2004
Sunday 1 February

Hello Everyone

We start tonight at Les's house. Fiz is banging on the door enquiring whether Kirk has turned up. Les ö half asleep tells her that he is still missing. She tells him that he is off the hook and then dashes off somewhere else. Meanwhile back in the house ö Kirk comes downstairs. He tells Les that he turned himself in because he couldn't bear life on the run and needs time to build himself up to tell Fiz because he thinks that she might think he is a wimp.

Norris is in the Kabin looking through the Gazette ö he sees a very small article about Rita's court case ö just as Rita walks in. He doesn't want her to see it so quickly shuts the paper. He then tries to persuade her to take it easy for the rest of the day.

Cilla is looking through the paper and is angry that it is such a small piece and that it only appears on page 10 ö she wanted front-page coverage. She is going to ensure that everyone on the street knows about it.

Fiz goes to see Tyrone and they chat about what to do ö he suggests that they go to the police to tell them the ring has been returned and that they should look for Kirk to let him off the hook.

Bev and Shelly are discussing Shelly's hilarious date and she describes the evening's events. She says that she had a good time with Eric but that his mother was awful. Bev congratulates her on getting back on the Îcircuit'.

Nick comes into the Kabin for a Gazette and Norris tells him that they are yet to be delivered. He has hidden them. Rita is puzzled about this and offers to ring the office ö Norris tells her he has sorted it and they will be delivered at 11.00am ö conveniently when she is seeing her solicitor.

Candice and Jason are in the cafŽ ö and Candice shows him the advert she has put in for his mum ö when he sees it he nearly chokes on his tea and advises Candice that they will be ok as long as Eileen doesn't see it.

Rita is discussing the case with her solicitor. Her solicitor puts describes to Rita what happened and this makes Rita feel happier as it sounds very positive ö until the solicitor reminds Rita that that will be the description from their side but when the prosecution gets their turn they will be equally convincing for Chesney.

Fiz and Tyrone are still discussing Kirk when he walks into the CafŽ. Fiz is delighted to see him until she hears that Kirk turned himself in ö the three of them are then put into a quandary when Tyrone tells him that they took the ring back so he didn't need to go to the police at all.

In the Rovers ö Norris is delivering all the papers trying to be discreet about the story on page 10. Tommy is winding everyone up saying Rita deserves it and that she has got a fiery temper ö Audrey and Harry defend her.

We then go to the police station where Fiz and Kirk have gone to retract Kirks statement. We see the same policeman who is slightly amused to see Kirk again. Kirk explains what has happened and tells him that Fiz took the ring back. The policeman says that the jewelers want to make charges but that is up to the police and as this is his first offence they will give him a caution.

Back in the Rovers Harry is saying that people will read into the story whatever they like and Tommy is still being unkind about Rita. Norris is talking about the business and how worried he is about it when Rita walks in the pub and wants to know what is going on. Cilla, of course, then walks into the pub and announces to everyone that Rita is on page 10. Rita storms out ö followed by Norris. He tries to explain why he hid the news from her. She is livid with him and tells him that he has made the situation worse as if she had known about it she could have been prepared and now she is too embarrassed to show her face in the pub again.

Kirk and Fiz are receiving Kirks caution and the police are slightly bemused by the odd pair and tell them both that they do not want see either of them in the police station again.

Meanwhile in the Rovers the Rita case is still being discussed. Eileen has got a copy of the paper and sympathises with Rita's situation and then looks to see if her advert is in. She passes it to Candice because she can't find it. Candice reads it out ãbubbly blonde, few miles on the clock but still going, maxi not a mini ·ä. Eileen is far from impressed and storms to the bar in a fit of rage.

Fiz and Kirk are now back at Fiz's flat talking about him being on the run. He talks about trying to join the foreign legion etc and they just gush over each other which is rather nauseating and a bit boring.

Rita and Norris are still bickering ö he tries to apologise and she tells him that she knows why he did it but he has to trust her that she knows what she is doing and doesn't need to be wrapped up in kid gloves. She tells him to go home and that she will tidy up.

Bev and Harry are looking at Eileen's advert ö and both Harry and Ciaran come up trumps by reading positive things into it ö this makes Eileen feel a lot happier. Shelly wonders whether she should put an advert in the paper ö ãMan without wife, Son without Motherä.

Rita is tidying up in the Kabin when the door goes. Of course it is Cilla who now demands £3,000. Rita thanks her for giving her back her self-respect and realising that there are some low lives out there and then throws her out of the shop.

Fiz, Tyrone and Kirk are all sitting in the Rovers, Kirk and Tyrone become friends again and toast with their pints.

Jason is having a chat with his mum asking if she is ok and tries to explain that Candice really likes her and was only trying to be nice. When Candice sits down she apologises again and Eileen forgives her.

Rita decides to go for a drink and sits down with Emily, Norris, Audrey and Blanche. She tells them that Cilla has now offered £3,000 and they all say that she was right to turn her down ö except of course for the grim reaper Blanche. She says that so far Cilla has been really good at lying and she is sure that she will continue to be convincing. This makes Rita anxious and the closing words are ãMonday is not a day I am going to forget in a hurry ·.ä

That's all for this week.

Bye for now ö Mary Earlam



Monday 2 February

Good evening everyone, here is the first episode for Monday.

We open in the Kabin with Rita wittering on about ordering more Valentine cards, whilst Norris stands by, looking anxious. He really feels he should be at court with her, he should close the shop and give her moral support. Rita flatly refuses, she has Emily going with her, and she says Norris can support her here. Emily comes in, and Rita immediately starts flapping about the fact that there are not enough envelopes for all the Valentine cards. Blanche then comes in, asking if she's late. Norris asks her what for, and likens her to the spectators at a hanging.

In the taxi office, Eileen is showing Patrick the Îlonely hearts' ad, and asking his opinion. He looks at it and decides that Candice and Jason haven't oversold her. She asks him if he thinks it's true, and he hesitates ö she takes that as meaning that it is. She reasons that an equally honest bloke might reply, and it wittering on about it when she looks up and realizes that Patrick has escaped.

In the Battersby household, Cilla is trying to spit and polish Chesney, ready for his appearance in court. She calls him her little cherub, but Chesney is reluctant to have to do this, and says so. Cilla tells him he doesn't have to do it if he doesn't want to swim with dolphins and have breakfast with Donald Duck. She then rehearses his story with him, after which she turns to Les and asks if he's got his speech prepared.

Rita is about to get into the taxi and go off to court. Audrey rushes up, having given Candice some last minute instructions about the running of the hairdressers. Rita remarks that it's not a charabang outing, only to be chastened by Norris reminding her that they are all her friends. Cilla, Les and Chesney come out of their house across the road, and Cilla bellows across that they'll make her pay. For once, Les tells her to shut up!

The factory girls are all out on the step, watching Rita go off. Janice remarks that Les deserves Cilla, but Fizz reckons he doesn't, nobody does. Nick comes out to enquire what's going on, and then hustles them all back in to work.

Candice is just going into the Kabin when Jason rushes up. His mum keeps ringing and asking him about replies to the ad, but Candice tells him that so far there have been none. Jason is dismayed, what's he going to tell her?

In the corner shop, Bev is asking Dev if he's going away for Valentines day. Who should walk in just then but Sunita, she's back! She's had a good time, she tells them, but now it's time to roll up her sleeves and get back to real life. Dev can't take his eyes off her.

At the court, the usher is talking to Chesney and telling him he'll be in a room with a video camera and screen, Cilla tells him he'll be like a film star. Les, meanwhile, is making various excuses to Cilla's solicitor as to why he can't give evidence. She tells him he won't be wanted anyway. Cilla comes up then, so Les tells her it's such a shame and he tried, but he won't be wanted.

Jason is telling Eileen that he's vetting all the men who've replied to the ad, and not letting her see them until he's checked them out. Eileen is irritated and wants results by dinner time.

Rita is talking to her lawyer, who advises her to stay calm and not let them rile her, no matter what. Despite Rita knowing that Cilla and Chesney's story is a lie, the magistrates would regard an accusation against a 9 yr old as unwarranted. Norris creeps into the court just then, and is spotted by Rita. He mumbles about the shop not being busy, and saving on the electricity if he's not there, and he thought he'd just drop by ö she thanks him. Just then her name is called.

Jason is tapping on the hairdresser's window. Candice comes out saying she's busy, Jason is wondering what they are going to tell Eileen. They decide they'll have to find someone they know to take her out, Candice says she'll give it some thought and Jason tells her she's got till dinner time.

Rita is taken into the court room. Norris slips into the seats at the back, only to be stopped sitting in the seat next to Les, who tells him Cilla will be sitting there. They all rise as the magistrates come in.

Rita's lawyer is questioning a disembodied Chesney on a screen. Rita cuffed him ö no, she hit him dead hard. And then he remembered nothing until he woke up in hospital? Yes, that's right·..no, no, he's got it wrong, it was her who slammed him against the shelves.

In the factory, Angie is telling the girls that Sonia's brother is a rugby player, and if they form a 5-a-side football team he can get them half price kit. Nick comes in then and they all clam up and go back to work.

Cilla is in the witness box. She tells the magistrates that she's been bringing Chesney up on her own, but he's been a normal boy, a bit of a handful, kicking a ball about, making a noise, at least, he was until this happened, now she doesn't recognise him, he sits about all day watching telly, and he wets the bed. Cilla's lawyer sits down, with a smug look on her face, Rita's lawyer has no questions.

Candice comes into the factory and starts to ask Janice for advice about middle-aged men. Nick turns round, and they all close up, trying to obscure his view of Candice, but he spots her hiding behind Harry who is sweeping up. Harry tells Nick that Candice has come to discuss an urgent personal matter with him, so Nick tells him to escort her from the premises.

Rita is now in the witness box. She has been running the Kabin for 30 years, during which time thousands of children have come into the shop. They've been her best customers in the pleasure she's got from serving them.

In the pub, Maya is urging Dev to book them a holiday, now that Sunita is back and can run things while they're away. Dev is reluctant, but eventually tells Maya that he'll sort it out.

Jason comes into the pub and sits down in front of Eileen. He tells her that none of the blokes who replied are good enough. Eileen is just beginning to protest when Candice rushes in to drag her off for a date right now. It's now or never. Eileen protests that she's not changed or anything, but Candice says he's a really nice guy and he said to come Îau naturelle'. Eileen retorts that she hopes he's not a nudist, she's not taking her clothes off on a first date unless he's Brad Pitt! She's hustled off into the taxi.

In the witness box, Rita is being questioned by Cilla's solicitor. She is told there is no justification for striking a minor, unless it was in self defence. Rita repeats that Chesney tripped and fell against the shelves. She's asked if she's implying that the boy fabricated his story. That he left the shop after a mild tap and within hours was diagnosed with extreme symptoms. Rita eventually disregards her solicitor's advice to remain calm, and explodes that it is all a pack of lies. Her solicitor looks dismayed.

Eileen has arrived at the restaurant and is shown to a table, only to find that her mystery dinner date is none other than Harry!

Back in the courtroom, the magistrates leave to arrive at a verdict. Les and Cilla go off for a drink. Rita decides to remain where she is, and her friends crowd round her, saying they are sure the magistrates will be able to tell that Cilla's story is a lie. Rita is doubtful, but says they will know soon enough.

And that's all for Episode 1

Anne Logan

Hello, here is tonight's second episode, which contains at least two scenes which seem to have been planted deliberately to set up future story lines -- but in a very clumsy way, I hate to say.

We open as Rita and her solicitor talk in court. The solicitor asks if Rita is all right, which she is. Rita asks why there was no cross examination of Cilla. The lawyer says Cilla seemed to her like a very brazen woman, who was just waiting for the chance to pour out her claims all over again, so she didn't give her the chance. Rita asks how the lawyer thinks the trial is going, and is told it's best to just wait and see.

In the corner shop, Dev asks Sunita if she fancies an early lunch break. He also wants to ask her how she feels about running the place while he takes Maya on holiday. Sunita suggests Todd could put in some more hours and Dev agrees. No problem, says Sunita. "Bon voyage."

Harry and Eileen are in a restaurant and Harry is ordering red wine. Eileen confesses she didn't expect to see him but was certain Jason and Candice were plotting something and thought one of them would be there. Harry has a confession of his own -- Candice did persuade him to turn up. But he says he had two very good reasons for agreeing. The first was Candice, who thought Eileen would "get a buzz" out of going on a date. "She's a nice kid, i'n't she, under all that hard-boiled teenage front she puts on," Harry says. The second reason is that he can't remember the last time he had a nice meal out with a lady.

Sunita enters the pub and Ciaran tells her she is a sight for sore eyes. She asks him to give her a moment because she really came in to see Shelley. He agrees happily. "How can he be like that -- as if nothing's happened?" Sunita asks Shelley. She says she has been dreading seeing Ciaran and Dev because she doesn't want to have to go through an inquest into why she ran away from the wedding. She says she doesn't regret it, though. "You can handle Ciaran, and Dev, for that matter," Shelley tells her. "After what you did, neither of them will ever take you for granted ever again."

Outside the courtroom, Chesney wants to know if they can go to the chip shop, but Cilla gives him an earful and tells him they have to wait to see what happens. Les warns her that anything can happen in these courts, as he knows only too well. But Cilla scoffs. "If we don't win today, bang goes our compensation," she says. They are being watched by the three witches from Macbeth (Audrey, Emily and Blanche) and Norris. Blanche says it's just as well Cilla's with Les and they're not making two other people miserable. Everyone is called back into the court, except for Chesney, who is told he is too young and must stop outside with a minder. "Come on Les, it's jackpot time," says Cilla, sailing into the court like a galleon.

In the factory, Karen has just had a brilliant idea for her wedding. She is dying to tell everyone about it, but the others don't seem interested. Karen can't believe this. "Trying to wind me up?" she says, disbelieving. "No, we're trying to shut you up," Janice says. Karen suggests they are just jealous, but Fizz points out she's received two proposals this week and can get married any time she likes. "I've had all the weddings I want," Janice says. Karen's mobile phone rings. "Quick, let's make a break while she's talking," says Fizz. They scuttle off, and don't see the look of pure dismay that is on Karen's face. "And what am I going to do?" she asks the caller.

In the restaurant, Harry is insisting they won't split the bill and conversation turns to how much he admires Eileen and the way she has brought up her kids. She asks if he has any. "Me? No!" he says. "How's your pizza?"

Back in court, the magistrates say they find the case proved and the defendant guilty. "Yes!" shouts Cilla, pumping the air. "I don't believe it," says Norris's little voice.

In the pub, Betty, Sunita and Shelley are talking about Betty going back to her own house because the workmen have finished there. Shelley says she'll miss having Betty around. Sunita says Betty will probably enjoy being back in her own house, but Betty says she'll miss the company. Sunita says she knows what that is like because she's also on her own now. Conversation turns to the whether anyone has heard from the court contingent. "Blanche rang a while back," Deirdre says (Yes, she said "Blanche", not "Mum") and gives the listeners an update on the court proceedings up to the beginning of this episode.

In court, the magistrates' main man (head? chief? chairman?) tells Rita that because of her previously unblemished record and her age, they don't think a custodial sentence will be necessary. But they do take a severe view on assaults on young people. Rita is fined £500 and ordered to pay another £500 in compensation to the victim. Does Rita wish to ask for time to pay? Does she 'eck as like! "I'll tell you what I do wish," she starts. "If you lot up there had an ounce of common sense. . . sit up there laying down the law . . . pathetic. . . swallowing a pack of lies . . . drummed into him by his mother and her fancy man . . . if you three had any judgment at all . . . " The magistrates start shouting back and Norris rises to defend her, telling the bench she is one of the most decent, honest women he has ever known. He is told to sit down. Rita is still going: ". . . someone said the law was an ass . . . by 'ell how right they are!" Oops. She is ordered to be taken into custody for contempt of court. "And that man in the public seats -- take him down as well."

Out in the halls of justice, the Silver Alliance (OK, two silver and a nice tint) are trading insults with Cilla, though Emily is being very quiet. Cilla tells them she will be suing Rita to get "proper compensation". Les tries to drag her away. Blanche and Audrey are ready to leave because there's nothing they can do, but Emily says she's not going until she knows what's happening to Rita. The other two Mrs-keteers agree to stay with her.

In the shop, Maya is nagging Dev about going to lunch. He says he can't go until he has asked Todd something, and checks whether he can do extra hours if Dev goes on holiday. Todd can and Dev tells a jubilant Maya that they're on their way to Morocco (drug smuggling story line, anyone?).

In the street, Steve cheeks Eileen who is returning from lunch with Harry. It is clear Harry has won the argument and paid for lunch and he won't hear of her paying for anything. "Your lad and Candice between them have done me a favour," he says.

Norris, Rita and the lawyer are discussing what happens next. Rita and Norris are told that if they don't apologise, they won't be going home. "You're not admitting guilt," she tells Rita. "You're simply saying sorry for abusing the magistrates." They're just doing their duty to the best of their ability. Rita says she doesn't think much of the magistrates' abilities. "Fair enough, but keep that to yourself when you're standing in their court," she is advised. Rita tells Norris he must go back and keep the shop running and get the papers out on time." Norris says he doesn't want to go to jail. "I wouldn't relish being used as a plaything by hardened criminals," but he does think he will be able to bring himself to apologise provided Rita does the same -- one out, all out and so to speak . . ."

Karen is distraught. Something terrible has happened. She tells Steve she doesn't know how to tell him. "What is it? Nothing's happened to my Mum, has it?" No. It's worse than that. Poor Karen has lost her bridesmaids. One cousin has the chickenpox, so the other two are in quarantine. Where will she get anyone else as suitable to be the bridesmaids. Steve seems less than sympathetic. But, sweetie that he sometimes is, he says he knows only one rule for bridesmaids -- they mustn't upstage the bride. And they can't upstage Karen "because, Babe, you is the most beautifullest".

In court, the magistrates are seeing Norris in full flow and can't find the off button. "All I can say in mitigation . . . It is mitigation isn't it? Is that the right word? You see it was an instinctive reaction to her distress, and knowing Rita, I'm sorry, I mean Mrs Sullivan, like I do and knowing her to be one of the straightest, most upright persons you could wish to meet on a long day's march, I got carried away, carried away in the emotion of the time, you see, and I very much regret that because I've always prided myself on my ability to keep a stiff upper lip so I am truly, truly sorry." There is a misunderstanding, with the magistrates believing Rita is Norris' wife. He tries to correct them even as they are telling him he is free to go. And as they almost manhandle him down from the dock he is still saying "I do count myself as her friend... I don't want to give you the wrong impression . . ." as the Major Magistrate shouts "SIT DOWN!"

Cilla bursts through the doors of the Rovers, shouting "Ta dahhhhhh", and bragging about her victory. The reaction is somewhat subdued. Ken and Deirdre can't believe the court found Rita guilty, but Tommy says you never really know what someone's capable of. At that, Betty refuses to serve him. Ciaran says he'll serve Tommy, but Tommy stubbornly insists Betty should do it. "Ain't anybody going to congratulate us?" asks Cilla. The whole pub falls silent. "Miserable lot!" she spits. Back in court the lawyer is explaining just how sorry Rita is, but the magistrates want to hear it from Mrs Sullivan herself. Uh oh. Rita, like a compass going haywire near a magnet, or like a soap character going near a courtroom, has lost her senses and has another go at the magistrates. She tells them the verdict stunned her and for a moment she didn't know what she was doing. But then she realised she had got up and sworn and oath and told the truth and they had chosen to listen to a fairy story. . . If you think that is justice then you're not fit to be sat up there." She is given a final warning but won't shut up, calls them a bunch of numbskulls and is taken down to the cells.

In the pub, Cilla thinks Ken and co think they're better than she is. Les tr ies to calm things down by offering Ken and Drear a drink, but they don't want a drink bought with the money Cilla and Les are screwing out of Rita. Dev and Maya get up and leave because of the bad atmosphere, and Cilla shouts insults after them. Shelley tells Les to calm down Cilla, "she's frightening me customers." Les points out that they are also customers, although he is looking quite uncomfortable. The three graces arrive in the Rovers and are told everyone knows the verdict. They fill in the rest of the story about Rita being done for contempt. Cilla is so gleeful Les has to drag her off to the Flying Horse.

In the cells below the court, Rita is being escorted by the nicest policeman in England. He offers her a cup of tea ("I'll bet you've had no dinner either. I'll get you something.") and explains he will have to take her bag but she'll get it back. He will also have to lock her up, which he does. He goes off, telling her he'll bring the tea as soon as he gets a minute. And at the credits roll the music swells and drowns out her sobbing.

The end. Though I am taking names of those who want to join my "get Cilla" posse. I just have to organise some horses...

Margaret Carr


Wednesday 4 February

Tonight's episode starts with Norris and Emily in the street discussing Rita and how she is coping after her night in the cells for contempt. Norris has put a sign in the window of the Kabin saying "Closed - due to miscarriage of Justice". Janice and Fiz make an appearance then and Norris asks Janice if she is still a Battersby, Janice makes sure that Norris knows she was nothing to do with this episode as does Fiz. The ghastly Chesney and the mother from hell (Cilla) put in an appearance then and she suggests they watch what they say or they will be sued for slander!

We next see Rita in the cells at Weatherfield police station. She is putting some make-up on to make a brave face before she goes up before the magistrate to apologise for her outburst. Rita however, still feels that justice was not done (and who can blame her).

At Streetcars Steve is discussing with Eileen the shortage of bridesmaids due to the chickenpox that has blighted them. Jason makes an appearance then to find out where mum has been after her date with Harry!

Rita has made her apology to the magistrates and is free to go home, however, she is still spitting feathers and reckons now that Cilla will be chasing her through the courts for more compensation as she has been found guilty.

At the factory Janice is asking if anyone has seen Harry today, Karen hearing this reckons Harry is off sick recovering from his date with Eileen. Steve arrives at the factory now and manages to see Janice and ask her for a favour, all this without Karen seeing him as well. Janice in return asks for a favour from Steve.

At the Rovers Vera and Emily are at the bar as Betty is clearing plates from the table, more hot-pot please. Emily presents Betty with a birthday card. Next to arrive at the Rovers is Les and Cilla, Les doesn't look too happy at being there especially as everyone is giving him and Cilla stick at the way that Rita has been treated, even Betty gets into the act as well, things start getting out of hand and Cilla calls Betty an old bat (cant argue with that!), Guess who comes in next good old Gordon - he hasn't forgotten his Mums birthday, hopefully he will take her back to London! Gordon suggests that Cilla apologies to Betty for calling her an old bat, Cilla's response to that is for Les to take Gordon outside and extract some blood from him. Les is having none of this and looks less than pleased with Cilla's outburst then of taking Rita to court for proper compensation.

Janice has arrived at Harry's house now courtesy of the favour from Steve, I wonder what he wants from Janice? Harry is surprised to see Janice and she explains that she thought he might have been given the sack or not recovered from lunch with Eileen!

Back at the Rover's Cilla is still going on about compensation to Les and how expensive it will be to get to Florida and what with new clothes of course, the next tactic is to be sleepwalking by Chesney on the viaduct, Cilla is still after £5,000 it seems.

There then follows a discussion between Eileen, Candice and Jason as to where mum was and what she was doing last night - working, nothing more romantic than that.

Back at Harry's Janice is asking Harry about his daughter as she has seen her photo on the table, "she would have been twenty-one" says Harry and even Janice notices that Harry is talking about her in the past tense. His daughter died of leukemia but he wants to keep this private, fat chance now that Janice knows. Janice speaks about her previous relationships with Dennis who was fatally injured rescuing Les and then Mick. Bit more gloom and doom from Janice and then she asks Harry where his wife is - run off with the milkman whose name was Ernie - theme for a song!

Rita has arrived back at the shop now and asks Emily and Norris out for a drink but not at the Rovers in case that woman is there.

At the Rovers Gordon is told by Betty that she will not be moving in with them (shame) and will be staying in Weatherfield (groan).

Also at the Rovers Janice, not surprisingly is discussing Harry's circumstances with Eileen, don't think he will care too much for that. Karen at the bar is about to discuss her wedding again so all in sight make excuses and hurtle out of the Rovers at warp speed, best reason comes from Eileen who says she has to go to change the dressing on the ducks tail...

At the girls flat, Candice, Maria and Nick are discussing how to get Ashley and Clare together. The topic of their conversation is having a quiet pint in the Rovers looking forward to Fred and Joshua's return tomorrow.

Steve makes an appearance and attempts to cheer Karen up, he blindfolds her and off they go to see the surprise he has set up for her.

Norris Rita and Emily have turned up a rather posh minimally decorated wine bar. Rita is going to buy champagne for them, I wonder what a sloshed Emily looks like?

Steve has now led Karen to the factory and removes the blindfold so that she can see Hayley, Janice and Fiz pushing out a coat rack with the three bridesmaids gowns on it. Karen is not amused to have these three as bridesmaids, "hardly Charlie's Angels" she says, Steve uses a bit of smooth talking here and suggests that Karen will outshine these three and all eyes will be on her, we will see. Anyway Karen accepts this and the three new bridesmaids have a bit of work to do to alter the gowns by 14th Feb.

Rita is plying Norris and Emily with champagne when she makes the announcement that she is tired of all the aggravation and has decided to sell up.

That's all folks!

Pete Webb





Friday 6 February

This is my last update for a few weeks as I shall shortly be taking a holiday (burglars need not apply - my daughter and fiance are moving in whilst I am away). Margaret has volunteered to do the next couple of updates as well as her own - so you are in good hands.

Meanwhile events in Weatherfield tonight come from the hand of Ken Blakeson, were directed by Terry Dyddgen-Jones, sponsored by Cadburys Mini cremes and copyright remains with ITV (if it still exists as I thought everything was now ITV plc).

Karen has prepared the seating plan for the big day at Doveridge Hall. She and Steve have the usual slight contretemps over the seating of the current Mrs McDonald (senior) with Karen insisting she sits next to Steve. Anyway Steve has the job of delivering the plan to the Hall so that they are able to layout the tables appropriately.

In the Kabin Norris is on his own with Emily, Rita arrives to announce that she has decided the time has come to sell and (with Fiz in earshot) she says she is going to see the estate agent to work out the price and get the sale details prepared. Norris is surprised to say the least as he did not believe she was going to sell. Emily and Norris make some pointed comments at Fiz. Later Emily and Norris discuss it and they decide that Rita will not change her mind. Norris is worried about his job - Emily tells him to take control of his life and Emily drops a heavy hint. Eventually he grasps he should be buying the shop and ho goes to make some calls.

Eileen has been on night shift and is tired when Tracy arrives. The phone goes and it is a somewhat irate photographer complaining over the short notice cancellation of his booking for 14 February and that he is still contemplating raising a cancellation fee. Well Eileen does not really understand but takes the message - they assume that Karen has simply changed her mind - after all as she and Tracy agree the wedding is still on. Eileen goes home and Tracy's little deception is not yet in the open. A little later Tracy calls the photographer back and posing as Karen she tears him off a strip about the cancellation. Steve overhears the end of the conversation and she lies implying it is some kids playing around. He says he has to run an errand - but does not say where he is going. She breathes a sigh of relief.

Over at the factory the girls are adjusting the bridesmaid's dresses from those for three willowy girls into suitable tents for Fiz, Janice and Hayley. Although Nick does not like it he seems to be letting it continue. Harry makes an unkind comment about Fiz and her weight; this sets a nasty exchange between Fiz and Harry, so Janice gobs off in his defence and naturally she reveals the secret he had confided in her concerning his daughter. The factory girls are almost instantly sorry for their previous comments, calling it tragic.

Les tells Chesney to get to school. Then Cilla gives Chesney earache, so he vanishes before Cilla displays her bikini to Les. He reckons she is worth a million dollars. They have to go and see the solicitor. Les is getting stick from his mates. Cilla reminds him - it is either his mates or her!

Fred is back from Umbria and is standing in. Fred is surprised to hear that Clare has been away as well. And is glad to hear that she is coming back. Fred says she should not be encouraged to look elsewhere. The factory girls come in for their lunch and Angela takes the opportunity to apologise for Fiz's outburst earlier. She lets him know that they all know about his daughter from Janice. He is not amused. A little later he catches Janice for a word and he asks why she told everyone. Harry wanted it kept private and confidential and she is unable to apologise - it is too late.

Fiz catches site of Chesney in the Street and takes him to one side - she wants the full story over lunch in Roy's Rolls. He eats a large meal. Chesney tells Fiz about the trip to Florida and the bikini. He is having to learn his lines and become word perfect.

In the Kabin Eileen admits that she has also heard about Catherine from Janice. Harry did enjoy himself when he and Eileen went out. His bad mood continues. Rita returns from the estate agent - it will be marketed as an established newsagent. Rita gives him all the details - including the price. She is prepared to accept an offer - but £5k off will need to be properly considered. After some consideration Norris tells Rita that he would like to offer at the lowest price and that he would like first refusal. Rita demurs and insists he talks to the estate agent.

Angela, Fiz and Janice discuss Harry. Karen tells Fred the story in the background. Angela has to keep Karen under control whilst the other girls finish the dresses. In the factory in bright red the three girls await Karen, with dresses which seem to fit remarkably well. Karen and Angela arrive and Karen is blown away and starts crying with joy. Janice is still worrying over Harry and needs to find some way of making it up to him. Karen kisses all three girls and that she is sorry for being a cow over the last year. Group hug.

Steve arrives to deliver the seating plan for the McDonald wedding. It appears that the reception computer has no record of the wedding, so the Wedding Co-ordinator is called. Steve goes and sits and waits. Eventually she appears and explains that she, herself took the call from Karen cancelling the wedding and in fact has received a confirmation letter of the cancellation. Steve looks at the letter. It is not Karen's signature - it is a fake. Anyway the Co-ordinator tells Steve that they have acted on the cancellation and they have booked in another wedding - his wedding is cancelled. Steve is thunderstruck.

A nice straightforward episode tonight. Workmanlike, moving the various stories along, no great lines, nothing outrageous, nothing unbelievable.

K Richard W




Sunday 8 February

Hello Everybody

We start tonight at Steve and Karen's flat ö he is flicking through her wedding details ö when she comes in and wonders what he is doing ö and then goes gushing about how happy she is and that she cant believe their wedding day is nearly there ö he looks awkward ö makes excuses and leaves.

Over at Gail's ö Sarah goes round to ask if Gail will baby sit ö she tells her that she is going to a pop concert with Katy and a friend of Martin's ö she points out that it is another man and that she didn't think that Martin looked to happy about it ö Gail looks fish faced.

Over at Blanche and Tracy's ö Steve wants to speak to Tracy but Blanche tells him she is still in bed and that she is not going to wake her up. She finally gets rid of him and down the stairs swans Tracy. Blanche tries to dig as to why Steve wants to talk to her so urgently and then she goes on about the baby and how once it is born Tracy will love it etc etc

We then go to the cab office where Steve is on the phone looking for venues ö so far there is not much hope.

Fiz is in the shop being nice to Rita and feeling guilty about her mother ö Norris chips in with his nasty cracks but Fiz and Rita bond. Tracy then comes in ö followed by Hayley. Tracy has a pang of pain ö Hayley rushes to help and is shunned by Tracy. Karen then walks in, glared at by Tracy, and arranges to see Hayley later for the rehearsal ö she exclaims how excited she is about having a bridesmaid who used to be a Îfella'. Norris is chuntering on in the background about Rita selling the Kabin through an Estate Agent.

Over at Tracy's ö Ciaran has popped round for a cup of tea and is really trying to check to see whether Tracy has gone through with her threats to ruin the wedding. She is cagey about the whole thing and then goes off on a rant about being alone and cant understand why she is always on her own (cant think why myself!!).

Fiz goes round to Les's house and manages to get Les to say that Chesney was coached by Cilla in order to play up his injuries and that they didn't really need to go to hospital. Cilla comes down stairs and is cross with Fiz for being there ö Fiz then shouts at Cilla saying that she used to be liked round Coronation Street but now people don't talk to her the same way because of what Cilla has done to Rita. Cilla is adamant that she is looking forward to the money.

Back to the cab office and Steve is still having no luck.

We then go back to Fiz and Cilla ö Fiz makes up a story saying that when she was 9 her mum did the same thing ö Cilla tells Les that she is making it up. Fiz agrees that she is but if Cilla does not drop the charges she will go to the police and say that she has done this before.

Back again in the cab office ö Karen walks in with Aunty Eva and they both gush over how wonderful Steve is ö he looks like he wishes he could hide in a hole. The next phone call he makes looks a bit more positive and he tries to cut a deal on the price, as it sounds very expensive.

In the Rovers Emily, Norris and Gail are sitting at a table ö Norris is still going on about the Kabin and Gail is looking knowingly at Martin who is nursing a pint at the bar. She excuses herself and goes to join him. She tries to be the all seeing and all caring one and he snaps at her when she accuses him of being jealous of Carl ö she walks away in her annoying manner saying that she didn't realise it was such a touchy subject.

Karen is panicking about her other bridesmaids and Steve as they are all late. Steve then comes in and is being a bit cryptic ö he then informs her that he has cancelled Doveridge Hall and booked Walcott Manor, as he doesn't want her to have her second choice. As you can imagine Karen is beside herself.

Cilla is having a go at Les because she thinks it is fault that Fiz found out the truth. He tells her that she knew anyway and that if she does carry out her threat people will believe what they want to and it will probably be Fiz because they know and trust Rita and if they don't stop now they will end up with nothing as usual.

Sarah and Todd are talking about the concert and Sarah is wondering why Martin has let Carl join Katy ö she finds it very odd but Todd tells her that Martin probably doesn't mind because he sees things more maturely.

Over at Martin's ö Katy comes out glammed up to the nines ö Martin tries to be nice about what she is wearing but you can just feel the jealousy eeking out of him ö she offers not to go but he tells her there is no question ö she is going.

Maria bumps into Clare and they go for a drink together. Whilst she is texting Nick ö Ashley comes out of the house ö they both look pleased to see each other and arrange for Clare to pop round later.

In the Rovers Maria tells Clare that Ashley missed her ö Clare doesn't believe her but looks a bit pleased at the thought.

Cilla and Les then appear at Rita's side. Cilla is less than gracious and basically tells Rita that she will drop the charges. Rita is astounded and wonders what on earth has happened. Fiz then walks in the pub and is delighted when she sees her mum looking more sour faced than normal.

Tracy and Steve are arguing and he is livid with her for canceling the entire wedding. She says that she wanted to give him a chance to get out of the wedding ö they shout insults and he tells her that he never wants to see her again ö etc etc. Suddenly she is doubled over in pain ö yells at Steve to go and get help ö she has gone into labour ·.

That's all for this week

Mary Earlam



Monday 9 February

Well it was Anne's birthday last week and she is having a party tonight. As I have not been invited (!), I am sitting here writing the report for you all.

We open with Steve and Tracy walking down the street to his car. It seems it was a bit of a false alarm. Roy sees them and offers to come to the hospital with her. He does suggest that the text book says that she should stay at home as long as possible during the early stages of labour. Tracy calls backs that her waters have broken. Eventually he gets into the car with Steve and Tracy, leaving Hayley behind to ring the maternity ward.

Cilla tells Fizz that she has apologised to Rita and that she won't pursue her for any more money. Fizz is not satisfied and insists that she repays Rita all the money.

Roy is in the taxi, and wittering on about what the text book says about labour. Tracy gets annoyed with him and tells Steve to stop the car for Roy to get out. Roy insists he wants to be present when the baby is born.

Hayley goes round to the Barlow's to tell them. Ken tells Blanche and Deirdre that there is nothing they can do. Blanche says that Tracy needs her. Deirdre says that she needs her mother more than her gran. Blanche then turns to Hayley and says there is no need for her to be there. It will be too crowded.

Rita tells Norris that she is going to get in touch with Fox's newsagents, to see if the are interested in buying the Kabin.

Cilla comes into the Rovers with Fizz and tells Rita that she is going to pay all her money back and at Fizz's prompting, she adds with the court costs (this will cost Cilla more than she would have received!).

Outside the hospital Tracy tells Roy to get her a wheelchair to help her in. Meanwhile she talks to Steve. She says it is a pity that he doesn't feel the same for her as she does for him. She asks him if he would like to be there for her at the birth. Steve just wants to go off.

Katie comes round and asks Todd if he and Sarah want to go to the gig together or separately. He is quite happy to go together. He asks her if Martin minds her going out with someone else. Katie says he is alright about it, but disappointed at missing the gig.

At the hospital Tracy tells Roy that he can come in with her, but he should stay at the top end. Roy starts to advise the midwife about various aspects of pregnancy, including something about Tracy's kidney transplant.

Rita is still deciding whether to sell the shop.

Maria and Nick come to the pub. They are getting excited about owning their own house. Gail is there and tells them not to get too excited, and they don't have to rush things. She tells them that the house is going to be free that evening.

Fizz mentions to Rita that now she is getting her money back, she needn't retire. Norris tells Fizz that Rita deserves to retire. Rita is very pleased that Fizz has chosen her above her own mother.

The Barlow clan are waiting outside the maternity room. Deirdre is annoyed that Roy is the ward, over Tracy's mother. Deirdre says he has no right to be there. Hayley then accidentally lets out that Roy and Tracy are married. (Hands up those who had forgotten that!).

Steve comes home. Karen has left a note saying that she has gone round to her Aunt's for tea.

Deirdre can't believe that Tracy would marry Roy. Hayley then says Roy has every right to be there.

Roy tells Tracy that this reminds him of World War I, the waiting, the silences ... Roy muses on and Tracy laughs.

Chesney has got himself some sunglasses (sorry, shades!), he shows his mum. She tells him that the holiday is cancelled because he told Fizz.

Katie and Carl are at the pub. They are worried that they are going to be late for the gig as Todd and Sarah haven't arrived. Tommy comes into the pub, much to the annoyance of Katie. However Tommy confides in Kevin that he is pleased to see her with someone of her own age.

The baby starts to come. Midwife tells Roy to keep back (from peeking!). She says it can put husbands off their wives when they see what is happening! Within seconds and after a bit of grunting from Tracy she tells them that she has a baby girl. A couple of seconds later the baby is wrapped in a blanket and put on Tracy's chest. (You see it is all very quick and not as messy as the women would have us men believe!).

Jason arrives at the pub. He says Sarah is not feeling well. However she insisted that he went to the gig.

Roy goes out to tell la famille Barlow, that Tracy has had a baby girl 6lb 4oz.

A few moments later we have Tracy on the phone to Steve to tell him to come and see her and the baby, just for 5 minutes. (Having delivered, she is now able to resume normal life by getting on the phone!).

Roy returns to the ward and there is no sign of Tracy. He talks to the baby (who has been left there all alone - don't they have security in the hospital these days?). He mutters that the baby is less than an hour old and Tracy is already leaving her on her own. Roy then introduces himself as her dad. He says that he won't ever leave her.

Steve pulls up outside the hospital.

Over to Margaret for part 2 of an everyday story of Weatherfield folk!

Tracy is leaning against the telephone when the midwife comes out and asks what she's doing on her feet. They could have brought the phone to her. "Anyway, that's the father's job. They do little enough as it is." She takes Tracy off to get settled on the ward. Outside, Steve appears to be heading inside, but sees Deirdre come out for a cigarette. He moves out of sight.

Inside the hospital, Blanche is in full flight, spraying her venom like a spitting cobra. Ken tries to point out the Croppers are decent people who live less than a minute's walk away, but Blanche won't be reasoned with. She tells Ken:
1. Tracy won't be able to give up the baby now she's seen it.
2. The Croppers planned the whole thing right from the start.
3. Hayley can't believe her luck -- all her Christmases come at once.
4. The Croppers forced Tracy into marriage.

A weary Hayley turns to her (yes, she was sitting just a few feet away as Blanche hissed to Ken) and tells Blanche to say it to her face. Of course, Blanche does. She tells Hayley she believes Tracy was forced into the marriage just so the Croppers could get their hands on Tracy's baby. She wants to know what they will do if Tracy changes her mind. "She won't change her mind," Hayley says emphatically.

In the ward, Roy asks if Tracy can see her family for a few minutes. Tracy is astounded that he should ask something so thoughtful. "Why would you care?" "They've a right to share our joy," he replies. She says she would like them to come in because she wants to see her Mum.

In the Rovers, Sally (remember her? little blonde thing? wherever has she been?) has a poster for the production in which Rosie has a part. She is, metaphorically, tearing it to shreds. They've designed it badly with too much information on it. After all, who really cares who the director is, they could have done without his name. She doesn't know who he thinks he is. "He was no good for our Rosie, was he, Kev?"

She asks Rita if she would put up a poster in the shop, but Norris points out that might not be Rita's decision for much longer. Rita admits she is selling up.

In a taxi outside a hospital, a mournful Steve is on the phone to Karen. She mentions Andy has called about the wedding and is full of the plans. A mournful Steve says he wishes his Dad was going to be there. Karen points out that if Jim hadn't escaped, he might have been let out for the day. She says she's sorry Steve's Dad won't be there, "but everyone else will, and they'll all be talking about our wedding for years, so they will!"

Like a stampede of horses, the Barlows and Hayley (she provided the clip-clop noises) charge into the maternity ward and, changing metaphors, mill around the new baby like sharks in a feeding frenzy. Blanche says the baby reminds her of her mother. Hayley is just goo-gooing. Roy picks up the baby and a petulant Deirdre says it's not fair because he's had her all afternoon. Hayley takes a picture of Roy with the baby and asks Ken if he'll take one of her and Roy with the baby. Chief shark Blanche rounds on Ken and threatens to take a large chunk out of his head if he so much as touches the camera! But Tracy offers to take the camera. A pained look comes over her face as she sees the Croppers together with the baby. Blanche says they're upsetting Tracy.
"How dare you do that, after all she's just been through!" "Give me the baby," demands Deirdre.
They ask Tracy if it's true she and Roy are married, but Tracy threatens to have them all thrown out.

In Gail's house, Nick and Maria arrive to find no-one home, just as they were promised, though Maria thinks they are going to come back any minute and catch the pair mid-snog, or several bases further on (baseball metaphor here. Keep up!). But the table is laid for a romantic meal for two (wine, candles) and there is note to say their dinner is in the oven. "She's not trying to catch us out," says Nick. "She's trying to egg us on!" Maria is horrified. "That's not the way mothers are meant to behave!"

Away from the ward, Hayley and Roy are talking. Hayley says that after everything Tracy's put them through, it all looks like it will be worth it in the end. Deirdre overhears this and rounds on the Croppers, saying what about Tracy's suffering. "What about our suffering, come to that!" because the baby is her grandchild. The Croppers her they have no intention of keeping the baby from her grandparents. Deirdre still can't believe Tracy plans to turn her back on her own daughter.

Ken brings the car and Blanche very pointedly says there isn't room for five and the Croppers will have to make their own way home. The Croppers are quite happy with this, because they spot Steve across the way and skip over to him, telling him the baby is a girl. Roy startles Steve by saying: "This has been the most incredible experience of my life and I'd like to thank you for your part in it."

Steve manages to avoid taking them home by saying he's been booked on another job. The Croppers won't let anything bring them down tonight and go off to the taxi rank with a happy clip-skip-clop gait. In the pub, Ciaran and Martin are talking about Katy going to the concert with Karl . Martin says he isn't worried, but when Ciaran mentions that Tommy saw them together and probably jumped to conclusions, Martin suddenly does look worried.

Sally and Martin are talking to Rita about her coming retirement. Sally says it will be nice not having to get up early to do the papers.
"Yes," muses Rita. "I won't have anything to get up for at all." And Sally says it will be nice to have a lie in.
"Yes," says Rita. "A lie-in for the rest of my life." Norris says she won't have to worry about Les Battersby and his ungrateful clan of con artists. And Rita remembers it was young Fiz who got her money back for her. And she comments that Fox's, the big chain of newsagents, has a policy against putting community notices in the window, so they wouldn't be able to display Rosie's poster.
"All the better to sell to someone like me," says Norris, "who understands the value of these well-meaning little initiatives."
"It's not a well-meaning little initiative," counters Sally. "The poster might be a bit fussy but when it comes down to production values and performances, it'd put many a West End show to shame.
"You buy a ticket and you'll see." She says this with such menace that I immediately think of the clown Pennywise in the Stephen King book! Rita decides. She has changed her mind. She won't sell up. She'd miss Rosie's show.

"Oh, Rita, this is the drink talking," says Norris. But no.

"I've been through a bad patch, but the bad patch is over and I'm staying where I am." They toast the future. "I think Rita's had enough," says a somewhat disgruntled Norris. "Rita will tell you when she's had enough," Rita tells him. "Make mine a double, please."

At the hospital, Steve is trying to get in to see Tracy, but is told it's fathers only at this time of night. He confesses. "I am the father." There followed a Short Intermission.

A nurse wakes up Tracy to say Steve is there and Tracy admits Steve is the father of the baby and she'll see him. She reaches for her hairbrush.

In his flat, Martin gets up and starts pacing and looking at his watch. A fairly raucous trio has returned from the Badly Drawn Boy gig and Karl is being given a hard time because the support band had to leave early and they didn't get to meet them. There is a lot of teasing and shoving going on, and Ciaran is looking very disapproving (is he Ena Sharples' secret great-grandson?). Karl says he became a nurse because his last name is Foster, and if he'd been a doctor he would have had to put up with all the jokes about rain and Gloucester. Katy's uncle, it turns out, is Ralph -- Ralph Harris.

Katy's mobile phone rings and she just about snaps Martin's head off, telling him they're in the pub and saying he should come over. "What's your problem?" she snarls down the phone.

Nick and Maria have finished dinner and Maria is musing that this is what it will be like when they have their own place. Nick convinces her the family will not be back but will stay the night at Audrey's, and she agrees to stay over.

In the hospital, Tracy tells Steve to pick up the baby. "What are you afraid of?" He says that on the way to the hospital he was afraid she was going to tell Roy the truth. She hoped he was. She again urges him to hold his baby, just for a couple of minutes. "I need to know how you feel before I make my final decision."

Katy arrives home and she and Martin have an argument, with her accusing him of acting as if he's her parent. She accuses him of being jealous and says he's got nothing to worry about. "He's not interested in me and he never will be," she says. "He's gay."

Aha. As if to justify Karl's very existence, the next shot is of Todd, standing in the pub talking to Ciaran about Karl. Ciaran comments that the bloke was a bit touchy-feely with Katy and Todd agrees. In the flat above the cafe, Roy is struggling to assemble some sort of baby toy. It might be a mobile. He tells Hayley he's too excited to sleep and he wants to get whatever it is set up in case the baby comes home tomorrow. Back in the hospital, Tracy tells Steve the best thing would be for their daughter to grow up with both parents. Steve isn't interested. Tracy says it would be just as the baby's Mum and Dad, no more than that, but he still isn't interested. He tells Tracy that she doesn't want to go through with giving away the baby. She says she has a lot to lose. Steve points out that he will lose Karen, all the money he's put into the wedding, and more.

"I'll lose 25 grand," she says, telling him about the deal with the Croppers and confessing that she married Roy.
"I'm selling her to them," she says. Steve says that is sick. Tracy says it's illegal, too, but the idea was to take the money and get away.
"That's dirty money, Tracy -- dirty, filthy money. You can't do it," Steve says. Tracy has no plans to tell the Croppers the truth unless she knows she has Steve's backing with the baby.
"For all I know, if it came out I could go to jail," she says. She is willing to risk all that if she thought Steve was willing to acknowledge the baby and look after her.
"What if I'm not willing?"
"If you turn your back on her, so will I." Tracy says she could not bear to stay around to watch the Croppers raising her daughter to be a little oddball like them.
"Could you live with that? Come on, Steve: her or Karen? What's more important to you?"
"I love Karen, but I don't know her," he says, indicating the baby.
"I could lose Karen."
"I could lose £25,000."
Steve says she is passing the buck, but Tracy sees it as sharing the responsibility. Steve looks as the baby in his arms.
"Give her to the Croppers," he says, giving the baby to Tracy. Tracy weeps.
Martin Rosen and Margaret Carr





Wednesday 11 February

Hello Folks!

Tonight's episode starts in the hospital, the midwife says the baby's father wants to come to visit, Tracy not too pleased when she finds out it is Roy and not Steve, the baby is making a noise and as Tracy is tending to ignore her, the nurse suggests that mother and baby need to get bonding.

At the Barlow's Blanche and Deirdre are discussing the baby, Ken has been doing himself some toast for breakfast, no-one else seems to have any appetite though, the sole topic being Roy and his marriage to Tracy. Ken nearly comes off the fence for a change in his support of Deirdre and Blanche's comments that Tracy should keep the baby.

It looks like Maria and Nick have spent the night at Gail's house and as they are getting ready to go out for work Gail and David arrive back, David seems more interested in where Maria slept, Maria is not saying though..

Over at Roy's Rolls, Roy is testing the water with his elbow in preparation for the baby's arrival, Hayley not going in to work and Roy thinks mother and baby will be going home today. Roy is going to the bank for a bankers draft, both seem quite excited at the prospect of being parents.

Out in the street Karen is wittering on again, about the forthcoming hen night (I had to rewind that about three times before I realized what she was going on about...) while Steve is looking pre-occupied, I wonder why?

At the hospital the midwife is sharing her concerns about Tracy and her baby not bonding, with Deirdre and Blanche - they both say she will get support at home. Tracy not pleased to see Deirdre and Blanche as it should be fathers only time, Blanche goes all maternal with the baby here - not a pretty sight!

Also at the hospital Karl and Todd are having a break and discussing the gig from the other night and Sarah's pregnancy, Karl is surprised at Todd's youth in all this.

Back in the ward Blanche is doing her bit to help along the bonding by trying to get Tracy to hold her baby, Tracy is having none of this (can it be that she will be loath to give her baby up if she gets too up-close and personal with her?) and Blanche puts the baby back in the cot. The next attack comes with what name will she have, then comes the lecture on how could she give her baby up. Blanche is driven to tears at the end of this confrontation so maybe Tracy is not all bad after all,

Steve has arrived at Roy's Rolls to pick up a fare, Roy asks Steve if he has picked up Tracy and the baby from hospital, Steve is not aware mother and baby will be discharged today then Roy goes into ecstasies describing the baby to Steve and still continues after Steve has left.

Deirdre is spitting feathers at the hospital at Tracy's comments to Blanche, Tracy says she shouldn't keep on at her, Deirdre gets quite emotional here as well. Deirdre cannot believe that Tracy does not feel anything about her baby and eventually manages to get Tracy to hold and the baby and then the tears start, from Tracy this time - what does she want? will the forthcoming £15,000 be adequate compensation?

Back in the street it looks like Tracy has arrived with her baby, accompanied in the taxi by Deirdre, Ken arrives at the same time and before Tracy asks for help Deirdre asks after Blanche who is still upset by Tracy's remarks, but Deirdre says to Ken that Tracy may have the beginnings of some maternal instincts after all.

Also seeing the arrivals are Karen, just coming out of the factory and Steve just outside the Kabin, when Steve sees Karen he makes a big show of rushing over to her, Karen then makes a little joke - "what do you get when you cross a cow with a geek?" Karen rushes over to look at the baby followed by Steve, I cant see Karen ever as a mother! Deirdre says to Tracy that Roy and Hayley need not know they are back yet. Tracy also asks Ken to go and fetch Blanche as Ken reckons an apology is in order.

Roy and Hayley are playing snap, I think, neither seem too interested in the game, both are getting a bit anxious while waiting for the baby to arrive, Roy has got the bankers draft to give to Tracy.

At Martins flat Katy has just got back from school the atmosphere seems a little chilly.

Tracy has made an apology of sorts to Blanche now, and Tracy then pleads for some time on her own, she manages to get rid of Blanche and Deirdre, probably to the Rovers.

Meanwhile it is happy families at Gail's with Nick and Maria having dinner with the rest of the family, Nick then tells them about the decision to buy a place. Gail is not too happy with the business sense here as they will have to get a loan for the deposit as well as paying the mortgage. Gail then comes up with an offer of help herself, which Nick kindly refuses thinking it is money for deposit, but what Gail is offering is Maria to move in with them, this does not go down too well with all concerned.

Hayley and Roy have turned up at the Barlow's now and he is holding the draft, he is none too pleased when he is told to come back tomorrow.

At the pub Todd, Martin and Karl are having a drink, Martin gets another round in for himself and Todd as Karl has to go, Ciaran is serving Martin and warns Martin that Karl is a good looking fellow and Martin should make sure that Katy and Karl do not get too involved with each other. Martin then lets loose the fact that Karl is gay which brings a rather disconcerted look to Todd's face...

Back at the Barlow's Tracy is still agonizing on whether to take the money or open the box (oops sorry take the money or keep the baby) Tracy wants more time to make her decision Roy tries to talk her round without much luck when Hayley starts her own attempt on getting Tracy to change her mind, despite this double attack Tracy still holds firm and asks them to go as the baby starts crying, not surprising seeing the amount of noise these so called adults are making. Hayley makes one more attempt as they leave, outside Hayley tells Roy she is sure that they have lost the baby but then Tracy opens the front door and takes the draft as Hayley and Roy take possession of the baby.

Roy and Hayley get all parenty with the baby in the street as Tracy on the inside is having a bit of a weep at either giving her baby to the Croppers or only getting £15,000 for it.

Here ends the emotional rollercoaster for tonight.

Pete Webb



Friday 13 February


Hello, They've called someone from the reserves for tonight as KRW is on holiday in Dubai. And for those who complain all the humour has gone out of the show, there are some lovely lines in tonight's episode.

Of course, we open at the Croppers, where Roy is sitting in the half darkness cradling the baby and singing to her. I use the term "singing" in the most tolerant sense possible, because Roy's voice is not a singing one. But the familiar words mean that doesn't matter: "If I had words to make a day for you, I'd sing you a morning golden and true. I would make this day last for all time and fill the night deep in moonshine . . ." and from the doorway Hayley watches him and smiles softly.

Over at Number 7, Blanche gets up and finds Tracy has not been able to sleep, which Blanche puts down to a guilty conscience. "What if your mother had given you away? "Well, if she had, I wouldn't have to listen to you, would I?" snaps Tracy.

All is joy above the cafe, where Hayley and Roy and just watching the baby sleep. "It's better than telly, in't it," says Hayley. They talk about naming her. Hayley thanks Roy for his suggestion that she be called Hayley, but the baby should have her own name, not someone else's. Hayley says she has always liked Victorian names, such as Emily. Roy suggests Patience, and Hayley warms to this immediately. Patience Cropper it is. They agree that Roy will go and register the birth, because Hayley would like to have a couple of hours on her own with the baby.

At No 7, Tracey is explaining to a visitor (midwife? nurse? health visitor? She's wearing a nurse-type uniform, anyway) that the baby is with her father and his [pause] partner, and they're going to bring her up. "And you're happy with that, are you?" asks the woman. Tracey curtly says she is and shuts the door in the woman's face.

Outside the Platt-Tilsley-Hillman house, Gail is getting Nick off to school, sorry, I mean work, making sure his coat is done up properly and that he's presentable. As Maria and Nick walk away, Maria wonders if it might not be a bit crowded there, but Nick says it's not forever.

The visitor is telling the Croppers she will be calling in each day for the first fortnight, making sure everything is OK, but she's there to help, not to interfere. Roy wonders if she knows their circumstances are a bit complicated, but she brushes this aside -- she's come across all sorts. They explain the baby is called Patience and Roy is going to register her, and the visitor hands over the Red Book, which is the child health record book.

Guess who: "I said fourTEEN, not Four-TEE. FOURTEEN Station Avenue. Get your ears syringed." Yes, it's Eileen, not having the best start to the day. Dev and Maya come bouncing in (yes, really) and Dev is horrified to hear Steve has nothing special planned for his stag night. Steve and Karen must be the last couple left in the UK who still have the stag/hen do the night before the wedding). Dev insists that Steve and Andy stay with him for the night.

Blanche asks Tracey if she washed out the bath after she used it. "I've just had a baby," protests Tracey, who is watching a daytime TV show. But Blanche is having none of it. "Well, I might not be able to stop you turning your back on your baby, but I am not having a ring of scum around the bath!"

Roy has gone out, but the flat over the cafe is bustling because the entire machinist staff of the factory is standing or sitting around drinking tea. Angela is cooing over the baby and Janice is asking Hayley if Roy has already left her holding the baby. "Does Mr Baldwin know you're all here," asks a slightly frazzled Hayley. But they are on their tea break. Anyway, "some things are more important than knickers," says Fizz. Hayley points out to Karen that she won't be able to be a bridesmaid, but the effect is like poking a Shetland pony with a stick. "I've organised my groupings," she informs Hayley. If Hayley pulls out now it'll throw all the photographs off balance. So Roy can look after the baby for an hour while Hayley acts as bridesmaid. Karen won't be offended if she leaves the reception early.

In town, a beaming Roy is congratulating the registrar on her beautiful handwriting as he admires the new certificate. He's so excited he almost forgets to pay her the £3.50.

And then comes the break.

In the Rovers, Karen is telling Steve he should have seen the fuss. Anyone would think people had never seen a baby before. In sweep Liz and Andy. Liz hugs Steve and Andy and Karen introduce themselves. Sadly, they've seen the need to give Andy an unfortunate suntan and he looks like John Boulter. Or maybe Dai Francis. (Ask your Nana to explain the reference). Liz suggests to Karen that since they both love Steve it would make sense if they got on. She suggests they start again, which Karen agrees to, and they hug. "It's your job to keep them apart," Steven mutters to his twin.

Above the salon (which may not still exist. We haven't seen it for ages) Maria is packing her stuff when Fizz walks in. After a bit of a conversation about "You can't leave us to pay the whole rent, we can't afford it," Fizz says it will be very cosy, with Maria, Nick and Nick's Mum all together in one house. "It's TEMPORARY!" insists Maria. "Oh yeah. You just keep telling yourself that," said Fizz and chuckled, and I'll swear she sounded just like Hilda Ogden.

Ken and Deirdre are visiting the Croppers. Ken manages to say that Patience is a lovely name in a tone which suggests he thinks the opposite. Hayley and Roy assure Ken and Deirdre that Patience will be told the truth about her background and will always know her grandparents. Deirdre cries.

Karen is in the pub with the other hens. It is very quiet because Karen is not drinking. Eileen says: "It may be the wedding of the year, but this is hardly even the hen night of the week!" "It's my wedding and I want an early night," insists Karen. She's worried she'll have bags under her eyes for the wedding photographs.

At the bar, Liz has clicked that Steve and Andy won't be in Steve's flat that night, which will leave her with . . . hmmm. She asks Steve if she can come to Dev's, but he doesn't think she'd be a good addition to a "stag" do. "We might want to talk about Man things," he says. Liz compromises by asking him if he can get Ken and Deirdre to the wedding so she can talk to someone she knows, but Steve points out the seating plan is done. But helpful Andy says the Croppers will be leaving early, so there will be two spare seats at the reception. So Steve agrees.

"Thank you. You're the best son a mother could have," Liz gushes, kissing Steve.
"Excuse me," says Andy.
"And you're not so bad, either," Liz tells him.

Ken is being very logical and saying the Croppers are being very generous and good about things, and he and D will have access to Patience. Deirdre agrees, but says it would be better still if Tracey would come to her senses and accept her responsibility. Liz sees her and they go into a clinch. Andy takes the opportunity to mention to Steve that he can see Karen is a lot like Liz. Steve shuts him up very quickly. Karen and Steve say their goodbyes until the morrow, with Karen getting all weepy. "Promise me nothing will go wrong," she asks. And, like a fool, Steve promises.

In Gail and Maria's kitchen (!) there's not a lot of room, so Gail makes Maria sit down. Maria sits on the sofa beside Nick, and when Gail has finished making the hot drinks, she makes Nick move up and also sits on the sofa. Nick, he happy. Maria not.

Steve pops in to visit Tracey and says he's come to make sure she's all right and that she got her money OK. Then he gives her some more, which he says is "a maternity pay bonus". Tracey tells him she's missing her programme on the telly and he leaves.

Hayley and Roy have just finished bathing Patience, but it's made such a mess they think they might bath her in the bathroom next time. Hayley says she'll put the baby into her jim-jams, but Roy asks if he can do it, because he's not had much time with Patience. Hayley suggests she gets the baby ready for bed tonight, then Roy can do it for two nights. She points out that Roy did change the baby. Roy is not happy. "I don't think one nappy is equal to four feeds, a bath and a bedtime!"

Andy and Steve and heading off to Dev's. As they get in the car, Andy comments that Steve now has it all -- successful business, beautiful fiance... But Steve denies this and is prodded into saying there is something Andy doesn't know. He says Andy couldn't handle it. Andy insists he can, so, all in one breath, Steve sums it up: "I got Tracey Barlow pregnant, who stalked me and then cancelled my wedding behind my back; I've got a baby daughter nobody knows about, who is being looked after by the Croppers -- Roy thinks he's the father, and so does his transsexual partner, Hayley."

We then see two very different pre-wedding functions. One, is quiet, with the weddee staying sober and with a clear head, discussing whether everyone has a soulmate, and one riotous celebration where the friends are doing everything they can to get the weddee drunk, including spiking their drink. Yes, it's quiet and philosophical at Dev's. Karen and the girls have gone back to Karen and Steve's flat, where Karen has asked Janice to make sure none of the girls spike her drink. They won't, since Janice has already done it.

At the Croppers, Patience has fallen asleep in Roy's arms. Hayley is doing a bit of tidying up and tells Roy just how happy she is -- she's dreamed of this day. But Roy is also asleep and Hayley smiles at her little family.

At No 7, Tracey has decided to apologise to her grandmother. She says she's sorry and she'll start cleaning up around the place. "There's no need," says Blanche. Tracey insists she wants to help out. But Blanche says to her the whole idea of the house was so Tracey had somewhere safe to raise her baby. "I can't pretend I'm happy when I'm not,'' Blanche says. "You move out as soon as you can. I'm going to bed.".

Margaret Carr

*I hadn't even finished this before a query came about the name of the song Roy was singing. It was "If I had words", based on Camille St.Saens Symphony No. 3, Op.75 (Carnival of the Animals), though you wouldn't have recognised the tune from Roy, I don't think. Westlife also did a version. It was the theme from the movie Babe, and Scott Fitzgerald and Yvonne Keeley, with the St Thomas Moore School Choir, had a monster hit with it in 1978.



Sunday 15 February

I'm sorry but I missed the first couple of minutes of tonight's show but came in to Blanche and Tracy arguing about the baby and Blanche insisting that she wants nothing more to do with Tracy.

We then go over to Karen and Steve's flat ö Karen is nursing a hangover after having her drinks spiked and Aunty Eva is around to give a helping hand. Liz arrives to offer help and assistance but Karen is rude and tells her everything is sorted ö obviously trying hard not to say anything too rude when Liz asks if she needs help with her hair or make up. Karen then relents and asks her if she wants a lift to the church and all hell breaks loose when Liz says that she is getting a lift with Ken and Deirdre. Karen goes off on one about someone she hardly knows inviting someone she doesn't like to her wedding ö the shouting continues but good old Aunty Eva intervenes ö sends Liz on her way and stops Karen from saying anything else.

Over at Roy and Hayley's they are getting their systems in order for baby Patience. Roy has got a book with lists in and has stocked the fridge with milk and Hayley suggests that they take it in turns to do the night shift on a night on night off basis as it is tiring the way they are doing it ö Roy looks annoyed that he didn't think of it but still thinks it is a good idea. They both don't want to go to the wedding but cant get out of it.

Nick and Maria are at Gail's ö Maria is finding it weird being around Gail ö Nick defends her by saying that she is trying to give them space which Maria doesn't believe as Gail sat with them all night ö Maria suggests that they should have gone out but Nick says that they cant afford to because they are saving. He then tells her he will spend the day looking for mortgages and see if they can get a 100% mortgage so they don't need a deposit ö Gail overhears this and does not look happy.

Over at Dev's ö Maya is being the perfect hostess to Steve and Andy. When Dev And Maya have a few moments on their own she gives him a valentines gift ö he jokes about it being stolen but is really pleased when he opens it ö it is a scrap book of their holiday in Morocco ö photos, tickets, postcards etc ö and she is delighted with her self because it only costs £15.73.

The bridesmaids are getting ready ö Maria doing their hair, Janice gossiping etc etc. In the bedroom Karen is crying her heart out as she has last minute nerves ö she is worried that she has spent so long planning this day and done so much bragging about how wonderful it will be that something might go wrong. Aunty Eva saves the day again with a few kind words and a comforting smile.

Tracy and Blanche are still arguing ö Tracy is about to leave and Blanche is going on about her being heartless. Eventually Tracy breaks down and starts crying ö at last says Blanche ö we are getting somewhere.

Maria arrives back at Gail's ö Gail is looking smug ö she has taken Nick out for the day and bought him some clothes and in return he is taking her out to dinner ö Maria is far from impressed and they have a blazing row about Gail.

Blanche and Tracy have a heart to heart and Tracy confesses that she started to have feelings for the baby during the pregnancy and the only way to cope is to shut all emotions down completely. She wails that she wants her baby back ö but what should she do now.

Steve and Andy are getting ready and offer to return the favour to Dev some day ö hinting that he might be marrying Maya soon.

Maria and Nick are still bickering.

Blanche and Tracy are still discussing the baby and what Tracy should do. She says that giving her baby away wont look good in court ö but Blanche remarks that the Croppers have been told they cant adopt and they wouldn't have a chance in court as one is a loony and the other was a man. Tracy then gets a pang of guilt saying the baby would have bonded with them. Blanche tells her that she has every right to get her baby back and that the Croppers will get over it.

Liz arrives at Devs and is shouting at Steve for not telling Karen about Ken and Deirdre going to the wedding. They have a row and then make up. She wishes him happiness and tells him that she doesn't like Karen but will try and sort that one out and off they go to the wedding.

Gail, Maria and Nick are in the street looking at the bridal party ö Nick gets a phone call from Mike saying he is back from holiday so he disappears off the factory leaving Maria with Gail ö not something she relishes. Hayley is fussing over the baby and then Karen yells at her to get a move on ö the whole bridal party leave in their posh cars. Followed by Roy in a taxi with the baby.

Tracy comes rushing out of the house and asks Maria if she has seen Roy and is told that he has gone to the wedding. Tracy then turns to Blanche and says I am going to that wedding, I am going to get my baby back and I'm going to do it now ··

Thank you

Mary Earlam




Monday 16 February

Hi everyone, here is the first episode for this evening.

We start off with the vintage cars, carrying Karen and her auntie and her bridesmaids, arriving at the grand wedding venue. The photographer is waiting, and there's a lot of posing, smiling and clicking as the first photos are taken. At one point, when faced with the happy ensemble of bride, bridesmaids and auntie, the photographer says he'll have to move back a bit. Fizz is immediately on the defensive and demands to know what that's supposed to mean!

Meanwhile, Tracy has arrived at the taxi office where Les and Patrick are sitting, and is pleading for a taxi to take her to Walcot Manor. At first she's met by silence. Les points out that he is on the phones and Patrick is on his dinner. 'What dinner?' asks Tracy. Patrick holds up an apple core, but then agrees to take her, as Les points out that he's still got ten minutes left of his dinner break.

At the Manor, Liz, Steve and Andy are walking through the grand hallway, with Liz gazing around in awe. Hayley comes down the curved staircase as Andy goes off to check that the vicar has arrived. At that moment Roy arrives with baby Patience in her car/carry seat. Hayley rushes over to coo over the baby, and is followed by Liz who also starts to coo over the baby, and holds her as Hayley goes off, not knowing that this is, in fact, her grandchild.

Back in Coronation Street, Penny King is just getting out of her car. Nick comes out and tells her that everyone is at the wedding except Mike, no-one would invite him. However, he tells her not to feel sorry for him because Mike's just come back from two weeks in Spain, but Penny seems amazed to hear that.

Steve and Andy are chatting to the vicar in the chapel. It's the first time he has ever remarried anybody. He thinks it's wonderful that they are going to reaffirm their vows, now doubly strong for having been tested. Just then Kirk comes in wondering where everyone else is. They tell him that kick-off isn't til 2 o'clock, so he says he'll come back in a bit. Andy tells Steve he hopes he'll be happy, he deserves it, he's stuck by their mum and dad whereas Andy has just run off. Steve tells him he's had his own life to lead, and Andy remarks that it's been a pretty selfish one. Then he wishes Steve good luck and says he can now tell him which of the bridesmaids he's supposed to get off with. Steve says that's a pretty tough choice!

At Underworld, Penny is letting Mike know that she's rather peeved that he's been away in Spain for two weeks, as when she suggested they go away together he told her he was far too busy and couldn't leave the factory. Mike looks decidedly uncomfortable and suggests they have a drink. She refuses, saying she doesn't want a drink. 'Yes, you do,' says Mike, and tells her that they'll have a drink and then he'll tell her why. She sighs with exasperation.

At Walcot Manor, Liz is still holding the baby with Roy, Rita and Eileen looking on, as they discuss her name, Patience. Roy is acting every bit the proud father, telling them all that he's not having a hard time at all, it's all quite wonderful. Rita quietly asks Eileen if she knows whether Les Battersby and 'that woman' are going to be there. Eileen says that they're not, and if they were no one would speak to them. Rita is relieved.

Ken and Deirdre arrive, and Ken remarks that he's glad to be at a wedding where none of their family is involved, they can just sit back and smile. Deirdre points out that there is, actually, one member of their family there already, and looks across at baby Patience. They decide to go and stand somewhere else, and as they go, Angie and Sonia walk in. They are soon joined by Tommy, who has a pint of beer in his hand. Angie is appalled, and tells him he is making a right show of himself, he's not supposed to have a proper drink until after the wedding. Tommy had a drink before his own wedding, and he can't see why he can't have a drink before someone else's.

Mike and Penny are having a drink in the office at the factory. She reminds him of a time when he was always asking her to go away with him, the difference then was that she was a married woman and he knew it couldn't lead to anything. Mike admits that there might be some truth in what she is saying, he was lonely after he split up with Alma and he got involved with Linda. Now he isn't sure he wants to get involved with anyone again, and she must be the same, it's only a couple of months since Preston 'kicked the bucket' so she, surely, can't know what she wants. She is cross, he's made her out to be the merry widow, trying to lure him into bed. She gets up to leave, telling him not to worry, it won't happen again. Then she remembers, she has brought him a present from her holiday, just to show she was thinking of him. She gives it to him and storms out, and is just getting into her car when Fred comes by. He shouts a greeting and they arrange to go out for a drink sometime. Mike looks on with a sour expression on his face.

Around the corner come Nick and Maria, discussing the lunch he took Gail out to, and the shirts she bought him. Maria is obviously jealous and their discussion gets so heated that Nick ends up taking his shirt off, there in the street, and vowing never to wear a shirt again - or at least, not until she says she loves him. She finally admits that she loves him and laughing they go off, with her telling him to put it back on.

At the wedding venue, Karen is telling her auntie that this has made her realise how much Steve must love her, it has cost him so much money, and he has had to put up with her going on about it all the time. It's a wonder she hasn't driven him away. Auntie says she must be worth it, but Karen says she isn't, but she's going to be, she's going to pay him back by being the best wife ever, that's what he deserves.

Outside, Dev and Maya are arriving, under an umbrella, suddenly it's raining! As they go inside, the Tracy's taxi draws up. She asks Patrick to wait for her, she's not going to the wedding, she just has to see somebody. He asks if she's going to be long, and she says she won't be, she's just collecting something she's given away but now she wants back.

Inside, Steve just steps forward to greet Maya and Dev when he sees Tracy come in. He rushes over to stop her getting any further. She protests that she's not going to spoil his precious wedding, she just wants to see Roy. He tells her that she could do that anytime, any day, and he and Andy forcibly remove her from the building, as she screeches that they can't do this, she just wants to see Roy. Outside, they bundle her back into the Patrick's taxi, and Steve tells him to take her home. As they drive off, Dev wonders if he's allowed to ask what that was all about. Steve says he just doesn't want her there, and also that Karen must not know about it. 'Tracy?' asks Dev, 'Tracy who?'.

As they drive away, Tracy suddenly screams 'Stop!' to Patrick, who slams on the brakes. She tells him they're not going to treat her like that, and tells him to drive on in case they are watching and then turn round and take her back, but not up to the front door, to drop her off where they won't see her. Patrick is worried he'll get the sack, but she tells him he wont.

Inside, Ken and Deirdre are watching Roy showing off the baby to all around. Deirdre supposes that they'll have to get used to seeing the Croppers with their grandchild. Ken wonders if they should stop thinking of 'it' (?) as their grandchild, more the Croppers own child. They agree that the Croppers will be model parents, probably better than Tracy would have been, so it's probably the best arrangement all round, except for the grandma and grandpa.

Andy comes in to tell everyone to make their way over to the chapel, and up in the dressing room and bride and bridesmaids are waiting for the call from the best man. The guests wander into the chapel and sit down. Tommy remarks to Angela that he won't be paying for their Katy's wedding if it's to the fella she's with now. (Angela looks like she's wearing an anorak with a woolly scarf round her neck, quite out of place with everyone else in their best bibs and tuckers!) Roy wanders in with the baby seat on his arm, muttering to Patience as if she was about three years old, about where they'll sit and how there's to be no noise. As the rest of the guests take their seats, Liz, seated behind Steve and Andy wishes their dad was there. Andy gets his phone out to call the bride and say they're ready.

Outside, Tracy has arrived for the second time in Patrick's taxi. She asks him again to wait. He reluctantly says he will.

Up in their dressing room, the call comes for the bride and her bridesmaids to come down, and in a state of high excitement, Karen slings their bouquets at the bridesmaids as they adjust her veil.

In the chapel, Tracy is at the door, scanning the backs of the guests, looking for Roy. The photographer tells her the bride is on her way down, and within moments Tracy hears them coming. She hides behind the door as the giggling bride and her entourage stop in the doorway for photos. As the organ starts to play, Karen and her bridesmaids make their way up the aisle.....

Kirk arrives at the chapel door as Tracy is having another look for Roy. She asks if he's invited, and asks him to go and tell Roy that she's outside and wants a word. As the vicar begins the wedding ceremony, Kirk walks in and sits down. He's unable to see Roy at first, but then spots him sitting right at the back. Despite the fact that the vicar is speaking, Kirk calls out loudly that Tracy is outside and wants a word. Roy ignores him, but the whole congregation has heard, including Hayley. When Roy doesn't move Tracy comes in and asks him herself, to come outside. The whole service is then disrupted as Andy and Steve go down to the back to sort it out, and Hayley trots down the aisle too. Ken and Deirdre get up to ask Tracy what she's doing there. She says she wants to have a word with Roy, and Hayley demands to know what about. 'About my baby,' says Tracy. Steve and Andy insist that she goes, but Tracy says she will go when she has spoken to Roy. They grab hold of her to forcibly remove her and she shouts that she wants her baby. Hayley pipes up that her baby is with her father, like they agreed. Tracy doesn't care what they agreed, she wants her. Hayley says it's too late, she's stopping with her and the baby's dad. Tracy shouts, 'That's not her dad!' Steve hisses at her to shut up, he's warning her......'Oh,' shouts Tracy, 'you're warning me are you? You gonna tell everyone who the real father is, is that why you're warning me?' Then she points to Steve and tells everyone that this is who the real father is, not Roy Cropper. There are shocked looks and dropped jaws all round! Then Karen turns round from where she has been standing at the alter, and demands to know what Tracy just said. Tracy repeats it. Karen tells her she's lying, but Tracy tells her to ask Steve. Karen looks at Steve - Steve just stares back at Karen.

And that's it for episode 1.

Anne Logan

Good evening. Please all don your waterproofs ready for the second episode of Monday night. We wouldn't want you all covered in Karen's spittle, would we?

"Ask him," Tracy tells Roy and Hayley. Roy says they slept together, but Karen says she wouldn't have gone within a mile of him and all that happened was that he passed out on her bed, "a big difference, pal!" "You're a liar!" screams a frantic Hayley, making a rush to grab Tracy by the throat. She almost gets there before a scream rents the air: "AAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEE!!!!" Everybody stops in their tracks. "This is my wedding," cries Karen. And, quieter, "Is it true?" Steve mouths "sorry" and Karen runs.

The Croppers run, too, but for the front door and as Tracy tries to go after them she is stopped by the bridesmaids and factory girls. The Croppers find Patrick waiting in the taxi outside and hijack him. He protests he is waiting for a passenger. "Who is it?" asks Hayley. "Tracy Barlow." "Get in, Roy!" orders Hayley.

Inside the chapel, Tracy is still struggling, fighting to get free. Her parents are telling her to stop it, and Deirdre tells her to let the Croppers go. "You've changed your tune!" Tracy snaps.

Outside, Roy and Hayley are struggling to get the babyseat fastened into the taxi. Tracy comes running out of the hotel, and despite Roy's protests about the seat not being securely fastened, Hayley persuades Patrick to get going just ahead of Tracy. But she screams after them: "I will follow you!"

Inside, Karen is sobbing while, beyond the door to the side room, Steve is saying it was just one night and it was while they were apart. "Let me in, I'll tell you about it," he says. Karen opens the door and he says he is so, so sorry. "Are you all right?" he asks her. She beats him to a pulp with her bouquet. No, really, she does. Petals everywhere. She half-screams, half-sobs that she doesn't know whether to kill him first, kill Tracy first or kill the both of them together.

Poor Karen. She tells Steve it was meant to be the best day of her life. Everyone who had ever meant anything to her would be seated in one room, sitting where she decided they would sit, eating the food she wanted them to eat, and listening to music she had chosen.
"Just for once I wanted to be special -- not some girl at the back of the class, or some face in a crowd, or some number on a clocking-in card.
"I wanted to be the centre of attention." Instead, at the precise moment that was going to happen, Steve made a laughing stock of her. There is a knock on the door. Steve protests that his day was ruined, too. The knock comes again and they both shout "Go away," but Andy comes in. He says he's put the guests in the reception room. Sure, says Steve, give us a few minutes. "No, Steve, it'll take more than a few minutes!" Karen says. Andy says the vicar has another wedding at 4pm, and Karen snaps that he's going to be very early for that.

In the reception room, the much-bragged-about harpist is playing. The residents of the Street file in, taking drinks for the proffered trays and, some of them, glorying in the drama. Eileen mentions that anyone who would get mixed up with Tracy is asking for trouble, as Dev should know, which leads to some careful cross-examining by Maya about whether Dev was involved with Tracy.

"Is it free," Kirk asks the barman. On being assured that it is, he asks for two large ones, hands the glasses of wine to Fizz and gets a lager for himself. Then, worrying that the drinks won't be free if the wedding is cancelled, changes that to two lagers for himself.

Karen's aunt wonders if it's true that Steve is the father of that madwoman's baby. Deirdre protests that that madwoman is her daughter. Said madwoman arrives in their midst and Liz demands to know if it's true that she's a grandmother. "Fraid so," says Tracy. Rita suggests to Tracy that she should leave. "I would if I could," she replies, "but the Croppers have taken my taxi as well as my baby." In the face of verbal attacks from Janice and the other factory girls, she turns to go out, but is grabbed by Liz. "You've got some explaining to do, lady!"
This sets Liz and Deirdre against one another. "She's just ruined my son's wedding."
"Well, by all accounts you were against it, anyway!"
Liz points out that Tracy gave her baby away, and Deirdre says maybe she wouldn't have if Steve had done the decent thing and stood by her.

Outside by now, Tracy is pacing and sighing.

Inside, Steve is trying to explain to Karen. He slept with Tracy when he and Karen had split up -- Karen had run off with Joe Carter and Steve thought he would never see her again. Tracy had fancied him since they were at school together and, with Karen gone, he thought "why not". But he didn't enjoy it. He thought of Karen the whole time. And when he found out the following day that Karen had shopped Joe and not gone with him, it was all over with Tracy after just one night. He reminds Karen that he came looking for her, found her, paid off her debts and took her back.

"It didn't matter to me what had happened -- I just wanted you back."

But Karen is thinking logically. She demands to know why Steve gave Tracy a job when Dev had refused to. He says he just did it to wind up Dev. "LIAR!!" she shrieks. "You were looking after your tart -- your pregnant tart. Steve points out that he didn't even know Tracy was pregnant when he hired her, and he didn't know he was the father until Christmas Day. "Was this Christmas Day yesterday?" she asks. "Chinese Christmas Day?" Steve admits it was Christmas Day two months ago, and Karen shouts she would have liked to know before she walked down the aisle.

They continue to argue as Tracy sneaks up and listens outside the door. She knocks and Steve shouts for her to go away, but Karen opens the door and drags her in, demanding to know what she's got to say for herself.

[Break]

Roy and Hayley arrive back home and Roy triple bolts the door. Personally, I don't think that would keep Tracy out. Hayley, who is holding the baby, sits down. Roy asks if she is all right, but Hayley's whole body is shaking with silent sobs.

Tracy is telling Steve and Karen that she didn't go there to ruin the wedding but just to get her baby back. She goes to leave and on the way compliments Karen on how she looks. She says she'll be in touch about the arrangements regarding the baby. As quick as a whippet Karen is in front of her, blocking the way to the door and with a bright red stiletto heel carefully aimed at Tracy's face. She calls Tracy a vicious, evil, vindictive cow.

"Karen," says Steve. Karen warns him not to interfere: "I've got one of these for each of you!" Tracy says that if Karen uses it, she will be suing for criminal injury as well as for child support.
"Dead people can't sue," hisses Karen. Steve protests. If there's one thing Tracy is good at, it's screwing money out of people. But Karen is not fazed.
"You're not dealing with Hayley now," she tells Tracy. "You're dealing with a girl who grew up knowing how to use her heels!"

Tracy says she's saved Karen from marrying a scumbag. Karen demands to know how long Tracy and Steve have been seeing each other. Steve repeats that it was one night, but Tracy corrects him -- it was one night and one morning. Tracy goes on to give her version of events. How Steve persuaded her to have an abortion, and how for some weird reason Roy got the idea he was the father but then Hayley and Roy split up and Roy tried to kill himself, so if she had had an abortion she would have had two lives on her conscience. The simplest solution seemed to be to have the baby for the Croppers because they couldn't have children of their own. She admits she was offered money, but hints that she didn't take it. When the baby was born, Steve came to see her and the baby and persuaded her to give away her daughter. She did because she was scared of him. She says she came to the wedding to stand up to him and when he tried to stop her she lost her temper.

"Sorry, but at least you know what sort of man he is before it's too late."

She leaves but Karen follows her into the chapel. She points out to Tracy that her story doesn't ring true, because whenever Tracy has been around Steve she has been all over him, fluttering her eyelashes. Tracy says she was fooled by him for a while, but at least Karen now knows what kind of man he is.

Back at the Croppers, Roy is pulling excuses out of thin air. Maybe Tracy is in love with Steve and invented the whole thing to stop the wedding. "Why didn't Steve deny it?" asks Hayley. "I don't know," says Roy. He pauses. "We could always run away." Hayley points out that they tried that with Wayne and it didn't turn out very well.

Steve is explaining that he didn't do anything to deal with Tracy before because he just wanted to get married to Karen. Did he ever have feelings for Tracy. He has now, he says. "I hate Tracy." He says he loves Karen and they belong together. He admits that if they were locked in an empty room she'd create an argument over where they were going to sit.
"You make me laugh," he says. "You keep me on my toes. You turn me on." He says he has been out with other women, but they bored him. He takes her hand.
"It's like comparing this diamond to a chip of concrete. You're harder, sharper. You sparkle. You've got lots of sides and you cost me a fortune. You're beautiful and I love you." He points out that even though her day has been ruined, they still have the venue and the vicar.
"Let's not let that scheming little cow get her own way. It's not too late." He gets down on his knees and asks Karen to marry him -- "now, today." Karen's mouth opens . . .

and that's it for this episode.

Margaret Carr

(This episode was written by John Fay. I think I'll marry him when I grow up -- excellent stuff)



Wednesday 18 February

Hello Folks

Tonight's episode starts in the chapel with Steve still trying to talk Karen round. Steve is not getting very far with this, with each argument Steve puts up Karen knocks it down, especially when she asks Steve why he didn't tell her about this earlier, Steve has known since Xmas Day which is about six weeks ago now.

Meanwhile the wedding guests and others are enjoying the free drink and the goings-on so far, Ken asks Liz for a quick word and explains that Tracy's bombshell was also news to him and Deirdre, Liz doesn't believe this and says so her own forthright manner! The photographer seems to be getting his fair share of booze as well.

Steve seems to be talking Karen round, although as she says "its a bit of a mess", Steve suggests they move away but Karen says this is where their friends and his business are. Steve is laying it on thick here to get Karen to change her mind and suggests to Karen that they still get married.

Meanwhile in the grounds Deirdre is giving the ghastly Tracy some physical and moral support, Tracy is keen on getting the baby back and Ken turns up as well now after his "quiet word" with Liz, they all decide to go home as the name Barlow is not terribly welcome in the immediate vicinity.

Roy is giving the baby a feed and Hayley is discussing with Roy the fact that he is not the father. Hayley thinks Tracy may be lying in saying that Roy is not the father, Roy thinks though that what Tracy has said is the truth. Hayley warns Roy that they will be in for a fight to keep the baby.

Back at the Barlow's Ken is warming up for a go at Tracy, Deirdre comes to her aid, not too successfully as Ken manages to get a few home truths in before Deirdre says she will support Tracy and Ken should as well.

Back at the wedding, Karen and Steve have decided to go through with the wedding after all, despite the happenings earlier on.

Tracy is trying to talk Ken round to supporting her and eventually he says he will but they must be aware of the fact that Roy and Hayley have been hurt enough today. And they don't know about the money yet do they...

Steve and Karen have gone to see the vicar to tell them of their decision, the vicar is not keen on carrying on with the service bearing in mind the earlier happenings and are they really committed to each other, but they look like they are talking him round.

The girls from the factory are talking about getting together a football team, Fiz and Janice have offered their services.

The service has started again now and the only witnesses are the immediate family on both sides, both of them look nauseatingly happy and starry eyed, or is the smile on Steve's face a little too forced.

Plenty of different shots of the cast getting slowly sozzled, Rita now and she is going on about Tracy to Dev and Maya. Dev says that Tracy is a good person to stay away from if a chap is thinking of getting married, and he should know shouldn't he.

Exchange of vows time now, the tensions builds - will Karen go through with it?

The photographer, don't think he will be able to hold a steady camera now, especially after seeing that he is chatting up Janice and reckons she is photogenic and will do a photo-shoot back at his place, Janice manages to escape!

Getting towards the end of the ceremony and are now man and wife. All ends reasonably happy after all.

Back at the reception, Andy asks for some hush and Kirk tells the harpist not to keep harping on.. Then in a stunned silence Andy says "please welcome Mr and Mrs Macdonald", no-one seems to believe this until big mouth Macdonald (Liz) shouts out that they are married.

Karen thinks it would be a good idea to get the photos done outside now, the photographer looks like he will need a hand to find the door as he is getting more and more sozzled by the minute (or bottle).

Janice tells Karen that Hayley has gone home because of Tracy and the baby, so there will only be two bridesmaids.

Back at the Croppers Roy is making his point about all the misery that Tracy has caused by all her lying and cheating, Roy thinks she is not able to be a fit mother and they must do what they can to keep the baby.

Steve is making his speech which is quite eloquent and from the heart, unfortunately Karen then spoils it by making an impromptu speech, although she does start off by quite rightly calling it one hell of a day! By the time she finishes even Janice is shedding a tear, is this due to the dreadful grammar or the emotion behind it?

Steve and Karen have changed now and are about to get in the horse drawn carriage, the photographer is ready to take their photo, he has to move back to get them in shot and then, the demon drink gets the better of him and he goes end over apex as he backs into a large flower pot. Karen nearly forgets to throw the bouquet which eventually ends up with Fiz - your days are numbered Kirk!

At the Barlow's the topic is now food and since they appear not to have eaten all day a meal seems to be on the cards, except for Tracy who does not feel hungry, and would be happier going to the Croppers to get her baby back. While Ken and Deirdre are in the kitchen sorting out a meal, Tracy makes her escape and we next see her shouting like the foul mouthed harridan she is, outside Roy's rolls , she wants her baby back, Ken and Deirdre turn up now and manage to drag the screaming banshee away.

That's all folks!

Pete Webb



Friday 20 February

Yes, me again, standing in for Richard.


HANKY ALERT
HANKY ALERT
HANKY ALERT
Hayley and Roy are at home, watching Patience sleep. Hayley says the baby has slept right through the night "like she's not got a care in the world". Roy has been downstairs and put a notice on the cafe door -- closed until further notice. He hasn't rung Vera and Sarah because, he says, he doesn't feel like lying. Hayley asks what he means and he says he's would be lying because he's not Patience's father. Hayley assures him that he is the only parent who has been with Patience the whole time. Roy looks towards the window, saying they can't hold off the world forever, and comments that in a siege they poured boiling oil over the attackers. "I could heat up the chip pan . . ."

In the street, Fred, Ashley and Claire discuss the day ahead and taking Josh for a walk around three circuits of the Red Rec. Fred tells them that he is having "a tete-a-tete with a female acquaintance", so if Ashley has any plans for a picnic it will have to eat in the shop, because he will have to look after it while Fred is out. "Come on Ashley, there's mincing to be done," he says as he exits. But before Ashley can follow, a car drives up and a woman jumps out to talk to Claire. We gather it is the woman she worked for while Josh was away with his grandparents. The woman, who introduces herself to Ashley as Imogen Stanford, talks very fast and very insistently. She is having childcare problems and wants Claire to come and take care of little Chelsea. After all, little Chelsea is far to young to watch her mother being waxed. It's all Ashley and Claire can do to get their mouths open in her pauses, and absolutely no chance of saying anything. Finally, Claire manages to say she can't, because she has to look after Joshua. But Mrs Stanford says Joshua is lucky, because he has his father there. "Poor little Chelsea only gets to see her father on the television." Ashley tells Claire to go, and she is practically dragged to the car.

At No 7, Blanche, Deirdre and Tracey are ready to mount an attack on the Croppers. Ken tells them to hold up, because he doesn't think they need to go in there mob handed. Tracey thinks they must because the Croppers won't even answer their door, and Blanche is all for calling the police. "I will call in the army if that's what it takes to get my baby back!" Tracey says. Has anyone else noticed that she's not mentioned a name for the wee thing yet? Ken is the only one who uses the name given to her by the Croppers. They need to think about what is best for Patience he says. "That's not her name!" screams Tracy. "I hate that name. How dare they name my little girl!"

Andy is leaving in a taxi and Liz is out in the street when the Barlows emerge en route to the battlefield. Liz spots Tracey. "'EY!!! YOU!!!" she screeches, and you wait for all the chrome trim on the cars to drop off. She spikes her way across the cobbles on her stilettos. "Listen, you no good little tart . . ." She tells Tracey she needn't think she's ruined Steve's life, because he and Karen are now on their honeymoon. For a second, Tracey looks truly upset at this news, but bad temper takes over. "I just want my baby back," she says.

In the Rovers, Maya is regaling Fred and Ciaran with the story of the wedding. "Love conquers all," says Dev. He says he really believes in that. Fred comments that he didn't know Dev was such a romantic. "Neither did I," says Maya meaningfully. Fred goes off to meet Penny for his tete-a-tete and Maya says she is going to have lunch with an old friend. She won't give too many details and Dev is immediately suspicious, but she accuses him of being unnecessarily jealous. But she lets it slip that the old friend is male. After some verbal sparring, Dev decides he will go with her: "Not because I don't trust you, but because I'm hungry.'' Fred and Penny have taken seats in the bar. She says she thought her might take her somewhere special. He replies that it is. "Everything comes for free, even t' 'ot pots."

The Croppers' flat, and outside can be heard what sounds like a student march, but no, 'tis the Barlow clan come a-callin'. Roy leaves Hayley and Patience upstairs and goes down to speak to them. He opens the door (which I wouldn't have done with Tracey Barlow out there) and she flings herself inside, demanding to know where her baby is. Roy says he can't take her to the baby. "No! No!" she screams, flinging herself at Roy and hitting him. Her family drag her off and Roy points out that he can't surrender an innocent child to someone like that. Deirdre and Blanche tell him that he has no rights at all. Roy says he does. He is morally responsible for the welfare of the child. Deirdre says she knows Tracey gave her baby away, but she's the mother and wants her back. "You have no idea what that daughter of yours is, do you?" says a quiet voice from the doorway. Hayley has come downstairs with Patience. She breaks the news that Tracey didn't just give up her baby, but sold her for £25,000. "She's a tough little businesswoman, your daughter.'' As they stagger at this news, Hayley says very assertively: "I'd like you all to leave, please. It's time for Patience's feed.'' "Tracey, Tracey, it's not true, is it?" asks Deirdre. "She's not called Patience," is the reply. Hayley and Roy get downright bossy. "We'd like you to go now, please," he says. Tracey makes another lunge for the baby but is pulled back. "Didn't you all hear him?" Hayley asks. "Go on, get out," and she shoos them like chickens. Ken seems to want to say something, but Hayley tells him to get out and he turns and leaves, too.

[Break]

At No 7, Deirdre and Blanche are trying to find out whether the payment story is true. "I'm sorry," says Tracey. "You're sorry? Oh, well, that makes everything all right then,'' Deirdre says. She says she is willing to let bygones be bygones, but she knows that will last only until Tracey is short of cash again. Deirdre is in fully neck frenzy by now. In fact, it's a neck and chin friendly. Ken moves and the women demand to know where he is going. "I need some fresh air," he says.

Maya and Dev turn up for her lunch date, and that proves to be Dev's Dad, who had some time to spare from a conference and is able to visit. He is quite taken with Maya.

Ken knocks on the Croppers' door. Roy answers and wearily asks what Ken wants. "A nice strong cup of tea," Ken says. Roy points out that they are closed. "I'm not a customer," Ken says. "I'm a friend."

In the pub, Penny and Fred are discussing Mike. Fred says Mike is like a tortoise -- you mustn't wake up a tortoise until they are ready and then they stick their neck out of their shell. He says Mike is alone, but there is a difference between alone and lonely. They agree that they are both lonely, and Fred invites Penny to share Sunday dinner.

Ken tells Roy that Tracey will pay back the money, but Roy says the point is not the money but the baby. He believes he is morally in the right, but Ken says he doesn't have a leg to stand on. But Ken says that in the real world that won't make a scrap of difference. Tracey, the rightful mother, wants her baby back. "That's it. That's all that counts." Roy asks: "And what's best for Patience, Ken? Can you put your hand on your heart and say that it's really Tracey?" "The problem is, Roy, that isn't the question," Ken says.

In some trendy cafe-bar place, Dev's father is giving him advice on how to handle women. He advises Dev that Maya is worth hanging on to.

Roy is talking to Patience. He says she needs some fresh air. "We can't keep you cooped up." He tells Hayley Ken was right. She has already put some of Patience's things into a holdall. As Roy heads downstairs with the baby, Hayley is so upset she can't speak.

Claire is dropped off and meets Ashley and Josh. Apparently the children at the other house have their own indoor water slide. Ashley is very offhand with her, but she points out: "Ashley, I am very, very happy where I am." But Ashley doesn't look that convinced.

There is a knock at the door of No 7 and Blanche opens it to see Roy there. "Tracey," she calls, and when she appears, Roy explains: "The pram -- it takes a little time to understand how it folds . . ." Tracey snatches Patience and whips her inside without a word. ". . .it actually is quite simple once you know . . ." Blanche tells him she is very sorry. In the house, Tracey is smiling and cooing at her baby.

At the door to the cafe, Roy tries to get his key in the lock but it is all too much and he crumples into a heap on the doorstep, weeping. Hayley opens the door and bends down to take him in her arms."

The end.

Now go away and leave me to have another wee cry. And after that I'm going to ring the Weatherfield Council and report that the health visitor who said she would be calling in each day, has not been seen for a week.

Margaret Carr



Sunday 22 February

Hello Everyone

We start tonight with Roy staring at an empty cot and Hayley sniffing pink clothes and crying.

We then go over to a happier scene with Tracy lying asleep on the sofa with Patience in her arms ö Blanche comes in and is pleased at the sight and starts clearing away the mess.

Over at Ashley and Fred's ö Fred is complaining the house is a mess as he has Penny coming soon and he has a beef Wellington to make.

Over at Dev's flat ö Maya is complaining about him waking her up and she is going on about how much she liked his father and that he thought that they were a match made in heaven she is winding up for something but Dev is too busy to notice and off he goes to work.

Ciaran is in the street and greets Blanche and is asking about the baby ö Tracy then comes to the door with Patience in her arms ö he says that he thought it was Steve she wanted ö and she says that she changed her mind ö he muses that it is a shame that he had to ruin Hayley and Roy's life whilst doing it.

We then go back to Roy and Hayley who are still talking about their loss and Roy feels that he could not have done anything else ö he says that after all Tracy is her mother and that she will always have an affinity with her ö Hayley is upset by this as having a baby is something that can never happen to her. She shuffles off to the bedroom to get dressed.

Blanche is seeing to the baby and Tracy is still being nice ö and saying how easy Blanche makes it look and how she feels scared that Patience is now going to be relying on her ö Blanche says that is natural and she has absolutely done the right thing by getting her back.

Claire arrives at Ashley's and announces that she has come to make the time up from the other day when she went to help Imogen Stamford out ö he protests that it is a Sunday but she wants to be there. She finds out that Ashley is going into town as Fred wants him out of the house so she says that she will go home ö he wants her to spend the day with him as he is going shopping and wants her opinion.

Deirdre and Ken arrive at Tracy's with bags of baby stuff ö they offer to look after Patience as Tracy looks tired but she says no and offers them a cup of tea. Ken says that he might go to the Croppers and see how they are. Deirdre tells him that he shouldn't feel bad as the baby has nothing to do with them- and that the baby is a Barlow through and through (more like a Barlow but we wont go into that!) He then gets handed the baby and Tracy looks pleased at the happy family scene.

Over at Fred and Ashley's ö Penny has arrived and is playing with Josh ö she asks how long Ashley and Claire have been together and Ashley is quick to add that Claire is only the nanny ö Claire explains that Ashley's wife died and he then asks after her late husband. Fred calls from the kitchen that if they don't hurry up and go the shops will be shut so off they rush. Penny tells Fred that she thought that she had come round to spend some time with his family and she thinks she has been invited on false pretences.

Ken goes to see Hayley and Roy and they tell him how horrible Tracy is and that she is unfit to be a mother. Ken doesn't agree and Roy spells out how evil Tracy has been with all her pretending and money grabbing and that if it wasn't for them she would have had an abortion. Ken tries to make matters better by saying that they will get all their money back and at this Roy gets really angry and he orders Ken out of the flat.

In the Rovers Maya has gone in to meet Dev except he is late so she chats to Ciaran at the bar who delights at winding her up about Dev's past and much to his delight drops in that Dev was engaged to Gina ö someone Maya has never heard of ö she almost turns green with envy at the mere thought of it.

Penny and Fred have finished eating and they are talking about their lives. She tells him how lonely she is and that she has been on a downer since her holiday. He understands what it is like to be lonely and on her request explains about his three marriages. He then leads on to the fact that his sister has told him about a lovely cottage and hints about not wanting to go there alone. She looks coy and asks if Fred is inviting her away with him.

Over at the Rovers Maya is still quizzing Ciaran about Gina ö Dev walks in and she gives him the cold shoulder ö she then storms off and Dev follows her leaving Ciaran looking delighted at what he has managed to do.

Penny is just leaving when Ashley and Claire come back ö Fred and Penny say that they will see each other in the morning ö leading to Claire to ask what is happening in the morning ö going anywhere nice? Holiday Fred replies with a massive smile on his face.

Back at the flat Maya is giving Dev the silent treatment ö and is going on about how Dev keeps information from her and that he should have told her about Gina.

Claire seems happy for Fred and then goes upstairs to sort Josh out. Ashley is questioning his dad and warning him not to go too quickly like he usually does and propose. Fred tells him that he will enjoy himself and that you sometimes have to take the risk. Fred then asks about Claire and Ashley tells him that Claire is just an employee and that they will never have a relationship. Of course Claire overhears this ö upset at this remark grabs her bag and says that she has to go ö as she walks out Fred comes out with better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

Over at Tracy's they are all still cooing over the baby and Deirdre asks if Tracy has thought of a name or will she keep Patience. Tracy says that she definitely wont keep Patience as it sounds like a freak show she will then pay the Croppers back and then the baby is all hers.

Over at Roy and Hayley's ö Hayley is clearing the clothes away as she cant stand to have them with her any more. Roy says that the time has come for Tracy to be exposed as to what she did and for all of Weatherfield to be told what sort of person she is ·

Mary Earlam





Monday 23 February

Hi everyone, here is the first episode for this evening:

We open in Dev's flat, where Maya is crashing about in the kitchen, obviously displeased. Dev tries to explain that he didn't tell her about Geena because he didn't think it was important. Then he tries the sarcastic approach, and starts to list all the girlfriends he's had since the age of ten. Maya continues crashing - she seems to be upset because she thinks Dev tried to get back with Geena after they split up. He denies it, and says she shouldn't believe what she heard from Ciaran, he hardly knew her. Maya departs, slamming the door.

Over in the Cropper's flat, they are discussing whether to tell the world about Tracy's deal with them, and take legal action to get the baby back. Roy has changed his mind overnight, and isn't so sure it's the right thing to do any more, it's stooping to Tracy's level, it's cheap and demeaning. Hayley says she'd rather be a cheap winner than a proud loser. Roy is worried they'll look foolish, Hayley says they'll be fools for love and there's nothing shameful in that. They decide to fight to get 'Patience' back, although Roy points out that Hayley's past will be dragged up if the case goes to court. She says she's not worried about that, and resolves to go and see Mr. Pomphrey to get some legal advice.

It is breakfast time, too, at the Platt residence. While Gail is busy in the kitchen, Maria, Nick and David are at the table. Maria quietly suggests that some mornings they might go to the cafe for breakfast. Nick thinks they shouldn't spend the money. David, smirking, says that Nick has to have his eggs and bacon in the morning cooked just the way he likes it, with his tea ready at the same time, one sugar and not too much milk. At that moment Gail brings over his eggs and bacon and asks if the mushrooms are done ok. Maria raises her eyes to heaven and looks fed up.

Chez Barlow, and Ken is opening the post to find an invitation for two to an opening at the art gallery this evening. Deirdre says she can't come, someone at work is leaving and the do is tonight, so Ken says he'll go on his own.

In the shop, Sunita is pricing up the groceries and Dev tells her he wouldn't be in this mess if it wasn't for her, because she'd obviously told Ciaran about Geena, who told Maya. Sunita tells him everyone round there knows about Geena and him, it wasn't a secret, and why is he trying to keep it from Maya anyway? She asks him what he's going to do about it and he explains that he's been trying to talk to her but she doesn't want to know. Sunita says she's making him pay first, she'd be just the same, it's the only power women have (?). She tells Dev he'll have to go on groveling.

Over at the other Barlow residence, Tracy is feeding the baby, and telling Blanche her plans for the day. She's going to the bank, she wants to pay the Croppers back as soon as possible. Blanche asks how much she owes, she tells her about 25k, then Blanche asks how much she's got, Tracy tells her about 17k, and she'll try and borrow the rest. Blanche suggests she asks if she can pay them in installments, but Tracy is sure the Croppers will go for that. She tells Tracy if the worst comes to the worst she might be able to help a bit. Tracy says her next stop will be at the Registry office, to see about getting the name changed on the birth certificate. Blanche thinks that Amy is a lovely name, it has warmth and charm, whereas Patience always seemed a bit chilly. Tracy thinks it's a bit virtuous, and Blanche remarks wryly, 'a bit Croppery!'

In the back room of the pub, Shelley, Betty and Bev are having a cup of tea. Shelley asks her mum if she's seen Charlie-boy lately. Bev says they're just good friends, but Betty and Shelley think there's no such thing between a man and a woman. Bev insists they see each other when it suits them, but Betty says it's when it suits him. He's leading Bev a merry dance, and she's the only one that can't see it. Bev claims that before the day is out Betty will eat those words.

Maya is painting her fingernails when Dev comes in. They discuss his relationship with Geena, how long it lasted and how it ended. She asks if there's anyone else round there he's had a relationship with. He tells her only Sunita, who she knew about, and Tracy Barlow. (Errr......isn't he forgetting Deirdre?) He tells her these women are dead to him, he only wants her, she must believe that. She forgives him and he says he'll give her an hour to slip into something sensational and then he'll take her out to lunch and give her a day she'll never forget.

Tracy steps out of the door with baby Amy in the pram, and is dismayed to see Liz McDonald coming along the pavement towards her. Liz, wide eyed and staring, makes some sarcastic comments, saying who would have thought that once Tracy wanted rid of the baby and then sold her, and now she's little miss respectable all of a sudden. Tracy reminds her that this is her grandchild. Liz tells her that she'd better not forget it, she'd better not put a foot wrong as far as the baby is concerned and she will have her to answer to.

Break.

In the Rovers, Charlie and Jason have bought a drink. Charlie asks Jason how is young girlfriend is, and Jason asks Charlie how that knackered old one of his is. Charlie says that just because he likes champagne it doesn't mean he can't enjoy a pint of scrumpy now and again. Bev approaches, so Jason says he'll leave him to it, Champagne Charlie! Bev remarks that she hasn't seen Charlie in a while and he tells her he's been busy. She suggests they do some catching up......he doesn't reply.

Over at a table, Maria, Nick, Candice and Jason are discussing life at Nick's mum's. Candice reckons he has the best of both worlds, waited on hand and foot by his mum and can snog Maria whenever he fancies. Maria hastily says that it's not going to be for much longer, as soon as they've sorted a mortgage.......Nick hedges, and says it'll be a while yet, they've got to find somewhere first and then sort out the legal stuff. Maria doesn't look too happy.

At the bar, Bev is asking Charlie when she's going to see him. He tells her she's seeing him now. She means 'properly', and suggests a date for that evening. (Strikes me as somewhat desperate somehow, cringe!) She flirts and flutters her eyelashes and mentions the Weatherfield Arms at 7 o'clock, but he says to make it the Rovers, he's nothing to hide. Bev says she'll look forward to it, and as she turns away bumps into Betty, who asks what she's smirking at. 'Nothing,' says Bev, 'just fixed a date with Charlie!'

At a smart restaurant, Dev and Maya are looking at the menu. She asks if he brought Geena there, and he tells her, 'Don't start!'. She apologises and he assures her that he's crazy about her, and thinks they could be at the start of something big. 'How big?' she asks, 'As big as it gets,' he replies.

Over at the Croppers, Hayley has just returned, most put out because their solicitor has gone on holiday. 'In February?' asks Roy, 'He's gone to the Canaries,' Hayley tells him. Apparently he won't be back for two weeks and she didn't see anyone else because he is the expert in this field and she didn't see the point in giving all the gory details to someone else, only to be told they couldn't really help. She could spit!

In the Rovers, Eileen is at the bar, and a few feet away, so is Harry. Candice persuades Jason that Eileen and Harry need pushing together, so they go over. Candice asks if the two of them have been on a date since that time they fixed them up together. Eileen and Harry obviously find this very embarrassing, but unabashed, Candice presses on, and they find themselves going out for another drink that evening. When Harry has gone, Eileen is furious and asks if they are so short of something to do they have to go round pairing people off. Jason tells her to stop whinging, she loves it!

In the restaurant, Dev and Maya have obviously finished their meal as the table is cleared, all except their wine glasses. She refills his glass and tells him she'll drive. He says now she knows how he feels, how about her? She tells him she's very happy, she thinks they are special together. She knows it's been exactly five months and two days since he came to her office, but does he think that's too short a time? He says that with Geena they hung around too long and lost momentum. She asks him how they avoid that trap, he gets up and crosses over to her, 'That, Pussycat,' he says, 'is a very good question,' and bends to kiss her cheek, there's a pause, and he asks, 'Shall we get the bill?' Somehow I don't think it's the question that Maya was expecting, as she looks a little crestfallen. She gets up from the table, saying she'll be back in a minute.

Tracy has arrived home, and Blanche asks how she got on. Tracy has a cheque for the 17k, but at the registrar's office she was told that in order to change the baby's birth certificate she has to write to the Registrar General in Southport and also that Steve will have to have a DNA test to prove he is the father. Also, to change the baby's name she has to do that by deed poll. Blanche is horrified, 'All this because Creepy Cropper got there before you?' she is surprised a subnormal like him could sign his name. Tracy says he knew what he was doing all right, he has messed her up something good!

Back at the restaurant, Dev is awaiting Maya's return to the table. His mobile phone rings and he takes it from his pocket. It's Maya, telling him to come and have some fun, she's in reception. He starts to protest that he's about to get the bill, but she persuades him to come right now. He gets to reception only to get another call, she's outside, by the car, waiting for him. He gets outside and she roars up beside him in his little red sports car. She tells him to get in, hasn't he ever run off without paying. 'No!' he shouts, 'I haven't!' She tells him to live for a change, and to get in or she'll go without him. He protests that this is totally out of order and she starts to drive off, he shouts and she stops, he rushes up to the car and opens the door and orders her out. She starts to count backwards from ten, telling him she means it. She gets to one and he jumps in and they roar off down the road, with Dev shouting protests all the way.

Back in Coronation St, Liz and Deirdre come face to face. Deirdre tries to make peace with Liz, telling her that she knows Tracy has done some terrible things but she has to stand by her, she's her daughter. She apologises for the things she said about Steve at the wedding. She reminds Liz that their friendship goes back a long way, and now they have a grand-daughter in common. But Liz is hard-hearted. After what Tracy did to Steve and Karen she thinks it best if they avoid each other.

Meanwhile, Maya and Dev are speeding down country roads. Dev tells her they could turn round and he could go back and pay the restaurant, but she won't. She goes faster, he tells her to slow down. He says its like the vase all over again, and she says he provokes her. He's a slowcoach, she changes gear and says she'll show him how fast he should have been going. She says there she was, all ready for him to pop the question and all he wanted was the bill. She says that as it's a leap year she'll do it, and asks him to marry her. He tells her to slow down, and they'll talk about it. Maya drives faster, and Dev is worried she's going to kill them. She tells him to hurry up then, and answer the question. She tells him to say yes, she's going to keep on putting her foot down until he does...........

And that's it for episode 1 - some brilliant lines in tonight's episodes I thought.

Anne Logan

Here we are with episode two for tonight, which contains what is possibly the best line in modern soap history. Either that, or it just shines out in an episode that is much less than the diamond scripts of last week.

Maya is still driving very fast and every time Dev objects she appears to change up a gear and increase the speed. I didn't count the gear changes, but it seemed as if the convertible must be a 22-on-the-floor model. At one stage Dev had his hands over his eyes. He finally relents and screams that yes, he will marry her, if she will just take her foot off the accelerator. At which she screeches the car to a halt.

Mike Baldwin is visiting the Croppers and is telling Hayley there is no hurry to get back over the road. But he says that sometimes it doesn't help to stay away from work. He recalls when he was fighting Ken for custody of Adam and sometimes "the only thing that kept me sane was rollicking that lot!" This reminder of Adam spurs Roy's hopes for a moment, because Mike won custody, but Hayley points out that no-one was disputing who the father was. Mike says he went through murder over Adam with the Barlows. "Very persistent, that lot." He leaves with the advice to the Croppers that they shouldn't dwell on it, but should try to put it all behind them.

In a car, in a country lane, Maya is taking a drink from a bottle of clear liquid and wants to know if Dev wants a swig. She tells him he admitted he shilly shallied with Gina, and all she was doing was giving him a push.

Maria and Nick are in the Rovers. Maria wants them to go for a pizza or something, but Nick points out that his mother has cooked for them. "Yes, we don't want mummy's din dins to burn," sneers Maria. Nick tries to persuade her that his mother is just trying to be helpful, but Maria is fed up with living with Gail and having everyone cram up on a tiny sofa to watch what is on television. "You watch what you like, but my favourite programme's just started on the other side," she says, giving an example of how Gail acts. "She makes out she's Mrs Reasonable, all the while sticking the knife in."

Deirdre comes into the pub, dressed up for the night out with June from Accounts. Don't most leaving dos go straight from work? Maybe they do it different in Greater Manchester. Bev is very twitchy, jumping each time the door opens. Shelley asks what time "lover boy" is due and explains to Deirdre that Bev is waiting for "Charlie Charm".

Over at Charlie's yard, Jason is pointing out they haven't done any work all day, but Charlie says he's got a big contract coming in -- a council job that will give them two months' work. Jason teases Charlie about Bev, but Charlie says they will go to the Weatherfield Arms first to get a bit of Dutch courage.

Dev is speaking on the telephone in his flat, giving his credit card details to the restaurant. Maya comes in and wants to get a bottle of bubbly to relax Dev, but he is still angry and points out that she could have killed them both. "Don't be such a drama queen," she tells him. "Nobody died, so why the post mortem?" "Because it's not normal behaviour," he replies. She tells him that at least it focused his mind. "You're nuts about me." No, he says: "You're nuts, full stop!"

Tracey marches into the middle of the Croppers' living room. It's not a social call, she tells them. "Where's Patience?" they ask. "Home alone with a box of matches," she sneers. She tells them it's payback time and waves a £17,000 cheque in front of them. Hayley refuses it. "You might change your mind again when the novelty wears off." The Croppers want to know all about Patience. Is she sleeping? Is she feeding properly? Tracey ignores their questions but tells them the baby is at home with her grandmother, her flesh and blood. "We miss our daughter," Roy says. But Tracey snaps that the baby is hers and Steve's. Hayley wonders how Steve is doing on his honeymoon. Tracey poo-poohs the idea of access, and says they have a cat in hell's chance of winning with any legal action. She drops her last bombshell -- she's changing the baby's name by deed poll. "Shall I tell Amy you love her?"

Back at Dev's, Maya is apologising for giving him a fright. But he says things are starting to stack up -- the vase, Maya making him sack Sunita, her attitude when she heard about Gina . . . Maya says it was a prank. She knows that road really well. It was just hijinks gone wrong. She just condensed the process. But Dev is furious. He doesn't take ultimatums. "Relationships need to evolve," he says. But that's not all that has upset him. "If you could even think that this is an acceptable way to behave, that really frightens me," he says. "I can't live like this." Her apologies and promises are too late. "This relationship is dead in the water,'' he says.

[Break]

Deirdre is still drinking in the Rovers when Charlie comes in. He offers to buy her a drink and tells her he has a window of opportunity -- 68 of them, in fact. He has a bid in to get the contract to replace the windows at Bessie St primary school. At the bar, poor Jason is asked for £5.80. "How come I have to pay for his bird's drink?" he asks, and Bev flinches. Deirdre is saying she will have to go, and Charlie tells her that if she can get his bid to the top of the pile, he'll make it worth her while.

Hayley has a headache and Roy is telling her about meeting Liz MacDonald in the street. Liz was saying Steve will want access but he doesn't realise that everything won't just go on the same as before. "At least we know our lives are ruined," Hayley comments. Roy's suggests they get away, because they need to regroup and take a breather. What about the B&B they've stayed in at Whitby? "The sea can be very restorative," he says. Dev and Maya are still arguing. He thinks she should have gone by now, but she says he won't get rid of her that easily. She finally realises what he wants and says she sorry. "It was very dangerous and, worst of all, it was very manipulative," she says. "Hallelujah," says Dev.

Eileen and Harry seem to be having a good time at dinner. Eileen wants to know if she has GSOH, and Harry asks how she is in terms of OHAC. They discuss that the fact that someone has a house and car is expected to make someone forget everything else that is wrong. "Bad breath, bad hair, bad shoes, all pale into insignificance" says Eileen. They swap information about their favourite music and movies (Remains of the Day for Harry; Casablanca for Eileen). Harry suggests they should give Jason the romance they are looking for. He hastens to add that he means they should wind up Jason, maybe say they got carried away. "Harry Flagg, the best French kisser in Greater Manchester," says Eileen, waving a carnation at him.

Sighhhhh, Maya is still apologising. "We're good together she says." Dev more than agrees. "We're great together -- most of the time." Maya offers to make it year zero for their relationship. They talk a little more and end by snogging. Ick.

Shelley and Mike are in the pub discussing the Croppers. Mike said they were devastated and were almost in a trance. Shelley says they will have their noses rubbed in it all the time with Tracey living around there. The conversation turns to Mike's Spanish holiday and Shelley asks after Penny. Charlie comes to the bar to get a drink "and a packet of dry-roasted" and Bev comments that he seems to have been deserted by Deirdre. "She's married, you know." They joke that it will be Dictionaries at Dawn if Ken finds out. Bev mentions their meeting and says she has booked a table at Delphine's. Charlie looks aghast. Though it could be a Chinese, or an Indian, or a pizza at his place, she suggests, spotting that he isn't happy. Charlie says he's been on his feet all day and just wants a night in. Bev suggests she could join him. But Charlie says he's not looking for a relationship. He overdoes the explanation a bit and Bev snaps: "It was just a takeaway, not a relationship. I'll get your nuts!"

Maria and Nick have taken over the whole sofa and Gail is sitting on a chair behind them. Maria is saying Audrey was annoyed when she was late back from her lunch, but it wasn't possible to get round all the estate agents in just an hour. Gail starts a cross-examination and it seems Maria is gathering listings of places to rent. "But I thought you were saving for a deposit," Gail queries. As this exchange is going on, Nick is desperately trying to shut up Maria. But she happily tells Gail she thinks Audrey is right. "If the market's outperforming the interest rates, what's the point in saving?" A thundercloud forms over Gail's head.

Ho hummmm Dev and Maya are discussing food. They talk about paying for a takeaway and Maya comments that he should remember he is spending the money for their nuptials. The penny drops. It's not year zero at all, but Maya still considers them engaged. He questions her. She asks him "what the hell was that?" indicating where they have just been lying. "Two lovers making up," he says. "Two engaged lovers?" she asks. No. He says he needs more time. He thought they'd agreed to take things slowly. She counters that she's not going to wait until in a day, or a month, or a year, or in five years' time, when he's pricing tins of beans, he will suddenly realise he's ready to take her on. Dev is deeply offended that she should malign his work. "At least it's honest," he says. Uh oh. Maya storms out of the room.

In Coronation Street, the Croppers are getting into Patrick's cab and Patrick is reminding Roy of the time he was in the back, rotten, and Tracey and Patrick had to try to get him out. Roy and Hayley just want to get to the station. And as the taxi pulls away, it passes Tracey and Deirdre wheeling baby Patience/Amy along the footpath. Both Croppers turn to look.

In Dev's flat, Maya is still furious. This time it's Dev apologising. He says he just needs some space, some head space. He's not saying never, just not yet. But Maya won't listen and leaves.

And, really, I don't care. But I hope someone calls the mental health crisis intervention team for her.

Margaret Carr



Wednesday 25 February

Hello Folks

Tonight's episode begins with Dev leaving the corner shop and loading some goods in the boot of his car, Maya quietly pulls up in her car just inches away to prove to Dev that she is a safe and careful driver! She apologises for the previous night as she is keen to get back with Dev. Dev is not having any of this and she gets a lukewarm welcome from him.

Next we see Charlie and Jason preparing for work, they are going to do some plastering today and Jason's source of conversation is Bev and if Charlie has dumped her. Unfortunately Bev turns up here and she lets Charlie know there are no hard feelings as Charlie says he has someone else.

At the garage Kevin has his head under the bonnet of a car when there is this ghastly row, when he turns round to find the cause of it he sees Rosie, Sophie and Sally coming towards him, the ghastly noise is Rosie's attempt at singing. Sally wants Kevin to try and sell tickets for the performance - fat chance!

Gail and Maria are discussing ironing shirts, Nick is very fussy with his shirts according to Gail - they both start rowing about who is going to iron his shirt, one of you please come and iron mine! Nick appears from upstairs and is given the third degree by Maria on how he likes his shirts ironed, Nick doesn't seem to be as fussy about how they are ironed as Gail made out.

Back at the shop Sunita asks Dev why he hasn't got his mobile on as Maya has been ringing the shop to find out where he is, Todd is given none to subtle a hint to get lost so that he can speak to Sunita about Maya and the way their relationship is going (or not).

At the Rovers Candice and Maria are having a drink, Candice has just found out that Maria is doing Nick's ironing and she thinks Maria is a doormat for Nick, Maria is keen for her and Nick to get a place of their own away from Gail's attentions. Jason has entered the Rovers, fairly covered in plaster and is re-buffed by Candice when he tries to get a quick kiss in.

Charlie has come in for a pint now as well and Bev is keen to serve him to show there is no problem, Deirdre also turns up and Charlie buys her and Bev a drink.

Kevin has just been paid cash for a job at the garage and Tommy enquires of Kevin how many tickets he has sold, by his reply it would suggest not a lot!

Outside the Rovers Sally is trying to sell tickets to Harry and Eileen, fortunately Vera turns up during Sally's sales pitch and although Sally thinks Rose is spectacular Vera puts a more realistic tint on Rosie's singing talent and accuses Rosie of squawking and not singing - couldn't agree more Vera! Les and Cilla turn up next, but there is no chance of Cilla getting a ticket from Sally who says she is a "pie faced slapper" hmmmm...

In the Rovers Charlie and Deirdre are having a cozy conversation about the local council, Bev looks on jealously? maybe.. meanwhile at the bar all in a row are Eileen and Harry then further along Vera, Candice and Jason, Eileen says to Harry "here we go" as she spots Jason looking at her and Harry, she wraps herself over Harry and they announce that they are having a relationship and Harry is man enough for Eileen, Vera looks on disapprovingly while Jason has fell for this wind-up hook line and sinker!

Vera then has a chat with Bev and lets her know that Deirdre is no angel when it comes to men, Vera compares Ken Barlow to a base camp with Deirdre turning up there when it suits her, Bev then asks Shelley if Deirdre is younger and prettier as Charlie it seems has his eye on Deirdre.

Also at the Rovers, Dev has asked Mike Baldwin over for a drink and a chat meanwhile Bev is asking Shelley what men see in Deirdre and not her, in answer to this Shelley points out Mike Baldwin and Dev and says that Deirdre has had them two. Bev still has a hankering after Charlie.

Dev is telling Mike about the car drive that Maya subjected him to, Mike says it is up to Dev to make his mind up as to whether he dumps Maya or not.

Cilla and Les are having a drink in the Rovers and Cilla says she needs a holiday, Les reminds her they cant afford it, here Cilla suggests she goes by herself to see an old mate in Barrow (male or female?) leaving Les to look after Chesney, Les agrees to this and wins a cuddle from Cilla.

Back at the garage Sally and the girls have turned up and Rosie has sold five tickets, when Kevin is asked how many tickets he has sold he just says he will tell them later.

In the shop Sunita and Todd are having a cup of tea and discussing a job that Todd has applied for when Dev comes in and as he is around when Maya rings up again this time Dev arranges to see her in his flat. This brightens Sunita up as she thinks that Dev will be giving Maya the old heave-ho.

Sally is busy doing some sewing at her house, Sophie is getting hungry and asks mum what is for tea - baked beans it seems. Kevin arrives home then and is none to pleased to find that it is beans again for tea and why should he see about selling tickets when it his job to bring in the money from running the garage, Sally she be getting his tea ready etc.

Another cozy night in at Gail's, Nick and Maria are sitting on the sofa while Gail is preparing tea. Nick says he is a dogsbody for Mike and he is looking for another job, he shows Maria the advert for the job he is going after, Gail tries to get the paper from Maria but Gail will have to wait her turn. Maria is keen for Nick to get the job as this would mean more money and a better chance of moving out, Gail moves in for the kill here and says she has done Nick's favourite for tea.

Maya has turned up at Dev's flat and has bought him some flowers, yes she has paid for them, Maya then apologies for the car, walking out, the second world war etc, Despite her impassioned plea and the continual hooting of a car horn in the background she is not getting far. Dev stick his head out of the window to see what all the hooting is about, Maya has blocked someone in with her careless parking and Dev sends her off to move it.

At the Rovers Deirdre has got as far as the bar and finds her latest drink is on the house, Bev says as it is as she looks so happy, when Bev mentions Charlie, Deirdre gets annoyed and storms out to go home to her base camp, sorry - Ken.

Maya has moved her car and has returned to Dev's flat and reckons Dev needs someone slightly wild, Dev has had enough of her wild stunts, but Maya manages to wear down Dev's resistance and after telling her he has had enough of her sales pitch, then in a complete about face he proposes to Maya, so looks like more wedding bliss may be on the way!

That's all folks

Pete Webb



Friday 27 February

Tonight's episode begins at Charlie's yard ö Charlie is picking up the mail and Jason strolls in ö Charlie is delighted to hear that he has got the Council contract ö he tells Justin to make a letter box in the gate ö he thinks that it is Deirdre that got him the contract.

Todd and Sarah are walking over the road together and Todd is going on about being a real father ö and then says that he would like to adopt Bethany so that they all have the same name ö Sarah looks pleased at the thought.

Over at Dev's Maya is on the phone to her mother who sounds to be a bit erratic and asks odd questions about how tall Dev is ö Maya taps her ring down the phone and tells her she is engaged and invites both her parents round to dinner. Maya comes off the phone and tells Dev that her mother is really unpredictable sometimes ö Dev looks concerned.

Ken is surprised to find Deirdre at home. She tells him she is going in late because she has got a meeting(there is clearly no communication in the Barlow household). He wanted to go to the pub but she says she's quite glad because Bev would only give her abuse. Ken enquires why and she says that Charlie has split up from her and for some reason she is getting the blame ö Ken tires to link it to the asbestos thing.

Bev is moping around the Rovers and Betty and Shelly try to persuade her to go shopping ö she says that she is going to stay right there as she doesn't want people talking behind her back. Bev then tries to compare her situation with Shelly's so Shelly gets cross and tells her mother to get over it or go out.

Katy is in the shop when Tommy walks in and asks why she isn't at school and is informed she has a free period. Martin then walks in and asks the same question. Martin and Katy banter about things and Tommy suddenly gets moody that he isn't being served and accuses them of having an argument. Maya then swans in and selects a bottle of wine and tells Sunita to charge it to Dev later. Sunita refuses and says that for all she knows Maya could be pulling a fast one and until Dev tells her that Maya can take the wine she is not letting her have it. Maya then takes great glee in showing Sunita her engagement ring then swans out of the shop leaving Sunita in bemused wonder.

Bev goes to see Charlie at the yard and Jason informs her that he is at Deirdre's. She nearly falls off her heels.

In the street Maria and Claire are chatting when Imogen Stamford zooms up in her big car. She ignores Maria and talks at Claire ö when Maria keeps butting in Imogen is rude to her so Maria walks off. Imogen says that she wants to ask Claire's advice about the pay offer for the new nanny ö rent free, live in, good pay, holiday, own car etc etc ö Claire says that anybody would be mad to turn that down ö good says Imogen you start on Monday. Claire tries to say no but she is told to think about it.

Charlie is over at Deirdre's he's bought her some flowers which she is not that happy about receiving as she feels corrupt and assures Charlie that him getting the contract is nothing to do with her. He feels differently. He is going to the town hall to sort the contract out and so offers her a lift which she gladly accepts.

In the hospital Todd is in the cafŽ when Martin walks in ö Todd is filling in a job description to get a full time job and asks Martin to be his reference he also tells Martin that he is thinking of adopting Bethany. Karl walks in and Todd's mood changes and he rushes back to work ö Karl wonders why he was funny.

Charlie hoots his horn and Deirdre comes giggling out of the house talking about Ken being cross that she's not in for dinner ö of course the whole thing is witnessed by Bev.

Dev goes to see Sunita and she explains that she was not happy being put on the spot like that and if Dev allows people to take stuff without paying for them then he needs to tell her himself. He asks if it is because of the engagement that she reacted like that. She firmly says that it is not and then offers her congratulations and buys the bottle of wine for him. They peck each other on the cheek and she wishes him luck when he meets the in-laws.

Maria is chatting to Claire and cannot believe that Claire turned down the job with Mrs Stamford and says that Claire needs to sort herself out ö either she takes a good job and gets the money she deserves or tells Ashley how she feels.

Todd is upset because he has found out that he cannot adopt Bethany until he is over 21. Sarah does not seem to be worried about it and tries to ensure him that they will always be a family and it will mean more to Beth later on when she can remember it.

Katy and Karl are sitting cozily in the pub ö Bev asks where Martin is and raises her eyes when she is informed that he is working. Tommy walks in and is delighted to see Karl and Katy chatting and jumps to the wrong conclusion thinking that they are getting pally ö he asks Ciaran if there is anything going on. Ciaran as usual answers cryptically and so Tommy assumes that there is something going on.

Ashley and Claire are chatting and out of the blue Ashley offers Claire a pay rise. She thinks it is because he has been talking to Maria but is embarrassed when Ashley doesn't know what she it talking about ö he asks her what is going on and she is just about to tell him when in booms Fred gushing about pork pies from Yorkshire.

Dev has finished cooking just as Mayas parents arrive ö just as she goes to the door Maya warns Dev that she hasn't told her parents that she isn't working. Her mother walks in and is gushing ö saying that they have been to this area before because someone from the golf club lives in the next street. She starts questioning Dev about his job and Mayas father tells her to stop ö from the look on Dev's face he realises where Maya has got her compulsion and airiness from.

Bev is propping up the bar ordering brandies for herself.

Tommy buys Karl and Katy a drink and is trying to be really nice to Karl ö Katy can see what Tommy is doing and thinks it's hilarious.

Shelly suggests her mother goes and has a bath ö Bev orders another brandy and says that Charlie isn't in because he is probably with Deirdre.

Karl goes to the toilet and Tommy is trying to tell Katy he approves ö she winds him up about him being too old for him ö when Tommy looks puzzled Katy informs him that Karl is gay.

Bev orders yet another drink and asks Betty how well she knows Deirdre. Betty tells her all about Samir and how young he was. Bev is certain that there is something going on.

Fred it still going on about how traveling broadens the mind and doesn't even seem to mind when Ashley reminds him he only went to Yorkshire ö he then exclaims that Penny is very partial to a pork pie. Ashley tells him that he wants to talk to Claire and he can go and make himself scarce.

Claire explains about the offer and tells him that she has already said no ö he says that is good for him and then changes it to just Josh ö she looks forlorn.

A drunken Bev goes round to Ken's and barges in when he says that Deirdre isn't there. She then talks in riddles and then tells her that Deirdre is with Charlie not at a Council meeting and that she thinks Deirdre is making a fool out of Ken. Ken tells her that she should go and then we zoom in on Ken's face as he chews his fingers and looks puzzled.

Mary Earlam



Sunday 29 February

Hello Everyone

We start tonight in the Rovers back room ö Bev walks in holding her head and is obviously nursing a bad hangover. Shelly shrills a good morning. Bev confides in Shelly that she has been silly and that she went and told Ken her suspicions about Deirdre.

Over at Ken and Deirdreâs ö Ken is stony faced and Deirdre is wondering what is wrong. He then questions her about her meeting and what time it finished and she gets cross when she has to justify that she went for a drink with her colleagues after the meeting and then she storms off in a mood because she thinks he is jealous for having a life.

Over at the shop Dev and Maya are discussing the night before and he is explaining to Maya that her father warned him that Maya and her mother are very similar in turns of compulsion. She warns Dev that her father tried to make a mistake by trying to tame her mother and that it didnât work.

We then go to the hospital ö Karl sees Todd who immediately goes funny on him ö Karl wants to know what is going on and then accuses Todd of being homophobic.

Ashley answers the door to Imogen Stamford she has come to persuade him to let Claire go ö she walks into his house uninvited.

Bev goes round to Kens and apologises. He gets really cross with her and accuses her of playing games that its something she does when she gets a rejection to try and make herself feel better ö he asks her to leave and they end up shouting each other. She warns him that Charlie is very good with words and could seduce Emily Bishop if he wanted to ö she storms off.

Imogen is still trying to get Ashley to help and tells him that her offer was a two bedroom flat - rent free, a car and £17,000 ö he looks aghast at the sum. She then tells him that she always gets what she wants and that she wants Claire to start work tomorrow.

Charlie is on the phone fixing up a date for the night ö he holds the phone to Jason when the woman on the other end starts talking dirty. Charlie offers to fix him up with her friend but Jason says no as he is with Candice. Charlie tells him that he is too young to stay with one person and that he should have more fun.

Karl runs for the lift just as the doors close ö and guess what ö only Todd is in there and ö guess what ö it breaks down! Todd and Karl are left in there with at least a two hour wait ö Todd looks far from happy.

Fred and Ashley are in the Rovers discussing Claire and Fred is wondering whether they can match the offer ö which they cant. Ashley decides that he will let her go as it is a really good offer and that he will find a new nanny for Joshua.

Karl and Todd are standing awkwardly in the lift not speaking. They both sit down and have small-talk chats. Todd explains about how he had a place at Oxford but felt that was just because thatâs what other people wanted him to do. Karl said that he had the same thing that his father wanted him to be a mechanic ö but defied him by becoming a nurse. Todd asks why nursing ö Karl says that he likes helping people and adores the uniform.

Ken is staring at the flowers in the front room when Deirdre walks in cheerily. After a few brusque words from Ken she demands to know what is going on. He asks whether she is having an affair and then tells her he thinks it is with Charlie. She gets really cross and says that she has stuck to her promise of being faithful and as for Charlie ö she helped him out by recommending him for a contract that was all. Ken apologises and admits that he should have trusted her.

One hour ten minutes later Karl and Todd are still stuck in the lift. Todd then feels the need to explain to Karl that he is not homophobic ö he admits that he kissed another man a few months ago and it felt odd being around someone gay. Karl tells him not to be stupid and that he likes him as a mate and that a few men kiss other men without being gay. He then asked who he kissed and finds it hilarious to hear it was Nick. Karl then talks about his boyfriend Robbie and how hard it is being accepted if you are gay and that you cant show affection in public. As if on cue the lift doors open and Todd thanks him and they shake on the fact that they are friends.

Claire is chatting to Ashley and she is cross that Imogen Stamford came to see him. She explains that she didnât tell him what the offer was because she didnât want him to think that she wanted him to match it. Very stonily faced he tells her that she must accept the job, that she doesnât need to work her notice and that she can go tomorrow.

Fred meanwhile is in the Rovers talking to Shelly about it and saying that Ashley would be a fool to let her go. We then go over to Bev who lights up when Charlie walks in looking very dapper. She gets him his drink and asks who is going out with and tells him she is free on Tuesday. He tells her that she sounds like his mother and on her night off she should get dolled up and go into town to find a man ö at this she storms into the back room.

Sarah is finishing up in the cafŽ with Todd helping her. She asks about his day and he doesnât mention the lift but says that he has decided to get the full time job as he likes it there. Sarah then stops as she feels the baby kick ö Todd looks really pleased.

Bev is yet again drowning her sorrows. Shelly comes in to find her mother drunk and tells her to stay put and rest. Bev then tells her how much she liked Charlie and is going on about him and Deirdre ö she gets herself so cross that she decides she is not having it and rushes out of the Rovers. She goes to the back door at Ken and Deirdreâs ö Ken opens the door and she tells him that Deirdre is definitely with Charlie and she gives him the address and starts to walk off. Naturally Deirdre then appears wondering what is going on ö realises what Bev thinks and starts shouting at her ö she tells her to go away before she gets arrested for being drunk and disorderly or deranged. Bev slumps off and looks gutted.

Thatâs all for tonight.

Thank you, Mary Earlam




Updates written by Richard Whitbread, Martin Rosen, Ann Logan,Peter Webb, Margaret Carr, Mary Earlam.

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