2006

Friday 1 September

Well, Friday's was an interesting episode, what with break-ups andjoining-ups and at least one brilliant, brilliant line.

Kirk waits outside the factory with a plastic-wrapped bunch of flowers --you know the sort, where they're wrapped in plastic designed to look as ifthere are more flowers in there than the garage (or Dev) was willing to sellat one time. Fizz isn't impressed. Now that they're split, she wants to staythat way.

Tyrone finds Jack in the pub. Jack's been trying to avoid Vera. "You'veforgot again!" Tyrone says accusingly.

Kirk is still pleading. Fizz, who by now is headed in her front door, isstill not impressed. Kirk even starts to rap. . . er. . . sing orsomething... it's hard to tell. Fizz is still not impressed. She shuts thedoor and Kirk shoves the poor, sad, slightly wilted stocks through theletterbox, still in their plastic wrap.

Norris is still annoyed that Rita will go to Budapest if she wins the draw,because he's always wanted to go there. "It's the home of Laszlo Biro, hemoans. "He's one of my heroes." Of course, Rita pretends to have no idea whoLaszlo Biro is or was. She's saved by Vera coming in to find out what Jack'sbeen buying. "He asked me not to tell you," Rita replies. Vera's thrilled.It means Jack's not forgotten her birthday. "Oh no," Norris corrects here."Rita wouldn't tell you because he's been buying cigarettes." Can you seethe smoke coming from V's ears?

Jason and Charlie are in the truck and are talking to Maria. Jason bragsthat they've been watching her front door. During what Jason thinks is aninnocent conversation, Maria manages to convey the information that she'splanning a night in.

In the pub, Steve comes in to find Michelle immediately accusing him ofarriving late to fetch Ryan again. No, Ryan's in the chippie and she has toapologise. In a booth, Jack keeps his head down behind his paper, but Verasoon spots him. He whips the newspaper away to reveal a tiny cupcake with asingle candle burning on it. Vera is made up. The generally happy atmosphereis spoiled by Liz stomping in to demand to know why Michelle has left theband. She can't seem to get a straight answer. Nearby, Vera unwraps herparcel and it seems to be as much a surprise to Jack as it is to her -- hergift is a "Royal tin box". It looks to me like an old biscuit tin with apicture of Charles and Diana on it. Vera tells Jack that sometimes he makesher feel as if they should be on a tin. Awwwwww. Jack feels quite smug untilTyrone points out that Jack owes him £40. "Forty?? It's not her 70th!" roarsJack.

In the back room, Vernon is making a bad job of defending himself and makingup reasons why Michelle left. In the end he does what any cornered man does.He lies. "It was her," he tells Liz.

Maria and Charlie are outside her flat, chatting, when Tyrone arrives andgoes upstairs. It seems he's been called in to counsel Kirk. That consistsof telling him he deserved it because he treated Fizz badly on the holiday.He reckons he can persuade Fizz and will have a word.

In the pub, Frankie, Jamie and Violet have decided, out of the blue, to havea game of darts. Michelle is pointing out to her son the dangers ofsaturated fats for young athletes when Liz comes in and sacks her. Yes, justlike that. "You. Bag. Coat. On yer bike." Liz says no-one tries it on with"my Vernon". Michelle isn't upset -- she's furious.

Liz is surrounded, with Steve, Betty and Sean trying to tell her what Vernonis like. "Why would Michelle be interested in this?" asks Steve, with ascornful nod towards Vernon. Apparently Vernon has even explained away the"underpants in the back room" incident.

Steve goes out and apologises to Michelle.

Liz is still under attack inside. She tells her staff she's a caringemployer and wants to hear their input. "You want input?" scoffs Betty, theonly one of the lot of them who can scoff properly. "You need your headexamining if you're going to believe matey-boy here over Michelle."Michelle's brother comes in and, when he hears she's been sacked, settles inwith a bottle of lager. It's no time at all before Frankie catches his eye.

Steve has taken Michelle to the taxi office, where Eileen has her usualreaction to other people's troubles -- she takes her boots off and wades in,heading over to the pub. Michelle is quite used to losing jobs, though shesays she's good at getting them. While Eileen is gone, she and Steve have aheart-to-heart. Ryan's dad died five years ago in a car crash. Her brothersare like second dads to Ryan. "Nothing better than family -- when it works,"Steve says wryly. There's one of those awkward pauses in the conversationwhere they look at each other.

Eileen tells Liz Vernon is making a fool of her. When Lloyd took Vernon andMichelle to see a flat, Vernon was all over Michelle. The darts players arediscussing the looks Frankie keeps getting from Michelle's brother. Tyronecomes in to talk to Fizz, but she's not going to change her mind. Tyronesays the least she can do is see Kirk so he can apologise. At the bar,Frankie contrives to drop her purse in front of the brother, Paul, andinvites him to join the darts game.

In the back room, Vernon swears on his drum kit that he never touchedMichelle. "They're all against us," he tells Liz, assuring her that they'resolid. But Liz is crying. "You're not even a good storyteller," she says.She knows he's fancied Michelle since that first audition. "Get out now,"she tells him. Sean comes to check on Liz and she says she'll be fine onceVernon is gone. Vernon is stunned. "Not in the heat of the moment," he says.Liz stalks upstairs.

Michelle is set to go and Steve says goodbye. Once she's gone, Eileen asksif he asked her out. She persuades him to run, but it's too late. Michelleand Ryan are on the bus and away.

Back in the pub, Paul, who claims he's never played darts before, tellsFrankie that if he scores four, she'll have to go out with him tomorrownight. He throws the dart and it lands inside the outer circle on the two.Frankie is dismissive until the others point out that this is double two --four. A sad Kirk comes in and apologises nicely to Fizz. Fizz is trying tointerrupt him to say it's no use, but when he says he's written a poem issuddenly interested. "I always thought that I could make it on my own," hebegins, going on until he gets to the more familiar words: "I would giveanything I own, give up my life, my heart, my home . . ." Yep. Bread. Kirkmakes an endearing little puppy noise and Fizz looks at him fondly. They'reinterrupted by Tyrone rushing into the pub. "Has anyone here got a drumkit?" It's a second or two before the question penetrates Vernon's brain andtravels down to his nose, making him snort beer!

Outside, clothing and drums are spread everywhere and more are coming downfrom above. When Liz says "Out!" she means "Out!" Quite an audience gathersto see the action. "Not the snare!" he shouts. She threatens to throw thesnare drum unless he gives Steve the keys. Then she throws it anyway. "Idon't think even Relate can fix this one, pal," says a sympathetic Steve, asVernon collapses on to his drums.

The End
Margaret Carr



Sunday 3 September

over to the mean Street of Weatherfield for eventswhich were written by Carmel Morgan and directed by Tim O'Mara.Copyright remains with ITV Productions.

At Frankie's the lady of the house is sleeping on her own sofa with abad hangover - so bad she cannot remember getting a date. Jamie callsher an old soak and offers to cook some bacon for brekkies.

Steve points out a picture of Vernon with drum kit on his head to hismother Liz. Anything is an improvement to that haircut. Liz is showingoff her shoulders and her mammaries in a halter neck top, which alsoshows the batwings on her arms - and then she points out that she isnearly 50 and on her own again. She is also wearing a slit skirtshowing off her left leg. Much higher and we could inspect herunderwear. Violet joins them and Liz badmouths the sacked Michellewhilst Steve and Violet seek to get her re-instated.

Fiz and Kirk are back together - he would give up his life for her andshe is bowled over. Later in the Rovers Fiz asks Kirk where he wrote it- he tells her the Red Rec. He wants to talk about something else - butshe is impressed as he says the words were busting out of him and sheasks for the poem.

Ashley comes downstairs with Thomas (the new baby) - Claire is ironingand we are told Josh is off to school. Ashley suggests taking thechildren round to see Claire's mother - but Claire insists she is notwell enough. Ashley keeps trying to get a diagnosis and a prognosis,Claire is giving nothing away.

David (who gets more objectionable by the episode) comes into the Platthousehold and says that Jason has just arranged a fly past from the RedArrows announcing that Jason is a pillock writing it in the sky butmisspelling pillock. Gail asks him to show some sensitivity and askshim to join them shopping - but he blags a pizza and slopes off. LaterCraig comes round and they sit down to spend the day playing computergames. Craig calls him sick for calling them freaks. Craig is goingback to school for qualifications. Later David tells Craig that he isnot going to turn up at school. David says his reputation would sufferif he turned up for the first week.

Michelle arrives to collect her pay - Liz has not worked it out.Michelle calls Liz the witch from hell. Steve, Sean, Bet and Violet alltell Liz she is making a mistake. Liz tells her it is quite a fan club.Michelle says she liked working in a friendly pub. Liz eventually saysthe job is still hers. Steve translates this as an apology but Liz saysshe will not beg. Michelle smiles and says apology accepted. Liz tellsSteve to put his tongue back in - he is worse than Vernon. Michellethanks Steve later - they chat and flirt.

Fiz is waiting serving when Rita comes in and Fiz starts repeatingKirk's poem at which point Rita breaks into song - the old song whichKirk ripped off - David Gates and Bread. Instantly Rita is reliving heract. Fiz calls Kirk a fake and a phony and stomps off - he runs outafter her. Later Kirk tells her that he likes knowing what is going tohappen and she asks him if he will teach her to drive. He agrees.

After the break (and Cadburys are back in case anyone is interested).Fiz is crying on her doorstep. But she cannot find her front door key.They argue. Eventually Kirk says it is not easy being thick! Kirktells her that he was following Tyrone's advice. And eventually hecompliments her. He is bright enough to know he is stupid. He wantedto impress her. Eventually Fiz says she does not want patter from him(the clown) - she just wants him.

At the Rovers Sean tries to convince Michelle that she should make aproper play for Steve and ask him out. Bit difficult going out with theboss's son I would have thought and given the time he has spent in theRovers recently you would find it hard to believe that Lloyd has gonemissing from running Streetcars. Sean advises her that she can come canacross as uncompromising - she says hard faced - all solved by herputting on a smiley face and she instantly looks a lot prettier!

Inside the Back room at the Rovers Steve and Liz are having a chat.Michelle listens. Steve is saying that she has a good barmaid and Lizresponds by saying it would be fine - but she can see that he is aboutto jump into bed with her. Steve denies it - there is nothing going onand it would not be Liz's concern even if there was. Liz does not likeher. Steve observes that Michelle has a 14 year old kid and he does notwant that like a hole in the head. We see Michelle getting more andmore wound up by the comments they are making. Liz reckons Michellewill consider him a meal ticket and will be high maintenance. Stevetells his mother that he likes Michelle a lot - and there is no jealousex - he died in a car crash. Steve says he will do what he likes whenhe likes and tells her to deal with it. Michelle has stopped listeningbefore Steve goes outside.

Michelle's brother tries to collect on his date with Frankie - but sheis not giving in that easily. Violet tells her to honour hercommitment.

Ken and Dreary are off to Corfu and leaving Adam on his own. Adamassures them he will be all right on his own running the factory -Danny's job is simple.

Sean asks Michelle if she was successful - she is not happy. Stevecomes out and passes her, getting a very dirty look (are we surprised?).Later Steve offers to give her a lift home. She replies by pointing outthat single mothers are always looking for a meal ticket and she stormsout to catch the bus.

Surprise of the week - Michelle O'Connor is played by Kym Ryder,formerly Kym Marsh, and the girl can act. I thought she was going to bea five minute wonder - but now I am now so sure. Kym is 30, so perhapsjust old enough to have a 14 year old son (I am not sure she looks likea typical single mother of that age - the hair cut is a little toosmart) but does seem to be getting along well.

Mysteries - where is Lloyd? How is David going to sustain the schoolabsence record?

Greatest pleasure - Amber was nowhere to be seen!

See you all again next week.

K Richard W



Monday 4 September

First part of two episodes tonight

This episode is written by Julie Jones and directed by Stuart Davids.Producer Steve Frost.

At the Peacocks house its Josh's first day of primary school. Claire haslaid out his uniform and he is just getting ready. Ashley remembers hisfirst day and he didn't like it. Claire says she loved her first day, as shecould not believe the amount of people there was to talk to. She says sheonly had imaginary friends until she started school. He asks if Claire ishappy and she snaps at him saying she is fine. He says he is worried abouther as she seams angry all the time. She says her mum is at deaths door inan angry way and storms off.

Over at the Platt household David while passing Bethany messes her hair justafter Sarah had done it. Sarah says David as does Beth. Gail says he can bea torment. He is just going to go to school. Gail tells him to watch out andif he is worried about any thing to phone her. Sarah does Beth's hair again.David says for her not to worry and goes. Sarah is done and tells Beth shelooks like an angel. She then teases her asking if she's got a pair of wingsunder her cardie. Gail tells Sarah to enjoy these days as Beth is no troubleas it's all down hill now. Sarah says never and hugs her daughter.

Factory and Adam is on the phone saying sorry and he will have Danny callhim when he gets back. Joanne comes in asking what is up. He goes out andtells everyone that they can go home. Sean asks why and he is told the lastlost of fabrics was not paid for so they won't ship anymore. Kelly says shecan't afford to lose money. Adam says they will still get paid and see it isDanny little treat. He asks if he has to kick them out and Sean says theyare going.

Over at the cafe Cilla and Blanche are waiting as Liam enters. Cilla saysFrankie should be wearing a hairnet. Blanche agrees saying if anything didgo in her food it could be the end of her. Frankie says nothing will happen.Blanch is not convinced with all the stuff she puts on her hair. Frankiesays that her hair is her natural colour. Blanch is given her roll but saysshe might as well take it but she will be looking very closely all over it.Liam then tells Frankie that she own him a date as he stood her up. Shesmiles. Cilla says he better not let Roy catch him chatting her up.

Outside Sarah sees David siting on the bench outside the Salon. She says,"Your skiving again, aren't you?" David says it would be very stupid to sithere with Audrey five feet away and his mum just over the road at work. Headds and his cow of a sister standing over him. David says he is going to gobut Sarah goes over to Claire and asks if she is passing the school. Sheasks David if he is running late. He says no and then grabs Sarah and says,"What are you doing?" and then says he is going to go school. Sarah says shewill be checking up on him.

Over at the Battersby house they have lots of bills. Les says, "We've thatmany I could paper the bog house door with 'em" He says hamster eat paper andChesney asks if he can have one. Both Les and Cilla say no. Cilla then sayshe will have to do extra shifts at work. He asks her if she wants him tofall asleep at the wheel. Les sees there is one for Chesney and asks if hehas a secret admirer. Ches takes the letter and they ask him what it is.Chesney smiles looking at the letter and tells them they will just have towait and see.

At the Primary school Ashley and Claire take pictures of Josh. Claire asksif she put his lunch in his bag. Ashley said she did and checked more thenonce. Claire says one more picture. When Ashley says one with Thomas andJosh, Claire quickly says they should get him in and runs with him to thedoor. Ashley is next to Thomas in his pram and says for him to say bye tohis big brother.

Over at the cafe Frankie gives Liam his roll and its not everyday a guytracks you down. He says, "So do I get that date then?" She says she willlet him know. The girl come in from the Factory and tells Frankie about theproblems at Underworld. She then goes to the counter. Liam listens to them.Kelly goes over to him and asks for his paper as she likes him. Liam goesover to the counter. Kelley asks Sean what Frankie has that she doesn't.Sean just tells her to look in the mirror. Liam asks if she'll be in theRovers later. She says she might be and he says he does not give up easy.

Peacocks household again and Claire arrives home with flowers for her mum.Ashley says she said she was only going to be five minutes but is told shehad to go into town as she didn't want to give her mum half-dead flowersfrom Dev's. He asks if she is going to take Thomas and she says yes. Ashleythink she is taking on too much and asks if anyone else can help look afterher mum, she says no. Claire then starts to lose it and says she is tiredand under pressure and he is not helping. Ashley then says she doesn't likeher mum and that this could go on for years. Claire replies, "Oh well I'lljust go stick a pillow over her face now, shall I? Get it over and donewith?" She tells him to go to the wholesalers and tells Thomas they aregoing out.

Outside Sean see Adam and asks if they are closed till Danny gets back arethey still going to get paid. Claire comes with the Thomas and Sean says heis very cute but she just says yes and carries on. Adam says they will stillget paid, as they should not lose out because of Danny. He then says, ifDanny wants to trash his business he can.

Back at the cafe Hayley says she could eat the baby up and Roy says he'sjust had lunch. Claire asks if she is doing anything and if she'd look afterThomas. They can't look after Thomas and Roy says with hot food and peoplecoming in and out he would not be able to provide the proper care. AfterClaire says it's a family emergency Hayley then says she will and Clairesays she will be back at 12 and is out before anyone can answer.

Outside Claire is walking along a street. When passing a bin she puts theflowers in them.

Over at the Battery's household Chesney comes in with fifteen pound. He saysit's to help with the bills and says to put it towards the phone bill. Cillaasks him where he got it. Chesney says he is an internet entrepreneur now.Les says he had better not be selling mucky pictures of his mum. He says hesold his Action Man dinghy set that didn't have a lag. She thanks him and hegoes. Cilla says that was very thought full of Ches. She then tells Les thatthe money won't go far and they should go to the pub. He agrees and throwsthe unpaid bills in the air.

Over at the Rovers the factory girls come in and Adam tells them he can'tget any other fabrics. He asks if they want the usual and Sean says yes.Liam then comes over and when he see Adam still can't get fabrics he saysstill not sorted it out and that he heard the girls talking about itearlier. Adam tells him, "I'm not putting myself out for him" Adam tells himwhat Danny has done and Liam thinks if he does not do anything it will meanDanny has won. Michelle says they should contact their brother as he doesfabrics. Liam says he was just getting to that and tells her he thinks thereis a customer that wants serving. He says he might be able to help.

At a cafe somewhere Claire is sat eating.

Battersby household Cilla comes in and Chesney asks where she has been. Shesays she went for a walk but he replies that she told Les she does not dowalking. She then says he cant grudge her one drink. He says he gave up hisaction set to help with the bills. She says she needs it to help herconcentrate. He asks on what and she tells him he is going to show her everthing about the internet.

Back to the Rovers and Kelly is telling everyone about a story she head ontv. A woman was burned and only her slippers was left. They all take themite out of her. Liam is on is mobile to his brother and says that this iseasy money and Adam does not seam that bright and will pay over the odds ashe wants out. He then comes over to Adam and tells him his brother will helphim out. He thanks him and says he has no money to pay him. Liam says its oklet the other guy sort it out when he gets back. Adam says he own him.

Outside Sarah is just closing the Salon when Eileen approaches her. She isreally sorry for what her sons have done to her and all the misery they havecaused her. Sarah says, "You didn't tell him to do a runner did you" Ashleygets a phone call and looks a bit shocked. Eileen says they have caused hera lifetime of heartache between them, Sarah thinks Jason is over it andseeing other girls. She says no and he is really sorry. Eileen asks if shewants to give Jason a message. Sarah just shakes her head and says bye.Ashley says he will come to pick up Josh from the school.

At the cafe somewhere Claire's mobile goes off. She looks at the phone andgets up to go. She does not pick up the call and cancels it. She then sitsback down and just looks as if she's thinking am I doing the right thing.

Outside as Ashley runs along the street he sees Hayley and is shocked whenhe sees her with Thomas. Hayley tells him there was an emergence. Ashleytells her Claire didn't pick up Josh. They think there is something wrong asits not like Claire. Ashley asks if she will keep Thomas a bit longer.Hayley agrees to keep Thomas as Ashley gets in his car.

At the cafe somewhere Claire puts money in a slot machine and starts playingon it.

That's all for the first episode. Would just like to add and say theofficial Corrie site itv.com on their reports it says its Bethany Platt'sfirst day of school. Nope, that was last year - how could a mistake likethat happen lol. The second part to this episode will be along soon.

Amanda Souter

So we rejoin the story at the cafe where Claire is playing the fruitmachine, without any success.

Ashley, having not been able to contact Claire, He is then surprised tomeet Hayley pushing Thomas in the pram down the street. Hayley isconcerned about Claire. Ashley explains to her about Claire's mother. Heis worried that she is not coping. He says he is going to go to Claire'smother and see what is happening.

The girls from the factory are in the Rovers deciding what to do withtheir unexpected day off.

Michelle and Violet are discussing boyfriends. Violet thinks Michellewould have no difficulty in getting a boyfriend. Michelle asks how longViolet has been going out with a Jamie. She replies about a year.

Ashley arrives at Claire's mother's house. He knocks on the door andgets no reply. He then bangs furiously, and still gets no response.

Chesney is trying to explain to Cilla how to use the computer and theauction page. Unfortunately Cilla has sat down in front of it anddoesn't want to budge. Chesney decides to feign a coughing fit andpleads with his mum to get him a glass of water. As soon as she goes tothe kitchen, Chesney jumps back into the seat.

Sarah meets up with David and asks him if he has been to school. He sayshe has and shows her a letter about school dinners.

Ashley returns from Claire's mother's and meets Claire in the street. Heis furious and asks her where she has been. She says at her mother's. Hesays he has just come back from there. She said she went for a walk. Sohe asks her the whereabouts of her mother. She replies that she was inbed. She manages to twist what Ashley is saying so she can claim that heis harassing her.

Cilla asks Chesney to borrow Fizz's camera so that she can photographthings for the internet. Chesney suggests that she may want to sell thecamera as well!

Steve is in the Rovers chatting to Michelle. She asks Liz if her son,Ryan can go through to the back and watch the tv. As they go through,Liz moans that she is treating the place as if it was a creche.

Violet suggests to Jamie that they move into a flat together. He is abit taken aback and a bit reluctant at first, but agrees.

Ashley complains to Claire that she is not talking to him. Claire saysthat she is looking after her mother. He insists that he wants to gowith her the next time. Then Claire notices a bruise on Thomas. Sheimmediately jumps to the conclusion that it must have been Hayley thatdid it. So Claire goes off to the cafe in a temper. She accuses Hayleyin front of the rest of the customers. When Hayley says she didn't,wouldn't and couldn't do anything to harm baby Thomas Claire slaps herface. Ashley arrives in and drags Claire off home.

Cilla is busy going around the house taking photos. Les comes in andwonders what she is doing. So Cilla explains that she is taking thephotos for the internet and they will be quids in.

David returns from school and Gail and Audrey ask him how he got onthere. His response is "same old … same old". He immediately wants tochange the subject. Audrey mentions what happened at the cafe whenClaire saw Hayley. David pipes up that it is the quiet ones that are theserial killers.

Adam arrives back in The Rovers with the girls and buys them all adrink. He thanks Liam for his help in putting him in touch with his brother.

Liam tells Michelle that he is meeting the girl from the cafe. Althoughhe realises she is married. Michelle presumes he means Hayley and saysshe didn't realise he was into transsexuals. Liam cannot believe thatshe is a transsexual.

In the cafe, Hayley express her upset regarding the accusation aboutThomas to Eileen. Eileen thinks that Claire will be round the next dayto apologise. Roy says there is no excuse.

Back at the Peacocks' Claire is about to ring the police. Ashleysnatches the phone away from her. She accuses Ashley of trying toprotect her.

Audrey thinks Gail was made at the time, in keeping David off school atthe end of last term. However, she is glad to be proved wrong.

Liam is teasing Ryan and raises his arm to pretend to hit him, just asFrankie comes in. He (obviously thinking she is a transsexual) says hedoesn't want to go out after all. She was surprised because he was soenthusiastic before.

Jamie explains to Violet that he doesn't think they can move in togetherfor the present. He feels his duty is to stay with his mother, Frankiewho shouldn't be left alone. She has been through a lot recently.

Claire comes downstairs after having her bath. Ashley asks if she is ok.He is wondering if all the pressures on her are affecting her health. Hesays Hayley is a good friend and wouldn't do anything to hurt Thomas. Hesays that he doesn't recognise her at times. He wonders if Claire couldhave accidentally hit him. Claire yells that she wouldn't harm him.

Martin Rosen



Wednesday 6 September

Hi everyone, fresh from all the excitement of the Bognor Regis Birdman Rallywhere normally sane individuals take death-defying leaps from the pierdressed in silly outfits, I finally calmed down enough to write the updatefor Wednesday 6th September.

Gail, Sarah and David come out of their front door. David's off to school(supposedly), and Gail wishes him a good day.

Jamie comes out to get in his van, when Violet calls him from her roomupstairs at the Rovers. He rushes off and brings her back one flower,plucked from Dev's displays outside his shop, and throws it up to her,promising to see her at dinner time.

Adam opens up the factory and isn't too happy to get a call from Hayley tosay she's not coming in, it's a personal matter. Hayley puts the phone downand turns to Roy, who says he wouldn't like to think of her going in to thefactory and getting the third degree. Just then Ashley comes in andapologises on Claire's behalf, saying she didn't mean the things she said,she's going through a bad time with the baby, and her sick mother. "Thatdoesn't excuse……" Roy starts to say, but is hushed by Hayley, who says itsdown to misunderstandings. Roy points out that Hayley has had to take a dayoff work, and Ashley says again that he's sorry.

Violet and Liz are in the back room of the pub. She tells her how she wantedher and Jamie to move in together, but Jamie doesn't want to leave hismother. Just then Michelle bursts in, but stops and says she's rememberedshe owes Steve, and goes off again. Violet tells Liz she wishes Jamie wouldthink less about his mum and more about her. "Or is that being selfish?" sheasks.

Over at the Peacocks, Ashley tells Claire that rushing around to look afterher mother every day is all too much for her. "Do you think I'm not being aproper mother?" she demands to know. Ashley asks why she would think that,and she says she knows he believes Roy and Hayley, and he thinks that shebruised Thomas's arm. Claire marches off out of the house, leaving Ashleyholding the baby.

Michelle arrives at the taxi office to pay for the taxi service that picksher son up. As she goes off out of the door, Steve rushes off after her.When he catches up with her he says he knows she overheard him saying stupidthings to his mother. "What stupid things would they be?" she asks. "WhenI said about single mothers," says Steve, looking embarrassed. "Oh, aboutalways looking for a meal ticket? That stupid thing, yeah," says Michelle.Steve tells her he's really sorry and would like to make it up to her, andoffers to buy her dinner. "Oh you mean you want to give me a meal ticket!"says Michelle. Steve asks if they can forget about that, but Michelle saysno, and then turns her attention to her brother who gets out of a car. Sheasks what he's doing there, and whether he's got the local ‘tranny' on hisside yet. Liam is doubtful about whether what she's saying is true, andMichelle checks that they are talking about Hayley, who's married to the manwho runs the cafe, and assures him that she's a ‘tranny' and everybody knowsit.

Liam goes into the factory to see Adam. He wants to know if Adam meant itwhen he said that given a chance he would be out of the factory like a shot. Adam assures him that he did. Liam asks if they can meet up in the publater, and Adam agrees, saying that he won't accept just anything, he's hadit all valued. "That tells me all I need to know," says Liam, "you are aman to be taken seriously."

Out in the Street, Liam runs into Frankie, and stares at her oddly. "Whatare you looking at me like that for?" she asks him, and he tells her thatshe looks very feminine. "What would you expect me to be?" asks Frankie,puzzled. He tells her that most fellas dressed in a frock look ridiculous.It's then Frankie's turn to look at him oddly, and she tells him she's gotthings to do, and walks on.

Ashley is on the phone to Claire, thinking she's at her mother's house, andsuggests taking the baby and Joshua round to see her mother. "No Ashley,"says Claire, from her table in a cafe, "I've told you she doesn't want tosee any one." As Ashley hangs up he sees David Platt come in his back gateand go into his house.

Once inside, David pours himself a drink of orange juice, and then becomesaware that Sarah is in the room, watching him. He jumps and she asks himwhat he's doing there. He makes up a story about being sent home because apipe has burst at school. Sarah asks him why, in that case, is their amessage on the answering machine asking Gail to ring them because he nevereven registered. David thinks quickly, and tells her that the bullying iscontinuing, but he begs her not to tell Gail as it would upset her.

Adam and Liam are in the pub discussing his purchase of Adam's share of thefactory. Adam says he's had it valued at £150k, and Liam tells him he isinterested.

Over at another table, the factory girls and Sean are discussing hisforthcoming birthday. Sean has been lying about his age for years, but hasdecided that it's now time to get back to the truth, next week he's going tohit 30.

Frankie comes into the pub and asks Liz for a glass of white wine. Liz asksher if she knows that she's cramping Jamie's love life, and explains abouthis reluctance to move in with Violet because it would mean leaving her.Frankie thinks that sounds like an excuse to her, and wonders if Violetthinks that as well.

Michelle goes over to serve her brother, who says he still can't believethat she (nodding towards Frankie) is the local ‘tranny'. "Where?" asksMichelle, and then realises. "Who works in the cafe!" she says, as the pennydrops. She's just about to set Liam straight when Liz interrupts and tellsher that there's a customer to serve. "I'll tell you later," she say

s.

Hayley arrives back in the cafe to find Ashley in there with the baby. "Youwill be careful won't you?" says Roy, "we don't want any more accusations."Hayley brushes aside his reservations and goes over to them. "I'm glad youbrought him in," Hayley tells Ashley, and then asks if there's anything shecan do to help. "You know where we are if you need us," she says.

In the pub, Violet tells Sean she can't believe he's going to be thirty onhis birthday. "And I thought you were always going to be a teenager," shetells him. "I am, Violet, I am," he says.

Jamie comes in and finds Frankie at the bar. She tells him she's beenhearing things about him.

Violet asks Liz if they could hold a karaoke night in honour of Sean'sbirthday. She tells Liz that he'll organise it as it's his birthday, and soLiz says that if he's prepared to do all the work and not leave it to her,it'll be ok.

Michelle comes back into the bar and asks where her brother has gone.Violet says that he went out with Adam a while earlier. "Oh no, he's goingto kill me!" says Michelle, and rushes off outside after them. She findsthem outside, just coming out of the factory. As Adam goes off across thestreet, Michelle meets up with her brother and explains that the woman he'staken a shine to is not, in fact, Hayley, the local ‘tranny' but Frankie, aregular, 100 percent woman.

In the Peacock residence, Claire is gazing pensively at the baby in hismoses basket. Ashley tells her that baby Thomas has been really good todayand says how he took him into the cafe and he just lay in his pram. "Was shethere?" asks Claire, abruptly. Ashley tells her that Hayley was there, "Butlet's just try and forget about that, eh?" he says. Claire says she'll try,but will Hayley? Ashley is sure that Hayley wouldn't hold a grudge. He sayshe's got to go over to the shop for a couple of hours, and asks if she'll beall right. Claire's face clouds over and she looks anything but all right."What is the matter?" he asks her, and she tells him that she's trying. "Iknow you are," he says, "in fact I think you're trying a bit too hard andtrying to do too much." He says he'll be back as quick as he can and he'lldo the tea so she can put her feet up. "You're good aren't you?" she tellshim, "you deserve better than me." "Nobody's better than you," he says, andkisses her goodbye.

Liam sees Frankie out in the Street, and rushes over to her. He apologisesfor his strange behaviour and tells her he thought she was a bloke. "I begyour pardon?" says Frankie, obviously offended. She tells him to leave heralone, and walks off.

Just then his brother Paul arrives, getting out of a large, flashy car. Liampoints out the factory across the road, but first he takes him into the pub, where Paul's really surprised to see his sister working behind the bar.

Violet and Jamie have sat down, for a quick chat. He asks her how she'dfeel about moving into his house with him and Frankie. Violet seems quitehappy at this suggestion, but asks what Frankie will think. He confessesthat he's already been talking to her about it, in fact, she suggested it.

Liam shows his brother some figures that Adam has given him, and says thathe's just a kid, desperate to get out of his share of the factory, and thathe doesn't have a clue. "And you do?" queries Paul. Liam confesses that hedoesn't, but at least he's aware of his ignorance, unlike Adam who thinks heknows it all.

Gail is attempting to have a heart to heart with David. She wants to know ifhe's told any of the teachers that he's being bullied again. Sarahexplodes, "Of course he hasn't, because it's not true!" Gail however, iswilling to give David the benefit of the doubt for now, but she tells himthat they are going to go to the school and sort it out. "If we can,"mutters David. "Oh we can," says Gail, "and we will."

Liam is trying to convince his brother that Adam's share of the factorywould be a good thing to buy. "Where are you going to get that sort ofmoney?" asks Paul. "From you," says Liam, and goes on to say how they'refamily and they always help each other. "What do you say, Paul," says Liam,"are you going to back me up?"

Anne Logan



Friday 8 September

Well, it's Friday, September 8, and as a glorious, warm, late-summer eveningdrifts by outside, I slump by the television for you lot! Nah, not really,I taped it!

We open in the street itself, where Sean, wearing what looks like a scoutshirt, is organising his social life with Jamie instead of rushing over towork. As Adam banters with his staff, Michelle's two evil, schemingbrothers, Paul and Liam, watch. The older one, Paul, stops Liam fromrushing in. He wants to make Adam wait.

Claire is going off to "see her mother" again, leaving Ashley to deal withthe family.

Also trying to deal with her family is Sarah, who is annoyed that David ishanging around -- off school again because of the bullying. Of course, Davidtells such a good story you'd almost think Richard Hillman was his naturalfather! Before long, he has Sarah believing he really is being bullied.

Claire's sitting at the bus stop when Hayley approaches her. Claire admitsshe got carried away and then gives Hayley a very unexpected hug. "That'sfrom me. And the baby, and Joshua and Ashley."

In the factory, the brothers arrive to see Adam. He asks Joanne to make abrew and get some biscuits and tells her the brothers are sorting out somefabric for them.

In the pub, Michelle is still annoyed with Steve. His mother is planning herkaraoke triumph at Sean's birthday party, though Steve thinks delivering theequipment has given him a hernia. Liz has so many songs on her list, hewonders how long she's planning on singing. She replies that she's themanager so she can have as many goes as she likes. "Besides, you know," shesays with a sideways look at Michelle, "it's great if you've got a propersinger to keep things going." Jamie comes in and Violet tells him she's allpacked and ready to move in. Jamie is less than enthusiastic. He's organisedto go out with Sean because he thought Violet was working.

Adam offers to leave the Connor brothers on their own for a bit. They'resaying little, but send him off to make a brew. Out on the factory floor,Sean tells Adam that if he's taking on new staff, he's willing to offertraining on a one-to-one basis. Meanwhile, the Connor brothers are talkingtactics, with Liam ordered to keep his mouth shut. When Jamie comes backwith the tea, Paul tells him the £150,000 deal's not on. "I men, you've gota negative working capital cycle and a minimal net asset base for a start.Never mind your cash flow management. And your tax provision is all over theplace." Adam looks like this means about as much to him as it does to me."That's Danny's job, that." Paul says goodbye, leaving Liam behind. Liamsays he feels like a total pillock. "He's not having it, so we're screwed,aren't we," he says. He's just trying to get off the market, but Paul's theone with the business knowledge and if Paul doesn't like it, it's not on."How patronising's that? Your big brother giving you a hard time for gettingcarried away. You probably get that from Danny, and all." He says Paulmentioned a figure but it wasn't even half what they'd talked about.

Gail is on the phone to the headmaster, telling him David won't be back atschool until they've found out who's doing the bullying. She hangs up andtells David and Sarah that Mr Griffin thinks it strange that the bullyinghas escalated this much in just a week back at school. David still refusesto name names.

Liam gets up to leave but comes back to tell Adam that it doesn't mean theycan't still have a pint. Adam can't believe Paul would only say the businessis worth half what he wanted. "It's a proper working business," he pointsout, but Liam doesn't think any of it will matter when he's unloading hisvan on Grey Mare Lane Market tomorrow. Adam revises his price to 100 grand."Ring him." Liam says that better than that, he'll go and find Paul.

Outside, he hops into the car, which is parked by the Kabin, telling Paulthat Adam is sweating.

Sean knocks on the door before going into Frankie and Jamie's house, whichlooks chaotic. "If it's burglars, you carry on, I'm not stopping," he callsout. Violet and Jamie come downstairs. Sean's come to offer muscle. Violetthinks it's the least he can do, since he's pinching Jamie to go outdrinking and who-knows-what that evening. "Well, it's not going to bewomanising, is it?" Jamie says. Sean wants to know if there's such a word as"manising". He doesn't see why not.

The brothers are still waiting at the car. Paul thinks Adam's attitude aboutDanny is the card they should play.

Violet's back and Sean and Jamie have finished moving her stuff. Once Seangoes, Violet gets serious, asking Jamie if he's all right with her movingin. He reassures her that he is. He doesn't look happy, though.

Eileen meets Ashley in the street. She asks how he's coping. He says he'sgot Boris covering for him in the shop, but they still have to close upearly. Eileen offers her help. Ashley is reluctant because of what happenedwith Hayley. "Look, if you need an hour off, we don't have to say anything."Ashley leaves Thomas with her while he goes for a walk around the park toclear his head.

Gail finds David outside kicking a ball against the garage. She's furiousand tells him to get inside. She's got a good mind to start going to schoolwith him. David says it's all about her anyway. "What do you call someonewho can't tell the difference between Blind Date and Crimewatch -- David'smam -- that's what it's like," he snarls at her. "And every time I hearthat, it's like I'm back there looking at him!"

Liam arrives in the pub, closely followed by Sean. Liam asks if his boss isstill at work and Jamie says he'll be over in a minute because he's goingout with Sean and Jamie. Then Sean heads out the back to have a wash (atViolet's suggestion) before going out -- he's still wearing that scout shirtand he's been doing all that lugging of luggage upstairs.

He meets Michelle and asks how she's getting on with Liz. Michelle says it'sfine as long as Liz doesn't start singing. "Oh, I hope she isn't going tohog the microphone all night on my birthday," Sean says. Michelle tells himthat Liz's rendition of Fever might make her stay home for the night. Thatsends Sean off into a parody of Liz singing Fever, "You give me fever in'tmornin', fever all through t'night . . ." He's cut off in his prime by Liz:"Oi! How do you fancy a fat lip, you raucous little swine!" He tries to backpedal, but Liz isn't impressed. "Just you wait. You'll change your tune,"she tells the two of them.

In the bar, Jamie comes in looking for Sean. Liz comes through and tellsSteve that her staff need sacking. "Give us a pint, Violet," he says. "Oh,unless you're sacking her as well?" Liz is just waiting to see the look onMichelle's face when she wipes the floor with her on karaoke night. Adamcomes in but isn't in the mood for going out. He goes to sit with Liam. Paulcomes in and sits with them. He tells Adam he should wait a couple of monthsfor someone with less sense and more money. "It's not our Liam's fault. I'mjust doing the big brother thing -- looking after him." Jamie and Sean leavewithout Adam. Adam mutters he should have sold his share to Danny in thefirst place. He tells them Danny offered 80 grand. "No chance. Not to him,anyway." "That's about as far as we'd go," says Paul. "Don't say that if youdon't mean it," Adam mutters. Liam reckons he can't turn down £80,000. Paulthinks they should get the papers in front of him because he will havechanged his mind by Monday. "Tomorrow," says Adam decisively. "I'll get itsorted. Come round to the factory about half 12." They agree and Adam buysthe drinks.

The End.
And as the credits roll, the Scottish continuity announcer says: "Uh oh.Trouble there." She's probably right.
Margaret Carr



Sunday 10 September

This week's Sunday update almost did not reach you. Having invested alarge sum in a new 'puter, I find that the life of the associatedkeyboard can be measured in weeks and that the loss of the letter b, nand the space bar prevents logging on to the machine. Anyway rescuedfrom a cupboard is an old keyboard and this update is brought youcourtesy of a very worn interface device!

Over in Weatherfield events in the Street come to you courtesy of thewriting of Stephen Bennett , the direction of Stuart Davids and thecopyright remains with ITV Productions.

Claire is off her rocker but Ashley has not noticed and is left holdingthe baby as she goes off to her mother's ? again. Eileen wanders up andthey have a cup of tea - providing Eileen makes it! Much, much laterClaire returns home and she sends Ashley off for a quick drink. Once hehas gone she stares at the baby, looks at him coldly and wonders aloudwhat does he know that he thinks she does not know.

Liam is still after his date with Frankie, especially now that he knowsshe is all woman, she says she might see him in the Rovers later afterhe has completed a bit of business.

David is off out - which is about all the cheeky lad tells his mother -she eventually extracts a story about Craig - he just shouts at her thathe needs to get out of the house. She wants to talk to him instead ofshouting and he storms out and bangs the door. Later Gail sees Audreyin the Street and Gail reports that David has been wagging off all weekand that the bullying has started again. Inside their discussioncontinues. If it is lies - why do it unless he needs help? OTOH therereally might be bullying and ignoring it will not work either. Audreydoes not know what to say except that Gail should not blame herself.

Frankie and Violet and drinking coffee - Jamie is still in bed and Seanis getting blamed for his late night. He appears a complete mess andfeels rough.

Blanche wants to know what Adam is up to - he has been going to thesolicitors. Adam reckons he is in a much better mood and does not needto consult his grandfather. Adam reckons he might be coming into somemoney. Joanne will just have to await the surprise announcement.

Steve arrives in the Rovers and asks which of the delightful Michelleand Violet will provide him with sustenance. Michelle observes that itwill have to be Violet as she is in the single desperate meal ticketseeing single mother category. Violet obliges whilst asking Steve toremind Jamie that she is gorgeous. Michelle observes that all men needreminding all the time. An Estate agent arrives to value the propertyso that Fred can put it on the market. Fred of course has ratheroverlooked telling the staff that their jobs are on the line. Afterlooking around he thanks Liz and says that the valuation will soon be inthe post to Fred - and it sounds like it will be on the market once theyhave had a discussion. Liz and the staff are worried. It will not bethe same without Fred.

At the factory Paul and Liam are in the process of ripping off Adam fora silly price for his share of the factory - indeed they can hardlysuppress a grin as Adam signs away his inheritance for a stupidly smallsum of money - Paul simply keeps asking technical questions about ageddebts! Anyway I always thought the Scots were canny with money - andAdam has just been stitched up like a kipper and turned into a pauper -simply because of his hatred of Danny. What a waste. They go to theRovers for a celebratory drink.

Violet asks Sean to stop taking Jamie for a drink - because it means hetreats her badly.

When Adam arrives he buys drinks for the Connors and announces the saleof his 40%. Blanche asks why he has not taken any advice - to see thelook on Danny's face. Blanche tells Adam off - but he washes his handsof it and the factory and Danny saying he is better off out of it all.Jamie - who finally arrives in the Rovers - asks him how much - £80k -about half what it is really worth. He tells Adam off for trying to getone over on Danny in his absence.

David returns and is rude and insolent to his mother. She asks if hewill name the bullies. David refuses. She accuses him of being acoward. He laughs in her face. She tells him they will be going toschool on Monday - and sends him to wash his face. David just aboutdoes as he is told.

Claire looks through the recent photos and finds a shot of the babynewly born in the hospital and compares it with the baby in front of her- back and forth, no words just looks.

Frankie arrives and meets Paul for the first time and then asks aboutthe business. Liam tells her they have bought 40% of Underworld - youmean Adam's share she observes and covering her face laughs - and letsthem in on the secret that the famous 60% owning Danny is her formerhusband! Paul asks if it is a wind up - but no this is soap land and itis all true. Paul and Liam in the toilets (which are suddenly huge andpresumably intrude extensively onto the Barlow's living area) arearguing. Paul thinks it is all bad news, but Liam has taken Frankie'sassurance that there are no problems and all will go smoothly.

Joanne reckons that all this change is a bad thing and minus her twin isfinding it hard to get around everything. Adam re-assures her that allis well - he is loaded now.

Liam makes a beeline for Frankie and asks if the darts game was wasted -it will be she responds if we do not leave here for somewhere else andarm in arm they depart.

Paul observes their departure and his bad mood worsens as Steve leansover and observes that Liam and Danny will get along like a house onfire.

And I will be back next week.

K Richard W



Monday 11 September

Written by: Jan McVerry
Directed by: Diana Patrick

I've been coaxed out of retirement for a few weeks tocover for Amanda, who may or may not be sunningherself at Sir Cliff Richard's villa in the Caribbeanfor a few weeks (in her dreams anyway).

Anyhoo, on with the action, and the first face we seeon Corrie tonight is that of the very beautiful LiamConnor. Finally some serious eye-candy for the moremature updater (the Lovely Craig being a tad on theyoung side).

We also see the rather less attractive face of ajet-lagged Deirdre. Liam has come to her door lookingfor Adam. Deirdre is shocked to hear that Liam hasbought Adam's share of the factory. Adam is apparentlystill in bed, so Liam (who has the chirpy Mancuniancharm thing off to a T) hands her the paper bagcontaining takeaway brekkie he's brought: 'Caffeine.Works wonders,' he says. But it looks like it'll takemore than caffeine to rescue Adam from a Deirdre-styletongue-lashing.

Now two differing approaches to parenting and school.David's face is a picture (something by Francis Bacon)when Gail informs him she'll be going with him toschool, whereas Cilla wants Chesney to stay at home sohe can help her wi't'internet ('If I don't know howmuch we made, I don't know how much we've got to spendon staples like crisps and pop'). Chesney refuses, ashe knows the value of a good education, but says he'llhelp her at dinner time.

Ashley comes home from dropping our Joshua off at hisfriend's, to find Claire in a bizarrely-dyed pinkshirt and an irritable mood. She shows no interest inAshley or baby Thomas, which prompts Ashley to tellher that she's wearing herself out and he'll ring hermum to say she's having a day at home. Claire tellshim not to do that, but she promises she'll take theday off and will ring her mum herself. Ashley goes towork.

Deirdre ignores the fact that Adam is wearing just hispants (not a pretty sight) and demands to know why hedidn't ring them in Corfu to get their advice aboutselling the factory. Adam says he didn't need advice,and it was a good offer - he would have taken lessjust to see the look on Danny's face when he got back.Deirdre says he's thrown away Mike's hard work just toget one over on Danny, and Adam replies that Mikewould have approved, and he's laughing all the way tothe bank. Stupid boy.

At the Rovers there is more tension and snipingbetween Liz and Michelle. Liz is worrying about herfuture now that the Rovers is likely to be changinghands, and tells Michelle and Violet she's popping outfor a minute. When she's gone, Violet and Michellehave a little bonding moment in which Michelle saysshe's quite likely to get the sack anyway when Bev andFred get back, and Violet says she would miss her.

Liz's destination is the butcher's, to find out fromAshley if Fred has had any offers on the pub. Ashleyis preoccupied with his own problems and isn't veryhelpful at all. Liz goes out no wiser than when shecame in. Then Claire comes in, telling Ashley that hermum has had a fall and she has to go round there. Hesays he'll go with her, but she says the baby is in ataxi and she has to go, and rushes out. Ashleyconfides to Audrey, who is also in the shop, that heworries it's all too much for Claire. Audrey takes himto Roy's for a nice cuppa and a pie to calm him down.

There are just so many high-class places to eat inWeatherfield that one is spoiled for choice. At Wong'sFish & Chip Emporium the discerning customer canchoose from a wide variety of deep-fried products,prepared and served by the highly-trained and charmingCilla and Yana. Chesney comes in to give Cilla thecheques that have arrived in the post for the stuffthey sold on t'internet. 'Supersize him, Yana!' Cillasays, thrilled with her son's work in helping her tosell everything that isn't nailed down. After Chesneyhas gone, Yana ponders the money. It's either thevalue of a weekly shop at Freshco's, or 'a set ofacrylic nails. a red plunge bra and a night out atRoxette's.' Now, which of those will Cilla find mostappealing?

Back at Roy's Rolls, Ashley is pouring out his worriesto Audrey. She symathises that it's a terrible timefor Claire to lose her mother, when she's a new motherherself.

Gail comes home to get David to take him to meet theheadmaster, and is surprised to find him in hiscivvies rather than his school uniform. In fact he'swearing a Sid Vicious T shirt, and refuses to put onhis uniform. But Gail is going to take him to theschool anyway - there's no escape for him this time.

Not before time, another scene involving Liam. He'ssettling in at the factory, and Adam has wandered into collect his stuff. Liam asks if he wants aphotograph of Mike and Penny, but Adam says he has hismemories of Mike and doesn't need the photo. Liam askswhat Adam plans to do now, and he says he might gotravelling, or just sit and count his money. Liamtells him to enjoy it while he's young, and then whenAdam goes out he tosses Mike and Penny into the bin.Then Liam goes out to survey his workforce, andimmediately takes issue with Kelly's totteringly highheels and micro-mini skirt. They contravene health andsafety, you see. At first the girls and Sean thinkhe's joking, but he's quite serious and sends Kellyhome to get changed. She appeals to Adam, who is stillhanging around, but he says it's nothing to do withhim. Sean mutters, 'The king is dead, long live theking!'

David and Gail are at the school waiting to see theheadmaster. David tells her that one of the bulliesplays basketball for Manchester Youth, and no-one islikely to take David's word against his. Gail saysthat anyone with an ounce of integrity would.

Audrey and Ashley are back in the butchers shopfollowing their little break at Roy's. Ashley istrying to ring Claire and is worried because she isn'tanswering. He has visions of Claire and her mum beingin A&E. Then the shop door opens. It's only Claire'smum - she's looking svelte and tanned following a yogaholiday in Greece, and hasn't seen Claire for severalweeks.

At the school, Mr Griffin the headmaster is trying toget David to name names. He asks David to consider theother kids who might be bullied now or in the futureby the same gang - does he want that on hisconscience? 'My conscience is clear,' says David,'Blame the bullies.' Ooh, he's totally brazen, thatone. Mr Griffin points out that if David isn't comingto school, Gail is breaking the law and could beprosecuted. This has the desired effect and Davidgives the names of Jeff Grant, Daz Burrows and GrahamGrant (brother of the aforementioned Jeff). David saysnow he's told them, they can expect to find himswinging in the showers.

At the pub, Steve clearly hasn't given up all hope ofcharming the lovely Michelle, but is interrupted byhis mother, still whingeing on about her job. Stevetells her to 'think like a manager' and get a mortgagesorted out and make Fred an offer.

A gorgeous sight to behold now - Liam with a very nicebunch of flowers. He tells his brother Paul (or'Paaaahl' as he pronounces it) that he's alreadymanaged to annoy his new workforce by sending Kelly toget changed. He thinks he and Danny should play goodcop, bad cop. Paul says he hopes the flowers are agoodbye present for Frankie, but the twinkle in Liam'seye would suggest otherwise.

Ashley, Audrey and Yvonne are now back at Ashley'shouse, but Claire isn't there. Ashley is still underthe impression that Yvonne has cancer, but she soonputs him right - apart from a dodgy knee she's neverbeen fitter. The true scale of Claire's problems dawnson them all. Yvonne says she'll go to her house to seeif Claire has turned up there - she thinks maybe she'sbeen going there while Yvonne was away in Greece.Before she goes, Ashley confesses that Claire has leftthe baby in the car on his own a couple of times.Yvonne can't believe that he let Claire go out withthe baby, knowing she's been doing this.

At the cab office, Les isn't happy that Cilla has soldall his stuff. 'As t'poet said, no pain, no gain,'Cilla informs him, adding that at least now his soncan eat and walk around with shoes on his feet. Lesrelents and tells her she's been a trouper, and sheleaves him with a list of things to pack up forposting.

Yvonne comes back to Ashley's, not having found Claireat her house. She asks him if there's anywhere Clairemight be - a favourite walk or something. He says hedoesn't know - it feels like he doesn't know Claireany more.

Next we see Claire outdoors, pushing the baby in hispram. She's telling him that she knows what babiesneed, she's done exams in it. But she can't give himwhat he needs. 'It's nothing personal,' she says.'It's for the best.'

What's for the best? What's she going to do? WillAshley find her in time before she does it? And willGail find David swinging in the showers?

Find out in the next thrilling episode.

Sue Haasler

Ashley is running round like a ... Peacock ! He tells Eileen that hestill cannot find Claire. Yvonne is surprised that they don't just callthe police.

Sally is sorting the keys out of the factory for Liam. She tells himthat as the keyholder he can be called out at anytime by the police ifthere is a problem at the factory. However, she suggests that he maywant to give them to someone he can trust .....

Claire turns up at the maternity unit of the hospital. She tells thereceptionist that it is not her baby. She believes there must have beena mix-up. She tells her that the baby was born on 17 July and took himhome soon after. She has therefore tried to make it work, but as amother she knows there is no connection between the baby and herself.

At Underworld, Kelly is complaining to her co-workers (I use that termvery loosely!) that she is annoyed at Liam sending her home to change.Then Liam calls her into his office.

Back at the hospital, the receptionist is talking on the phone, out ofClaire's earshot, that she wants a midwife who has had child protectiontraining. Claire calls out, asking what the delay is. Thereceptionist goes back to the phone and says they need someone "prettysharpish".

Sean has seen Liam with a bouquet of flowers and wonders who they arefor (I don't think Sean is Liam's type!).

Liam talks to Kelly. He tells her that the shoes she wears with thehigh heels breach health and safety rules. She says that all her shoeshave high heels, although some are a bit smaller 4 inches (1.57 cm).Liam insists she gets herself some "sensible" shoes. She is walking outthe office and mentions her size mumbling that she hasn't got any, whenHayley offers to loan her a pair of hers.

Cilla is at home using the internet when Chesney comes home. She tellshim that she is busy and to get something out of the cupboard. All thatthere is there is packets of soup. Chesney looks at Cilla's screen whenshe says she is doing internet shopping and asks what Club 18-40 is allabout.

In the hospital the nurse comes down and after being briefed by thereceptionist, turns round to find Claire and Thomas have disappeared.They soon find him abandoned in the toilet.

Claire returns home without Thomas. Ashley is going hysterical anddemands to know what Claire has done with the baby. She tells him thatshe "took him back" (maybe she thinks they are on 28 days approval?!)She is then surprised to see her mother in the room. Claire says shereally would like to curl up under a duvet, but she can't sleep atnights. She confirms that Thomas is at the hospital. She says therewas a mistake, she was given the wrong baby.

Kelly is walking across the factory floor in flat "sensible" shoes. Theothers laugh at her.

Sally is now showing the alarm code, and said it was based on Danny andMike's birthdays. She suggests he may want to change it, and hesuggests something secret.

Ashley turns up at the hospital and sees the midwife. He explains thatbasically Claire is a good mother. The midwife tells him that she needsto run some test on him and Claire before they can let the baby come home.

Deirdre asks Roy, as a local businessman how much he thinks the factorywas worth. When she tells him how much Adam sold it for, he considersthat it is undervalued and worth more.

Also in the cafe, Liam turns up with the huge bouquet of flowers. Shewonders coyly if they were for her! He offers to help put them in waterfor her, but she says she can manage. He says he will see her for adrink later in the Rovers. She thinks she may just about manage that!

Deirdre tells Frankie that Liam has got his feet under the table atUnderworld. Frankie says that he has got his feet under her table !!

Yvonne, talking to Claire says she knows how much she loves Josh, andcan't understand why she doesn't love Thomas as much. Claire drifts offsubject and wonders who has been looking after her baby. She saysmistakes sometimes happen. Yvonne says she is worried about Claire.

The midwife tells Ashley that she believes Claire is suffering fromdepression. She tells him that Social Services will see her tomorrow.Then another nurse brings Thomas to the door. The midwife insists thatAshley makes sure that Claire sees a doctor the next day.

A new storyline develops here. Cilla tells Les that she has booked aholiday in Aya Napa (Cyprus). Les wonders who is going to tell Chesneybecause he will be very disappointed. Cilla tells him it is not himthat she is taking but Yana.

Steve insists that Liz should get a mortgage and buy the pub if Fred isselling it.

The girls from the factory roll in. They pretend because she is in flatshoes they can't see her. Then Kelly changes her shoes, and theysuddenly "see" her.

Ashley returns home with baby Thomas. As Claire goes upstairs he shoutsup at her that she must be ill. She needs help.

And that is about it for me for tonight. I will now throw the pen inthe air and see who catches it - ah it is Anne!

Martin Rosen



Wednesday 13 September

Hi all, this is the update for Wednesday 13th September.

Kelly turns up for work wearing three quarter length jeans and trainers, andasks the other girls if they think the boss would approve.

Fizz sees Kirk walking along across the street, and rushes over, demandingto know when he's going to give her her first driving lesson. She persuadeshim that it's going to be lunch time, "And don't forget to bring a car!" shecries.

Sean steps out of his front door, greeting the world in general. Gail andAudrey are walking along, and Gail comments acidly that Sean is making ashow of himself again. Audrey reminds her that she's got to sort David out,and get him to school.

Sean has rushed over to the girls waiting on the factory steps. It's hisbirthday and her persuades Hayley to give him his present there and then.It's a large pink tie, emblazoned with bras and knickers. "Wear it withpride," says Hayley. "Wear it with courage!" says Fizz. At that momentLiam, the new boss arrives. "As long as you don't wear it to work," hesays, eyeing the tie. Sean assures him that he won't.

In the Peacock household, Ashley is holding the baby while Claire declaresthat she feels fine. Ashley is sure she isn't, and reminds her of whathappened yesterday. They're waiting for a visit from the social worker, andClaire asks if they'll go through the records and check who the baby is.Ashley tells her the doctor is coming too. "Why?" asks Claire, "are yousick?" "No," says Ashley. "Neither am I," says Claire.

In the factory Liam is using his best selling skills to procure a largeorder from a buyer. The deal is done and they shake on it. "I want themfast," says the buyer. "You'll get them quicker," promises Liam. All this isviewed by the workers, and Hayley comments that that buyer from WestwayFabrics is really hard to please.As their new boss goes off to his office, Sean starts pleading for morecards. "No," says Joanne, looking uncomfortable, and when Fizz changes thesubject she comments that she thinks their new boss is ‘well fit'!

Mr. Connor himself then appears, "Talking about me, ladies?" he asks. Seansays no, they're talking about him because it's his birthday. "Many happyreturns," says Liam, and then asks to see Hayley in the office.

Ashley is talking to the social worker, it seems Claire has left the room.The social worker tells Ashley that it's obvious that Claire is not well.(Now there's a surprise!) The doorbell rings, it's the doctor, and as hecomes in the social worker leaves.

Liam is talking to Hayley in the office, saying he thought that if they gottogether they could run a tighter ship. He manages to get Hayley tellinghim all about Danny leaving Frankie for Leanne. Then she tells him how shesometimes feels undervalued as a supervisor, and Liam says he would like togive her more responsibility. He then asks if there's anything else heshould know about Mr. Baldwin. Hayley tells him she's not a gossip, and hereplies that he just wants to understand the man a little bit better.

While this meeting is taking place, Joanne has nipped over to the Kabin tobuy a card for Sean, despite all his talking about it beforehand she hadactually forgotten to get him one. She asks Rita if she can borrow a pen,and Rita pulls out the free one the shop was sent. Norris is furious!"There it is!" he snorts, "you said you didn't know where it was!" Ritatakes it back and puts it in her bag, telling Norris that if he wants to useit he will have to ask nicely. "You can be so irritating!" he huffs. Justthen Gail comes in and buys half a dozen exercise books for David to writein. "I thought the school provided those?" says Norris, and Gail explainsthat he's not been well.

The doctor is talking to Claire, asking if she gets enough sleep. He thenasks when she first started to feel uneasy about him. She says she alwaysdid, as soon as she came home from the hospital. "If you test him you'llfind out there's been a mix up," she tells the doctor. He asks her why shewent back to the hospital, and she is of the opinion that he should be atthe hospital until all this is sorted out. She's adamant that Thomas can'tbe hers because she doesn't feel anything for him. The doctor says he'llprescribe some tablets, and she gets cross, telling them to check thehospital records. She gets up and goes off up the stairs, saying thatthey're not listening to her and she doesn't want to talk to them any more.

In the factory, Joanne gives Sean his card and then Liam comes and takes herto one side. "I don't know where you went before, but it was 10 minutesthere and back," he says. She starts to say how she'd forgotten Sean'sbirthday when he interrupts her. "I don't want to know," he says, "justdon't let it happen again." Sean and the girls are discussing being thirty. He wishes he had someone to love him, and they could travel the worldtogether. Fizz says that's what she and Kirk are going to do, just as soonas she's passed her driving test. Joanne asks if Kirk knows about this, andFizz admits that he doesn't.

As the workers cross the Street for lunchtime birthday drinks with Sean,Kirk pulls up in a rusty old van for Fizz's driving lesson.

In the Peacock household, the doctor is preparing to leave. Ashley askswhat he thinks is wrong with Claire, and the doctor says it could bepost-natal depression. "Claire's never been depressed in all her life," saysAshley. (Duh! She's never had a baby before, either! Wake up Ashley!) Thedoctor tells him it's an illness like any other, and it will take time, butthe tablets will help. As the doctor leaves, Claire comes down the stairs."You can get those tablets if you want," she says quietly, and then adds,"I'm not taking them!"

Kirk and Fizz are still sitting in the van. She's getting frustratedbecause he won't let her start the ignition. "First things first," he says.Then he looks at her feet and sees she's wearing wedges, which he says aredangerous. He tells her to put on some kennel boots she'll find in the back. As she's about to put them on all the factory workers come out of the puband tell her it's time to get back to work. "I'm going to kill you, Kirk,"she says, "I'm going to kill you stone dead!"

With baby in pushchair, Ashley persuades a reluctant Claire to go for awalk, telling her the fresh air will do them good.

Liam is showing his brother round the factory, telling him it's the start ofhis empire. Paul is worried that Liam's relationship with Frankie will notdo his working relationship with Danny any good. "You've got to work withthis bloke," he tells him, "there's no point in getting up his nose." Liamtells Paul that he's not seeing Frankie any more.

Ashley has collected Claire's tablets from the chemist, but she is stilladamant that she's not going to take them. They walk down the road arguing,she's cross that she stood outside the chemist for ten minutes ‘like astupid idiot' (her words) while he took the baby inside. "What did youthink I was going to do to him?" she shouts, and then tries to take thepushchair handle from Ashley. "I'll push him," she says. Ashley tries tostop her, telling her to wait until they get to the park. "I'm a trainednanny, don't you trust me?" says Claire, grabbing at the pushchair, "Wellyou take him now, I don't want him anyway," she yells, and then shoves thepushchair hard into the busy road, and into the path of an oncoming car.The car screeches to a halt and thankfully baby Thomas is unhurt. Ashleyrushes over and lifts the baby up into his arms.

Back at the Kabin, Norris and Rita are still not seeing eye to eye about thefree gifts. Rita says it's only a pen, while Norris thinks that there's aprincipal at stake. Emily is in the shop and has to admit that Norris has apoint. "He's overstating it," she tells Rita, "but I can see what he'sgetting at." She then suggests they split the pen – not half and half, butsixty/forty or whatever percentage they've divided the business into.

Assuring the car driver and other bystanders that they are all right, Ashleysays, "Let's go home," to Claire, and walks off holding his child. Clairefollows.

In the cafe, Gail tells Audrey that David's headmaster is looking into thebullying allegations. She says she's not sending David back to school untilthose boys are got rid of. Audrey doesn't believe that David is doing properschoolwork by himself at home.

Liam comes in and asks Frankie for a decent cup of coffee. He tells Roythat Hayley is keeping an eye on things, she's very reliable. Roy says he'llappreciate her more as time goes on. He then asks Frankie if she'll go outwith him after work.

Audrey and Gail are on their way down the Street. Audrey asks Gail if she'sgoing to check on David, but Gail says she trusts him. Claire walks past atthat moment, followed by Ashley with the pushchair. "What's wrong?" Audreyasks Ashley as he passes. Ashley, close to tears, asks her if she'll comeinto the house, and he seems so distressed that she goes in with him.

In the cafe, Liam suggests to Frankie that they go to see a band, somefriends of his, they're not famous but he thinks she'll like them.

In the house, Ashley explains to Audrey what happened. "She said she didn'twant him and the next minute he was in the middle of the road," he says.Audrey is shocked, "She could have killed him," she says, horrified. Shethen persuades Ashley that he has to do something, besides just getting herto take the tablets. Audrey tells him he has to do something, next time shecould harm the baby, or worse. "That could happen next time," she says.Claire comes in then, and says she knows they were talking about her. "Joshis fine by the way," she says, "and so is that baby, so you don't need dashout and check. Forget it," she continues, "it doesn't matter what we say toeach other, I don't want to hear and you don't want to listen." She marchesoff up the stairs, leaving Ashley close to tears again.

Anne Logan



Friday 15 September

We open with Claire considering the packet of pills. She takes out two,almost puts them in her mouth, but throws them down the sink instead,followed by the rest of them -- the whole prescription.

Ashley is at the doctor's and ends up telling the doctor about Claireshoving the stroller into the traffic. The doctor immediately says Clairemust be assessed immediately. He telephones the hospital straight away tomake an appointment so Claire can be seen by a psychiatrist with moreexperience of post-natal depression.

A different sort of depression has fallen over Kelly, who is at work in thefactory wearing a dull brown top, jeans and sensible shoes. "Did you giveyour old clothes to a prostitute's refuge?" asks Sally, forgetting thatKelly can move faster in trainers. "Mr Connor" brings in a postcard fromDanny in Spain. Frankie comes in to see him, which sets the tongues waggingwhen he takes her into the office. "Bet he don't make her dress up in oldclothes so she looks like her auntie!" mutters Kelly. Frankie has come tothank Liam for the night out. She tells him she doesn't get to go out veryoften.

Ashley goes home and freaks out when he sees the empty tablet foils. Sheassures him she didn't swallow them, though she says everyone would be a lotbetter off without her.

Speaking of people we'd be better off without, Cilla is on the sunbed,getting ready for Ianappa. Les worries about the 'leccy, but Cilla pointsout: "If you want to be married to a bronze goddess, it's the price you'vegotta pay." Les doesn't want her to go, he'll miss her. "You should havethought about that before you went off parallel parking with Janice," shesays evilly.

Claire comes downstairs and Ashley asks if they can just sit down for fiveminutes. He apologises for the way he's been behaving lately. He tells herhe's thought about what she said, and she's right about Thomas not beingtheirs. She seems ecstatic. "I knew that if he was mine, I'd love him," sheexplains. All her baby books describe it as a "rush of love." He tells herthey'll have go back to the hospital. He says the first time, the hospitalstaff were just scared they were going to be sued.

In the Rovers, they're getting ready for karaoke night. Discussing whatthey're going to sing, Michelle looks straight at Liz as she says she mightdo "Who Let The Dogs Out?"

Audrey is visiting the Peacocks, cuddling baby Thomas. Claire's mum is thereas well. They're all playing along with her. She becomes very tender towardsThomas, just as she was with Joshua when she was his nanny. "It's not hisfault that we don't love him," she says. "Shall we get going, then?" BeforeAshley leaves he kisses the baby's head. "Sorry, son."

In the hospital, Claire is confused when they head the opposite way tomaternity. Her mother tells her not to worry. Claire is stunned when shefinds she has an appointment in another department. "you lied to me! Yousaid you understood! You stay away from me," she screams as she is led away.Ashley is in tears and a group of people escort her away down the corridor.

In the Rovers, Michelle is singing The Look Of Love. Violet wants to have ago but Jamie refuses to join her. Liz is offended that Steve's watchingMichelle absolutely rapt. Deirdre comes in and is very impressed, and notjust with Michelle's singing. "How does she get her hair so shiny?" Liz isoffended by the question. "Probably combs it with a pork chop or something,"she sneers. Eileen thinks she's jealous.

In the hospital, Claire is telling the doctor everything was fine untilThomas came along. She says Thomas isn't happy anyway. "How can he be whenhis own mother doesn't want him?" The doctor asks if this means Claire doesknow that Thomas is hers. She replies that the baby would be better off deadthan unwanted. "Claire, deep down, you do know that he's yours," the doctorsays. Claire is crying. "If he is, then what does that say about me? It saysI'm unnatural. Coldhearted. Evil. What sort of mother can't love their ownchild?"

Deirdre, Liz and Eileen are singing a song that includes the words "Thestreet's the place to go." (It's Raining Men) Michelle is being just ascatty about Liz as Liz was about her. Paul Connor wants to know if it'sGolden Oldies night. Liam is talking to Frankie. He thinks she's working inthe wrong place. It's a chat-up line, really.

Fizz, Kelly, Adam, Kirk etc are discussing gifts they've been given in thepast. Kelly got a Girl's World once (no, I'd never heard of one, either).Hayley says Roy once gave her a hand-painted thimble with a picture of theMary Celeste. Fizz hopes for something "that someone's had to put a lot ofthought into" for her birthday. All Kirk's thinking is "what does shemean?".

Cilla is loading cases into the car. She's got a plan for making sure hedoesn't play around while she's away. She's taking his lucky pants with herso he can't cop off. "They're what's called a psychological crutch," shetells him. He can't score without them. She sets Chesney the task ofreporting back on Les's every move.

In the pub, Jamie still refuses to have a go at the karaoke. Until Seansuggests a Donny & Marie Osmond duet. "Only if I can be Marie," says Jamie.At the bar, Liam is telling Paul he's not getting rid of Frankie.

The psychiatrist tells Ashley and Claire's mum that Claire has severepost-natal depression and they'll have to keep her in for a while. Ashley ishorrified. He wants to take Claire home. "You can't force her to stay here."But the doctor points out that if someone poses a danger to themselves orthe public, they can be sectioned under the Mental Health Act. Ashley isfurious. "She's seriously ill, Ashley. You did the right thing bringing herin. You had no choice," the doctor says.

Jamie is singing with Sean. They're doing Don't Go Breaking My Heart, withJamie on the high bit. Violet is obviously upset that Jamie would sing withSean and not with her.

Ashley goes to see Claire and she asks to be taken home. He has to refuse."They won't let me. They're saying that you're too ill." Claire absolutelybreaks down. "You're punishing me for being such a terrible mum." Ashleyassures her that he loves her. "Ashley, please don't leave me. I'm beggingyou." And her cries follow him down the corridor as he leaves.

The End
Margaret Carr



Sunday 17 September

The Street is going through a transition at present. New management afew months ago decided to lose a significant number of residents and oneor two others have opted to leave. In consequence time is being markeduntil new residents and stories can be introduced. This might justaccount for Doris and his hang up about a pen. Lloyd's absence mightnot continue a lot longer - I see Craig Charles has been cautioned(rather unlike Kate Moss who pleaded said nuffink (at least I think thatis how it is pronounced in Croydon).

Tonight's events are copyright ITV Productions, written by StephenBennett and directed by Diana Patrick.

Ashley is feeding Thomas and Josh and the place is a mess. Josh askswhen mummy is coming back. Audrey arrives early to look after the baby- she is near enough family.

Frankie is tired as she arrives downstairs to find Jamie on the sofa.Violet shouts down for Jamie - so she comes downstairs. J has to makecoffee for both girls when Liam arrives - apparently she is expectinghim. Liam goes to make coffee and tea all round. Frankie re-appearsand Jamie decides to go. Liam and Frankie start flirting. A littlelater Liam reads a card from Danny - sending all his love. Frankietries to explain that whilst Danny might feel like that she does. Theygo and sit in the yard.

Fred and Bev return early - as Liz pops out of the Rovers. Bev liessaying she has not been feeling well. Bev is not sure when they will beback in the Rovers. Fred sort of apologises for the visit from theestate agent. Fred and Bev go indoors. Bev starts doing the washingand Fred starts blustering about events. Bev takes over the baby andAudrey is made to feel unwelcome. She offers to help further, but Fredis clearly distracted.

Ashley is at the hospital talking to the doctor. She and Ashley joinClaire. Claire is not happy and rejects Ashley's cuddle. He tells herhe loves her. She tells him to leave her alone and go home and lookafter the kids - she does not like that he lied to her. The doctor andAshley go to the former's office. Ashley is pacing back and forthworried about what he has done. The doctor explains that they arelimited to 28 days under the section order. The first review will beafter two weeks - she is on tablets but a full recovery is likely totake much longer. Ashley starts crying.

At the Battersbys Les is doing the washing, Fiz is complaining about thelack of driving practice and Chesney accurately tells her that sheshould check mirror then signal then maneuver!! She is not amused. Kirksays she has to know the theory before she can start the practical! Fizoffers to do the washing in exchange for driving lessons from Les andthere is an agreement. Outside he can hear Liam talking to Frankie -telling a story about a motor stolen from under his nose. Les and Liamthen cross swords. Liam starts taking the mick out of Les - but thenthey shake hands. Les is unhappy doing a woman's job. Frankie comparesLiam and Danny - with Liam coming out favourably.

At the cafe Sean is getting another round of bacon butties. Violetconfides in Eileen that she has found that living with Jamie is notquite what she expected - weird - almost as though he has gone off her.Jamie seems keener on spending time with Sean than he does Violet, evenmaking comments which surprise Eileen.

Liam arrives in the Rovers to collect Ryan. Paul reminds Liam that heoften screws up business for the sake of "a bit on the side" - but Liampoints out that he no-one else and for the lovely Francesca it is allover with his about to be met joint owner of Underworld. Paul, Ryan andLiam leave to go to a football match and as Paul is about to pull awayhe does so without noticing the arrival of Danny in his car and there isalmost an accident and they trade abusive comments. Danny parks asFrankie and Jamie come out of the house. Danny offers to bring them upto date on Warren - but Frankie refuses and Violet also notes thatwhilst he might be tired from enjoying himself she gets little chance.Jamie is solicitous towards looking after Frankie - Violet is very muchsecond to her. Danny does not like them walking away from him.

The Battersbys leave the house - Kirk is hungry and Les suggests a drivethru burger but everyone reckons that their new pilot might be a danger!Chesney wants to go back for Schmeichel but Les refuses and they allclimb in the car. Kirk complains he is being undermined whilst Chesneyreads from the Highway Code as to what Fiz should do next. Before theymove off Steve wanders over and asks what they are all doing in the cab.Driving lessons - not in this cab - no insurance cover for suchactivity. Steve apologises to Fiz - back to Kirk's van.

Ashley returns home to find Fred's car outside. He tells them he didnot mean them to come home. He says he has made a mess of everything.Les re-assures him it is all right.

Sean takes the order for drinks from Jamie as they arrive in the Rovers.Bev pops into the Rovers and Liz suggests she might like to have a wordwith Michelle. Liz thinks Michelle is going to get the push when thelatter goes in the back room. Bev wants Liz to stay on for a whilelonger. Michelle goes back to work and she tells Liz that she plans tostay on - and the pay rise really helped make her mind up.

Danny goes to see Adam - he is told all is well and that everything hasgone completely smoothly. Adam says he will discuss anything importantthe following morning at work. Danny is bemused, if not surprised.

And the credits roll. See you next week.

K Richard W



Monday 18 September

The moment we've all been waiting for (well, I have atleast) - Danny arrives at the factory blissfullyunaware that he has a new business partner. He's alsoblissfully unaware of the code for the burglar alarm,which Liam has changed in his absence. The result isthat the alarm starts blaring.

In the Peacock household Ashley has "just got ourThomas off" and the alarm wakes him up again. Ashleyis on a knife-edge anyway, what with being kept awakeall night by a small baby and being worried aboutClaire, and he doesn't react well to the sudden noisenuisance. Fred is sympathetic and offers to look afterThomas while Ashley has a little nap. Ashley says hecan't because Joshua has a cold and won't be able togo to school. Fred says they'll cope, but Ashley isfurious and stomps out of the house to deal with thatdratted alarm.

The alarm is also annoying Dev and Deirdre (in theirrespective homes - don't worry, they haven'tre-ignited that old spark). Rather oddly, it hasn'toccurred to Danny to go and ask Adam (whom he stillbelieves to be his co-manager) if he's changed thealarm code, and no-one thinks of mentioning Liam toDanny. But we'll just call it poetic license and letthe scriptwriter get on with it. Meanwhile Danny,faced by an enraged Ashley in his vest, is on hismobile contacting the alarm company.

In the more peaceful environment of Roy's Rolls,Hayley has a handful of post for Craig, from which shededuces it's his birthday. He confirms that this is,indeed, the case, and that he's now 16. Hayley wisheshe'd told her and Roy earlier so they could havearranged something for him but he says it doesn'tmatter. Hayley says there are all sorts of things hecan legally do now he's 16. "I know, you mean I canhave sex," says Craig. Hayley blushes and says, "Imeant you could ride a moped."

Liz pops into the cab office to show Steve her outfitfor going to see a mortgage broker. It's quiterestrained as far as Liz's wardrobe goes, so you cantell she's serious. Steve advises her not to get herhopes up too high, which has the result of totallycrushing her confidence.

Chez Peacock, Ashley is beating himself up aboutClaire being in hospital. Fred tells him he had nochoice.

When the factory workers arrive for their day's work,the alarm is still screeching away. Danny says someonefrom the alarm company will be there any minute, andthey should go inside and start work. The verybeautiful Liam pulls up in his car, and Danny assumeshe's the alarm man. "You must be Danny!" Liam says,but Danny tells him to hurry up and get the alarmsorted. He's quite mystified when Liam tells him thathe changed the code. He goes in to turn the alarm off,Danny following behind him. Silence restored, Liamreveals that he is, in fact, Danny's new businesspartner.

Audrey turns up at the Peacock's to offer her helpagain. She's being a marvel, she really is.

At the factory, Danny is not taking the news of therecent coup too well. Even the considerable charms ofLiam aren't winning him over, and he's particularlyoutraged that Liam has been using his chair. Liamshows him the contract to confirm that everything islegal.

Disappointment for Liz - she returns to the cab officeto tell Steve that the mortgage broker wouldn't lendher any money, "not even the bus fare home," becauseshe's too old and too skint. Steve commiserates, butLiz is snappy with him and goes out. Eileen tellsSteve he shouldn't have raised Liz's hopes.

At the factory there is no bonding at all going onbetween Liam and Danny. Liam is trying to persuadeDanny he's a credible businessman who has experiencein the rag trade, but Danny isn't impressed to hearthat this consists of market stalls. Nor is heimpressed to learn that Liam's brother Paul("Paaaahl") is the owner of PC Fabrics (which soundsmore like a policeman than a company). Danny tellsLiam to wait there - only not in his chair - and goesout.

At the Rovers, Steve asks Bev if he can look at theaccounts, as he might be interested in putting in anoffer for the pub. Bev leads him through to the backroom.

Fred is telling Audrey that he's thinking of puttinghis wedding off until Claire is better. Audrey says heshouldn't put his own life on hold, but Fred saysAshley needs him. Audrey says he should really talk toBev about it, and Fred says he has broached thesubject but thinks Bev chose to ignore it.

Danny has gone to see Adam, who is wearing his stupidhairstyle and stupid smirk. Danny has a right go athim, telling him that Liam ripped him off and paidless for the business than it was worth. Adam says allhe wanted was to be rid of the factory and Danny. Hesays he'd have given the place away just to wipe thesmug smile off Danny's face. Danny says that he's beento see his solicitor and he knows more about dodgydealings than Adam and Liam put together.

The Lovely Craig is lurking in the back alley, andwho's that lurking behind him? It's The BeautifulRosie, back from her latest holiday! What betterbirthday present could he have wished for? She wisheshim a happy birthday, and says she arranged to meethim in the alley because she doesn't want her parentsto know she's back just yet.

Fred and Ashley are about to go and visit Claire, andAudrey is babysitting, when Bev arrives. She's notthrilled to see Audrey there, and rather pointedlysays she can manage the babysitting duties herself.

At the pub, Liz is looking a bit glum, and tellsViolet that she was stupid enough to let herself becarried away by a daft dream. She says that shedoesn't really want to be there. Steve emerges fromt'back room, and says he hopes she does want to bethere, otherwise what's the point in him buying theplace? He says Liz mightn't be able to get a mortgagebut he can. It looks like a good investment, as longas Liz will agree to run it. She's delighted.

Ugh, Charlie. He letches up to Maria and asks her ifshe'll be home later on. He has an hour to spare whichhe plans to spend sorting out the loose tiles in herbathroom. That's a new phrase for it. Maria, whoobviously has neither self-respect nor taste, agrees.

Danny is back at the factory, and tells everyone toturn off their machines because he has anannouncement. Then he asks Hayley to escort Liam offthe premises (personally I'd have asked Kelly, wholooks like she'd be much more handy with her fists ifLiam started acting up). Liam protests that he's apartner in the business, and Danny says that's trueand he will make sure Liam receives all his financialdues, but the contract does not entitle him to enterthe premises without Danny's express invitation - andhe is not invited. Liam says Danny is making a bigmistake, but Danny says if he doesn't leave, he'llcall the police.

Will Danny call the police? And if he does, will it bePC Fabrics who attends? Find out in the next thrillingepisode.

Sue Haasler

So the girls in the factory are trying to look as if they are working,while at the same time trying to listen to what is happening betweenDanny and Liam. Kelly says she feels sorry for Danny.

Danny tells Liam that he wants him out of the factory within 30seconds. Liam tells Danny that he is making a mistake, he would like towork with him. However, Liam reluctantly leaves. Danny tells the girlsthat he deserves a round of applause. Obligingly they all clap !

At the busy office of Streetcars, Eileen breaks off from the phone thatis constantly ringing off the hook (!), to hear Liz announce that Steveis going to make an offer for The Rovers. Eileen casts doubts whetherthis would be a good idea. Steve reminds her how much she spends inthere a week, and says all the profits will come to him. He has somehowalso worked out that the more *he* drinks the more profit *he* willmake. (Does that mean he will sell the drinks to himself at full price?!).

Ashley goes to see Claire with a big bunch of flowers. Claire explainsthat she has seen some people who are really suffering. She seems quitelucid. Fred says that she looks much better. However, she is stillrepelling Ashley as he tried to touch her arm.

Back at the factory, Danny wonders why the staff let Liam in. (He couldask the same question to all the other departments of the factory thatwe never see!). He thought that his staff would be more loyal to him.He asks them if he made any changes while he was there. Sally says thathis brother, Paul, sometimes came in. Danny twigs - Paul Connor - PCFabrics.

Charlie is about to let himself into Maria's flat when Tracy comes upbehind him. He says he is going in to fix Maria's tiles.

Liam goes round to see Frankie. He tells her that Danny threw him outof the factory. He wonders if he is always so unreasonable? He hopesthat Frankie will be able to talk him round. Liam thinks Frankie oughtto tell Danny that they are an "item". She says she will ....at theright time.

Steve and Liz are looking at the front of the Rovers. He says that hehopes that he can buy it. Liz tells him to remember that she will be incharge of the pub.

In the hospital, Fred and Ashley are trying to have a conversation withClaire. However she is looking at them vacantly.

Back at Frankie's, Liam is still there chatting when there is a knock onthe door. Danny calls out to be let in. Liam thinks this would be agood opportunity to tell him about "us" . Frankie disagrees. She sendshim packing out of the back door. We see Liam scurrying along the backalley!

Frankie eventually opens the front door to Danny. He wants to chat toher for 5 minutes. By this time Liam has worked his way to the front ofthe house. As he passes by he calls to Frankie "hello sweetheart".She passes him off to Danny as someone she has seen around. Liam sayshe wants to talk to Danny, but he is not interested. He just moveshimself indoors.

In Diggory's old baker's shop are Rosie and Craig. Rosie tells Craig thatshe and Laura are falling apart. She doesn't seem to understand theenvironmental things that Rosie talks about, but would rather talk abouttrivial things. She then has a birthday present for him. She tells himto close his eyes, and she gets it out. A ring and puts it on hisfinger. He says he loves it.

Frankie mentions to Danny that she knows about the sale of Adam's shareof the factory. Danny is annoyed that "everybody" knew about the sale,except him. She says the girls were talking about it in The Rovers. Hewants to know why he wants to buy into the firm.

Fred is talking to Bev about seeing Claire. He tells her that shedidn't once ask about the baby.

Bev tells Fred that while he was out, Liz and Steve came round with anoffer for The Rovers. He hopes that she didn't accept. She says shedidn't because it is not hers to sell.

As Danny leaves Frankie's, Liam comes in from the back door. She saysshe will Danny about them, when the time is right. He says he has notslept with her so there is nothing to tell.

Fred tells Bev that he may put the sale of the pub on hold. Bev askswhether the wedding is on hold as well? Ashley says that they shouldnot change their plans just for him.

Charlie is about to leave Maria's. She asks him to stay. But he sayshe has to get back to Tracy. She knows he is there. At that pointTracy rings his mobile phone. He tells her that he is just finishingMaria's tiles and will be home shortly.

Paul comes in to the pub and joins Liam. He asks him how it was going.Liam says there is "room for improvement".

Tracy thinks Charlie is too kind to be a landlord. He shouldn't have tosort Maria's tiles.

Fred talks to Steve about the sale. Fred says that his offer was £5,000under the asking price. Liz butts in with "that's not our finaloffer". Steve is annoyed that his mother is intervening in thenegotiations. Fred says that if he comes up with the asking price thenit is his. Well before you can say "Rovers Return" Steve agrees the deal!

Paul finds it hard to believe that he is not to be allowed on thefactory premises. He introduces himself to Danny who has come into thepub. Danny tries to rubbish him. He says he doesn't think he isinterested in the business, but just wants a quick buck. He asks themto name their price.

BTW What happened to the alarm engineer that Danny called?

Martin Rosen



Wednesday 20 September

Welcome one and all to another update, this one is for Wednesday's excellentepisode!

Sean, Hayley and Joanne arrive at the factory door to find the lovely Liamtrying unsuccessfully to get in. "He's changed the locks, hasn't he?" saysLiam, exasperated. Sean tells him yes, as soon as he left yesterday. Dannyarrives at that moment and asks if his big brother has sent him to do adeal. Liam says he's there to work – Danny worked with Adam and he will bea lot more use. Danny remarks that a chocolate teapot would be more use thanAdam, and opens the door to let the girls in. "I'm not walking away," saysLiam. "Stay there all day then," says Danny, and slams the door.

Violet walks into the Baldwin kitchen and asks Jamie if he'd like coffee,Jamie makes an excuse about needing a shower and rushes out. Frankie comesin and asks if anything's wrong. "No," says Violet, "at least I don't thinkthere is." Frankie tells her that she and Jamie can have the place tothemselves tonight, she's seeing Liam. Violet asks how she's going to handlethat now that Danny's back, and Frankie says it's none of his business.

In the taxi office, Steve is gloating over his decision to buy the pub."While I'm making money I get free booze, free food and I get the flat backto myself," he tells Eileen. Liz pops her head round the door at thatminute. "So you don't like me living with you then?" she asks. Steveblusters that he just thinks he's a bit old to be living with his mother.Eileen asks where he'll be working – here or there? He says he sees himselfas an executive troubleshooter, dividing his time between the two. (Can'tLloyd run the taxi firm? – Where IS Lloyd??) Eileen says if she has to beworking there alone whilst he's running the pub, she wants a rise, and Lizasks how come he suddenly knows so much about running pubs he can give heradvice? Outnumbered, Steve wisely goes off to pick up a fare.

In the cafe, Liam is sounding off to Frankie about how unreasonable Danny isbeing. Maria comes in to pick up the order for the salon, with Charliefollowing behind. He asks if everything's ok at the flat, and she tells hima tap is dripping. He tells her he'll come and have a look at it, and shesmiles and leaves. Giving Frankie an excuse about needing to make a phonecall, Charlie follows her out. Checking they're still on for that evening,Liam tells Frankie they could be doing some serious celebrating. "You'vechanged your tune," she tells him. He says that he's realised – he's asalesman and he now has to sell himself to Danny. He goes off smiling.

Hayley's in the Kabin paying her paper bill. Rita tries to give her areceipt and asks Norris for a pen. He refuses to lend his and so she takesone from their stock, something that annoys him intensely. Rita then opensa letter she's received to find that she won the competition – a weekend fortwo in Budapest!

Audrey goes into the butchers' and Fred tells her of his decision to sellthe pub to Liz and Steve. Audrey is aghast, she thinks Claire and Ashleymight need him around for a few more months. He tells her that Bev thinksthey can't put their lives on hold. "I'm sure you think you're doing theright thing," says Audrey, meaning of course, that she doesn't. Doubtclouds Fred's face, but he mutters that these things can take months to sortout and he's sure that by that time Claire will be right as rain.

Liz and Steve are discussing how they can afford the pub. Steve tells hismum that things may be a bit tight, and if it gets too much they may have topull out.

Violet and Sean meet Jamie in the street, obviously heading towards thecafe. She asks him what's wrong with the Rovers and he says, not veryconvincingly, that as she was working he didn't want to bother her. Shetells him not to be silly so they all begin to cross the road back to thepub. She tells him that they've got the place to themselves that evening,but he says he's got a ‘work thing' on. "You knew it was my night off," saysViolet, hurt. "Sorry," says Jamie, "I'll try not to be too late." Seantells Violet that he'll come round. "There you go," says Jamie, "sorted!"

Liam goes into the pub and finds Danny in there, doing paperwork. Liam tellshim that if he let him help, it could save him from having to do all that.Danny isn't impressed. Liam sits down and tells him to face facts – there'stoo much work for one person, which is why Danny is having to do thepaperwork in the pub. Sooner or later, says Liam, Danny will have to hiresomeone else, so instead of having a ‘wage slave' he could let him workthere, he who wants to turn his share of Underworld into big profits, whichmeans more money for Danny as well. "Give me a chance," says Liam, "I'llprove two things, one – I'm good, and two – I don't have to be irritating."Danny appears to consider this for a few moments. "No," he says, and getsback to his paperwork.

Michelle is having her hair done in the salon, and discussing with Maria thesale of the Rovers. Audrey hints that she knows something, but won't saywhat. Michelle comments that Fred is a lovely guy, but it's obvious whowears the trousers in that house, even before they're married! Audrey opensthe post to find that there's a two-day training course coming up inBirmingham and she wants Maria to go. Initially reluctant, Maria soon seesa window of opportunity opening and says she thinks it's a good idea.

Liam confronts Danny again. "What part of the word know don't youunderstand, boy?" asks Danny. Liam persists in selling himself, until Dannysays that he's just got rid of one liability, he doesn't want another. "Youknow what the answer is, don't you?" says Liam, "A trial!" "Do I get tohang you at the end of it?" asks Danny. Liam ignores that, and goes on tosay he should give him a month, and if at the end of it he still wants towork through his dinner time and work every night rather than put up withlooking at his happy, smiling face sitting across the office……He finds he'stalking to himself, Danny's gone into the factory.

Rita asks Norris if he heard someone he knew had won something, would hepleased for them? He says he would. "Good," says Rita, "then you'll bepleased to hear that I've won a weekend in Budapest." Norris doesn't lookso pleased. "Not the competition!" he splutters and accuses Rita ofskulduggery. He says that Budapest won't appeal to Rita, it's a cultural andarchitectural jewel. Now a weekend in Magaluf and he'd have told her totake it. Rita accuses him of being a pompous killjoy.

Danny appears to have had a change of heart. "Here's the deal," he tellshim, as loads his car with files. "I'm the boss, you ain't. I make thedecisions, you don't. You make the tea, I don't. You argue with me, crossme, you are out on your ear!" Grinning broadly, Liam shakes his hand.

Frankie opens her front door to find Liam there. He kisses her as he stepsinside. "I told you he couldn't resist!" he tells her. Then he tells herthat Danny only needs one more excuse to get rid of him again. Frankiethinks he wants them to cool it until he gets settled in at the factory."No," says Liam, and says he just wanted to warn her that he's going to tellDanny about them. "He's not going to like it," says Frankie. Liam thinks hewon't like it if they sneak around behind his back and then finds out.

Steve tells Liz that to be comfortable the bank manager has told him theywill need an extra 400 pounds a month. Then he realises that if he gets ridof his flat they will have that money. "There's plenty of room in theRovers," says Liz. "But that means I'll still be living with my mother,"says Steve, but Liz tells him it'll be worth it.

Rita, Norris and Emily are walking down the street in the pouring rain. Theconversation is still about the weekend in Budapest. Rita says he is fullof sour grapes. He says she knows nothing about Budapest. Emily thinks thisis an opportunity for Rita to learn. Norris thinks Rita should say that heshould go. (And this is all becoming extremely boring – do we even care anymore who goes to Budapest?) They go into the pub, where the debatecontinues. Eventually they discuss tossing a coin,

Jamie is standing at the bar when Violet comes in. "I thought you wereworking?" she says. He says it was cancelled, and she points out that ifshe hadn't been called in to work because Betty is ill, she'd still be athome waiting for him. He says he just stopped off to get a bottle of wine.Violet is not convinced.

Liam and Danny are at a table, and Liam toasts to success. Danny thinkshe's a bit ‘previous' and tells him he's only there because he conned astupid kid who was keen to stitch him up. "I'm bright, I can learn and I'mhonest," says Liam. He then goes on to explain that he's not just talkingabout work, he wants them to start on a clean slate. He tells Danny thathe's seeing someone, and it's not a girl from work. He swears that at firsthe didn't know who she was – it's Frankie! "Is this a wind-up?" asks Danny,and when he realises that Liam's serious he just gets up and walks out.Michelle walks over to her brother. "You told him about you and Frankie?"she asks. Liam admits Danny could have taken it better. "Not a greatcareer move then," says Michelle. "What career?" asks Liam, glumly.

Maria goes to see Charlie at the yard. She tells him about her forthcomingtrip to Birmingham with two nights in a hotel. "Please say you'll come!"she begs him. "I do like it when you ask nicely," mutters Charlie, kissingher.

In the Rovers, Fred tells Audrey he's done the deal. Steve and Liz are atthe bar with Eileen, and they all raise their glasses.

At a table, Emily comments that they've seen several landladies in the pubover the years. Audrey doesn't think Fred is ready to go.

Danny confronts Frankie on the doorstep. Liam comes along and tells himthey thought they were doing the right thing by telling him the first chancethey got. Danny tells him he is out of order. Liam turns to Frankie and asksif she's ready. Danny tells her not to waste her time, and to let him takeher somewhere decent. Disgusted by their squabbling over her, Frankie tellsthem it's not flattering to have them fighting over her like dogs over abone, and turns round and slams indoors. Danny turns round to leave. "Don'tbe late in the morning," he tells Liam.

Anne Logan



Friday 22 September

Well, it barely seems five minutes since I was typing up a Friday report. If you'll recall, it was, because last week's was so late!

We open tonight with STV's competition, which runs every week night before Corrie. Today the question is: Blanche is the mother of which character – a. Cilla, b. Deirdre, or c. Janice. Oh, if only I knew the answer…

Liam has been to the corner shop for some milk, just as Danny pulls up in his car. "What time do you call this?" Danny demands. Liam says it's time for a tea break. He's been in since half past six! That shuts up Danny. As Jamie and Violet open their door, a running-late Sean zips past, with just enough time to ask Jamie if they're still on for a boys' night out. They are. Violet's face falls about six metres. Turns out Jamie's forgotten it's her night off. As Jamie drives off, Violet tells Frankie, who suggests they have a girls' night out to compensate.

In the taxi office, Liz still can't believe they bought a pub last night. They both have hangovers. When Liz is a landlady, she assures Steve, she'll be sober every night, and Steve will have to pay for his ale. He takes the last paracetamol in revenge.

The factory workers are wondering what's going on. Why is Danny letting Liam work there? Danny soon tells them – Liam has bought 40 per cent of the business and is happy to work there on a laughably low wage! Danny is still in charge.

Rita and Norris are looking at the Budapest holiday brochure. They're bickering over whose holiday it is. Norris did two more early starts than Rita. It's her shop, she reminds him. Liz comes in for more paracetamol. They ask her to toss a coin to make the decision. Then they fight over that! "I didn't come in to be a referee." Liz tells them, refusing to throw the deciding coin. "I've got a headache. I need pills."

Danny is giving Liam a hard time because he wants to go to lunch. He makes Liam start on the invoices while he goes. Liam says to get whatever sandwiches he likes, and when Fizz tells Danny "Mr Connor" hates mustard you can see the lightbulb go on over his head.

As Danny leaves the factory, Jamie is heading off with flowers. "Great minds," mutters Danny.

Jamie takes them to Violet in the Rovers. She tells him just to go out and have a good time.

Danny has a bigger bunch of flowers. In the cafe he tells Frankie it's their anniversary – of the very first time she babysat for Jamie. He asks for ham sarnies twice, lashings of mustard.

In the Kabin, Rita invites Deirdre to Budapest, so Norris invites Emily. Neither Deirdre nor Emily seems to want to go. Rita claims she's got more friends than Norris. He challenges her to prove it. "The next person to walk through that door, they get the holiday and they decide who goes with them – me or you," he says. Uh oh. It's Blanche. "Oh, it was a daft idea," laughs Norris after a horrified pause. "Absolutely," agrees Rita.

In the factory, Danny watches Liam bite into the sandwich. Liam says it's fine, but the minute Danny leaves the room he spits it out. Danny leaves the factory, but not before asking Hayley to "Keep your eyes on Junior." "What? Spy on him?" That's exactly what he means. Liam comes out to ask if Hayley was asked to keep an eye on him. The girls are quick to point out that Danny doesn't trust Liam (or anybody). Liam decides to nip out while Danny's away. He leaves Hayley in charge. "I'll leave it up to you whether to tell sir or not." The girls are appalled that he's dropped Hayley in it. "There'll be blood before teatime," says Kelly.

Liam's in the cafe. Frankie warns him not to pick a fight with Danny. She's worried about Liam getting hurt, though she doesn't mind if Danny gets a black eye.

Fizz wants more driving lessons and tells Kirk so after a pint. Violet wants Sean to talk to Jamie. She's got the idea he doesn't want to be with her.

In the factory, Liam tells Danny he likes it that he's bought Frankie some flowers. "Because your flowers make Frankie's house smell so much sweeter."

Sean goes to fetch Jamie. As Blanche heads home, Fizz, driving the van, mounts the pavement and screeches to a stop just a foot away from her. "Sorry, I didn't see you. I had my eyes on the road," she says. Blanche doesn't want to end her days under the wheels of a dog van. So Fizz promises that when she gets her licence, "I'll get a nice little super-mini and have another go at you." Fizz notices Kirk looks a bit pale.

Waiting for their taxi, Jamie says he's not going to hold back tonight. Steve asks if Violet's going too. "No, just us," says a happy-sounding Jamie, leaving Steve pondering… what?

Liz rings the last-orders bell, upsetting Bev. "I promise I won't do it again till it's all mine," she says.

Frankie and Violet are back home, but no Sean. It's just gone one. Outside, a black cab pulls up. Sean has to hold up Jamie, who wants some Scotch. They go to Sean/Eileen's because Sean thinks they've got some brandy.

Violet tells Frankie she thinks it might have been a mistake to move in. Frankie tells her it's always difficult adjusting. "We skirt round each other, not connecting," Violet explains. Frankie says Jamie thinks more. "Give him time to sort himself out. I think he might just surprise you."

Sean and Jamie are into the brandy. Sean wants Jamie to tell him a secret, but Jamie hasn't got any. "I don't believe you," says Sean. "That's boring." He asks a series of questions, ending with the one he really wants the answer to: "Have you ever fallen in love with someone you shouldn't have?" The answer is yes. Or Sean thinks it is. "You've got a secret love and I'm going to find out who that secret love is." He goes to make coffee.

Violet and Frankie are still discussing men, especially Danny and Liam. Frankie's been hurt by Danny. "No amount of love can make that better." Frankie says she has no plans to marry again and the best thing about Liam is that it gets right up Danny's nose.

Sean makes the coffee, but when he takes it back, Jamie is asleep on the sofa. "Well, there's one way of avoid the truth," he says to himself. He puts Jamie's jacket over him, kisses him on the forehead and, with one lingering look at him, turns off the light and leaves him there.

The end
Margaret Carr



Sunday 24 September

Events in the Street tonight are, to say the least, confusing. Clairehas gone on holiday (to Barking) and there is no sign of Ashley. Janiceis still missing (and her vanishing act has not even been the subject ofany comment) and Audrey prefers the company of Fred to her own daughter.

Anyway Tracy is finding Amy a handful and therefore is astounded whenCharlie offers to take the kid with him to do some shopping. He musthave an ulterior motive. Maria sees them on the way back from theCorner Shop and asks Amy if Uncle Charlie often buys her presents.Charlie responds that he does not do it - unless of course he is tryingto get Tracy compliant for a couple of nights away from home!!

Jamie has spent the night on the sofa at Eileen's, the latter asks Seanwhat he was offering that Violet could not offer - well Sean would haveoffered it if he thought Jamie would take it, but that was not the case.Once Jamie awakes he realises the mess he is in. Sean asks if Jamierealises that anything he is told stays between them - but Jamie hasnothing to say and there will be no life changing decisions - so Jamieis not gay then. Hard luck Sean.

Along at Frankie's the distraught Violet has not heard from her live inlover who has not returned her calls or texts. Vi reckons they areprobably at Eileen's - but Frankie does not believe it - after all hecould have made it another two doors along the Street surely? Apparentlyyes as Jamie falls through the front door to find Violet sitting on thestairs. They are about to kiss when he pulls away saying his breathmust stink from the drink. She is even more hurt by this.

Audrey in the Rovers tells Gail that her neighbours are moving toPortugal to retire - everyone is either dropping dead or retiring away -it must be her age. Gail senses that Audrey is depressed and suggestsjoining them for lunch - no Jason these days - but Audrey declinessaying she will next week. After her departure Gail and Fred agree thatAudrey is in an odd mood.

Sean and Violet meet - she wants to know if Sean accomplished hismission - but he says nothing was revealed and that he is friends toboth of them. Sean tries to re-assure her that she has nothing aboutwhich to worry (which is not entirely true).

Tracy is of course in a much better mood and falls hook line and sinkerfor Charlie's story that his mate in Leeds is having a stag night -which means that he can spend one night in Birmingham with Maria!

Shelley phones and Bev rushes off to discuss the wedding. Fred howeverseems worried about something - perhaps the absence of Claire - thestrain on Ashley or deserting Audrey perhaps?

Doris and Rita are not talking - this holiday business has dragged onfor some time. Emily decides that it is time to pour oil on troubledwaters and suggests that Rita has not considered the one person shecould take to Budapest. Who? she asks. Doris, Emily responds. What gotogether - well it is an idea, Rita observes.

Now UK residents may remember that recently David Cameron (leader of HerMaj's Opposition Party) recently implored us to "hug a hoodie" andAudrey gets the chance on her return home when a grey hooded youth, whois clearly deaf does not hear her close the front door, throw down herkeys and pick up a bottle of alcohol and instead makes a noise as heexamines some nick nacks. She shouts "What are you doing" and he pushesroughly past her and back out the front door. Shaken and shocked shephones Fred at the Rovers and he and Bev head round to offer support.

Luckily Violet turns up and offers to cover in the Rovers - mainly soshe can drag something out of Sean about the previous evening - but heain't talking. Meanwhile Frankie reminds Jamie that just because he andViolet are living together he must not take her for granted, he says not- but he remains troubled. Jamie goes to the Rovers and asks Violet ifshe will be free later to go out. Then once she is looking for food hetells Sean he was drunk last night - but everything is all right betweenhim and Violet and that there is no one else. Sean is not happy aboutit but accepts it. Jamie and Sean then hug - observed by Violet as shereturns from the back room. She withdraws - but has come to theconclusion that Jamie is more attracted to Sean than to her (he isn'teven if Sean wishes he were - Jamie's affections lie in a more matronlydirection I think).

Bev and Fred arrive at Audrey's and calm her down and summon the police(I was last burgled in 1989 and the police came eventually. I doubtvery much they would turn out these days - particularly if nothing hasactually been removed.) Once the police have gone then Bev and Fredmake to depart - but Audrey is not looking forward to being on her own.At much the same time Gail and Sarah arrive in the Rovers and Sean tellsthem about the break in - they rush round to Audrey's as this is thefirst they have heard of it. Jason offers to come along - he can changethe locks and help - Sarah says they can manage it quite well withouthim - as Eileen observes putting him right in his place.

After a little leg pull about having to share a bed Rita tells Doristhat he can come to Budapest, there are two single rooms and Ken hasvolunteered to look after the Kabin - so it is all sorted. Doris isunhappy about Ken - but agrees that they are going on holiday together.

In the yard at the Rovers (a mythical space between the Rovers and No 1)Sean and Violet again discuss Jamie. She thinks something must havehappened and that Jamie pulled another bird - or something. Eventuallyshe tells Sean that she thinks Jamie does have feelings for someoneother than her - and she thinks it is Sean and that Jamie might be gay.

Oh well. I suppose everyone will find out eventually. I will be backnext week.

And for the first time in ages we are all up to date with the updates.
K Richard W



Monday 25 September

Written by: John Fay
Directed by: Pip Short

The factory workers are sitting on the steps ofUnderworld discussing plans for celebrating Fiz'sbirthday. Sean is looking really cute in a pink andwhite stripy jumper that makes him look like Bagpuss,but he looks all distracted by the sight of Jamieacross t'road.

The aforementioned Fiz is at the Battersby-Brownresidence, receiving her birthday gifts from Kirk andChesney. Kirk has given her a ten pound note (ooh,special) but he says he has something else for herwhich he'll give her later because it's too big towrap. Fiz doesn't believe this, but when she discoversthat Chesney's gift to her is a pair of fluffy dice(of the sort that some people like to hang in theircar), Fiz starts to put two and two together and makeFord (see what I did there?). She grins excitedly.

To the Websters' now, where young Sophie is so tannedshe looks like she's been fashioned from teak. Rosiewants to go to Craig's after school, but Sally isn'tkeen - Rosie needs to be working hard to get thoseall-important grades to get her into A DecentUniversity.

Liam is on Frankie's doorstep, inviting her out to thecinema. She's a lucky woman, that Frankie. Liamnotices her glance across at the factory and realisesthat Danny is watching them. 'You probably want to gofor the doorstep challenge, a big snog right in frontof him,' Liam teases Frankie. 'I know you might thinkyou'll get some more flowers out of it, but I've gotto work with the bloke.' Danny yells across that it'stime Romeo was at work, so Liam says he'll check whatfilms are on and see Frankie at lunchtime. On his wayin to the factory he can't resist telling Danny thathe was just busy arranging a date with Frankie.

In t'back room of the pub, Fred and Bev are gettingexcited about an imminent visit from Shelley to try onwedding/bridesmaid dresses. As Fred won't be trying ona dress himself, Bev wants him out of the way andsends him over to the salon to give Audrey a bunch offlowers (these were a sample from a florist that Bevwants to use for the wedding).

As Fred is going through the bar with the blooms,Betty assumes they're for Claire, who must thereforebe ill. Fred gets all defensive at the very idea andwants to know who's saying that Claire is ill. Bettysays she hasn't seen Claire for a few days, so Fredsays that Claire's mother is ill so she's spendingmost of her time there.

At the factory, Fiz is counting her chickens beforethey're hatched, and going on about the car Kirk isgoing to give her. Danny tells them all to get back towork, and he's not best pleased to see Liam's jacketdraped over his chair, and Liam himself using theoffice computer to check cinema times. Danny'sstrategy with Liam is to pull rank at all times (hisnickname for him is 'Little Forty Percent'), so hetells him to go out and buy some milk. Liam's strategyin response to this is to maintain his sunnydisposition and think on his feet. In this case hesays he'll happily get the milk, which will mean thatnone of the girls will have to turn a machine off togo and do it and therefore production will bemaintained, and he can get a newspaper while he's outand check the cinema listings that way: 'Bish bashbosh, everyone's a winner!'

Tracy is in t'salon having her nails done by Maria.Sarah is also there, and they're talking about Jasonand Sarah says how, even though she knows he's bad forher, her heart skips a beat when she sees him. Tracyagrees that it's often the men you know you shouldavoid who are the hardest to resist. Maria asks ifshe's referring to Charlie, but Tracy says that sheand Charlie are perfect together (in one sense, Isuppose, she's right - they're both horrible). The manTracy has in mind when she's thinking ofdangerous-but-irresistible is none other than DrHannibal Lecter. 'Ignore the cannibalism, take thataway, and he's got great eyes!' she insists. I thinkI'm beginning to understand what she sees in Charlie:take away the bullying, the control freakery, thesadistic streak and the irritating throat-clearing,and he's got really nice hair. Or something. Luckilyfor us the conversation is interrupted by Fredarriving with the flowers for Audrey.

At the pub, Sean is trying to reassure Violet thathe's never done anything to lead Jamie on, and he'ssure he's straight (Jamie that is). Then Jamie himselfwalks in, and puts his arm around Sean's shoulders(like straight men always do), asking him if he'sgetting a round in. Sean looks deeply uncomfortableand makes an excuse to go and rejoin his work matesfrom the factory. Violet tells Jamie that it's Fiz'sbirthday so Sean wants to be with the girls.

Shelley's back! And she's got a new hairstyle. It'sall wavy and blonde, and indeed she looks like she'sjust popped in from a stint in a Peak Districtregional touring production of Chicago. And the firstperson she sees as her cab arrives in the Street isCharlie, talking to Maria.

Maria is about to leave for her training escapade toBirmingham. Charlie tells her he might be able to getthere that very evening, and says he'll meet her inthe hotel bar at 7.

Shelley is disembarking from her cab, welcomed by acheerful cry of, 'Look what the cat's dragged in!'from Tracy (who has acquired none of Ken's linguisticskills). Shelley says it's only a flying visit, whichof course is only asking for Tracy to mention the word'broomstick' in her reply.

Bev is thrilled to see Shelley, and offers her adrink, which Shelley turns down. Bev insists that youcan't try on bridesmaid dresses without drinkingalcohol, as it's 'traditional.'

Liam and Frankie are in the pub together, and Dannyjoins them, which is the cue for lots ofpoints-scoring between the two men, who really arelike a couple of elks in the rutting season (onlybetter looking, in Liam's case anyway). It seems thatDanny gets the upper hand in this one, because alltheir bickering is just annoying Frankie, which is hiscunning plan to topple Liam.

Shelley is trying on her dress, and it's very similarto the one Marilyn Monroe wore in Bus Stop. What withthat and the hair, she does look like she wandered inoff another set. Shelley is concerned that the dressis a bit of a squeeze and may need to be altered.Betty says she'll easily lose weight before thewedding, and Shelley jokes that they have a fantasticchef at her new pub and she can't say no to him.Gastronomically, that is. Bev remarks that Shelley hashardly touched her wine.

Fred is still at the salon with Audrey, confessingthat he's not really looking forward to the wedding orretiring, because he's so worried about Ashley andClaire and t'kiddies. Audrey says they'll only be anhour's drive away. Then Audrey thanks him for beingthere for her when she had the burglary, and he saysthat many times she's been there for him, and he getsall wistful. Audrey reminds him again that he'll onlybe an hour away, and he tries to perk up.

The Lovely Craig has kept up his little pied a terrein Diggory's old shop, and he and Rosie go there forsome privacy. She's complaining that she's sick ofhaving her life mapped out by her parents. Charliespots them going into the bakery and makes some lewdcomment, and Rosie is annoyed that he just assumesthey're going there for sex. 'The mattress is stillthere though,' says an optimistic Craig.

It seems that Fiz's dreams have come true when sheleaves the factory to be greeted by Kirk and a shinyred car. Kirk tells her happy birthday, and she'sabsolutely thrilled. Modestly he tells her that sheshould really be thanking Bert Scallon. Who he? Turnsout he's the man who loaned Kirk the car, and Fiz iswelcome to borrow it any time as it's insured for anydriver. This doesn't go down well with Fiz, whoproceeds to thump Kirk with the new handbag she got asa birthday gift from her factory colleagues. It's inthe shape of a watering can, and so will Kirk be whenshe's finished with him.

Fred gets back to the pub, where Bev is still naggingat Shelley for not drinking enough alcohol. Shelleysays she isn't in the mood for drinking, but Bev justwon't let it lie.

In the bar, Tracy and Charlie have arrived and Tracyis being rude about Shelley to Violet, who doesn'twant to hear it. Violet takes some drinks through tothe back, where she tells Shelley to avoid the bar asCharlie is there. Then she goes back.

Bev is still going on about Shelley's apparent vow ofabstinence. 'Just tell me you're on antibiotics orsomething,' she says. Shelley says if it'll make herhappy, yes, she is on antibiotics. But Bev doesn'tbelieve that. A mother knows these things, you see.'You're pregnant, aren't you?' she says. Shelleyadmits that she is.

Frankie is telling Violet that Liam isn't worth thehassle, and she's thinking of dumping him (as if youwould, honestly).

Fred, who likes nothing more than yet anothergrandchild, is thrilled that Shelley is in t'familyway. Bev is less than pleased, and wants to know whyShelley hid the news from them. Shelley lamely repliesthat it's 'early days.' But what Bev really wants toknow is - who's the father?

(end)

Will Frankie really be daft enough to dump Liam? WillFiz's new handbag ever be the same again? And just who*is* the father? Find out in the next thrillingepisode.

Sue Haasler

Another Monday night and that means it is an hour's worth of CoronationStreet. Out of interest have there been any "catch-up" episodes inCanada, USA and New Zealand to make up for the losses during the WorldCup earlier in the summer (sorry, winter in NZ !), or are you all evenfurther behind us?

But right now it is time for this "next thrilling episode"

So we pick up the story with Bev asking Shelley how far "gone" she is,and who the father is. Shelley doesn't want to say, other than it was aone-night-stand. Bev suggests it might be Steve McDonald. Fred pipesup with "she don't want to say" (Now that would have been a perfect linefor him to repeat - which he didn't. I don't recall he has done thisfor awhile. I hope he does so before he goes, I say, I hope he doesbefore he goes!!).

Finally Shelley admits it is Charlie's. Fred is confused, he can't workit out, she must been pregnant for 12 month or more.

In the main bar of the Rovers, Tracy tells Charlie that she wantsanother drink before he goes off to his stag do. He is not concerned ifhe is late, as long he gets there in time for the stripper!

Jamie walks into the pub and Liam is at the bar. He suggests that maybeJamie would like to join him and his (Jamie) mum. But he says he wouldrather stay chatting with Sean.

Bev tells Fred to find something else to do. She wants to have a motherand daughter chat with Shelley. As he is about to leave she tells Frednot to tell anybody about what he has just heard.

We are still in the Rovers when Frankie tells Liam that she doesn'tfancy going to the pictures after all.

At the bar, Jamie thinks Sean is depressed and that he hasn't got hisusual lively banter. He wonders if he is working too hard with a fulltime job at the factory as well.

Back at the back room of the Rovers, Shelley explains to her mum thather one-night-stand was just "one for the road". She wanted to provethat she was in control of the situation and that Charlie did herbidding. She reminds her mum that it was her that left Charlie at thealtar. Now she is having the "last laugh" again by not telling himanything about it. Bev is annoyed that Shelley was not going to tellher about the baby. Shelley explains that she was, but after she (Bev)and Fred were married.

A quick scene at the bar when Audrey and Gail come in. Gail refers toFred as her mother's "knight in shinning armour". Gail knows about theflowers, and suggests that Bev will be jealous. Audrey quickly jumps inwith that they were Bev's idea.

Jamie is pressing Sean to tell him why he is so miserable. He says thatit is because Frankie is about dump Liam.

It is all done very awkwardly, and Frankie believes that they have anaudience and suggests that they go out for a walk.

A change of scene now as Craig and Rosie are in the old baker's shoptalking about the future, when she goes off to university. He says thathe will see her at weekends and holidays. Rosie was hoping that Craigwould come with as well. He says he cannot afford university.

Back at the Rovers, Shelley tells her mother that she is not getting ridof the baby. She says Charlie will never be told of the baby. Bevwonders how Shelley could possibly have anything of Charlie's growinginside her. Shelley says it is her baby, her decision. It is nothingto do with Charlie, let alone her mother. Bev reminds Shelley that theidea of her going away was to make a new start. Shelley, considers thatthis is a new start. She then storms out into the yard, followed by hermother, shouting and screaming.

Down the alleyway, she bumps into Deirdre who comforts Bev, and asks herwhat is wrong. Bev puts it down to pre-wedding nerves, as Deirdre offersher a cup of tea.

Liam and Frankie are sitting on the bench. She tells him that has allgot very complicated with him and Danny.

Meanwhile Shelley is over at Frankie's. She tells Violet that she needa change of scene (so did we!), because her mum was doing her head in.Shelley asks how she is getting on with Jamie. She says all is okay,but we have our ups and downs. Sometimes it is more down than up!Violet invites Shelley to stay for a meal. Frankie comes in andconfirms that she has dumped Liam.

Liam goes to the factory to find Danny still working there. He tellsDanny that he realises there is a lot of history behind him and Frankie,therefore he is going to give her up.

Meanwhile back at Deirdre's house, she asks Bev again what is wrong. Bevsays the bridesmaid dress is alright, although may need letting out abit. Then she tells her that Shelley is having Charlie's baby. Beforeshe realises what she has said, Deirdre queries "our Tracy's Charlie?".Bev then realises she has put her foot in it. She pleads with Deirdrenot to mention it.

At the bar, Gail and Audrey want to know if anyone has had a sneakpreview of the dresses. Fred says he was sent out. However, he thinksit is time for him to pop in and see if everything is alright. All themarriage talk the spinsters of the parish, Rita, Gail, Emily say theydon't want to get married again. However Audrey hints that she wouldlike to leave her options open! Fred returns to the bar to say thatthey are not there.

Jamie comes in and Sean tells him that he came into the Roversespecially early so he could cover for Violet who is making him aspecial dinner. Jamie says this is the first he has heard of it.

Charlie tells Tracy that he will send a text that he can't make the stagdo that night, but would be there the next day. However, he hopes shewill make it worthwhile. Tracy then goes to get Amy from her mother's,and Charlie goes home.

Bev and Deirdre start arguing about telling Tracy. Deirdre wants Tracy toknow what sort of man Charlie really is, and needs Shelley around toconfirm the story. Bev however pleads with her not to say anything, atleast not until Shelley has gone. Tracy comes in with Amy. She tellsthem both that Charlie was supposed to be going away that evening, buthe couldn't tear himself away from her so he is staying. Deirdre saysnothing other than she should get off home.

Deirdre then confirms that she will be telling Tracy while Shelley isaround else Charlie will talk his way out of it again.

Martin Rosen



Wednesday 27 September

Hi everyone, welcome to Wednesday's action packed episode from the Street.

The factory girls are wandering across the street to work. Joanne greetsBlanche cheerily, only to be told that if they've been to the pub for theirdinner, the factory must be a death trap in the afternoons.

Ken and Deirdre are sitting at their table, finishing their lunch,discussing the current situation with Tracy, Charlie, Shelly and thepregnancy. Deirdre's phone rings, but she doesn't answer it, telling Kenthat Bev just keeps on ringing. They hope she understands that they have totell Tracy what they know, and they also hope that this will make Tracy seesense and leave Charlie. Ken is just commenting that it's the best thing forher in the long run, when Blanche comes in. "Best for who in the long run?"she demands to know. Deirdre jumps up, taking out dirty plates, and won'tanswer Blanche's question. "Am I talking in code?" she asks, "best for whoin the long run?" Deirdre fobs her off saying it was just some woman atwork, but Blanche isn't convinced.

Fred finds Bev sitting morosely at the table in the back of the Rovers. Sheconfesses to him that she's told Deirdre. Fred is aghast, as Bev says sheknows she's a fool who can't hold her drink. "Why do I keep messing thingsup for her?" she wails. Fred wonders if Deirdre might hold off from tellingTracy until Shelly has gone. Just then, Shelley comes breezing in, sayingshe's off to spend the day with Sunita and the twins.

In the factory, the lovely Liam is checking the work output of the workers,supervised by Danny. Janice tells him he can have a rummage through herknickers if he wants, and Danny hushes her. Liam tells Danny he's allright, he can manage on his own, but Danny warns that if he gives theworkers an inch they'll take a mile. Liam gets to Janice's basket ofnewly-sewn knickers, and she jokes about making Frankie jealous. Dannycan't resist breaking the news to them all that Liam and Frankie are nolonger an item.

Bev is outside the Rovers with a broom in her hand when Deirdre steps offthe bus. Deirdre tells her she's going to tell Tracy soon, and Bev begs herto come into the pub to talk about it, and Deirdre agrees, but wants to getKen.

In the Barlow household, Blanche is moaning on to Ken about how she's thelast to know anything, when Deirdre arrives back. She manages to get Kenout of the house with her, by saying she left her purse at work and askinghim to drive her back to get it. Blanche starts to say she'll go with thembut Deirdre fobs her off telling her that Tracy will be coming round soon.

In the cafe, Violet is sitting with Jamie who is deeply engrossed in hisnewspaper, while Frankie cleans the tables. She asks them if they're allready for their holiday and Violet says she could do with some new bikinis.Frankie asks if they're going to go late night shopping but Jamie isn't keento go and Violet says she's arranged to work that evening. "But we could gotomorrow," she says hopefully. Jamie doesn't look keen until she suggeststhat they take Sean as well. Jamie brightens at this and agrees to go.

As they get up to leave, Danny walks in. He tells Frankie that he didn'thave anything to do with Liam finishing with her. Frankie tells him thatshe was the one who did the finishing.

In the back room of the Rovers, Bev is bemoaning the fact that she did notdo the one thing that Shelley asked of her. Deirdre points out thatalthough they're friends, first they are mothers and they have to do what isright by their daughters. Bev is really worried about what Charlie might do,and Deirdre says that is what makes her all the more determined to tellTracy and get her away from him. Ken points out that Charlie has a moralright to know that he's fathered a child. "You think he'll be swinging fromthe town hall in a Spiderman costume?" asks Bev, sarcastically. (This is areference to the actions of a UK based group called Fathers for Justice.)Deirdre is not in the mood for sarcasm and gets up and leaves.

Outside, Tracy is seeing Charlie off on his ‘stag night' jaunt. (Or rather,his liaison with Maria) and at that moment Shelley gets out of a taxi infront of the Rovers. Ken and Deirdre bump into her as they are leaving, andthey go across and ask for a word with Tracy who takes them indoors."Where's Amy?" asks Deirdre. "Err..bingo with her mates!" replies Tracy,full of sarcasm, "She's asleep upstairs." They then break the news to Tracythat Shelley is pregnant with Charlie's baby, but Tracy won't believe it."She's just saying that to break us up," she insists. Deirdre and Kencontinue to claim that it's true, and Tracy marches to the door. "Where areyou going?" asks Deirdre. "Where do you think?" says Tracy, "I'm going tosmack the truth out of that bitch if I have to!" Telling Ken to look afterAmy, Deirdre hurries after her.

In the Rovers, Tracy marches up to the bar, asking if Shelley's in. Michelleand Violet tell her that she's just got back. Tracy goes to march throughto the back and Violet steps in her way. Deirdre comes up behind, sayingthat Bev is expecting them and they push on through, leaving the staffwondering what is happening.

Over at a table, Joanne is confessing that she thinks Liam has a nice bum!Janice thinks he's too young for her, she prefers a man not a boy.

In the back room, Bev tells Tracy that Shelley is in the shower, and ifTracy starts anything she'll have her thrown out. Tracy says in that caseshe'll have her as soon as she steps outside. Tracy sits down, saying shewon't leave until she's seen her.

Out in the bar, Liam asks his sister if she'll be staying on when Stevetakes over. Michelle says she will if he'll have her. Liam points out toSteve, who is standing there with them, that she does have a couple ofbrothers who will spend a fortune there. As Liam goes off to the men's room,all the factory works whistle at him.

Behind the bar, Violet is voicing her concerns about Jamie's sexuality toSean. He thinks she's reading too much into it.

As the factory workers get up to leave, Sean takes Joanne to one side,asking her how he was ‘bedwise' when she went out with Jamie. She confessesto him that she's not that kind of girl and they never did anything.

Shelley walks into the back room of the pub, to be greeted by Tracy,demanding to know the truth about the pregnancy. Shelley looks at Bev,stunned. "I'm sorry," whines Bev. Shelley stands and stares at Tracy, whothen starts to shriek at her that she only wanted to break her and Charlieup so she's making it all up. "Admit it, you scheming, jealous cow!" shescreams. Bev wails that she wouldn't blame Shelley if she never wanted tospeak to her again. Shelley then tells Bev that Tracy is right, it was allmade up, she just wanted to break Tracy and Charlie up. Tracy, however,doesn't believe her and realises that it's true. "Why would you wantCharlie's baby, you hate him?" she cries. Shelley tells her that after allhe put her through, something good has come out of it, something he cannever take away from her. "Go on, do your hissey fit somewhere else," shesays, firmly, opening the door. Tracy however, sits down, telling them thatCharlie is away. Shelley says she can guess what he told her, a buildingjob he has to stop over for, or a lads' night out with mysterious matesshe's never met. Deirdre tries to make Tracy see how Charlie has playedaround behind her back. "You don't get it, do you Mum?" says Tracy, "I lovehim!" Shelley says in that case she feels genuinely sorry for her. Tracythen leaps at Shelley and they start wrestling each other.

Out in the bar, Sean and Violet are concerned to hear shouts and screamsfrom the back room when Fred walks in. They tell him that something is goingon and that Tracy and Deirdre have arrived. "Oh no," says Fred, and hurriesthrough.

He walks in to find Deirdre holding Tracy to keep her from hitting Shelley,who is standing behind Bev and telling her to get out. Fred opens the frontdoor and they hustle her out of the door. "Oh Shelley," cries Bev as theyshut the door. "Shut up Mum!" shouts Shelley, "do you realise how muchtrouble you've caused?" She marches off up the stairs as Bev collapses,crying, against Fred's chest.

Tracy runs off down the Street, chased by Deirdre. On arrival at her house,she bangs on the door and when Ken opens it she pulls him outside, yellingat him to get out. She goes inside, slamming the door behind her andcollapses onto a chair, sobbing.

Back in the Rovers, Steve asks Michelle if she will stay on. She points outthat Liz isn't exactly her biggest fan, she doesn't know why she hates herso much. Steve remarks that it's probably because Liz thinks he likes her.As Michelle moves away to serve a customer, Liam asks Steve if there'ssomething going on with him and her. Steve tells him not to worry, hedoesn't have to be the protective big brother, he's not interested. Liamwants to know why – his sister's gorgeous. Steve says he knows she is, butshe's not for him.

Fred comes out, and assures Sean and Violet that everything is all right.Violet asks if she can take a bottle of red wine, and Fred assures him thatshe can.

Danny has come in, and offers to buy Liam a drink, he says it's the least hecan do as he finished with Frankie to spare his own feelings. Being thehonest soul that he is, Liam rather hesitantly admits that it was actually amutual thing, or perhaps even rather more Frankie's decision than his – buthe was thinking of throwing her in anyway.

Violet arrives home to find Jamie in the kitchen with Frankie. She showshim the bottle of wine, and he immediately offers Frankie a glass, and asksViolet to lay the table. Looking disappointed, she goes off to do it.

Meanwhile, down in Birmingham, Maria walks into the hotel bar and meets upwith Charlie, before going off upstairs to change. While she's gone,Charlie phones Tracy, asking how her day has been. "Nothing special," shetells him, "dead boring really. Can't wait to see you again." Then shehangs up the phone and sits in the dark.

Anne Logan



Friday 29 September

It's Friday once again, and this is your Friday updater, celebrating thestart of daylight saving in New Zealand (for three weeks the time differencewill be easy to calculate) and mourning the Storm's loss in the NRL grandfinal.

Tracy is around at her parents' place, where they are apologising for beingthe ones who had to tell her about Charlie. She tells them she's waitinguntil he gets back to face him with Shelley's news. They're interrupted byBlanche, who says it's the second day running they've clammed up when shewalked in. If they want to put her in a home they can think again, she tellsthem.

Around at the Webster's, Sophie is slinging off at Craig for being polite toSally. While they're making chit chat, Kevin is on the phone to his Dad(remember him?) who is planning a surprise for them for their 20thanniversary - and they need to have their passports ready.

In a nearby street, Charlie is dropping off Maria. He tells her he wantsthem to be a normal couple, not hiding away from everyone. She's fallen forhim and for everything he says in that charming voice he can use so well.She gets out to walk home and he drives off.

In the Rovers' back room, Shelley tells Bev she's leaving that day becauseshe doesn't want to see Charlie.

Said Charlie is back home, with flowers for Tracy. She whacks him around thehead with the whole bunch. She tells him that's for cheating on her. "Don'tact innocent, Charlie, because you would have hit me back by now if youweren't guilty." You can see the relief on his face when he realises Tracy'stalking about Shelley, not Maria. He's really stunned, though, when he hearsShelley is pregnant.

Frankie offers to take Jamie and Violet out to a tapas bar to get them inthe mood for Spain, but all of a sudden Jamie has to go to work.

"She's lying," Charlie tells Tracy. She explains that it's true, but heclaims Shelley knew Bev would not be able to keep her mouth shut and hasdeliberately leaked the news so Tracy would hear it. Tracy believes Shelleyis telling the truth and Charlie is not. He looks at her, then goes to siton the stairs, looking very sorry for himself. "I was drunk," he says. Tracyis crying now and can't find the words to say how disgusting he is. "You didit, and that's all that matters." He says the worst of it is, Shelley doesn'tmean a thing to him. Tracy insists he can force Shelley to have an abortion.After all, it's what he did to Tracy herself. "Otherwise, me and you arefinished!"

Shelley is all packed and ready to go. Bev is apologising, groveling. She'sstruck dumb, though, when Shelley says she won't be back for the weddingbecause she can't risk seeing Charlie. She knows he's not invited, "but heknows it's happening." She says she's going away for a few weeks, but won'ttell Bev where she's going. Bev thinks she's being punished, but Shelleysays it's about Charlie, not about Bev.

In the bar, Blanche still believes her family is plotting to get rid of her."I try to pull my weight around the house," she tells Deirdre. "It's noteasy with a Polish hip." She tells Deirdre that Italy might have been on thewrong side during the war, but they know how to look after their old folk.Old people there live with their families until the day they die. She stopsher wittering on when she realises something is up between Deirdre and Bev,who has just come back into the bar. In fact, Blanche positively perks upwhen she realises there might be gossip involved. Then Charlie comes in andBev refuses to tell him where Shelley is. "You and Bev daggers drawn. Herand Charlie the same. Tracy acting peculiar. I'm getting warmer, aren't I?"Blanche asks gleefully.

Charlie goes around to the back yard of the pub, getting there just asShelley's coming out. He grabs her and pushes her up against the wall,demanding to know if it's true.

Back in the bar, Eileen is trying to wind up Sean by going on about how muchhe will suffer while Jamie's away. "I love winding him up," Eileen says toViolet, but Violet doesn't look as if she thinks it's funny.

In the yard, Charlie accuses Shelley of deliberately letting out the secret.Shelley, though, stays strong (Good for her!). She tells him theredefinitely is a baby but he's never ever going to see it. "Nor are you.Because you're going to get rid of it?" He says Shelley will want her handson his maintenance money for the next 20 years. Shelley protests that shedoesn't want a penny off him. That would give him another way to controlher. "So why do you want my child?" he asks. "You're not listening, are you?" Shelley says. "It's MY child, and they will never know you existed.And as far as I'm concerned, you never existed either." She offers to put itinto writing. "You know what, Charlie. I'd even pay you money if it meant I'dnever ever have to see you again. I've got all I want from you and you'resurplus to requirements."

Audrey is shaking a cape out into the street and sees Fred go past. He looksas if he's got the weight of the world on his shoulders. Audrey can'tbelieve he won't be living nearby any more. He's off to pick up Joshua whileAshley visits the hospital. Claire is much the same, he says.

Charlie reports back to Tracy on what Shelley said. She refuses to believethat Shelley won't want money at some stage. He says he can't stick a gun toher head and drag her off to the abortion clinic. "It's what you did to me,"Tracy points out (Excuse me - didn't she spend that abortion money onshoes?). Charlie shouts into her face: "That's because I wanted a futurewith you. I still do. I couldn't care less what happens to her!" He saysTracy has nothing to worry about. "That baby's as good as dead."

Rosie and Craig are in the closed bakery, talking about what it might belike to have been together for 20 years. They're talking about where theymight travel to.

When Fred walks into the pub, Bev is almost in tears and takes him to thefar end of the bar. While Sean is in the loo, Violet sneaks a look at hismobile phone. All the messages are from Jamie. Fred calms down Bev bypointing out that in a fortnight they'll be on honeymoon. Sean comes backand Violet says she's seen the messages and wants to know what's going onbetween Sean and Jamie. Sean says he can't deny that he likes him, thoughthere's nothing going on. "Jamie is as straight as a die, if that's what you'reworried about." She tries to persuade him to ask Jamie out.

Charlie gets home and finds the key won't work the door. He steps back toshout up at the windows and rubbish sacks of his clothing land at his feet.Tracy is locking him out, along with most of his clothes. As she slams thedoor behind him, he leans back against it and sighs.

The End
Margaret Carr




Updates written by K Richard Whitbread, Martin Rosen, Ann Logan, Sue Haasler, Duncan Lindsay Margaret Carr, Amanda Souter.