This e-mail has come from:

Martin Rosen

Having re-read and thought about it, I seemed to have missed a bit out of last night's update!!!!

When Ciaran arrives (NB note the spelling of his name. I checked it in the listings magazine and saw that I got his name wrong!), he said he sent a letter to Sunita to say that he was coming back. Sunita said she never received it.

Now this falls into context when at the end of the programme ....

Sunita tells Dev that the letter that Ciaran sent never arrived. He confesses that he intercepted it. Sunita is extremely annoyed that he is deciding what she should and should not see.

Maybe I ought to retire gracefully - the mind is not what it used to be!!!

All the girls in the factory are moaning because they haven't been paid. The girls talk about going on strike. Janice shows Karen her bills. Karen looks gutted and guilty. Mike walks in, just been to a supplier and got paid in cash.

Dev and Sunita in the shop, talking about the situation. Norris walks in and asks for £1 coins. Sunita gave him a bag of £1.00 coins without saying anything. Sunita tells Dev not to stay in the shop, she does not want him there.

Janice and the girls have had some money. Janice paid her bills which left her £5.00 for week, all the girls start moaning again. Janice and the rest of the girls have a go at Karen. Mike tells Joe he wants girls laid off due to the financial situation.

Sunita goes in the pub (back way) and told Shelly about the other night. They talked with Shelly's mum (sorry cant remember her name) listening and then joined in the conversation. Sunita left to go back to the shop.

Girls have another go at Karen. Karen again looks gutted and guilty, but denies all knowledge. Joe lays off 2 girls in the office. Girls question Joe about how many he is going to lay off, Joe says 3 and Angela was going to be one of them. The girls have a go at Joe, Joe asks Fiz to go into the office, Fiz refuses so Joe sacks Fiz in front of the rest. Girls are shocked.

Shelley's mum goes to talk to Sunita, and offers her an ear to talk to as her mum is not around. She sees Peter and Ciaran at the end of the street so they go into the shop. Sunita tells her that she wishes Ciaran had a longer sentence, admits to still loving Dev (he knows her) but also admits to liking Ciaran. She could be anyone she wanted with Ciaran, and even asked Ciaran to sleep with her. Shelley's mum advises Sunita to wait to make a decision.

Mike has a go at Joe about Fiz. Mike tells Joe there is no room for a Supervisor and Manager so Karen must be demoted to machinist. Joe doesn't put up much of a fight. Mike advised Joe that she will be on machinists money as of this afternoon.

Police deliver some of Maxine's property off as the case is now closed. Ashley gets upset when he sees the video camera. He now feels as if it he was back to what he was after Maxine first got killed.

Joe tells Karen about the demotion. Karen is not happy but Joe tells her that as soon as Mike as gone she can pick whatever title she wants (manager, supervisor).

In the pub, Dev and Steve talk about Sunita, Steve advises Dev not to give in to Sunita. Ciaran walks in. Shelley is not very welcoming. Sunita walks in pub and Dev has a go for leaving the shop unattended. Lunch time is a busy time, Sunita walks out.

Claire tells Ashley to watch to video if he wants to. Ashley doesn't know what to do.

Peter, Ciaran and Ken are in the pub. Ciaran is chatting to Shelley's mum. Shelley pleads with Peter not to let Ciaran interfere and not to let Ciaran be best man. Peter calls Ciaran over and tells Ken/Ciaran and Shelley he wants to make things clear. Peter asks Ken to be his best man. Ken accepts.

Factory girls are in the pub. Karen comes in and tells the girls that she is on their side. The girls tell Karen she is only trying to save hers and Joe's skin. Steve overhears. Karen gets up to walks out. Steve goes up to the girls and tells them that Karen has her faults but the most important thing to her is her mates and she would not let them down. Karen overhears and walks out of the pub.

Ashley watches the video, gets really upset and tells Claire that it is not because he saw Maxine, but the way he was. Happy and regrets not going with Maxine home that night. He hates Richard.

Karen sees Joe leave the factory.

Dev walks into the shop, Sunita is not happy, tells Dev that he cannot respect her wishes and resigns from the shop.

Karen goes into the factory to tell Mike about Joe. Karen tells Mike they have to talk. Mike admits he knows about what they have been doing, Karen asks 'what can we do' and Mike said there are no "we". Mike wants to phone the police, Karen tells him not to, Mike asks her why not !!!!!


Jayne Barber

In the factory office, Mike is coming to terms with finding out about Joe and Karen's scam to ruin him. [He accuses Karen, now in tears, of having 'more front than Brighton'.] Karen faces a stretch in prison, and Joe as well, and Mike also [correctly] guesses that it was she who forged his signature on cheques. [Her weepy silence shows her guilt.]

In the Kabin, Norris congratulates Sunita for being so 'punctilious' in settling her newspaper account, unlike their usual customers who are 'dilatory'. Rita is impressed by these big words, and she learns that Sunita is looking for a job. [Todd overhears the conversation!]

Ciaran calls in at the Corner Shop, accusing Dev of having lost in their quest for Sunita; Dev should not have stolen the letter. Dev calls Ciaran a chancer and a con-man, and Ciaran smiles as he contemplates his future with Sunita.

Back at Underworld, Karen is sorry [for having been caught?] and offers to make things right. Mike strikes a deal with her - he won't phone the police, if Karen provides him with chapter and verse, in writing, of their scam. Joe arrives, but neither Mike nor Karen mention their 'deal'. Karen leaves the factory, without speaking to Joe. Mike sends the girls home, for they've no work, and calls Joe into the office... ... where he asks Joe to start phoning round seeking orders. [Has Joe got off with it?] Mike and Joe get on the phone in a last-ditch effort to save the company.

In the street, Harry meets a still-tearful Karen; is the firm going down? She doesn't know, she blubbers. Steve passes in his taxi and asks Karen if there's anything he can do. "Yes, leave me alone!"

Back inside the factory office, no joy with prospective orders. [Joy appears to be in short supply!] Mike quizzes Joe about their erstwhile supplier, Artrec; did Joe ask about their provenance and reliability? Joe states that other firms used the supplier. [Oh no they didn't!] Mike suggests that they continue their trawl by phone... [Joe looks the model of a loyal friend and employee, but will Mike continue to be fooled?]

In the cafŽ, Roy is worried that, since Ciaran has returned, they're entering uncharted waters: competition? Sarah asks Katy about her mystery boyfriend, whom Katy christens as 'Mark', but Katy tells Sarah that the relationship is going nowhere, which Sarah thinks is a 'shame'.

In the Rovers, Curly offers to move out of Martin's flat, for David is to stay overnight, but that won't be necessary. Curly is envious of Martin's relationship with his children - will he ever be as close to Ben as Martin is to David? Janice [oblivious of the drama unfolding at the factory], tells Betty that Mike has 'had it'.

Underworld, and still no joy from the phone trawl. Mike confronts Joe with his opinion - maybe the cops are looking in the wrong direction? Could it be someone in the factory who planned and executed the robbery, stealing the paperwork to cover their tracks? Joe thinks this idea is just preposterous, but Mike goes on to accuse Joe of trying to ruin him, pointing out that Artrec is an anagram of Carter. A still-cocky Joe protests his innocence, and tells Mike that he can't prove anything.

A florist's van rolls up [Florizel Florists, would you believe?] and the driver deposits a huge bouquet of flowers into the hands of Ciaran. [Of course, it's the love-lorn Dev who has sent the flowers for Sunita, but will Ciaran merely deliver the flowers to her?]

Todd appears at the Corner Shop, looking for a job, but Dev tells him there is no position available. Exit a doleful [sorry about that!] Todd.

Underworld again, and there is accusation and counter-accusation between Mike and the ever-more-edgy Joe, who eventually admits that he used Karen to gain what he wanted - the factory. [Karen arrives and overhears Joe's admission.] Joe, seeing Karen enter the office, pales, as Karen provides Mike with a list of all the details of their scam, plus a credit transfer from their joint account of all the money they stole from Mike. Joe screams at Karen that she can't do this without his signature, but Karen is good at forgery, she tells him. [Justice prevails!! Good on ya, Mike!!]

The silver-tongued Ciaran presents the flowers to Sunita, claiming they are from him. He tries to charm his way into Sunita's affections, but she is having none of it, for now anyway.

Underworld, and the end is nigh for Joe, who begs Mike not to call the cops - he couldn't face prison again. [Mike reminds him of the old adage - 'If you can't do the time, don't do the crime!'] Mike throws Joe out; he never wants to see him again. Karen, still tearful, waits to see what her fate is going to be. [She doesn't have to wait for long!] Mike couldn't give a toss about what happens to her, and she leaves, still in tears.

Chez Gail, and Todd has landed an interview at the hospital for a job as cleaner: Sarah, however, thinks it's too early to start looking for their own place.

Underworld, and Mike lands an order for some garments. [Mike, past it? Not a chance!!]

At the flat, Joe is packing, while Karen, for the first time, see him for what he really is - a conniving, self-centred guy who has used her for his own ends, as well as wrecking her marriage to Steve. In a furious rage, she hits out at Carter but [unfortunately] he's stronger than her and fends her off. Joe leaves...

Janice calls into the factory, to be told by Mike to spread the word among the girls - they're in business again. Outside, Mike watches as the despicable Joe gets into a taxi and departs.

Karen, alone, crouches on her sofa in floods of tears.

Iain McDougall

Welcome to another edition of your favourite soap.

Firstly I must apologies in case this report does not make sense. Today my wife and I celebrate two years of moving into this house! So we had a little bit of fizz, glug, glug, wheeeeeee!! From here it may be gibberish! Also the fact that it is a muggy night doesn't help.

Janice says she doesn't trust Mike Baldwin. He was too happy yesterday.

Karen asks to have a word with him. He says he is too busy.

Dev asks Sunita if she received his flowers yesterday. She was surprised that they were from him. Ciaran says that he sent them. Dev wonders to her how she could trust him as a liar.

Roy is serving a customer in the cafe. He is a little confused as he is booking his first driving lesson.

Martin says he has found cockroaches in his flat. He has got the exterminator to come round to deal with it. Roy is worried they will park their van outside, as it would not look good outside the cafe.

Janice is chatting with Sonia (a new girl that has suddenly appeared at Underworld). They remark that Joe is not around. They think that he has probably gone to a posh do.

Mike tells the girls that there is some good news, some better news and some terrific news. Firstly he tells them that things are looking up. They are out of trouble. The better news is that (Joe) Carter has slung his hook. He then tells Karen that she is sacked, and invites Hayley to come into the office.

Mike tells Hayley he is not replacing the supervisor's job. However he wants her to keep an eye on the girls, making sure they keep up the standards (sounds like a supervisor's job - I think she ought to demand more money!). He is however giving all the girls a bonus.

Ciaran tells Peter that he has nowhere to stay. Peter explains he can't stay with him because Shelley doesn't like him. However he says he can have his old flat on a temporary basis.

A pizza delivery boy arrives in the cafe. Roy is surprised because as a cafe they are hardly likely to order a pizza. He explains that was the address his base gave him. Candice and Katy seem interested in him.

Karen is packing up everything from her locker at Underworld. Janice wonders who is next. Fizz, Joe and Karen have all been sacked. Just as Karen is about to leave Mike calls her into the office. He says he has lost a lot of money because of her and Carter. He tells her that she must pay it back. When she says that she hasn't got the money, he threatens to tell the police. The alternative is she must leave Weatherfield for ever.

In the Rovers Fizz tells Karen that she may have to come to the job centre ['center' for those of you across the pond!] with her. They are unaware of what Karen and Joe have done. Janice suggests it won't be that bad. The girls then ask Karen what Baldwin said to her when he called her in the office. She explains that her and Joe was working a scam to bring down MIke. When they realize all their problems recently has been because of Karen and Joe they turn against her. Hayley says she asked Mr Baldwin to give her a second chance (I thought she had already had that), but now she wished she hadn't.

Martin tells Curly that it will take a few days to clear his flat of cockroaches.

Janice tells Mike that Karen had told them everything. He is surprised, and confirms with Janice that she had been told everything.

Todd tells Sarah that he has got a job.

Pizza boy turns up again in the street. He says he is lost. Katy offers to take him to the road he needs. He is a little concerned about her short skirt (I wasn't!), but she didn't mind.

Martin is still worried about where he is going to stay. Tommy offers him a bed at his place.

Mike tells Dev that that he has run Joe Carter out of town.

Rita comes round to chat to Karen, although initially she doesn't want to talk. Eventually she opens up to Rita, but she doesn't tell her about what she and Joe have done. This leads Rita to think that they are going off together in the penthouse.

Dev pays Sunita her wages and gives her a bonus as well.

Rita gives Karen some magazines to read. She asks for a forwarding address. She says she will ring it through, because she is not quite sure of the address.

Mike and Rita look on as Karen leaves.

Hey I must try this again - the words flowed easier tonight!

Martin Rosen

We open in Rita's shop with Norris asking Steve if Karen was all right, seeing as she was in a bit of state when she left. Steve didn't know anything about it, and Rita questions whether Steve really needs Norris putting in his two pen'orth.

Fizz and Janice are talking about Karen and Joe probably being in some hotel, laughing. Fizz reminds Janice that she no longer has a job, but instead of looking for a new one later, she and Kirk are going to visit Les in prison.

Steve is trying to phone Karen on her mobile, but it's switched off.

Shelley and Todd are talking outside the Rover's. Todd's asking for job and flat, but Shelley doesn't need any more staff. Peter comes out and Shelley reminds him that his old flat over the bookies is empty, Peter says he'll show it to him. Jason comes up, laughing about Todd's job as a hospital cleaner.

Martin is still looking for somewhere to stay while his place is being cleared of cockroaches. He doesn't appear to be making much progress.

Roy and Hayley are in the cafe talking about cockroaches. Hayley is adamant they don't have them and they decide if they're going to talk about them when customers might hear, they'll use the code name 'Dave'.

Kirk has his visiting order from Les, shows it to Curly and asks why he hasn't been to visit Les yet. Curly is not interested.

Martin sees Katy leaving her house as he takes a call on his mobile telling him that there's no room at the nurses' hostel. On talking to Kevin and Tommy, Tommy persuades Martin to come and stay at their house as his wife's away, Martin agrees reluctantly, obviously feeling awkward because of Katy.

Peter shows Todd round the flat. It's absolutely crammed full of junk. (Where did that come from? He only moved across the road to the pub). Peter asks who is going to be living there and is surprised to hear its going to be Todd, Sarah and Bethany. Peter says he should be careful not to let a woman tie him down if that's not what he really wants. Todd is shocked to learn that the rent will be 65.00 pounds per week, plus bills, and Peter wants one month's rent in advance as a deposit, as well as one month's rent. He later lets him off the deposit.

Steve goes to the factory asking if anyone knows where Karen has gone. Janice tells him in no uncertain terms what she thinks of Karen and tells Steve just exactly what she and Joe were doing and how it nearly cost them their jobs.

At the prison, Les is pretty miserable. He's got no friends and met an old neighbour that he fell out with long ago. Kirk comments that Les hasn't had a lot of luck with neighbours. Les says there's only one person he wants to see, and that's Curly.

In the corner shop Dev is rushed off his feet. Todd seizes the moment and offers to work a few hours on a regular basis. Dev accepts the offer, so Todd has another job! Tracey is watching, and then puts in the poison to Dev about Sunita being unreliable and leaving poor Dev in the lurch. Eileen then comes into the shop and is shocked to find Todd working there. She rants and raves at both Todd and Dev for employing him.

Later, Todd comes out of the shop and meets Sarah in the street. He says 'Come with me!' and leads her off.

At the garage, Kevin and Tommy have to go to attend a breakdown on the motorway, so Tommy gives Martin his house keys and says to make himself at home.

In the pub, Fizz sees Mike Baldwin and asks for her job back now that Karen has gone, Mike says OK.

Roy meets Hayley in the pub, and states there's no activity to report regarding cockroaches. Hayley gets cross and refuses to talk about them.

Todd is showing Sarah the flat and telling her to look beyond the junk, as it's all going. (Where?) Sarah admits, its all right, why? Because, Todd tells her, it's theirs! He sold his laptop to pay for the first month's rent.

Curly and Kevin are in the pub, Curly's 40th birthday is looming. He doesn't want his mum to make a fuss because he hasn't told her about his separation from Emma, and that he's on his own again. And he doesn't want any remarks about life beginning at 40 either! Roy said his life began when he met Hayley! (Aaaah!)

Eileen and Jason are in the pub, talking about Todd's new job. She means the corner shop, he means the cleaning job at the hospital. Eileen is furious! (Nothing new there then).

At the Harris's house, Katy walks in to find Martin there, much to her surprise. She's not too pleased to see him and says he should have said no. Martin says he couldn't refuse Tommy when he offered. Craig comes in, oh yes, he was supposed to have told Katy, but he never saw her.

Back in the pub, Tracey approaches Dev, still stirring it about Sunita. Obviously Sunita is never satisfied. Dev has a go back at Tracey, telling her to look at her own excuse for a life (she's living with Mummy, Daddy and Grandma) before she worries about his. Tracey then tries her luck with Steve, sidles up to him and suggests that he knows the best thing to drown sorrows. He buys her a drink.

Back at the Harris's house, they're just finishing the dinner Martin cooked. Tommy tells Katy to clear away, but she says she's got exams tomorrow and school work to do.

Todd and Sarah are clearing up the flat, Sarah is worrying about telling her mum the news that she's moving!

In the pub, Fizz tells Kirk that he's 'sex on toast' to her! (No accounting for taste!) She goes up to Curly for another try at getting him to visit Les. Curly is adamant, no, he won't go.

Martin is on the sofa in the Harris's house. Down the stairs comes Katy (surprise, surprise) doing up her dressing gown. She has a go at him about not wanting to stay there, she thinks he doesn't trust her since she kissed him at the party. They talk and she sits on the sofa. Martin explains that he feels awkward with the situation, and then confesses that he likes her a lot. They kiss. Footsteps on the stairs, they spring apart as Tommy comes down. 'What's going on?' Is Katy disturbing Martin? (I should say so!) Get back to bed Katy, school tomorrow.

Anne Logan

Whilst Martin is tidying up his 'sofa bed', Tommy and Craig are having breakfast. Katy come downstairs really happy, her dad comments. Tommy tells Katy not to disturb Martin, Katy smiles and says that Martin doesnt mind, Martin agrees and goes out.

Jack and Tyrone go into the cafe and meet up with Maz. Tyrone introduces Maz to Vera (who did realise that she was a hippy!!!). Maz thanks Vera for letting her borrow the greenhouse, Vera looks shocked until Jack explains that Maz will give them some of the produce. Maz goes to the allotment and agrees to meet Maz there later. Jason and Todd meet in the Cafe and Todd tells Jason hes rented the flat over the Bookies with Sara and Bethany. Jason shocked and askes if Gail took it OK as Jason knows how his mum would take it. Todd ponders!!!!!

At Gails house, Gail suggests that Bethany says at the Creche as she really likes it there and it would give Sara some time to herself. Gails also suggests that they take a holiday in a Caravan in Wates. David isi pleased that Sarah did not move to Oxford.

Todd shows Jason the flats, Jason was not impressed, he tells Tood he is wasting his life, but Todd is doing what he wants!!!!! Jason tells him he has finally shown he has gutts!!!!

Steve tells Eillen that if anyone wants him, hes in the old (Karens) flat, clearing up. Eileen told him theres nothings more theraputic (she should know!!).

Katy asks Sara if she has told her mum about the flat, Sara says No, not yet. Katy tells Sara things are back on with 'Mark'. She wants to meet him, but Katy says he is very shy!!!!!!!

Girls in the factory are having a laugh at Karens expense. Mike tells them to look at the mess, Janice advised its Harrys job. The girls havent got the time to clean as they havent got Karen !!!

Sara bumps into Jason in the cafe. Jason tells Sara that she was wrong to persuade him to get the flat. Sarah tells him that everything Todd does is up to him, she has only just known about the flat. Curlys looking for a job, and tells Vera he is not having much luck. He will be 40 on Saturday, and things cant get worse, he hasnt got either of his kids and him and Emma are more like childminders that parents. Martin joins Curly, and tells him about 'the nurse' that he has now kissed. Curly says age should not matter.

In the pub, Mike offers Harry his job back, but Harry will think about it. Girls from the factory try to persuade him to take it, he will think about it but there is room for negogation. Fiz pesters Curly about going to see Les. Harry later accepts the job under certain conditions eg: better cleaning agents, a written contracct and soft toilet paper. Mike agrees!! (What a push over)

Shelly lets slip to Eileen about the flat.

Todd and Sara in the shop, Eileen walks in and confronts them about the flat. Eileen questions him where he has got the money from, and Todd admits he has sold his laptop. Eileen feels hurt. Todd apologises but Eileen says hes not (and that hurts more).

Maz planting tomato seeds, Tyrone says hes glad they met and ask her to go for a drink on Friday, she accepts.

Curly goes round to Emmas to babysit Ben. Emma tells Mike shes got an interview for an inspectors job in Newcastle, theres no need to tell Curly until she has the job. Mike blames himself for the mess.

Tommy asks Katy to get tea for her and Martin. Steve wallows in self-pity with Dev in the pub. Dev goes back to shop and Tracey joins Steve. Tracey gives Steve a birthday card for Thursday.

Eileen goes into Gails and tells Gail about the flat (after accusing Gail of knowing about it).

Katy gets tea for Martin, they have the house to themselves. Martin tells Katy it should stop, Tommy is his mate, their age difference. Katy says she doesnt care as long as they are together. She goes to kiss him but Martin pulls away. He tells her it must stop.

Todd and Sara have chips in their new flat. Knock on the door, its Gail. Gails want a look around the flat.

Martin feels bad, Tommy comes in, Martins already made arrangement so Tommy can have his tea. Tommy goes and gets changed. Katy accuses Martin of being a coward.

Gail argues with Sarah about the state of the flat, its damp and cold. If Sarah hasnt got Bethanys interests at heart then she will fight Sarah for custody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Jayne Barber

Todd's flat, where Sarah has stayed the night but declines his offer of breakfast [when she sees what he's incinerated]. Todd promises a culinary delight for dinner - corned beef and mandarin oranges, with a brandy sauce, in candlelight. Sarah, wisely, suddenly realizes how much she's missing Bethany and hurries off home.

Chez Gail, and David questions his Mum about the sanity [or lack thereof] of Sarah's intended moving-in with Todd. Gail will not sit back and watch Bethany being brought up in a squalid flat.

Breakfast at the Nelsons', but Martin can't stop - he has a pressing engagement, somewhere or other. Tommy suggests a rambling trip at the weekend, with Craig and the doe-eyed Katy of course. Martin will look forward to that, provided he doesn't have to work. [Is a change of roster imminent?]

The Grimshaws', and the postman calls. The usual bills, plus a couple of cards for Jason's birthday. Eileen apologizes for her small present, a CD, but times are hard. Jason and Eileen open the door to go their separate ways to work, just in time to witness Todd and Sarah in a loving clinch across the street. Eileen mutters about 'betrayal', and Todd goes back to the not-so-cozy love-nest.

Curly arrives at his (own) house for Ben-sitting duties, to let Emma go off to work. [Today is her interview for promotion to Inspector, in Newcastle, about which slight detail Curly knows nothing. Yet!]

Gail's again, and Sarah arrives to take Bethany to the creche, and she admits to her Mum that she doesn't want to be separated from her wee daughter. [Gail smiles, contemplating a return to happy families, perhaps.]

In the cafŽ, Tyrone is a man besotted; by Maz. [Fizz reckons that Maz is past her sell-by date and much too old for Tyrone.] Tyrone worries about his image, since he and Maz are so different, but Fizz and Kirk (Yes, Kirk!) will help out in that department. Tracy just happens to bump into a still-morose Steve and promises to give him a birthday present later. Curly is bemoaning his imminent fortieth birthday, and asks Martin how his 'nurse' is, just as Katy enters to ask Roy about extra hours. No joy; they're fully staffed. Katy notices that Martin has been tucking into a large breakfast, and she accuses Martin of having egg on his face, before storming off...

... but Martin follows her out into the street and the immortal, and inevitable, phrase: "Things can't go on like this". He wants to remain friends, but only friends. Maybe they could meet in the Coffee Shop in Market Road later? Katy offers a surly reply - "Maybe!" - and resumes her storming-off.

A very brief visit to the Rovers, where Hayley attempts to be nice to Tracy but is promptly told to mind her own business.

The Coffee Shop, and Martin tries to make peace with Katy; yes, he cares, yes, he likes her, yes, BUT [you saw that coming, didn't you?] she should look for someone of her own age, someone who'll not be wrinkly in a few years. Martin reaches across the table [if not the generation gap] and squeezes her hand, just as a well-known face appears at the door - Sarah! Sarah is surprised to see Katy and Martin there, and an awkward few moments' conversation take place. Katy leaves, but not before saying bye bye to 'Uncle' Martin, whom Sarah wants to talk to.

In the cafŽ, Roy complains about a blight of modern society - mobile phones - and Tyrone arrives to look at some back numbers of The National Geographic magazine which Roy has. Vera opines that Maz is a weed, just like in Bill and Ben. [Note: The Flowerpot Men, Bill and Ben, was a cult children's TV programme when the writer was a younger man, much younger. Bill and Ben spoke gibberish - some things never change!] Fizz arrives and drags Tyrone off for a make-over for his date with Maz.

Back at the Coffee Shop, where Martin is giving Sarah the benefit of his vast experience in matters of the heart. [We're not talking cardiology here.] Briefly, he encourages Sarah to put Bethany first, tell her Mum and then tell Todd.

Jason and Tony [Jason's Dad] inspect Todd's flat, and offer to re-wire the place. Todd offers his brother a CD and Tony gives him a [rather chunky] ring for his birthday.

Gail is packing a suitcase of household items for Sarah to take to Todd. Gail is delighted that Sarah has decided to stay at home - hence, probably, the generosity.

Emma arrives in the Rovers with good news for Mick and Janice - she's been offered the post of Inspector [presumably not in community relations!] in Newcastle. A still-surly Katy enters and demands some money for chips from her Dad, who is chatting to Martin. After she has stormed off, Tommy asks Martin if he could talk to her, for she's being very difficult at the moment. [Martin gulps.] Tracy enters and offers Steve another drink, for his birthday yesterday. [No present, as promised?]

Sarah brings the suitcase of items to Todd's flat, but she can't stay with him: Bethany needs her, but they'll be together as a family one of these days. Sarah again declines his culinary delights and goes off home, leaving Todd on his own.

Tyrone appears in the Rovers, looking like a refugee from M.A.S.H. - much to everyone's amusement. He goes off home to change, before Maz arrives. Janice tells Mick that, now that Emma is an Inspector, he can put in for her job as Sergeant.

Back in Todd's flat, he weeps and contemplates the future he had planned...

Tracy plies her feminine wiles on Steve and the talk turns to takeaways - sweet and sour, or hot and spicy? Tracy drags Steve away for greater delights than the Rovers can offer. Tyrone arrives back [now changed into casual but elegant] to find Maz chatting to Martin, who takes his leave. Tyrone goes into 'chat up mode' with Maz. [Poor Tyrone is out of his depth.]

Tracy and Steve have bought the carry-out and get to Steve's door. Is Steve hungry? No, Steve is starving!! Tracy offers to help him satisfy his starvation, and the door closes...

Iain McDougall

Its Curly's 40th Birthday and has round to see Emma and Ben. He imagined being somewhere exotic drinking champagne for breakfast for his 40th birthday, not on Kev's and Sally's couch with a bottle of lager. Emma gave him a card from Ben and 2 cards arrived in the post, 1 from his mum and 1 from Raquel.

Tracey flirts with Steve in the cab office, a driver comes in and Tracey says she going home to bed. Steve claims he has a dodgy tummy and asks the driver to cover until Eileen comes in.

In the cafe Katy tells Tommy she needs more cash and is looking for another job as Roy cant offer her any more hours. Tommy says to ask Martin but Kate doesn't want to so Tommy says he will ask him.

In the street, Emma asks Shelly's mum to arrange a surprise party for Curly's birthday. Dev offers Sunita her job back with a pay rise, but she's been enjoying spending money which she didn't have time to do before when working for Dev. She wont give Dev an answer.

In the pub, Shelley's mum passes the word around about the party. Tommy asks Martin if there are any jobs going in the hospital. martin says hell keep his eyes open. Mike buys Roy and Hayley a drink before going to do his books. Todd and Jason talk about Sara not moving in and Todd tells Jason not to tell their mum as she would have a laugh. They decide to decorate the flat. Roy tells Mikes that he owes Hayley more than a couple of drinks more like a pay rise and an apology after demoting her. Mike says that wasn't him, it was Joe. Hayley says that she was more upset that Karen was prepared to see her mates lose their jobs. Mike agreed but admired her from coming clean. Mike told Hayley and Roy that Karen had admitted everything, landing Joe in it (even though Mike already knew). Hayley looks shocked.

Martin call to get Tommy and gives Katy a number to ring for a catering assistant. Martin tell her they will probably never see each other as the hospital is big and Martin takes sandwiches to work.

Kevin and Curly head for the pub, Curly moaning that has 40 and if it wasn't for Sally then he wouldn't be doing anything. Why does Kevin want to come down the pub anyway? Kevin pushes Curly in, to which everyone shouts 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' and he receives a hug and kiss from Emma. He's pleased.

Coming our off their cafe, Hayley tells Roy that she feels guilty about the way she's treated Karen. They go the the cab office and tell Steve that Karen did not leave with Joe and repeated what Mike had told them earlier.

Curly tells Emma that He's more relaxed tonight than He's been in months. Emma's says that they have said some horrible things and meant them. Curly said that it was his birthday and they can forget them. Jason and Eileen have another row about money.

Steve goes to see Mike about what Ray and Hayley told him. Mike confirms it. Steve admits to Mike that he wants Karen back, Mike tells him about the £8000.

Kev, Tommy, Curly and Martin reminisce. Curly's on a downer about the jobs He's had and the woman He's had. He tells them that Emma is the one for him and when he messes up he does it big time.

Steve questions Mike about the whereabouts of Karen. Mike doesn't know. Steve offers Mike the £8000 as long as when Karen comes back he leaves Karen alone. But Steve doesn't know where Karen is YET!!!!!

In the pub, Tracey wants Steve but he tells her last night was a fantastic but he is a married man. Steve asks Janice where Karen has gone, she doesn't know. (and doesn't care).

Curly tells Emma that he has been reminiscing with the lads. He tells Emma that she was the only one that has really loved him, he regrets naming the star after Racquel (he should have done it for Emma). Curly asks her if there was a chance they could start again. Janice comes up and congratulates Emma on her new job, Curly's birthday cake is bough out and Emma turns to Curly 'That's what I have been trying to tell you, I've got a job in Newcastle'. Curly looks horrified.


Jayne Barber

We open in the street with Dev and Sunita. Dev offers Sunita her job back, Sunita insists that it's on a strictly professional basis, so they go inside. Meanwhile, Ciaran has been watching all this from across the street.

Kevin and Tommy are talking outside the garage. Kevin mentions that Rosie has another singing audition coming up.

Todd's working in the corner shop and Katy comes in. She tells Todd she's starting work tomorrow in the hospital canteen. As they're chatting Dev comes up, enquiring sarcastically whether this is a youth club. Todd shouldn't forget he's still on trial. Dev notices the water Todd's mopping the floor with is dirty so Todd goes to tip it in the gutter outside when along comes Eileen. Now she can be really proud - her son the cleaner!

Roy walks past the garage and stops to chat to Kevin and Tommy. He informs them that of course with modern cars becoming more complicated with electronic onboard computers it wont be long before the small independent mechanic will be out of business, unable to compete - they will be modern dinosaurs. Kevin and Tommy look somewhat depressed as Roy walks away, then they laugh - we're dinosaurs!

Ciaran sees Todd in the street, and asks him if Sunita is still in the shop, and enquires whether he feels insecure as the new boy. Are they playing tricks on him, sending him out for striped paint etc? He warns him they'll be laughing at his expense, and to trust no-one.

Emma goes into the Rovers to thank Shelley and her mum for Curly's party last night. They start talking about her promotion to Newcastle, and Bev remarks how much Curly and Ben will miss each other, after all Curly looked after him for so long. Shelley is embarrassed at what her mum is saying and Emma rushes off. (Obviously that's a bit close to the truth.)

Back at the corner shop, Sunita and Dev are talking, agreeing to keep their relationship strictly professional. Todd answers the phone and then comes over and tells Dev that the guy who runs the Staleybridge shop has cut his hand badly and had to go to hospital. He's had to close the shop. Dev has to go over there.

Over in the cafe Katy tells Roy that she's got a new job in the hospital canteen and will be leaving today, she's sorry but its more hours and more cash. Vera overhears, is Katy leaving? Well, Roy had better not expect Vera to do any more work, she should be putting her feet up at her age. A row then develops between Katy and Vera as they argue over who has been working the hardest. Kevin is waiting to be served. Kevin comments that he may as well eat, while he's still in business!

Sunita and Todd are in the corner shop when in comes Keiran and asks if he can take Sunita to lunch. She protests that she can't go, it's her first day back and what about Dev? Ciaran knows however, that Dev has gone to Staleybridge on a wild goose chase, it was him on the phone all the time! (How did he know Dev had a Staleybridge shop?) Todd worries that he might get the sack, but Sunita assures him that he won't and asks if he'll cover for her til 2pm. He agrees, but on the way out Ciaran slips him some cash to make it 3pm.

Curly, walking down the street, bumps into Emma and Ben (funny how she never seems to be at work these days). Curly is looking smart in a suit, he's been to sign on with a couple of employment agencies. As they talk a row develops, Curly states there'll soon come a time when he'll never see his son by accident like this, Emma is taking him to the other end of the country. Emma tells him not to shout at her in public, in front of Ben, they'll take it into account when they're considering access in the divorce court. Curly is horrified. Divorce? Emma asks him what other ending there could be?

In the restaurant Ciaran and Sunita are studying the wine list. Ciaran asks her why she's gone back to work for Dev. Sunita tells him she likes it there, and suggests that perhaps Ciaran might get a job, it might pay for somewhere to live. He tells her he's not on the streets he's living in Peter and Shelley's old flat. Sunita then orders a very expensive, vintage champagne!

In the cafe Katy is talking to Martin when Vera starts stirring up another argument. To keep the peace Roy tells Katy to go early. She takes off her apron and goes to sit with Martin who orders two teas. Vera brings them over and spills one all over Katy (accidentally on purpose!) Martin goes off without touching his tea (why are people in soaps so wasteful?), Katy is miffed.

In the corner shop Sunita is serving Tracy and fumbling with the cash. She apologizes, explaining that Ciaran took her out for lunch and she's probably drunk a little too much champagne. Tracy does not want to hear about anyone else's love life, and storms out. Dev comes back, his trip to Staleybridge was a wild goose chase - did the phone caller have an Irish accent? he asks Todd.

At the Harris's house, Angela has returned from visiting her mum. Craig and Tommy tell her that Martin has been staying because his flat was infested with cockroaches. Angela agrees that after all he's done for them, especially Katy (!) he can be allowed a few liberties.

Martin and Curly are in the Rovers having a drink. Curly is bemoaning the fact that if Emma takes Ben to Newcastle he'll hardly see him. Martin has some wise words of advice, he shouldn't mix Ben up with all his hurt and anger against Emma, it's nothing to do with Ben.

Behind the bar, Shelly and her mum, Bev, are planning Shelley's hen night. Tracy happens to be at the bar and they ask her to help, after all they'll all be family soon. Tracy isn't sure at first but Bev pleads with her, after all if it was left to Shelley they'd be in fancy dress playing pass the parcel!

Steve comes in and hands Mike Baldwin a brown paper package, the 8,000 pounds Karen owes. Mikes asks where he got it, and Steve tells him its a bank loan. Mike wonders if Karen is worth all that interest the bank will charge and tries to give it back, but Steve won't take it. As he goes to leave he's accosted by Tracy, but he tells her he's not interested, he wants Karen back. She demands to know just what she was then? "A mistake!" he tells her as he goes out of the door.

Sunita comes in, asking Shelley what's good for a hangover, after her champagne lunch with Ciaran. Shelley wonders how he can afford it, and Sunita tells her he's not paying rent he's living in their old flat. Shelley didn't know, and she's furious. When Sunita realizes Ciaran is there in the pub talking to Peter, she goes out quickly, she told Ciaran she was busy tonight, she's playing it cool. Ciaran and Peter are talking about Peter's forthcoming stag night. Ciaran tries to warn him off becoming a "married man" - they change.

Curly goes to see Emma, he's sorry for their argument, and so is she, it seems they were just trying to hurt each other. She invites him in.

Back in the pub Shelley and Peter are arguing about Ciaran living in their old flat, she didn't know. Why does Peter always treat her like an afterthought?

Roy and Hayley are talking about Roy's odd day. He seems to have caused a lot of anger. Tracy spits venom at them - happy couples make her sick! She marches out, leaving Hayley bewildered and Roy complacent.

Back at Curly and Emma's, they are wondering how they got it so wrong. They loved each other when they got married. Curly doesn't want Ben to move away, he's scared they'll grow apart, just as he and Emma have. Ben starts crying upstairs, Curly asks to go to him, while he still can.

Eileen and Dev are in the taxi office. Steve comes in, he's going to go and look for Karen and Dev will just have to cover for him. Dev is not pleased!

Curly and Emma continue their talk. How will access work with Ben in Newcastle? Who will look after him while Emma is at work? Curly doesn't want to be a weekend father. They've got to give it another go, he says. He still loves Emma, he'll move to Newcastle with her, could they give it another go, please?


Anne Logan

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