2007

Friday 1 June

This update is for Betty C, visiting Orkney from Canada, who rang me before she left the islands. If you want to see something of the farm where she was staying, go here: http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/westmainland/hallofclestrain/index.html

She wasn't staying in the hall itself, you understand, but in another house on the farm.

Anyway, on with Friday's update.

Claire practically flings herself through the front door, indignant that Dev didn't accuse her of anything but just had "that tight smile." Ashley tries to tell her that Dev and everyone else are their friends, but Claire's having none of it. She wants all four of them to get away for a while and she's hit on the ideal place – the Isle of Man. She'll be lucky. The Isle of Man TT races are celebrating their centenary from May 26 to June 8, so I doubt there's room at any inn for the Peacock gang of four. It'll be interesting to see whether the scriptwriters have mentioned this at all when the family returns. Apparently Ashley sang to Claire on the steam train at Douglas and it was the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for her. "I'm hemmed in and I'm scared," she tells Ashley. She doesn't want to be around if Casey comes back.

Sean meets Violet in the street and comments on her smile. She's got a date with Tam – a bite to eat followed by a club.

Carla drives up with Paul as passenger and pulls up outside the factory, but just as he gets his leg outside the car she spots Leanne and drives up the street to talk to her. Leanne, obviously just coming back from an overnighter, explains that she's out early because she's been to the gym and that she's dressed up because she's got an appointment with the bank at 10. Paul gets out and walks to work and Carla tells Leanne she's got a meeting set up with a financial adviser. She arranges to meet Leanne in the pub at 7.30-8pm. That way, Leanne can still keep her date with Liam. Once Leanne's gone, Carla phones the client who recognized Leanne as "Rachel" and arranges to meet him for a quiet drink!

Ashley is playing the jolly butcher, serving Fiz, when Claire comes in and tells him she's booked the ferry to the Isle of Man for 9pm tonight. "I thought we were going to discuss it," Ashley says. Claire retorts that she wants to go this summer. Poor Ashley says he might have to shut the shop because Boris can't cope on his own. When Claire's gone to organise the packing, Fiz asks Ashley if he needs help in the shop. She suggests Kirk. "Kirk? As a butcher? He'd have no fingers left by the end of the week!" Ashley says. Fiz points out that Kirk is a hard worker and Ashley admits he'd do anything for Kirk because he saved Claire's life.

Not long after, a happy Kirk tells Tyrone and Molly about being offered a job by Ashley. They work out that Fiz must have put his name forward and Tyrone tells Kirk this must mean she wants him back. But Fiz happens along and happily admits it was her. "What are friends for?" she asks a disappointed Kirk.

Claire and Ashley are having a lovely quiet moment reminiscing about their last visit to the Isle of Man while they pack. Claire tells Ashley that the song he sang to her was Oasis' Wonderwall, because he said the chorus was about her. "It's true," he says. "You saved me." "Then save me back," she says very quietly. They are interrupted by a crash and some crying from upstairs. Apparently Josh has been wearing Jason's shoes again.

Frank Taylor, "Rachel's" client, is surprised that Carla wanted to meet him in a back-street pub, and he's even more surprised when he finds out that she wants to talk about Rachel. Liam and Leanne come in, with Liam talking about babies (well, talking about seeing a friend's wife expressing breast milk and finding the fridge full of it!). Carla comes over and, pointing towards the back of a man in the corner, says she's learning all sorts. Frank turns around when he hears his name called, and Leanne sees who it is. Carla glares at her and Leanne turns and runs for the toilets.

Leanne pushes the door open into the toilets, followed by Carla. Leanne's voice is trembling as she pleads with Carla to get rid of the man. She'll tell Carla everything, she says. They're interrupted by Liz coming in and asking how long they think it takes for a man to buy a suit. She goes over to the mirror to flounce up her hair and Carla says just one work to Leanne before leaving the room: "No."

Ashley and Claire have packed everything, including the boys, and are rushing off to the ferry. They've left Eileen and Roy looking after everything. Ashley has given Roy the keys to the house, so once they've driven off, Eileen suggests they get Bill and Jason working on the house. Roy thinks it's an excellent idea.

Frank Taylor is very annoyed to find out he's dropped Leanne in it and is just being used for Carla's game. Leanne comes out from the loos and pleads and pleads and pleads with Liam for them to go out. He thinks she's just worried about meeting the financial adviser and makes a move to take her over to Frank and Carla. He's stopped by Steve, who wants to know whether Liam's middle name really is Barrington. Michelle whacks Steve on the arm because she told him that in confidence. Their easy banter contrasts with the very real fear on Leanne's face. She's totally focussed on Carla and Frank in the corner. Liam is still protesting about Michelle telling everyone his middle name when Frank passes them on his way out. Despite Liam's charm, he won't stop. "I've been called away, actually," he says, avoiding looking at Leanne. He leaves and Carla leaves a minute later, telling Leanne they will have that catch-up. Leanne suggests Carla come to the flat later on.

Violet and Tam arrive back at his flat. He tells her she's very different when she's drunk. It was Violet who suggested they go back to his, and he didn't even get to finish his dessert.

Vernon finally arrives back at the pub in what could be television's most ill-fitting suit this side of Compo in Last of the Summer Wine. Steve asks whether it was haggling that kept him so long. "What did you get them down to? Four quid?" Vernon replies that it was actually £35. "And did they sell bitter in this particular thrift shop?" asks Steve. Vernon admits he ran into one of the Rascals, and since it was happy hour . . . Liz loves the suit. Leanne tells Liam that she and Carla are going to sort out some of the paperwork and Liam tells her not to let Carla push her around. "She thinks she knows more than she does." He offers to referee but Leanne stops him.

Violet and Tam are cuddled up on the sofa. She asks if he really is looking for someone. He is. "And you're not just saying that because I'm here?" She isn't. They discuss football (she hates it) and she promises to make sure she's working every Wednesday night when he's out playing five-a-side. Violet sits up a bit and kisses him lightly. "So, are you going to show me this waterbed, then?" She can't believe she's met someone who actually owns a waterbed. She stands up and reaches for his hands to help him to his feet. Once they are both standing, he kisses her, but suddenly Violet panics. She hastily gets ready to leave, with Tam very confused because she'd seemed so eager.

In Janice's flat, Leanne is swigging back a few drinks to get some courage. The doorbell goes and she lets in Carla, her trembling hand knocking the glass and bottle together as she pours another drink. She tells Carla she does know that bloke. He's married and she had an affair with him, but it was over a long time ago. "Why does he call you Rachel?" Carla asks. She makes it clear she knows Leanne is a prostitute. "You sat there and you signed that lease. You deceived me – making out you were a businesswoman," Carla says. "All the time you were just a dirty little tart."

Over in the pub, the blokes are discussing the worst thing they ever said to a woman. Telling her she looked like her mother. (Vernon). Telling Karen to put the wine gums into a syringe and inject them directly into her backside. (Steve). Telling Carla her new perfume reminds him of an old girlfriend (Paul, according to Liam).

Violet is walking home when she comes across a group of men who wolf-whistle at her. Panicked, she runs off and when she's a safe distance away phones Jamie.

A tearful Leanne is giving Carla examples of prostitutes who are doing the job to finance their studies or to get extra money for clothes. She says they meet clients in hotels and it's safe and discreet. "I'm just saying I weren't stood on street corners wearing bright red shoes!" "No," says Carla. "You're worse. Lying. Pretending you're equal." Leanne points out that Carla can't afford to feel superior. "Where would you be without your husband's handouts?" Carla suddenly asks her whether Paul knows.

Jamie arrives in the cab to pick up Violet. When he sees how upset she is, he's worried. But Vi says she's fine.

Liam tells Steve that if Leanne's running a restaurant, he eats for free. Liam's very drunk and Steve asks him if Leanne is the one. Liam says the searching has been the fun part, but since he's had quite a few to drink he can tell Steve the search is finally over.

Not if Carla's got anything to do with it. "I've got this crazy little rule," Carla says. "Family before hookers." She is ready to go and Leanne is crying and screaming for her not to let out her secret. Carla demands one good reason. "Cause I love him," Leanne sobs. As Carla heads down the stairs, Leanne collapses weeping against the wall.

The End
Margaret Carr



Sunday 3 June

Hi, welcome aboard for a magical mystery tour around the mean streets of deepest darkest Weatherfield. Events in our favourite comedy, sorry light entertainment, sorry dramatic, sorry quizzical, sorry deranged and demented, oops favourite soap (got there eventually) which appears to be able to turn black white, or where our the blonde and the brunette have an exchange of views.

Events were written by Stephen Bennett and directed by Kay Patrick whilst copyright remains with ITV Productions and sponsorship is presently by Cadburys.

Leanne returns from shopping to find that Carla is waiting for her - Janice let her in. Carla (wisely given her hair dye) has ditched the dumb blonde image and wants to know why Paul has it in for her? Perhaps he knows how she earns an honest (?) crust. Leanne tries to deny it (difficult really). Carla reckons she is lying and then asks if she has ever slept with Paul. Leanne denies it - how could she even think it. Carla realises she is getting no answers and she will ask questions elsewhere. Leanne asks her not to tell Liam - but Carla says that depends on what she finds out. And the business deal is OFF. Leanne rushes out onto the Street and runs into Liam whose path has not crossed with his family - so the secret has not emerged yet.

Along the Street Jamie is updating Sean on Violet's problems the previous evenings. The two of them head along to the Rovers and start pulling Violet's leg on the subject - but she is not interested in their kidding and is clearly still wound up.

Carla arrives home and confronts Paul by implying that she has heard a story from Leanne about a mate who has been sleeping with a tart - of the escort sort. He blusters but gives nothing away. Carla reckons that she was talking about herself - well nothing would surprise Paul, Leanne is dog rough and just why is that asks Carla - Paul says he just knows and heads out to work. Carla is not letting this drop. She is busy studying the bank accounts and receipts and finds some information. She then phones Frank Taylor (one of Leanne's "friends") and asks for the phone number of the agency which with a little blackmail she quickly secures.

At the Licensed Victuallers' bit of a do and Vernon reckons that they could do better than this, but Liz convinces him to have a few drinks first (easily tempted by alcohol is our Vernon). And at one of the tables is Derek - and surprise his good lady wife who goes by the name of Linda (or silly simpering female). Odd that a dray man gets to an LVA do - poor research there in my opinion. Anyway Linda reckons she knows Liz (hmm the dark glasses did not hide the long legs or the woodpigeons (c The Archers / Clarrie Grundy) [Liz is wearing a tight outfit looking rather like a Friesen cow] obviously and then Liz and Linda recall the recent visit to the Red Lion. Anyway Derek gets the drinks in and a little later during conversation reaches under the table and slips his hand along Liz's thigh. No I don't know about my female readers, but I have never tried this - mainly because I am absolutely certain that anyone else sitting at the table would wonder what on earth my hands were doing under the table!

Carla stands outside the factory (is it still called Underworld) and phones the escort agency. She claims to be "Rachel" and asks if they can contact "Paul Connor" about a bracelet she has lost and she quotes a date and place. Carla heads into the factory with an extremely mean look on her face. Paul is a little surprised to see her.

John has arrived at Fiz's - with a bottle of wine and a question - why have they not spoken in a week (the scriptwriter obviously forgot the storyline - but there you go). Both claim that neither of them wanted to appear pushy or go in the wrong direction. John says he will just take his bottle of wine and go then, but Fiz grabs his arm and tells him to sit down - she says she likes giving orders to teachers. A little later Fiz admits she remains uncomfortable with Kirk - dumping him is one thing - but for Kirk to see her with someone else will be worse. And she is unsure about speed. John says that he is away for a week on a school camp (oh come on - can any school contemplate such trips in view of elf and saffy rules these days?). Anyway they kiss and then, well they kiss again.

Carla has made Paul a drink. Well she thought she should spend some quality time with her husband. Fine he says - but I have to do this paperwork. She reckons it is nice in there on a Sunday - so quiet, no machines, no phone calls, so relaxing. As he works she slides his mobile to where she can see the display. They carry on chatting (Paul -- she pretends to be an attractive woman - throw her down and have her on the office desk) and then his phone goes - Carla picks it up and says number with held and hands it over to Paul who tries to pretend it is a wrong number. Call over he tells Carla they wanted a public house. On a mobile phone asks Carla - Paul says they really must be stupid. Anyway says Carla show me that screensaver again. And the phone rings again so Carla answers it - No she is not Paul Connor but it is his phone and I'll put him on. She hands the phone over.

Back at the do Liz and Linda sit together with little to say to each other, until Linda observes that a musician around must be entertaining. Apparently Derek has probably been playing around for years - starting about 3 months after they married - and in normal circumstances he would be off chatting up a barmaid (so Linda why stay with him?). Linda reckons that Vernon is a lad perhaps - but he really cares for Liz - anyone can see it.

Paul listens to the caller and then says that he is not able to answer that today - can the caller phone back tomorrow as he does not like to discuss business on a Sunday. They can phone back on the same number. Call over he tells Carla that it was a customer querying a delivery. Carla responds that he is the office he could have looked it up - and is he sure it was not "Wanda from Some Enchanted Evening" whom she had phoned a little earlier, pretending she was an escort to ask about a missing bracelet. A bracelet lost on a particular date - and she shows Paul the hotel invoice - the receipt came from his suit pocket and oddly on the same day he had claimed from the business a receipt (and Paul this is a great idea) for secretarial services - against his credit card. Paul does not know what to say but Carla invites him to lie his way out of the very clear evidence that she has identified.

In the back yard of the Rovers Vi is crying gently and Sean goes to comfort her (given that Liz is at a do who is actually in the bar serving?). She explains that she almost slept with a man she had only just met - not because she fancied him - but because she wants a father for a child - time is running out and when she looks at a man all she sees is a pram and a baby.

Back at the factory the screaming is getting going. What did Paul get for his £350? An hour? A morning? But Paul denies anything happened - which for those who missed it is entirely true. So was it the annual membership fee or are you just a very good customer - because the agency did not want anyone upset over a lost bracelet. Paul calls her a devious cow - whilst she responds by calling him not only devious but lying cheating and sexually inadequate. Paul is trying to walk away - and claims he is telling the truth, but Carla is keen to get across another little point. Who was the secretary Paul? Was her name Rachel by any chance? And did you know her real name is Leanne Battersby? Liam's girlfriend! Paul walks out and when she wants to where she he claims "Anywhere!".

Outside he turns round and says that he never touched Leanne. But she has the receipts and knows that they are the truth. Leanne has humiliated her and you knew about it. Paul says that was why he was trying to see her off. "After you slept with her". Paul denies it and claims they have got through worse and they can get through this and reaches out for her. Carla spits in his face. She rages at him not to touch her, he is a lying psycho and he disgusts her. He is not to come back home - he will not get in the house. He can go and find a stone to crawl under and if nothing else he can always try Leanne's bed - once Liam has been dispossessed. She gets in her car and speeds off. Paul, a character in search of a part elsewhere, gets the closing shot.

And that brings us to the end of tonight's update. I have a beef with the team at Corrie. Centre piece for two of tonight's storylines is adultery and the Fiz, Kirk, John storyline is just avoiding it. Come on guys and girls you can do better than this - we know it. This is almost lazy.

See you next week.

K Richard W



Monday 4 June

This episode of Coronation Street is
Written by Joe Turner
Directed by Michael Kerrigan
Produced by Steve Frost
Sponsored by Cadburys
CORONATION STREET is copyright ITV productions

Janice answers the door to Paul. He says he wants a word with Leanne in private. Janice informs him that they keep no secrets. Leanne comes and tells Janice to go finish her toast. Leanne then says she didn't tell her and begs him not to tell Liam. Paul says they had a deal. Liam just comes up and asks if he is asking Leanne to put a good word in with Carla for him. Liam tells him he should brush his teeth. Paul says for him to take care of the factory and he will take care of his marriage. He goes and Leanne asks what is up. Liam says they had an argument but will sort it out. He goes and Leanne calls Carla leaving a message for her to call her as soon as possible.

Platt's; Sarah seeing a bit of food on Jason's face she says he is more messy then Bethany. She wipes if off and kisses him. David says he is eating his coco pops and they are putting him off. Gail asks if he has revision to do. He says he can't do any with all this going on. Gail asks Sarah if she wants her to take Beth to school. Sarah says yeah. Gail can't pick her up but Jason says he can. Sarah thanks him and starts kissing him all over. David is not amused.

At the Rovers, Steve asks Michelle if she notices anything different. She says he has shaved. Hair cut. Plucked his eyebrows. He says he thought women are observant. She says she loves his new shirt. There is a knock at the door. Steve says they are not open. Steve then opens the door to a woman that is in tears. It's Linda who asks for Liz, who just appears from the back. Linda says she knows they only met at the do the other night but didn't know who else to turn to. Liz tells her it's ok and takes her through the back. Steve puts on a face to Michelle as if saying "what?". Michelle shrugs also looking confused.

Place where the Connor's stay; Paul is outside buzzing his house number. Carla finally answers and he says it's him. She says she knows it's him and tells him to go away from the intercom. Paul says they need to talk. There is no reply. He pulls out a card and swipes it along the door and goes in.

Rover's backroom Linda sobbing just comes out with saying it's Derek and he's having an affair. Liz looking a bit shocked, says "an affair?" Linda says Derek is devious and has does this before. Liz asks how she knows. Linda says her brother has a flat and she was giving it a tidy and knows he's been in there with his woman he's having an affair with. Linda says she know the signs as he is being nice to her. Liz says, maybe he's being nice, as he likes her. Linda says it's because he's got a guilty conscience and can see it all over his face.

Conner's place; Paul is pouring himself a drink. Carla tells him this is break and entry. He says he has a key and she asks for it back. He says tough. Paul then says they can work this out and downs his drink. She says it's a bit early to be drinking. She then asks if he has got flowers or jewelry. He asks, if he did get her that would it change her mind, she says no. He then says it would have been a waste of money. She says he has been caught with his pants down and asks if he can persuade her to take him back and if this is just another adventure of their roller coaster marriage. He says like he always says when asked a difficult question, I do.

Platt's; Gail asks Sarah if Beth has everything she needs for school. Sarah says yes and as they go she says good luck to David and goes out the door. Jason comes down the stairs and says he is off. Sarah tells him to wait. He says he is in a hurry. She tells him after number 4 is done he will be going home. He says yes. She asks if he would rather stay here. David says the correct answer is no, Jason. Sarah tells him to shut up. Jason says he would like that. David says no way. Sarah tells him not to worry about David as they can build him a kennel out the back. Jason says they will talk about it later and goes. David smiling says no chance.

Outside the Factory, Janice is smoking. Leanne asks if Paul is in there. She says only Liam and she has not seen Paul since this morning when he was banging on their door. She asks if there is anything going on. Leanne's mobile goes off and she says she will be there. Liam comes out and tells Janice to come on. She goes inside and Leanne asks if Carla and Paul will make it up. He says they always do and she should thank her lucky starts their life is nice and simple.

Conner's place; Carla gives him lots of bills and tells him to deny it. He says he is not denying it but the one for therapy was for therapy. She says this is not funny. He says he can get a shrink and give this up. She asks how long he has been doing this. He says 3 years. Paul tells her he loves her more then ever. She says she hates him more then ever. He tells her to believe this that he didn't do anything with Leanne. He says they can do the restaurant together. She tells him no and that she wants a divorce and is going to get every penny she can out of him. She turns her back and an angry Paul throws this glass off the wall. She turns round and Paul is just about to go for her. She tells him if he lays a finger on her she will call the police. Paul on the way out knocks all the stuff off the counter. Carla starts sobbing.

Outside salon; Sean says he has found the perfect man for Violet. She says oh yeah and says if he is so perfect why has it taken this long for him to find him for her. She asks if he knows him. Sean says sorta. Violet then asks his name and he says Johnny. She smiles and asks where he lives. Sean says in his pocket. Violet looks confused. Sean pulls out a dvd. He says Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean. She smiles as Sean says all you need is a bar of choc. Violet says that's what she needs. A man she can put back in the box. Sean says it's nice to see her smile again.

Back where Paul and Carla live, she is cutting up Paul's clothes with scissors. Carla then takes her glass of wine and takes some. She is slightly sobbing.

Rover's backroom; Linda is saying she feels bad dumping all this on her and they don't even know each other. Liz says its ok. Linda asks what she is supposed to do now, pretend she does not know or hope it goes away. She says she would not mind if he was better at it and she didn't know. Just then Vernon comes in saying there are busy and wondering when Betty is coming in. Liz says she will be out in a minute. Linda says she better go. Liz says if she ever wants to talk. Linda smiles and goes.

Factory; Paul comes behind Janice and slams her locker shut. Janice asks if he is trying to scare her. He demands to know where Leanne is. She says she does not know. Liam comes up and asks if the home fires are still burning. He says they have not sorted it out. Liam says he is losing his touch and told everyone they would have sorted it out but now and asks what it is. Paul says one day he will thank him. Liam says he could be the richest man is the world but would still be in dept to Paul. Paul just goes.

Outside the back of Rovers, Derek asks what the big emergency is. Liz says she had Linda round and she knows he is seeing someone. Derek asks if she knows it's Liz. She says Linda would not come round to see her if she knew. Liz says she does not like seeing his wife in tears and that it's over. She tells him she is going away. Derek says she could come but Liz says no.

Outside Paul is in his car. Ryan knocks on his window. Ryan asks where he is going. Paul says he is just thinking. Ryan says he is skiving more like. Paul says he should be at school. Ryan says he has the dentist and no filling. He says that's good. Michelle comes and tells him to get to the bus stop. She then looks at Paul who says Ryan came over to him. Michelle tells him not to push it. Paul then gets his mobile and says he wants Rachel and only Rachel.

Rover's hall; and Liz ask Vernon if he minds. He says if she finds Shelley and Bev more fun than him. She says she likes him better but has been promising to go see the new pub for a long time. Vernon tells her to have fun and he will keep the home fires burning here.

In the Bar, Violet seeing Vernon kissing Liz asks Sean why there are happy couples everywhere. Sean says there is him. Violet says, even if she meets a guy tonight she has to get to know him and go out on a date. Sean says he thought that was all the fun. Violet asks who wants fun. Michelle comes in and tells Steve that Carla has dumped Paul and is serious this time. Carla is coming round to tell Michelle all about it.

Flat where Janice and Leanne stay; her mobile goes off. Leanne says she has just got back in. She says she does not know. Then says ok and asks for the details.

Denise's place; she asks what he has been doing all day. Ken says he's been thinking. She says she hopes it's been productive. She then says she thinks he is flirting with both families and is not committed to any family. He says he loves being with Daniel and is not going to walk away. She asks if he has walked away from this other family. He says it's not either/or and is not walking away from anyone.

Restaurant; Leanne is at the bar as Paul appears. She tells him if he wanted to talk, he knew where she lived. Paul gets a drink. She asks what he wants and he says she is leaving town and will be a distant memory by tomorrow. She says no. Paul asks if he should call Liam. She says he won't tell him or he would have said something last night. He asks if she is calling his bluff. He then says he is soft. Leanne says he won't tell him, as he loves him. Leanne says she loves him as well. Paul asks why she is here then. She says it's only till she gets money for the Restaurant. Paul says that's over. Paul downs his drink then says he won't tell Liam if she does one thing for him and that is, she tells Carla he didn't sleep with him and gets her to take him back. Leanne told Carla they didn't do anything. He says tell her again and again. Leanne says ok. Paul says now. Leanne says she will and they head out.

Platt's; Gail asks David what his next exam is. He says he does not know and he likes it to be a surprise. She asks if he has done any revision. He says it's a mad house and it's going to get worse. Gail asks what he means and he tells her that Jason is moving in. Gail says, after Claire and Ashley's house is done Jason will be going home. David has a small smile on his face.

Outside the Restaurant Leanne asks Paul if he has had too much to drink. Paul replies saying he has not had enough. He says he wants to show her something and opens the boot of his car. Leanne asks what. Paul says this and pushes Leanne into the boot of the car. She screams for him to let her go. He tells her to watch her hands and closes the boot telling her there is a change of plan. He says she wrecked his marriage with Carla so he is going to wreck hers. He then says she better hold on as it's going to be a bumpy ride. Leanne screams, shouting for him to let her out.

With an angry man and someone trapped in a boot of a car, you just know there is going to be tragedy. Look out for the next report to find out what happens.

This report is Copyright M@nda

Amanda Souter

So we left the last episode with Paul having kidnapped Leanne in the boot of his car. Paul has parked on the top of a building overlooking Manchester, He bangs a couple times on the boot and Leanne looks hopeful, is she about to be let out? No, Paul is just teasing- he is now going to phone Liam.

The phone is ringing in Underworld, Liam answers. Paul's voice greets him- he wants him over at the flat- he has something he wants Liam to see. Liam is running the factory on his own and says he doesn't have the time- but Paul says it'll all become clear at the flat- "You won't want to miss this" he says and put the phone down- leaving Liam puzzled.

Having heard the phone conversation, Leanne starts frantically banging on the roof of the boot and screaming at Paul to let her out- he gets in the car and shouts back at her to be quiet- then telling her to hold on tight while they go for a ride. While Paul speeds round the streets, with music blasting out of the stereo- Leanne realises she has her phone with her- she tries to use it, but the reception is bad and although she manages to get through to Janice- Janice can't hear anything that Leanne says, and the phone goes dead. Janice tries to call her back but it takes her straight to the answer phone. Liam is just leaving the factory under the capable hands of Hayley- Janice goes to speak to him, but he is out of the door before she gets the chance.

In the Rovers Steve is finishing a phone call, when Carla comes stomping through to the back room- with Michelle following close behind. Carla is clutching a bottle of wine, to which Steve comments that he sells wine in the bar and doesn't like his customers to fetch their own- Michelle explains to him that the wine is from the bar and Carla has just paid for it- Steve changes his tune and shouts to Carla to enjoy it. Michelle closes the door on Carla to speak to Steve, she tells him Carla has said its definitely over between her and Paul, So Steve decides to make himself scarce and he tells her that Ken is coming round later to see Amy so he's off to pick her up from nursery school, he leaves wishing Michelle good luck with 'Cruella Divorce'

Janice has left the factory and runs over to Liam, before he gets in the car and drives off- She tells him she has had a weird phone call- It was Leanne, "There was loads of noise and then we got cut off, but I'm sure I heard her say she was in Paul's car" Liam doesn't quite believe Janice- after all why would Paul have Leanne in his car? He rings Paul to sort it out. Paul has been driving so fast, that his phone has fallen off the passenger seat. When he hears it ring, he feels around on the floor to find it- he can't though and takes his eyes off the road while he looks....... He finally puts his hand to his phone- but by the time he looks back up- he has gone through a red light and a HGV has just ran into the side of the car, pushing it sideways. The HGV has gone through one side of the car.

Between the screeching of tyres and the sound of glass breaking and metal crunching- Leanne's screams can be heard- but as the HGV finally stops, we can see Paul has been pushed into the passenger seat and is unconscious- and Leanne is now silent.

Jason is just finishing for the day- him and Bill have been working at the Peacocks- trying to get the house fit for them to move back into when they return from their holiday, he's just about to go for a shower when Sarah approaches him- She's going to ask her Mum if Jason can move in with them full-time- she thinks it will be a great idea, and it seems Jason shares her enthusiasm- that is until Sarah suggests they go to see her Mum together. Jason doesn't want to though "I need a shower babe" So Sarah braves her Mum alone. Over at the doctors a little later, Sarah finds out that David has beaten her to it and already told his Mum if Jason moved in permanently his revision for the exams would suffer- So the answer to Sarah is No, Jason can't move in.

Carla is drowning her sorrows in the Rovers backroom, Michelle hasn't joined Carla for a drink, she is just sitting watching Carla get more and more drunk. Carla is looking all thoughtful- "You don't like me do you?" "Would you be here if I didn't like you" Michelle replies. Carla starts talking in riddles- she is going to divorce Paul as quickly as the law allows and she's going to take as much money as possible- Michelle wants to know what has happened, but Carla won't tell her.

Because of the earlier accident the traffic on the road has built up while the scene is cleared- Liam and Janice have joined forces to get to the bottom of what is going on and are in the queuing traffic- not realising that Paul and Leanne are the one's involved . Liam passes Janice his phone and tells her to call Carla. Carla is just questioning Michelle about her relationship with Steve- Michelle is saved from answering any of Carla's questions when Carla's phone rings. She tells Janice she doesn't care what's happening and if Janice see's Paul- "Tell him to drop dead"

Janice gets out of the car to have a look at the crash, Liam takes one look at the registration plate on the car involved "That's Paul's car" As the ambulance team are carefully pulling Paul out of the wreckage, Liam runs over to get to his brother- but he is stopped by the police. Janice is urgently trying to find out if anyone else was in the car- she is told Paul was driving alone- so Janice reaches for her phone to ring Leanne. She hears the sound of ringing- its coming from the boot of the car, the fire service pulls the boot open, and gets her out- she's conscious but confused, as she's strapped into the stretcher, Janice looks close to tears.

Liam tries to call Carla but she puts the phone down when she see's Liam's name on the screen. The phone in the Rovers rings not long after- Carla and Michelle are blissfully unaware what is going on until Steve comes into the room- Liam has called the Rovers- "Its Paul he's been in an accident"

Sarah has returned home and is furious with David- she marches in and launches herself at him while he is sat watching tv "Oh no, don't tell me you've split up with your Bob the builder again" he shouts at her- but Sarah isn't taking too much notice of what he is saying- she's too busy hitting him- In walks Jason who pulls Sarah off her brother, but he can't keep hold of her long enough and she is soon hitting David all over again- So next to split them up is Gail. David turns on the charm "I was just sitting here Mum, doing a little bit of revision when she walked in and attacked me" Gail is horrified and despite Sarah claiming David gets all his own way- its David's side who she takes once again, and while she's yelling at Sarah- David looks on at what he's caused smirking.

Carla, Michelle and Steve have just arrived at the hospital- Janice fills them in on what is going on- everyone is puzzled as to why Leanne was in the boot- only Carla knows why but she isn't about to tell anyone. Janice goes in to see Leanne- she's sleeping and the doctor warns Janice she probably won't get any sense out of her, she'll most probably sleep right through to tomorrow morning.

Ken is looking after Amy in the Rovers- Betty has brought Deirdre round from the bar. Deirdre looks awkward, but soon loosens up when Ken says he doesn't mind her being there. Deirdre offers Ken a drink, but he says no and asks her if she has any plans for tonight- Deirdre gets completely the wrong end of the stick and when her face lights up and says no she hasn't- it soon drops again when Ken announces he wants to go home and see Daniel as its his first day back at school after half-term and was hoping Deirdre would watch Amy while Steve gets back.

A nurse has entered the waiting room to speak to the Connors, "We're just going to take Paul down to theatre, we are doing everything we can, but you should prepare yourselves for the worse" Its now when it seems to have hit Carla- she tells everyone it should be Leanne in intensive care, not Paul. "Leanne, the lovely Leanne- your girlfriend Liam is a prostitute and your big brother is her number one customer".

Susan



Wednesday 6 June

Hi all, here's the update for Wednesday 6th June, and what an emotional tear-jerker we have for you!

It's breakfast time at the Platt household. Sarah is furious that David got to Gail first and has scuppered her plans for Jason to move in. David is triumphant. Sarah says that she and Jason will just get a flat of their own, but David tells Gail it's just emotional blackmail and she doesn't mean it. Surprisingly, Gail says that she hopes they do find their own place, the house isn't big enough for all of them.

Gail then turns her attention to David and asks him if he's got some revision to do, and then asks what exam he's got today. David tells her it's biology, but Sarah says that he's not really revising. David tells her to shut up, pointing out that she and Jason haven't got one qualification between them.

Liam and Carla are sitting in the hospital. He tells her that thinking about Leanne and Paul together is doing his head in. She agrees that it's not doing much for her self-esteem either. "Whatever problems we do have," she says, "I thought things were fine in that department." He says he thought he'd met the girl of his dreams – gorgeous, a go-getter. He'd even booked a mini-break to Prague, (funny - he was talking about the Caribbean a short while ago) he's got the tickets and everything. She tells him he'll meet someone else, he's a good catch.

Just then the doctor comes along. He explains that Paul has been in surgery most of the night and although he's still alive he's going to find it very difficult to pull through. He suggests they contact other family members.

Michelle comes into the back room of the pub with some shopping. Steve tells her that her brother just rang. "Which one?" she asks. He says it wasn't Paul, he's in no fit state. He tells her gently that they're not sure if he'll last the day. Michelle stops and then thanks Steve for telling her, and then starts talking about setting up the bar. "Do you not think you should go to the hospital?" asks Steve. Michelle says she's sure he's in capable hands. "He's your brother," says Steve, incredulous, "he's dying!" Michelle says she's not a hypocrite, she washed her hands of him months ago and she's got nothing to say to him, dead or alive.

In the hospital, Carla and Liam go in to see Paul who is lying motionless with tubes and wires all over him. The doctor says he's likely to remain unconscious. Just then Leanne comes in behind them. Liam can hardly bring himself to look at her, and asks if she often goes to see her customers in hospital. Carla just stares at her. Leanne tries to explain but Liam tells her his brother is dying, he hasn't got time to stand around chatting. Leanne shuffles out and collapses in tears all over Janice.

Eileen goes round to see Jerry Morton.

David and Amber are walking along the Street. From their conversation it becomes apparent that David has not sat one exam, but has been skipping school instead. Amber thinks he's skipping the exams because he'll fail. He tells her that he won't fail, and to prove it to her he'll sit the biology exam and will get a better grade than her.

In the Rovers, Sean and Violet are having a laugh behind the bar. Betty comments that they get on very well together. "You could do a lot worse you know," she says to Sean, who seems lost for words for a moment or two and then tells her, "She out of my league, Betty."

Steve tries again with Michelle. He says that he knows her brother did a terrible thing, and she's obviously still angry, but she can't turn her back on him forever. "Can't you just respect my decision, Steve," she asks. "No," he said, "no I can't, because you're wrong, and if you can't find it in your heart to forgive him, no matter what he's done, then you're not the woman I thought you were." She suddenly looks unsure and very worried. "You've got to be sure about this," he continues, "because the clock is ticking and when it stops you're not going to be able to change your mind." She gives in and he leads her off to get in the car.

Ken is with Denise, admiring her hi-fi system that was bought by her ex. He selects a classical music cd and puts it on. Daniel appears with his hands over his ears, "How much longer is he going to be here?" he asks.

Michelle and Steve arrive at the hospital – too late. Carla is crying on Paul's chest as they walk in. Michelle wails that she's too late and collapses, wailing and sobbing. A nurse covers the body as Michelle howls and asks why she didn't get there sooner. Steve tries to offer words of comfort, and Carla gets angry and shouts at Paul that he was a stupid idiot.

Darryl is in his back garden (what little there is left of it) waving some weights about. His sisters watch from the kitchen doorway, laughing. Mel wanders over and picks up one of the weights and realises that they're very good quality. She demands to know where he got them from, "Calm down," says Darryl, "you're not a copper yet." Mel is furious. "They're knock-off aren't they?" she says angrily. "What you going to do, arrest me?" jeers Darryl. She points out that she's not going to be able to arrest anyone if she doesn't get into the Force, and she won't if they find out her brother is a thieving scumbag.

Leanne is back at home and is sitting on the sofa looking stunned, and somewhat battered. "He won't have anything to do with me," she whimpers, "I've completely blown it." Janice asks if Paul Connor was really one of her clients. "No!" says Leanne hotly. Janice tells her not to act so offended, there were plenty of others, but she adds that she's glad Leanne only suffered cuts and bruises or else it could be her lying on her death bed right now. She asks if Leanne is going to change. Leanne tells her she was going to change anyway, once she'd got enough money. "Oh yes, the wages of sin!" says Janice, grimly.

Michelle and Steve arrive back in the Street. Michelle sees Ryan playing outside with a ball and falls upon him, crying. She tells him to go inside, she's got something to tell him.

Amber and David are walking down the Street, discussing the latest exam. Suddenly, the peace is shattered by Eileen rushing out of her front door, laughing and squealing. She's being chased by Jerry, who is trying to daub her with cake mix.

In the back room of the Rovers, the mood is somber. Michelle says it's one thing to lose a husband young, and now she's lost a brother. As Ryan sits playing with a Gameboy, Carla comments that he hasn't taken it in. Michelle says she knows how it feels. Carla says she's dreading going home, so Michelle persuades her to stay with them.

Over at the Platt's, Gail is asking David how the exam went. He tells her it was easy. Gail seems pleased, but tells him to remember, no matter what the result, he did his best. As only a teenager can, David turns this right round. "What do you mean? You don't think I've done well?" he says angrily. "You think I've failed don't you?" Gail says no, but he has missed a lot of schooling, it's been a tough couple of years and no one is expecting miracles. He then says that as she has so little faith in him he's not going to bother going to any more. She can consider that his final exam, his education is now complete. He slams out of the door.

Liam goes into the factory and tells the workers that Paul has died. He says he's going to shut the factory and lets them go.

Gail goes outside to find David and apologises for upsetting him. He then confesses that he hasn't been straight with her, he hasn't sat any of the other exams, Biology is the only one – for a bet. Gail implores him to say he doesn't mean it – but he can't.

A whimpering Leanne meets up with Liam outside the Kabin. She says she knows he's really angry with her, but they need to talk. She says she's sorry, he must be devastated, if there's anything she can do… "What did you have in mind," he says, bitterly, "a quick one down the alley?" She reaches forward, "Don't touch me," he says, "I don't know where you've been." She says she loves him and knows she owes him an explanation. He turns round, there is one thing he wants to know, "Did you ever have me and Paul on the same night?" Then he walks off, leaving her crying.

Ken and Denise are chatting. He says he's glad they've met up again, and she agrees. Tentatively she asks about his plans and he says that at the moment he doesn't have any. She says she means about putting his marriage back together. He says he's tried, but he and Deirdre just go round and round. He adds that if he's in the way she must tell him. "Of course you're not," she says, "you can stay here as long as you like." Behind them, Daniel is listening in the doorway, and doesn't look pleased!

In the pub, Mel tells her sister Jodie that people joining the police force have everyone in the family checked up on. "Even Granddad?" asks her sister. "Even Granddad," she says. "Then you'd better join the army or the fire brigade then," says Jodie, "he's got a well dodgy past."

Leanne is sitting in Liam's front room, trying to explain that she sold her body because she was in a very bad place emotionally, she felt worthless. At least, she did until she met Liam. "Well I obviously didn't make that big an impression or you'd have stopped," he comments. She says that she tried to keep him at arms length. He says she should have told him what she did for a living, that would have kept him away. She swears to him that when she bumped into Paul nothing happened. "I would never have done that to you," she cries. He says she's made him feel like a total idiot, and he never wants to see her face again. He takes her arm and bundles her, shrieking, out of the front door. "Everything you told me was lie," he says, "making out you were some hot-shot career woman – you were a hooker, a cheap, dirty hooker!" he shouts. All this is witnessed by Kelly who happens to be passing. She stops, stares and then smiles!

Annie Logan




Friday 8 June

Liam and Jamie are sitting in the darkened No 7 as the milk is delivered outside. Liam is remembering the games he and Paul played when they were kids. Jamie is doing a good job of just listening. Liam thanks him for being a mate. "The worst thing is, I keep trying to see him in my head. But every time I do, she's there with him."

"She", of course, is Leanne. A very battered Leanne is at home, with Janice being all indignant about what Paul did to her. Leanne seems almost shell shocked and tells Janice, "I've lost everything."

Ken is clearing his bedding off the sofa and Denise takes it from him to put the sheets in the wash. Daniel is obviously not happy to have him there and tells Denise he thought Ken would be gone by now. "Tell him to leave." Denise explains that Ken is having a tough time at the moment. Ken, of course, hears it all.

Michelle sends Ryan off to school. Carla comes out. She can't sleep and there's the funeral to sort out. For some reason there?s a family tradition that he'll be buried in County Kildare. "Why did it have to end like this? Why did he make me hate him before he died?"

Outside the factory, Kelly, in bright yellow jacket, is telling what she saw, Leanne looking beaten up and Liam saying she'd lied about being in property and was really a hooker. She even wonders whether Janice knew. They giggle when Sean suggests maybe Janice was taking the bookings. Hayley doesn't giggle. She says her heart goes out to Janice and Leanne. "No mother wants that for their child." A miffed Kelly snaps that they don?t want a sex change for their kid, either. When Sean tells her off, Kelly says: "Well! It's the juiciest bit of gossip, innit, and she?s giving it wet weekend for a face!" "Don't stop on my account," says Liam, coming in past them to unlock the door. He goes into the factory and stares at Paul's empty chair.

Ken's writing his column. Denise is off to work and suggests they meet up for lunch, but Ken thinks he might have to go to the library to do some research.

Gail is snapping at David about going to his French exam. He doesn't see the point, because "when you go over there, they all insist on speaking English anyway." Jerry, sunning himself next door, points out that this is true. Mel mentions her application for the police, which prompts Gail to snap at David: "See, she's got a career ahead of her! What have you got?" "A long lazy summer," he sneers. "Kids, eh?" asks Jerry. "Throw it right back in your face." Gail glares at him. "And I could do without your homespun wisdom, thank you very much!"

Ken watches from a distance as Eileen arrives at No 1. Dev arrives and tries to express his sympathy, but is given the brush-off by Ken, who says he doesn't need pity. He turns back towards No 1, to see Deirdre and Eileen come out, laughing about the possibility of 'pulling' at the Rovers. Ken looks quite disappointed as he watches them head into the pub.

As the factory workers coming out of the cafe, Kelly is still going on about Leanne, to Hayley's disgust. Kelly and Sean discuss how when Leanne was with Danny, they had to call her "Miss Leanne." Kelly jokes that if they'd known, they could have just called her "Madam." We can see Leanne and Janice behind them, but the first Kelly knows is Janice's bellowed "OI!! If you've got something to say, lady, you say it to my face." She says if Kelly continues to spread false rumours about Leanne, she'll knock her from here to next week. Kelly says they're not false, and the next thing it's all on in the middle of the street - hair pulling, shouting, struggling . . . "Tenner on Janice," says Steve, watching nearby. "Nah, nah, Kelly's got a mean right hook," Lloyd says. "I can vouch for that." He rubs his chin. No-one's intervening and it's left to Leanne, who can barely move for holding her damaged ribs. She gets between Janice and Kelly. Janice says she doesn't want Kelly saying that stuff about Leanne. "Why not" It's true, isn't it," Leanne points out. She fronts up to Kelly and tells her to take a good look. "Is there anything else you want to say?" There isn't. Janice spots Steve and Lloyd. ?Finished having a good gawp, 'ave yer?! she screams, reminding me of one of those frogs that spits poison darts! She and Leanne turn for home.

In the shop, Amber hands Dev her French text book so he can test her. "I don?t need the book, because my French is perfect,"She tells her. She tells him to ask her a question. "Comment allez vous?" he asks. Amber looks disgusted. "It's GCSE level, not infants!" "Just answer the question," he says. It soon becomes clear that Amber's French is better than Dev's and he looks very relieved when Gail comes in. Gail doesn't seem especially pleased to find them talking about the exams. She doesn't mention that David is refusing to go to his.

Eileen wonders whether Claire and Ashley will mind them doing the work without being consulted. Gerry's thinks they'll be relieved. Eileen says it's difficult with the Peacocks staying because you fell guilty having a laugh.

Ken is back at Denise's. She's got dressed up and tells Ken she spilt something down her top at work. Ken goes up for a shower.

"I'll pay you. I'll pay you for each exam you go to." David calls it bribery. Gail calls it an incentive. She offers him £5. He negotiates her up to £50. But he changes his mind. "I just can't be bothered," he says.

Ken, Denise and Daniel are having dinner and Ken suggests a movie. Daniel is rude about the very idea and is told off. He's saved by the doorbell and runs down to open the door for his pal. Denise tells Ken they can have some grown-up time together while the boys are in Daniel?s room. The boys pass through on their way to play, and the pal asks who Ken is. "Just my grandad," replies Daniel.

In the pub, the Connors are discussing the arrangements for Paul's funeral. The flights are booked. Liam says their mum wants to come over from Ireland, even though they're going over there. "She'[s in bits," he says. Nearby, Sean, Jamie, Lloyd and Steve talk about Leanne. They are far more compassionate than the factory staff were. Michelle comes up to the bar and Steve checks she's OK. Ryan has gone to a mate's place.

Janice tries to get Leanne to eat something. She regrets the fight, now, and tells Leanne she should have kept her mouth shut. Leanne is glad everyone will know. She decides to go out for a walk, though Janice doesn't think she's up to it.

Ken tells Denise about going to see Deirdre. "She's obviously managing perfectly well without me." He thinks Daniel will do perfectly well without him, too. Denise isn't so sure. "I'd forgotten just how good a father you were," she says, and she apologises for the way she treated him back then. Ken takes her hand. "You've more than made up for it now."

The Morton family are discussing the police application form. One of the questions asks whether Mel has ever been or associated with criminals. She points out she grew up with them. But Jodie says the police will only be interested in stuff that's down on the record. Darryl wants to know if cautions count. He tells them he was cautioned for mouthing off at the police. Mel is horrified. "They took the spliff off me, too," he says, and she realises he's winding her up. Jodie gets everyone to agree to stay out of trouble until the application has gone through. "That goes for you, too," she tells wee Finlay. "No more letting down people?s tyres!" "And now that just leaves grandad," says Mel.

Jamie sees Leanne in the street and turns away from her.

At Denise's, she and Ken are sharing a bottle of red wine. He's drunk enough to tell her how pompous he was in the old days. She admits she lied to him about liking classical books in order to impress him. He's surprised that she tried to impress him. She says she's really enjoyed having Ken around. He tries to reassure her that she's an attractive woman and shouldn't be alone. Denise reads the wrong message into that and tries to kiss Ken, horrifying him and embarrassing herself. She gets up and runs into the bedroom.

Margaret Carr



Sunday 10 June

Deirdre is coming to terms with being single, Blanche tells her off for coming in drunk and making a noise the previous evening but Deirdre responds that she is over 50 and old enough to make her own mind up. And anyway before she is grounded tells her mother that she will be doing it again tonight - they are all off for an Italian. Blanche likes an Italian (waiter probably) and will come along as well.

Meanwhile at Denise's her recent assault on Ken has made his mind up - Deirdre is his wife and he must go back to her - he will of course keep in touch with Daniel, but I will be surprised if we ever see any of either again this decade knowing Ken, knowing you if you see what I mean! Ken packs his bags and thanks Denise but says that he feels he has used her. She smiles and claims that is what friends are for (obviously she is really thinking that she could have done with a little more using - but we will try not to contemplate that). He has said goodbye to Daniel and again promises to stay in touch. She wishes him luck with Deirdre and he leaves (but appears to have broken her heart again).

Carla and Liam are preparing for the departure of Paul. Cufflinks his parents had given him on his 21st birthday and some sewing machines to represent his life's achievements - although they will need a fork lift truck at the graveside. Neither of them is laughing and indeed Carla is finally crying - Liam holds her to steady her nerves for the ordeal they will be facing. I feel sorry for posh birds like Carla and Frankie, brought into Corrie to add some class and both lose their other halves. Wait a minute - Danny's free - perhaps he would like to buy half a factory and marry Carla? Maybe not.

Over at the Corner shop David is teasing Amber over her revision - whilst he makes it clear that he has no intention of doing anything similar and probably has no more exams to attend. Later Dev tells Gail about David's attitude and she claims David was simply showing off to impress Amber. Dev is not convinced but accepts the statement and jokes that David is probably sitting with his head in a book at the very moment. Gail agrees but we know that she is angry - the steam coming out of all orifices makes it a very easy diagnosis.

At the StreetCars office something odd is afoot. Eileen - you know the sour faced one who has not recognised that Jelly Roll Morton has been flirting with her is instead flirting with a customer on the phone - as Lloyd discovers. When she sees Lloyd the flirting stops and she says the taxi will be with the customer in 5 minutes. Lloyd asks if she has ever met the customer and as she has not offers to put in a good word for her!

Mel - you know the daughter of Jelly Roll Morton (he what used to be Sinbad on Merseyside in the one where they buried the body under the patio - if only Tracy had tried that she might still be free) who wants to join the police force - but she only weighs about 5 stone as there is hardly anything of her - is worried about Grandad Wilf and all his stories and wonders if there are any secrets which if known might prevent her becoming a policewoman. Jelly Roll suggests buying a few drinks and asking him - her only problem will be shutting Wilf up. Later Mel does just that in the Rovers. Apparently he stole some liquorice shoelaces when he was eight - but she says wants the truth and apparently there was a bank job when he was young and stupid, but he re-assures her that she will get the job if she is determined enough.

The taxis are waiting to spirit Liam, Carla, Michelle and Ryan off to the funeral in Ireland. With amazing timing (indeed you could not achieve this sort of coincidence if you tried) Janice and Leanne appear around the corner of the Street. Janice tries to get Leanne to retrace their steps to Roy's but Leanne simply stares at Liam who returns the stare coldly and climbs into the taxi and departs. As the taxi drives past Liam stares ahead ignoring her completely, she breaks down and starts crying.

Lloyd has returned from taking the mystery flirter and asks Eileen if she has any questions. No immediate answer but her resolve weakens - Age? Mid 40s. Teeth, Hair? Apparently all present and correct {having seen subsequent episodes the comment about the teeth is open to question}. She tries to appear disinterested and mutters that there must be something wrong with him.

At the Italian the gang of three gather - Dreary, Eileen and Blanche. The latter is entertaining as usual - she has nothing against spaghetti - but all these pasta shapes, shells, sheets and spirals - well it is all pasta and a great big con! Seeing Rita and Doreen they quickly establish that the premises are licensed(!). When given the opportunity they sit at the same table, rather than being separate - anything for Dreary to be able to stop listening to the Blanchisms! It does not stop however, Doreen tells Blanche to get registered as disabled with her hip - you get a parking sticker for your car - well Ken's anyway. That sets Blanche going - they might have his car - but do they have Ken? Anyway the car is more use than he is says Deirdre but Rita does not think that is true - after all they have been through so much together. Dreary snaps that he is living with Denise - but Blanche points out that is down to the way she has treated him for months past. Deirdre is surprised - she thought her mother was on her side! Anyway Eileen seeks to alter the conversation asking Doreen how she is registered disabled - partial sight in one. Blanche is not amused - after all her other senses should compensate for the loss one faculty. Deirdre looks exasperated finishes her glass of wine and states that she wants another one!

Gail has caught up with David and the steam has been replaced by a fire breathing dragon! She claims to have never been as humiliated as she had been a few minutes earlier by Dev - but David reckons that her memory is going! Gail explodes, reckons she has been far too soft with the devilish son and promises to drag him to the exams handcuffed to her - he will take the exam tomorrow.

Ken lets himself back into his own house with a bunch of flowers but is somewhat nonplussed to find the house empty - so no reunion.

At the Italian Dreary is eyeing the rump - not of a steak but of a fit young waiter leaning over at the next table. She reckons that if she ten years younger ... (you would still be his mother interjects Blanche) but I reckon it was the industrial lake of wine she has consumed that might be talking. Blanche points out that Deirdre has already done the toyboy waiter routine - not an experience that anyone feels ought to be repeated. Rita eventually calls a truce to the continued bickering. Deirdre acknowledges the request but as Ken is with the hairdresser family she will propose a toast to the "single life".

Janet and Leanne discuss the situation. Leanne now knows that Liam hates her, everyone knows what she has been doing to earn money - how can she bounce back? Janice with her years of wisdom that she has to hold her head up, paint on a permanent smile and tell those who hassle her where they can get off.

The revelers return to No 1 to find Ken sitting waiting for them Rapidly Eileen makes her apologies as do Rita and Doreen and they troop off leaving Ken and Deirdre facing each other - although Rita remains in the hallway. Dreary thought she had lost Ken - but he says that will never happen. She walks across the room and they fall into each other's arms. She is crying with relief. Blanche having noted the reunion smiles to herself, turns and joins the others outside. Outside she pauses and looks up. She mouths a silent "Thank You" to the Lord above for reuniting our star crossed lovers. For once she might just mean it.

Be back before long.

K Richard W



Monday 11 June

We start with the Sarah and Jason's preparations for Bethany's 7th birthday party. (Can't remember much about the parties for the past six years!), while Gail watches on. Sarah gives Jason a box of magic tricks and tells him that he is going to have to perform them at the party. He says he has never done any magic tricks before.

Bethany comes downstairs and everybody wishes her a happy birthday. She then goes to open her presents. Sarah has given her a make-up set. Sarah says she can put on some lipstick before going to school (the school allow kids to wear lipstick ?).

Jason then asks Sarah if she was serious about him doing magic tricks. She told him she was, she expected him to make a 10p piece disappear, to which Gail asked if he could make teenage boys disappear as well !

Sarah asked her mother what exam David is supposed to be taking. Gail replied that he will definitely be there to take the exam.

The Barlow family (except, Peter, Adam, and of course Tracy!) sit down for breakfast. Blanche says it was forty days and forty nights since they were all at breakfast (she has obviously been counting!). She tells Ken that he has come back in the nick of time. Ken asks Deirdre what she would like to do for the day. She replies that she would like to slob around the house and have a liquid afternoon in The Rovers (I'll drink to that!). Blanche then retorts that she has a friend coming around to play cribbage, but is willing to cancel it.

Kirk sees Chesney reading the electricity meter. He says he is doing a school project where everybody has to measure their carbon footprint (this year's buzz words!). Kirk wasn't really interested, he said he was concerned with what Fiz was up to. Chesney says that he has not seen her with anyone since Kirk had asked him to keep a lookout. Kirk then said what happens when they can't see her. Chesney said he would sort it !

David comes downstairs and gives Bethany a birthday present. He gives her some body glitter. He told Beth to save him a bit of cake. Gail was surprised that he wasn't coming. David says it is only in case his exam runs over. Jason asked if he was going to take it. He confirmed he really didn't have a choice.

Chesney sees Fizz talking to Maria. He goes up to Fiz and asks her if she had a good weekend. He asks her about what she did. She lists through the "normal" things that she did, and no mention of a boyfriend. She wonders if it was some sort of project he was doing for school. Maria then interjected and asked whether he wanted to know what she did, which she says was more exciting that Fiz. Chesney said he had to dash off to catch a bus.

Chesney goes off to the butcher's to see Kirk. He interrupts Audrey who was telling him that he needs to put a bit more weight on, to look more like a butcher. He tells Kirk exactly what Fiz had told him. Kirk then thinks that it has been a whole week without any sign of a new boyfriend. Therefore he concludes she was either lying or there isn't a boyfriend. He adds if there was a boyfriend it cannot be serious. Chesney says he didn't think Fiz was lying. Chesney asks Kirk if he could stop the snooping now. Kirk agrees.

Gail asks David if he was going to spend the morning revising for his exam. David replies that it is only Geography and that it is going to be a doddle (very easy). Gail is not too sure, but David responds by saying he is will be there for the exam. Jason offers to give him a lift to school, later.

When Maria sees Kirk he asks her about Fiz's boyfriend. She tells him that she doesn't say much about him and doesn't know his name. Kirk is elated, presuming that there is nothing going on.

Sally goes over to Kev in the garage. She tells him that it is awful in the factory, more like a morgue. She reminds him that she was about to become Paul's assistant, but now Hayley is in charge. Kevin remarked that it was thoughtless of him dying at that time. Just as they were talking Claire and Ashley were driving home. They rushed over and asked how they were. Claire said they had a brilliant time. It was what they needed. Noticing Josh wasn't with them, Kevin asked where he was. Ashley replied they had dropped him off at his Nan's until they got themselves sorted.

Jason drives David to school. He wishes him good luck in the exam. He says he was useless at Geography (me too, mate!). Amber appears at the window of Jason's van and is surprised to see David. She teases him after he told her that he wouldn't be taking any more exams. He tells her that he was bored so that he might as well come in. He continued that he liked Geography, anyway.

Blanche leaves Ken and Deirdre to go into the Rovers. She says she will be later to play "gooseberry"! Betty was pleased to see them back together. Deirdre tells Ken that she had a card from Adam the other day. He is enjoying his job at the bookies. Ken sighs and talks about the money they have provided for his education. However both he and Deirdre that it is good he is happy.

Over in Rita's Kabin, Blanche comes in to buy a scratch card (an instant lottery game, if they don't have them across the world!). Grandfather Morton (does he have a name?) and Rita are chatting about the war years. He tells Blanche that he was just about to buy a scratch card himself but being polite he allows Blanche to go first. (No prizes for guessing what happens next - as predictable as night follows day!). Blanche's ticket loses. Grandad buys his ticket and wins £50. Blanche is annoyed because if he had bought his ticket straightaway rather than chatting to Rita, that ticket would have been hers.

Fiz tells Maria, in the Rovers, that John is back from his camping holiday and that he was coming in for tea. As Kirk comes out of the loo, she immediately changes the subject and asks him how he was getting on at the butchers. He said it was going well and he enjoyed it. Kirk offered her cut price chops if she wanted, provided she doesn't tell Ashley. (How many readers have been wooed with cut price chops?!).

Kirk sits down with Molly. He tells her that he thinks he is back in with Fiz. Molly thought she had a new boyfriend, but Ashley explains that nobody has seen him which is rather suspicious. He thinks that Fiz gets a bit confused at times and wants to breakaway. He goes on that she is probably embarrassed to say anything more now so she invented this guy. He reckons he will disappear shortly. However at the bar, Fiz is telling Maria the opposite. She reckons that Kirk has got over her now and she could tell him about John. She tells her that she believes he is getting on with his life, so he can handle the truth now.

In the exam hall at school, David is sitting waiting for the exam to start. The teacher remarks that he is making a rare appearance.

Eileen and Roy tell Claire and Ashley about Paul. They are shocked at the news. They are, however, more interested in any news regarding the fire. Eileen said the news about Paul has dominated people's interest over the last few days. Roy then added there have been some developments with the house. Ashley thinks it has to be gutted. Roy invites them to come over. They are quite moved when the see that the house has been partially decorated and cleaned up. (Didn't really look like that to me, but that was in the script!). It seemed (unknown to us viewers) that a rota team had been working to get it organised. Claire almost in tears asked why they did that; Eileen told her that what friends were for.

Back at the Battersby's, Chesney comes rushing in saying that he had a brilliant day at school. He tells Cilla and Kirk that the teacher said he was an example to everyone. Kirk asked him what for, and Chesney says it was for his eco-project (another buzz words). He explained about the electricity meeting readings and the teacher told him they use 90% less electricity than the average family. Chesney tells them that he is going to come round to see how eco-friendly they are. Cilla then yells that Les and her had fixed the meter so that they never have to pay a full bill. She tells him that is why they never let anyone in to read the meter. She says worryingly that if the teacher sees that, they could end up in jail.

Claire tells Ashley that she has rung the insurance company and they will pay all reasonable costs to renovate the house. However despite everybody's efforts to clear the place, she still has the memories of the fire and someone trying to steal her kid.

Bethany comes downstairs (presumably she had been to school and now got dressed up). Audrey says to Sarah that she looks like a film star. Audrey then takes her to put on some make up and body glitter. Jason arrives in time to blow the balloons, and Sarah mouths to him "magic". He gives her the thumbs-up sign.

Gail asks Jason if David got to school alright, to which Sarah added did he stay? Jason said that he didn't leave while he was around. He thought David was quite confident. Gail thinks that he may have turned a corner, but Sarah and Audrey don't look too sure.

In the exam room, the exam has finished. The teacher instructed everyone to stop writing and as there was a general underlying conversation. She told them not to talk. Amber and David smile at each other. Then he takes out a lighter and starts to set fire to his paper. As it goes up in flames the teacher rushes for a fire extinguisher.

Susan takes up the story, shortly, of the consequences of David's actions.

Martin Rosen

Devil child David was last seen setting his exam paper on fire, while a shocked room of teenagers looked on, and the teacher ran around hysterically to get a fire extinguisher.

A few minutes have now passed and the fire has safely gone, so David decides the fun is over- he's off out of there. Despite the teacher calling him back and Amber asking him "what the hell just happened?" he maintains his smirk and makes a break out of the school doors shouting "Schools Out"

Ashley is sitting in the middle of several pieces of wood- he's trying to build Freddy a cot, but he has reached the conclusion you'd need to be a brain scientist to understand the instructions- one look from Claire and she reveals to him that he has the head-board on the wrong way. Ashley is demoted to making the coffee while Claire rolls up her sleeves and starts to fix up the cot.

Fizz is gearing herself up to reveal to Kirk who she is seeing now they are no longer a couple. Kirk is in the butchers singing a Meatloaf song while dancing around with a tray of pies- he's clearly in a good mood, so Fiz tries to seize the moment and reveal all. But Kirk is too busy singing and here comes the chorus...."You took the words right out of my mouth" What a great song to sum up this scene! He certainly does take the words out of Fiz's mouth who decides to purchase some Lamb Chops rather than tell Kirk who her new man is.

Bethany's birthday party is well underway- Gail and Sarah are preparing the food, while Jason entertains Bethany and her guests in the garden. In walks David- who manages to fool his family that he sat the exam and it went well.

Eileen and Jerry are sitting in one of the booths at the Rovers- they are chatting about Jerry's handiwork at the Peacocks. Eileen goes to the bar for more drinks, she is standing beside Deirdre who points over at Jerry and suggests that Eileen might think more of Jerry than just a mate? Eileen sniggers though, "Who Jerry? he's just a friend" Later on Eileen is behind the desk at Street Cars- she's talking or rather flirting with the mystery guy 'Pat' that has been booking a taxi nearly daily, when Jerry comes in- he's fetched her a giant kebab and a can of pop. He enquires whether that was Eileen's fella on the phone, she says it was just a customer.

Bethany is blowing out her candles with all her friends looking on when the doorbell rings- Bill jumps up to answer the door- Its the headmaster from David's school, he's come to see Gail and there's no prizes for guessing what he's come to see her about. Gail goes to the door when Bill tells her its someone important and it can't wait while they do another verse of 'Happy Birthday', she goes to the door and invites the Headmaster to come in and once they are in the room she immediately jumps to the conclusion that David didn't do his exam- David is only happy to provide her with a smile while the headmaster informs Gail he did do the exam and he knows it because of the chaos he has just seen in the examination room.

While the kids happily put make-up and a blond wig on Jason, the adults take their conversation to the kitchen where David has some serious questions to answer- As usual though he is slouched in his chair with not a worry in the world, while his Mother gets more and more angry. David refuses to apologise and the headmaster concedes that he is at an utter loss as what to do with him- he has therefore brought a 'behaviour contract' with him for David to sign- it basically says that if David doesn't abide by the rules he'll be expelled and won't be able to do anymore exams, He leaves the papers with Gail and says he'll need them back by tomorrow evening- Audrey takes over the discussion- "You'll get it first thing in the morning- with blood if need be" Later when the party is over- Gail and David are sat in the garden, Gail is insisting he signs the papers so he can continue doing his exams and for a moment he takes the pen and starts to sign- before he finishes the signature though he decides its an infringement of his human rights and doesn't want to. Gail is close to tears as she tells him she is ready to wash her hands of him- David has a quick answer- "You can't, love is a bitch like that!"

Bill and Audrey are debating on the sofa on what is best for David- Audrey thinks National Service should be brought back, there's too many youngsters these days getting away with all sorts- While Bill thinks a good talking to from him should do the trick. Gail is just exhausted though and as she sits down she admits she doesn't know what to do. Sarah has her input and tells them all to have a drink and "chill out" Jason has a few wise words to share- he has decided David is just rebelling and will be ok- "he can always get his qualifications later, he's a bright lad" Audrey can't believe this is Jason Grimshaw talking and Gail has a strange look on her face as Jason carries on "The harder you push him, the harder he'll push back"

Fiz's new flame John has been round for a meal, she is just saying goodbye to him and giving him a kiss when Chesney walks down the street just in time to see the scene- As Fiz pulls away from John, she sees Chesney watching and runs over to him- She tells him its not what he thinks- but Chesney just looks disappointed that its really over between her and Kirk- he promises not to say anything as Fiz tells Ches she will tell Kirk herself very soon.

Ken and Deirdre are in the Rovers- they are acting all lovey-dovey until Blanche plonks herself down and tells them to leave each other alone- she's just ate. Blanche's hard face doesn't deter them though- they have missed each other and it seems they have a lot of making up to do! Is there a romance on the cards for Blanche though? She shares some banter with Grandad Morton- Shame its all one sided though- Blanche would rather stick pins in her eyes! Earlier in the day, both of them were in the Kabin buying a scratch card. Grandad Morton allowed Blanche to go before him in the queue- Blanche's scratch card didn't win her anything but Grandad's got him 50pounds! Blanche now thinks that card should have been her's and defiantly tells Ken and Deirdre she was robbed earlier.

Gail, Jason and Sarah have retired to the Rovers- Gail tells Jason she appreciates what Jason did today and tells him he made Bethany's day a good one- she says she might have been wrong when she said Jason couldn't move in - Sarah looks delighted with this statement but there's a condition attached to it- He can move in if he promises to keep a watch over David, "A positive male influence" Despite Sarah objections to the proposition, Jason looks shocked as he is asked "are you in or out?"

Is Jason willing to go along with Gail? We'll soon find out!

Susan


Wednesday 13 June

Fizz approaches the butcher's window and sees Kirk inside, working. She hesitates and then turns away, obviously her nerve has deserted her. All this is noticed by Chesney, who's waiting at the bus stop across the road. Sophie Webster is also waiting there and she asks Ches what's wrong. He tells her that he saw Fizz kissing Mr Stape – and he's gutted, his sister's going out with a teacher! Sophie can't believe it, she's obviously really upset by this news. Ches says he's sorry, he knows she fancies Mr Stape. Sophie sits down looking close to tears.

Over at the Platt residence, Gail moans at David for opting out of school and not taking his exams. She says he's ruined his life before it's begun.

Jason and Sarah are wandering across the Street. Sarah sympathises with Jason for being practically blackmailed by Gail into looking after David. Jason wonders if he's supposed to be a father, a brother or a mate to David. He says he wasn't any good at being a dad, or a brother, and as for being a mate…. He tells Sarah that David gives him funny looks all the time, he sort of grins as if he doesn't take him seriously. Sarah says David doesn't take anyone seriously. Sarah pleads with Jason to agree to keep an eye on David, so that he can live in the house with her.

Jerry Morton comes out and asks Jason if he'll have a look at the roof slates for him later. Jason says he will, and then Jerry asks how Eileen is. Jason says she's ok, why? "Oh, just being neighbourly," says Jerry.

The lady in question is in the Kabin, buying throat sweets – it's her voice that pays the rent. Norris comments that some people like to hear a husky voice on a woman. Just then Jerry comes in and says he's just seen her lad. "It's more than I have," says Eileen. Jerry says he'll take her round a free kebab later. "I'll look forward to it," says Eileen.

Claire is at home, decorating. She hears the door open and close, "Who's that?" she calls. Ashley walks in, the shop was quiet so he's come home early to help her. He says she looks shattered, and tells her to go and get some sleep. She says she wants to do it herself, she hates leaving jobs half done. She tries to persuade him to go back to work but he won't and he goes to make a cuppa.

Audrey and Bill are in the salon when Gail comes in and asks Audrey to give David some extra shifts, now that he's given up school he's got to work. Audrey hesitantly says she will (but she doesn't sound too keen). Bill says he's not sure that's going to be the answer, it's not exactly hard work. Audrey then suggests that David goes to work for her other business – the builder's yard! Bill looks horrified, and points out that a builder's yard is no place for messing around and he won't stand for any back-chat, David would soon feel the back of his hand. Gail looks pleased. "In that case he can start as soon as you're ready!"

David is in Jerry's kebab shop when Jason comes in and tells Jodie what is wrong with the roof. He starts to list what's wrong, and says that actually the whole lot needs replacing. She stops him, she just wants it patched up. He quotes her £200 but she manages to knock him down to £150.

Claire and Ashley are painting the walls and seem to be getting on well. Then the phone rings, Claire answers, but the person on the other end doesn't say anything. Ashley thinks it was probably a wrong number, but Claire didn't say the number so how would the caller know? Claire looks worried.

Claire and Ashley are still decorating, but not getting on so well now. She's short tempered and tetchy, and gets really annoyed when they run out of paint. Ashley tells her to calm down, he'll go and get another can, but Claire explodes that it will leave a line in the paint and it'll be a right mess. He tells her it doesn't help that she's walking round like a zombie, she's worn out. He goes off to get the other tin of paint, telling her to put her feet up and rest. As soon as he's out of the door she locks and bolts it.

Fizz is in the cafe, getting a history lesson from Roy when John comes in, much to her relief. Roy tries to continue what he was saying when Fizz interrupts. "John's not really into history, Roy, could you get us two coffees please?" Roy looks rather hurt, but goes off to get them.

John sits down and tells her that Chesney blanked him in the corridor today. He asks if she's told Kirk yet, and she confesses that she hasn't found the right opportunity. As they are sharing a joke, Sophie comes into the cafι, sees them laughing and turns round and walks out again, looking as if she's going to burst into tears at any moment.

Outside the takeaway, Jerry tells Jodie that his apron is getting a big snug, and he asks her if he's put on any weight. She replies that she hasn't noticed. She tells him few pounds aren't going to bother Eileen, she's not exactly Posh Spice herself. She tells him to stop faffing about and ask her out so Jerry decides that he will.

Across the Street, Sophie sits on the bench and stares at Fizz's scooter parked nearby.

In the Platt household, Jason and Sarah are curled up on the sofa. He's not so sure about the deal with Gail to keep an eye on David. Just then, David comes in, and on seeing Jason lounging around says that he's not bothered he's treating the place like a hotel, because soon he'll be checking out. Sarah disillusions him, telling him that Jason's staying – and it was Gail's idea. She flings the newspaper at him saying she's sure there's some bedsits in there that will suit him down to the ground.

Over at the cafe, Norris comes out of the toilets. "Did you flush?" Chesney wants to know. Norris is taken aback, "Of course, what are you implying?" Chesney shakes his head and writes in his notebook. Becky asks him what he's doing. He tells her that one flush uses 9 litres of water. She says she'll bear that in mind when she's flushing his head down the bog. "Stop harassing the punters, Chesney," she says. He tells her he's worried about climate change. Roy overhears, and agrees. "The planet is getting hotter and hotter, the oceans are rising. " he says. "This place could be on the coast in thirty years," says Chesney. "Wait a minute," says Becky, "it's going to get warmer, and we're going to be living by the sea?" "Yes," says Chesney. "Well if that's global warming, bring it on!" says Becky. Roy sits down with Chesney, who explains that they have to do a project to see how green their homes are, but his mum isn't happy about him doing his house. He asks Roy if he can do his project on the cafι. Roy says he can, but he and Hayley are dedicated recyclers. "Or should that be recyclists?" he wonders. "Anyway, we are committed to best environmental practice," he says, proudly. "So they're energy saving light bulbs are they?" asks Chesney, looking around. "Er….er…those ones? Er….er…..no," stammers Roy. Chesney writes in his notebook.

Fizz and John go into the pub and order drinks. They're spotted by Tyrone who's sitting with Molly and Kevin and Sally. "Who's that with Fizz?" he asks. Sally wonders what on earth he's doing with her, "You'd think he'd have a bit more taste, he's a teacher for heaven's sake!" Molly's immediate thought is for Kirk. "You'd think she'd have a bit more sensitivity, wouldn't you?" she says. John and Fizz stand at the bar and grin at each other.

Jerry arrives at the taxi office with wine and the kebab for Eileen, but she's on the phone, flirting with Pat, the guy she's never seen, so he doesn't hang about. As he leaves he hears her say, "Oh no….it was nobody."

Ashley arrives back home and Claire unlocks the door. He wonders why she's locked the door – it's only six in the evening not the middle of the night. She tells him she's worried about the phone call, she doesn't think it was a wrong number. "Somebody is out there and they could come back at any time and finish what they started," she says, "doesn't that bother you?" She tells him she need to know they're safe, and if that means locks and chains, then so be it.

Gail informs David that Jason is moving in and he's starting work at the builder's yard. "Me?" he asks, "on a building site? Have you raided the drugs cabinet at the health centre?" "When you leave school the free ride's over," she tells him, "you have to pay for your way in the world." She says that he's starting work at the builder's yard tomorrow. "And if I don't?" he says, "what's the alternative Mum? Are you going to take my Playstation off me again?" Gail tells him that if he doesn't he can pack his bags and find somewhere else to live! He gets up telling her he'd better go and get himself a vest and a checked shirt.

Norris walks down the street and spots Fizz's scooter, lying against a wall having been vandalised. He rushes over to the pub and tells Fizz, who rushes outside to see. The mirrors have been broken off, the L plates ripped up and it's covered in graffiti. "You must have upset somebody," says Norris. Fizz assumes it's Kirk and rushes across the road and knocks on the Battersby's door, shouting. He comes to the door and she shouts at him, saying she knows why he did it, he found out about her and John. "John, who's John?" Kirk starts to say and then looks up, and sees John standing behind Fizz. "Him?" he says, incredulous, "you and him?" Fizz then realises that up until then Kirk had not known about her and John at all. He turns round and goes back inside, slamming the door.

Anne Logan.



Friday 15 June

Here is the first episode for Friday, June 15, a double-episode night because of the F1 on Sunday.

Rita, complete with bright yellow Marigold gloves, is cleaning the shop windows and chatting with Kevin and Sally. Claire comes past and takes offence when Rita asks "What have you been up to?" Rita scurries inside and Claire asks the Websters to call round.

Kirk, making himself a sandwich, complains to Cilla about Fizz seeing the teacher. Kirk thinks he can't compete because Mr Stape reads newspapers and everything. Cilla points out that that doesn't mean anything. "Look at Les. He reads the papers." But Kirk means proper newspapers. "Without bare naked ladies in them." Cilla advises Kirk to bid his time. "She'll soon come running back."

Jason checks with Gail that it's OK for him to bring round some of his stuff. She says it is. They chat and she says Jason can be the big brother David never had (well, I suppose she's right. Nick never really counted). David comes down and seems reluctant to go to work.

Claire and Ashley show the Websters how they've done up Freddy's room. They even managed to get the same design of mobile for him. Claire and Sally go downstairs to make coffee and Ashley takes the chance to tell Kevin how worried he is that Claire's getting sick again.

Downstairs, Claire tells Sally she's sure Ashley thinks she's losing the plot. Sally says he's on her side and is just concerned about her.

At the yard, Jason and Bill indulge in traditional first-day-on-the-job construction industry humour – sending David off wheeling a heavy barrow then making him wheel it straight back. When Gail brings round some gloves she's found under the sink to protect David's hands, the teasing gets worse.

In the cafe, Roy has been to the lavatory and Becky tells him it's all very well to be Green, but turning off the light caused one of their regular customers to bang her head. Becky tells Ches it's all his fault. "You're one of those flamin' eco-terrorists." Ches, having a bacon butty with Fizz, confesses that he told Sophie Webster about Fizz and Mr Stapes and Sophie has a crush on the teacher.

Ashley suggests to Claire that they go out for a walk. She offers all sorts of excuses but Ashley says hiding inside is not the answer. "We don't have to go far. Just try!" he begs her. Claire calls up to Josh to put his shoes on because they're going out.

David wheels his barrow past the kebab shop. Inside, Jodie and Jerry are talking about Jerry bottling out of asking Eileen out.

Outside, Bill and Jason try to send David off to the builders' merchants for a tin of elbow grease and a glass hammer. They're laughing at him when Amber comes over to see what the joke is. "He is," they chortle. Amber asks if this means David isn't a hairdresser any more. When she goes, the others tell David that Amber has the hots for him. They can't understand why he's not keen and speculate that he hasn't lost his cherry yet. From the look on David's face they think they've hit the nail on the head (please note building metaphor!).

Claire and Ashley are out with Josh. Ashley goes into the house for something and Claire walks along the street with Josh. She sees a young woman come out of the Kabin and says, "My God, it's her!" Screaming "Casey!" she roars down the street and grabs the unfortunate stranger, helped by Kevin and Rita reacting to her cries for help. It's not, Casey, of course. But Claire has completely forgotten about Josh. Where is he? Standing in the road in the path of a taxi! Lloyd screeches to a halt just in time as Emily comes out of her house and Ashley swoops in from the other side of the street and sweeps his son into his arms.

Claire races back down the road with Ashley shouting at her. "What the hell were you playing at?" Claire says she thought she saw Casey, as if that explains everything. "I don't want to hear that woman's name!" Ashley says. Emily reassures Lloyd that it wasn't his fault. As Ashley takes Josh inside, Rita and Kevin and Emily ask who Casey is. Claire explains that she believes it was Casey who tried to kill her. Kevin says the poor stranger must be in shock. "She's not the only one," Emily says.

In the factory loos (hey! new set!) Fizz talks to Sally and explains that it's possible it was Sophie who damaged the scooter. Sally doesn't think it's likely but promises to find out.

David and Jason drink tea in the yard office. Jason teases David about Amber. "Look! I'm gay," says David to shut him up. "I don't want to talk about it, OK!" He explains to Jason that Jason's the first person's he's told. Jason is dumbfounded but says Todd was the same. He promises to keep quiet about it.

It's teatime at the Websters and Sally delivers a white-bread sandwich and a glass of water to Sophie. I'm not sure if that's a step up or a step down from the traditional Webster diet of fish fingers or beans on toast. When you get to see this episode, watch carefully as one second Sophie picks up an un-cut sandwich of two whole slices of bread, and the next has two triangular-cut sandwiches without touching a knife! Sally takes the sideways angle, interrupting Sophie's tale of a boy in her class eating his Odour-Eaters to tell Kevin how upset Fizz is about the damage. Kevin, obviously filled in on the plan, talks about how much the damage will cost to fix, and says that when the police find out who it was, their feet won't touch the floor. "The police!??!" shrieks Sophie. She confesses that she damaged the bike and gets a lecture on thanking herself lucky Fizz won't be taking it any further.

Rita's in the cafe because she's had one of those days that only a custard slice will put right. Emily comes in and they talk about Claire. Becky asks whether Rita wants a bag – Roy's new edict to cut down on waste. "If you carry a custard home on your hand, you'll save a whale... or summat." Emily and Rita discuss energy saving. Rita's new flat-screen telly has a light which comes off to tell her she's turned it off! Emily's had her set for 32 years without any problem. Becky is amazed. "I didn't even know they had telly back then."

Ashley sneaks Claire's address book out of her bag and is about to call the doctor when he hears her coming downstairs and puts it back.

Eileen is flirting on the phone with the mystery man when Jerry arrives with a large bunch of flowers. Eileen takes a second to tell him, "Nice flowers. I hope they work for you." Lloyd and Jerry go outside and Jerry confesses all and thrusts the flowers, meant for Eileen, into Lloyd's arms. Nearby, Sally tells Fizz that Sophie confessed and will be paying towards fixing the damage. Fizz cuts her short to chase after Kirk.

In the pub, a glum Kirk sits with Cilla. Cilla tells him to surprise her with a drink. "Half a lager?" suggests Kirk. That isn't exactly a surprise. He says his Nan used to drink Cherry B (I think that's what it is – I've never heard of it). Cilla says she'll settle for the lager. "Get them to put a cherry and an umbrella in it." Fizz arrives and says she's come to apologise for thinking Kirk damaged the scooter. She says she wants to stay friends because she's still very fond of him. "I love you so much it hurts my heart," Kirk says. "No-one could love you more than I do. It's not possible." Fizz tells him it's over. "John – he's the one I want to be with." Kirk says he won't be pitied and if pity is all she has for him, he doesn't want to talk to her again.

Ashley tries to tell Claire to buck up. Claire can't relax while there's still someone out there who tried to kill her. Ashley thinks she should see a doctor. "You're too stressed out. You can't cope." Claire is offended that he doesn't think she acted reasonably. He points out that last time she was ill she put Freddy at risk. Now she's put Josh at risk. "What the hell am I meant to think?" "So this is what it's going to be like, is it?" asks Claire. Is he going to react like this every time she does something he doesn't understand? "You can always have me carted off like you did last time." And she rushes upstairs.

The End.
Margaret Carr

Whilst transmitted on Friday evening, this episode was made for Sunday as we start with Ashley opening Father's days cards from his two sons and remarking on his having had a lie in. Claire could not have had a lie in - she had got very little sleep because she remained scared of what might happen next (this is a soap - very wise Claire). They are clearly at odds and when Joshua wants a story Claire starts another disagreement and Ashley storms out to go and see Uncle Kevin. As he leaves the house we see he is being watched by KC (without the sunshine band). Casey is back.

Gail reads a magazine and observes that other people's problems are so much worse - this woman found out her husband and son were both gay (see I said it was hereditary) and then apologises to Jason that she never gave a thought for his mother's feelings - but then she has got you to give her grandchildren. David arrives and observes how well his shirt suits Jason (who is obviously feeling very unwelcome by now).

Jelly Roll Morton and his family are reading the paper and decide to invite the neighbours to a barbecue. On reaching the obituaries they find out that Wilf Morton, Loving Granddad of Jodie, Darryl, Melanie, Kayleigh and Finlay is dead. Darryl is concerned - he lent him a tenner yesterday and will kill him if he cannot repay because he is dead. At which Wilf wanders in demanding a cup of tea, shown the newspaper he chuckles to himself. Wilf explains that his record would be a burden to Melanie's aspirations to join the police force given how often he has been in and out of jail, so he has "died" - and then there will be no problem.

Jason is working on the roof of the kebab shop - David holds the ladder and later follows him up. We do not see David doing anything useful (surprised?) but David says that he never understood the gay, lesbians, transgendered etc. Jason observes that Todd said the difference between straight and gay blokes was easy - did you think Kylie was fit or fabulous? David lisps and he wants to shout from the rooftops that Kylie was FABULOUS. Jason cannot believe it.

Jelly Roll pops into the cab office to ask Eileen to the barbecue and she accepts and asks about the flowers he had bought for a mate who needed cheering. Yes they were. Well I need cheering she replies - you can feel free to buy me flowers too, not realising they had been intended for her. At which point a stranger with bad teeth walks him and she asks if he wants a cab, Lloyds tries to tell her who it is - but the Irish accent gives it away as he says he wanted to put a voice to the face - and Eileen twigs that this Pat with whom she regularly flirts. She invites him in for a coffee and ignores Jelly Roll.

In the garden Claire is signing to the boys as they play but outside the gate we can just see the face of Casey as she watches - and then the phone rings; Claire stands and is about to go indoors when she turns gathers her two charges and takes them indoors despite Josh's wish to stay outside. Inside the call is from a cold calling company and she has got a mortgage and does not want another one and then gives the caller a piece of her mind. Josh wants to go back outside but Claire hears a noise and tells him to stay inside. However she goes out - to find the back gate open and a plant pot has fallen over, plus a teddy bear which had been let behind when they went inside has disappeared completely.

Jason is a couple of tiles short of the full roof - but sending David down the ladder to get some teas is not a good idea after you have told him that you are scared of heights. David climbs down the ladder and them moves it so that Jason cannot get down. He then departs for the cafe laughing to himself.

Claire has rushed over to Kev's and tells Ashley what has happened. But did she see anyone - no she didn't but we did didn't we boys and girls? - Kev offers to look after the boys whilst Claire and Ashley return and check the house is safe. They find nothing and Ashley reckons that all she heard was the barbecue next door. Claire knows better but Ashley does not believe her. They argue again.

David returns with the tea - and Jason is not happy. David admits it was a prank - he was not gay and that Jason is so easy to wind up. At this point Bill arrives and asks if David's name is Platt or Prat. He replaces the ladder. Jason returns rapidly to earth and attempts to kill David - but Bill puts a stop to it. "I told him I was a gay boy and he believed me" says David laughing his head off. Bill knows that David is useless and tells him to go - he is fired notwithstanding the familial link. Is this because of Christmas Day asks David - Yes and other things responds Bill. OK Billy Boy says David and wanders off as if butter would not melt.

At the barbecue Blanche, Bet and Rita are together with Blanche reporting on a recent funeral where she tried plantain - part of the potato family. Wilf joins them and asks drunkenly for a spanking from Blanche because he has been naughty. Blanche and Bet depart the former announcing to Jelly Roll that the baps were crusty, the saveloys overcooked and the music obtrusive - Rita however wants some more of the lovely wine. Fiz and John reckon the wine really tastes like paint stripper, but John observes that if he could get a bed for the night he might have another glass. Fiz quickly realises who might be doing the stripping and ensures that he gets another glass of wine.

Poor Jason first scared witless by "gay boy" David and then a screeching Gail when he reports how her beloved devil boy has behaved, although he stops short of reporting his sacking. Anyway it seems likely that it will get sorted and she heads for the barbecue. David knows that Jason needs to stay the right side of Gail and has to keep up the pretence of keeping David in line.

Claire tells Ash that they must not argue in front of the children. A very poor Father's day - and then they hear a noise from the garden at the back and rush out. They find Darryl who has been using the garden gate to go in and out. Ash tells him they have children and the gate must stay closed - he can use it one more time - and Darryl departs rapidly - so Ash thinks he knows the truth - but we know differently eh boys and girls? Claire tells Ash the same thing - Claire re-iterates that she has not made Casey up - she is real, she exists and that she is not ill.

And that is the end of that. See you for Sunday next week I think.

K Richard W



Sunday 17 June

No broadcast aired tonight due to F1 coverage.


Monday 18 June

This episode of Coronation Street is
Written by Joe Turner
Directed by Duncan Foster and Kay Patrick
Produced by Steve Frost
Sponsored by Cadburys
CORONATION STREET is copyright ITV productions

Peacock's; Claire is outside the back garden. Ashley says he is sorry about yesterday and says Josh needs to go back to school. Claire says it's not safe and someone is after them. They can't trust anyone. She says Josh needs his breakfast and goes inside.

Platt's; Gail asks David to get ready for work. He says he got sacked. Jason's sorting that out. David wants an apology or he is sowing. David asks Jason to let him know how he gets on with Billy the kid and goes upstairs. Jason wants to smash David's head in. Sarah tells him to make sure no one sees him and shows him pictures of Candice's villa saying they have to go and see it.

Flat; Leanne is dressed and Janice is shocked. Leanne says she needs to face the world. Janice says everyone knows what happened. Leanne says she is ready for dirty looks and if anyone has something to say they can say it to her face.

Garage; Ashley is putting his car in. He says that Claire thinks someone is after her and was watching her in the garden. Ashley says it was only Darryl. Kevin says she did look a bit jittery. Ashley says she is not sleeping and tells him that Claire thinks he is thinking Casey is made up.

Streetcars; Steve and Lloyd tell Eileen she does not want to seem desperate. They say she should wear her worst underwear then she won't be tempted. When they ask what she is going to wear she says they have sorted out her underwear so they can sort out that. Jamie comes in and they talk about makeup.

Yard; Bill says the place is a mess. Jason says he let David wind him up. Jason then says he has to look after him and be a good influence so he can stay with Sarah. Jason then says David will come in handy and is really sorry and Gail will be on his back if he does not take David back. Bill agrees if he stays out of trouble and Jason looks after him.

Battersby's; Cilla asks Leanne if she is trading door to door. Leanne says she can't get a hold of her dad. Cilla says he is on tour. Leanne asks if she's got the right number. Cilla says yes and she can't make Les answer his calls. Cilla then tells her to go so people don't get the wrong idea.

Peacock's; Claire is doing the garden with Josh. Ashley says there is biscuits for him inside. He then goes to talk to Claire but she quickly says she is not imagining it. He says they should forget about it. Claire says someone set fire to their house with her inside and that's not normal.

Yard; David says sorry. Bill asks if that's it and he must want his head testing. Sarah comes and says she's got flights to Greece saying it was cheap. Bill says Jason conned him into taking David back so he could go on holiday. Jason says no. David says it looks like it's just him and Billy boy.

Peacock's; Ashley tells Claire if she won't see anyone then he wants her to talk to him. Claire says this is not like before as that was in her head. This is real and she tells him to believe her.

Rover's; Norris says the countdown has started and she'll have to stub the fag out. Janice says he won't be happy where she's going to stub it out. Leanne comes in and people stare. Becky asks if she can say no and is told yes. She gets a free drink and Becky says she didn't have to do anything for that. Jodie comes in asking Darryl or Mel to help out in the shop. Mel says she'll do it. Janice asks if Leanne got hold of Les. She says no and she's going to take a bit of time.

Garage; Kevin asks Ashley if he wants to go for a drink. He says he does not want to leave Claire on her own. As he goes, Tyrone says he cleaned the inside and found stuff, he gives him a bag. Ashley thanks him and gets in his car.

Jerry's; Lloyd and Jamie are in talking about Eileen. Jerry comes in and Jodie asks where he's been. He says sorting out business and thanks Mel for helping. He asks what's the latest gossip and Lloyd says Eileen. Jerry says she can look after herself. As they go, Jodie says if he asked Eileen sooner he'd have been in there. Jerry says her love life is non existent.

Kabin; Blanch looking in the paper tells Deirdre to pay Norris. Blanch says that can't be right and he can't be dead. Deirdre asks who. Blanch says Wilf is dead and she only seen him yesterday. Norris asks if she always starts with that bit. Deirdre says she reckons it's the best bits.

Peacock's; Ashley comes in and hands Claire a bear. She says she looked everywhere for it. He says Tyrone found it under the seat with lots of other things including a camera. Claire remembers it was Josh's. He had it ages ago. Ashley can't remember. Claire says because he was not there and gets all excited as she says Josh took a picture of her and Casey.

Outside they see Mel and Darryl cleaning the car. Blanche says it was very fast. Mel says granddad. Darryl says he was peaky for ages. Deirdre says if there is any thing they can do and walks on. Mel asks why he did that. He says she is training to be a copper and didn't think she wanted to lie. Blanche tells Deirdre she does not want to go quietly and wants a good send off.

Photo shop; Claire runs in handing the ticket. He says they are not ready yet and they should have gone for the 20min service. Claire asks if he can speed it up, he can't. He offers them a digital camera but Claire says she just wants the photos. Ashley says they should get a coffee and come back. Claire snaps and says they can wait.

Streetcars; Eileen is handed a present. It's bubble bath. They tell her to go and relax and she can have the rest of the day off. Eileen says she knew they were soft. Lloyd says they want invites to the wedding. Eileen says, if she knew she was going to get this she'd have got a date sooner.

Outside, Jamie pulls up in a taxi and tells Leanne it's good to see her out. Janice says she has to let her out sometimes. Jamie says they have an airport booking so the Connors are coming back, he thought she'd like to know and goes. Leanne says she does not mind people staying stuff but not them and she's not going to hide.

Photo shop; Claire is remembering when Josh took the photo. She then starts to panic saying it may not come out right or Josh might not of wound it on. The guy gives her the photos and Claire runs outside. She flips through them dropping them on the ground until she comes to Casey. Claire says she is right and Ashley hugs her. Josh picks up the photos on the ground.

They may have a picture of her now but will that really help find her and what will the police think?

This report is Copyright M@nda

Amanda Souter

Part 2:

We start wish Ashley and Claire rushing into Weatherfield Police Station. The detective is at the counter and they shove the photograph under his nose.

Back on the Street, Steve sees Deirdre and Ken walking along. He says that he was about to look for them. Before Steve can say anything, Deirdre says they would be delighted to look after Amy. Steve starts to explain that Michelle is back, but Deirdre just tells him to go and have a good time.

Deirdre thinks she sees Granddad (who I now know as Wilf) going into the Morton house.

At the Morton's Mel tells him that Blanche offered condolences and that Darryl said they were going to be arranging the funeral. He said that they will have to do it one day, to which Jerry said that he will live on to get a telegram from The Queen (100). Wilf comments that he doesn't want one from "her". He goes on to say that he obviously embarrasses them when he is alive, and he also embarrasses them when he is dead !

Steve and Lloyd think of Eileen soaking in a bubble bath. They immediately try to think of something else !! Steve asks Lloyd to cover the switch for the evening. Lloyd isn't too happy that he is going to do that while Steve is out enjoying himself. Steve offers him the next 5 airport jobs ......Lloyd relents !

Back at Weatherfield nick, the detective looks at the photo but tells Claire not to get her hopes up too much. However, he does admit that it is the best lead they have had so far.

Steve brings the remaining members of the Connor family home to Michelle's place. Steve asks Michelle how Ryan is coping. She says he has lost both his father and uncle now. That is why he is very quiet. Steve says he will take Carla home, but she invites herself into Michelle's for coffee. She tells Steve that Carla obviously wants to talk. Steve says to her to keep tonight free as he has something planned.

Liam wanders over to Underworld at the moment Leanne is leaving the Kabin. Leanne tries to make conversation, but he doesn't want to know.

Ashley, back from the police station, goes over to see Kev and Tyrone about the photo of Casey on the camera they found. He is annoyed with himself that he didn't trust Claire.

Ryan is playing a video game. Michelle tells Carla that he is bottling it all up. Carla remarks that it will be very strange to go home alone, to an empty flat. Michelle offers to let her stay for a bit longer.

Ashley and Claire get 'up close and personal' (cuddling each other). He apologises to her for ever doubting her. Claire is very forgiving.

Carla and Michelle go into The Rovers. They see Leanne sitting in there with Janice. Carla says in a loud voice that she is surprised that she is let into the pub. Michelle adds in a louder voice, that maybe Steve should chuck her out. Steve says he doesn't want any trouble. Steve is about to say something else, but Michelle interrupts by saying it is alright, but she won't be serving her. Steve then asked Michelle about Carla. Michelle explains that she is staying with her for a few days. He suggests that she could look after Ryan while they go out. Michelle is annoyed and says Carla is staying with her because she is very upset. She goes on to say that they have just got back from the funeral, and they just want a quiet night in.

Sean is watching while Eileen is trying to sort through her clothes, as to what to wear for her date. Sean tries to advise her but she has doubts.

Pat comes into The Rovers. Steve and Lloyd wind him up by pretending that Eileen sent a message to say that she couldn't make it. Pat looks upset but Steve soon puts him out of his misery by confessing the windup. Steve asks Pat where he is taking her. He says they are going bowling. Steve and Lloyd look at each and suggest that, that is not a good idea. Steve suggests taking his restaurant booking instead.

Leanne wanders over to Carla and says she realises it is not a good time, but wants to talk about the restaurant. Carla barks back that it is not a good time. Michelle adds that she has just buried her husband, and asks if she has any decency.

Claire is chatting on the phone to her mother about the photo they have found.

Jerry is in the pub with Wilf. Wilf goes off to the loo as Blanche comes in. She expresses sorrow to Jerry at his loss. Sean and Violet look very surprised as she tells them that Wilf Morton died yesterday. They had just been serving him. She goes on about not wanting to go to his funeral, as he was a miserable beggar. Then Wilf comes up behind her and says that it is rich coming from her. Poor Blanche almost jumps out of her skin (not a pretty sight, I would imagine!). She tells him that he is supposed to be dead, according to the paper. They realise it was his grandson playing a joke.

In the restaurant, Eileen is trying to eat spaghetti. She makes a mess (hint: never eat spaghetti when you are out on a date!). Of course she manages to drop a piece on the top of her dress. Pat, helpfully wipes it off with his serviette. He confesses he doesn't really like Italian food. She queries why they went to an Italian restaurant. He says he thought she would like it. She tells him that she would fancy a nice cold lager. He is pleased at that thought, and then asks if she likes bowling.

Blanche arrives home and tells Deirdre and Ken that she has been with Wilf Morton. She explains it was a trick by his grandson. This is much to Deirdre's relief who thought she had seen him go indoors earlier. Blanche then tells them to keep next Monday free. She wants to have her own wake! She explains that most of her friends have dropped off, and eventually there would be nobody to give her a good send off. She has booked Monday lunchtime at The Rovers.

Claire is watching television. (She has got a different channel on, as she is not watching Coronation Street!!). She is watching a news report about an arson attack in Weatherfield and did anyone know the suspect.

Pat and Eileen are saying goodbye on her doorstep. They are spotted by Jerry. Pat suggests next time they could try a Chinese meal as he would like to see if she could handle chopsticks. She says she will think about it. As Pat goes Jerry walks over and asks if she had a good date. She tells him that it was brilliant. You could see his heart break. Eileen wants to tell Sean and Violet about it, but they are watching he news about the arson attack.

The news bulletin shows a picture of Casey and says they want this woman to help with their enquiries. Claire is annoyed that they are suggesting that she is innocent, but Ashley explains that they always do that. Innocent until proved guilty. However they are both pleased and Ashley says that this is the biggest lead they have had.

Is Casey guilty? Will the police find her? Will the next episode tell us more? Anne will have the details for you.

Martin Rosen.



Wednesday 20 June

The girls (and Sean) are all on the factory steps, waiting for Liam to arrive so that Hayley can hand over the keys. They're impatient to get inside, but she is adamant she's going to hand the keys over outside as arranged. Janice wanders over, and Kelly suggests she might be about to get her cards. "Is this when you say somebody is ‘on their bike'?" asks Wiki. Just then Liam walks up behind them, takes the keys and lets them in.

Claire is in the Kabin, checking all the newspapers to see that Casey's photo has been published. Norris gives her one of each paper and is sure that by the time she gets home her phone will be ringing off the hook with all the people who recognise Casey.

Michelle sees Steve standing in the Rover's doorway and asks if she can bring Ryan to sit in the back room when she starts her shift. "Has he not got school?" asks Steve. Michelle says that she thinks it's too soon for him to go back. Steve wonders if it might not be the best thing for him – to get back with his mates and take his mind off things. Michelle however, is adamant that she knows what's best for him – he must spend his day sitting, brooding, in the back room of the pub. Steve asks if she'd like any time off. "No," says Michelle, "I just want to get back to doing normal stuff as soon as I can." Steve says that's what he thought about Ryan. "Yes, but he's still a kid!" snaps Michelle. "Sorry!" says Steve.

Claire and Ashley are looking at the headlines in the papers. "Can Anyone Help Us Identify This Woman". They think it won't be long before someone who knows her comes forward. Then Claire hopes they will lock her up and lose the key, apparently forgetting that there doesn't seem to be any evidence of Casey's guilt. Claire wants to phone the police then and there to see if they've got any news, but Ashley persuades her to wait an hour or so.

Eileen looks like the cat that got the cream, and Lloyd is trying to get an update from her on how her date went with Pat. Steve comes in, and the two of them press her to reveal all. "I'm saying nothing," says Eileen, "apart from….he was fantastic, a perfect gentleman, and beyond that you can both speculate as much as your tiny little minds will allow!"

Over in the factory, Liam doesn't seem to be coping very well, and the workers encourage Hayley to go into the office to see if she can help. She hesitantly goes in and asks how he's doing. Poor Liam looks like a little boy lost, sitting behind the desk surrounded by a sea of paper. "I haven't even got to the phone messages yet," he tells her. She produces a few more, saying they were financial stuff that she couldn't deal with. (Hardly helping, really?) He snaps at her that he'll deal with it, so she creeps out again, saying she'll leave him to it.

Over in the pub, Michelle arrives for work with Ryan in tow. She sends him through to the back, and Steve asks her if Ryan knows anything about what happened with Paul and Leanne. "He knows nothing and it's staying like that as far as I'm concerned!" she snaps at him. "OK," says Steve, "I only asked." Michelle backs down a bit and apologises for seeming touchy.

Back in the factory, Ryan has a piece of paper with a phone message on it that he can't understand. He doesn't know who took the message and so can't ring them back. Just then, Michelle arrives to see if he's ok. "I'm getting on with it, aren't I?" he says. She says it's weird, her worrying about him for a change. He then decides to go back to the pub with her, and off they go, leaving the workers to get on with it.

The detective working on Claire's case comes out to the desk. "Can I help you?" he asks the woman standing looking at a notice board. "I've come about the picture in the paper," she says, turning round. "It's me!"

In the Peacock residence, Claire takes a phone call while Ashley waits impatiently to be told what's going on. As she puts the phone down, Claire is beaming. "They've got Casey," she cries, "she just handed herself in!" She tells Ashley that the police have promised to get back to them when they've finished questioning her. Claire is relieved, "It's over now," she says, "we can start living like a proper family again."

Back at the factory, the workers discuss the fact that Liam is not right and shouldn't have come to work. He hasn't even said where he was going. Kelly thinks they should go home early due to lack of leadership, but Hayley thinks they should keep sewing til the fabric runs out. Just then Liam comes back in and starts snapping and shouting at everyone. Hayley tries to tell him they're concerned about him, when he suddenly orders everyone out and says he's closing up early.

In the police station, a very reasonable, calm lady is talking to the policeman. She says her name is really Kim Carswell, the name Casey came from her initials ever since school, - KC. He tells her they'll make enquiries. "Will I be here long?" she asks. "That depends on what we come up with," he replies.

Leanne is trying to work out her figures, to see what she needs for the restaurant. She needs 20,000 and only has 14,000 so she wonders how to get her hands on the other 6,000.

In the Peacock residence, Claire and Ashley are waiting impatiently for the police to ring back. She decides to ring them and find out. She's told they have let her go as they don't have enough evidence to hold her, and Claire is outraged.

Eileen is in the Rover's buying a drink. Steve has now assumed his role as barman and is behind the bar with a tea towel over his shoulder. He tells Eileen she should wipe the smile off her face, they only do misery in there. Lloyd tells him that the romance is on hold apparently, the lovely Pat has gone away for a fortnight. "He's a salesman," explains Eileen, "we have a very mature understanding." Steve then turns to Sean and asks where Michelle is. It seems she went to the ladies ages ago and hasn't been seen since. He goes to look for her and finds her sitting in there crying. "You planning on staying in here all day?" he asks her gently. She says she hasn't decided, but that he must think she's pathetic. "I never spoke to him," she wails, "I never go to put things right and now he's gone!" She feels bad about lying to Ryan, not telling him what happened, just like they did with her when Ryan's dad died. Steve suggests that he's old enough to know the truth, but she insists that he isn't. "How can it be good for a kid to know how screwed up and nasty everything is?" she sobs. Steve says he'll just learn to deal with it, but she insists that she can deal with it her way. He hugs her, saying he's trying to look after her – to look after both of them.

Liam puts some keys in an envelope and puts them through the door of Roy's Rolls. He then asks Lloyd to take him to the airport. "Which terminal?" asks Lloyd. "A biggish one," comes the reply. Liam doesn't have any plans, he's just got his passport and credit card and his bag, and he'll take whatever they've got.

The doorbell rings, and Ashley goes to answer it. In bursts Casey, shouting and yelling, and demanding to know what Claire was thinking about, putting her picture on the tv as if she was some kind of nut case. Ashley tells her that she shouldn't be there and he's going to ring the police. "And tell them what?" says Casey, "I've just come from there." She's understandably annoyed that she's being branded an arsonist who runs off with other women's kids. She tells Ashley that it's Claire with the problem, that's why she's been staying away. "What else can I say after what she's done," she says. "I thought we were mates, Claire," she says, "I'll know better from now on." She leaves. Claire tells Ashley to go after her. "And do what?" asks Ashley. Claire then tells him to call the police and tell them she's been threatening them. "She hasn't threatened us," Ashley points out. He tries to get her to calm down, but Claire isn't listening. She tries to take the phone out of Ashley's hand. "So they're going to listen to her over me?" she cries, "give me the phone!" She says that Casey is getting away with it, and she could come back and do it again. "What if it's not Casey?" Ashley says, "whoever has done this is no nearer getting caught than they were before." Claire however, is adamant. "I don't believe her – she's lying!" she says.

Anne Logan



Friday 22 June

Hello, everyone. This comes to you from an internet cafe where the shift key is taking a half day off, so excuse the occasional non-capital.

We open outside the Peacocks' house, where Ashley is trying to convince Claire that she doesn't need to go to the police station again. She takes not a bit of notice and he goes off to work while she gets in the car and her mum stays behind to keep an eye on Freddy. Also out in the street are Leanne and Janice, with Leanne explaining to Janice that she has to get a mortgage to prove to Carla that she can meet the obligation of the restaurant. They signed the contract, so Leanne can't get out of it. She needs £20,000 and she's only got £15,000.

In the cafe, Hayley explains to Roy that while it was a difficult day with Liam back in the factory, she probably prefers that to being left in charge and having to make the difficult decisions. Roy sympathises and damns her with faint praise, saying she's not a hard-nosed management type and is the best person for the job -- out of the factory workers. Hayley opens a letter, only to discover it's from Liam. He's going away again and leaving her in charge. Roy tries to buck her up and make her more confident, but it's too late for him to take back what he said a few minutes before.

Michelle is getting breakfast and a sorry-looking Carla drags herself to the kitchen, still in her nightwear and robe. Michelle is worried about Ryan and thinks he's been bottling up all his emotions. The very Ryan comes to breakfast wearing his school uniform. Against his mother's belief that he's not ready yet, he wants to go to school to see his mates, rather than hang round the back room of the pub all day. Michelle makes him promise to come back for his dinner.

In the factory, the workers greet news of Hayley being in charge again with far more praise for her than Roy gave her.

Over at the police station, Claire meets the detective in charge and he tells her firmly that there's no news. She demands (yes, demands) to know what KC/Casey said. She tells him that KC came round to the Peacocks' last night shouting the odds, and that whatever she told the police it isn't to be believed. "It's all lies!"

In the pub, Michelle seems depressed that Ryan felt able to go to school. Violet tells her that kids are often stronger than their parents realise.

David is late for work in the yard. He doesn't see the point in being on time because they won't let him do anything anyway. That's where he's wrong and Bill sets him to cleaning up the yard while Bill and Jason are away on a job.

Claire, on her way home, meets Steve. He reveals that he gave KC a lift home and Claire demands her address.

In the factory, the phone goes and Hayley screeches "oh, no! Not again!" and runs off to answer it. Then we find out why they were so pleased to have her in charge. She's obviously a soft touch for a hard-luck or sob story. Sean plans a spot of skiving. Sally points out that if he throws a sickie, the others will just have to work twice as hard to cover. So Janice suggests a skiving rota, with each skiver having an extra couple of hours off and coming back so someone else can go. As Hayley returns from the office she meets Kelly, on her way out. "Dentist," she explains. "Didn't Mr Connor tell you?"

In the butcher's, Claire excitedly tells Ashley that she knows where KC lives and he has to come with her. Ashley points out that he has to wait until Kirk gets back. Which makes me wonder where Boris is. We haven't seen him for ages, though he is mentioned in conversation every so often. And is there still a branch of the Eliot/Peacock empire at Freshco's?

Ryan arrives at the pub for his dinner.

Amber, presumably also back for her dinner, stops to chat to David as he chucks stuff into a skip. She thinks Bill will be really pleased with what David's done. "I wouldn't count on it," says the small evil one.

Claire and Ashley arrive at an enormous tower block of flats. Ashley can't believe Claire plans to knock on every door until they find KC. She does, and she starts with No 3, where she is given the brush off by the resident there. Of course, she's asking for "Casey" but we now know that KC is really Kim.

Steve and Ryan are in the back room. Ryan is bit down and says Paul had promised to take him to an athletics meeting. Steve suggests he could take him. Ryan's fed up with people asking him how he feels. Vernon comes in and sees how annoyed Ryan is. He says he can understand why Ryan is hacked of with her. Ryan wants to know who Vernon is talking about and Vernon says Leanne. Uh oh. Ryan immediately demands to know what Leanne did and Vernon realises he's put his huge great drum-pedal clodhopper right in it. "Vernon, go and get Michelle!" Steve orders. Vernon does, though he hems and haws a bit before she realises something is up and goes back to the living room, demanding to know what Steve's done. Steve protests that it was Vernon.

At the bar are Leanne and Janice. Leanne has managed to persuade someone to lend her £6,000. Janice nearly chokes when she looks at the agreement and sees the interest rate is 35 per cent! Janice gets a text message. It's from Roger. He's back in Weatherfield and wants to meet.

In the back of the pub, Michelle says "... and that's it in a nutshell." She apologises for not telling him everything before. Ryan is more angry with his mother than with Leanne. He points out that people keep things from him, as his mother also kept the truth about Sonny from him. Steve tries to help, but Ryan shouts at him that when he wants another father he'll ask for one. "And it won't be you!" Poor Steve. Michelle shouts at him, too, though it's clear that it's because she needs to shout at anyone.

Bill and Jason are quite impressed when they get back to the yard and see how tidy it is. They're less impressed, though, when they hear the sound of a circular saw. Upstairs, David is busy sawing timber into shorter lengths so it will fit into the skip, then throwing the pieces down from the balcony. Bill is very close to sawing David in half and chucking him down to the skip, but Jason holds him back. David says Bill told him to put "everything" into the skip. Bill sacks him, though smart-ar** David has to ask whether it's a proper sacking or just Bill mouthing off. As he leaves, he chucks his gloves into the skip.

At the flats, Claire and Ashley knock on the door of No 56. It's KC's. Claire starts shouting at her, wanting to know what she, Claire, has ever done to KC. "Called the police when all I'd done was take the baby for a drive to get him to sleep," KC points out. (There's a point -- why didn't the police have this record of KC's existence?). Claire shouts at KC, furious, saying she must be mad and accuses her of setting fire to the house. "If I did what you think, why would I turn myself in?" KC asks. She's angry that Claire got her picture put in all the papers as if she was guilty. Ashley looks very thoughtful.

At the yard, Bill is down by the skip, examining what's left of the timber. (Superglue?) Gail comes and wants to know if it's true he's sacked David. When she came by at lunchtime he seemed to be working very hard. Bill points out that David took it upon himself to saw up ?300 worth of roof timber, using an electric saw when he'd had no training. Gail asks if it was deliberate. "I can't do anything more with him," Bill says. "He's yours from now on."

Claire and KC are still arguing. Claire is really spitting fire, calling KC insane. "I'm not the one ranting and screaming," KC points out. Claire shouts she's get to the truth. Ashley pulls her away and pushes her outside, apologising to KC. KC advises him to have Claire sectioned again. "Get her away before she does it again." Ashley looks even more thoughtful. As he leaves, shutting the door behind him, a little smile plays over KC's lips."

The End.
Margaret Carr

Postscript: The scene where Michelle is just finishing telling Ryan about Leanne is typical of one of the things I don't like about Corrie and other dramas these days. They skip over the really dramatic stuff -- the actual moment someone is told of a death, the big revelation stuff. Do the writers think the actors can't cope? Or are they just unable to write it? Discuss.



Sunday 24 June

If you can remember back to last Monday then you will recall that Blanche announced her wake so that she could hear what people had to say about her. She tries on various outfits to see in which one she looks best. Deirdre asks if she has bought one specially and Blanche responds that she might have done. Ken just thinks the whole thing is strange, way beyond strange. Ken and D are off for a walk and Blanche is going round to the Rovers to check that it has been properly cleaned. Ken thinks it sounds as if the Queen is coming. D reckons Blanche should be celebrating being alive - but Blanche assures her that is exactly what she is doing. Later once Blanche has undertaken her inspection she tells Violet that there is grime round the taps and there is some new graffiti. Vi wants to know what it says, but Blanche cannot repeat it and the latter asks after Betty. Vi seeing an opportunity looks at Blanche and says she is surprised she has not heard that Betty is dead, suddenly this morning. Blanche is stunned. Vi continues - funeral tomorrow and wake at 3:30. (The same time I assume as Blanche's). Vi smiles. Only joking she says - Betty is making Hot Pot out the back. Blanche seems more concerned over the timing clash than losing Betty!!

And then we have a stupendous piece of Corrie writing!! Blanche asks Vi if Betty has got the cress in as asked? Vi confirms that cress has been sighted on the premises. Norris standing next to Blanche says that he cannot see the point of cress. Blanche sniffily responds by saying that perhaps cress cannot see the point of Norris. Norris does not understand - how can cress see the point of Norris? Blanche answers she cannot see the point of Norris - so why should cress?

In the Rovers Steve pays Michelle and asks after Ryan - apparently he is listening to Joy Division which Paul lent him ages ago. Steve thinks that it is grief - he wants to get his head down and get through it. Michelle believes that he is fourteen and merely keeps seeing all the disappointments in life. Steve wants to apologise but Michelle tells him that today would not be appropriate.

David Platt arrives home in usual arrogant mood. Jason asks him if he knows how a business works - you buy wood, use it to construct something and charge the customer appropriately. Where does the cash come from? David answers back asking if they were insured (as if you could get insurance against such deliberate idiocy). David says that Billy-boy should have been more thorough. Gail has been listening and shouts at David that Bill and Jason had given David a second chance and he simply through it back in their faces. Gail suggests he reads the paper for a job - the council are recruiting for staff at the tip. David starts to head out and Sarah asks him to say goodbye to Beth (she, Sarah and Jason are off on holiday) and David merely shouts "Bye Beth" and goes.

Claire and Ashley are still at odds. Anyway Ashley has a solution - he has arranged with Claire's mother that they will go and stay with her for a week. Claire does not seem to be listening - so Ashley decides that they will go. Later Claire says she feels like a refugee as they climb into the loaded car and depart for her mother's.

Elsewhere Janice has been talking to Roger (the plumber she went to France with but returned without). Apparently he is back in England (apparently there is a shortage of plumbers in Poland - I am surprised he is not there). Leanne suggests going out but points out that the flat lacks chandeliers! Janice smiles in anticipation. Later Janice introduces Roger to Leanne, who then refers to "Airplane" - has he ever met another Roger "Roger, Roger". Anyway Leanne departs but Janice does not know what to say next.

Around at Michelle's flat Carla and Michelle are in discussion. Carla is drinking for at least ten people, but Michelle is more concerned about Ryan - she had hoped to avoid the details about Leanne Battersby. She had been trying to keep the myth of nice kind Uncle Paul alive. Anyway why was she on this Street (because we love you?) - technically she had arrived before the brothers but they always provided a safety net for her existence. They talk about history but then Michelle blurts out that she is thinking of taking Ryan to Ireland.

Steve arrives at the flat - so Carla decides to go and have a bath. Steve tries to apologise - yes it was partly Vernon's fault but he felt responsible and he has arranged for the three of them to go out to Spain and spend time with his brother. He thinks she is going to dump him - she cannot go to Spain - but he does think that if she dumps him it will be a big mistake. She tries to explain that both she and Ryan are concerned about matters other than Steve - it is not about him. She is not dumping him but she and Ryan need some time away - Steve agrees as much as she needs - paid of course. Ryan emerges and when Steve starts to apologise Michelle cuts him off, reminds him that she told him not to come round and Steve, being sensitive for once disappears very quickly.

Michelle and Ryan are on their own as she tells him that there is flight this evening to Ireland and they are going to be on it.

David arrives home with a takeaway. Gail asks what he is doing and David in a really nasty way answers by looking at the box and says "Am I supposed to answer that without sounding really patronising?". She snaps back "Who is being patronising now?". Answer "Mother I am eating a chilli burger, not shooting up in the park". Audrey tells him that is enough and she has a suggestion. He answers in a sneering tone "Yes I will work for you in the salon". How did you know says Gail. "And you will pay me more than Billy-boy but I will have to work hard for it" David continues in his sneering tone. Audrey is annoyed. "I will not out up with any of your nonsense - talk to any of my customers like that and you will be out." She has to ask twice if he understands, before he answers. Then she says that he will have to apologise to Bill. David answers "Mum has already apologised". Audrey tells David to think long hard about that sentence.

Steve is surprised in the cab office when Michelle and Ryan walk in. Michelle taps Ryan and says he has something to say. Ryan (in a way David cannot even imagine) apologises for kicking off the previous evening. Steve also apologises - but Michelle cuts him short and then says that she wants a word outside - which is where the action moves.

Her cases are there. She has got them on a flight tonight to Ireland. It is not because she does not want to be with him. Ryan needs her and does not need Steve - they both need to get away. Steve's response is unconvincing that Amy would also come first (we have not seen her in weeks). She asks for Lloyd to take them to the airport so they do not have goodbyes. Lloyd takes some convincing but goes.

Janice and Roger are drinking wine and Roger admits he has a confession. He has been back for several weeks - but was not sure how she felt about him. She says she can be direct enough for both of them - are they getting back together or not? He wants to - does she? Yes together. So Janice says shall we get the kiss over or not and so the tension is eased.

Back at the cab office Steve and Michelle are saying their farewell. She says he will see her again, but she not sure when. Michelle wants to avoid an emotion charged split - she was not trying to slip off without seeing him - but she cannot handle any more emotion at present. Steve offers to shake her hand in farewell but she walks over to him and they hug. Is it for the last time? As she goes Steve sits and with his head in his hand contemplates the future - has she gone for good or will she be back soon?

And that is that for tonight.

K Richard W



Monday 25 June

This episode of Coronation Street is Written by Peter Whalley
Directed by Terry Dyddgen-Jones
Produced by Steve Frost
Sponsored by Cadburys
CORONATION STREET is copyright ITV productions

Flat Leanne says she needs everything singed and seal by Sunday. Janice says she thought Carla was not interested. Leanne says she just buried her husband and was not the best time to ask. Janice says wishes her good luck.

Cafe, Roy is concerned about Hayley and thinks she's taking on too much and the Connors are taking advantage. He says she was talking in her sleep and sound as if her work mates are no better. She says she is going to be stricter, but is told she's not paid to be stricter.

Outside, Roy says she should get the support from her colleagues, as they'd be out of a job. Janice asks what he means. Hayley says he is worried and they go. Janice sees Carla go in a taxi. She says she better tell Leanne. Hayley tried to says she does not want them using mobiles but Janice says she's on the phone.

Duckworths; Molly comes in with shopping. Vera says she is not going. Jack says he is going to the wake. Molly says she is going back to work. Vera says he is not getting a wake. Jack says there's only one wake he is looking forward to and it's not his.

Factory; Hayley tells Kelly she has not seen her at her machine working. Her mobile goes off and Hayley says she wants everyone to turn them off. Sean says he is making tea. Hayley says it's not break time. Sally says she is going wrong because she wants to be everyone's friend and boss, but can't be both. Vickie says she has a dental appointment. Kelly runs to find Janice.

Outside, Kelly says Hayley is looking for her. Janice says have you seen who's over there. It's Carla. Janice says Leanne will be happy and goes to call her. Steve who's outside the Rovers is given flowers from a flower company.

Rover's; Violet asks if that's for Blanch. He says no it's his birthday and looks at the card. There is no name on them but says he can guess who sent them. He asks for a pen. Violet asks what he is doing and he says they must have forgot and puts from Michelle on the card.

Barlows; Emily asks if the wake is still on. Ken says yes but they think it's stupid. Blanch asks if they are talking about her. Ken says that's what she wants people to do. She goes upstairs and Emily asks if they need to take anything. Ken says what do you give someone who's pretending to be dead. Deirdre says she's not pretending. Emily says she will see them there and goes.

Corner shop; Molly says it's hard to get a place of their own with Jack and Vera. Dev says she and Tyrone are not family and it sounds as if she's a prisoner. She says she does what she does for Jack and Vera because she wants to. She says she is more of a prisoner here as he is always telling her what to do.

Barlows; Ken tells Deirdre he was thinking that Blanch has maybe been to the doctors and been told she's not got long to live and she's having this wake to say good bye to everyone. Deirdre asks why she'd do that. Ken says because she is Blanch. He says they will ask her.

Rovers Steve asks Carla if she's heard from Michelle. She says no and Steve says about the flowers. Wilf comes in and says he's here for the wake and asks if the drink is free. When told yes he orders large whiskey. Leanne asks Carla about the restaurant. Carla says she does not want to go into business with a whore and someone who had a part in the death of her husband.

Factory; Janice comes off her mobile and says she is meeting Roger for lunch. Kelly asks Sean if he is coming to meet him as well. Everyone then goes and Sally tells Hayley she does not have control. Vickie says they have her support. Hayley asks Vickie if she wants a drink and they go. Sally says that says it all while she is still at her machine.

Rovers; Leanne tells Carla she does not have to insult her. Carla says she has not started. Factory lot come in and see Carla not looking happy. Sean asks if they would be if their husband had just died. Jack sits next to Wilf who asks when Blanch is coming. He says it depends if she's walking or coming in a hearse.

Outside, Jamie asks what's up. Leanne says she is trying to rebuild her life and Carla won't forget. Jamie says she's been through a hard time. Leanne says she knows and had made allowances for that but says she been through a hard time as well and Carla has not made allowances for her and Carla is wrecking her only chance.

Cafe; Roy gives Janice and Roger their food. Leanne comes in saying Carla said no. Janice tells him her business partner has pulled out. Roger tells Leanne she can still do it on her own and says, with business partners you both have different ideas. Leanne says yeah and says she will do it herself.

Barlows; Ken and Deirdre ask Blanch if there is any thing wrong with her and if she been to the doctors. Blanch says she cant do cartwheels any more and wants to celebrate being alive. She says there won't be a spare room becoming available. Deirdre is happier now and they head out.

Rovers; Steve comes off the phone and rips the ticket from the flowers saying they are from his mum not Michelle. Norris asks if they have to talk to Blanch just then she comes in. She says she was going to wear black but she is celebrating being alive. Factory lot think it's one of their birthdays. Kelly says she does not know why they are celebrating at that age.

Cafe; Janice says, maybe Carla has pulled out because it's going to the dogs. Leanne says she knows that's not the reason and is going to tell Carla she joins her or she does it alone and goes. Roger says him and his big mouth. Janice says she's been through a hard time and is worried how far she is going to go.

Rovers; Sean says, it's a wake for Blanch. Joanne comes in and they tell her Paul died. Leanne tells Carla she joins her or she does the restaurant alone. Carla says she does not want in and will watch her make a mess of it. Leanne says she won't. Carla says we'll see.

This report is Copyright M@nda

Amanda Souter

Leanne comes storming out of the Rovers after being told sternly by Carla that she will sit back and watch Leanne make a fool of herself when she buys the restaurant- This only leads Leanne to be more determined to buy it though- and she tells Janice in the Street she will show Carla and everyone else that she can make a go of it. Later on while she and Janice are walking down the street, Leanne is already telling Janice the future- where she has opened another restaurant!

In the Rovers, Blanche's wake is in full swing- Norris, Doreen, Jack and Emily are sitting together while Blanche is across the pub speaking to her other guests. The foursome are enjoying the free food and drinks- It seems that its a rare occasion for Blanche to buy the drinks! There's a condition to all the free drinks though- Blanche would like her guests to show some emotion- In other words she wants them to pretend she really is dead! Norris says he would find it easier if he knew how she died. Blanche tells him it was tragic but peaceful- she fell asleep with Deirdre by her side. Blanche wants them all to say a few words about her- but no-one looks very forthcoming and one by one they all say how they can't think of anything nice to say! "You've not done anything for Charity" "You are always moaning" "You took Vera Grapes when she hurt her leg- but ate them yourself" "I can't remember you saying a good word about anybody" Blanche is by now looking increasingly depressed! Norris finishes the conversation by saying; "When you fall off your perch, Blanche, they'll be a street party"

Joanne is back in the factory with the girls standing round listening to her tales of being detained. She basically says that it seemed she'd committed a crime even though she felt she hadn't. She is safe to stay in the country- It would have been an infringement of her human rights to send her back to her birth country.

Blanche, Ken and Deirdre are back home- Blanches spirits are down- but Ken and Deirdre tell her it serves her right for having her wake in the first place- Blanche has decided she wants to be a better person- she doesn't want to be a mean-spirited old woman anymore! She wants people to have good things to say about her when the real wake happens.

Leanne is in the restaurant she wants to buy- She is begging the current owner Luka to give her more time- she offers to give him half of the money there and then in cash- but he looks like he wants a quick sale- he offers her a deal- If she can give him 75% of the money in the next 7 days- he'll let her pay back the other 25% in installments. Leanne offers him her hand- Its a deal.

Its Steve's birthday- Sean comes in with him a card- Vernon is winding Steve up because Michelle hasn't bought him anything- Steve asks Vernon if he minds changing a barrel in the seller- Vernon says he'll go and as soon as he has gone through the door- Steve locks it behind him "That should keep him quiet"

Janice and Leanne have met back up again, Leanne lets slip she is going to London for a bit to raise the money she needs- Janice holds her hand to her head- Leanne is going back to escorting again. Once they are in the flat Leanne is throwing clothes in her bag while Janice begs her not to go- "Look Janice its better clients, better money- I know London" Janice doesn't want her to go as it is an option she will always turn to if she doesn't get out of the habit.

Chesney is kicking a ball against the wall, he see's Blanche approaching and immediately starts to move- he thinks she is going to tell him to go and play on the red-wreck, but no, she gives him 50p and tells him to get an ice-cream, Chesney bites the coin to check its real. Blanche then goes to sit with Vera- but Jack tells her she is at the doctors- so Blanche leaves him with a bag of magazines for when she gets back.

Leanne is the next person Blanche bumps into- "Hello sweetheart" she warmly greets her- Leanne looks as confused as Jack and Chesney! She then goes in the Kabin to pay Ken and Deirdre's newspaper account for them.

Blanche's next stop is into Dev's shop- Amber is on the counter texting someone from her phone- Blanche tells her to carry on while she's finished and she'll wait- she wants a big box of biscuits, when Amber doesn't point her in the right direction, Blanche wanders round the shop to find them- this might be the end of the 'nice' Blanche, when she see's the prices on the biscuits and then see's they don't have the ones she wants- she shouts at Amber because she is listening to her walkman and gives her no help- Deirdre walks in and Blanche tells her she's had enough "I speak as I find and if people don't like it then tough!"

Hayley is struggling in Underworld and she's not getting any support from the other staff- Fizz has put up a poster of a dog saying 'I don't know, I don't care- that's why they put me in charge' Hayley finds the poster- but doesn't see the funny side- she marches over to Sally and blames her for putting it up- Fizz admits it was her though and Hayley is forced to apologise to a smug looking Sally.

Violet is collecting glasses in the Rovers, she was on the phone to the doctors earlier- but put the phone down when Sean walked in. Sean asks her why she needs the doctor- but she won't tell him. Steve eventually lets Vernon back out of the seller- but its been heaven for him down there- he has a kettle, tv, biscuits, a comfy chair and a newspaper!

Janice is at the bus station- she is running to catch Leanne- but it seems as though she has already got on the bus. Janice turns to leave but spots Leanne on a bench crying- she couldn't go through with it, the bus went without her. Leanne is sorry to Janice for making her ashamed- Janice tells her to pull herself together and she will help her get the money. Janice tells Leanne to make her proud.

Susan


Wednesday 27 June

Janice is doing her utmost to cheer Leanne up. She urges her to make an effort, but Leanne's thinking of going back to bed. She reminds Janice that she still has to come up with ten thousand pounds. "Leave it to me," says Janice.

Over at the Grimshaw's, Eileen asks Violet if there have been any phone calls – i.e. from Pat. Violet is sure she will hear from him sometime.

Gail is escorting David to his first day back at work at the salon. She tells him she had to beg his gran to take him back. She tells him to do as he's told or he'll be out on his own, no job, no money and nowhere to live – and she means it. As they arrive at the salon door, Audrey approaches from the other direction. "You're early!" she says, "that's a good start." As she goes in David turns to Gail, saying he doesn't know what she sees in Bill. "A lot of people don't know what I see in you," she tells him, "so keep your opinions to yourself!"

Janice is in the factory, but talking on her mobile phone, arranging to meet Roger in the Rovers at lunchtime. Hayley urges her to get back to work, and the other girls agree that she should make her phone calls in her own time. Just then Violet arrives and asks Sean if he can cover for her at lunchtime as she has a doctor's appointment.

Cilla arrives late at work at the chippy. Yana tells her that 'Wongy' is moaning that they are going out of business, thanks to the kebab shop that's opened. She says that they have to stop people going to the kebab shop by offering an excellent and reliable service. "And what if we don't?" Cilla wants to know. "Then we lose us jobs," says Yana.

Over in the salon, Maria is furious that David got the tip from the woman whose hair she just cut. David tells her the old biddies like a bit of chat, "You just tell them how pretty they are," he says. Audrey then gives him a lecture about respecting her clients. "If you don't want this job, then leave now," she says. David assures her that he does want it and wants to know when he's going to start cutting hair. "We're not letting you loose with a pair of scissors," says Maria, "you don't want a career in hairdressing, do you?" David tells her that if he does he'll talk to his gran and not to her. Audrey gets cross with him and tells him to go for lunch, and while he's there to have a long, hard think about whether he really wants the job.

As Sean steps out of the factory at lunch time, he's met by Violet who's rushing off to the doctors. Hayley meets Carla in the street, she's off to the solicitor to go through Paul's will.

In the pub, Sean tells Steve that he's standing in for Violet. He goes to put up a ‘no smoking' notice but Steve tells him to put it in the bin. The ban on smoking in public places doesn't come into force until next week and til then it's a free country.

Janice is sitting with Roger. She tells him she has to ask him something, and then tells him she needs to borrow ten thousand pounds. "What makes you think I've got that sort of money?" he asks her. She says she knows he did well in France, and there wasn't much to spend it on. She explains that she needs it for Leanne, for the restaurant. He says that she should get her own loan, from the bank, or save up by doing what she was doing before. Janice, rather desperately, says that she doesn't want her to do that. She tells him that Leanne wasn't really selling houses, she was on the game. "She just drifted into it, she didn't know what she was doing and she's really, really sorry!" she gabbles. Roger is disgusted and walks out. Janice runs after him and out on the Street she catches him up. "Let me explain," she says, "I'm scared she's going to go back to work." Roger scoffs, "You call that work?" He then suggests she gives Leanne her money, he's hanging on to his. She says she can't, she earns buttons. "I'll pay you back, every single penny," she promises, "she's in a mess, she's only got me and I've only got you." Roger gets in his van and drives off, saying he needs to sort his head out.

After the break we see Janice in the factory, studying her mobile phone. Hayley, exasperated, says she's going to confiscate it. Kelly tells her she can't do that, they're not at school. "Good job," says Sally, "Hayley would make a rotten head teacher." Janice tells Fizz that Roger hates her. "What did you do?" asks Fizz, but Janice isn't saying. Sally points out that he's only been back 24 hours and already they've had a slanging match.

In the salon, Amber is making an appointment for the following day. She asks if David will be washing her hair, or getting anywhere near her. He assures her he won't be. "That's all right then," she says, with a sigh of relief and leaves. "Well done," says Audrey, and Maria is convinced he fancies Amber. "You'll meet a lot of nice girls in this job," says Audrey. "Amber, nice?" he says, shaking his head.

Jerry sees Eileen going into the chippy. She tells him she's in need of comfort food. "Why? Nursing a broken heart?" he asks her hopefully. She tells him it's just a slight ache and nothing that an intake of warm grease can't fix.

Violet is back behind the bar. Sean asks her if everything is ok and she tells him she went to ask about fertility treatment. She wants a baby, she went to find out about sperm donors. Just then Carla comes in and orders a large glass of wine.

Jerry is just serving Chesney with a kebab when Cilla rushes in and tells him he's not eating that muck, he's to go home. He says that there's nothing in the fridge. She tells him to go to the chippy. "I'm sick of chips," he moans. "We're not putting money in his pocket," she snaps, and takes the kebab and throws it in the bin outside the door. "You should be ashamed of yourself, fleecing kids," she tells Jerry and sends Chesney away.

Steve tries talking to Carla, who's sitting on her own in the pub. She tells him that Paul has left everything to her, the factory and everything, and nothing to Michelle or Liam. Steve says it shows how much he loved her. "Or that he couldn't be bothered thinking things through," she says. She adds that a few months back she would have loved to get her hands on the factory, but now she's not interested.

Janice and Leanne are also in the pub, but are about to leave. Just then Roger arrives and says he has something to say to them, at their place. Sean finds Violet outside and asks if she's avoiding him. She tells him that when she went out with the last two blokes she wasn't looking for a man, she was looking for a baby father, and it wasn't right. Sean asks if she's really thought about what she's doing, and she says of course she has.

Over at the flat, Leanne tells Roger she knows he's disgusted. He says he doesn't know her and he'd be crazy to lend all that money to a stranger. She slams out of the door, and Janice says she was stupid to ask him. He tells her that all afternoon he was thinking of the good time they had in France. She tells him that since she came back from France she's been lonely and she hoped she would see him again. She tells him that she regrets what she asked him and he was right to walk away. He tells her that he won't lend the money to Leanne, but he will lend it to her. "As long as you'll repay it," he says. "Don't let me regret it, Jan."

Anne Logan.



Friday 29 June

We open with Sean turning back Violet as she heads for work, telling her he's got plans for the picnic and has arranged for "a surly octogenarian" to cover her shift!

They head inside to discover Eileen standing mournfully in the hall holding the telephone. No, Pat still hasn't called. Eileen goes into the kitchen and Violet demands to know what Sean's up to. Sean wants to have a proper chat about the baby plan of Violet's. He picks up the phone to call in sick.

Around at the cafe, we see Hayley on the phone saying, "It's gone black, really? Oh, you'd better get that checked out." Vernon comes in and orders what Jerry's having – a big fry-up. He sits down at Jerry's table and they discuss the importance of a good breakfast for the working man. Roy worries about Sean calling in sick, but Hayley assures him that Sean wouldn't pull a fast one knowing how she's fixed.

At Janice's, Janice, Roger and Leanne are having breakfast. Leanne's all enthusiastic about getting the restaurant on Sunday. She says Janice will have to come around after work to see what she's got planned. Janice plans to call in sick. "It's only Hayley," she says, when Leanne says she hopes her staff are more reliable than Janice.

Sean, sitting on a picnic rug with Violet, is trying to put her off babies by producing horrific statistics. He tells her that having a baby is special. He doesn't want her to do it on her own.

In the factory, Hayley has just told their best client that they're not able to take an order from him. Sally is aghast. But Hayley points out that they're running out of fabric and she has no money to buy any more. Janice calls in to say she's not stopping. She brags about Leanne's restaurant. Sally nags Hayley, who screeches that she's doing as best she can.

In the cafe, Eileen answers her phone and yes, it's Pat. Chesney comes in with his finished project. Roy's Rolls got the worst result in the whole class. Roy points out that the cafe is commercial premises and the other children did their analyses in their own homes.

Meanwhile, Hayley has gathered the staff to tell them she doesn't think there is enough money to pay them next week. Fiz suggests she tell Carla, but Hayley doesn't want to bother someone who is still grieving.

Violet accuses Sean of being obsessed with the idea of a nuclear family. He says he just wants her to have a bit of support. She points out that if she met someone, fell in love, got married and got round to having children, it could be years. And that's not counting false starts, where she starts a relationship and it doesn't work out. Sean rushes over to cross-examine the nearest nuclear family, who turn out to have fallen in love straight away and had children straight away. He points out to Violet that it is possible. She points out that she's not willing to wait and wants to have a baby straight away and wait for Mr Right to come along after that. "Oh, yeah, you'll be a real catch then," Sean points out, "Totally knackered, in your tracksuit bottoms, with bits of baby sick in your hair." Violet sneers that if all single mums are like that then Sean dresses like Judy Garland and listens to musicals all the time. They start to clear up the picnic in tense silence.

At Valandro's, Leanne, Roger and Janice look around the closed restaurant. Roger wants to put in a water feature. Leanne's just overwhelmed at the thought that the restaurant is hers to prove herself.

At the factory, they've just run out of pink fabric. Sally nags that Hayley should have seen this coming. Hayley said she did, but there was nothing she could do about it. She plans to just give them their pay cheques and send them home. She doesn't know if they'll have a job next week or not.

Sean and Violet are swinging in a playground, talking about how cute children are. Sean worries about her not knowing who is the father, how Violet will tell the baby about the father. "My baby will be wanted and it will be loved," Violet tells him. "That's all that matters."

Hayley has gone to see Carla. She explains the problem with Underworld. "So Liam's dropped you in it, then?" Carla says she's not heard from him. She knows it's hard, but she really does have other things to think about at the moment.

Sean and Violet are back home. Sean's speculating on who the father of the baby might be. He reminds Violet of a drunken conversation they had when they said that if neither of them had a kid by the time they were 30, they'd have one together. Eileen bounces (well, almost) into the room, telling them Pat phoned and she offered to cook for him. But there's nothing in the house but some tins, and one of those she won in a hamper ten years ago.

Roy is drawing up a plan to make the cafe carbon neutral by 2008. Becky can't see them creating solar power nor windpower.

Vernon is lording it behind the bar, telling Jerry he's used to running the pub on his own while Betty slacks off in the back. Leanne comes in looking very unwell. She's freaking out about running the restaurant. She doesn't think she can do it. "I think I just got caught up in the excitement of it all." Eileen comes in and heads straight for Jerry, who is pleased she wants to see him. He's not so enthusiastic when she's just asking his advice about cooking for Pat. He recommends something simple like spag-bol or shepherd's pie. Roger takes drinks back to the booth and comments on how unwell Leanne looks.

Sean and Violet are reading the gossip magazines together. He tells her that her stars say the answer to all her problems could be close to home. He offers to be the father of her baby. "You need a father for your baby. Well, here I am."

The End.
Margaret Carr




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