2007

Sunday 1 July

Off the Street I saw a rumour during the week that an offer has been made for Karen McDonald to rejoin for six months, so assuming that she takes the offer do we see Karen or Michelle keeping hold of Steve, poor lad.

Anyway back to last Sunday and it opens with Sean sitting on the bench outside the salon watching some passing chav swig beer whilst carrying a baby - I think Sean would like the latter not the former. A few minutes later we see him return home with milk and meets Violet at the bottom of the stairs - she claims he is a star - but Sean claims he will have to meet Simon Cowell first. Both are nervous following their last conversation. Sean is about to ask a question when the phone rings. Apparently it is Sean's aunt - but Violet persuades him to take the call.

Jamie brings Frankie's recipe box into the taxi office - Eileen picks through it quickly and then asks if she had any recipes for people who open cans of beans. Apparently Frankie was adventurous in the kitchen!

Leanne and Janice are walking along the Street - they are going to collect the restaurant keys, Janice is convinced that the place will be a little goldmine. (Somehow with the debt Janice has I can see it all going very wrong).

In the Rovers Steve is looking at an ashtray - now obsolete in the bar. Steve threatens to write an ode in praise of such items and then says he is just waiting to get off to Spain, sit outside and have a fag. Sean observes that he was partial to a fag anywhere, Violet is not amused and storms out. Sean follows her - she is half way upstairs - and asks what is wrong - Steve is doing her head in and she is going to the toilet.

Along at the Corner Shop Jack is browsing the stock and Molly is browsing the "To Let" columns in the paper. However there is nothing she and Tyrone can afford. Jack urges her not to be in a hurry - but Molly wants to get away from the deathly tick of the carriage clock and Vera breaking wind. You have to have some sympathy with Jack - but no-one seems to have any!

At Roy's Rolls they are discussing how to reduce the carbon footprint - turn down the heating and energy efficient lighting. Becky observes that she will still have to turn on the microwave. Becky asks waht a carbon foootprint is - she cannot get her head around it. Jon is in the cafe with Fiz and tries to explain the term. Becky is not impressed - she does not have a greenhouse or a garden. Later Hayley admits to Becky that she is finding work difficult at the moment - it reminds of her of being male and at school and being picked on. Becky sympathises and then the two have a big teletubby hug. So Hayley invites Fiz and John round to tea tomorrow. Fiz consults her social calendar and finds it empty and accepts.

Eventually, in the back room of the Rovers, Sean gets round to apologising to Violet for his suggestion the previous day. She does not want a Mary as father of the child, after all it would come out of the womb singing something from Gypsy and wearing tap shoes (you sometimes think that perhaps Sean has not quite the right attitude to gays - but he does say that he does not like to stereotype them). Lloyd comes in looking for somewhere to smoke - they send him out into the back yard - he finds it hard to believe.

At the restaurant Luca hands over the keys and introduces the staff. Leanne, very nervously, makes conversation with the head chef Tony. She makes a quip that she hopes he will keep her in the manner to which she has become accustomed. Later with Janice and Roger Leanne pours out champagne. For respectability and success. As Leanne observes failure is not an option. She asks Tony to dispense champagne to the rest of the team- but somehow the expression on his face is not particularly pleasing.

Elsewhere cooking is not going so well - Eileen is clearly making a complete mess of whatever she is seeking to cook, whilst swigging wine direct from the bottle.

In the back room of the Rovers Sean finds Violet looking after Amy. Violet observes that maybe it was not such a mad suggestion that Sean had made. Sean is about to continue the conversation when Steve comes through and observes that he has no bar staff and Sean returns to the bar. When they knock off they head to Eileen's and she lets them taste the sauce, which they both pronounce vile and Eileen responds by tossing the pan into the sink in disgust.

Pat arrives and they sit down for dinner. Eileen puts down a casserole dish with bare hands and it is opened. Completely empty. Pat asks if she has been using the Harry Potter cloak of invisibility. Eileen claims she followed the recipe but it was a disaster. They decide too go and get a kebab and then get legless. At the kebab shop they are served, of course, by Jelly Roll, who admires Eileen from afar. Eileen pays for dinner. They sit eating it at the bus stop and wonder what to do with the rest of the evening. Pat says he could go home quietly by himself, watch Sunday TV on his own and have a lager before going quietly to bed or he could follow her home upstairs and ravish her silly. Pat says that he likes Sunday TV, so he had better get the video set. And the two rush indoors. Jelly Roll peers through the blinds at the couple as they trot down the Street.

Back at work Sean and Violet want a quiet chat - but the yard is crowded with smokers, so they go out into the Street! Violet asks if Sean had thought through the suggestion made yesterday. Sean asks the same. They agree that they have thought about it. Sean states better the devil you know than the donor you don't. Violet says that it could get messy but Sean says it is her baby and she will be responsible. Steve appears in the Rovers doorway and orders them both back to work.

Closing time comes eventually and the two can finally talk. Violet is not worried if the baby is gay - so long as it is hers. Sean says he will be the perfect father and will be there when she wants him. He tells her about the man more interested in his beer than his baby and says that he has as much right to a baby as did the beer drinker. Violet reminds them of the Millennium when they had pledged that they would be together through thick and thin. Now it was seven years later and were still together (has Violet really been around more than seven years?) If we cannot do this as grown ups then who can asks Sean. Vernon emerges from the gents and warns them not to go in there for a while. Anyway Violet says she could go to a sperm bank. And have someone with poor dress sense or worse evil hair? And Vi finally gets excited - she is going to get her baby. They start crying with joy. "WE are going to have a baby" they say almost together.

Well they took a long time to reach that conclusion.

See you all next week.

K Richard W



Monday 2 July

This episode of Coronation Street is
Written by Debbie Oates
Directed by Mike Adams
Produced by Steve Frost
Sponsored by Cadburys
CORONATION STREET is copyright ITV productions

Grimshaws; Sean asks Violet what Eileen would say if they told her. Violet thinks she'd say they are going to make a beautiful baby. Eileen and Pat enter. Sean asks if Jamie knows his dressing gown is being used. Violet asks how the meal was. Pat says it was very good. Eileen says she makes a good breakfast.

Cafe; Roy offers to call in sick for Hayley. She says he can't lie and there is no boss. Becky comes in asking if she is running late. She says she was just doing the shopping list for tonight and is going to get ready now.

Outside, Yana and Cilla wonder why Wong has asked them to start so early. When they get to the chippy there are two packets outside with their name on them. Kelly gives Janice a book saying, maybe she'll stop mouthing off if she's reading. She drops it on the floor saying it will open at a good bit. She reads a bit about a tragic accident and a woman, just as Carla comes out the Kabin.

Michelle's flat; Carla, having heard Janice, sits down and just stares.

Grimshaws; Sean suggests a DIY kit instead of going to the fertility clinic. She asks what he is scared off. He says nothing and it would be better just them. Pat tells Eileen he must be off. Sean says they will talk about this at lunch. Violet says talking won't get her pregnant.

Outside, Lloyd sees Eileen and gets out his phone. Pat asks if she's going to answer her house phone. She says no. He says he won't call then. She asks if he is letting her down but is told he is trying to get her number. Hayley arrives at the factory. Sally from her house wants Kelly to clock her in. Hayley says no. They all want to go home but she says they can clean the place.

Streetcars, Lloyd can't open the money tin, but finally gets it. Steve says the need to look at their security. Eileen comes in saying Lloyd said she could have her wages. They want to know what happened last night. She tells them while getting money. Steve says info for wages is good. Eileen says she took of his shirt and he had a mole. They say they don't want to know any more.

Factory; Hayley and Vickie are cleaning, as the others do nothing. Kelly wants on the computer and wants to know what Sean was looking at and they start fighting. Hayley comes in saying, if they have broken it they will pay for it. They go out and Sally says she is going home and if there is any work she has to call. Hayley looks as if she's going to cry.

Outside Yana tells Cilla if they don't do this one of them will get sacked. Everyone comes out the factory. Sean says everyone else has gone. Fiz says she will talk to them. She then sees her mum wearing a Wong's t-shirt and a hat. The factory lot slags them off and Fiz looks at the leaflet and walks away. Cilla takes off her hat and storms off.

Cafe; Becky says she needs light. Roy says he is saving energy and candles make a pleasant atmosphere. If they get food poisoning there will be more flushing Becky says. Cilla asks who they are poisoning and is told no one. Becky says what she is cooking is not for sale and it's for Fiz and John. Cilla wants to come and asks what time they are coming. Joanne and Kelly are in. Becky asks what they are doing out and if Hayley said they can go. Becky then marches out the cafe.

Grimshaws; Sean says it's amazing what comes up when putting pregnating into Google, Violet. He says there is a DIY kit and has to order one. Violet says she will be past her most fertile. He tells her to wait another month. Violet says there is the obvious way and for them just to do a Pat and Eileen. Sean is shocked and says he can't and keeps repeating no. Eileen comes in saying she's done something stupid and tells them to wait there and goes. Sean again says no he can't.

Factory; Becky tells Hayley to leave it. She says the place has not had a good clean since it was refurbished. Then says someone must have spilt coffee. Becky says she is only supervisor. Hayley says she wishes she wasn't and everyone is blaming her. Becky says she is not having this and is going to get Carla.

Outside Carla is just about to go into Michelle's flat. Round the corner Hayley shouts for Becky to stop. Becky says she should not have to put with this. Hayley says Carla is grieving and stuff will remind her of Paul in the factory. Hayley says whatever she is going through is nothing compared to what Carla is going through. She tells Becky to let Carla grieve. Carla listens.

Grimshaws; Eileen asks if they like the new top. Violet says it's really nice. Sean says if she likes it then keep it unless it compromises who she is. Eileen then goes. Violet asks what he is scared of and if she might turn him. She asks when the last time he had sex with a woman was. He says in his past life. Violet tells Sean to kiss her. Sean says they need music and wine.

Rovers; the factory lot is laughing at the book Janice was given. Steve comes over and asks if they are drinking. Janice says she still is. They decide to go and do nothing at work. Sally says he has chased away his best customers. Steve says the best ones fill the till. Janice takes her drink.

Factory; Fiz asks if she should call Janice. Hayley asks if they are still in the Rovers. Vickie says yes. Just then they all come in and Janice sees her card has been clocked out. She asks if Fiz has done this. Hayley tell her just to clock in and sit down. She starts moaning about losing 2 hrs wages and asks if Hayley has done this. Just then Carla appears and says she has done it.

Grimshaws; Sean is trying to create an atmosphere with music. She tells him to stop drinking the wine. Sean says she is used to blokes. Violet says so is he and tells him to forget the atmosphere. He says ok and chases her up the stairs.

Episode rating 6/10. nothing exciting happening, mainly on Sean and Violet's baby idea

This report is Copyright M@nda
Amanda Souter

Part 2

Violet and Sean emerge from upstairs- They have tried- but failed to sleep together, and Sean is crying out for more wine- in the hope he can get so drunk he'll forget that Violet is a woman! Violet seems offended that Sean finds her so repulsive- but Sean protests that its ok for her as he is what she's used to- this is all new for him. Violet looks close to tears "Your making this impossible and embarrasing, How is this going to work if you're going to trivilise everything? This would have been a disaster anyway- you've just stopped me making the biggest mistake of my life!" Violet storms out of the room- leaving Sean to follow her, he calls her back in the street, but she ignores him and heads for the Rovers.

Sean looks worn out with the whole situation- but gets a shock when he looks across the street and see's Carla at Underworld unloading material from a van. He realises he'd better get across to the factory before Carla realises he's skiving.

The girls are on the factory steps, Carla starts passing them rolls of the material to take inside, Sally makes a sarcastic remark to Hayley about things being so much better when there's someone good in charge- Hayley though mistakes the sarcasm for friendly chat and agrees with what Sally is saying. Once Sally has gone in the building Carla uses the opportunity to thank Hayley, "Thanks, I know none of this can have been easy"

In the Rovers Eileen is by the bar with Jamie, Steve comes over to join the two and notices Eileen has been shopping- she shows the boys what she has bought, It's a white shirt- Steve jokes it's like a school blouse, Eileen is just throwing the garment back in the bag when Jerry walks in- "Thats nice" he says to her "It's a school blouse" Eileen answers, "It'll take years off you then" Jerry jokes.

Fiz is on her mobile phone in Underworld- Sean has phoned her to find out whether he is in trouble for not being there, Fiz is advising him to confess to Carla and maybe she'll take pity on him. Carla appears with a cardboard box and demands that Fiz puts her phone in it. She then goes round the machines and one by one she confiscates the girls' phones. Once she reaches Janice she takes her phone from her and tells her she wants a coffee bringing to her- Janice takes the hint that she'll be getting the sack. When Janice delivers the coffee to Carla, Carla gives her some home-truths- Janice better watch her back, "If you do one thing wrong- You're gone"

Tyrone and Molly have been to see a new house- Molly likes it and Tyrone thinks it'll be perfect for Monica! So Tyrone rings them to put an offer in to buy it, While Tyrone is making the phone call, Kevin teases Molly that Jack and Vera won't be very happy when they hear the news that they might be moving out.

Over at the Duckworth's Molly is breaking the news that they have been to see a new house- Vera doesn't look very impressed, but Jack perks up when Molly says that they will arrange home help before they move out. Later that day the pair find out that the house has gone.

Sean has come armed with a bar of chocolate- and he's ready to brave Carla- He enters her office and decides honesty is the best policy and tells Carla that basically........he's sorry. He gives her the chocolate and she tells him to give the girls their phones back- its nearly 5pm, they can go home. Sean says he is sorry for her loss- he knows it must be hard for her, he leaves the office and Carla glances over to the coat stand where Paul's jacket is hanging.

Sally is the next person to call into the office- Carla is short and sharp tongued with her- but this doesn't stop Sally taking a seat and putting to Carla that she needs a PA (personal assistant) and she thinks she is the ideal candidate. Carla asks Sally for a CV, but she doesn't have one- she then asks her for a reference, Sally doesn't have one of those either. Carla picks up the phone and rings directory enquiries and asks them for Davenports garage, Sally panics and tells Carla she left on bad terms with the owner, they had a 'misunderstanding' "Stop wasting my time Sally"

Fiz and John are having a quick drink in the Rovers for dutch courage- they are dining with Roy and Hayley tonight. Violet is behind the bar but can't work she doesn't feel well- Steve tells her that she can go as long as Sean covers her shift- but Sean runs after her and leaves Steve running the bar on his own.

Fiz and John have just arrived at the Croppers, They have a surprise when they see Cilla has joined them for tea. John offers the Croppers a bottle of wine- Cilla starts the evening with a corker "Roy doesn't drink, not since he woke up next to Tracey Barlow- the murderess" Fiz is horrified! Later in the meal, Fiz is telling John that Chesney can cook- she tells him that she can't understand where he gets it from, Hayley suggests that maybe Chesney's dad was a good cook- Cilla thinks Hayley is wanting an arguament- "So what if I don't know who Chesney's Dad is- at least i've always been a woman!" Silence descends over the table.

Violet and Sean are back at the Grimshaw's- Sean is apologising- he's scared their friendship will get messed up if they go ahead with having this baby, the two decide to carry on with their plans but instead of doing the deed the normal way, they are going to do another method they have seen on the internet.

Eileen's new flame Pat has come in the Rovers for a drink- Jamie has a strange look on his face when Lloyd introduces the two. When Pat leaves to see Eileen, Steve asks Jamie what his problem is- Jamie reluctantly tells them that Pat has a wife- he has had them both in his taxi.

Back with the Croppers and Roy is moving the tables so John can show Hayley how to waltz- he asks Cilla if she'd like to cha-cha with him later.

In the Grimshaw's Violet has just tried the other method- Sean looks nervous- "I wonder if you're pregnant yet?"



Wednesday 4 July

Violet wanders downstairs as Sean is eating his cornflakes. They are just giggling about the night before when Eileen walks in. She wants to know what they're laughing at – "Nothing!" they chorus. Eileen thinks they're weird and goes off to work. After she's gone Sean comments that he feels dreadful not telling her, but Violet insists they can't. She tells him to eat his cornflakes, he needs his strength, they need to have another go later. "What? Again already?" Sean asks, dismayed. Violet says they need to make the most of these few (most fertile) days.

At the taxi office, Steve, Lloyd and Jamie are checking the taxi records to see if they can find any evidence that Pat is married. Just then Eileen comes in and they all stop talking at once. "What?" she asks. "Er…nothing!" they tell her. She says she's sick of hearing that and will go and talk to someone who wants to talk to her. "You're not going to ring Pat are you?" asks Jamie. She says she is, not that it's any business of his. Lloyd remarks that he's got a bit too much chat for his liking and Eileen should watch him. Eileen is not impressed with that, and goes off to call Pat. After she's gone, Steve tells the others they should do a stakeout – watch the house and see who comes and goes. Lloyd points out that they are Streetcars, not Z-Cars, and they've got a business to run. Steve says that Eileen is a mate and they don't want Pat to break her heart.

Outside, as Eileen walks down the Street talking to Pat on her mobile, following closely behind is Leanne, talking on hers. It would appear that she's having a conversation with the printer about the production of some flyers. Janice tells her not to get so worked up. Leanne says she can't help it, they open on Monday. She then reels off all the other jobs she has to do before they open, the last one being the shifting of the flyers. Janice says she'll help her with them, and Leanne accepts gratefully, telling her there's four thousand to shift. "Great," says Janice, but somehow doesn't sound very enthusiastic.

Sean is taking his leave of Violet as he goes off to work. He implores her not to talk any more of ovulating or fallopian tubes or he'll lose his breakfast, but he promises to come back at lunch time for another go.

In the factory, Fizz thanks Hayley for an enjoyable evening. Hayley says she enjoyed it, even though Cilla turned up. Just then Carla comes in and takes the kettle lead. "What are you doing?" asks Kelly. Carla tells them to savour the drinks they have, they'll be the last until dinner time. The girls are dismayed. "We're entitled to our breaks," Fizz points out. Carla tells them they're behind on the order, if they get back on track she'll return the kettle flex. Hayley stops her on her way out, and tells her that it is in their terms and conditions of employment that they are entitled to their breaks. "If we lose this order, Hayley, you can drink as much tea as you like," says Carla, "because you'll be at home, on the dole!" Just then Sean rushes in, and Carla tells him that if he'd been two minutes later he could have kept his coat on. He apologises and when Carla has gone they all tell him he gets preferential treatment. He says he just likes her.

At the Duckworth's, Tyrone and Molly are showing Vera and Jack the details of a flat they're about to go and view. Jack thinks it's really expensive but Vera thinks it's lovely. After they've gone off to see the flat, Jack tells Vera she's changed her tune, he thought she didn't want them to go. Vera admits that she'll be sorry to see them go but she knows they'll go sooner or later and she wouldn't want them to part on bad terms.

Lloyd and Steve are waiting outside Pat's house, playing I-Spy to pass the time. Lloyd thinks it's a waste of time, no one has been in or out.

Eileen goes home at lunch time and Sean and Violet come giggling down the stairs. She tells them that if Sean wasn't gay she'd swear there was hanky-panky going on. Violet tells her she couldn't be more wrong.

Jamie is at his house, taking a call from Steve about their stake out at Pat's. (So who's manning the taxi office – people surely need taxis just as much at lunch time as at any other time, if not more?) He tells them that Eileen has been wondering all morning about where he and Lloyd are, and he can't distract her much longer.

He wanders out to his back yard, to find Jack out there, come to see his pigeons. With all the talk of global warming, Jack is worried that his birds are going to be too hot in the sun, and asks Jamie if he'll help drag the pigeon loft into the shade. As they start to lift it, Jack suddenly groans with pain. "Oh my back, my back!" he cries, "get a doctor!"

In the factory, Carla is inspecting the quality of the work and finds crooked seams. She tells the girls it won't do. "That's caffeine withdrawal for you," says Sally. Janice says it brings on headaches, too, and she can feel one coming on right now. Carla says she'll give her a headache if she doesn't buck her ideas up. Hayley volunteers to check the work and make sure it's up to scratch. Fizz asks when Mr Connor is coming back, as she's sure Carla will want to put her feet up again and be a lady of leisure. Carla tells her those days are long gone, they are all going to working together for a very long time to come.

Lloyd and Steve are still in the taxi. A man comes and knocks on the window and asks what they are doing parked there. "What's it got to do with you?" asks Lloyd. He tells them his name is Maurice Pond and he happens to be the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for that street. Steve tells him they're waiting for a fare. "A fare?" he says, "you've been parked there for three hours and 48 minutes. Do you expect me to believe that?" "No Mr Pond!" says Lloyd, in his best James Bond voice, "I expect you to die!" Steve, cigarette in hand, bursts out laughing as Lloyd says that he's always wanted to say that. Maurice then points out that if they are waiting for a fare then the taxi is a place of work and Steve shouldn't be smoking as it's illegal to smoke in the workplace. He him to put the cigarette out at once or he will call his employer and report him. "You do that," says Steve.

Sean has gone to the pub for a welcome after work drink. Violet tells him she hopes Carla hasn't worn him out too much – they have a date. Sean seems less than enthusiastic.

Tyrone and Molly are discussing the flat they went to see. They want to go for it, but Molly is worried that they won't be able to afford it. "We need to do our sums," she tells him. Just then Leanne rushes in, and puts a flyer on the table, trying to drum up business for the restaurant. They tell her they're saving now.

Over at the bar, Cilla asks Janice if Leanne is really going ahead with the restaurant. Janice tells her she can do without her custom though. Cilla says she wouldn't eat anything cooked by "that filthy mare" she wouldn't know where her hands had been. Janice starts shouting, but Leanne comes and steps between them, and says she doesn't care what Cilla thinks. "And what about your father?" asks Cilla, adding that Leanne has broken his heart. "Broke his heart?" shouts Janice, "he lost every single scrap of shame the day he married you!"

Leanne puts a flyer down in front of Carla, telling her she'd be more than welcome any time. Carla says she wouldn't set foot in the place until it's got new owners because Leanne has run it down to the ground and she's flat on her back – again!

Steve and Lloyd suddenly see Pat coming up the road. At the same time, Eileen comes through on the radio, saying that as they haven't answered their switch for three hours she must assume the car has been stolen and call the police. Steve decides he has to talk to her and tells her that the car has broken down and the recovery truck is on its way. "Why didn't you answer your calls?" Eileen wants to know. Steve tells her they were probably under the bonnet at the time. "Oh the recovery truck is here now, must go," he says and switches her off. They watch as Pat goes up to the front door which is opened by a woman. He kisses her and goes inside, slapping her playfully on the backside as he does no.

Jack is prostrate on the sofa, as Vera berates him, convinced he's done his back in on purpose to get out of looking after her. Jack says she can't possibly think he would put himself through that agony on purpose. "Who's going to care for me now?" moans Vera. Jamie comes in to give Jack his painkillers and at the same time Molly and Tyrone come back. "What's going on?" asks Tyrone. Jack explains that the doctor has said he should be all right in a couple of weeks. As Jamie goes to leave he checks that Ty and Molly are all right to take over. Tyrone thanks him for holding the fort. Jamie says it's ok, he can walk away, but he doesn't envy the two of them for the next two weeks. Molly looks at the flat details in her hand. "This'll be long gone by then won't it," she says.

Violet rushes down the stairs, telling Sean she'd better get back before she's missed. "With any luck I might be pregnant already!" she says, and bids him goodbye with a peck on the cheek. As she gets to the pub door she bumps into Steve and Lloyd. They ask if Eileen was at home but she tells that that Eileen usually goes into the pub for a drink on her way home. They go in to find her standing at the bar. "Did you get the car sorted out?" she asks, "what was it?" "Clutch," says Steve, as Lloyd says, "Distributor!" Jamie comes over for a quiet word, to discover what they found out. Steve tells him he might be right about Pat. They then toss for who has the honour of telling Eileen. Steve wins – or loses, however you look at it!

Anne Logan.



Friday 6 July

Sally's gone to the garage, apparently for a cuppa. Either that or Kev's set up a cafe to make something from the gaggle of girls waiting outside the factory. Since so many of them live in the street, why do they cross the road and wait there – wouldn't it make more sense to watch out the window until they see someone arrive to open up? Anyway, Kev mentions that it'll soon be Sal's 40th, but she hushes him up. She doesn't want the other factory workers to know. They wouldn't notice anyway. They're too busy talking about Carla. They're discussing whether or not they've had a woman boss before and Janice says that with Hayley as supervisor they've got the best of both worlds. She's heard by Carla, who tells Hayley she doesn't have to put up with bullying.

It's breakfast time at the Duckies' and Vera is giving Monica some bacon. Jack gets grumpier by the day and Vera says the dog is the only real company she's got. Poor Molly is rushing around cooking breakfast and trying to get everything done. She's late for work and the housework's piling up and she doesn't know when she and Tyrone will ever get the chance to look for a place of their own. Tyrone rushes in, puts a pot of tea on the table for Jack and Vera and dashes off to work. "D'you know, he works too hard, that lad. I don't know how he does it," Vera tells Jack. Behind her, Molly rolls her eyes.

Hayley lets Carla into her little secret – she brings the deadlines for orders forward by two days to make sure they get them done on time. Carla is so impressed she promotes Hayley to "line manager" and tells her to go out and break it to the staff that they're working Sunday.

Lloyd and Steve are in the taxi office discussing how to tell Eileen that Pat is married. Though Steve can't understand why it's been left to him. Eileen comes in. She's got custard slices (yum!). Lloyd tells her that Steve's got something to tell her, then skedaddles. Steve hems and haws and then bottles it and makes up some twaddle about wanting to ask her if the office chair is OK.

In the shop, Emily and Doreen are sympathising with Molly over the work at Jack and Vera's, and Emily suddenly realises she hasn't visited once since Vera was laid up with her bad ankle. Doreen volunteers to go along with her. I see trouble a-comin'!

At the other end of the street, Cilla and Yarna are leaning on a lamppost at the corner of the street in case a certain customer comes by. No, not quite, but they've got leaflets to give out and they're not on a corner with lots of passing trade like the kebab shop. "What passing trade does a chippie get off a medical centre?" Cilla asks. Yarna thinks they're doomed, but Cilla sticks out her jaw and her bosom and says: "Not if I've got owt to do with it!" and clops off.

In the factory, Hayley hasn't got round to making the Sunday announcement. So Carla stops everyone working, tells them Hayley is their new line manager (Sally: "I could do that job in my sleep." Janice: "I wish you'd do this one in your sleep, Webster, and give us all a break.") and she's got something to tell them. So Hayley has to tell them. One or two are happy, but then the questions and grumpiness starts, so Carla rushes off and leaves Hayley to deal with the flak.

Eileen's telling Steve how difficult it is to get privacy at her place. She decided to do up her bedroom "all nice", which was a difficult job, she says. Steve asks why she can't go to Pat's place and Eileen says it's because she doesn't like waking up in a strange place. She says it's easier for men, because they don't have to wake up with last night's make-up all down their face – all they need is a toothbrush and they're away. She catches on that Steve is being a bit odd with her, so Steve comes right out and says: "Look, he's married, sorry." "Yeah, well, I know he's married," Eileen tells him.

In the Rovers, Sean wants to know if Violet feels pregnant. She tells him they'll find out soon enough. Sally is mithering on about Hayley's promotion and Sunday work. "I'm nearly 40, Kev. Forty. And I'm sewing knickers in a back street factory. How did that happen?" Nearby, her workmates are going on about Carla. The woman herself is at the bar. "Have I got smoke coming out of my ears?" she asks Steve, but he's more worried about the fact that Michelle's still not answering his calls. Steve then talks to Lloyd about Eileen. They don't think it's like her to be carrying on with a married man. Steve says he doesn't want to see Eileen get hurt. "She's not as hard as she makes out."

What's this? A car marked "professional pest control" pulling up outside the kebab shop? "Get them fryers bubbling!" Cilla instructs Yarna, before scooting up the road towards Jerry's. She's quick enough that she goes in right behind the pest control man. "Oh, dear, what is it? Rats? Cockroaches?" she asks. Behind her, the customers flee. Jodie immediately knows just what Cilla has been up to and warns her: "You really do not want to mess with me. Trust me on that." "Look at me, I'm shaking," says Cilla, dashing back to where the chippie is suddenly getting busy.

Steve goes back to the taxi office and tells Eileen it doesn't matter as long as Pat makes her happy. She says she just wants to enjoy herself for once. Pat makes her feel special and wanted. "And the scary thing is that I'd forgotten what that felt like." Steve says that as long as she can live with it, then he can live with it too. Eileen looks at him. "Damn you," she says, and reaches for her mobile phone to call Pat.

Emily and Doreen are proper bustling about Jack and Vee's place. Emily says she realised that of all the people she visits, she realised she was neglecting two of her oldest friends just a few doors away. Doreen's brought a couple of hotpots and Emily's made them a nice Madeira cake. Jack sits watching the telly, to the annoyance of Vera, who is wearing a nice hot orange top with a pink cardie over, and a fetching green headscarf. She whacks him to get his attention and tells him to turn it off. "Am I not injured enough, woman!?" he cries. She threatens him with a walking stick. By way of a diversionary tactic, Doreen draws attention to a basket full of ironing and offers to do it. Emily says she'll Hoover through. Vera says she can't let Emily do that. Jack says Molly does that and doesn't want anyone else doing it. Vera corrects him, saying Molly does far too much. "Hoover's under the stairs, and so's the ironing board," she tells them. Jack gets to his feet. He's not spending an afternoon with the Andrews sisters. But his back ties up on him and he has to sit down again.

Pat arrives at Eileen's bearing gifts – including jumbo roasted cashews and wine. She sits him down and tells him she can't see him any more. "I'm just not other-woman material," she says. She's not the scarlet woman type – she's the bread and potatoes type, she tells him. "Sneaking around behind someone's back, it's just not me." Pat says that's one of the things he loves about her. He's never laughed so much with a woman. "Enough about our sex life," Eileen jokes. Then she sighs and says they might as well have one for the road. "Get your nuts out," she tells him, chucking the packet of cashews into his lap.

The factory workers have finished for the day but Hayley says she's not going to the Rovers tonight. "She's management now," Janice tells the others. Hayley's stopped behind to thank Carla.

Eileen and Pat are throwing nuts into the air and catching them in their mouths. "I'm supposed to be dumping you," she tells him. "You're not doing a very good job," he points out, and produces another bottle of wine.

Molly arrives in the pub and says she's looking forward to a night off, since Jack and Vera have their tea sorted. It's not the looking after that bothers her, but the bickering. Janice tells them she thinks Carla is just biding her time before sacking her. At the bar, Steve gets Carla a drink, and Violet points out that she's under strict orders from Liz to get money from him for drinks. Carla is impressed that Steve manages to manage and his staff likes him. Emily tells Tyrone she and Doreen had a lovely time visiting, even if Jack did spend most of the afternoon with a cushion over his head, groaning. Ty has brought the baby monitor with him and even over that we hear Jack and Vera bickering.

Sean takes Violet into the back room and presents her with a pregnancy test kit. She points out that it's far too soon. She asks him to take the pressure off. "It's quite annoying." He agrees.

Pat tells Eileen it's been fun and she says he'll find someone else. Pat admires her principles, but she thinks maybe principles are a bit over-rated. They're saying goodbye quite awkwardly. She suddenly says: "Oh, come one!" and drags him up the stairs.

The End
Margaret Carr



Sunday 8 July

Pat has again stayed all night and Eileen comes to the front door to see him off - they plan to meet for a lunchtime drink. He kisses her farewell and departs. However from across the Street events have been seen by wide mouthed Steve who is reading his paper as he leaves the Kabin, not a pleasant sight.

Roger is cooking breakfast and is planning a lazy day in with Janice. However Leanne is expecting Janice to assist at the Italian getting it straight and Janice, not in particularly sober mood, remembers she is supposed to be going to work - Roger is not amused. The focus moves to the factory where there girls are greeted by Carla who offers to buy sandwiches for lunch as part of her appreciation for their efforts. She claims she is using carrot and stick - and asks Sally to get the food in later. Sally moans that she merely gets the stick part!

Along at the Streetcars office the owners want to know from Eileen how the pat dumping went. She mumbles that she did not want to talk about it. Was he devastated they tease - so devastated that he stayed all night? She insists she dumped him. So gently he did not notice? She says she did dump him and then changed her mind. Will she see him again? She is not sure, she has not decided.

The Duck Eggs are bickering and Molly is at the end of her tether running their errands and meeting their differing demands. Jack says they need some time apart - he just needs to get down to the Rovers for a pint. Molly looks as though she wants to scream.

And down the road we see the missing Connor - Liam has returned with a strange new haircut and goes into the cafe to get his keys back from Hayley. Inside he is given a less than warm welcome by Roy who makes it quite clear that he has dumped on Hayley and she deserves to be treated far better than he has; no support, no guidance or information - insufferable pressure. And she is in work - doing overtime - they all are. Liam is surprised and beats a hasty retreat. Also in the cafe is Steve who is pleased to see Liam and asks if Michelle is back as well. Liam is not particularly communicative and tells Steve that he should go off on holiday with Amy - Michelle will not be bothered.

Vernon is being his usual dissolute self - he has delegated the bottling up to Violet, having promised Steve he would do it himself. Anyway the pub will be in his safe hands until Liz returns the next day.

Carla sends Sal for the food, the latter is frothing at the mouth with anger but Carla seems not to notice as she turns and charges upstairs. Sal turns and walks into Liam who cannot contain his surprise that the place is in full production. Should he be impressed or worried? Then he sees Jo and asks why she is back - well he had said there would always be a job and her appeal was out of the way. And Hayley why have you got everyone in on a Sunday - well I didn't she says as I am not really in charge. Well who is then? "I am" comes a voice from the gods - yes Carla is asserting her rights and smiles down smugly. Liam cannot believe his ears and turns to confirm his hearing. He is clearly not amused that his empire has seen a takeover in his absence. Carla tells Liam that she has inherited Paul's (majority) share in the business. He let Hayley in charge - but Carla tried to explain that Hayley could not manage for an extended period and proper management was needed.

In the back yard Tyrone has fabricated a device - an old kitchen chair, some castors and voila! Transport for Jack. Molly is not so sure - but Tyrone says they cannot help getting old. She loves them but it is not really their job to look after the Duckies - they have their own family who should be looking after them. She wants to do something with him - but Tyrone says they can't. And Jack shouts for assistance from the house. Molly reminds him they want a house of their own - but it is not practical at the moment. A little later we see Tyrone and Molly are wheeling Jack to the Rovers. They refuse to take him to the bookies but Tyrone offers to put the bet on.

Leanne is in trouble and phones Janice - she turned on the central heating to ensure it works and now cannot turn it off - can she get Roger to come and sort it out please? Janice says she is not sure - it is his day off. Liam and Carla come out of the office and argue in front of the staff about who is in charge. Liam tries to send them home - but Carla says they are working a full day. Liam reckons he has the last word and sends them home but Carla declares it is 12:30 lunchtime and expects them all back by 1:30 by which time she and Liam will have sorted it out. And don't go far she adds. Liam and Carla go back to the office and continue arguing.

Liam reminds Carla that tired staff was what caused a problem before - history proves she cannot run a factory. Carla responds that dropping keys through a letter box is hardly a good managerial activity. And anyway Paul would not have wanted Carla working in a factory. Carla points out the legally she was next of kin, Liam tries to deny this but Carla says it was a fact and in the words of the sainted Tracy from Big Brother "Deal with it". Liam replies that she has to deal with Leanne and the fact that the will had not been changed!

In the Rovers Pat and Eileen have a drink together watched by Steve and Lloyd (in which case who is manning the switch?). The latter pair try to wonder why she changed her mind. Pat wants to know why they are being watched. Then his mobile rings and although he lies he admits that it is wife calling and gets up to take the call outside. Steve is keeping an eye on Vernon - which is not hard as he has not moved off his stool by the bar for hours. Despite the people who need serving, nothing seems to move Vernon. Liam arrives and agrees to buy them a drink on Carla - but that they must go back to work at 1:30 - there is an order to get out after all.

At the Italian Janice has arrived to help with the cleaning and Roger arrives as well to look at the heating system. They both thank him for coming out. Janice promises to make it up to him during the afternoon, at which point Jan's phone rings and Kelly insists she has to return to work. Roger is not impressed.

Jack arrives at the Rovers and Steve who is leaving tells Vernon to assist in getting Jack into the pub. Lloyd and Steve shout at Pat about who is on the phone - is it his wife? They trade comments back and forth - Steve and Lloyd want no harm to come to Eileen and Pat should look after her.

Back at the factory Liam returns and tells Carla that the staff will be back after lunch. He apologises for all he said - but that she can go now he is back and in charge. Carla responds that she through Paul has 60% of the factory and her place is there - she was the boss. Liam saus he would buy her out and she could be a lady of leisure. Carla makes it clear that she does not want to sell. She is majority shareholder and is the boss and Liam has to get used to that - he is working for her.

It is pretty obvious that factory management is not going to be all sweetness and light.

K Richard W



Monday 9 July

We open the programme with Jason, Sarah and Bethany returning from their holiday. They offer to take Gail and David for a drink and dinner, but David is only interested if they have brought back a present for him. Sarah tells him that he is lucky he is getting a drink.

Over at the Corner Shop, Vernon goes in and buys up bunches of flowers for Liz's return. Tyrone is in the shop and says if he bought Molly that many bunches she would be convinced that he is up to something. Vernon unsuccessfully tries to get a discount from Dev.

Liam arrives in the factory, obviously later than usual. He tells the girls that he is not late as he has been out chasing orders so that they can be kept in employment. As he goes into the office he sees Carla working there. He asks her if she cannot sleep. She says she is committed and to prove it she is running the business . He suggests that she is running the business into the ground whilst trying to show the workforce that she is the boss.

Sarah goes back to the salon to find David working there. (One would have thought they would have left home the same time to go there!). She remarks that she has not only has to live with him, but work with him as well. She thinks her Gran was silly giving him a job when he knows nothing about hair. However, Doreen who is having her hair done, thinks he is lovely.

Liz arrives back at the coach station. Derek is there to meet her. She didn't seem pleased to see him. She was worried that they maybe seen together. He is very calm and says that he intends to take her back to the flat so they can talk.

Leanne is getting ready for the opening of her restaurant. She is concerned that she wouldn't have enough wine to go round, but one of the waiters tells her that there is plenty of bottled beer that could go off. She does not envisage that a problem, knowing her friends. She tells them that she is new and bound to make mistakes, so she wants to get them out of the way and doesn't want their advice.

Vernon is arranging the flowers for what seems the umpteenth time in the bar. Violet is getting annoyed and suggests that he goes down the cellar. Vernon takes no notice of her and carries on fidgeting around.

Sally is moaning on at Kevin about how she is treated at work by Carla. He wonders if she is picking on Sally. She replies it is everyone, but she seems to be her main target. Rosie tells Kevin and Sally that she wants to work over the summer holiday, so that she doesn't have to babysit Sophie.

Carla and Liam are still bickering in the factory. Liam claims he knows everything about the business whereas she doesn't. He becomes even more annoyed when Carla tells him that she has advertised for an administrative assistant.

Liz and Derek arrive at the flat. Derek suggests that she should send a text message to Vernon explaining that she is stuck in traffic and therefore will be late back.

Meanwhile back at the Rovers, Vernon is getting even more panicky (did Liz not send the text message?). Blanche comes in with a glass full of cigarette ends that have been left on her window sill, because there is now no smoking allowed in the pub and therefore no ashtrays. She wants Vernon to sort it out as they are from his customers.

Leanne comes into the Rovers and gives out leaflets about the opening of her new restaurant. She offers everyone a free drink. She hands a leaflet to Carla. She doesn't imagine the restaurant will be open for much after that night. Leanne retorts that if Carla were to ring for a booking in a month, she would find that the restaurant was fully booked.

Sally is off to the factory, and Rosie follows her to buy a newspaper to see what jobs are being advertised. Sally jokes that she would like a job with not a lot of work, large pay and a good boss (doesn't everybody!). Rosie suggests that she joins the club!!

At the flat, Liz goes to her phone to discover she has 11 new messages from Vernon. She wants to send (another?) text to him assuring him that she is alright and on her way home. However Derek takes her phone away and wants a goodbye kiss. She responds that they have been together for the last hour. He tells her that he wants a last kiss as he will be missing her. She eventually gets her way and manages to send him a message to Vernon. However, Vernon was still concerned so he tries to contact her again, only to find that she has switched her phone off again.

Still in the pub, Jason and Sarah announce to Gail that they are getting married. Gail does not seem too surprised nor happy and asks Sarah if she is pregnant. Sarah confirms she isn't, and Jason then explains that they are going to do things slowly this time. They wanted to talk to her about it first. (If they are already engaged to be married, what is to talk about ?!).

Doreen and Rita call Leanne over because they have not received an invite to her opening night. Leanne says that she didn't think they would want to come. Rita explains that what has been done in the past is done. There is no use in dwelling on it. Leanne happily gave them an invite, and Doreen promised not to eat or drink too much.

Over at Underworld, Carla hears a lot of laughter coming from the kitchen area. Obviously not happy at this she goes into the kitchen. Sally apologises saying that she was talking about her upcoming birthday. Carla warns them all that either they get back to their machines or else they will be collecting their cards. Liam warns her that she probably needs them more than she realises.

Sarah tells her mother that she is upset that she wasn't happier for her and Jason. Gail says she was expecting it and asks if they have told Eileen. Sarah says they decided to tell her first. Gail doesn't think Eileen will be very happy.

Back at the flat, Derek explains to Liz that because there is a useless transport system, it can be used as a great excuse. Liz tells him that when he drops her off that he must do so on the corner (obviously nobody in the Street ventures as far as the corner!). Suddenly there is a noise at the front door. They look at each other. It turns out to be Derek's wife, Linda. She cannot get in as he had put a chain on the door. Liz is dressed in nothing more than a towel, but he hands her clothes and bundles her to the balcony. Liz thinks it is the first place she will look. Once Liz has gone outside, Derek goes to the door but still refuses to open it, despite her protestations.

On the Street, Sarah tells Maria about her conversation with Gail. Maria wonders if Jason will make it to the reception this time! She is thrilled when Sarah asks her to be Maid of Honour.

Outside the Rovers Vernon is still trying to get in touch with Liz. He tells Dev that women shouldn't be allowed mobile phones. They bury them in their handbags and cannot hear it ringing.

The balcony scene with Liz continues as she manages to put on her underwear. She tries to look into the lounge to see what was happening. However at the same time two youths from opposite spot her predicament and start wolf-whistling her. She continues dressing but wonders why she is there.

So how does Liz get off the balcony? What will she say to Vernon? Susan has the next report for you.

Martin Rosen

Part 2

Liz is stood on the balcony of her and Derek's love shack, after nearly being caught out by Derek's wife. Derek is inside the flat holding the door open a fraction trying to persuade his wife that he doesn't have another woman with him. She's clearly not a fool though and demands he lets her in.

Derek has to do some on the spot thinking and tells her he has just had a present for her delivered and he needed privacy to wrap it up before she saw it. His wife doesn't believe him and at the first chance she gets, she barges through the door, past Derek and into the flat.

Leanne is trying to work out how much food and drink she has ordered for tonights launch in her new restaurant. She asks the chef how many ciabattis she has ordered- to which he replies, "Too many" Leanne tells him she'd "appreciate a little less negativity". The chef is speaking to his assistant who tells him, they have far too much food and not enough drink and half the food will end up going to waste. Leanne overhears and tells them to speak to her face rather than behind her back. Leanne is wound up further when Roger turns up- quite obviously checking his investment is still secure. He tells Leanne that Janice has sent him to check on things- but Leanne clearly doesn't appreciate their gesture; "everytime I see you or Janice I realise how much debt i'm in"

The flat is clear, Derek has obviously convinced his wife he isnt hiding another woman and they have both left, so Liz lets herself back in the flat- she makes a tearful phone call to Derek, she wants to know whats going on, but more than that he still has her suitcase in the boot of his car!

Over at the Webster's and Rosie is making some phone calls, she wants to get a job now school is over- she has an interview later that day- and Sophie asks her where the job is, Rosie won't tell her- but she says its upmarket and the surprise for the family will be where the job is!

Liz is back at the Rovers- Vernon runs into the bar to greet her- he tells her he's been worried so she tells him, the traffic was terrible and her suitcase was put on the wrong coach by accident, she then tells him she just wants a lie-down- Vernon takes this as a hint she means a lie-down for the two of them and follows her up. A bit later, Liz is back in the bar, she lets Violet know that Shelley and the baby are fine. She then sits down to go over the books and lights up a cigarette, Violet has to remind her of the recent smoking ban here in the uk. Liz goes into the yard and makes another tearful phone call to Derek "I'm too old to be stood on a balcony in my underwear"

All is not well in Underworld, Liam is stood in the kitchen with the girls and Sean telling them jokes, when Carla comes in and makes the sound of a bell, "Breaks over" Liam tells them they still have two minutes but Hayley rounds them up and they return to their machines. Sally notices the front door open and Rosie appears to see Carla, she's come for a job in the office.

Liz is outside the Barlows with Blanche who is making a complaint about the amount of cigarette ends she has collected from outside her door since the smoking ban started- she's thoughtfully picked them all up one by one and put them into a plastic bag to show her. Blanche says she reckons she must have picked up about 2000, Liz asks her if she has counted them. Blanche warns that she is going to take the matter to the enviromental services unless Liz can sort the problem out- At that point Liz's phone beeps- its a text message, you can see from her face its Derek, but she tells Vernon its the bus company telling her they have found her case.

Back at Underworld, Carla has given Rosie the job, she starts the next morning- Rosie asks if she can go and tell her Mum, which Carla tells her she can. Rosie is really excited, but Sally looks quite jealous! Later when they are back at home, Sally tells Rosie that she feels as though she must be the only one Carla doesn't like.

Violet is working in the bar when Sean comes in- he wants to know if Violet is pregnant "I hate waiting" he says. Violet tells him he'll just have to be patient.

Tyrone and Molly are enjoying a drink in the Rovers, they've had a hard day running errands for Jack and Vera, the two are fed up of looking after them, Dev comes over and asks them if they would like a lift in his car to town to Leanne's new restaurant- they both say yes, and Dev decides to give them some friendly advice. He is getting annoyed with Molly, because she is having time off and running out on him to help Jack and Vera and he hints to Tyrone that maybe Kevin is thinking the same at the garage.

There's a guilty moment for Liz now, when Vernon tells her when he's not with her he feels like someone has hidden his drum-sticks, he misses her so much. As Vernon moves away she bursts to tears.

The restaurant opening night is in full swing, there is alot of guests and Leanne seems pleased with everything- she takes main stage to make a speech and just as she's thanking everyone for coming, Liam and Carla walk in, she pauses for a moment but carries on telling everyone to eat and drink as much as they want, The waiter tells her that they must get them to eat more and drink less or the booze will run out, Leanne isn't listening.

Derek is back in the Rovers- he asks Liz to meet him in the back alley. When the two get together outside, Liz gives him a piece of her mind- she's had enough and doesn't want their affair to carry one, "it won't happen again because its over" It takes a while to get the message through to Derek, but when it does go through he agrees to leave her alone- Liz gives him one last kiss and runs back into the Rovers.

Susan



Wednesday 11 July


It's early morning, and Liz is standing in the back yard of the Rovers, ciggie in hand and looking thoughtful. Vernon appears in the doorway, and hesitates for a moment. "So this is where you've got to," he says, "I woke up and you weren't there." She tells him she woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. He asks if there's anything she'd like to tell him and she says no. "But you are glad to be back?" he asks, and she tells him she is. He says he's going to get a shower and then he'll make her breakfast. As he turns to go she calls him. He turns, "I am glad to be back," she says.

It's Sally's birthday and when she comes downstairs Kevin and the girls sing Happy Birthday to her and give her presents. Then Rosie asks her if she should call her Mum or Sally at work. Sally looks a bit miffed and points out that she's still her mum.

Over at the Duckworth's, Tyrone is shocked to see Molly take Vera's address book from the hall table. When they get outside she tells him she intends to phone family members and tell them that she and Tyrone are being full time carers. "You can't do that!" exclaims Tyrone, but Molly says she can and she will.

Sally and Rosie step out of their front door. Rosie is keen not to be late, but Sally is talking to Kevin about the songs on the karaoke that evening. "As long as you don't sing Sally, Pride of Our Alley," she tells him.

A giggling Rosie arrives at the factory. Liam welcomes her, and wishes Sally a happy birthday. Carla tells her she doesn't yet know what she wants her to do. She reminds her that anything she hears in the office is confidential and she mustn't tell her mum. Rosie assures her that she understands.

Out in the back garden, Gail's peaceful world is shattered once more by noise coming from the next door neighbours' house. Just then Jodie and Jerry leap into the garden singing ‘Great Balls of Fire' at the tops of their voices. Gail shouts at them to pack it in and Jerry explains that they're just testing the karaoke machine for the evening's festivities.

Vernon takes his leave of Liz, and Violet asks her if she's ok. Liz confesses that she's let herself and Vernon down by messing around with another fella. Violet is dumbstruck. "I bet you wish you'd never asked now," says Liz.

Over at the Morton's, Gail is warbling along to Bridge Over Troubled Water – but is painfully out of tune.

At the factory, Hayley is organising a collection for Sally's birthday present. Carla comes along and Hayley asks if she'd like to contribute. "I suppose I'd better," says Carla, "at the risk of being called a skinflint." "I've bet you've been called worse!" quips Joanne as she walks past. Carla does not find it funny and demands an apology. "Sorry!" says Joanne, but doesn't really sound like she means it.

In the corner shop, Tyrone is discussing ‘Sally' songs with Dev. He's come up with Mustang Sally. Dev goes off to look up more on the computer. Molly tells Tyrone that now she can get on and make some more phone calls, and she pulls out Vera's address book. Tyrone tells her she can't just phone people up and tell them to look after Jack and Vera. Molly says she's already rung their Terry and their grandson Paul, but there was no answer so she's left messages. Tyrone is cross, and says that Jack and Vera will think they're just trying to palm them off on someone else. "Just leave it will you?" he tells her. "Well only for now," she says.

Kevin and Jerry are in the pub talking about the karaoke. Over at the table the girls are talking about Rosie's new job. Liz takes Violet to one side and tells her that the affair she told her about is over and done with.

Later, in the factory, they all give Sally her birthday pressie. Janice asks her if she's going to ask Mrs Connor to the evening bash. Sally goes off to ask her right then. Kelly isn't pleased at that, but Janice says Sally would have done it anyway. "She's always creeping round bosses," she says, as Rosie comes up. Janice tells her she knows she's her mother but she'll have to get used to a lot of things like that, working there. "I'm used to it anyway," says Rosie, sharp as a pin, "from what she says about you at home!"

Molly gets home, and quietly puts the address book back. She asks if there's been any phone calls. Vera tells her there hasn't. "Perhaps they don't want any phone calls," says Tyrone. Vera then asks Molly if she's seen her address book, she's been looking for it all day. Molly jumps up and ‘finds' it, and Vera then worries that she's losing her mind.

In the back room of the Rovers, Vernon asks Liz when her next night off is, "We'll have a night out," he says. "If you want to," says Liz. Vernon takes that to mean that Liz doesn't want to. Liz accuses him of picking on everything she says. Then she tries to explain it away, "There's so much to catch up on," she says. Vernon then says he's going to help her in the bar, "Even if you don't want me to," he adds. She protests that she never said that. "No, not said, exactly," he says.

In the bar the party is in full swing and Sally is worried because Kevin's planning to give a speech. Rosie tells her not to be horrible, and Sally says it's because he's not very good at that sort of thing. Kevin brandishes a bottle of champagne. "It depends on how much of this I've had," he says. "Oh," says Sally, "a drunken speech, that'll be good, won't it?"

Suddenly, Linda, Derek's wife comes in to the bar and asks Liz if they can go somewhere for a chat. Liz points out that now isn't a good time, maybe later on. Kevin then gets up to give his speech – which isn't very long but is rather charming. He says how he met her when she was 18 and now she's 40 and she hasn't changed. He says they all love her very much, and wishes her a happy birthday. Then the music starts and Kevin bursts into song – Mustang Sally.

Linda stands at the bar and starts to cry, so Liz hurriedly takes her into the back room. She tells Liz she's sure that Derek is going to leave her, she knows that he's been seeing somebody. Liz tries to reassure her that even if he has been seeing someone it doesn't mean that he's going to leave her, but Linda isn't convinced. Liz tries to tell her to do nothing, even if he has been seeing someone it might have blown over. "If you knew it was definitely over," says Liz, "would you be able to forgive him?" Linda tells her that she has before. Liz tells her that it IS over, she says that Derek has told her. Linda doesn't believe her, she says that Derek never tells anybody anything. "You're just trying to be nice to me," she says. Liz tries again to convince her. "It is over, I know." Linda wants to know how Liz knows. "Because it was me," she says, "it was me he was seeing!"

Out in the bar, everyone is having a great time. Liz comes back out looking worried, and smiles weakly at Vernon. Sally is singing along to the karaoke – These Boots Were Made for Walking!

Anne Logan



Friday 13 July

"I'm never going to be 40 ever again," moans Sally as Kevin puts a cup of coffee down in front of her. Rosie skips downstairs and screeches "Mum, you're not even dressed!" Kevin points out that Sally is fragile. Sally isn't going into work. "I just hope you remember this when I'm not well after a party," Rosie tells her gleefully. Kevin tells Sally that if she's having a day off he's got an idea.

As the factory staff arrive for work, Kevin goes over to tell Tyrone he's taking Sally out for the day. Tyrone reprises "Ride around Sally . . ." only to be told off by Janice, who looks to be in the same state of health as Sally.

In the pub, Vernon's made a cuppa and asks Liz if they've got a delivery today. Liz wants to know why he's asking, but it's just so he can sort out the cellar. Once he's gone, Liz asks Violet to do her a favour and deal with the delivery and to tell Derek that she's out. She tells Violet that yes, it was Derek. "I wasn't going to ask," says Violet. "Well, now I've told you," Liz says. "Just like I told his wife last night."

Kelly wants to know if she won't have to turn up when she turns 40. "Only if you're picking up the bill from the night before," says Liam. Sean asks him if Carla is managing to adapt and Liam says he doesn't know. Though he thinks Carla's much better now she's got Rosie to talk to.

In the office, Carla wants Rosie to make up a personal file on each worker, rather than have the rates of pay and personal details all separated out. She particularly wants Rosie to make up Joanne's personal file first.

Kevin and Sally get into the car and Kevin says he's going to be patient while she shops and then they'll find somewhere really nice for lunch.

Violet tells Liz that the delivery man is Malcolm, not Derek. Liz wonders if Derek's wife has told him to stay away from her. "All I had to do was keep my big mouth shut. So now I am going mad with worry wondering which one's going to turn up and tell Vernon."

Molly has left messages on Terry Duckworth's phone and on his son's but they won't get back to her. Dev doesn't think it strange at all that they don't want to be stuck with looking after Jack and Vera. Vernon comes in for relationship advice and Dev tells him he should tell Liz he's taking her out for dinner and book somewhere in Paris! Vernon points out the little problem of needing money to do that.

Jodie is in the salon and tells Maria she doesn't care what she does with her hair. "Just cut it all off." David rolls in on a wheeled chair, wanting to know if Maria is really going to be a bridesmaid. He thinks it's a hoot that the wedding is going to be just the same as last time. Sarah follows him from out the back and they bicker. David finds an interested audience in Jodie and tells her about Jason running off from his own wedding.

Kevin and Sally are in a canal-side restaurant (which looks cold and windy and their voices are drowned out by the sound of the Metrolink tram rumbling by. Sally's drinking white wine, despite swearing never to touch alcohol again. They talk about the days when they first go together.

Tyrone sits on the steps of the factory to eat his lunch and sees someone peering into Jack and Vera's front window. (Why does he take a packed lunch when he works across the road?) The man then moves along the street and goes around the corner by the shop.

Tyrone sprints across the street, lets himself in the front door, passes the Duckworths, who are eating their lunch, and gets to the yard just in time to see the man letting himself in through the gate. Tyrone accuses him of planning to burgle the place (that's "burglarise" if you're American!), but the guy says he's just dropping in to visit his grandparents. Yes, it's Paul. (Remember... Terry's son, who has one of Vera's kidneys)

Molly's back and they're all catching up with Paul. He thinks he might stay a couple of days. "So you've not got a job then," says Tyrone. Paul, now 21, is working as a chef but he's on holiday right now. Tyrone looks quite fed up at Paul getting all this attention and it's clear he doesn't like Paul. He goes back to work.

Kevin and Sally are still at lunch. Sally wonders what they'll do when the girls don't need them any more. Forty's not too bad, but what about 50 and 60 she wonders.

Vernon is on the phone to someone asking whether they'll come to the Rovers or he'll go to them. Liz, still paranoid, wonders who he's talking to. Sarah wants Jason to sort out David. Preferably by hitting him. Jason doesn't want to hit David, because then Gail will throw him out. "She'll understand," says Sarah. "Everyone wants to hit David." She's right. Even Maria wants to hit David.

Tyrone is hard at work when Paul turns up. He reckons he's just checking out where to bring his Porsche. Of course, he doesn't have one, though Tyrone is briefly excited at the thought. Paul's been sent out to put on a bet for Jack, though Paul says he'd do better by keeping the money. "I reckon that bookie's had enough of Grandad's money."

Liam can't understand why Carla wants a new admin system, but he knows she'll do what she wants anyway. She tells him to get off early. He goes and Rosie hands over Joanne's personal file. Carla praises her for waiting until Liam left to give it to her. "You learn quickly."

In the street, Jason asks David if he really thinks Jason's going to let down Sarah again. David says he just said it for a laugh. Jason says Sarah isn't laughing. "Yeah, well, I'll let you into a little secret," says David. "Sarah – she's not too bright." He moves away but Jason grabs him and pins him up against the window of the Kabin. With his face very close to David's, he tells him he will not let Sarah down again, but it's David who's letting her down. "What's up with you, eh, David? You're supposed to be her brother. Why don't you start acting like it?" David looks a bit shaken, though I think Charlie was better at putting the frighteners on him.

It's the end of the working day in the factory and Carla asks Joanne to stop behind. She tells Joanne they're overstaffed and Joanne was last in, so she'll be first out. Joanne argues that she wasn't last hired, but Carla says there was a break in her employment, and the cause doesn't matter. "In terms of continuity of service, you haven't been here very long at all." Joanne says that Liam won't let Carla sack her. "Liam is a very good friend of mine, and he promised me." Carla tells her she should never rely on the word of a man if it was given "in the heat of the moment." She'll send Joanne's P45 and her holiday pay and wishes her well in her career.

In the pub, Tyrone tells Molly about Paul keeping Jack's money. Jodie comes in with some weird highlights in her hair but moans that no-one ever looks at staff in a takeaway. "Takeaway staff – they're the dregs." (She's obviously overheard someone talking about Cilla and Yana, I think.) "I just wish I hadn't bothered, because what's the point?" she says. Violet doesn't say anything. Dev comes in and wants to know how Vernon got on. Vernon took his advice. Dev asks where he's going. Liz comes in before Vernon can answer. Liz asks him if he's heard anybody saying anything about her, but the very question confuses Vernon. Sean thinks it must be serious between Fiz and John if Fiz has turned down a drink because she's seeing John. They start to discuss their school days and then wonder where Jo is.

She's actually running across the street in the opposite direction to the pub. Tyrone and Molly are also in the street, on their way home. Tyrone agrees that Jack and Vera won't be keen to hear them saying something against Paul, but it has to be done.

There's a surprise waiting for them in the house. Jack has made a profit of £140 on the horses. Paul did put the bet on. He says he was just joking with Tyrone. "You're going to have to stop on if he keeps winning," Vera says. "You know, Gran, I might just do that," Paul says.

The End
Margaret Carr



Sunday 15 July

Much of the action tonight centers on Liz, Derek and Vernon. No I don't quite know what I found most objectionable - is it Liz for breaking the rules?, Derek for leading her astray (and not being particularly believable) or Vernon for simply being useless? Most of the latter of course is what lead Liz to seek entertainment elsewhere.

Anyway much of the episode is occupied by Liz worrying about Derek and what he might do next given that everyone knows except Vernon. At the start he wants her to trust him - why when she cannot trust herself? Anyway Vernon insists she has some time off and Liz is quite sarky in asking if Vernon will do her work whilst she is out. Liz departs just before an attractive, tall, young slim blonde arrives and on asking for Vernon she is ushered through to the back room. Much later Vernon and blonde emerge carrying some heavy boxes and he tells Sean and Violet that they should tell Liz he has been called away. He gets back before Liz and Violet gets stroppy and walks out saying she has done enough this week. Sean is not amused. Turning round Vernon is confronted by a very unhappy looking Derek apparently Linda has chucked him out and wants a divorce. Vernon sympathises. Liz returns. Derek sees her and tells her that Linda has left him - which seems at odds with his earlier statement. Vernon tells him to sit down and they will join him for a drink. Liz does not want to join them But Vernon insists that Derek needs his friends around him. Vernon asks about the affair and how long it has been going on. Liz shivers and tries to stop Derek going through the details but Vernon almost insists.

Vernon goes to get some drinks and Derek lays it on the line to Liz. They had agreed to keep it quiet. Liz says she could not live with the guilt. Anyway she owes him now - she had better deliver. Derek says she cannot live happily ever after whilst his life is ruined. He will tell Vernon unless she continues to see him regularly for a seeing to. She rejects the offer and he says he means it - so does she. On returning Vernon observes to Derek that there are plenty more pebbles on the beach and Liz agrees. This makes Derek's mind up. He downs a scotch and stands and Vernon wishes him well - pop in any time. Derek almost leaves, stops and tells Vernon - you know the woman I was seeing - well she is sitting right next to you. Liz shifts awkwardly in her seat. Derek says it all started the night he failed to turn up at the restaurant and it has been going on ever since. Derek recounts the subsequent story to prove the truth of it all. Liz does not argue. Derek departs, Vernon is just staring at Liz and she is crying.

Elsewhere Paul (last seen as a babe in arms and now allegedly a chef and I am sure he cannot be that old) keeps winding up Tyrone who has not taken to him at all. The Duckies and Molly all think Paul is wonderful of course. Tyrone should know a wrong 'un when he sees one - remember his mother - she should come back for a quick visit if she is out at the moment. Anyway Tyrone admits he and Molly are looking to live elsewhere so Paul can see a cushy future. Ty and My go off looking at houses and the former says call him on his mobile if needed. Paul tells him he has earned a break and not to worry. Vera tells Paul to take a rest on the sofa and hopes he found it comfortable - after all his father had done a lot of his courting on that sofa - and just stops short of telling Paul that he had probably been conceived on it!

When Ty and My get back the Duckies are eating Paul made snake and pygmy pie and that there is plenty to go round. My joins in by Ty, despite being raving hungry denies the pains and refuses to participate. Paul suggests he needs a pint and Vera tries to send the three youngsters off together but Ty refuses. Paul asks if he can stay a few days - he does not mind being with his family for part of his holiday. Later they do go to the Rovers and Paul gets the drinks in and gets Ty's back up at the same time. Amazing co-incidence that he is on holiday the day Molly phoned. Molly simply observes that she is providing them with relief and a potential opportunity to move out and will Ty please keep it to himself.

Sally and Kev are having a quiet Sunday morning reading the papers - she is looking at the jobs page and turns up a coffee shop assistant on 5.30 an hour. Kev she can leave Underworld when she is ready - but there is no hurry she can find the right job (probably in a garage under the boss - that sounds familiar). Later they are sitting on the bench eating a takeaway and talk about Sal getting a new job. Sal reckons she needs to decide what sort of person she is and the job will follow. Kev reckons she does not need to change but she is insistent that she wants to better herself and needs to get it right. Kev is right behind her!

In the garden at Gail's, David, Sarah and Gail are suffering noises from Darryl's new guitar in the shed next door. And the children laugh at their mother as they know that if she goes and complains she will be joining in the entertainment. Many hours later Darryl emerges from the shed but Gail says nary a thing about her disturbed afternoon - and David merely asks when he his playing his first gig. Sarah observes that effectively Darryl has won. Not so counters Gail. I have been indoors on the phone to the council. They told her to log all disturbances and they could then follow up on it. Gail reckons the equipment will be confiscated and there will be some court visits (somehow I doubt it).

Ashley and Claire return - but nothing seems much better than when they went away. Ashley sell the house and move away - you have had a wife murdered, another one go insane and almost had your child and wife burnt to death. And it is not even numbered 13. Freddie appears to have straight blonde hair.

Back in the Rovers Vernon is still unsure and asks Liz to confirm Derek's story. Liz says she tried to tell him the previous day but could not manage it. She says she loves him and he does not believe it. He gets travel tickets out of his pocket - this is real love he says - a trip to Paris and ...
now I have to admit even my heart turned at this point Vernon the uncaring wastrel has
not simply gone and borrowed a bit of dosh or even gone and done some work for a change
but
he
has
actually sold

Spoiler
space -

I promise you this is worth it!!

Vernon has sold (presumably to the tall willowy attractive blonde dolly tart we saw earlier)...

his "Northern Soul Collection"

No love is greater than that laid down by a man when he sells his record collection.

Vernon we love you.

And then he picks the tickets back up from the table and very slowly and very carefully tears them into pieces which he throws in Liz's face. And as he observes he was the one that got the surprise after all.

Vernon packs saying he had been looking forward to getting married. Anyway he pushes past her and out of the back door. Liz tries to stop him and says he should scream at her - it is what she deserves. He grabs her and throws her against the door and asks if she wants knocking about - is that what Jim did? He denies that he is that kind of man and he thought that she loved him for being different. She claims she did love him (sorry Liz if that was true why did you ever see anything in Derek). She cries. Vernon picks up his bag, and walks away looking very hurt. Liz dissolves in tears.

See you again soon for the next Sunday update.

K Richard W



Monday 16 July

PART 1

This episode of Coronation Street is
Written by Stephen Russell
Directed by Neil Alderton
Produced by Steve Frost
Sponsored by Cadburys
CORONATION STREET is copyright of ITV productions

Peacock's; Ashley and Josh come down and say happy birthday to Freddie. Claire says she's been up ages and already said it. She says it again. Ashley asks if she's going to be ok and not tired for the party. She says it's only a kid's party and will be fine. Ashley says it's a first birthday.

Outside Liz says she's left lots of messages and says he is not going to forgive her. Violet asks if she really cares as to her Vernon was better then nothing. Liz snaps saying she feels bad she cheated on him and really loved him. Violet says she is sorry.

Garage; Tyrone is chatting and Kevin tells him less chatting and more work. Tyrone says he thought he liked the stupid chats. Kevin says they can go home early. Tyrone asks what he's got on and he says Freddie's birthday. Tyrone says he does not want to go home with Paul there.

Peacock's; Ashley asks if she is ok with a bit of organizing. Claire says yeah and is looking at this as a house warming. Ashley says it couldn't get much warmer. She says she is not ready for jokes. Claire has to decorate the house. Ashley says let's have a party. Claire does not look sure.

Outside Yana gives a leaflet to someone. Cilla asks why she is the chip's hat and not the fish hat. Yana tells her she is taller and fish is long. Darryl comes out Jerry's saying they are scaring the customers and for them to get back in their clown car. Yana says the leaflets are about the chippy.

Jerry's; Mel tells Darryl just to leave them and not rise to it. Darryl says they are doing his head in. Mel says they are only out there because they know they have lost and they have won. Mel tells him just to leave it.

Outside Jamie asks Liam if he is skiving. He says he's been working from home and soon will be working from home in the hairdressers. Liam then asks where he goes to get his hair done. Jamie says in town. Liam says he will go into the salon, as he won't get a footballer's wife's haircut.

Salon; Maria asks if Liam is lost. He asks if they do guys. Sarah says yeah but it's usually a polish. Maria asks if he wants it washed but is told no. Sarah says she survives on the tips. He tells Maria he wants the haircut she dreamed about when she was training.

Streetcars; Jamie says he would be sore if he was in that chair all night, then asks why Liz kicked him out. Lloyd's says he dumped Liz as she was cheating on him. Vernon says he is glad that his pain gives them something to talk about. Lloyd asks Vernon how long he is staying for.

Butchers; Kick asks when he puts on a blue glove. Ashley sees he has plasters all over his hands and tells him to be careful. He says he is fine. Kevin comes in asking if Ashley wants to go for a drink. Kirk tells him to go and he will be fine.

Rovers; Liz says sorry to Violet and says if she was thinking that then Vernon was thinking that. Kevin asks Ashley how Claire is. He says she is ok and everything is back to normal. He thought Claire would not want to come home but she did and has bounced back.

Outside Jamie says he does not mind telling Vernon to go. Lloyd says Vernon can stay. As he goes into Jerry's, Cilla asks if he knows what's in them and he says the scraping of the Slater floor and goes in. Yana says she is getting another job and Cilla should ask Leanne for a job.

Rovers; Kelly says the colour of Fiz's top is not nice and does not suit her. Liam asks if he can get them drink. They say not off him and tell him Joanne has been sacked. Liam looks a bit shocked and says he is going to give the bag of bones a shack.

Factory; Liam says this is not on and asks Rosie to leave the room. Carla tells her to stay, then says he said they were over staffed. Liam says yeah and was going to lay off one of the casual workers and Joanne was a good machinist. He tells her this is not over.

Rovers; Kelly says she still does not like the top. Kevin says there is something nagging Sally but is not going to ask. Ashley says he better get back before Kick cuts off all his fingers. Kevin asks why they have ended up with Loral and Harold. Ashley asks if he wants to swap them.

Cafe; Hayley tells Sally it's not a new sandwich she needs but a new challenge. Becky says she should do a literacy class. Sally says she can read. Roy says she was meaning further education. Hayley asks how the cake is going and thinks it's lovely. Roy says Becky is getting the present.

Streetcars; Vernon has lots of messages. Lloyd makes a joke. Vernon says everyone thinks he is a joke, ok to have a drink with but not talk to him like a real person. Liz was the only one that respected him. He has nothing going for him. Jamie comes in and makes a joke. Vernon leaves.

Garage; Kevin says night classes. He asks why she can't enjoy life. She tells him she thinks he goes through life as if it's an inconvenience. Ashley comes up and asks if they have seen Claire. She has not done the decorations. His mobile goes off and he is told Josh has not been picked up.

Rovers; Maria says Audrey is not going to want to run the Salon forever and says they need to get more people like Liam coming in. Sarah says they'd need to change the location. Maria says they would need to change everything about it. They both agree it's never going to happen.

Cafe; Becky says cheer up. Vernon says, as it might not happen. He tells her it has already happened so there is no point in cheering him up. Becky says she is going to get the present now. Kirk comes in asking for change of a fifty. Roy says its fake. Kirk says he left him in the shop.

Peacock's; Claire comes in. Ashley asks where she has been. Kevin takes Josh to the garden. She says she went to the police station. He tells her she forgot to pick Josh up. She says she thought he was doing it and she did want to decorate the house. He says they will forget about it.

Rovers; Lloyd tells Liz that Vernon is ok and he thinks no one takes him serious. She asks where he is but he does not know as Jamie makes a joke and he took off. Violet says he can be insensitive. Jamie just comes in and Liz asks if he has seen Vernon. Jamie says yes.

Peacock's; Kevin says he will see them later. Ashley asks if Claire is ok. She says he is always asking and knows she should not have gone to the police, but can't let it rest and it's nagging her. Ashley says they get on with their lives. Claire sobbing says she can't and storms out.

Where has Claire gone? Is she coming back and if so will it be in time for the party?

Episode rating 8/10 Vernon says his true feelings and I think half the people now feel sympathetic for him and like him. Claire going off the rails makes this a good episode.

This report is Copyright M@nda

Amanda Souter

Part 2

Ashley is on the phone to Claire's Mum- Yvonne. "Are you sure?" "No, Yvonne I'm not accusing you", he puts the phone down. Joshua is on the sofa playing with his toy and asks his Dad where Mum is, Ashley looks worried but puts on a brave face- "She's just lost track of time, Josh"

Vernon is in Roy's Rolls with dark sunglasses on, he's just spinning a bottle of brown sauce round the same spot with his hand as Roy interrupts, he's trying to pack up for the day as he has "an appointment" Vernon laughs and says he has one too- "an appointment down lonely street" Roy is oblivious as to why Vernon is so down in the dumps and tells him, he has a birthday party to go to shortly- Vernon seems drunk and tells Roy to "stop calling me shortly, I'm of a perfectly normal height" Roy's getting desperate now and starts clearing the table around him- just as it seems Vernon might go- Liz walks in and asks Roy for two tea's, Seeing that Liz looks in no mood to be messed with, Roy obliges and goes off to make them.

Mel, Jerry and Emily turn up at the Peacocks, The Mortons spotted Emily in town and have given her a lift home- hence why the three turn up together- their early and Ashley hasn't quite got everything organised. Claire isn't back and Ashley has no choice but to greet his guests without her. Jerry asks where she is and Ashley tells him "She's just nipped out for something, she won't be long" Ashley goes up to get changed for the party while his guests entertain his kids.

Back in the Cafe, Roy is suited and booted ready for the Peacock's celebrations and he's sat rather embarrassed behind Vernon and Liz, as they discuss their relationship- Liz is sorry, but Vernon isn't interested- he thinks Liz has never taken him seriously. He doesn't want her sorry's. Hayley bustles into the cafe, she's been waiting around for Roy and is annoyed that he hasn't even set off yet. Roy has another dilemma though- he sent Becky out for Freddie a birthday present and she's come back with a big plastic fire engine, something clearly suitable for Joshua's age but not for one year old Freddie! Hayley forgets her anger with Roy and forcefully suggests that Vernon and Liz have to go- Now!

Once out on the street Liz asks Vernon if its over- Vernon can't say it is as he obviously still loves her. Liz sees that there's an opportunity to get back with him, but he storms off "I'm just too angry, Liz"

Hayley and Roy are on a mission to get a toy for Freddie and make it back for at least half of the party. They go in Street Cars, but there's no taxi's available for 40 minutes- Roy declares that since Lloyd wouldn't get them one sooner- he'll not be getting his bread dipped in the bacon fat anymore (something Lloyd apparently requests when he orders a bacon sandwich) Luckily for them though, a bus has just pulled up and the two get on it.

Freddie's first birthday bash is in full swing, slowly the Peacock's house has filled up- but the party is still minus Claire. Yvonne is fussing around Ashley, who keeps telling everyone "Claire will be back in a minute" Yvonne doesn't believe he knows where Claire is but Ashley asks her just to keep quiet and leave him alone. Kevin and Sally are also speculating that Claire hasn't just 'nipped out' Just as they are about to give Freddie his presents without his Mum being there to watch him open them- In she comes. Claire enters with a green shopping bag, inside is a blue cushion- Ashley looks furious "You've been out all this time for a cushion"- Claire doesn't look as though she is wrong in any way "I thought we might need it for the party" she says innocently and goes to Freddie.

Lloyd is in the Rovers- somewhere he might wish he wasn't when Liz approach's. She has a proposition for him- he has a spare room, so could he let Vernon stay with him? Lloyd doesn't look too happy at the prospect- until Liz mentions she'd pay, as long as Vernon didn't know she was involved.

Back at the Party and Ashley pulls Kevin over to one side- he wants to know what Claire is saying to their guests, according to Kevin she's just chatting about the party. At that moment the doorbell rings, Ashley answers it- Its Casey. She tells Ashley she wants to speak to him and Claire- she's sorry and wants to make a groveling apology to the both of them for the way she behaved. She's bought Freddie a present, she says she didn't know about the party but she knew it was Freddie's birthday. Ashley goes back in after turning her away and fills Claire in on their conversation.

Casey has nearly disappeared around the corner when Claire runs out after her- She wants to hear Casey's side of the story. "I'm really sorry we fell out Claire, I loved having you as a friend" They sit on the wall together, "I put two and two together and came up with six, I couldn't think of anyone else so I thought you must have started the fire" Claire explains. Casey asks Claire to forgive her for the nasty things she's said, but says it was down to her being accused for something she didn't do, she adds that she knew what a tragic time Claire was having and she should have been more patient when Claire went round to question her. Claire looks thoughtful "Come to the party"

Roger and Janice are dining in Leanne's restaurant when the entertainment arrives- Cilla comes in to ask for a job, she is told by Leanne to "get stuffed!" "but we're family" Cilla protests. Leanne is adamant Cilla won't get a job and sends her out of the restaurant. Cilla storms out and pulls the pots off a table as she passes. Janice breaks into a fit of laughter at Cilla's expense. Roger doesn't look too happy with the restaurant- its quiet and he doesn't think there can be much profit in food unless Leanne is constantly busy- It seems Roger is worried about his investment.

Claire has abandoned the party to sit with Casey talking, Clare is filling her in on all the happenings since they were last friends. Ashley comes in annoyed that Claire has neglected her guests, when they are all waiting to sing Happy Birthday and cut the cake, he goes in to get her but stops in his tracks when he hears Claire's conversation with Casey- she's telling her that Ashley doesn't trust her and thinks she's "going mad" Ashley stands back and clearly looks hurt, that Claire hasn't spoken to him first before presuming what he thinks.

Casey has to go home, so Ashley asks Claire if she's coming- Claire knows he's been listening to her conversation- but Ashley denies it and walks out- Kevin runs after him into the Street, but Ashley is livid and refuses to go back in "I can't stand it anymore Kev, I just can't"

Susan



Wednesday 18 July

It's morning in the Peacock household. Ashley comes downstairs to find Claire on the phone to the police station and Joshua still in his pajamas, waiting for his breakfast. Ashley takes over with the breakfast.

Over at the Duckworth's, Tyrone moans to Molly that Paul is sitting in his place at the table. He goes on to say he's been sitting with Vera upstairs, she's bored. Molly wonders if they couldn't set up something for her downstairs, but Jack looks up from his study of the racing pages with Paul, to say he thinks she's best upstairs – it's handy for the toilet. He then goes back to studying form and picks out a horse for Paul to put a bet on for him. Tyrone, with a face like a wet weekend, tells Jack that he's running late and will have to feed the pigeons for him at lunchtime. Paul says that he's already done it – and given them chopped up bacon fat like his granddad told him to. Tyrone looks even less happy.

Over in the factory, Hayley asks Rosie what she's going to spend her earnings on. Rosie tells her nothing special, just things like shoes and great nights out. Sally turns to her and tells her that they must sort out how much she's going to have to pay them for her board and lodging, now that she's earning.

Joanne comes in to work, after being given her job back by Liam, and is just wondering what machine to sit and when she's spotted by Carla. "What are you doing here?" she demands to know. Joanne asks whether or not she's spoken to Mr. Connor. "Spoken to Mr Connor about what?" says Liam, coming up behind them. Carla stares for a moment and then realises what's gone on. "Sorry Joanne, but what I said still stands," she tells her. Liam, however, tells Jo to stay where she is. They then decide to go and discuss it in the office. "Just get on with your work," Carla tells the staff. "Not you!" she says to Joanne.

Ashley gets back home after dropping off Josh to school, late. He apologises for the night before, saying he couldn't bear the idea of her talking to Casey about them. "Only because I can't talk to you," she tells him. She tells him she knows he thinks she's over reacting to everything. He says they can't live their lives like that every day. "How do you expect me to be? Relaxed? Cheerful?" she asks him. He says he wants to help her, he loves her. She tells him she can't deal with it the way he's dealing with it and she goes off upstairs.

Back at Underworld, Liam thinks Carla is sacking Joanne in order to get at him. Carla scoffs and says they're overstaffed, and she was the last one in. Rosie is in the office and asks if she should go elsewhere. Carla tells her to get on with what she's doing. Carla reminds Liam that she's the majority shareholder. "Sorry Loverboy, she's out of here!" she says and marches out to the factory floor where she tells Jo that what she said before still stands. Liam however, is still arguing with Carla, when Joanne tells them to listen to themselves, they're just scoring points off each other while messing with people's lives. "It's nothing personal," says Carla. "It's my job," says Jo, "but you two idiots couldn't give a monkey's, could you?" That's all Carla needs, she declares that insubordination and Jo is sacked on the spot.

Over at the restaurant, the head waiter and the chef are pouring scorn on Leanne's efforts to the run the place. "Not a clue!" they mutter to each other. Leanne, meanwhile, has been studying the food orders and queries the cheese prices with Tony, the chef. "I could get cheaper at Freshco," she says. "Well, if you want to do the ordering as well?" he replies, obviously miffed. She tells him she's just trying to get her head round it all, and asks him to make her a sandwich. "Kitchen's not open," he says. She looks sharply at him and he assures her he was just joking. When they're alone the waiter (sorry I've forgotten his name) turns to Tony. "I'll give her a month," he says. "That's 3 weeks longer than I give myself," he mutters, and explains that a mate of his is opening a new place in town. "Interested?" he asks the waiter, who replies that he is.

In the factory, the workers are walking to the door with Joanne, as she leaves the premises. Liam comes up and tells her he's sorry, and then sends the others back to work.

Claire comes downstairs with Freddie and a holdall. She tells him she thinks it's best to go to her mum's for a couple of nights. She's no good to him and Josh like she is. She can't sleep – at least at her mum's she'll get a proper night's sleep. "It's this house, Ashley," she tells him, and explains how she jumps at every noise in the night. "This doesn't feel right," says Ashley, but Claire says that she and Freddie are just going to visit her mum, and she asks him to help her get Freddie in the car.

Eileen and Pat are eating in the café, watched by Becky. "Can we help you?" asks Eileen, eventually. Becky explains that what they've just eaten has a zero carbon footprint, the eggs and spuds came from less than two miles away – Roy's new policy. "Except for the plate," says Eileen, turning it over, "it says Taiwan!" Just then Jason and Sarah come in, and Eileen introduces them to Pat.

Claire has called Casey, and she comes to visit. Casey asks if she's left Ashley, but Claire tells her she just needed a few days break. Casey is very sympathetic, and Claire wonders why Ashley can't see it like that. "He's making out like I'm overreacting, while he's under reacting," she says.

It's lunchtime and Janice has gone to the restaurant which appears to be very busy. "Lunchtime special, a fiver," Leanne explains. "Not much profit but hopefully puts the word out." Leanne confesses that she's finding the paperwork difficult, the accounts and the VAT. Janice is sure it will get easier. Leanne then tells Janice that she's going to have a problem making Roger's first payment, but is sure she'll be all right next month.

Over in the cafe, Pat pays the bill and goes, leaving Eileen with Jason and Sarah. After he's gone Sarah jokes that if they're not careful Eileen and Pat will be going down the aisle before them. Eileen is quiet, and Jason asks what's up. She confesses that Pat's married – and I don't want any lectures! They stare at her dumbstruck.

The factory workers are leaving for the night, and Wiki turns to Carla. "I feel I should say something about Joanne," she says. "Do yourself a favour," replies Carla, "Don't!" Wiki turns and follows the other girls. As Sally walks across the road with her daughter, she says she wants to know everything that's gone on in that office. Rosie tells her it's confidential. "But what's for tea?" she asks. "If you want tea, I want details," says Sally.

Ashley opens his front door to find Casey standing there. She tells him she's been to talk to Claire and she thought he might need someone to talk to as well. He asks her in.

In the Rovers, Molly tells Tyrone that she can't understand his problem with Paul. Tyrone says he doesn't trust him. "How long could we have gone on by ourselves?" she asks him. "We were doing all right, weren't we?" mutters Tyrone. "No, we weren't!" says Molly, and points out they now have their lives back, they are in the pub, having a drink without a baby monitor, that's a result as far as she's concerned.

Carla approaches Janice in the pub, and asks how Leanne is doing. "I bet she brings a whole new meaning to the words ‘table service'" she says. Janice just smiles sweetly and says Leanne is doing great, and Carla should pop in there. "I'm fussy where I eat, thanks," says Carla, and moves away. Roger turns to Janice and congratulates her on not rising to the bait. Janice says she knows Carla is just waiting for an excuse to sack her, but then confesses that all is not quite so great and Leanne can't pay Roger any of his money back this month. "It's just a few teething problems," she says. Roger isn't too pleased, but accepts it.

Carla is moaning to Sean about the attitude of the rest of the girls all day. "You'd have thought I'd been drowning a sack of kittens," she says. Sean tells her he knows she's still upset about Paul, "But.." he starts to say, "the way you're being with the girls….." She tells him to spare her the lecture, she doesn't need him having a go on top of everyone else.

Paul comes into the Duckworth's and hands Jack a wad of notes. The horse won! Jack hands him a note back and tells him to go and get him some cigars and beer. Tyrone turns round, frosty faced, "I'm not sure a night on the booze is a good idea," he says. "Isn't that what you said about the bet?" asks Jack.

Outside in the Street, Roger's van won't start. Janice tells him not to worry, Kevin will fix the van in the morning. Roger then confesses that the ten thousand pounds he lent Leanne has cleared him out, he has no spare cash to get his van fixed. Janice is amazed that he gave it to her, if that was the case.

At the Peacock's, Ashley is having a heart to heart with Casey. He feels that Claire running away is not doing any good, it's splitting up the family, when he really just wants to help and protect her. Casey seems to be very understanding and sympathetic, when Joshua calls from upstairs. Casey leaves, saying she's only a phone call away. Josh comes downstairs, "Where's Mummy? Where's Freddy?" he asks. Ashley tells him he can sleep in his bed tonight. "We can both do with cuddle, can't we?" he says.

Anne Logan



Friday 20 July

It's Friday, and as we open, Roger and Tyrone push Roger's van's over the cobbles towards the garage, with Tyrone saying it's lucky Roger broke down so close to the garage. Roger isn't so sure you can say "broke down" and "lucky" in the same sentence. Roger needs his van back quickly – it's got someone's boiler in the back.

At Janice's flat, Leanne is getting ready for work and seems very bright and optimistic. She tells Janice she thinks Roger handed over ten grand so Leanne had to go to work every day and he could stay in with Janice. She breezes off out the door and behind her, Janice sighs.

Casey knocks on Ashley's door. She knows he likes "proper coffee" so she's brought him some. She wants to know whether there's anything she can do and offers to take Joshua to school. Ashley refuses. He wants things to be as normal as possible for Josh. But he does give Casey the shop keys and asks her to take them to Kirk and ask him to open up. Is it just me or can you all hear the jungle drums of doom?

At the garage, Roger is horrified to discover that it'll take £300 to fix the van. And no, Kevin can't do a discount for cash because most of that cost is the parts.

Sean and Violet are chatting. He thinks their theme song would be "Strangers In The Night" because you couldn't really get a stranger pairing. He thinks that one day Violet will be able to tell their grandchildren that their granddad loved them so much he dedicated a song to them. She asks if he's not planning on sticking around but Sean thinks the most he'll be is the mad old lodger.

Ashley arrives at the shop to discover Casey in there, wearing Claire's white overall and a striped apron. She tells him Kirk is ill and she's told some customers that Ashley will be back in ten minutes. She says she just put on the outfit so she looked official.

Vernon is in the cafe when Liz comes in and asks if she can sit down. She's brought him an envelope full of money to replace the money he paid out for the tickets to Paris. Vernon tells her that once upon a time he would have said it was a shame things didn't work out but there were plenty more fish in the sea. But his relationship with Liz was different. He still loves her. Liz still loves him, too. She pleads with him to come back. "It would be like looking in the same mirror you always have, only with a big crack in it," Vernon says. He tells her to keep her money.

It's lunchtime and Rita and Doreen are at the Italian restaurant. They're a bit startled to find that the restaurant has run out of Pinot Grigio. Leanne is all sweetness and light while she's chatting to them and offering them something else, but once out of sight she practically pins the waiter up against a wall to demand to know why nobody told her about problems like this. "Either you help me make a go of this or we go out of business," she tells the waiter and chef. "And if it's a success, we'll all be happy, won't we?" They don't look as if they agree.

Joanne arrives at the factory when only Carla and Liam are there. She tells them they owe her and she's taken legal advice. The lawyer thinks she's got a good case for unfair dismissal. She also says she has a case against Liam for sexual harassment. "I've told them how you deliberately got me on me own after work and came on to me. He tells her it wasn't like that, but Joanne says it felt like that, especially when he made her keep it a secret. "That was for your sake, so you wouldn't get stick off the others," he says. She says he dumped her when everybody else found out. He says she'll just get laughed at and wants to face her in court, but Carla tells him to shut up. "All right, missy," she says, pen and cheque book in hand, "how much?"

There are people eating at nice tables surrounded by nice shrubs outside Valandro's. Why haven't we seen that before? Inside, the waiter, Luigi, is on his mobile phone but has to end the call when Rita calls him over. He looks really fed up. Rita asks for the bill and when he goes to get it, Leanne comes over to ask if everything was OK. Doreen says: "I'm sure you'll have everything running properly soon, love." Not exactly fulsome praise.

Leanne fronts up to Luigi in the kitchen and tells him she doesn't want to see him on his mobile phone again. "It were important," he says, as the chef watches on in silence. "Nothing's more important than keeping your job," Leanne tells him sanctimoniously. "If you say so," he says.

Carla suggests Liam should think of becoming a priest because he's got such bad taste in women. Joanne tells him he didn't even stop to consider that she might not fancy him. "I never forced you to do owt. ‘No thanks, Liam' works every time. Carla hands him a cheque but he says there's no way they're giving Joanne £5,000. Carla insists he hand it over to Joanne, because the sooner they get rid of her the better. He does and stalks off. "If I were you," says Carla, "I'd use that to get well out of Liam's sight. And mine." Joanne leans over and tells Carla that all she is is a mouthy old slapper who just got lucky.

Rita and Doreen are at Eliot & Son's. Ashley's not completely with it and goes out the back to get what they want. While he's gone, they start to gossip about the fire and Claire, with Doreen saying Claire went loopy once but how can you tell she's really better. "Are you a doctor, then?" asks Casey, coming in behind them. With Doreen and Rita watching interestedly, Casey tells Ashley she can go and pick up Josh. If he gives her the keys and rings the school to let them know, she'll take Josh home and look after him so Ashley doesn't have to shut the shop. Rita and Doreen exchange meaningful looks.

Roger picks up his van but tells Janice he can't wait round. He has to get off and earn some of the money to pay for the repairs. Jamie and Lloyd walk down the street. (Jamie looking a very strange shape – like a bodybuilder who's overdone it) Jamie thinks he'll be stuck with Vernon for a while, but Lloyd thinks Vernon will be back with Liz by the weekend. They meet a cheerful Vernon and Lloyd starts to brag about his ability to tell the future. But he's got it wrong. Yes, Vernon is moving out of Jamie's place, but it's because he's got a job with a resident band in Marbella. He's off tomorrow. "Music lifts your soul. It never breaks your heart," Vernon tells them.

Ashley arrives home to find no Josh and no Casey. He's just picking up the phone when they arrive. "We went for a burger for a treat," she says. "I should have said." She asks if he's heard anything from Claire. She can understand why Claire doesn't want to be round here at the moment. She's heard the gossip. Ashley offers her a drink but Casey has to go.

In the pub, Liz tells Violet about Vernon turning down the money.

Tyrone and Molly are in the restaurant. Leanne recommends the trio of pasta and Pinot Grigio for the wine. "We just got a consignment in today." She spots the waiter and chef talking and stomps over to them. "Every time I turn my head I see you two gossiping like a pair of old women," she says. They tell her they work hard. "We're carrying you," says Luigi. Leanne demands to know what he means and he says that for a start, she can't pronounce the names of half the dishes. "Who do you think you're talking to?" Leanne demands. He curls his lip, looks her up and down and says: "I know who. And I know what." Leanne sacks him on the spot. The chef, Tony, says that if Luigi goes, he goes. Leanne can't understand why he'd rather be on the dole than working. Luigi says she'll be on the dole before they are. "I was asking him if he wants to come and work with me. I've lined us both up with jobs. We start tomorrow." "You're just going to walk out?" Leanne asks. "Think we were gonna wait till you went bankrupt?" asks Tony. "Arrivederci!"

Ashley's asleep on the sofa when Claire creeps in. He's pleased to see her, but she's not staying. She says she's better off at her mother's. Josh doesn't need to see them arguing. She goes upstairs to get some of her things.

Leanne's bustling round the restaurant in a manic way when Janice arrives. Leanne tells her she's never been so glad to see her. "Get your coat off."

In the pub, Sean wants to know whether Violet feels pregnant. She points out she won't know until at least next week whether she is. Liz comes in to ask Jamie and Lloyd about Vernon. She says she's spoken to him and while he isn't ready to forgive her, he did say he still loved her. Watching them talk is Becky, who ruins all their careful non-committal answers by asking Liz if she's going to Spain with Vernon. "He was in Roy's when he got the call." Liz realises that Lloyd knew about it. "I was trying to break it gently," he says. An apologetic Becky realises Liz didn't know. "It's too hot there this time of year, anyway," she says. Liz just looks shocked.

Leanne and Janice sit in the empty restaurant. "Do you know, if I weren't so tired, I'd be out there now looking for Luigi with a baseball bat," Leanne says. Janice is more worried about the "before you go bankrupt" comment – which I find very strange because she wasn't there when it was said, and it's an odd thing for Leanne to tell her about. Leanne points out how busy they were tonight. The trouble is, that because they were so busy, she wanted to keep everyone happy and kept giving them free wine. So they haven't made a profit tonight. She tells Janice it might take her a bit longer to pay back Roger. "That isn't going to be a problem, is it?" "It is, actually," Janice tells her. She says the ten grand was all Roger's savings. Leanne thinks it means that now they're stuck with Roger, though Janice points out that she does like him. "Oh, great," says Leanne. "So if this place does go down, it just makes everything worse. What a nightmare!"

The End
Margaret Carr



Sunday 22 July

Here we are again. To my mind events on the Street are a little bit strange at present - am I alone in thinking that the stories are a little odd - but perhaps it is just me.

Vernon is ready to depart - sitting in the Cab Office "Leaving on a Jet Plane", Lloyd is glad Vernon is going. Why - well he is OK - but he has a song for every event and Lloyd cannot handle all the singing. Vernon is about to depart with another verse when a voice announces "Hola". Liz says that is hello in Spanish. Vern replies that he is going to Marbella (which is so upmarket they all speak English) and he does not need to learn Spanish. Liz says she wishes she knew the Spanish for "Please do not go". Vernon tells her that it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. What - playing in some little hotel in Spain? Vernon says he has given up his "career" for her and it has not made either of them happy. She wails that she wants a second chance. He says he cannot. And yet he is giving them up for a band? Yes - he wants to get away from her as far as possible. But she says there will be thousands of tanned fit women throwing themselves at you. He denies that is of interest to him (as if). She pleads for him to stay, but it is too late and the damage has been done. She removes the engagement ring and hands it back to him, asking his departure time. 5:30 and Lloyd is taking him to the airport. He kisses her hand and says bye bye babe and departs leaving her in tears.

At the restaurant Leanne is lying her head off - apparently there has been a power cut and they will be closed today (the lights are on but there is no chef of course). Janice is sniping - but Leanne says she always blames the boss - the response is that she and her boyfriend are investors which makes them capitalists! They return to the flat where Leanne tells Roger that they will be open again the next day - she has got an agency to provide a chef and yes she will be paying commission on top of wages just to keep them going. Anyway needs must.

Kev goes to see Ashley as he says he has not seen Claire recently. Ashley explains Claire is at her mother's - they have been getting on each other's nerves so they needed a bit of a break to prevent it getting worse. Ash says it has been bad but this will help. Kev says that if needs any help he knows where he can be found.

At the Rovers Liz tells Violet she does not know what she will do without Vernon around [this is where I have a problem - she really did not seem to care about him]. Then Otis Redding starts on the juke box and Liz turns it off. It was "their song" - he sang it the first night they slept together - he often did that - she could make a compilation CD of the songs he sang to her, at which point the metaphorical light bulb goes on and she asks Vi to look after the bar for a while by herself.

Elsewhere in the Rovers Carla asks Leanne if she has gone bust already. No - well you will if you are not open at busy times! Leanne says there is an electrical problem. Carla says "Oh well we live in hope" and departs. Leanne tries to re-assure Roger that he has made a good investment, there have just been a couple of setbacks but it will be alright.

Liz arrives at the cab office and she asks Lloyd for a favour - but Lloyd says that there is not much he can do with Vernon. Liz gives him a tape and asks him to play it in the car on the way to the airport - it consists of some favourite songs. She says she is desperate but she loves him and it is her last chance. A little later Vernon and Lloyd load the car and are ready to depart, Vernon is clearly not happy and forcing a smile they set off. Lloyd produces the cassette and turns it on - Vernon says it is OK so long as it is not heavy metal grunge.

In the Rovers Eileen and Pat are cuddling in the corner, much to the annoyance of Jason. Vi asks what he thinks - Jason says that Pat is married - but as Violet points out he makes Eileen happy and she knows about it. A little later Pat pulls her closer for a kiss, but Eileen almost says no. Pat asks why - it is the evil eye from Jason on the other side of the bar. Pat says it is a bit late to be coy and she agrees and the rest of the scene can be summed up as "Get a room", as it is certainly not fit for public viewing. Later the two of them leave arm in arm, but stop at the bar to tell Jason that his evil looks are getting to her, so she has decided to take them in consideration. Jason asks if she is dumping Pat - no they are going to have a dirty weekend away from Jason.

In the car Vernon has started singing along to "Get Ready" - Motown, great says Vernon. Kendrick and Ruffin at their best. A man who knows his music. Vernon recalls he once sung the entire song on to Liz's answering machine after a three day bender. Lloyd grits his teeth and carries on driving. Next up is Barry White - the Walrus of Love "Can't get enough of you baby", one of Liz's favourites. Vern asks Lloyd if he could forgive a cheating woman. Lloyd says he took Kelly back. But Lloyd did not know if he truly loved Kelly - but Vernon does love Liz, he just can't forget the images of her with someone else - he cannot forgive her, he cannot move on.

Ashley and Josh arrive at Claire's mother - he lets Josh ring the bell and hides. Claire opens the door - a nice surprise. Ash appears and Claire invites them in. Later Claire, Ashley and Joshua play a board game at Claire's mother's house. Joshua wins and grandmother takes him outside to play leaving the adults to talk. Ashley tells Claire that it is crazy (Ashley do you not feel threatened in your own house - someone firebombed and Maxeem was killed there - I think someone is trying to tell you something?). Why can't she come home (see last comment). He says he needs help - he cannot cope on his own - Josh, the house, the shop. Claire points out they end up arguing - but Josh comes home and wants to know where his mother is. Claire says she just stays at his mother for a few days - what is wrong with that? She says it will not be long - it is helping her and it just a few days.

The Otis Redding track comes on in the taxi and Vernon observes that it was his and Liz's song. Vernon asks Lloyd where the tape came from. Lloyd admits that the tape came from Liz - she asked him to play it on the way. Lloyd says she cannot accept it is over. Are you sure you are doing the right thing leaving her? asks Lloyd. Lloyd goes to stop the tape but Vernon says let it play - it is his best song.

Carla emerges from Michelle's front door to find Leanne there. The latter wants a few words. She is given five minutes. Leanne tells Carla that she is being horrible to her. Carla says she has hardly started yet. Leanne tells her she was wrong about the relationship between her and Paul. They could have been good mates - they still could. And anyway if Carla does hate her it should not stop her grabbing a money making opportunity. The restaurant was her brainchild, her dream and she is the one missing out. Leanne asks her to consider re-investing in the business as a silent partner. So she has the begging bowl out. Carla obviously has it right - you are in trouble and need bailing out. Carla says that she might be able to help. Leanne explains about needing to repay Roger. Leanne offers her £20000 for 1/3 of the business. Carla replies that the money is not a problem. Leanne thinks she is on board. Turns out that Carla has a different split in mind - £20000 - but 60% of the business. Leanne realises that Carla would then be her boss and she does not want that. Carla reckons it is a good offer, after all business is not that great and with her experience they could turn things around. Leanne is having none of it and says she is not serious. Carla says no - but it was fun watching Leanne grovel.

Liz is sneaking a cigarette in the yard when Vernon appears in the gate behind her. He waves the tape in the air and says that it is a pity that Otis is not there to sign it himself. Liz asks for forgiveness. He says he cannot forget what happened and thinks he should be on the plane. She begs him for another chance - she knows he his hurting but they can and will get through this and he must think the same or he would be on a plane. He agrees, but it will not be easy because at the moment she is a difficult woman to love. She is not sure he is staying. But Vernon then adds that she is also a difficult woman to leave. She throws her arms around Vernon - so he is back - but will things ever be right between them?

See you for next Sunday soon I hope.

K Richard W



Monday 23 July

This episode of Coronation Street is
Written by Chris Fewtrell
Directed by Pip Short
Produced by Steve Frost
Sponsored by Cadburys
CORONATION STREET is copyright of ITV productions

Outside, Leanne is moaning at Janice for taking all the milk and asks when she takes her muesli. She then says she is surprised she didn't put it on a butty. Janice tells her not to be daft and there is no bread anyway. Leanne say the cupboards are like mother Hubbard's and it's not up to her to do the shopping. Janice says she's been in a right mood since she got back last night. She says she has lost her staff and needs a coffee to start her day. Janice gives her a pound and tells her there is the cafe. Janice says, if she worked for a cow like Carla she'd have something to moan about. Sean asks Violet is she feels queasy and says the suspense is killing him. Sean asks why she can't just take the test. Violet says there is no need to rush. Sean thinks if they are going to be parents then need to know. Violet says there is no guarantee she is pregnant and he will just have to wait till she is having mood swings and being sick. Sean says if he could he'd take the test him self. He asks her to think about it.

Claire's mum's; she tells her mum that her phone is on if there is any problems, and she won't be long. Her mum asks where she is going. Claire says she is meeting someone. She asks if it's Ashley. Claire says, no she is meeting Casey. Her mum thinks she should be sorting out her marriage and not hiding here. Claire says her marriage is fine and they have been through a lot. Claire's phone rings and she says that's her and must go. She kisses Freddie and says bye to her mum and goes.

Butchery; Ashley is on his mobile. Roy knocks on the window and Ashley opens the door. He asks what he can get him. Roy says he is switching supplier and can help him out as well. He says he only wants local produce. Ashley says he does not know if that's possible and pigs will fly. Roy says that's the problem his meat has been to Denmark and traveled more than him. Ashley says with everything that's been going on he is not really worried about that. Roy then asks how Claire is. He says he is asking the wrong man as he never sees her and when he does she is like a stranger. His mobile goes off again and he says he will be there. Ashley tells Roy Josh has been sick and needs to get him. He shouts for Kick to help Roy. Roy says Claire loves him and that will never change.

Rover's back room; Liz asks Vernon if he wants more tea. He says no and the fry up is nice. She says the sausages are free range and the pigs can go anywhere they want. Liz then says it's not all what it's cracked up to be. Vernon says, maybe they were being neglected and who has never thought the grass is greener on the other side. Violet comes in asking if they want any tea. Vernon says yes. Liz says she would have made it. Violet says she's not going to fight over it. Just then both Liz and Vernon both go for the last slice of toast. Both of them say for the other to take it. Violet breaks it in half and throws it on the their plates.

Restaurant; Leanne is on her phone saying the agency offered her reliable staff and the chef was supposed to be here at nine. She says she will not relax and for every five minuets he is late she is docking five pounds off the fee. Leanne then hangs up.

Duckworth's; Tyrone says it looks a good house. Paul comes in and asks if they are going to see another house. They say yes. He tells him not to give Jack and Vera a second thought if they want it. Tyrone says he won't be round to help forever. Paul says he is wrong as he has packed in his job to look after them. Molly says he didn't have to go that far. Paul says they have done their fair share and he is going to look after them. He says he wants to say thank them and says he wants to get them lunch at the Pizza place. Tyrone says he does not need to do that but Paul insists. Molly says ok and they better get going so they don't keep the estate agency waiting.

Restaurant; a guy smoking walks in asking to speak to the boss as they have been giving his agency abuse down the phone. Leanne says that would be her and tells him to put out the fag, as it's a no smoking place. He puts in out and asks if this is the way to the kitchen. She says his catering classes have not been wasted. He says he's never been. In the kitchen he gives a quick look at the menu and says he can do everything on here. He looks in the fridge and says they won't go far as there is not much in it. Leanne says the chef does the ordering. She says with everything going on she has forgot. She tells him he will have to go to the suppliers. He says this is not in the job description. Leanne gives him the address and says she will give him the money.

On what looks like the London eye, Claire thanks Casey for the coffee. She says it's ok. Claire says she is really missing Ashley and Josh. Casey says she has to think about herself at the moment. Casey says Ashley is more understanding than she thinks. Casey says Ashley will want what she wants. Claire thanks her for the chats and says they mean a lot. Claire says she is glad they are friends and have patched things up. Casey says she is not going anywhere.

Restaurant; Leanne is chopping up vegetables. The chef says it's almost 12 and nothing is ready. She tells him not to panic. He says she promised him reinforcements. She says they will be here. Just then Janice comes in saying she has the answer to their solution. The chef looks in the bags and sees ready meals. Leanne says she knows she means well but can't serve that to the customers. Janice says she is soon going to have a room full of people. The chef says he is not going to serve this. Janice tells him to put it on one of the fancy plates with a little bit of topping and the customer will be non the wiser. He says what does he care, as he will not be in this mad house for long.

Rovers; Lloyd asks Jamie if he wants another drink. He says thanks. Lloyd then asks Violet for the same again. She does not move. Lloyd says her name and she says she was miles away. Lloyd says he was expecting a card any minute. Jamie asks if he went anywhere nice. Violet says nowhere she's been before and gets them drinks. They ask about Vernon and Liz. Violet tells him Vernon is on the cellar and Liz is outside with a cup of tea. Violet says they need their heads banging together as they love each other. Jamie says maybe that's not enough. Liz asks what is. When no one says anything she says she thought people were talking about her. She says the full story is she and Vernon are better than ever so they can talk about something else.

Butchery; Ashley is mopping up the floor, as Josh has been sick. Josh says he is sorry. Ashley tells him not to be as he can't help being ill. Just then Casey comes in. Ashley tells her Josh has been sick and he had to take him home from his mate's. He then says he is going to have to close the shop. Casey asks if one of his assistants can help. He says he can't leave Kirk on his own. Casey offers to take Josh. He says it's ok but she insists. Casey says give me the keys. Ashley says he didn't even get any lunch. She tells him to come back home for five minutes and she will made him a butty. She thinks Kirk can manage for five minutes. Casey tells Josh to say bye.

Restaurant; Tyrone says the house was nice. Molly says it overlooks the rail line and she jumped out of her skin when it passed. Tyrone says he talked to Kevin who said you can get used to anything. Molly says it feels like they have been here for ages and wonders if they are going to get served. She says she will have to skip the starters, as she needs to get back to work. Tyrone says the same then asks Paul if he will be wanting to get back to Jack and Vera. As Leanne passes Paul asks if they can get served. She says just a minute. Paul says some people just don't know how to treat customers. Tyrone says he heard she bent over backwards for them. Leanne asks what she can get them. Tyrone wants the steak but she says he can't. Paul asks for the mussels. Leanne says she's had a few supplier problems. Paul tells her to surprise them and just bring something. He then tells her she might want to turn her microwave volume down a bit as its annoying him.

Peacocks; Ashley sees his bacon rolls and says that is great. Casey says she's just put Josh down and tells him it was no trouble. Ashley says this is a one off and for her not to think he is taking advantage as when Claire comes home everything will be back to normal. Casey says she saw Claire earlier today and was going to say to him but when she saw Josh she forgot. Ashley asks how she is. Casey says she is ok and her mum will be taking good care of her. Ashley asks if she said anything about coming home. Casey says no and tells him he has to bear with her. She rubs his hand.

Rovers; Sean comes in asking Violet if she can take a five-minute break. They go through the back and he tells her he has got her something. Violet says she hopes he has not spent all his money, as it's not even her birthday. She opens the bag to find a pregnancy test. Sean is smiling. Violet says it's the same one as before and asks if he went through her drawers. Sean says so he went through some drawers and says no big deal. Violet is not amused and says it's only been three weeks and could come out a false negative. Sean says so and they can take another test later. Violet says he does not know what it is like waiting to see what comes up and that it could change her whole future. Sean says sorry.

Peacock's; Ashley says he has tried ringing Claire but she does not pick up. Casey says that maybe defeats the purpose. Ashley says he does not know what that is and thinks it's never going to be the same again. He tells her a few months ago Freddie would be in his push chair. Josh would be holding on. He and his dad would be carving up some meat and everything was fine. They talk about anything. He says he could talk to him about anything and he would do anything to have that chat with him down. He says sorry to Casey. She hugs him and tells him everything will be fine. He says he hope so.

Episode rating 4/10 nothing exciting happened.

This report is Copyright M@nda

Amanda Souter

Ashley and Casey are in a cuddle on the sofa, Ashley is the first to pull away, but he maintains eye-contact and says he has to go to work, Casey tells him "everything will be ok" Ashley gets up and goes, leaving Casey looking after Josh. Feeling pleased at getting up close and personal with Ashley she takes a moment to think and smirks, Josh breaks her thoughts when he calls her to come to him, "Coming Josh" and she jogs up the stairs.

Sean has just been to the corner shop and comes out carrying a large bag of crisps, Violet is just leaving the Grimshaw's and Sean just has to ask her if she's done the pregnancy test yet, Violet looks quite angry and says she hasn't- Seeing that she is annoyed at him, he promises not to mention those two words again- pregnancy and test. Violet apologises and says she will do one- but he has to be prepared- falling pregnant the first time isn't very likely and he just has to be patient. Sean asks if there is anything he can be doing now- as "I can't even be patient for a bus" Violet tells him to start eating healthier.

Paul Duckworth is treating Molly and Tyrone to dinner in Leanne's restaurant, Molly and Tyrone are downing the food as though they have never had anything to eat before, while Paul looks on quite embarrassed to be with them. Molly notices Paul hasn't eaten much, but he replies that he's had better. This is good news for Tyrone- "Good, even more for us Molly!" The trio had ordered some garlic bread and so far it hadn't arrived- Paul heads off to find out where it's got to, his complaint is fed to Janice- who looks about as interested as someone watching paint dry- she heads off into the kitchen to get him some. Leanne comes over to the counter and asks Paul if he has a problem, he says the "food sucks, big time" He then tells Leanne to sort the chef out, as he knows the chef is a bad one- Leanne asks him what makes him the expert- "I'm a chef too"

In lightening speed- Janice appears in the very next scene- but she is now in Underworld- The door to the kitchen in the restaurant must lead straight through to the factory ?!?!?!?! The girls are just settling down to their tea break- and Sally is looking through college courses- Janice pulls her papers from her and starts making fun of her interest in learning. Sally asks her "why she is scared of self improvement" but Janice says she knows who she is, and that's why she doesn't need to 'self-improve'. Wikki seems to be the only person who is taking Sally seriously and suggests she goes for the English Literature course- Sally replies that she knew Wikki would understand.

The Mortons are all sat in their front room listening to Jerry on the phone to a council officer- Gail has complained to the environmental health about the noise levels coming from their house- Jerry doesn't know that its Gail that made the complaint though and is trying to sweet-talk the lady into telling him who it was. He admits there was some music coming from his house- but says his son is a DJ and its helps him keep his mind off things since his Mum went- He has the lady feeling sorry for his family now- so he puts on a much sadder voice- "Yes we try to take each day as it comes" Darryl laughs- "He's brilliant" Jerry continues his mission by implying that the mystery complainer was a 'he' but the lady accidentally lets slip that it was actually a 'she' - That's all Jerry needed, he hangs up and the family all look at each other and say in unison- "Gail"

Ashley is in the butcher's, teaching Kirk how to cut meat "Nice and easy, let your knife do the work" The master-class is over and Ashley asks Kirk if he can close up, so he can get home and let Casey go. Once he's home, Casey is drawing with Josh- They've drawn a super-hero that Josh says is his Dad. Ashley had bought in some shopping and Casey gets up to put it in the cupboards, Ashley tells her he'll do it so Casey says she'll get off home. Ashley asks her to stay and eat some dinner with them, "I will on- one condition- I do the cooking"

Jerry is in the Rovers, Sean is serving him, "I'll have a pint of Lager and have one for yourself" Sean shouts in Violet's direction that he'll have an orange-juice. While he's taking the money, Violet goes over to him and tells him she was joking when she said he should eat more healthier. Later in their shift- Sean is still trying to cut down by eating a healthy snack- Violet tells him "Your doing my head in"

Sally is telling Kevin that she is going to start an English Literature course- Kevin wants to know why she isn't doing anything more useful "like a computer course" but Sally tells him its not for another job "its to broaden my mind" She tells Kevin she has ordered the books that she needs, and he tells her he doesn't mind her doing the course. He asks her if she'd be up for any homework later- Sally blushes.

Roger and Janice are enjoying a free meal at the restaurant, but Roger is still not happy that she is serving enough people- the restaurant isn't very busy. Leanne tells them that she offered Carla a stake in the business, but when she tells them Carla demanded 60%, Janice says "I hope you told her no" Leanne tells them "course I did" Roger doesn't look convinced that Leanne is going to cope on her own though, and wonders if Carla might compromise, after all she is a business woman. Leanne refuses to go back and speak to her though.

Casey has just unveiled Ashley and Josh's dinner- its bangers and mash. After they've ate Ashley takes Josh to bed. When he comes back down Casey is washing the plates. Ashley tells her she's done enough. She then tells Ashley she is going home, and when Ashley looks miserable she offers to stay if they can share a bottle of wine. Later when they have sat down on the sofa, Ashley asks her how she thinks Josh is doing, she tells him that Josh needs some normality- Ashley agrees and says he just wishes Claire would come home. Casey tells him that Claire just needs time and she'll be back because she knows Ashley trusts her and believes in her and always has. Ashley confides that there was a time when he doubted what she was saying, Casey tells him Claire must never know.

Jodie is on the war-path, she is sick of people telling them what to do, she is sick of Cilla trying to steal their custom for the chip shop and she's fed up of Gail now she has reported them to the environmental health- she thinks Jerry is too soft and should stand up for the family more often. She then tells Darryl he should play his music as loud as he wants and if anyone says anything he should point them in her direction! Jerry tries to tell her that he doesn't want the hassle and that these neighbours are also his customers in the takeaway, but Jodie protests they don't bring them enough custom, so she's not bothered. Darryl says he'd better warn Gail!

Sean and Violet are on their way home from the Rovers- Violet asks him if he wants Fish and Chips, but Sean is still treating his body like a temple. Violet seems to finally see that Sean is excited about having a baby, she links his arm and tells him he'll be a great Dad, he returns the compliment and tells her she'll be a great Mum.

Casey is still at the Peacocks, but has phoned a taxi and is waiting to go home- Ashley goes to the door to see her out and Casey pulls him for a hug- The two part and Ashley tells her he doesn't know what he'd have done these last few days without her- he then leans in for a kiss. She kisses him back for a couple of seconds and then pulls away. Ashley comes over all apologetic, but Casey says its fine "Its an emotional time, It won't matter in the morning- just get some sleep and forget about it" She leaves.

Susan



Wednesday 25 July

Hi all, here's the update for Wednesday July 25th.

Sean bounces into the kitchen where Violet is staring at the pregnancy-test kit box. Her breakfast is a cup of coffee, she can't eat first thing. Sean produces a carton of pomegranate juice, apparently it's the new blueberry. He tells her he's going to cook scrambled eggs on toast. Violet looks wistful, and he cautiously asks if today's the day. He asks what she's scared of, a negative result, or a positive one. She says she doesn't know, her head's all over the place. She tells him to leave it, and storms out.

It's breakfast time at the Websters' and Sally is delighted. The books have arrived for her A-level English. "You? An A-level?" scoffs Rosie. Sally says there's nothing wrong with her trying to better herself. Rosie looks at the books – Pride and Prejudice, The Tempest, Howard's End. Kevin thinks that Howard's End was a television show in the eighties, Mrs Ogden never missed it. Sophie picks up the book and reads the back. "The life and manners of the British upper middle class in the early 20th century." Sally then realises that the tv programme was actually called Howard's Way. Rosie is sure that Sally won't last the course. "I'll give it two weeks, tops," she says. Sally looks at the books and looks worried. "A bit of support wouldn't go amiss," she says, "I've got a feeling I'm going to need all the help I can get."

Ashley comes downstairs and picks up his mobile phone. He leaves a message for Casey, apologising for what happened the night before.

Violet meets Jamie in the Street. He asks what's wrong and she says she's feeling rubbish. He thinks she could do with a night on the town, but she tells him to take Sean instead.

Leanne walks into her restaurant to find the temporary chef and his assistant fooling around. She gets cross and tells him she doesn't pay him a tenner an hour to muck about. "Sorry pet," he says. Leanne tells him she's not his pet, she's his employer, and wants to know what specials he's got lined up for that day. He says he thought they'd do what they did yesterday, they seemed to go down all right. Leanne isn't happy with that idea so he says he'll get back to her.

Ashley takes a bunch of flowers round to Claire, and is aghast when Casey answers the door. "Come in," she tells him with a smile, "and be careful what you say, I've already told her about last night." She leads him through to the back garden where Claire is sitting with a cup of tea. She tells him that Casey has told her what happened yesterday, and Ashley looks horror-struck and stares at Casey who explains that she told Claire about Josh being ill. "Oh, yes," stammers Ashley, much relieved. Claire says she feels so much better having had a good night's sleep, and gets up to go and put the flowers in water. "It's good staying here," she says, "it's like I've learned how to relax again." Casey gives Ashley a knowing look as she sips her tea.

Blanche strides into the pub and stands at the bar. Jamie and Sean, seated at a table, discuss Violet. Jamie is sure that Violet doesn't seem right. Sean witters on about the clothes she's wearing. Jamie says that's not it, Violet seems upset. Sean brushes that aside, saying she's on top of the world. Blanche finally manages to attract Liz's attention. "Someone has been smoking in the ladies!" she complains. Liz tells her she should spray the air freshener, but Blanche doesn't want her lungs coping with even more chemicals. She thinks Liz must know who is doing it, she only has to watch the door. Liz says she can't spend all day watching the door to the ladies. Blanche moans that if she gets lung cancer she'll know who to blame, and is not at all pleased when Kevin remarks that perhaps she should look closer to home, Deirdre must smoke 50 a day. Vernon points out that Blanche could always nip home for 'a ladies excuse me' she only lives next door. Blanche is not pleased with that idea either, and says she'll be monitoring the situation.

Sean goes up to the bar and tells Violet that Jamie knows there is something up. She tells him to go out with Jamie, after all they're not joined at the hip and handbag.

Paul goes to the restaurant in answer to Leanne's ad for a new chef. Leanne doesn't take him seriously at first, saying that she'll need references from catering college. He says he's brought them all with him, which takes her aback. He says he'll hang around until she has time to see him.

Back at Claire's mother's house, Casey prepares to leave. While Claire goes in to get some books she's going to loan her, Ashley tells her that they have to talk. She says she'll come round later. Claire comes back with the books and thanks her again. "You've been a great friend to me," she tells her, adding – "to both of us!"

Over in the factory, the conversation goes round to the Shakespeare that Sally is reading. Sean reckons there's lots of dirty bits if you know where to look. Janice says it's not even written in English, but Sally tells her it's ancient English and it's very interesting.

Ashley tells Claire that she and Freddie should be at home, but she says not until she's 100 percent. She tells him it's doing her good being there, she's able to think things through. Ashley tells her that the longer she leaves it, the harder it will get. Claire thinks that if she comes home now they'll just end up arguing. "I'm not ready," she tells him. Ashley tells her that he needs her at home and Joshua needs his mum, but Claire is adamant. She says that while she's there it's as if none of the bad stuff ever happened. "Please come home," he begs her, "I'll help you."

Leanne is looking at Paul's references. There's nothing there for the last 18 months. He tells her that he got sacked from the last place, he got caught in bed with the boss's wife. He then promises not to sleep with her wife! She laughs, but then says she'll get back to him. He offers to show her what he can do, he'll cook her some lunch. "Go on then, impress me," she tells him.

Ashley arrives home to find Casey sitting outside. He invites her in, and once inside she immediately starts tidying up. He tells her not to do that, it's not her job. He tells her that they shouldn't have kissed, he's not that kind of person, he loves Claire. "Course you do," she says, "I know that, but you and me……" He interrupts her and tells her that Claire is coming home tomorrow.

In the restaurant, Paul has made Leanne a spaghetti carbonara and a rocket salad. She starts eating and then tells him it is absolutely delicious. "When can you start?" she asks him. "Tomorrow do you?" he asks.

Casey leaves, telling Ashley not to feel bad, it was a moment of madness, they both felt lonely. She tells him he's a decent bloke but he's not her type, "Claire is a lucky woman," she smiles. However, once outside the door her face tells another story.

Blanche has gone into the ladies' room at the Rovers, and found someone in a cubicle, smoking. "You in there!" she calls through the door, "you dirty filthmonger! I'm not moving from this spot, I were a war baby, I don't give up easily." The door opens, it's Liz! "Sorry," she tells Blanche, "there's no where else to go. I told Vernon I'd stopped. Sorry, all right? Sorry!" "You will be," says Blanche.

Violet goes home, and after checking that she's alone, pulls a pregnancy test kit out of her bag.

In the bar, Blanche forces Liz to confess her smoking to Vernon. "Better keep an eye on this one," she says to Vernon, and then orders a large brandy when Vernon offers her a drink on the house.

The factory girls come in, Janice tells Sally she should only have orange juice, she doesn't want alcohol killing off any more brain cells. Fizz tells Sally she admires her, but Sally confesses that she wishes she hadn't bothered. Fizz says she's only been at it for a day. Sally tells her that she's been trying to read The Tempest, but it might as well have been written in Serbo-Croatian for all the sense it makes.

Back at the Grimshaw's, Violet plucks up her courage and looks at the pregnancy test. Then she claps her hand over her mouth and bursts into tears.

Anne Logan



Friday 27 July

As we start another Friday episode, Sally wanders in with a book. It's a copy of The Tempest and she's stuck by a word. "What's a boat swain?" she asks Rosie, pronouncing it as two words instead of "bo'sun," and is very annoyed when Rosie doesn't know. Rosie tells her there's a footnote at the back, and points to page which is clearly NOT a glossary (let alone a footnote, which would be at the bottom of the page). Rosie scathingly points out that Sally's still on the first page. Sally says she got distracted yesterday and had to start again. She's annoyed at the lack of support she's getting from Kevin.

Sean's not well. His head hurts. He says he got so lashed he starting throwing his money around and buying strangers drinks. He finally notices that Violet is less than communicative and asks if she's all right. She does that "Fine!" in less than a whole syllable – clearly, she's not. Sean is none the wiser.

Gail and Sarah are at the clothes line in the backyard, though I don't understand why they're taking the washing IN if it's the morning. Mel and Grandad Morton are in their back yard and Mel tells Grandad that Gail grassed them up to the council. The music from the shed suddenly gets much louder and Darryl comes out. Gail shouts at him. Darryl says it has to be loud because Grandad's got a new hearing aid to settle in.

Violet's left her sunglasses in the cafe. Roy noticed that Violet seemed dejected, and Sean is startled to hear this. He says it's probably just women's troubles. Roy looks none the wiser.

Paul and Leanne are in the restaurant. He points out that whoever did the last lot of ordering paid over the odds. "We can get everything we need here for a fifth of the price." He tells her he can work with what's there. When he calls Leanne Sugar, she asks if that's how he got his ex boss's wife into bed, but he says it was the wife who led him astray.

In the street, Sean is heading home with a bakery box when he spots Violet coming out of the medical centre.

In the factory, it's tea break time and Janice is sneering at Sally, who suggests Janice is frightened by a book. Janice points out she's not frightened, she's just satisfied with her life. "We're machinists," she says, "in a back street factory sewing gussets." She tells Sally to stop pretending they're not.

Violet arrives home. Sean rampages down the stairs holding the empty box from the pregnancy test. She admits she's pregnant and that she did the test last night. Sean can't understand how she could just sit there this morning. "What about you – going through my room again?" demands Violet, pointing out that the box was in the bin in her room. She admits she didn't tell him because she was scared. "I wanted to wait until it was all confirmed before I let myself believe it, before I told you." She's booked in for an early scan to make sure it's not an ectopic pregnancy again. "What if it all goes wrong?" Sean gently tells her that she's going to be someone's mummy.

Ashley answers the door to find Casey standing there. She's given Claire a lift. Claire and Freddy come in, with Claire looking around as if it's all new to her. Casey won't stop for a cup of tea. Claire rushes upstairs to see Freddy as if she's deliberately avoiding talking to Ashley.

Sean assures Violet that he will come with her to the scan. He'll take the cakes over to the factory and make some sort of excuse. Violet tells him to keep it quiet. "Anything could happen." As he heads off, Violet looks at her belly and asks, "Anyone in there? That was Daddy."

In the kebab shop, Jodie and Jerry assure Gail the music was loud because of Grandad's hearing aid. Jodie says they know the complaint came from Gail. "Please, Mr Councilor, my next-door neighbours have got lives and I just can't handle it," says Jodie. Jerry says they'll talk more in the Rovers.

Sean and Violet are in the waiting room and Sean is gabbling with excitement. She's called in for the scan.

In the cafe, Josh is eating with his parents and wants to know why some pepper is white and some black. Ashley says white pepper is working class. Roy corrects him, pointing out that white pepper is just harvested later. Claire asks after Hayley and is told she has a slight summer cold.

In the pub, John and Fizz join Kevin and Sally and discuss Sally's plans to do an A-level. John says he never got on with Shakespeare's comedies. Sally didn't even realise it was a comedy. John advises her to read it slowly and take it at face value. Kevin comes up with a joke. What did Vernon say when Shakespeare asked for a pint? You're bard! Roger, in the next booth, thinks Janice sounds a bit jealous of Sally. Janice can't understand why someone as nice as him is with her. He's tired because he's been working so hard. Janice suggests they go to the restaurant and try the food from the new chef.

Sean is pacing the floor in the medical centre. Violet comes out beaming. "It's there and it's absolutely fine! Three weeks old and it's already got its own heartbeat!"

Kirk and Tyrone come into the pub. They see Fizz and John and Tyrone suggests they could go to the Wethy Arms. Kirk doesn't want to be driven out of his local. Grandad tells them a story about a barmaid he knew in the Wethy Arms in the 60s. Apparently she had really big er... and when you tapped her on the backside she wobbled all over. He moans that if you tapped a barmaid on the backside today you'd get arrested. Tyrone suggests he try it with Betty and see. Sally's still reading. She hands the book across to John and asks: "Does that mean what I think it means?" He assures her it does. Fizz is thrilled to think Sally's discovered a dirty bit. John says he's done a bit of home tutoring and offers to help at reasonable rates.

Roger and Janice are eating. Janice thinks it's like a different restaurant – amazing food and Leanne with a smile on her face.

Gail and Jerry are discussing (well, arguing) over whether the shed's over-sized. The Mortons make a big show of shouting at Grandad and he seems to mishear half of what they say. Jerry admits the music's too loud and tells Gail what he plans to do. He gives Gail his mobile number and says she's to ring him if the music gets above a tolerable level and he'll sort it. In exchange, he wants her to ignore the shed being too big. Sarah comes in and reminds Gail she's supposed to be babysitting. Gail forgot. Before she leaves, she tells the Mortons that if that music gets too loud she'll have the council at their door straight away.

Kirk asks Tyrone if he's a loser. Tyrone says no. Women don't go for teachers. Kirk confesses that he saw a woman breastfeeding today and snuck a sly peep, only to be caught by her husband, who said: "What do you think it is, pal – Match of the Day?"

In the restaurant, Janice heads for the loo and Leanne tells Roger she'll have a payment for him really really soon. He's just picked at his dinner and tells Leanne he's always been a worrier.

Leanne slumps into the kitchen. Paul thinks something's wrong with the food but she tells him it's just that her sleeping partner is waking up. "Have a little faith," he tells her.

Violet and Sean are in the kitchen, drinking lemonade and champagne (separately!). Violet's worried that Molly might have guessed why Sean was buying champagne. He told her he had a friend who had just passed their driving test. Violet impresses on Sean the importance of keeping it quiet for three months – something Sean doesn't think he can do. She insists that he has to keep quiet until the 12-week scan. Sean wants to at least tell a stranger in a club, or ring a total stranger and shout it down the phone. "This is the biggest secret!" she says. "We have to keep it between the two of us." Sean says they can't. "There's three of us, now. Congratulations, kid." As tears come to Violet's eyes, they clink their glasses.

The End
Margaret Carr



Sunday 29 July

We start in the Street itself with Jason being confronted by an unwelcome sight. Pat and Eileen are entwined around in each in the former's car with their tongues around the other's tonsils. Parents and sex eh - not a pleasant thought for any young healthy male.

At Eileen's house Violet finds that Sean has made full breakfast - at which she wants to know if he pulled the previous night. However nothing is too good for the mother of his child - one incredibly stylish, attractive and genius child of course - but it is simply the size of a pea she responds when he says she is showing already. At which point Eileen arrives - with a sun tan which I find hard to believe came from Scarborough - especially as Eileen reveals she saw little of Scarborough, but a lot of the hotel room.

Back in the Street Cilla takes a phone call from Mr Wong, her face becomes screwed up with fury - little change from normal then. In the cafe they are discussing Chesney's 13th birthday. He has been given a collar, lead and poo bags as he has to walk the dog himself as Cilla is out of work, not that any one is paying her any attention as they all discuss the presents they received when they were 13. Eventually Becky offers to go and see to the chavs who have cost her the job, whilst Cilla complains she cannot afford the meal. Becky tells her she can have it on the house - which leads to a shot of Roy showing grave concern. Later Cilla thunders into the kebab shop and trades insults with Jodie - figure from her father and a face inherited from Jabba the Hut. Jerry says that her losing her job is nothing to do with them but it would appear that Jodie and Cilla are sworn enemies as they call each other "lady".

Vernon is applying nicotine patches to Liz in the hope that she will give up smoking. As she is unaccountably absent one wonders what Ken is giving Dreary.

Comedy is provided in the taxi office - Jamie asks Lloyd: Jodie Marsh or Vanessa Feltz. Lloyd gives the response Vanessa Feltz. At this point Eileen arrives full of the joys of spring and tells them she will return once she has a paper.

Ashley and Claire continue to depress me. Ash - that house is fated, sell and move. Claire stop being so blind and stupid. And if anyone really wants to know about this storyline another updater will let you know shortly.

Sean is in the Rovers being gay and talking about Eurovision moments (sorry writers - not one of your better moments). Jamie reckons his favourite moment is when the programme ends. Anyway Jamie wants to know why Sean is in such a good mood - and this teasing leads Sean to revealing that he will be having a baby - but as Jamie points out it is simply a beer gut and not that large really. Jamie follows Sean out into the yard and Sean has the explanation that men cannot get pregnant. Anyway Sean confirms he has made a girl pregnant - but not by the normal method as he is gay. At this point Violet appears, complains about the cigarette butts lying around and goes inside. At which point Jamie guesses who is the lucky mother. Sean wants Jamie to be happy for them. Jamie smiles - but weakly and hugs Sean. Back inside however Jamie starts putting Vi through the third degree. And she is far from amused.

Jason goes into the cab office and starts arguing with Eileen over Pat. He tries to point out what she would say if he were with a married woman. She admitted she would tell him it would end in tears and he rests his case m'lud.

Steve arrives back, bad news is that no-one has heard from Michelle, worse news, Vernon asks after Andy and is told that it is none of his business. Steve sits down with Liz who explains about her slight misdemeanor. Steve is glad they are having a second chance but points out that Vernon is not a saint simply because he did not hit Liz.

In the bar Violet asks Sean what he is playing at. He tells her that Jamie simply guessed (as if ...). Anyway she stomps off for another one of her famous breaks. During which she sits down with Jamie and tries to explain that it is alright really. Cilla arrives in the Rovers and claims she has just eaten a bad kebab and also has a swipe at Jodie suggesting her face was provided by an escaped Muppet. Vernon answers that looks are important when serving the public - Cilla agrees they know that but someone forgot to tell Jodie. Cilla then interrupts Violet's explanation to tell them that one of the kebabs has sent her queer (no she is straight really - oh you know what I mean really).

Outside Cilla runs into Kirk and Chesney. Apparently Schmeichel has gone missing. Kirk reckons he has been dognapped but Cilla is just glad that there is one less mouth to feed - all heart that woman, I say, all heart. Anyway Kirk must have left the gate open.

In the cab office Steve is moaning about his useless life and his inability to keep his women to Eileen, particularly the problems with Michelle. Anyway the rest of the week will explain where that rather nice suntan on Eileen came from.

Eventually Vi explains that she wants to get a life - with a baby, she has thought about this and it was not just a sudden spur of the moment. Jamie is sniping and snidy in response. She gets up and leaves him to think about it.

K Richard W



Monday 30 July

PART 1

This episode of Coronation Street is
Written by Jayne Hollinson
Directed by Duncan Foster
Produced by Steve Frost
Sponsored by Cadburys
CORONATION STREET is copyright of ITV productions

Outside Sally tells Rosie she doesn't understand the book. Chez asks if they have seen his dog. He also asks Kayleigh. Eileen to Sean and Violet asks why they can't kiss and make up. Sean says he only told Jamie. Cilla asks Chez where he's been. Asking about his dog, he says. Cilla offers to take him to the Cafe. Chez says he might turn up. Cilla says she will leave a key.

Peacock's; Claire comes off the phone saying the Sargent is useless. Ashley asks Josh about his party. Claire asks what party. He says the one Chloe is having. Claire does not want him to go. Ashley thinks it will be good for him. He then asks if she will take Josh to get a present for Chloe. Claire asks if she is pestering them and says you have to keep on at them or they forget.

Outside Cilla asks if this is the latest diet to Eileen who obviously just got a cake from the cafe. Eileen asks if she is having a lettuce leaf. Cilla just tuts and goes in the Cafe with Chesney. Jamie sees Eileen and says Steve and Lloyd are entreating her fancy man. Eileen gives him the cake telling him it's a present and goes in Streetcars.

Streetcars; they are winding up Pat. Eileen comes in saying she hopes they are not making a point and says Lloyd was seeing someone and Steve got Tracy pregnant while he was still with Karen. Pat says he wants to her take out tomorrow. Eileen says they can go back to hers. Steve says they can't go back to his cos of the wife. Eileen kisses him

Cafe; Chez asks Ty if he has seen his dog. Becky says he wants a sausage roll. She says she made a mental note. Chez wonders if he was seeing Monica. Becky says she thought Molly was his dog's name. Chez says he could be in a gutter hit by a car. Cilla says the car will be in the gutter. Ty suggests he make flyers. Cilla says they can go home and watch tv and if she went missing he would not care. Chez says, last time they had a collection.

Peacock's; Ashley says they can all go and get the present. Claire says she has lots of housework to do and will be faster without Freddie. Ashley then says he will cook a nice meal. Claire does not really care. He says it should be about them. Claire being sarcastic says they will forget someone is trying to kill her. Ashley shouts at her and she shouts what back. He tells her nothing.

Streetcars; Eileen picks up the phone and says it's Pat. Steve says he will not have personal calls taking up Phone time. Eileen tells him to hold on a minute and asks Lloyd if Pat's phone is here. Lloyd says yes. Eileen says see you later. Just then it beeps. Eileen says they will not look at the text. Steve says it could be his wife with a soppy text. Eileen says she's not going to look.

Morton's garden; Darryl says he is not staying in the shed. Kayleigh asks if he is scared of a spider. Darryl says it went on his face. Just then there is a moan from the shed. Kayleigh opens the shed to find Chesney's dog. She says he has been looking for him for ages. Jodie says great.

Streetcars; Eileen picks up the phone. Lloyd says he knew she would crack. Eileen says she is only stopping it from beeping and is not going to read it. Steve says he could read it. Eileen tells him to do it quick before she changes her mind. Steve says see you tonight. Eileen says from the meeting tonight. Steve then says keeping the bed warm. Eileen says for him to stop winding her up and takes the phone. She does not look amused.

Cafe; Casey says Claire should go to the support group. Claire says she can't. Becky tells Ty he can't keep away and she knows that he wants egg and beans on toast. She asks what he is doing tonight. Ty says going out with Molly. She says walking the dog is no excuse. Claire says about the meal tonight. Casey says she'll tell Ashley she persuaded her to go and will take the blame.

Streetcars; Eileen says there is another one from Sue saying thanks for last night. She asks how many that is now. Steve says 6. Eileen says the worst thing is her texts are in there as well. Steve asks what she is going to do. She replies what till he gets here. He asks what then. She tells him he does not want to know and sits down.

Outside Jamie drives beside Sean who says he used to talk to Vi. Jamie says he didn't want to cause trouble. Sean says he should have thought of that before telling Vi she is making a mistake. Jamie says he thought they didn't think it through. Sean say he is giving her what she wants then says the worst thing is he hugged and congratulated him. Casey knocks on the Peacocks door.

Peacock's; Casey asks if she has come at a bad time. He says Claire is not here yet. Casey says she is away to the support group and is sorry she spoiled his surprise meal and says Claire never said any thing about it. Ashley says it was not a surprise and says it shows how much she cared. He asks if she likes spag bol. She says yes.

Outside Streetcars Steve tells Lloyd he was nice to him. Lloyd says Steve helped them on their first date. Eileen comes out saying there is a pick up. Neither of them wants to go. Steve says he is going to stay and support Eileen. Lloyd says they will toss a coin for it. Steve says heads. Lloyd tosses and tuts and walks off.

Peacock's Ashley says he thought things would get better moving back in. Casey says sorry. Ashley says he should not be talking to her like this. Casey says it's been hard on him too. She says if she had the choice of being with him or a bunch of strangers, it would be him. Ashley says she should do the dishes. She says she will as he cooked. Ashley says they both will do it.

Battersby's; Jodie asks if Chez is in as she has found his dog. Cilla says no. Cilla says that's a turn up for the books, as he looked everywhere. Jodie says he must have jumped the fence. Cilla says it's because of what she said about her shop. Jodie says sorry and says there is the dog. Cilla says she's wanted to get rid of him for ages and says finder's keepers and slams the door shut.

Peacock's Ashley tells Casey Josh wanted to get Chloe a punch bag or remote control car but Ashley said that's what he would want, then ended up getting her a doll that she threw away. Both of them are laughing. Ashley says he misses that. They both kiss and go through to the conservatory where Casey takes of her top.

Streetcars; Pat comes in. Eileen tells him she read his text. He says he can explain. She says it better include Sue etc. Eileen asks if his wife ever sees him. Pat says he is not married. Eileen tells him to get out. He says he will give the others up. Eileen punches him and he falls. She tells him to get out. Steve hugs her and says men. Eileen sobs in his arms.

Outside Peacock's Claire is walking to her door and puts the key in. She goes in and gives a shout for Ashley. Hearing Claire is home Ashley and Casey both look up and stop kissing each other.

Episode rating 6/10 - Casey who is obviously crazy and Eileen finding out about Pat.

This report is Copyright M@nda

Amanda Souter

Claire has returned and is fussing over Freddie in the lounge- Ashley and Casey are frantically getting dressed in the conservatory. Claire shouts again; "Anyone home?" A nearly dressed Ashley shouts back that he's there- and appears in the doorway looking flustered, "We've got a visitor Claire" Claire launches into that she hopes it isn't one of Josh's friends- but Ashley stops her and asks how the support group meeting went. Before Claire can go into any details Casey bounds into the room, claiming that she had lost her contact lens and "eagle eyed" Ashley had found it for her. For a split second Claire looks shocked and looks at the both of them- has she realised what's been going on?

No, she is just surprised to see Casey as that means Ashley hasn't collected Josh from the party he is at. Ashley suggests that Claire picks him up, "Ashley i'm shattered" she replies- so Ashley agrees to collect him while Casey follows Claire asking her how the meeting went, "It was emotional, but in a good way" Just as Ashley is about to go out of the door he glances back into the house and worriedly looks at Casey, who is offering to make Claire a drink, before he leaves.

Eileen and Steve are walking along the street, Eileen is confiding in Steve that all her lovers have been losers- but she concedes that she'll survive while Steve turns the line into the Gloria Gaynor song by adding some woah woahs to the end of her line and providing some excellent advice "you'd do better with a drink inside you" and he steers her into the Rovers. The two take up on bar stools and Steve asks Liz for "A brandy for medicinal purposes for Eileen and an orange juice for me" Liz is rushed off her feet and tells him she isn't a slave and he could get his own drinks. Vernon follows behind Liz and tells Steve he'll get him the drinks, he then tells them to ignore Liz, she got nicotine patches on- she's trying to quit smoking. Eileen swiftly drinks her brandy and heads off back to the cab office leaving Steve with Liz, who has decided to give her son some advice- Steve has been calling Michelle constantly but has been getting no answer "You know what Michelle's phone says when you ring? it says doormat- Get another barmaid and get a life"

Dev is in the corner shop- filing his nails ?!?! Nice to see he's busy! Eileen is picking up some shopping when Gail comes in- More bad news for Eileen, Gail wants a chat with her about the wedding and when its going to be- she wants Eileen round at her house, tomorrow night at 9pm "and fetch your diary"

Back at the Peacock's and Ashley is still out, so Claire and Casey have got settled on the couch to discuss Claire's meeting at the support group. Claire is telling Casey how she was worried about going with Freddie in tow, but the group were very understanding. Casey tells Claire she tried to speak to Ashley about Claire rushing off to the meeting. "Was he angry?" Claire asked "He'd gone to alot of trouble with the dinner" Casey informs her, "he was angry then" Claire snaps- but Casey tells her it was more hurt than angry. Claire goes into the kitchen and Casey starts telling her she went through the same situation with her ex partner, Rob. He wanted her to snap out of her depression when she lost her baby, so she carried on as though nothing had happened to please him, "I didn't want to lose him so I pretended- went for meals, drank wine- talked about having another baby. I did everything that he wanted but he still left me"

Jamie has just entered the Rovers- Violet is behind the bar- he tells Violet he's an idiot- she doesn't argue with him. She thinks he spat out his dummy because her and Sean had something that they didn't tell him about, "the only baby causing trouble is you" Jamie agrees with her and apologises- he tells her she's got a lucky kid there having her and Sean as parents.

Later when Sean arrives for work, its Violets turn to apologise- she says she is still mad he told Jamie but she forgives him, she just wishes he have waited while she had gone 12 weeks and they knew everything was fine.

Steve and Eileen are in the cab office- Steve is on a laptop looking through cheap holidays, he mentions to Eileen that he has found a holiday to Malta- he's going to leave in 4 hours. Eileen seems surprised that he would go on his own, "Do you think any of my mates would drop everything to come on holiday with me?" Eileen looks thoughtful, "I would" she replies. Steve looks doubtful but Eileen is very keen! He tries to talk her out of going by saying she needs to be at home for Jason and the wedding. She tells him he has Amy and his businesses, but he's still going to go. He agrees reluctantly and tells Eileen she has 9 minutes to get ready, off she goes to pack!

Ashley is back with a very hyper Josh, who has a tiger painted onto his face and is making roaring noises, Claire pretends to be scared of him so Josh runs through the living room making more noise until he bumps into Ashley and spills his bottle of Cherryade which he was holding onto. Casey offers to take Josh upstairs to get him cleaned up but Claire says she'll go and do it- before she does she tells Ashley that Casey is staying for tea- understandably he doesn't look very happy!

Once Claire is upstairs and out of ear shot he tries to tell Casey he isn't the sort of man to have affairs and he wants her to go home Claire re-appears from upstairs- and Casey tells Claire she has to go "a mate has just rung- boyfriend trouble, floods of tears" Ashley offers to see her out and follows her to her car- he tries to apologise but Casey tells him it was going to happen- Ashley wants her to keep quiet as it isn't something he makes a habit of- Casey gets in the car and drives away.

Later Claire and Ashley are alone and she takes the opportunity to say sorry for missing his dinner- he tells her he wants to come with her to the next support meeting, she replies by saying she is going to try and start trusting people again.

Chesney is round at the Morton's collecting Schmeichel, Jodie tells him that she told Cilla he was there hours ago and is surprised she hadn't told Chesney. As Chesney leaves Cilla is walking home from the Rovers- she blames Jodie for losing her job, as the chip shop couldn't cope with the competition from the kebab shop- she says she can't feed Schmeichel as they have no money and tells Jodie to keep the dog- Chesney looks hurt and says he will leave school just to work and feed him- Jodie tells Kayleigh to get Chesney some kebab scraps for Schmeichel, Cilla agrees Chesney can keep the dog but implies that Schmeichel might have got fleas from the Mortons and to check him before he is allowed back in the house!

Over at the Webster's, Kevin and the kids have gone out so Sally can have some peace to do some work with John, she has gone to alot of trouble preparing a buffet for him for while he is tutoring her on one of the books she is reading- she is having a hard time understanding it and tries to divert his attention to the food by saying he has hardly ate anything, he replies that Fizz is preparing him a meal and he wants to have enough room to eat it- he knows she's uncomfortable though and that's why she's mentioning it and tells her its only natural not to understand- the book is hundreds of years old.

Steve and Eileen are saying their goodbyes, Liz is surprised that they are going together- and the pair say in unison that its separate beds. Steve says good bye to Amy and tells her he'll bring her back a present and to be good for Grandma. As the taxi pulls away carrying Steve and Eileen, Eileen can be heard inside; "You can be Thelma and i'll be Louise" the two are off on their adventure!

Susan




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