2007



Friday 2 November

We open in the Platt household with Gail on the phone to work explaining that she won't be in because her son is ill and she needs to take care of him – for as long as it takes. He tries to persuade her to go in but she's having none of it. She starts to fuss round him, making his breakfast and asking what he wants for his lunch. He tells her that something from the chippy will do, but she says she doesn't mind cooking. "You mean you don't want to leave me on me own," says David, astute as ever. He tries to reassure her that he won't do anything silly, and eventually says she'll pop out to get him some magazines and dvds. "Nothing mucky, mind," she jokes. She then tells him that she should never have let things go as far as they did and, seemingly forgetting that David ever did anything he shouldn't have done, assures him that she won't let him down again.

Over at the Webster's, Sally is wondering how Gail must be feeling, saying that what she went through is every mother's worst nightmare. Kevin says that their two girls look like a couple of angels compared to David. Sally reminds them all that Sophie isn't a teenager yet, it's tomorrow (her birthday) when the trouble really starts, and Kevin says that she won't want to be seen out with them then – is she sure she wants to go bowling with them? Sally wonders if they can't do something better than bowling – there's a play on in town, "An Inspector Calls". Kevin and Sophie, however, don't seem at all keen on that idea.

Steve has got Michelle wrapping up his mother's birthday present while he worries about getting a party sorted out. Liz comes down then, having had a bit of lie-in, and joins them at the breakfast table. She opens her present from them, perfume, and then Vernon comes in with bucks fizz on a tray.

In their honeymoon hotel, Sarah wakes up to find Jason lying there, staring at the ceiling. He's not at all happy, he's been awake all night whilst Sarah got a good night's sleep. She is still convinced that everything David did was to cause trouble and stop the wedding, but Jason can't see it. She reminds him that David admitted it to her, but Jason says it was only a smile. " I know that smile," says Sarah, "better than anyone."

Steve is in the corner shop, trying to buy buffet food for Liz's party. The best Dev can come up with a scotch egg, but Steve says Liz doesn't like them. Paul is in the shop and happens to overhear. He comes forward and tells Steve that Liz deserves better, and it just so happens that he has an Italian buffet sitting in his fridge, left over from the wedding. Much to Dev's annoyance Steve takes up the offer, and Paul promises to deliver.

Maria and Liam are walking to their respective places of work. Maria says that she's dreading the day because she knows Audrey blames her. Liam replies that it's not as if she meant any harm, but Maria wonders what would have happened if David had died. Liam tells her he's alive, and that's all that matters. As they share a kiss on the doorstep, a rather frosty Audrey arrives and opens up.

Once inside, Maria asks how David is. "Do you really care, Maria?" asks Audrey, coldly. "Of course I do!" says Maria, adding that she feels terrible about what happened. She says she kept quiet because she took the easy option. Audrey says that from now on they must look forward. Maria says she will all she can to help David, and Sarah, who must also be feeling awful and her wedding day was ruined. "Sarah!" exclaims Audrey, and says she is not going to waste any tears on Sarah, her behaviour was shocking. "I nearly lost my grandson because of that, save your sympathy for David."

In the hotel, Sarah is tucking into a hearty breakfast, but Jason isn't hungry. "How can you talk about fried bread?" he asks, "you're scaring me, Sarah." She continues to press him to eat something, but eventually he loses his patience. "You crossed the line yesterday, when we made those vows they could have been fishing your brother out of the canal." "Oh, how many times!" shouts Sarah, and tells him that she knew it was just one of his games. He points out that she didn't know that, and they ought to go home and help Gail. He goes off to have a shower.

Steve has a quiet word with Vernon and tells him that he doesn't think his mother should be working behind the bar on his birthday and suggests that Vernon takes her out. Vernon, however, pleads poverty, so Steve hands over several notes.

Carla arrives back at the factory earlier than expected and asks the girls if they missed her. The only response is silence, so she goes into the office and as she opens the door the puppy runs out. "Shut the door!" shouts Liam, but it's too late. "What is that mutt doing here?" asks Cara, and Liam mumbles that Maria bought it for him. "Oh, did she now!" is the response.

Sarah and Jason have arrived back in the street, although Sarah is not happy to be there, and tells him that she should be sitting in a fluffy white dressing gown looking over Lake Windermere. He argues that they've done the right thing. Just then Todd comes along and asks what they're doing back. "Ask your flamin' brother," snaps Sarah. "Honeymoon over?" asks Todd and Jason replies that he can say that again. Todd tells him that at least they can say goodbye, he's off tomorrow.

Liz and Vernon arrive back from wherever it was that he took her with Steve's money. As they walk back into the Rovers they're met by a chorus of "Happy Birthday to You" and the sight of a banner and some balloons. She smiles and says it's a lovely surprise, but her face shows that she's not really thrilled.

Leanne rushes into the pub to find Paul and demands to know what he's doing there. He shows her the buffet and explains the deal he did. She wants to know what the kiss the day before was about, "A good deal? Thought you'd squeeze a freebie out of the ex-tart did you?" she says. Paul says no, he just thought she was ‘well fit' and thought he'd chance his arm. Leanne seems a bit taken aback, but recovers enough to tell him to keep his eyes on his work in future.

Back at the Platt's. Jason is explaining to Gail that they're back because he thought they might be needed. Gail says it's very thoughtful of them. Sarah says she wishes he cared for her as much as he cares for David, but is scolded by Audrey, who tells her to grow up, the whole world doesn't revolve around her. Sarah says she knows, she wasn't even centre stage at her own wedding. Just then David comes downstairs, but Audrey tells him to get back up and get some more sleep, but Jason gets up to make him a cup of tea. Sarah comments that he soon got his feet back under the table, and Gail replies that is where they're staying. "His place is here," she says.

The factory workers are sitting in the pub when Rosie comes in wearing very little – an almost topless, very short dress. Sally is shocked at tells her it's far too low cut, and takes her home.

Liz is at the bar, talking to Ken and Deirdre, and she tells them that if the lunch out was her present she's disappointed. Deirdre says Vernon's organised the party but Liz reminds her that it's in her own pub and he's hardly pushed the boat out. She wonders where he is, he's been gone for the last hour. Deirdre says that Vernon might not be the most dynamic or romantic of men, but he loves her. She says that he did – until Derek. Just then, Vernon comes back in and gives her an envelope saying it's the card he forgot to give her that morning. She opens it up to find airline tickets to Paris! He says that her bags are packed and in the car and the meter is running!

Outside, Carla and Liam are leaving the factory. "Long term relationship is it?" asks Carla, looking at the puppy. She thinks Maria must be getting serious, because according to the saying, a dog is for life.

Sarah comes downstairs to find David getting himself a drink. She tells him he might have conned everybody else, but not her, he hasn't the guts to consider killing himself. He tells her he ruined her wedding day like he said he would. "You said the wedding wouldn't happen," says Sarah, "but it did. Me and Jason are married." David leans towards her, "Congratulations," he whispers, "let's just hope it lasts."

Anne Logan.



Sunday 4 November

Another week has passed - where do they go? It is almost bonfire night again and our poor dog will probably be spending another night on the bedroom floor as the bangs completely unnerve him.

Our story tonight opens in the Street where Sal and Ken are putting up banners and balloons for Sophie's 13th birthday. Gail crosses the Street to chat. Sal observes that at 13 she was only interested in magic tricks and rabbit blancmanges. Gail reminds them that Sarah was pregnant at 13. Kev asks after David - apparently he is well (Sarah has not yet crucified him then) and Gail only has to ask if she wants any help.

Carla arrives in the cafe and observes to Laim (who is with Maria) that she is going to work. On a Sunday? Is Tony busy? She says not but is tight lipped and claims she is not allergic to work. Carla departs - Laim tells Maria that he has from his mother and that he is thinking of going over to see her. In answer to a question Maria says she does not mind him going, but her face tells another story. He says she should really see County Kildare and anyway he had been thinking - she perks up and says "Yes" before Laim can say that he had been thinking he would leave Ozzy (the dog) with Ryan.

The Platt household is far from easy. Sarah is doing the washing - but they hardly wore anything on the "honeymoon". Gail comes downstairs and strokes David's head. Sarah can hardly believe her eyes. Gail asks David if would like to see a counsellor; he responds he is not sure. Gail tells him to think about it (Gail just get him sectioned or preferably dissected - he is evil and unhinged). Sarah moans that she is the one who needs some counselling. Gail tells Sarah to stop being selfish. David says sorry for ruining the honeymoon. {In our house we kept shouting at Gail for constantly running down Sarah - the poor girl needs looking after}. Gail tells Sarah to stop it. Sarah heads for the stairs but David grabs her and says that he does not want people falling out over him, but Sarah pulls her arm back, gives David a dirty look and goes upstairs. David uses the opportunity to look at Gail and say that he tried!!

Across the Street Sophie is opening her presents when Rosie notes John emerging from the Kabin and having confirmed there was a coffee shortage rushes out of the house. She almost pins John against the side of the Kabin and asks him what he is doing today - some marking apparently as Fiz is going shopping. Really she replies I have a much better idea at which John raises his eyebrows - Oh? A little later Rosie cries off the bowling and pizza for the birthday girl claiming stomach ache. As soon as they have gone she cheers up immensely and pulls out her mobil

e.

In the cafe Sarah is ranting at Jason over the unfairness of David getting his room back - after all Beth was looking forward to having her own room. Jason sighs, being married to Sarah is not easy! And they cannot move out because he is not working and there is no money coming in. Sarah loses it snaps at Jason and then stomps out. She goes to the cab office and asks Eileen if she can move in with her (and Sean and Violet and the baby to be) - so it is a little crowded all ready. Sarah only wants it until Jason is earning. Sarah gets nowhere and departs.

A little later Jason meets Eileen and the latter says she is going to stay with Todd for a week. Eileen asks if it is all right and Jason wants to know why - well Eileen has seen Sarah without Jason and now Jason without Sarah - and they are only just married. Also Sarah asked about moving in - which is news to Jason of course - but there is just no space.

At the Platt's Amber calls into see David. Hearing that Amber is staying for a while Gail takes Beth and goes shopping telling David that she has her mobile - David observes that Amber will have to stand guard over the knife drawer. David tells Amber that anyone living with his mother would become depressed and top themselves. When Sarah arrives he asks Amber to make some toast and a drink - which she cheerfully does. As Sarah notes he has someone else running around after him. David tells Amber that Sarah hates him for ruining the wedding and then he asks why Jason does not hate him - and why is not at Sarah's side? She claims that Jason is not avoiding her and heads back upstairs. He observes to Amber that it will not last long and looking happy sits down and starts channel hopping. When Gail returns she asks Amber about David - "Same as normal" is the response (I am glad she said "same", I thought she might have said "Sane" with which I could not agree). Amber asks if he will do anything else but Gail is sure it will be fine now (a sure harbinger of doom that is).

Elsewhere Eileen tells Sean she is worried about Jason - but Sean says he will keep an "in loco parentis" eye on the boy - anyway it will be good practice as a father for when his son arrives and then tries to change to "it". Whoops, he has to admit that he has been told what it is. He asks them not to tell Violet, because otherwise life will not be worth living.

Milan Morton returns, thankfully clothed, but to a fairly cool reception. The youngsters want presents but the older ones are unimpressed. Jodie walks out saying little and Mel points out he cannot expect better treatment given that she has been looking after house, business and family in his absence.

Laim asks Ryan to look after Ozzy in his absence - but the inevitable flaw of being in a flat surfaces. Steve solves this - Michelle and Ryan should move into the Rovers with the dog whilst Liz and Vernon are away; Michelle demurs but Ryan tells her to "Shut up Mam". And it is decided.

Milan Morton is trying to re-establish peace, suggesting the kids make a Guy Fawkes - out they go and knock round the neighbours. Once they have gone he tries to make his peace with Jodie - but she in not interested. He tells her he is sorry and she can have the rest of the week off from house, home and work. She cries and it would appear that harmony has returned.

The Webster front room, Rosie in bra, John with shirt and trousers undone (what have they been doing before the watershed I wonder) when there is ring from the doorbell and they have to rapidly attend to their attire. Rosie peers out and pretends that Fiz is at the front door. Turns out that it just some kids - but not before John has had a heart attack. John wants to go but Miss Devious Minx loosens her top and points out they never get any time together which changes his mind.

In the Rovers Jason and Todd are enjoying a drink together. Jason explains that he is worried about David and all Sarah is worried about is the ruined wedding (and Jason do you think that perhaps Sarah is the only one who might have the right sense of proportion here?). Obviously not. Anyway all marriages go through the odd rough patch. Todd agrees - but not usually in the first week!

Rosie and John are going about as far as is allowed before the watershed when a car pulls up outside. Rapidly they attempt to dress as the door opens. The Webster family plus Chesney arrive and Rosie provides a picture of complete composure waving the remote control at John who has to construct an excuse for his presence. Apparently he wants to suggest an extra lesson on Monday evening. Sally is pleased and accepts, Rosie smiles when John says that he enjoys the lessons every bit as much as Sal does.

Plattville and Jason returns to a few sharp words from Sarah (in front of Bethany - not a good move). He has been for a drink with Todd - not banned is it? Anyway they argue over Sarah seeing Eileen and moving out, all watched over by David - who tries to tell them that he does not want them to go (of course not he is having too much fun winding them all up). Sarah points out that David is just winding them up - but Jason is a simple lad and it is all doing his head in. Todd arrives to say farewell - Jason uses the crutches to go out side and Todd says good bye to Sarah who says "yeah see you" without even looking in his direction. David has watched all of this and asks Sarah if she wants a cup of tea but she is angry and as he departs he smiles, he is winning.

Outside Jason bids farewell to Todd and Eileen. The brothers are both happy that they are friends again. Todd tells Jason that he is welcome anytime, with or without Sarah. Jason tells him not to be daft. He reckons he and Sarah are solid, but Todd (who should know) is not so sure - and Jason knows where he is if he is needed. Todd and Eileen are driven off and Jason watches them go, clearly thinking that despite of the earlier problems that maybe the marriage would be over before it has started.

And that is this week.

K Richard W



Monday 5 November

This Episode of the Street is Written by Mark Wadlow Directed by John Anderson Produced by Steve Frost Sponsored by Harveys CORONATION STREET is copyright ITV Productions

PART 1

Webster's; Sally puts a DVD back in its case. Kevin comes in asking what she is doing so early in the morning. She says she was watching a film and it was to do with her lessons. She hears noises and tells Kevin he has woke the girls and she won't get her notes done now.

Morton's garden, Kayleigh asks David what he thinks. He asks if they made it. Kayleigh says yes and it's for the Guy Fawkes competition. Kayleigh says she needs clothes. David laughs saying it's supposed to be a guy. She says maybe he was a cross dresser. Just then Jerry shouts Finley and Kayleigh.

Platt's, Beth asks if she can go to the fireworks. Sarah tells Jason the mark on her dress is there and she wants it back ASAP. Sarah says they are going to get more pics taken because they have police in the back etc. Gail offers to take them all to the fireworks with no one being left out. David says he is up for that.

Webster's, Rosie says she starts school next week. Sally says it was only 10 weeks answering the phone. Rosie says she did more than that. Sally says she reason she watched the film so early is because she wants help round the house. Just then everyone leaves. Sally says when she said she wanted help she meant now.

Morton's; Jerry presses a button on his house phone and it's Jodie reminding him it's her night off. He walks over to the fridge where he sees the words Jodie's night off written with fridge magnets.

Outside John sees Sally coming out her house. He asks if she got to watch the film. She says yes. He says there is a production coming up and asks if she would like to go. Sally says she would like to go. Fiz passes and walks on. John says bye then walks after Fiz.

Rovers; Steve asks Michelle to guess what Ozzy has just done. He says he went into Ryan's bag. Michelle asks if he can lock up the dog. Steve says for Ozzy to cover his ears saying she would traumatise him. Steve says he has changed the rota so they can spend the day together. Michelle says town but Steve says Ozzy does not like big crowds and can't be alone for more then 4 hours. Michelle says it's her or the dog. Steve says it was nice knowing her. Michelle laughs as he goes out the room.

Outside Fiz is going on about the play. He says he wants to see the play Sally is studying. Fiz is not amused. John tells her she can come but Fiz says no. She then says Sally fancies him and he is encouraging her. Fiz walks away when John says he can't meet her for lunch and she knows he will be with Sally.

Factory; Sean asks Sally if she wants anything from the cafe. Fiz says she won't as she is going home for lunch with John. Vikkie shows Carla a leak. Janice says she can get Roger. Carla asks if she would get mates' rates. Janice says if she was anyone's mate she would. Carla says he is obviously not in demand but tells her to give him a call.

Cafe; Jason comes in and puts Sarah's wedding dress on the chair. Becky runs to help him saying disabled man out of the way. He says he will have pie and chips. Violet asks if she will get help since she is pregnant. Becky tells her to get in the line.

Webster's; Sally comes in and asks what Kevin is doing. He says eating fish and chips. She says she spent ages cleaning this place after they left and it now smells of fish and chips Kevin says he knows whose benefit it was for. Sally tells him to go as she sprays air freshener.

Cafe; Jason gets a call and says he will be there. He tells Becky the meal was great but he forgot he has to be at the doctor's. She helps him up. As he goes she tells him not to forget his coat. She helps him with the door and says bye.

Outside Janice asks Fiz if she and Sally have fallen out. Fiz says she is getting up her nose with John. Sally is at her door and John is just about to go in. He gives a wave to Janice and Fiz then goes inside.

Webster's; Sally tells him to come through. He says he likes her hair. She thanks him and says she has prawn sandwiches. He says she is spoiling him. Sally smiles.

Cafe; Sean gives Becky his order. Kelly says, if the leak gets any worse they would be sent home. Sean says probably with no pay. Kelly says Liam wouldn't. Kelly says he didn't need a puppy as he has a rockville anyway. Amber has taken David in the cafe saying she thought he would like a sandwich. David asks if his mum put her up to this. He then sees Sarah's dress in the bag and tells Amber it's Sarah's and he has to get this back to her.

Outside Amber runs after David. He asks what she wants. Amber asks why he is pushing her away and can see he is hurting. David smiling says he knows this is just her way of getting close to him. She asks why she would do that. David says because she has the hots for him. Amber a bit embarrassed says she is just trying to be a friend.

Jerry's; Lloyd is with Jodie. Jerry comes in saying lovebirds. Jodie asks what time he is coming to pick her up. He says 7. Jodie asks if Jerry heard that. He says he can take a hint. Jodie says he needs it drumming into him. As he puts on his apron it says Jodie's night off. Jerry gives a fake laugh.

Outside David is walking in the alleyways. He takes out the dress and puts it down into a puddle of water. Saying to himself that dirty rainwater will never come out.

Factory; Roger says the plasterboard will have to come off. Carla says this is becoming a big job. She turns to Janice and says she is right as if they got someone from the phone book it would be a hottie and they would not get any work done. As Carla goes Roger who is up on a ladder shakes his bum. Janice laughs.

Platt's back garden; David sneaking in jumps over the fence into the Morton's and puts Sarah's dress in the black bag of clothes. He jumps back over and puts the bag that the dress was in, in the bin. David has a smile on his face.

Webster's; John asks Sally if she is taking any of this in. She says she needs a coffee. As they go through Sally asks him if Fiz is annoyed about them going to the theatre. He says no. Sally says Fiz is off with her at work. John says she gets ideas in her head. Sally asks what ideas and John says they should go look at the paragraph again.

Morton's back garden; Finley and Kayleigh have dressed the guy in Sarah's wedding dress. Kayleigh tells Finley to kiss him. David smiles seeing from the window they have picked Sarah's dress.

Platt's; Gail asks what he is looking at. He does not reply. She asks if he is ok. He says he is not. He says everyone is watching him and he feels he is under 24 hour surveillance. He does not want anyone's pity. Gail says people are worried about him. She hugs him and David smiles.

Webster's; Sally asks John if Fiz is normally insecure. He says he blames her workmates as they put ideas in her head that they can't have a straightforward lesson. He says they see her trying to get on and are jealous. He says they have said she has a crush on him. Sally holding his hand says she has been bottling it up for ages and thinks it's more then a crush.

This report is copyright M@nda

Amanda Souter

In Sally's living room, Sally is grasping John by the arm and pouring out her heart to him. She tells him she can't stop thinking about something happening between the two of them. She's liked him from the start and thinks he's a great teacher and has shown her a new way to live. John argues that it's common for students to develop feelings for their teachers, he thinks what she feels for him is not what she thinks it is. Rosie is getting off a bus while John tries to let Sally down gently. John tells Sally that he likes her but that she's married and he's got a partner. He wants to nip it in the bud, he's the teacher and he has professional standards to maintain. Poor Sally is broken hearted and starts to cry. As Rosie comes in the door, Sally rushes upstairs. John asks Rosie to leave them alone and snaps at her after she asks if they can see each other later. Before Rosie leaves, she looks suspiciously upstairs to where her Mum is.

Jason comes back to the cafe where he's looking for the blue bag with Sarah's wedding dress. Becky tells him nothing has been handed in. Jason tells Becky it'll be the shortest marriage in history if he can't find it. Becky offers to look for it for him.

At Sally's Sally asks John if today's was his worst lesson ever. John gives her a hug and tells Sally he was wondering if he'd done something that gave her the wrong idea. Sally says that it was all in her mind. Since she's been doing her lessons with him, she's had a more vivid imagination. John tells Sally that they should stop the lessons for now. He thinks it's not fair on either of them and Sally's come on as a student and it's time for her to move on.

In the park, Steve and Ryan are playing with Ozzie. Steve wanders over to Michelle who is reading a magazine at one of the bench & tables. He calls her Misery Guts (so romantic!) and asks if she hates animals because she won't play with the puppeh. Of course, she doesn't hate animals. Steve asks her if she's glad they've moved in together. Michelle is happy but doesn't want Liz & Vernon to feel pushed out. Steve says that they shouldn't mind because it's the logical next step for him and his family. Michelle goes all soppy because Steve thinks of her and Ryan along with Amy as his family. Awwwww.

Becky comes out of the cafe rest room and announces to Jason, "It's not in t'bog!" How I love the way Becky speaks! She's tried to call Roy and ask him and everything but the wedding dress is lost. Jason knows Sarah will kill him if she finds out the dress is missing. Becky says she'll keep asking folk if they've seen anything of it but advises Jason to find out what make and model the dress is so he can buy another one if push comes to shove. Becky also tells him he should just bite the bullet and tell Sarah. After all, it's only a dress. Jason's not convinced.

Out in the street, Fizz comes across John who tells her that he has stopped lessons with Sally. He teases Fizz by telling her he told Sally that Fizz had convinced him that Sally fancied him. Fizz is momentarily mortified but sees the joke. John tells Fizz he stopped the lessons because it bothered Fizz so much but that he told Sally that she doesn't need private lessons any more. Fizz totally falls for it and is pleased John is so worried about her feelings. He tells Fizz he has to get back to school for a meeting.

At Gail's, everyone's getting ready for the bonfire and fireworks. David and Sarah are having little digs at each other while Bethany's putting on her coat. Jason starts to ask surreptitious questions about Sarah's wedding dress, what make, where did she get it, how much did it cost. Sarah jokes that Alexander McQueen designed it as a one off. Jason asks if Alexander McQueen has a shop in town. Sarah tells him she's joking and it came from Debenhams. They all leave for the fireworks.

Lloyd is knocking on Jodie Morton's door and watches the Platts walk past. Jodie comes to the door all ready to go out and she and Lloyd walk to the bonfire arm in arm.

Rosie is standing outside the school where John is working inside at a laptop. John's mobile tells him he has a message and he looks out of the window to see Rosie there.

At the bonfire, the youngest Mortons have won a prize for the best Guy. Meanwhile, Sean and Marcus are playing with sparklers as Violet remarks to jamie that this time next year she'll have a baby. "Ehh- we'll have a baby," Sean reminds her. Violet agrees, of course. Gail says hello to Jerry who tells her that his kids have won a prize for best Guy. they point it out at the top of the bonfire. Sarah sees the guy wearing something that looks suspiciously like her wedding dress. She soon realises it is her wedding dress going up in flames.

John lets Rosie into the classroom. John is cranky with Rosie coming to see him in school. Rosie tells him it's the perfect cover, a student coming to see her teacher about her A-Levels. John tells her it's professional suicide. "Sorry, sir!" Rosie gets all smart and petulant on him. Rosie think he's gone ogg her. John explains it's been a long day and he's in a bit of a mood. Rosie asks him what happened between him and her mother earlier but John doesn't want to tell her. Rosie is worried that John has told Sally what's going on between her and John but John tells her that's not it. Rosie demands to know what went on and after making Rosie promise to keep it to herself, tells her that Sally told him she had feeling for him.

At the bonfire, Sarah asks the Morton kids why their guy is wearing her wedding dress. they tell her they found it in a bin bag. There follows an exchange between Sarah, Jodie and Jerry about a guy being the most expensively dressed guy since the history of bonfire night, the Morton kids not being liars (ha!) etc. Sarah realises that in this case they're telling the truth and she turns to David to tell him she knows he had something to do with it. Jason butts in and takes responsibility telling her he lost the wedding dress earlier in the day. Jason tells Sarah he wants to buy her another dress. he'll get her the loveliest, most expensive wedding dress to make it up to her. Sarah says to Gail, "Hear that Mum? Not even married a week and already he's lying to me."

At the school and Rosie can't believe what happened between John and Sally earlier on. Rosie makes sure John gave her the knock back and tells John she should go home and tell Sally to keep her hands off her man. John reminds her that he's actually Fizz's man. Rosie tells him to lighten up, he should be flattered he's got women of all ages throwing themselves at him. He says he wanted to run a mile. He was thinking, "here I am spurning the mother and yet I'm putty in the daughter's hands!" Ewwwww!

More ewwww as Jodie and Lloyd are having a snog on a bench at the bonfire before Jerry interrupts to tell them he's off to the beer tent. Jodie reminds him that it's her night off from looking after his kids and Jerry tells her he knows that but is off to the beer tent anyway. Poor Lloyd is quite clearly getting fed up with all of the interruptions.

In the Rovers, Kevin and Sally come in and see Fizz at the bar. Sally tells Fizz that she's stopped the lessons with John. Kevin is still surprised at her decision but Sally tells him and Fizz what John said about her doing so well and finding another class to take part in. Kevin asks her if she's serious about a Phd. Sally tells him he's looking at a future Professor Webster. John comes in the pub and Sally looks a bit sheepish as she watches him kiss Fizz.

Jodie and Lloyd are interrupted mid-snog once again at the bonfire as Finlay has something in his eye. Lloyd tells him it's probably a spark from the fire. Lloyd and Jodie decide to take Finlay to casualty in the absence of Jerry.

Rosie returns home to see her Dad in the hallway and goes into the front room to see how Sally is. She asks about her lesson with John. Sally tells her she's decided to stop lessons with John. Rosie plays along but tells Sally that she can tell something's wrong with her and asks Sally to tell her what really happened.

In the hospital, Jerry and Jodie argue about who was supposed to be looking after the kids. Lloyd backs Jodie up and tells Jerry that he takes the mick. Jerry says he knows and Jodie tells him she's not going to stand for being treated the way Jerry treats her any more.

Back at the Websters', Rosie is trying to coax Sally into telling her what happened but Sally is not having it. Rosie tells Sally that she thinks maybe John tried it on with Sally but Sally tells her not to be disrespectful. Rosie tells Sally to lighten up and not be so sensitive before going to bed. She gives her mum a sly smile before she leaves the room. Sally is left with a look that says to me she's wondering if maybe Rosie knows something she shouldn't.

Stella McLoughlin



Wednesday 7 November

It's breakfast time in the Morton household, and Finlay has a patch on his eye from his altercation with a firework. Jerry tells Jodie she shouldn't go blaming herself. She snaps at him that she's not blaming herself. "You're trying to make out I'm responsible for the kids, aren't you?" she says, but of course he denies it. She tells him that she's not setting foot in the shop today, it's her day off and she intends to go into town. "But who's looking after Finlay?" asks Jerry, and tells her that he's got to go to the cash and carry and Darryl will be in the shop. (As most of what they sell is fresh meat and salad, a trip to the cash and carry can't take long, surely?) Kayleigh offers to take the day off school to look after him, but Jerry tells her to get to school.

Sean is eating his breakfast when Violet gasps, she's felt the baby kick. He immediately puts his hand on her tummy for a feel but she recoils. "Do you mind?" she says, "don't just feel me like that." He protests that he was feeling the baby, but she says he should ask first, she already feels like a prize winning cow.

John is in Fizz's flat and, to her delight, has made her breakfast. She comments that he was up early and he says he had marking to do. He tells her that it's much quieter in her flat than where he lives and he got loads done. Fizz tells him that Maria is behind on the rent and if she doesn't get her act together she'll be telling her she's got another lodger lined up.

Outside the butcher's, Ashley is sorting out the awning and talking to Claire about Joshua and school. As she walks away she passes Jerry who's opening up the kebab shop, and he remarks that it's nice to see the two of them back together again. "We're not," says Claire, curtly, "I'm perfectly happy on my own, but it doesn't mean we can't be civil."

Over at the Platt's, Jason is apologising yet again to Sarah for leaving her wedding dress in the cafe, but he says that someone else took it, not him. They go off out of the door leaving Gail talking to Audrey who asks when Gail's going back to work. She says that at the moment she doesn't want to leave David on his own. Audrey asks how he is and Gail replies that he's not his usual self. Audrey laughs, "You say that like it's a bad thing!" she says, but Gail isn't amused. Just then David comes downstairs in his pyjamas. "Hello, sweetheart," says Gail and jumps up to get his breakfast. Audrey asks how he's feeling and he tells her he's not ill and Gail tells her to stop badgering him. David asks Audrey if he can go back to work, and although Gail thinks it's a bit too soon, Audrey says he can go back part-time, so he goes off to get a shower. "I hope it's not too much for him," says Gail. Audrey points out it's a hair salon, not a fire-station, although she does admit that she's not looking forward to telling Sarah.

In the taxi office they're teasing Lloyd about his swift action in taking Finlay to hospital when his eye was injured. They joke to him that Jodie will be very ‘grateful'. Claire turns and says that only they could turn a child nearly losing his eye into something smutty. Just then Violet arrives, she wants a cab into town to go shopping for the baby so Jamie volunteers to take her. As they walk to the car she feels the baby kick, but this time grabs Jamie's hand and puts it on her stomach to feel the bumps.

Rosie tells Sally that she's going to town so Sally asks her to get the latest Jack Johnson cd. Rosie, in typical teenager fashion, patronisingly asks why on earth her mother should want it and is told that it's a present for someone, but she won't say who for.

In the salon, Sarah is going on about the fate that befell her wedding dress to Maria (and anyone else who will listen). Jason's version is that he left the dress in the cafe, but the Morton children swear they found the dress in a bag of old clothes. "How did it get there? That's what I want to know," she says. Audrey tries to calm her down, and then breaks the news that David is coming back to work. "Here?" cries Sarah, "after what that little freak has done to me? I bet it was him that took my wedding dress and all!" Audrey tells her that she can't keep blaming him for everything (oh no?) and Maria butts in and says that David does seem to have changed. Frustrated and angry Sarah can't understand why no one else can see that David's stunt with the car in the canal was just to ruin her wedding day, and storms out.

Sean is in the cafe with Marcus, but his thoughts are elsewhere. Eventually he tells Marcus about his slight disagreement with Violet earlier, when she objected to him putting his hand on her stomach to feel that baby. "It's my kid an' all," he moans. Marcus tells him he can't just go around feeling up pregnant women. "This is Violet we're talking about," Sean argues, "it's not like I'm going round the streets of Manchester doing it." When Marcus can get Sean's attention he invites him to the Christening of his brother's child on Sunday. "Meeting the family?" asks Sean, and you can almost hear the cogs whirring in his brain. "It's no big deal," says Marcus, and Sean says he'd love to, and smiles.

At another table, Sarah is sitting with Jason, still moaning about David, wondering why people keep falling for his lies. Jason asks if she's still chucking her job in? If so, that puts paid to them finding a place of their own. "Oh, so that's all you care about? My wages!" snaps Sarah, and reminds him how David wrecked their wedding and put Beth in hospital. "Why would I expect you to understand?" she says, "I'm only your wife!" and she gets up from the table and storms out, leaving Jason sitting there. Becky comes over and puts a cup down in front of Jason, telling him it's on the house. "Honeymoon period over, is it?" she asks. Jason sighs, "It's not even flamin' started yet," he replies.

Jodie's putting out the empty milk bottles, when she sees Lloyd walking down the Street. "Hiya!" she calls. He makes a joke about her skiving, but she says she's looking after Finlay. As he walks on she calls out and asks whether he's going to be in the pub later. "Me? Never!" he jokes.

Sally is putting on her make up when Rosie comes back with the cd she bought for her mum. Rosie wonders where her parents are going, and Kevin tells her they're just going to the pub. "What are you getting all glammed up for?" she asks Sally, but is told it's just a bit of lippy. "Have fun!" says Rosie as she waltzes out of the room. Sally quickly takes the cd out of the shop bag and pops it into a gift bag.

Violet and Jamie come back into the pub after their shopping trip, and Sean comes over and apologises for the incident earlier.

Claire has been shopping and Ashley is at the house helping to put away the groceries. They chat together easily, and then reluctantly goes to say goodbye to the boys.

Back in the pub Steve, Jason, Lloyd and Jamie are still continuing the discussion about who would win a superhero battle. Violet is looking at all the baby clothes she bought and Sean offers to pay something towards them, but she refuses.

Audrey, Gail and Maria are over at a table, and Audrey comments that it's not a good start to a marriage to have Jason at the pub and Sarah at home crying because they've had another argument, and she's given up her job. Maria thinks they should all let the dust settle because Sarah is so angry with David. Gail says she knows Sarah had a bad time with the wedding but David needs them all now and she ought to be able to see that.

Behind the bar, Violet is still showing Michelle the baby clothes and Steve asks if they're in a pub or Mothercare. Michelle says Violet has spent a fortune, and Jason remarks that they were shocked at the price of baby clothes when they had Holly. Michelle asks if they've still got any of it, it could save Violet a few quid. "It's no good to her, she's having a boy," says Jason. Lloyd overhears this, "Congratulations Vi, I hear it's a boy!" he calls to her. Violet looks round, at first a look of confusion on her face. "Sorry, Sean, it just flew out," mutters Jason, realising what he's done. Violet stares at Sean, realisation dawning. "You know? You know my baby's a boy?" she says.

Jerry arrives home to find a rather unhappy Jodie. He apologises for what happened in the morning, and says he does appreciate everything she does. He goes on to say she can always see Lloyd again, but she turns on him and says it's not about Lloyd it's about her, she's looking after the kids, the house, the shop – she's got no life. He says they're a family and are supposed to pull together, but she says that just means ‘Jodie'll do it!" and she storms out..

Back in the pub Violet turns to Sean and says that she guesses she has Marcus to thank. Sean says he was just desperate to know, but Violet asks if he has any idea how it feels to know that other people know more about her baby than she does. She walks off out.

Just then Jodie comes in and walks up to Lloyd. She asks if she can buy him a drink but he says he's going to go before he puts his foot in it again. She asks if she can buy him a drink on Friday but he just says he'll check his shifts and leaves, quickly.

Audrey and Gail decide to go home and as they go towards the door, Gail goes over to Jason. She thanks him for trying so hard for David and always being there for Sarah and Bethany. She says there's more to him than people think. Jason tells her that it doesn't seem like that sometimes, but she assures him that things will get better, and encourages him to come home with her to find Sarah.

John and Fizz come in and Fizz goes off to the loo. Sally gets up and hands him the cd, and he thanks her. When she returns to her seat Kevin comments that he would have thought that paying John for the lessons was thanks enough. Fizz comes back to the bar and sees the cd. "Oh, I like him," she says, looking at it. John tells her it was from Sally, to say thank you. Fizz tosses the cd back down on the bar, "Trust her to go one better than an apple," she says in disgust.

In the ladies, Violet is crying and Michelle is trying to comfort her. She's angry with Sean for getting so involved, he was only supposed to be a donor. "He'll be wanting to name the baby next!" she says. Michelle tries to say that he doesn't mean any harm, but Violet tells her not to defend him.

Sally and Kevin get up to leave and as they pass, John thanks Sally for the cd. "Yes," says Fizz, "we're really going to enjoy listening to this." John tells Sally that if she ever gets stuck with her English Lit she's to call him. After they've left, Fizz turns to John and moans that he shouldn't have said that, Sally will always be calling him.

Violet comes back to the bar, and tells Sean to leave it. He tells her he can't bear thinking that she hates him. She tells him it's not about him, but wants to know who else he broadcast it to. He looks at Jamie, who confesses that he knew, too. She wants to know why he didn't say something when all afternoon they were walking round the shops and she was pondering on whether it was a boy or a girl. He says he knew she didn't want to know so thought it best to keep quiet. She turns to Sean and asks if he has any idea how worthless she feels. He has managed to make something that was so important to her all about him, as usual.

Anne Logan.



Friday 9 November

Welcome to another Friday night update.

In their kitchen, Sean is a pathetic sight as he grovels to Violet for forgiveness. He tells her the suspense was killing him. 'You're supposed to be my friend,' she tells him, curtly. Sean protests that he is. He's more than a friend. Violet points out that, despite her making it clear that she wanted a surprise when the baby was born, Sean had gone and shouted the baby's sex from the roof tops. 'The pair of you are a disgrace.'

In their flat, Fizz and Maria are into high finance, sorting out the rent. Maria is worried that she never knows where her money goes. Fizz suggests she invite John to move in to help share the costs. Maria agrees, 'as long as you save the snogging for the bedroom!' Maria asks if they're getting pretty serious. Fizz says they are. Maria points out that if John moves in it'll be a wake-up call for Kirk. It might make him drop the torch he's still carrying for Fizz. Fizz looks suddenly horrified at the thought she might be hurting Kirk.

Gail is sending David off to school with bacon butties (probably because there's only that horrible healthy stuff for school dinners these days). Sarah apologises to Jason and tells him she's going back to the salon and getting an evening job as well. They need the money. 'The sooner we can get out of here, the sooner we can get away from that psycho.' Gail says she doesn't care for that term. David says the psycho is getting off. He looks very smug once his back is turned on Gail, who tells Sarah sharply to lay off her brother.

Jamie and Violet are chatting at the front door when Kelly calls across and asks whether Violet's thought of any names for the baby yet. Violet replies that she thought she'd leave all that to Sean. 'If I'm lucky he might even let me attend the birth,' she says, with a forced grin. Violet tells Jamie she bets the whole factory knew it was a boy before she did. 'If it's any consolation, Sean's gutted,' Jamie tells her. 'Yeah, gutted that I found out that he found out!' She tells Jamie not to make excuses. 'This is outrageous on every level!'

'I tell you what, if she weren't up the duff, she'da got a cherry bakewell right in the face' Yes, Kelly is indignant. Fizz points out that no-one in their right mind would let Sean pick the baby's name, but Sean just wants to know, on a scale of one to ten, exactly how stroppy was Violet? 'Eleven,' Kelly tells him.

Claire's trying to persuade Steve and Lloyd to brighten up the taxi office a bit. 'It's not very good between jobs having to sit in a tip,' she tells them. Steven points out that sitting in a tip will make drivers want to get back out on the road quicker.

Jody comes in to see if she's still seeing Lloyd tonight. It's clear he's forgotten to change his shift. Once she's gone, Lloyd admits defeat and tells the others he'll see Jody from 7 to 7.30. 'What kind of date's that?' asks Claire. 'A very short one,' says a worried-looking Lloyd.

In the cafe, Roy is bringing Violet and Jamie up to speed on how Hayley's trip is going. Jamie is relieved to see a customer at the counter so Roy will stop. Violet bets everybody in Mozambique knew the baby's sex before she did. She tells Jamie she thought she was in safe hands with Marcus doing her scans. Jamie says he was just trying to protect her. Violet thinks there's probably something in Marcus's contract to prevent him giving out unauthorised information. 'This isn't hormones, Jamie. I'm angry. And the more I think about it, the angrier I get!'

Doreen is in the Kabin, telling Rita and Norris everything George told her about his marriage to Angela. She's seeing him later. She thinks all of Angela's husbands are very personable chaps. Once she's out of the shop, Rita asks Norris why he's got a face like a scalped arse (as they say round here). He thinks Doreen has inveigled her way into a male domain.

John's in his car, playing the Jack Johnson CD that Sally gave him (The track is Better Together, if you must know, and his website is being redeveloped, so you'll have to search for it yourself). Rosie knocks on his window and bends down to chat with him. John's terrified she'll be seen. 'What? Having a conversation?' Rosie is so self-assured it's terrifying me, let alone poor John! She reaches in the window and takes his hand, telling him it's fine. He tells her it's far from fine. 'You're too bold.' 'Mmm,' she says, 'that's what you like about me.' Sophie comes over, having finished thrashing someone at sport, with just the five goals from her. John makes his excuses and drives off.

In the salon, Sarah tells Maria that Leanne has put her on standby. 'Kind of like being a brain surgeon.' Maria says she couldn't wait on, not after a day on her feet in the salon. Sarah says she's got an incentive. She starts telling Maria about the kind of place she and Jason will get. Her voice rises deliberately so David can hear. Gail arrives and sees David sweeping the floor while Sarah does her nails. 'Did you just come to check they'd not killed each other yet?' asks Maria. She says they've been fine. Sarah tells her mother about her new job at the restaurant. 'Fine, as long as you can cope,' says Gail. 'Oh, I can always cope. Not much choice in this family,' Sarah says.

It's evening and Violet meets Marcus in the street. She tells him he's totally abused his position at the hospital. He tries to tell her that fathers have rights, too, but she's not listening. 'Save it for the tribunal,' she tells him.

Gail and David walk home together. He tells Gail he thinks Sarah's only pretending to handle things. He asks Gail not to get on Sarah's case because she is trying her best.

Sean and Marcus talk. Marcus is very worried he will be hauled up in front of his bosses. Sean thinks Violet is 'full of oestrogen at the moment' and will calm down. Marcus knows it's possible he will get the sack. Sean promises to have a word with Violet, to throw himself on her mercy.

Lloyd and Steve chat in the Rovers. Emily comes over to sell them a poppy. Lloyd's grandad and Emily's dad were both in the rifle brigade, it turns out. Steve says that 'one of those hippies from the bookstore' was in trying to sell them a white poppy. (is this the set-up for some new characters? Bookstore hippies?). Emily thinks they're misguided. Red symbolises bloodshed. 'We're not glorifying war. We're remembering the dead,' she says. Jody comes in and Steve compliments her on scrubbing up nice. Lloyd hands Jody a pint and she asks if everything is OK. He suggests they sit down. Rita and Norris come in, with Rita reassuring him that Doreen will be in soon. 'I was looking for Ivor and George, actually,' she says. Jody looks at Lloyd. 'I'm dumped, aren't I?' He says you technically have to be in a relationship before you can call it dumped. He tells her it's just that every time they attempt a date it goes wrong and he can't see it working out. 'You're great. You're gorgeous. But you're basically unavailable.' 'I'm married to my dad,' she sighs. They agree to be mates.

Fizz and John are eating with their dinner set on cushions on their knees in front of the telly. He says school was bedlam but this is bliss. 'You could have this every night if you moved in,' Fizz says. John quite likes the idea. 'You're good for me, Fizz-whizz,' he says.

Sarah walks into the house, calling for Jason and ignoring David, who starts to taunt her about Jason spending her money faster than she can earn it. 'Scumbag!' she says.

Sean offers to take over the ironing for Violet. She's not grateful. She says it's therapeutic. Sean admits he tricked Marcus into telling him. 'And I promised faithfully that I would never ever divulge.' He says Marcus didn't tell her that because he's noble and discreet. She says Marcus is off the hook, 'but you are still wriggling on it!'

'I thought we were saving,' Sarah says accusingly to Jason in the pub. He says a couple of pints won't hurt. 'Just as well I've got two jobs, then.' 'Great,' he says. 'We can have doubles.' At another table, Norris offers another round of drinks and Doreen heads for the loo. Emily and Rita tease Norris about her. Nearby, Jody and her brother have a drink and he tells her she's too good for Lloyd. She gets a text from Kayleigh saying she's broken the glass in the back door.

Sean and Violet sit in silence. Violet says she's idled away hours thinking about the baby being a boy or girl. Sean apologises again but says it's the most exciting thing that's ever happened to him. 'It's not happening to you!' Violet tells him emphatically. Sean says all the stress isn't good for Violet 'or our son.' 'My son! When's the penny going to drop?' she demands. 'We made him together,' Sean says in a hurt voice. 'My baby! My pregnancy!' says Vi. 'When are you going to stop hijacking it?' Sean protests that he isn't, but she says he's been going around telling 'his' news when it isn't his to tell. 'I want you to BACK OFF! I will decide how much time, if any, you get to spend with my son, all right? Drop the proud father routine, Sean, because you're the donor! End of.' She leaves the room.

The End
Margaret Carr



Sunday 11 November

Another Sunday, another update. This episode written by Martin Allen and directed by John Anderson

John is the most exciting teacher I have ever met. He fancies Fiz, is entranced by Rosie and would say yes to Sally given half a chance. So why is he surrendering bachelor hood and moving in with Fiz. No it does not compute. Anyway the flat is buckling under the weight of his belongings and Maria is fleeing from the invasion. And he is off to get the rest of his possessions and cannot consider changing his mind. Later he returns and Fiz helps unload the car when she sees Sal and announces that he is moving in with her. Sal hopes that it will work out for them - Fiz is convinced it will.

Across the Jelly Roll asks Jodie if she is alright even though she has been dumped. Jelly Roll does not have the faintest idea what she is trying to tell him about his continual boyfriend prevention actions. Anyway dumbo Sinbad simply does not get it. Later Jelly rolls over Lloyd in the Street and tells him he is sorry it is over - but he did not give it much of a chance - was it 2 or 3 dates? Jelly asks if he will give Jodie another chance. But Lloyd points out that she seems to have a lot of family commitments. Jelly says that she is a popular girl. Lloyd can hardly believe his ears and shakes his head.

Marcus is happy that Violet is not going to turn him in - Sean is certain she will not take it further. Anyway Sean is more concerned about his waistcoat before meeting Marcus's family than about Violet.

At the Rovers Steve is carrying in boxes from Michelle's flat. Steve tells Michelle to stop tidying up Liz and Vernon's return. They do not want to give the happy couple a warm welcome "home" - they have to get so fed up living there that they want to move out. She says that it seems a bit mean. Steve says the mean justifies the end, but Michelle says she is a tidy person. He asks if she wants them to go - if she does she has to put up with some mess and he tips up a box sending a mess cascading over the table - oh what has he done.

At the factory Tony re-appears (no I do not understand why he looks like a grinning monkey - I assume that his acting lessons did not extend to his face). He wants to take her for a drink - but the builders are in mending a leak and she cannot leave the factory as Liam is away. He hands her his briefcase and says he will be back shortly. He returns with a bottle of wine and designs for a new catalogue. They are more complex than their usual work - and it will bring more work their way.

Without much surprise Lloyd brings Jodie up to date with his little chat with Jelly. Apparently Jelly does not have the faintest idea of subtle - sledgehammer might get the message through - and Jodie begins to realise that nothing minor will ever get the message across.

Kev arrives home to tell the family he had seen Snape moving in with Fiz. Sal says she saw them earlier. Rosie cannot believe her ears - why had she not told her? Sal did not think it was important. Just strange that an educated man like John wanted to live with a factory girl like Fiz (who else works in the factory - oh yes Sal does). Sal pushes Kev for pointing it out and he agrees if they are all as gorgeous as her! On the side of the screen Rosie has a face like thunder at the news. She disappears out into the back with her phone and starts texting. With a huge smile on her face she presses the send button.

Jelly arrives at the shop and Jodie delivers her decision. She is going to live in London with a mate (amazing it would take most of us weeks to get something organised - she is leaving in seconds). She wants a life without being interfered by him or anyone else. If she does not leave now she never will. She packs her bag whilst Kayleigh begs her not to go. Jerry tries to convince her not to go but she says that the children would be alright without her.

And that text message has reached John who feels a vibration in his pocket and whips out his phone. He tells Fiz he has to go back to his old place and alleges that he left some notes there. Anyway he will eat his sandwich before going.

Liz and Vernon return and for once the cleavage is not in sight! Liz thanks them for looking after the pub - and boy could she murder a cup of tea. Steve offers to get the bags and takes them in the back room. Which is a municipal dump. Steve explains that Michelle, Ryan and Ozzie have moved in. Ozzie who? So Steve has to explain about the dog. Vernon and Liz are wearing a matching pair of striped roll neck shirts, heaven help us. Steve tells them to sit down and relax and he will get them a croissant.

The Morton family are at the bus stop to see off Jodie. Hugs and kisses all the way round and there is one less Morton in the village. Although perhaps as she let Jelly did realise who was the cause of her departure.

In the back alley John meets Rosie - he can only stay a minute. She wants to know what he told Fiz. He answers that he had to pop out for a bit. John tells her that it is all over - he is sorry but the two of them are finished. Rosie cannot believe what he has just said. He points out that he is living with Fiz now. Rosie cannot see what the problem is - Fiz need never find out. John does not want to deceive her any more and she is bound to find out eventually - Sal and Sophie have nearly caught them already. John tells her that he is her teacher now and they have to stop - or he might lose his job. Rosie tries every argument under the sun - but John is 12 years older. Anyway they will see each other at school tomorrow.

In the Rovers Marcus is explaining his family - who seemed to have like Sean. Sean is not listening - he is worrying about something but will not tell Marcus about it. At the optics Vernon wants to know what Liz knows about the new housing arrangements - but she is as much in the dark as he is. It is going to be a bit crowded in the mornings. Vernon and Liz decide to sit tight - Michelle is bound to want something better than a corner pub. Liz reckons a couple of weeks getting fed up and another two weeks to find somewhere - they will be gone by Christmas.

John is unpacking his toaster and frying pan and Maria goes out to see a friend and they have the flat to themselves. Fiz says John seems more relaxed and he attributes it to her calming influence. He reckons they will be very happy now.

Across the road Sal is ironing clothes for Rosie - who is really looking forward to it. And as Sal observes John will be keeping an eye out for her - Rosie cannot wait.

See you next week.

K Richard W



Monday 12 November

It is Rosie's first day at school. She comes down to breakfast, dressed to impress (John), with rather a lot of cleavage on show for a schoolgirl ! (Your reporter wasn't complaining though!). Sally was amazed. Rosie also had rather a lot of makeup on as well. Sally thought she would have to scrape the boys up off the floor ! However Sally didn't stop her going to school like that. (I am sure when I was at school - hundreds of years ago !!! - schoolgirls were certainly not allowed to put on lots of makeup, and it was always school uniform!).

At Jerry's house, Kayleigh was looking for her PE kit. Jerry found it in the laundry basked, and when Kayleigh sniffed them and said they smelt, Jerry gave them a whiff of air freshener and gave them back to her.

Violet and Sean are having breakfast. Sean is very quiet, so Violet tells him he is forgiven. She said she could no longer bear the tension. Sean remained silent, and Violet asked what was the matter now. He remarked that she called the shots, to which Violet said that is right, because it is her that is having the baby.

At school, John (the only teacher there!) has just started the class when Rosie waltzes in. Looking something like Marilyn Monroe, she apologies for being late, but blames the traffic. John introduces her to the class and says she will be joining from today. John asks her if she has a copy of The Tempest. She replied she doesn't, and thrusting her chest forward and leaning towards him asks if that is the one about the storm. The boy next to her offered to share with her, as his eyes almost fell out of its sockets !!

Fiz tells Kelly, in the factory, that John wants them to share the cost of a cable tv connection. He loves the trashy channels she says. Sally joins in the conversation and says that she couldn't imagine John watching such rubbish. She thinks Fiz is making it up. She denies it, and says she has no reason to; beside after teaching all day he wants to relax when he gets home.

Vicky asked Sean if the christening went okay, and what would his son be like. Sean said that would be up to Violet.

(reporter's note: can we get back to Rosie please ;-) )

In the cafe, Jason is chatting to Becky about men. He said that Charlie's view was that men and women shouldn't live together. (Strange for someone who shacked up with Shelley and Tracy). Becky asked him if he agreed with that. Jason quickly said that he was just saying what he thought. She went on that men just want to hang out with other men, drink beer and pull women ! She then went back to walk as Sarah walked in.

Right back to the interesting part! In school, the boy who Rosie is sharing a book with, Lee is reading from the book. Rosie provocatively crossed her legs, rocked her foot back and forth, moving slightly closer to him, all for John's benefit, although nobody else realised. John paused the reading and asked what exactly Prospero was saying in the passage. He turned to Lee for an answer. He said he wasn't sure, and asked whether it was to do with the tutor's weapon ? The class, of course sniggered, and Rosie rolled her eyes and mouthed to John that she wanted him. John was annoyed that she had not got the message that it was over between them.

Over at Underworld Carla thanked Roger for the work he had done, and offered him a bit extra for a drink. Tony said he would discuss samples with her in The Rovers later. Carla told Roger that she was embarrassed. Roger thanked her for the cheque and went out.

Back in the cafe, Jason asks Sarah what was wrong with Beth, as she seemed to be up all night with him. She said she was, and expected him to get up occasionally. Even when he told her she would, she replied that she is working 24/7 as it is. He said it wasn't his fault that he can't work. Sarah apologised and said she was tired. After Sarah went, Jason and Becky started to get friendly again. She thought he would be working again soon, but Jason was worried that Bill might give his job to someone else.

In the salon, Audrey found Sarah crying. Asking her what was wrong, it seemed that the strain of her working at two jobs and lack of support from Jason was getting to her.

It is hometime at school and as Rosie heads off home another girl, Tina, starts calling her. They have an argument, Tina calls Rosie a tart, and Rosie retorted that she was a small minded, flat-chested, but at that point she got a slap around the face by Tina. (Then started what we used to call at school "a bundle"). A fight broke out between them. It took Lee and Amber to get Rosie off Tina. John seeing what was happening called them over. He told them to both go to the headmaster.

At the factory, Carla said she was going off to a meeting and would leave Vicky in charge. Sally was livid. She had only been working there for two minutes, hardly speaks the language. She thought it was an outrage. Sally then gets a call on her mobile (cell) phone from John. She seems quite pleased until she realises that he is ringing her about Rosie.

Jason goes to the salon to see Sarah, but Audrey had sent her to the wholesalers. She told him that she is a bit fragile and suggested that he takes her out for a meal. Audrey gives Jason some money which he tried to refuse, but she insisted.

Vicky is taking advantage of being in charge at the factory. She tells Fiz and Kelly that their tea break was over. Kelly said it wasn't, and told her that she eats and drinks quickly. Kelly tried to remind her that when she first joined, they took her under their wings, and that she should remember her friends. Vicky said she would, but urged her to finish her biscuit !

In the Rovers, Tony is urging Carla to settle on a deal. She wants to wait for Liam. He noted that Roger was in, and said that he tried to make small talk with him in the loo (er, um, who was "small" ?!!), but he was blanked. Carla said it was probably because he was rude about his girlfriend. He said he was going to smooth it over. As Tony approached him, Roger turned his back and started to talk to Jerry. Tony turned back to Carla who was giving him a slow hand clap.

Back at school, Rosie goes back to see John. She leans over towards him when John asks what the Headmaster said. She tells him that he just told her not to do it again. John said that was good advice. Rosie said she shouldn't have been sent to the Headmaster. But John told her that there are procedures that need to be followed. She asked is a purring voice if he was angry with her. John told her that he had called her mother and she was on her way in. Rosie is of course annoyed, but John told her that they need to discuss what happened and what to do in future. Rosie told him that he was "dead sexy" in action earlier. John reminded her it is all over, but she then asked why he was about to kiss her. He said he wasn't but she puts her lips on his, and then pulled away. He sighed that he was about to go to hell and then they were locked into a passionate kiss.

At that moment Sally gets to the classroom door but suddenly stops and pauses. She gives herself a quick makeover with here compact to impress John. She then reaches for the door.

So does Sally catch them both in "the act" ? Stella takes up the story later.

Martin Rosen

We rejoin Mr Stape and Rosie kissing in Mr Stape's classroom. There is a shadow outside the door and they realise Sally is standing outside. Rosie and Mr Stape rush to tidy themselves up as luckily for them, Sally takes her merry old time sorting out her lipstick outside the classroom before she comes inside. Sally is knocking on the door while Rosie reassures Mr Stape that Sally is so obsessed with him herself that she'll have no clue what the two of them were up to. Sally finally comes in and launches in to a big apology for Rosie's behaviour. Sally and John send Rosie outside the classroom. Rosie huffs a, "Yes, sir" before leaving the classroom and meeting up with her cute new classmate, Lee. Inside the class, John Stape explains to Sally that the fight was probably due to some resentment about Rosie having gone to the private school. He tells Sally that Rosie was sent to see the Head Teacher because she needs to know that fighting is serious and she needs to knuckle down to her work. Sally agrees that Rosie needs to know that she can't get away with such behaviour just because of Sally & John's "relationship". Sally takes the opportunity while she's there to ask John if he can start teaching her again.

Outside the classroom, Rosie and her classmate are still talking. He tells Rosie he dumped his girlfriend three weeks ago. Sally comes out of the classroom where Rosie jokes with Lee that Sally's not her mum, she's probably the cleaner. John sends Lee home and offers Sally and Rosie a lift home.

In the Rovers and Jerry, Lloyd and Jamie are all pulling Steve's leg about him crying at the end of the film Pocahontas. Steve insists he had something in his eye but Michelle assures the boys that Steve is lying. Jerry tells a story that he found one of Darryl's "blue movies" in his dvd player; that brought a tear to his eye. Or something. Lloyd asks after Jodie and there's some general boys banter as Violet and Jamie keep making eye contact. The boys are organising a night out that night where Lloyd is determined to pull a bird. Jerry takes a phone call from Mel who needs her Dad home. He tells Mel he'll be home in two minutes but orders himself another pint, laughing at his little deception with the boys at the bar. Hateful man!

Kelly, Fizz and Vicki are walking home, they say good night to each other. Fizz happens to see Rosie and Sally in John's car. John pulls up outside Dev's shop. Rosie gets out and starts flirting with Lee who has made his way to Coronation St. He intimates to Rosie that he doesn't fancy Amber any more and it's quite clear who he fancies these days. Rosie gets Lee to put his phone number into her mobile phone. Meanwhile, Sally and John are still in the car watching them. Sally thanks John for starting the lessons back up with her. Fizz watches with a green eye while Sally asks John if it's true that he watches reruns of Bless This House. He does, he tells her, because he likes Sid James.

At Gail's house, Sarah Lou and Jason are getting ready to go out. Sarah is unhappy that she works two jobs just to blow it all "on treats". Jason confesses that Audrey gave him the money to take her out. Sarah is pleased and doesn't care where the money came from, she just wants to spend time with her husband. Jason tells Sarah he wants to read something to her in the restaurant- and it's not the menu.

At Fizz & Maria's, Fizz and John are having dinner. It's very quiet. Fizz is just pushing the food around her plate. John starts babbling about water and how little water he drinks. Fizz quite clearly is not in a chatting mood. Instead of telling him about her day, she wants to know about his day. He tells her that Rosie got in a fight and he had to call Sally in. Fizz asks him outright if he fancies Sally Webster. He says absolutely not, "Why would I drive around in a clapped out Fiesta when I can drive around in a Porsche instead?" he asks Fizz. Presumably Fizz is the Porsche, making Sally the clapped out Fiesta. Charming.

In the Rovers, Kelly and Vicki are arguing about the juke box. Vicki wants to listen to Human League, Kelly wants James Blunt. Vicki says, "I am not listening to James Blunt, I refuse!" (so she has good taste) and when she threatens to go home, Kelly stops her. Vicki tells a story about how when she was 14 and she and her friends saved their money to go to a Human League concert but she never got to see Phil Oakey live. Kelly lets her have her choice on the juke box. The youngest Morton girl comes in looking for her Dad and has to practically drag him out of the pub. Steve, Jamie and Lloyd are talking about their night out and (unbelievably to me) Lloyd talks some rubbish about how Jamie is the bloke that the girls flock to which is why they take him with them when they're out on the pull.

At Streetcars, Claire is answering the question, who does she think would win in a fight between Lloyd and Steve. She picks Lloyd. Steve and Lloyd are over there trying to get a cab for their night out but there's nothing available.

At Leanne's Italian restaurant, Jason tells Sarah what he wants to read her. It's his wedding speech which he reads out to Sarah. in it he mentions how the wedding should have happened a year ago. He makes an analogy between being in love with Sarah to a trip to see some sea lions when he was a boy. It's all very sweet and Sarah is moved to the point of telling Jason, "Do you know what I'm going to do when we get back? Consummate!" Jason looks confused, he doesn't know what consummate means. Silly boy.

In the pub, Jamie is checking his mobile phone where Steve has texted to say they still can't get a cab. Violet pulls him another pint while he heads off to the loo. Michelle mentions to Violet that she thinks Jamie has the hots for her and that's why he's not leaving. "Can't get a cab!" Michelle dismisses his excuse, "they own it!" Violet insists she and Jamie are just friends. "So were me and Steve," Michelle reminds Violet. In a booth, Kelly talks Vicki into buying her another drink after telling her that she's glad Vicki got made supervisor and not her, Kelly would hate to be supervisor but she doesn't have a reason why. All bluster, she is. Kelly must have got her James Blunt choice on the juke box though as he's playing in the background.

At the Websters' Sally and Rosie are talking. Sally is of the opinion that Tina, who Rosie had the fight with, is a bully. Rosie tells Sally there are no bullies in sixth form- they're adults. Sally tells Rosie that they're not adults, they're school kids who don;t have to wear uniform and adults indulge in bullying too. Then, in a firm case of the pot calling the kettle black, she tells Rosie of how Janice went after Vicki when she first started at the factory. Rosie assures her mum she's in control of the situation.

At the Mortons', Jerry has cooked the kids dinner. Mel comes home and rushes upstairs. Jerry wonders who's minding the shop. Kayleigh runs out to Chesney's at 9:50pm, just after the kids have finished dinner. Mel is annoyed with her Dad for leaving her in the lurch in the shop and has closed it so she can go out with her mates like she said she was going to. She's quite clearly not going to be a pushover like Jodie was.

In Streetcars, Lloyd, Steve and Claire are talking about Claire's marital status. Claire insists she's single. They don't believe that she will stay away from Ashley for good. Steve has the idea that Lloyd and Claire should get together. Lloyd runs with the idea for a joke. Claire finally realises they're joking and tells Steve and Lloyd that she's going to start seeing other people. She calls another cab firm for a cab to get rid of them.

Things are quiet in the pub. Jamie tells Violet that even though he's had a few beers he wants to tell Violet that she means a lot to him. Violet tells him it's mutual. His mobile phone rings.

At Gail's, Jason and Sarah come home and are all kissy-kissy. Unknown to them, David is watching them from the stairs, clearly not happy at the latest display of marital harmony. He goes upstairs and leaves them snogging on the lounge.

At Fizz's John confesses to Fizz that he has agreed to give Sally more English lessons. Fizz is not chuffed and stomps off to bed.

At the pub, Jamie and Violet are still talking. Jamie has decided not to go into town. They agree they both hope each other is happy and before Jamie leaves, they kiss. Michelle sees them from the back of the bar. We finish up with Violet happy that it looks like Jamie feels the same way as she does.

Stella McLoughlin



Wednesday 14 November

John and Fizz are walking across the cobbles on their way to work. John is apologising to Fizz who isn't happy that he's promised to start giving Sally lessons again. Rosie and Amber pass them, "Morning, sir!" they chorus.

Across the road, Jason and Sarah come out of Gail"s house and walk along in good humour, teasing each other. All this is watched by David, peering from behind the net curtain.

Fizz and John have arrived outside Underworld and he persuades her to kiss and make up before they part company. Just as their lips are about to touch, Sally pushes her face almost between them. "Morning!" she chirps, "don"t mind me!" Fizz suddenly has a face like thunder.

Jamie arrives at the taxi office, and Lloyd asks him why he didn't end up going out with them last night. He says his night out with Steve wasn't so great, so Jamie goes off to get the morning bacon barms.

In the cafe, Becky is serving Rita with a hot chocolate when Sean comes in. She asks how "little Violet" is, and Sean replies that he thinks she"s all right but he doesn't like to ask too much. Rita understands, "It's not as if you"re her husband or anything, is it?" she says. Sean isn't too pleased to be reminded of this, but just as he sits down to tell Marcus about it, Jamie comes in asking if they've seen Violet. Sean then launches into a tirade about how Violet was singing her heart out in the shower and how no child of his will turn out to be a shrinking Violet – and then adds that strictly speaking it"s not even his child. Jamie gives him a funny look and departs.

In the Rovers, the aforementioned Violet asks Steve why he looks so rough. Steve tells her it was the dog, howling all night that kept him awake. Michelle comments that of course it could be nothing at all to do with the ten pints he drank the night before, and tells him to go to work. He stares at her for a minute and she tells him that those "puppy-dog" eyes won't work on her. "Go on, I'll see you later," she says, so he goes.

Once they are on their own, Michelle turns to Violet and asks what was going on with her and Jamie last night. Violet acts all innocent, until Michelle says, "He must have said something!" "Maybe he did," she replies, smiling, "but I am not telling you!"

Over in the factory, Sean is wittering on about his wonderful night at home with Marcus, sitting on the sofa watching films. Fizz tells him to shut up and he asks if all is not well at her home. Kelly says how she saw Fizz and John earlier, giving each other ‘evils". Sally remarks that dating is one thing, but living together is another. Fizz tells her they"re fine, it"s other people who are causing them problems. "And we all know who," mutters Kelly, glancing at Sally.

In the Kabin, Rita and Doreen are discussing comfortable clothes when Norris turns round from the newspaper shelves. "Clothes maketh the man, or as in your case, Doreen, the woman," he says, adding that she"s always very nicely presented. Doreen returns the compliment, saying she"s always been a sucker for a man in a tank top. She and Rita then make an arrangement to go out for a meal later. Norris drops hints that he"s at a loose end, but Doreen tells him that tonight is ladies night.

Jamie arrives at the Rovers and is served by Violet. Lloyd, Claire and Steve are sitting over at a table. Lloyd asks if there"s any chance of Steve doing any work but Steve says he thinks he"s got a cold coming on. "Nothing to do with your night out then?" asks Claire, "you'll be saying you had a dodgy pie next." The conversation comes round to plastic surgery, and Lloyd tells Claire that she could get her boobs done. "I've never had any complaints, thanks," says Claire, huffily, but Lloyd says he thought she wanted to pull. "I could pull if I wanted to," she says, but as Steve goes to the bar she looks down at her chest.

At the bar, Steve asks Jamie where he got to last night, and he says he had a better offer. Just then Violet comes and announces that she"s going on her break and asks Jamie if he"d like to come through and keep her company. As they go off together, Michelle looks up and smiles.

In the salon, Sarah starts talking about Jason and his injuries. David remarks that he"s not exactly rushing back to work, but Sarah points out that it"s not his fault, and Maria agrees that Jason is a hard worker. Audrey says she"s glad the two of them seem to be getting on better, and Sarah says that the next plan is for him to adopt Bethany.

In the yard at the back of the Rovers, Violet is asking Jamie what his intentions are, saying that although they've moved on and she's forgiven him, when she thinks about what he did it still hurts. He tells her that he loves her and if he had his way he'd be with her for the rest of his life. She tells him that she loves him, she can't help herself, but doesn't know if she can trust him again.

Over at Weatherfield School, John is struggling to keep control of his class as Rosie flirts outrageously with Lee, and he shows off by back-chatting his teacher. Just when John seems in danger of losing his temper, Rosie pouts her lips at him when no-one else is looking.

Violet is still talking to Jamie, he tells her he knows he's been an idiot, but they're good together, aren't they? Before she can answer they are interrupted, Steve comes outside into the yard for a cigarette. Violet says she has to get back to work so Jamie suggests she comes round to his house later. When she's gone inside, Steve turns to Jamie, "Wasn't interrupting anything, was I?" he asks.

Claire finds Ashley in the cafe, and asks if he can have the boys for a couple of hours that evening. He agrees, and asks if she's working, but is rather shocked when she tells him she's meeting Lloyd. "There's nothing in it," she says, "but even if there was it wouldn't be any of your business." They chat for a few more minutes, and even share a joke about Josh.

The next customer to come into the cafe is David, who greets Jason as he comes in. Jason looks up from his newspaper and tells David he can come and sit with him if he wants. David says he doesn't want to cause any trouble between him and Sarah, so David sits down and says he"s sorry for the trouble he caused on their wedding day. Jason says that he must have been in a right state, and David tells him that he couldn't cope, but when he was in the water he was forced to make a choice and he chose to live. Just then Becky comes out with the fry-up Jason's ordered so David retreats to the counter and stares at them with an odd look on his face as they share a joke or two and Jason pays.

Back at the school, Mr Stape's class is over and the students spill out into the corridor, followed by their teacher. As Rosie continues to flirt with Lee, John"s phone bleeps with a message, and we see that it reads 'Ur sexy when ur angry! X" so it"s obviously from Rosie. "I know what"s wrong with him," she tells Lee, "I bet it's women troubles!" and she smirks at him over her shoulder as they walk away.

Rita and Doreen are in Leanne"s restaurant. The conversation comes round to Norris and the smouldering looks he"s giving Doreen, and those, along with what Ivor and George have told her, have convinced her that Norris is about to propose to her. Rita doesn't believe a bit of it, but Doreen says that if he doesn't chance his arm soon she'll have to look at her other "options".

Violet is round at Jamie's house, asking if he meant what he said earlier. He tells her he meant every word, and she tells him it's not just the two of them any more, and hopes he won't find it too weird – her and her bump. He tells her she could have ten kids for all he cares.

Claire is in the pub with Lloyd and Steve, telling them that she always feels decadent when she's in the pub and Ashley is with the boys. Lloyd tells her she should get out more, so Steve suggests she goes with Lloyd to a singles night tomorrow. "No thank you," says Claire, "it'll be full of weirdos, fifty-year old men who still live at home with their mums!" They tease her about being too fussy until in the end she says they"re right, and she'll just dive in there and see what happens!

Sean is sitting with Marcus and has a face like a wet weekend. He"s moaning about the fact that he doesn't think he's going to have any involvement with the baby when it's born. He knows he was just the donor and he's got exactly what he agreed to, but it's not enough any more, he wants to be a proper dad.

Jamie and Violet are still chatting, she tells him it's a big ask, bringing up another man's kid. He tells her it's not another man, it's Sean. "So this is it then? You and me back together again?" he asks. She hugs him, "You, me and the baby makes three," she says, happily.

John walks up to Fizz in the Rovers. She's annoyed that he's promised to give Sally more lessons. "What can I do to make it up to you?" he asks, and they decide to go home and he'll cook her something. As he turns, Sally walks in and she asks if he's still on for tomorrow. He tells her it's fine, she needs help and he's always ready to earn extra cash. Fizz says that he can save all the money and buy her a diamond ring!

Sean is still moaning on to Marcus, saying how complicated it all is, and how he"s worried that Marcus might run a mile, after all when they met he was fancy free. Marcus tells him he'll make a brilliant dad. They then decide that it's going to be really difficult for Violet to bring up the baby alone, so Sean needs to talk to her and tell her what he wants.

Anne Logan.



Friday 16 November

We open with Jamie letting Liam's puppy out into the yard. He explains to Violet that Steve brought the puppy round first thing. They discuss their relationship and agree that they"re now definitely back together.

Sean and Marcus are in the kitchen, talking about Sean's decision to take more of a part in the baby's upbringing. In the mistaken belief that Violet is in bed upstairs, they keep their voices down.

Kevin and Ashley talk about meeting for a drink, but Ashley says he has to babysit tonight. Claire must be working.

However, in the cafe, Claire is busy telling Sally she's off to a singles night at a club in town. Becky keeps commenting, which annoys Claire, who says she's trying to have a private conversation. Apparently all the women will have locks round their necks and the men will be given keys and must find 'the key to your heart". (Ewww!) Sally asks what happens if the key fits the lock. "Does that mean you have to sleep with them?" Claire says it's nothing like that. It's more of an icebreaker. Becky says that if Claire snogs another fella, it means she's over Ashley. Claire demands to know how come Becky knows so much about Claire's life. "Oh, I can get Streetcars" radio signals on me i-pod," Becky tells her. "Not really. I just hear things – like this conversation." Sally offers to help Claire choose was to wear. "And I could give you some make-up advice." Becky bursts out laughing. "Oh, Sally! I didn't realise you had a sense of humour!" If looks could kill.

Jamie and Violet are at the front door when they spot Sean and Marcus, who are discussing the point or pointlessness of social networking sites. Jamie shuts Violet back inside and makes polite conversation with the lads about going to the Rovers later on. Marcus tells Sean it will be the perfect opportunity for him to talk to Violet.

Liam's back from holiday and goes to see Carla in the office before he's even been home. She tells him Tony's offered them shedloads of work doing top-end lingerie. She waited to Liam to come back before making a decision. Liam says it's nice to know she was thinking about him while he was away.

Kevin and Fizz chat over her scooter and Fizz takes the opportunity to ask whether John and Sally are ever on their own during the lessons. Kev tells her they are sometimes. But she won't say why she's asking

.

Liam arrives home and is greeting by the now-very-cute puppy. Jamie admits that he and Violet have got back together.

I

n the pub, Violet gets a text from Jamie and Michelle asks what the score is with the two of them. Violet tries to make out they're just friends, but Michelle isn't fooled and Vi admits they're back together. But they don't want anyone else to know until Violet's told Sean.

In town, Claire is bopping away on her own with a drink in her hand. She pauses at the top of a flight of steps and calls down, "Anyone got the key to my heart?" Nobody even turns their head, but the music's so loud they probably didn't hear, anyway. She meets Lloyd down on the dance floor and asks him if she's attractive. He tells her she's gorgeous. "Do you mind if we get off, by the way?" he asks. "What? In front of me?" she cries. No, Lloyd just means that he and his new friend Chantelle would like to leave. Apparently Lloyd got his key stuck in her lock and they took it as a sign. They leave and Claire goes off dancing on her own again. She really is the most brilliant drunk. She rings Sally, who is at her lesson with John.

Kevin is in the house, too, but Sally offers his taxi service to go and pick up Claire. Kevin reluctantly goes off to collect her.

In the Rovers, Liam presents Maria with a present from Ireland. A Celtic-design magnetic pen she can stick on her fridge. "Do you love it?" he asks. "Is it life-changing?" Michelle comes over and Liam shows her the pen and says serious stuff about it. Michelle is less than impressed but once she's gone he pulls out Maria's real present. "What is it?" she asks. "It's a dirty Irish video – lepre-porn," he says. No, it's jewelry, really.

Kevin arrives at the club, presumably paying the door fee to get in, and goes in search of Claire. Ah, there she is, boogying away maniacally on the dance floor. She tells him she's had a rotten time, nobody's got the key to her heart, nobody fancies her, and that's because "I am a moose. You may as well stick my head on a big wall in Canada – Mmmmoose head!" She makes antler shapes with her hands (including the one holding a wine glass, spilling wine). Kevin tells her she's a good-looking bird and she kisses him hard on the lips. He pulls back and Claire is suddenly more sober and very sorry.

Jamie and Marcus go into the Rovers and are greeted by Violet. Sean asks if she can knock off for five minutes because he wants to talk. Violet can't restrain herself and tells them she and Jamie are back together.

Kevin stops the car in the street and Claire tells him she's so sorry. She tells him that if she lined up all the men she knew with the ones she fancied to the right, Kevin would be way down there on the left. She apologises again. She says she just doesn't want him to be embarrassed next time they meet. She gets out and goes to her front door. She's having trouble getting the key in the lock and when Ashley comes to let her in, bursts into tears. Ashley hugs her, watched by Kevin, and asks what the matter is. "I don't know," she weeps.

In the pub, Jamie tells Sean he's not going to treat Violet badly again. Marcus excuses Sean's apparent grumpiness by saying he thinks Sean's wondering how this is going to affect the baby. Jamie says it means Sean can relax. "this baby is going to have a proper loving family." Sean doesn't look relaxed.

Claire tells Ashley how often she thinks of him. Ashley admits he's the same. Claire tells him she knows how respectful he is of sex, so sleeping with Casey must have meant something to him. He says this was one time he wasn't thinking with his head. "I'm sorry I hurt you, Claire. I cry every time I look at you because I can see it, when all I want to do is reach out and hug you because you look so lost. But I know I'm not allowed." She tells him he is and they hug briefly before she tells him about the club. Ashley thinks she must have been fighting them off. She tells him she looks at other people in their houses and pretends she's in their lives. She tells him about trying to snog Kevin. "Me best mate Kevin?" She gets up, tells him "bed" and hurries upstairs. A slightly bewildered Ashley follows her.

Violet and Jamie are still reassuring Sean. "You couldn't have asked for a better outcome," Jamie tells him. Violet says she"d better get back to the bar because Liz is giving her daggers. It's the second time in the programme that someone's mentioned Liz, but we've not seen her. In fact, over several episodes just lately, everyone has mentioned something Liz is doing, but with no sign of Liz herself. Vi goes back to the bar and Sean makes an excuse and rushes off, leaving Violet looking worried.

Out in the street, Sean is close to tears and taking it out on Marcus. "I want to be on my own," he says, running off into the night.

The End.
Margaret Carr



Sunday 18 November

Some time ago Sean and Violet conspired to become parents in a somewhat traditional soap fashion - you know the thing, gay boy, turkey baster, angst, promises, promises, promises. In our household we were screaming at Sean that Vi was not to be trusted and lo and behold the latter has completely forgotten that Frankie ever existed and has dragged the shaggy haired Jamie back into her bed. In consequence all those promises are simply empty words and the son that Sean was looking to bring up will be Jamie's super darling son and Sean will henceforth be known as the biological father. So we open with Sean in gay man moan mood with Marcus as the dedicated listener. Eileen should be ecstatic that she is visiting Todd!! After about 30 seconds I almost decide not to watch the rest of the programme. Marcus suggests that Sean tries talking to Violet, mother of HIS child, like and adult or a parent. Sean in full gay mode says he will throw a hissy at the missy - Sean cannot see any other way of approaching the subject.

Just along the road Vi is stretched out over Jamie showing us her gorgeous legs and commenting that they are already like an old married couple. Apparently everyone is 'so" happy for them (have they seen Sean recently?) but Jamie knows that there are storms likely from Sean. Vi is absolutely certain that Sean will understand it. Jamie says he accepts it - but his tone of voice implies some doubt.

By the time Sean arrives at the Rovers he is still as mad as ever. He snaps at Michelle that they are working and Vi has been given the time off - but apparently reminding Sean he wanted the work and the money does not improve his temper one iota.

Having missed the Wednesday and Friday episodes the next scene was a complete shock to the system. Claire and Ash are sitting in the same room each with a stupid post coital smile plastered across their faces. Well it seems they are back together and Claire sends Ash off to get everything back from R'Audrey's because all of a sudden she knows they can work it out together. And Audrey will be so made up for them.

Lloyd is reporting back to Steve on the Singles' evening. Apparently the wonderful Chantelle he had pulled is saving herself for marriage and once she arrived home they found her mother waiting for them! Steve reckons that Lloyd has lost the knack and oddly Lloyd fails to remind Steve about the "girl" he kissed in Malta. Claire arrives and says she cannot remember how fit Chantelle might have been - she was drunk and apologised for any thing which might have happened which was embarrassing. She admits she made a fool of herself. With Kevin. Steve and Lloyd stare at each other wide eyed. Claire nods unhappily.

Rosie manages to find John to bump into and tells him that she is going out with Lee that afternoon. John tells her she can do better than Lee. She reckons it is better than staying indoors like some saddo. She offers to text Lee and cancel the date if John wants to make her a better offer.

Claire has reached the cafe and sits down with Sal to apologise for molesting Kevin as she tries to explain what happened. She was just so happy to see a friendly face. She is 'so sorry", although Sal can hardly believe her ears! Sal wants to know why Claire is confessing to nothing (well almost nothing). Claire says she could not sit there and pretend to be a friend after misbehaving. Sal laughs - she says wait until she sees Kev - she is going to give him such a hard time. With luck she will get a night out on the strength of the crime. Anyway Sal tells her to get over it - it was just a kiss. And then Claire let slip that she is back with Ash. Sal cries that is wonderful. Kev arrives and instantly Sal is just waiting to take him to task.

In the Rovers Norris is getting a round for Doreen and Ivor. When Rita spies that Doreen is getting a double she demands equal treatment - champagne cocktail with umbrella and cherry - a double. Later Norris suggests that he will go and ask Emily if she would like a sherry. Doreen notes how thoughtful this is but Rita points out that Emily is cooking Norris' dinner and it is the least he can do. Comments are exchanged.

Steve is complaining to Dev about the lack of space in the Rovers and the latter suggests some manly exercise and a pleasant social occasion - a round of golf is in the offing. Steve says he will have to ask Michelle and Dev compares it to a little boy asking his mummy if he can go out and play. Steve is not amused and responds by pointing out that unlike Dev he is not on his own in bed, with no-one to love him. De throws him some cigarettes and to go.

In the Grimshaw backyard Sean is still moaning to Marcus. I think I went to sleep. Anyway Marcus suggests a professional but he is not thinking rent boy - more lawyer (I assume there is a difference between the two - I know nothing of rent boys but I do know that lawyers take huge amounts of money and rarely give satisfaction). Sean is not certain if a lawyer will not just make things worse.

John has fallen for the sucker's punch and picks up a distinctively coiffured Rosie wearing a bright red dress - hardly inconspicuous. She asks if he has got away from Fizzypoo but he responds by telling her to belt up. She suggests a kiss and when she tries to kiss him he careers into the middle of the road.

At the Rovers Sean, Marcus, Jamie and Vi come face to face. Jamie and Vi have been shopping - baby clothes, first train set etc. Sean goes off to collect glasses. Marcus departs and Vi quickly asks him what the problem is with Sean. Marcus responds that she is his friend and perhaps she might try asking her friend. Shortly after Vi asks if Sean can stop so they can talk. He talks down to her and goes off effectively dismissing her.

Rita has followed Doris outside and she wants to use the opportunity to warn him about Doreen, he is simply being used and she will break his heart. He laughs - his heart is very tough. Rita disagrees - he is really a soft lump and no match for the injured man. Rita is trying to protect her friend but gets no thanks from Doris who merely accuses her of jealousy - she may not want him but she is going to prevent him getting close to anyone else.

Claire admits that whilst they have been separated she has not continued to cook for two often throwing away the surplus meal. He places a box on the table and Claire opens it to find a gold pendant engraved "Forever". She is touched and they kiss. The door bell goes and the Websters arrive. Sal has arranged for Kev to babysit, they can go out and she herself is off to Gail's with a bottle of wine. Kev does not look as amused as Sal!

At the Grimshaw's Vi finally confronts Sean. She wants the sulking to end. Sean tries to explain - they had come together for this baby - and yet know with Jamie around he felt completely excluded - presents were being bought and so on. He briefly refers to "my baby" before Vi leaps in and points out that it is not 'their" baby - it is "her" baby. Sean should take a step back and look at himself. {Oddly some might say the same about Vi}. She tells him that no-one is going to sop him seeing the baby - and at the right age he can be told about his biological father. They argue - he wants involvement from day 1 - Vi does not - they were friends helping each other out and no more. (Not how I remember events). Sean had not foreseen that Vi and Jamie would re-unite and he would be completely let out.

Rita asks Doreen to let Norris down gently - but Doreen thinks he might be the one. Rita urges caution - but somehow we cannot see Doreen managing that. Rita points out that anyone Norris is a complex person and needs to bee treated carefully. Any woman getting involved with him probably needs his head testing.

Claire and Ashley arrive at the Rovers together and everyone instantly clicks that they are re-united.

Sean is now off the scale saying to poor Jamie that he will be with the baby all the time and then suggests that he and Marcus bring up baby rather than Jamie and Vi. Jamie arrives and the arguing continues. Sean says that Jamie will always take Vi's side and it does not matter what she says the two of them and baby are forming a family unit and he is being excluded. Vi is not gentle in telling Sean that he was already out - he was a sperm donor and he will be nothing more to the baby than that ever. Sean says he will find a solicitor. Vi and Jamie depart. Sean screams after them that he will fight custody, access, residency - the law will be invoked. Jamie almost but not quite thinks about thumping Sean who screams that the baby "is my son". And the battle lines are drawn.

K Richard W



Monday 19 November

This Episode of the Street is Written by Martin Allen Directed by Alan Wareing Produced by Steve Frost Sponsored by Harveys CORONATION STREET is copyright ITV Productions

PART 1

Outside Jamie says Violet looks happier. She says they have been on there first date and he has fallen madly in love with her. Violet walks along the street and goes into the Grimshaws.

Grimshaws Sean comes down the stairs and just fast walks past her and ignores her.

Webster's; Rosie brings through tea. Sophie thinks she wants something. Sally says she is just being a proper lady and says she seams happier at her school. Sophie is told to get the door. The boy from school says he is here to walk Rosie to school. She dismisses him and sends him away telling her mum she has no time for boys.

Morton's; Mel is making breakfast for Kayleigh and Finley. Jerry comes down and she reminds him she has a police medical today. Jerry does not remember and asks when she will be back. She does not know and says she will be back when she's back.

Grimshaw's; Sean pushes past Violet and says excuse me. She asks what he expects when she's standing in the middle of the doorway. Sean tells her he will be taking time off work to get legal advice. Violet says for him to do what he wants.

Outside Sophie asks questions to Rosie about the boy. If she been out with him and if she will dump him. Rosie says she does not know and then sees John and Fiz kissing. Rosie tells Sophie to come on.

Platt's; Sarah asks Jason when he will be putting up the bookcase. He says today. Sarah then gives him a list of stuff to do including a shirt she wants washed for work later today. Gail smiles. Sarah goes to work.

Duckworths; the place is a mess. Molly says she knows whose turn it is and points to Paul. He says he will tidy up after work. He says he will. Tyrone and Molly go out. Paul is just about to go as the phone rings. He walks past it and goes out.

Platt's; David asks Jason if he wants a game. He says he has too much to do and asks Gail how he does Sarah clothes for washing. David gets the post and comes back saying he is being done for driving without a license. He says he has been punished enough. Gail says, maybe Jason will have that game. Gail does and Jason asks what one he is. David says he will be the good guy for a change.

Factory; Sally says Sean is quiet. He says he is thinking and asks who said English think about sex. Fiz says asks Sally she is being taught English. Sean asks how Rosie is getting on with the new boy. Sally says she sent him packing and is not interested in boys. Fiz says not like her mum then.

Outside Claire bumps into Kevin and says sorry for the other night. He says it's ok. She thanks him for everything he has done for Ashley. Kevin says he would do the same. Claire says he wouldn't have to as nothing would come between him and Sally.

Cafe; Sean says when he was feeling broodie he should have got a dog. Marcus says he is only going to get advice. Sean asks what if it's bad. Marcus says it's bad but he then knows where he stands.

Jerry's; He asks Eileen if she wants anything. Eileen says a punch in the teeth. Jerry says he is sorry and is snowed under since Jodie left. Eileen says that gives him the right to be nasty to everyone? They agree to meet sometime.

Outside Jamie says Violet told him he is going to get advice about the baby. Sean says it's none of his business. Jamie says he should sort it out with Violet. Sean says for that to happen he would need to be speaking to Violet. He says he is not speaking to anyone till he finds out his rights.

Platt's; David asks what is going to happen. Jason says he probably will get a fine and points on his licence. David says he does not have one. He then asks if they will take in account that he was not in his right of mind and says sorry for messing the wedding. He says he feels guilty for being alive when Richard tried to kill him. Gail has come saying she forgot her purse and has overhead a bit.

Weatherfield high; Rosie tells the boy she likes that she had to say what she did this morning because of her mum and dad. She says she wants to make it up to him and kisses him. As he goes John comes over and in an angry way he says she was went to finish it with him. Rosie says she was going to but decided not to and tells him he can't tell her what to do.

Outside the Salon Gail asks Audrey if she will come for a drink. Sarah appears. Gail says she walked in on David and Jason having a heart and heart. Sarah wants to have her lunch now but Audrey says she has to stay for the delivery.

Rovers; Jamie says he saw Sean going to get his legal advice. Violet says she hopes it takes him all day so they don't have to see him. Jamie asks her to move in with him. Violet says she was thinking they should get a place of her own.

Duckworth's; Jack and Vera arrive home to find the place a mess. Jack says he did phone but no one picked up. Jack goes to make tea but says there is no milk. Vera says she wonders what's been going on.

Rovers; Gail wishes they got to David months ago before the wedding. Audrey says at least he is finally letting things out and he has been settling down. Gail says, if he goes back to his old ways she will have to see someone.

Outside Sally is walking to the factory. John is in his car watching. He gets out.

Platt's; David says everyone thinks he is a psycho. Then says it must be hard for him knowing that Sarah hates him. Jason says she can't expect him not to talk to him. David says she can. Jason says he must finish what he was doing and they will talk later.

Factory; John comes in and tells Sally that Rosie is seeing a troublemaker at school. Sally thanks him for telling her. Just then something goes in her eye. John says he will help her take it out. Fiz comes in thinking they are kissing and slaps Sally.

Episode rating 4/10

This report is copyright M@nda

Amanda Souter

At Underworld, we rejoin John, Fizz and Sally. Sally is stunned and holding her freshly-slapped face as John explains he was just trying to get something out of Sally's eye. Fizz doesn't believe either his or Sally's excuses. Fizz can't be talked round and tells Sally to get stuffed when Sally demands an apology. Eventually though, Fizz seems to start seeing their story- they were discussing Rosie and her difficulties in settling back into Weatherfield High- as plausible but asks John, 'so why are you looking so shifty?". John protests innocence and Sally sticks up for him. Sally threatens to have Fizz done for assault and then reinforces that John is merely her teacher before she stamps back off to her desk. Sean catches up with Fizz outside and asks how she can be sure they were snogging. She and Sean talk about it for a while in front of Kevin's garage and Sean tactlessly shouts, "Are you going to tell Kevin?" so Kevin can hear. Kevin wonders what he needs to be told. Fizz tells him nothing but Kevin knows there's something going on which concerns him.

At Roy's, Becky gives Jason a plate and tells him, "I've done yer egg yolk runneh- I know you like to dip yer chip!" Noreen comes out of the toilets, shocked because the tap in the ladies is running and won't turn off. Becky goes in to check. Jason thinks the washer has gone. Becky asks Jason to help her out. Jason tells her he can't because he's doing stuff for Sarah today but she begs him.

At the kebab shop, Tyrone is being served by Jerry Morton. Kayleigh is behind the counter annoying her dad with endless whining about a school trip. Tyrone leaves and Mel comes in to tell her dad that she's passed a test and she's a shoe-in for a career in the police. Jerry tells her to mind the fort while he goes to the cash'n'carry.

At the garage, Kevin sees Fizz, who gives him a funny look, come out of Underworld. Sally follows her and comes over to talk to Kevin. Kevin tells her Fizz has been really funny with him today. Sally tells him about John coming in to see her earlier and that Rosie is seeing Lee who John says is a troublemaker. She then tells Kevin that Fizz got the wrong idea about Sally and John talking without telling him exactly what happened. When Kevin seems suspicious she tells him not to have a go at her and leaves.

At Eileen's, Sean answers the door to Marcus who asks Sean how he went at the solicitors. Sean tells him it's complicated mumbo jumbo. He tells Marcus he needs some kind of paperwork to have all the rights and responsibilities as a normal father. He needs Violet to agree to name him on the birth certificate or he needs a parental responsibility order. If Violet fights the order then it could drag on for years. Sean's not sure if he wants to be fighting with Violet for years. Like he says, there's a child involved in all of it, his son.

At the Websters' Sally talks to Rosie about Lee. She tells Rosie that John told her about Lee and her carrying on in school. Rosie tells Sally to butt out, it's her life. Sally tells Rosie she should be concentrating on school. She says she's seen Lee's sort before. Rosie answers, "I don't doubt that, Mum. You are the world's expert in that department after all!" Cheeky madame!

Sean and Marcus are still talking at Eileen's about the baby. Sean says he didn't know he would come to care about the baby when he made the agreement with Violet in the first place. He's not looking forward to a big fight over parental rights dragging on for so long, taking over his life for years and then the likely outcome- he'll lose at the end of it.

Jason has fixed the washer in the cafe; three hours and a trip to the plumbers later. Becky insists in taking him for a drink but Jason tells her he needs to do the jobs for Sarah. Becky tells him if Sarah is working tonight then Jason can do the stuff for her later. Jason agrees to go for a drink and says prophetically, "You'll get me in trouble, you!"

Rosie goes out into the street and rings John. At Fizz's place, John's phone rings. When John answers, Rosie tells him she wants to see him at 8 o'clock under the arches. John agrees, hangs up and then lies to Fizz it's a colleague who wants to borrow a book urgently so he has to go out. He bluffs and tells Fizz she can go too if she wants when she looks suspicious. Fizz drops it.

At the Duckworths', Jack and Vera sit down after tidying. They're not pleased and let Tyrone and Molly know when they get home. The young 'uns tell Vera and Jack that Paul was supposed to clear up but Vera, of course, won't hear a word against him. She tells them that Paul can't be expected to put all the hours in at the restaurant and do the cleaning at home. Tyrone tells them he and Molly will take over from now. Vera snarks that, "yes, you will!"

Sean comes behind the bar at the Rovers, looking at Violet but not talking to her. When he comes out to start working, she asks if he got his legal advice. Sean tells her he's not going to tell her what happened. Violet tells him she doesn't want to get into any of this legal stuff. Sean quite rightly suspects that Violet is rattled at the thought of legal action.

Out on the street, David sees Becky and Jason walking and talking. He has a wicked smile on his face. Meanwhile at Gail's, Sarah realises that Jason hasn't done the jobs he was supposed to do for her. David comes in the door.

In the Rovers, Jack and Vera are offhand with Molly and Tyrone who are still apologising for the state of the house when they came home. Becky who has Jason in tow, asks Betty for 'the same again" and Betty asks Jack and Vera if they enjoyed Blackpool. Noreen reminisces about Blackpool's dance halls. Betty asks after little Tommy who is now 15 and taller than Jack. They talk about Tommy's mum, Betty's Cyril and Billy and how they all died; everyone's got long faces. Becky says, "Well, you've cheered everyone up on your first day back Vera if nowt else. You should go on 'oliday more often, love!"

John and Rosie meet down by the canal. Rosie asks John why he told Sally about her and Lee. She points out that all he's done is make Sally more likely to be watching her every move and that they could have used Lee as cover for when they met. Rosie gives John an earful and tells him she's starting to wonder if it's all worth it. Meanwhile, Fizz is at home, stirring her tea. She has a quick look through his bag and his coat pockets but doesn't find anything. Back to Rosie and John and he tells her that they don't have to stop seeing each other. He says he'll tell Sally that Lee's not trouble after all and asks Rosie not to spoil it all. Rosie leaves after telling John he'd better get home before Fizz gets suspicious.

At Leanne's restaurant, Jason pops in to see Sarah who is working. Leanne tells Sarah Lou and Jason to go and sit down and she'll get them a drink. Sarah starts to question Jason about what he's been up to all day. Leanne brings them a drink over which is not on the house. Sarah resumes questioning Jason about what he'd been up to in the day.

At the Mortons', Mel is getting Kayleigh ready for her bed at 8:30pm. Jerry gets home to check everything/s all right, Kayleigh gets him to sign a consent form for a school trip to the theatre and manages to wrangle £20 out of him which she says is for the school trip but come on, £20?!? Kayleigh goes to bed and Mel reminds her Dad that if she gets on the police training course she won;t be around to pick up Jerry's slack and he should think a bout getting someone in to help. Jerry buries his head in the sand and tells her they have plenty of time to be thinking about these things. Kayleigh, upstairs, climbs out of her bedroom window and heads off into the night.

Jason is telling Sarah in the restaurant that he was talking to David in the morning about how David felt and then about doing the job in the cafe. He tells Sarah that the job was at the request of Becky. Sarah remarks that it must have been cosy for him to be with Becky all afternoon but Jason dismisses that. He tells Sarah he'll build the bookcase tomorrow. he knows he could have built it tonight but he wanted to come and spend some time with Sarah instead. He doesn't tell Sarah about the drink he had with Becky.

Fizz sees Rosie going into her house and shouts to ask if Sally is home. Sally is not home and Fizz fumes all the way to the pub where she talks to Kevin about Sally and John. She tells Kevin about how she slapped Sally earlier and that she caught them snogging. Fizz tells Kevin that she's sure John and Sally are up to something and that they need to keep their eyes open.

Stella McLoughlin



Wednesday 21 November

It's very early in the morning and little Finlay Morton creeps downstairs and starts to unlock the front door. Jerry, however, has heard a noise and comes down and catches him. Finlay protests that he wasn't going anywhere, he was just unlocking it so that Kayleigh can get back in. Mel comes downstairs at that moment and tells him not to be silly, Kayleigh is in bed. He tells them that she isn't, she went out though the window. Mel goes to check and finds that what he's told them is true. As Mel takes Finlay back to bed, Jerry looks quite shocked.

There are people awake across the Street in Fiz's flat. John is sitting in the living room, staring into space. Fiz comes out in her dressing gown and remarks that he's up early. He tells her he couldn't sleep. "Guilty conscience?" asks Fiz. "How about you?" he replies, but she retorts that she hasn't done anything. He reminds her that she struck one of his student's mothers, and wonders how he will ever look her in the face again. "Have I ever done anything to make you feel you can't trust me?" he asks her, and she admits that he hasn't, and coaxes him back to bed.

Kayleigh lets herself in to the Morton house, and is accosted by her father. "Where've you been?" he demands to know. She tries to tell him she just got up early and went for a walk. "In your clubbing gear?" he says. She tells him she's not old enough to go clubbing, and he says that at least they"re agreed on one thing. She tells her father that she just went into town with her friends, and all they did was talk. However, when he asks to smell her breath she admits that they had ‘a couple of cans". "For God's sake, Kayleigh!" he shouts, "you"re thirteen!" She tells him she can look after herself – and what does he care anyway? She's been doing it for months and he hadn't even noticed. "You haven't a clue, have you?" she says. He tells her he's been working all hours to bring them all up. "No you didn't, Jodie did, and now she's gone just like my mum," she says. "you"re in the pub or in the shop or out with that woman." She pushes past him and goes upstairs.

Over at the Grimshaw's, breakfast is a strained affair with Violet passing messages for Sean through Marcus, "Marcus, would you please ask Sean to pass the butter," but then is really annoyed as he uses the last of it before passing over the empty carton. As Marcus sits like piggy in the middle, and Eileen tries to keep the peace, a row erupts and Violet tells Sean it's all sour grapes on his part because he's found out he can't do anything about the baby. He tells her he'll see her in court. "Grow up, Sean," she snaps, "you're not fooling anybody." Sean then goes out, saying he can't stand to be in the same house as HER. Eileen turns to Marcus, "I can't stand to be in the same house with either of them, and it's my house!"

Fiz is over at the garage, telling Kevin she may have misinterpreted what she thought she saw, and admits she didn't actually see them kissing. Kevin says he's been keeping a close eye on Sally and all she's done so far is have her breakfast and put her makeup on. "I'm sorry," says Fiz.

Ivor cycles down the Street and sees Doreen walking along. He stops to chat and asks if she"d like to meet him for a drink at lunch time. They agree to meet at the Rovers at 12.00 o'clock.

Jason arrives at the cafe door. "Is it safe to come in?" he asks Becky, and checks there's no taps to fix or tiles to replace. She laughs, "No, you"re all right," she says, and he comes in and orders a sandwich. David is in there, sitting at a table. "shouldn't you be working?" he asks. "shouldn't you?" asks Jason. David says he's on a break, "what's your excuse?" he asks. Becky asks if Jason wants a coffee with his order but he tells her he'll take it with him, he's got loads of stuff to do for Sarah.

Jerry is talking about Kayleigh to Mel. "she's going to school with bags under her eyes, no wonder she's not doing well. She reckons it's all my fault, that I don't pay her enough attention," he moans. Mel points out that Kayleigh misses Jodie, they all do. Jerry admits that he drove her away, but Mel tells him that it was Jodie's decision and he shouldn't beat himself up about it. Jerry says that he left everything to Jodie and now he doesn't even know what his own kids are up to. "But that's all going to change," he says. Just then Eileen comes in, "What is?" she asks. Jerry explains what Kayleigh has been doing and Eileen admits that she tried the same trick on her when she was babysitting, but Jodie sorted her out. "I never knew that!" says Jerry, and Eileen reminds him that he was in gaol. Jerry says that makes him feel even more like a failure. Eileen asks him to come out for a curry later, that'll cheer him up, but he refuses, saying he ought to be there for Kayleigh.

Doreen is in the Kabin, chatting to Norris and laying on the flattery so thick you could choke on it. He has to rush to the butcher's to get Emily some chops, so he asks if he could meet up with her in the Rovers at lunch time. She flirts outrageously and says she'll meet him at half past twelve, and just as he's going out of the door, George comes in. Norris is obviously unsettled by the appearance of his love rival and asks if he can get him anything. "shouldn't you be going to get your chops?" Doreen reminds him, so reluctantly Norris leaves.

George turns to Doreen, saying he was hoping to find her there. Rita comments that it's getting like an old age pensioners knocking shop. "It's newspapers we sell, not love," she quips. "Pardon?" asks George, but Doreen tells him to ignore her. "Oooh, it's lovely to see you," she giggles, flirting again. He tells her he's on his way to the bowling green, but wondered if she"d have a drink with him in the Rovers at lunchtime. "One o'clock?" he asks. She tells him she'd love to, and he hurries off. Rita is amazed. "You've just agreed to meet Norris!" she says. Doreen nods, "And Ivor," she admits. Rita says she can't mess them about like that, but Doreen says she didn't want to hurt their feelings.

Roger is in the salon, fixing a plumbing problem with the basin, and talking to Bill. Sarah offers to make tea, and goes to put the kettle on. David follows her out. "If you want one you can make your own," she tells him. He says he already had a drink in the cafe, where he saw Jason chatting to Becky. Sarah doesn't take the bait at first, replying that he could hardly ask for what he wanted using sign language. David continues, saying that Becky has a "right gob" on her, and Sarah wonders why they employ her, she's not exactly customer friendly. David says that Jason seems to think she's friendly, he's always chatting to her. Sarah gets cross, "Look, if you"re trying to suggest something.." she snaps, and he says he's not suggesting anything, he was just saying how they're always chatting and how they went to the pub together yesterday. That stops Sarah in her tracks. "What do you mean they went to the pub?" she asks. David explains that Jason did a job for Becky and after they went to the pub, but it meant nothing. "He's just got married, it's not like he's going to be looking at anyone else, is he?" Having planted the seed of doubt, David leaves Sarah to her thoughts.

In the Rovers, Norris orders a drink for himself and one for Doreen (who has yet to arrive) only to turn round and see Ivor sitting alone. "Waiting for someone?" he asks. "Might be!" says Ivor, "you?" Norris adjusts the knot on his tie, "Might be," he replies.

Over at a table, Sean is sitting with Marcus, and, seeing Jamie at the bar says he must be gloating. Marcus assures him that Jamie isn't like that. "Jamie's the one that's trying to get in my shoes, remember," Sean says. Marcus tries to get Sean to go and apologise to Violet, but Sean is stubborn. Marcus tells him that if he wants to see his kid he needs to stay in Violet's good books and that mean apologising.

Just then George comes in and orders a drink for himself and a gin and tonic for Doreen (who has still not arrived). Jamie looks all the gins and tonics and thinks they're chasers, but George assures him that the gin and tonic is for a lady. Norris overhears. "What lady?" he asks. George admits it's for Doreen. "No, this is for Doreen," says Norris, holding up the g and t he has bought. Ivor stands up, "No, this is for Doreen," he says, holding up his gin and tonic. Just then the lady in question arrives, with Rita. "Don't expect me to bail you out," mutters Rita, seeing them all standing there. Norris tells Doreen to tell the others that she's meeting him, but Doreen smiles and says she thought she might meet all of them.

Jason has built the bookcase for Bethany and is showing it to Sarah. "What do you think?" he asks, and she admits it's lovely, but sounds less than enthusiastic. "Did you go for a drink with Becky yesterday?" she asks. He tells her that it was only to say thanks for fixing the tap. Sarah wants to know why he didn't mention it, and he says she was already mad enough with him, he didn't want to mention he'd gone for a pint as well. "Do you really think I'd look at anyone else when I've got you?" he asks her. Sarah looks petulant. 'she's good looking," she says. 'she's a stick insect," he replies. "she's available," says Sarah. "Well I'm not," says Jason, and puts his arms round her.

Sean leaves the pub to go back to work, and Marcus goes over to Jamie, saying that he feels like piggy in the middle. They then decide to hatch a plan to get Sean and Violet to be friends again.

Doreen is sitting at a table with her three beaux, and Rita. She asks one or two leading questions and then they all start to try to impress her with their financial situations. George has paid off his mortgage on his three bedroomed bungalow with a garden, Ivor has a bungalow and has also made some investments which bring in interest, but all Norris has is a small share in a little business and a room at Emily's.

At work, Fiz apologises to Sally, and adds, "As if you'd ever make a pass at John!" but is somewhat puzzled by Sally's rather guilty look. She offers to buy her a drink after work, but Sally says she can't make it, maybe another night?

In the Rovers, Jason asks Bill if he can go back to work, saying it's doing his head in being at home all the time. Bill however, says it isn't worth the insurance risk until he's got the all-clear. Just then Becky comes into the pub and goes up to the bar. Seeing Jason she calls out, "Hiya!" but Jason just grunts and looks down.

Fiz is in the shower when the phone rings. Before she can get to it, John has left a message saying he'd forgotten about a departmental meeting and will be late back.

In the pub, Roger asks Bill and Jason if they'll play darts. Becky overhears and asks if she can join in and make it doubles, and at this, Jason tries to get out of playing. Becky goes to him and asks if she's done something to offend him. He says no, so she asks why he keeps blanking her. He explains it's just that he wouldn't want her to think he was coming on to her or anything. "You've only just got married," she points out, and says that if he did come on to her she"d tell him where to go. 'sorted?" she asks. 'sorted!" he replies. "Right, soft lad, let's go hammer 'em!" she says, dragging him over to the darts board.

Fiz rushes over to the garage, where Kevin is just locking up, in a state of great stress. She explains that John has just rung to say he's going to a meeting, and Sally wasn't able to go for a drink. Kevin tells Fiz to slow down and tells her that Sally has gone to Freshco to do the weekly shop. Fiz wants to know why Sally acted so strangely earlier, when she tried to apologise. 'she couldn't look me in the eye, it was like she felt guilty or summat," she says. Just then there's a shout from across the Street, and there's Sally, laden with Freshco carrier bags. "Kev, can you give me a hand with the bags?" she calls. Kevin tells Fiz he doesn't think Sally and John had a date in the middle of Freshco, and to get her facts straight. Fiz heads off to her flat just as John came up the road in his car. "I thought you had a meeting?" she asks him, but he explains that it finished early. She tells him she can't believe she's got him and keeps thinking he'll go off with someone else, someone better looking or brainy. She tells him she'll cook a nice spag-bol and he tells her he's got a bottle of wine in the back of the car. She goes to get it and stops short – the bottle is in a Fresho bag!

In the Rover's, Becky and Jason win the darts match, and she says she's going home. Jason says he's going home too, Sarah will be back from the restaurant soon.

Outside, Sarah is walking down the Street, just as Becky and Jason come out of the pub. Catching sight of them, Sarah dashes inside and peeps through the curtains, until David asks her what she's looking at. "Nothing," she says, but he looks for himself. "Don't you dare say anything!" she warns him. Jason comes in and as he goes to kiss her she pulls back. "You've been drinking," she says. Jason tells her that Bill bought them. "Oh, you've been with Bill," she says, "anyone else?" Jason says that Roger was there as well, and goes off to make tea.

Anne Logan



Friday 23 November

As Sarah Louise gets more and more like her Granny Ivy, we start off this Friday episode at her house. It’s breakfast time and Sarah sits sulking. Gail comments that Jason went out early and she’s never known a boy to work so hard. Sarah spits that at least it’ll stop him “sniffing round that Becky!” She tells Gail of her suspicions. “I can’t lose him!” she says. Gail tries to reassure her and neither notices a small evil teenager slope into the room, listening to every word. Yes, David is here.

Over at the Webster dining table, Sophie going on about someone who is having a party and who has a brother who looks like a mega-hot DJ (don’t ask me. I just write it down!) She’s expecting Kevin to provide her transport. Sally tells him she’s going to be out all day. Another evil teenager listens carefully. Kevin suggests going with Sally, but she says she’s not having him kicking and screaming, and he’s got football organised with Ashley. Kevin gets quite stroppy about not going, but Sally just laughs it off.

Chez Grimshaw and Violet comes to ask Jamie if a toothbrush is his. It’s horrible. He tells her that if she doesn’t like it, she can go home and get her own. Her face falls and Jason tells her she has to sort out things with Sean. “I asked for a toothbrush, not a lecture,” she says.

Fizz and John talk about what they might do tonight. They think going into town sounds like a good idea. Fizz heads off towards the factory and John gets into his car, only to have Rosie tap on the window. He gets out to talk to her, keeping a wary eye in the direction of Fizz. Rosie asks what he’s doing tomorrow and he tells her Saturdays are difficult. She says she’s got the house to herself and will see him there. John looks very depressed.

In the salon, David gives Sarah a compliment, but it has the effect of getting her back up. Sarah gets a lecture from Audrey about suitable behaviour in front of the customers. “I’m running a salon, not a crèche.”

Jamie buys a paper and is followed into the shop by Doreen, who whispers to Norris (Rita is out the back trying to find something in the storeroom) that she’d like to see him in the cafe at one o’clock. Rita comes back and Norris says he was just talking to himself.

Jamie and Violet are searching the real estate market (the Gazette and the Kabin window) for a flat, but there’s nothing in their price range. Violet suggests moving somewhere short term until the baby arrives, but Jamie says if they’re going to get somewhere they should do it properly. “Our baby deserves to have a nice home.” Violet is thrilled to hear him call in “their” baby and not just hers. Sean and Marcus come over and he and Violet start sniping at each other, but Marcus and Jamie put their feet down and tell them they have to sort things out. Jamie says they can do it the easy way, which is over a drink at the Rovers after work. Or, Marcus says, they could lock the two of them in a darkened room “and do our whole bad-cop bad-cop routine.”

At the Duckies’, Jack moans about the dog barking outside while Paul hunts for his red notebook that’s got all his new recipes in it. Jack apologises for grumbling and tells Paul he’s got the post-holiday blues. “Blackpool is about as close to heaven as it gets!”

At the building yard, Roger complains to Jason that no-one warned him about “that woman”. Apparently he’s been to do a job for a woman who is as close to a Carry On film as it gets. Mrs Shapiro, the swinger from Swinton. Sarah comes along and suggests to Jason that they go to lunch. She won’t let him go to the Rovers.

Paul’s now in the cafe, asking about his notebook, but Becky and Roy haven’t seen it. Becky suggests he retrace his steps since he last saw it. He remembers back and realises he must have left it in a taxi. Tina O’Brien plays such a good bitchy Sarah! Sarah brings Jason into the cafe and the two of them order shepherd’s pie. Becky looks at Jason and says: “Bread and butter? Brown sauce on the side?” “Spot on,” he tells her. Sarah comments that Becky knows what Jason likes. “It’s my job,” Becky says. “Actually,” says Sarah,” it’s mine. Goes with the ring.” She holds it out for Becky to admire. She plants a proprietary kiss on Jason’s mouth, then tells Becky they’re having a special on cuts and colours at the salon next week and Becky might like to get her roots done. Oooh! The look on Becky’s face! Roy steps in and tries to distract Becky and carefully removes the knife from her grasp. Jason steers Sarah to a table and asks her what that was all about. “Oh, just a bit of friendly advice,” the little madam says. “It’s a girl thing.”

Chez Duckworth, and Vera reminisces about “their” bench in Blackpool. Jack’s a bit stumped until she explains it was the one they sat on close to the bookies’. She misses watching the tide come in and out. And the sea air. “I never thought I’d say this, but I felt at home there,” she says. She wants to move there, but Jack isn’t keen. “It wouldn’t hurt to see how much it’d cost,” she points out.

Doreen and Norris meet in the cafe. He’s taken the liberty of ordering her an Eccles cake. Doreen says she’ll cut to the chase. “Rita reckons you’re not good enough for me. You’ve got no home, no prospects, nothing. To put it bluntly, you’re a lame duck!” Doreen says it’s fighting talk. She believes Rita wants Norris for herself and was marking out her territory. She says she knows when three is a crowd and gets up and leaves. Norris scurries after her. Kevin is at the counter but he’s miles away. When Roy gets his attention, Kevin asks after Hayley and says Roy must miss her. Roy says the regular emails help him feel as if he’s taking part in the project, too.

In the Kabin, Audrey’s telling Rita about Sarah and David. Norris comes bustling in and practically flings his jacket on to the hook out the back before telling Audrey it’s the low blows she has to look out for. He says that’s Rita’s department. Even Audrey can sense a fight brewing and makes her excuses to go. “You’ve seen Doreen, then,” Rita says. She tells him she did it for his own good. “I’m very fond of Doreen, but trust me – you wouldn’t last five minutes married to her.” Norris says it’s his business. Rita says Doreen has made more men suffer than lumbago.

In the Rovers, John gets Fizz a drink. He breaks it to her that he’s got a stack of essays to mark. And he’s busy tomorrow. He has to work, because the school is doing A Christmas Carol and the new drama teacher needs some help with the props. “I’ll make it up to you,” he promises, but Fizz’s smile slips as soon as he isn’t looking.

Becky and Roy are closing up. Becky gets a text from Jason, apologising for earlier. She says he’s a gentleman. “I don’t know what he sees in that cow!” Roy says he’s sure Sarah must have many admirable qualities. Becky can’t believe she was spoken to in the way Sarah spoke to her. “Highlights! She’s lucky I didn’t give her head a side parting.” [yes, I know Sarah didn’t mention highlights but that’s what Becky said.] Roy points out that Becky’s flirting with Jason might be misinterpreted (“a certain over zealous familiarity with her husband” he calls it). Becky tells him: “You really do know how to wee on a girl’s bonfire.” She picks up her phone.

At the Platts’, Sarah is admiring Jason’s intellectual prowess (yes, he got a TV quiz question right) when his phone bleeps and she picks it up. Her face changes to thunder and she asks him to explain why he’s getting a text from Becky. “Because I sent her one earlier,” Jason says. Sarah can’t believe he’d apologise for her. “I eat there and I work opposite,” Jason explains. David desperately tries to overhear what’s going on. Jason promises not to text Becky again.

In the pub, Jamie and Marcus tell Violet and Sean that they’re not leaving until things are sorted out. Sean says he wants access to his baby. That was the deal. Violet tells him that any deal ended when he went to see a solicitor. “We just wanted some independent advice,” Marcus says. Violet wants to know when this became “we”. This has got nothing to do with Marcus. “Tough, because I’m here now,” says Marcus. Jamie tells Marcus to calm down, and Sean says Jamie’s just along for the ride. Violet gets to her feet to leave, as Sean says he did everything for her. Violet points out that all he did was to fill up a turkey baster. That’s the truth of it. Sean counters that the truth is: “Sad, lonely, single mum seeks gay man for father figure. Along comes heterosexual man with a heartbeat and bang, suddenly I'm a spare part!” Violet stomps off as Jamie says, “So, that’s how you feel about us, is it?” And he stomps off too. “That went well,” says Marcus.

Fizz turns up at the garage, telling Kev she had no-one else to talk to. She tells him about John suddenly claiming he can’t go out. “He’s lying to me,” I know he is. Kev tells her that Sally is going Christmas shopping and said she wanted the day to herself. Fizz is appalled. She thinks they’re being made to look idiots. Kevin tells her he’s not doing anything without proof. He suggests following them if they want to get proof.

David comes downstairs when he hears a phone ringing. It seems Jason has left his phone behind. He reads Becky’s text saying she and Jason are still mates and sends one back saying, “Thanks. You’re the best. x” Becky replies: “I have my moments. xx.” David says to himself, “Two kisses. Nice one. This is too easy.” And puts the phone back under the cushion where he found it.

The End.
Margaret Carr



Sunday 25 November

Webster’s Sally says she is going xmas shopping. Rosie asks Kevin if he wants a tea while he waits for Ashley. Kevin says he will have a pint in the Rovers while he wants and goes.

Outside Kevin called Ashley and said he can't watch the game with him as there has been an emergency breakdown. John tells Fiz the play he is working on won't need him after today. Fizz says until they have to go see it. Rita told Norris anything she said about Doreen was with his best interest. Norris replied saying driving a wedge between them was in his best interests. Rita said she’d rather put a shovel through his skull. Kevin in his car pulled up to Fizz who asked if they where mental. Kevin said they should just get this over with and they both went. David told Becky to forget what Sarah told her as she is just struggling with married life. Becky asked if Sarah said this. David said it's not rocket science. Becky just went into the café.

Shops; Kevin found Sally and watched her as she looked at a dress.

At Liam’s and Jamie place Jamie told Violet that Michelle’s flat was still empty. Violet said that’s good. Jamie wanted to tell Sean but Violet said she didn’t care what he thinks.

Weatherfield High; John goes into the school. Fizz arrived on her scooter. She looked through the door and seen John with a few props. She smiled and went back on her scooter. Just then John came out with the props and shoved them in his car and he drove off.

Outside Gail tells Sarah she has enough stress instead of looking for it and thinking Jason is texting Becky. Gail sees Jerry and asks where Jodie is. Kayleigh says she left so she would not have to kill their dad. Jerry says different opinion. Gail invites him for a cup of tea.

Webster’s back garden; Rosie asks John where he has been. He tells her at the school so he has witnesses. He says his car is half a mile away and is tired from the jogging. She says he has better not be and they go inside.

Shops; Sally is looking at a shirt. Kevin peering through clothes is watching her. A shop assistant asks if he can help and if he has lost any thing. Kevin says only his marbles and tells the guy he is going.

Outside Sarah told Jason she was sorry and was just scared. David comes round the corner with chips. Sarah tells Jason he can text any one he wants. Jason shouts over to David and tells him. Sarah says anyone but him. David smiles.

Platt's; Jerry says he’s not been the best neighbour. Gail says his kids are not bad. Just then David comes in saying this is cosy and says she will be getting out the good china next. Jerry says he has to go.

Rover’s; Violet tells Doreen her taxi is here. She tells Rita, Ivor, George and Norris she will love and leave them. Norris goes after her and says he was hoping for a private word. She tells him to get on with it as the meter is running. He asks her to marry him and she tells him to sit down and she will be right back.

Webster’s; John and Rosie are in bed. She asks him to say some poetry. Just then Kevin comes shouting Rosie and asking if he has her headphones on. Rosie and John are shocked as they hear Kevin coming up. Just then there is a knock at the door. Fiz says John is doing a play. Kevin says Sally is shopping. John says he does not want to make this any worse but thinks Fiz has just come in. Sally comes in and Fiz says she wanted to say sorry and offer them a drink. Sally says she will get her coat and heads upstairs. Kevin shouts her and says it's here. They all go out.

Rovers; Marcus has Sean say sorry to Violet. Sean said he was scared he was going to be cut out of the baby's life and done something stupid. Violet told him she was also sorry. Sean gave her a kiss and they both agreed the most important person was the baby.

Webster’s; Rosie looked over the banister of the stairs and shouted to John, it was all clear. John putting on his clothes said he was going and has aged ten years. He says, if he shows himself in public to keep up his appearance it will be better for both of them.

Rover’s; Doreen said she has received 3 marriage proposals and wants to think them all over. Rita thinks they are all as mad as each other. Doreen told them she can find a taxi on her own. John came in and Fiz said he looked exhausted. John went to the bar and Sally says he gives up all his free time to help the pupils. Fiz says you wont find anyone more dedicated.

Amanda Souter



Monday 26 November

Tony gives Carla a lift to work. As they arrive he's trying to persuade her into a more exciting date, he suggests a day on the beech in November! Kelly and Wicky are also just arriving at work talking about needing to get away from the bad weather and get away to somewhere sunny. Carla rushes off into work when she sees Kelly and Wicky watching her and Tony.

In the rovers back room Ryan is finishing his homework before school. When Michelle questions him it turns out he spent too long the night before on his games console. He has decided he is going to become a professional gamer when he's older and play video games all day. Michelle says he can carry on playing games as long as he keeps up with his school work, after all he will need a plan B.

In the factory Kelly and Wicky are joking about seeing Carla and Tony kissing that morning. Kelly is apparently giving Wicky an English lesson and teaching her al the different words for kissing. This is done so Carla hears everything but she is not amused.

Fiz and John are outside the shop where they bump into Sally who is on her way to the dentist. As Sally's dentist appointment sounds pretty painful John offers to reschedule that afternoons lesson for the next day. Sally declines, she's sure she'll feel better by then. As Fiz and John walk away with arms round each other Sally looks on jealously.

Maria arrives late to work at the salon. Audrey is very annoyed as they have a rather upset customer waiting for her appointment. Maria's excuse is that she had to go to the chemist but Audrey has very little sympathy.

Carla and Michelle cross paths in the street. They discuss Carla's new relationship with Tony and she admits how much she likes him, but she also still feels a bit strange about it having only lost Paul recently. The conversation then moves on to Ryan and his new career plan, Carla offers Michelle all of Paul's old games for Ryan.

The awkwardness between Sean and Violet is broken over discussions of dirty washing and green tea, they finally make up properly. They talk about the baby and the fact Violet and Jamie want a place of their own. She mentions that they are looking at Michelle's old flat but are struggling for money for the deposit.

Carla is on the phone having a very personal conversation with Tony. Kelly, who has just delivered the tea and biscuits also pick up on this and asks Liam if she's running a sex line!? When Carla has finished her chat she arranges with Liam to meet Tony for a business meeting to discuss an important deal.

Back at the salon Audrey is still upset about Maria's lack lustre attitude. She finds Maria/mixing someone's hair colour with peroxide instead of her usual darker shade. Maria bursts into tears prompting Audrey to ask what it is that's made her act like this today. With tears streaming down her face Maria admits she's pregnant.

In the school corridor Rosie is chatting to her; pretend; boyfriend Lee, apparently she has to go and see John about her English course work, of course we know different. John feels that when they were nearly caught in bed together the day before was a little too close and attempts to end things with Rosie. She doesn't get the hint and finds the whole thing rather exciting.

Audrey sits Maria down for a heart to heart. She is obviously less than thrilled about the pregnancy. She thinks she's too young, still has a lot to learn about her job and is also worried about the fact her and Liam have only just got together. "The timing couldn't be worse" she says. She's not looking forward to telling Liam either, she thinks he will "run a mile".

Sean meets Marcus in the pub for a drink. They make plans for the afternoon, Sean suggests going into town to try on wigs(!?) They then get onto the subject of Violet and the baby. Sean thanks Marcus for helping him make the peace between him and violet. Sean wants to help Vi and Jamie out by paying for the deposit on the new flat for them. Marcus is worried that this might cause further problems, he's worried Jamie and Violet might see this as more interference from him. Sean is confidant they wont, after all he's "doing a good thing. How could they take that the wrong way?"

Liam and the factory girls are having a conversation about films they like. Kelly thinks that all black and white films are so old that they should all be burnt! Maria comes into see Liam and asks if he'd like to go to the Rovers for lunch. He can't as he's waiting for an important call. He suggests they meet there after work. Maria looks a little disappointed. I think she had psyched herself up to telling him about the baby. He later admits that he is going to offer the money as a sweetener. If he gives them money to put a roof over the baby's head then Violet will feel guilty and let Sean see him. That's the plan anyway.

At school John's English class is in progress. He walks round the classroom collecting everyone's essays in. When he comes to Rosie's he comments on how short it seems. "It seems like half of it is missing" he says. To which Rosie replies "well you see Sir, I was meant to do it this weekend but this thing happened. I got really distracted." He tells her they'll have to talk about it after class.

Back in the salon Maria is still struggling to come to terms with the pregnancy. She's very worried that Liam will dump her when he finds out. She admits she does love him but isn't sure how he feels about her. Audrey offers comfort by saying that what ever happens she has plenty of friends to help and support her.

Back at the factory everyone is chatting about how Liam never makes the tea when an unknown woman enters and asks for Carla. She comes out of the office and introduces herself to which she is greeted with a slap across the face. She claims to be Tony's wife. "That's for wrecking my marriage" she says. "You're nothing special love, you're just one in a long line of slippers". Everyone is rather shocked. Carla, picking herself up off the floor, sends Liam after the woman who has now stormed out.

Erica Houston

Part 2

Outside Underworld, Liam is running after the mad woman who slapped Carla calling her a "mad bitch". She threatens to have him charged with assault. Liam reminds her that she's the pot calling the kettle black. She tells Liam that Carla is sleeping with "her man". Liam clarifies that this woman and Tony were together while Tony and Carla got together and she hints at a darker side to Tony that Liam doesn't know about. Meanwhile, Carla is in the loos, inside, composing herself and fixing her makeup before heading out to the factory workers. She goes out to them to joke with them about how the earlier incident was a "training exercise". Liam comes back inside and asks Carla if she's OK. Liam tells Carla what the woman told him about how Tony was still with her when he met Carla. Carla refuses to listen and instead gets on the blower to Tony to make a date to see him later.

At Weatherfield High, John Stape is finishing up his class. He asks to speak to Rosie about her essay and tells her it's below par for her ability. She makes continual references throughout the exchange to over-familiarity and inappropriateness while he wants to speak seriously about her essay. He tells her to rewrite it and she's not happy.

At the Cafe, Sean finds Violet and Jamie and gives them an envelope with a "shed-load" of cash in it. Sean tells them it's £500 and it's to go towards their deposit for a place to live. They tell him they can't take the money and they'll find the means to pay it themselves somehow.

In the back of the Rovers, Michelle and Betty have a few words together about the new, poncey crisps before Michelle shows Ryan his PlayStation from his Uncle Paul. She tells him he can play it once he's done his homework.

A black cab pulls up outside the Rovers and a dolly bird with an orange tan gets out. The taxi driver tells her the fare is £6.80. She kisses him and asks, "how much now?" Still £6.80. She gives him a fiver and tells him that's all she's got. Amazingly, the cab driver takes the money and drives off. Pahh! Like that would ever happen? Mind you, I've never had a cab driver I'd even think about kissing!

Kevin sneaks up behind Sally at their front door and surprises her. Naturally, Sally barks at him. She was listening to Katie Melua on her iPod; "Apparently there are 9 million bicycles in Beijing, try saying that when you've had root canal," she tells him and then asks him if she's dull. Kevin tries to answer diplomatically but Sally knows she's not the most interesting of people. Kevin heads off to the pub for a pint with Ashley while Sally has her English lesson with John.

Tony comes into Underworld where Carla is packing up. Liam comes down from the mezzanine and asks Carla if he should stick around. Carla tells him she'll be fine. Carla confronts Tony about his ex and he agrees to chat in the factory about it.

In the Rovers, the dollybird with the orange tan and big dimples charms all the men- Kevin and Ashley- around her. Betty can see right through her though and insists on being paid before she makes her drink. She lets slip that she was a cage dancer in Manumission (a club in Ibiza) at night but in the day she was a hairdresser. She asks for Violet and then tells everyone she is Violet's kid sister. She's thankful that Betty, Kevin and Ashley all think that she doesn't look like Violet and tells them how different she and Violet always were. She makes a suggestive comment about having a taste for nuts before we're thankfully saved from any more of her banter.

Carla is grilling Tony about his ex in Underworld. Tony tells Carla she's mad. Tony gets angry and Carla tells Tony that she's the one who should be angry. Tony tells Carla that his ex is the worst thing that ever happened to him. She twists the truth and she wouldn't move out of the house after their divorce. He is adamant that Carla should be taking Tony's account as the truth and not his ex's.

Sean and Violet are at Eileen's where Sean is embellishing the story of what happened between Carla and the mad woman earlier. He asks Violet to please take the money he offered her. Violet tells him she would love to but Jamie is dead set against it. Jamie, apparently, would feel slighted to take somebody else's money. Sean asks Violet to go to the Rovers where they can talk about it over a glass of Orange Squash.

At Underworld, Carla seems to be taking Tony's word for granted that he's not a womaniser, a control freak or any of the rest of the charges that Lindsey laid against him. He says if Carla is going to believe Lindsey then maybe he should just go? Should he go?

At Liam's house, Maria tells Liam he's been in a mood since he left the factory. They leave the house, both in a bad mood. As they stand outside the Liam's front door, they see Carla and Tony kissing passionately. Liam tells Maria he needs a pint.

John Stape rings Sally's doorbell. Rosie answers and lets him in. In their hall, Rosie tells John she doesn't think it's fair that she's being punished for bad schoolwork because she was with him when she should have been studying. She manipulates him into an agreement whereby she continues to see him and in return he gives her good marks for occasional sub-standard work. Sally interrupts them and Rosie makes the excuse that they were discussing her latest essay.

In the Rovers, Violet and Sean arrive to Ashley telling them that Violet's sister, Lauren is a right laugh. She squeals when she sees Violet and Sean and then when she notices Violet's baby bump she interrogates them both as to who the father is. She's stunned when it's revealed that Seany- who goes by Sean these days- is the father. "Oooh, get me a stiff one!" says Lauren. "That's what Vi said," says Sean- fnar fnar! They get drinks in and settle in to hear all about what brings Lauren to Weatherfield.

At Sally's John is reassuring Sally that she's got it in her to study English but Sally is not sure. She wonders what she has in common with Shakespeare. John says Shakespeare was a Brummy and wrote for the masses, not for the toffee-noses. Sally is worried that she's wasting John's time, she's not convinced she can do it. Rosie interrupts and tells Sally there are better ways than worrying about studying to get good grades and throws John a meaningful look. Sally tells her if she's going to interrupt then she could at least talk sense. Rosie puts the kettle on for a brew.

Sean, Violet and Lauren leave the pub. Lauren lights up a cigarette and says she's missed Manchester. Violet remarks that it's funny that Lauren wanted to come back and she wants to get out but can't. She is resigned to a life stuck where she is. Lauren can smell kebab. Violet asks her what her plans are. Violet asks if it's all over between Lauren and Whatsisname. It is, he was too clingy. After discerning that Lauren's not staying with her Mum and Dad, Sean offers for her to stay at their place. Violet is not happy about this and when Lauren intimates that she would love to meet this Jamie, Violet tells her, "Hands off!" But, Jamie is working so she can't meet him anyway. Lauren accepts the offer to stay at Eileen's.

Michelle, Liam and Maria are talking about Carla getting into the fight earlier at the bar in the Rovers. Maria wonders "what she's been up to, the dirty cow!" Liam tells them that she's not been up to anything. Michelle remembers that when Paul died, Carla made out that Paul was the bad one and she was a saint but really, the two of them were as bad as each other. Also, she reminisces about the family Carla came from; they all grew up on a rough estate and even Carla's mother was never seen wearing proper shoes. Liam tries half-heartedly to defend Carla. Maria is suspicious as to why Liam is so interested in it all and Liam uses his business as the excuse- he needs to know Tony is kosher before he goes into business with him. Maria's sick of hearing about the flippin' factory and goes to sit down. Michelle asks Liam if Maria is ok and they look at her sitting in a booth from a bar. Audrey comes in and asks Maria if she's ok, meaning, has she spoken to you-know-who about you-know-what yet. Maria tells her she can't seem to find the right time. Audrey tells her there's rarely a right time to tell your fella you're pregnant and Maria just wants to wait until she knows exactly what she wants to do.

In the back at the Rovers, Steve is playing Playstation with Ryan. Michelle comes in and tells Ryan it's bedtime. Back out in the bar, Maria tells Liam she doesn't feel too well. Liam tells her he's got Blades of Glory on dvd and he'll make her his secret cure-all honey and lemon drink to make her feel better at home. On the way out (looking very handsome, I might add) he speaks to Carla and tells her he can't believe she took Tony back. Carla tells him it's not his business but in any case, Tony has told her that Lindsey is the mental case not Tony, like Lindsey made out. She wants to know why Liam is so interested in her personal life since she's not really his sister. He tells her he worries about her but she tells him she doesn't need protecting. Maria calls for him from the door and he leaves Carla at the bar to go home.

Stella McLoughlin



Wednesday 28 November

Liz and Vernon are in the back room of the pub, hoping that Steve, Michelle and Ryan will be moving out soon. Vernon then tells Liz that his mate Bob can be his best man. "You don't sound thrilled," says Vernon, to Liz's lukewarm response to this news. "I've met him," says Liz. Vernon says that all he needs to do is turn up on time with the ring. "And make a speech that won't turn me puce," says Liz. Vernon says he'll vet every word. "I think I need to do that," says Liz.

Michelle and Ryan are at this moment crossing Coronation Street, with Ryan running late for school. Just then Liam comes jogging up, and offers Ryan a lift to school, but the offer is declined, Ryan wants to get the bus and meet his mates.

Over at the Grimshaw's, Violet suggests that her sister gets a job. "Why?" Lauren asks. Violet points out that it's Eileen's house and if she wants to stay she has to pay her way. Lauren asks if she can borrow some money to go out and buy interview clothes. As Violet pulls out her purse to get out her money, Lauren comments on the wad of notes she sees, but her sister explains that Sean has lent it to her but Jamie doesn't know about it.

Back at the Rover's, Liz is breaking the news to Steve that Andy is going to be giving her away at the wedding. She says she thought Steve would have enough to do, looking after Amy, and she sees little enough of Andy as it is. Vernon offers to demote Bob and make Steve best man, but Steve declines, although says he's touched by the thought.

Tony and Carla arrive outside the factory where he bids her a fond farewell, much to Liam's annoyance.

Maria arrives at work, and apologises to Audrey for being a little late, she's been tossing and turning all night. Audrey tells her that she's in a good position to have a baby, she's the right age, it could be the right time. Maria says it depends on how things are with her and Liam, and thinking about telling him makes her feel sick. Audrey presses her to tell him soon, she has to make a move. Maria says she will, when she plucks up the courage.

Ryan is walking along the road to school with his wheelchair bound friend, when he realises he's left his PE kit at home. They notice a blue car driving slowly past them.

Maria arrives at the factory to see Liam, but Carla isn't pleased. Maria asks if he'd like a quiet night in, just the two of them, nice food and good music. Liam likes the idea so they agree to meet up later.

Steve arrives at the taxi office, late, after dropping Amy to nursery. He explains to Lloyd that it's because he couldn't get in the bathroom earlier because his mother and the man he's soon to be calling Daddy were in there. "Do they floss together?" asks an astounded Lloyd. Steve confesses that he's seen them cut their toenails together, a fact that causes Lloyd to shudder. Steve says he's worried about the effect on Amy, and Lloyd tells him that for her sake he should move. Steve, however, thinks that any minute now Vernon will be buying himself and Liz their own little love-nest. "Some hope!" says Lloyd.

Just then, Steve's phone rings, it's his dad, telling him he's due to be released from prison tomorrow. After the call, he tells Lloyd he's not sure how his mother's going to take it.

Fiz and John pull up in the car outside the flat. They've just bought a brand new flat-screen tv. John tells Fiz to go up the stairs behind him, and if he falls to just save the tv.

In the taxi office, Steve is organising time off with Lloyd so he can go and pick his dad up from the prison. "Have you still not told your mum yet?" asks Lloyd. Steve confesses that he's waiting until he's told his dad about Vernon. "Wait till I tell him they're getting married," says Steve. "He's a bit of an old bruiser, your dad, isn't he?" asks Lloyd. Steve says he's ok if you don't annoy him. Lloyd wonders if his ex-wife, copping off with little drummer boy will annoy him.

Audrey goes into the Rovers and orders two glasses of wine. Violet's sister is at the bar, along with Jamie, and comments that Audrey has quite a thirst. Audrey explains that one is for Maria, and Violet introduces Lauren. Lauren says that Violet can't be bothered to stay in touch. "There are reasons for that," says Violet. Jamie tries to keep the peace, and Audrey looks at the shopping bags on the bar and remarks that Lauren must be doing well for herself, she can't afford to shop in those places.

After Lauren has gone off home to put her shopping away, and Audrey has retired to a table, Jamie says to Violet that he thought Lauren was broke. Violet says she might plead poverty but she always has some money hidden somewhere, in fact, she's lent them the deposit for the flat. "How has she lent you that much money?" Jamie wants to know. "She's my sister, you'd do the same for Warren," says Violet, and insists that it's not a gift, they have to pay it back. "Say nothing," she says to Jamie, and tells him to take the money over the landlord. "We wanted the flat and now we've got it," she tells him. "It's as easy as that, is it?" he says. "Yes!" she replies.

As Maria comes out of the salon, she meets Michelle on her way to work at the Rovers, and asks if she can have a word with her. Michelle starts to tell her not take any nonsense off her brother, "If he's been messing you about…" she starts to say, but Maria assures her that he hasn't. "I'm pregnant!" she tells her. Michelle's jaw drops for a moment, then she recovers. "Congratulations!" she says, "that's good news!" Maria isn't so sure, "Is it?" she asks. Michelle asks if Liam is pleased, and Maria confesses that she hasn't told him yet, and she didn't mean to blurt it out like that. They decide to go and have a chat in the back room of the Rovers.

When they arrive at the pub, Michelle asks Steve to give them ten minutes, and takes Maria into the back room. Steve goes into the bar and explains the situation to Vernon.

Liam arrives just then, and asks Steve to give him and pint and orders a wine for Maria. Just as Audrey comes over to say that she has already got Maria's drink waiting, Steve tells Liam that Maria is in the back with Michelle.

In the aforementioned back room, Maria is discussing her situation with Michelle, and confesses that she's scared. Michelle tells her that Ryan was a total surprise to her, and at first she was confused but she had time to adjust. Liz puts her head round the door then, but Michelle asks for another five minutes. "I've a bar full of people out there," says Liz, but grudgingly agrees to a further few minutes, and goes back to the bar. Michelle tells Maria she has to tell Liam, he will understand.

Fiz and John are watching their new tv, and Fiz is impressed that John got it all set up so quickly. "If we split up, you're not getting custody of this," Fiz tells him. John says he's not worried, the tv will be on the scrap heap long before they finish with each other.

Michelle and Maria eventually emerge from the back room, and Maria goes straight over to Audrey, who asks if he's all right. Maria says she is, and will tell Liam the first chance she gets. Then she and Liam head off to Liam's house. As they get to the door, Liam sees Tony's car pull up and he goes across to speak to him, telling Maria to let herself into the house. Liam tells Tony not to mess Carla around, she's his sister in law and he's looking out for her.

Back in the house, Liam asks Maria if there's something wrong. "You're not dumping me are you?" he asks, explaining that she looks miserable and she's just spent half an hour with his sister. She tells him she was talking to Michelle about something else, and then tells him that she's pregnant. Liam takes a deep breath and looks stunned.

Over at the Rovers, Steve takes Michelle into the back room and tells her that his dad is coming out of prison. Michelle thinks it's good news, but it might take Liz a couple of weeks to get her head around it. "He's coming out tomorrow," says Steve. "Oh," says Michelle. Steve isn't looking forward to his dad finding out that his mum has a boyfriend and they're getting married.

Maria and Liam are still discussing their situation. She says she knows it's a shock to him, but she had to tell him. "It's great," says Liam. "Is it?" asks Maria, and says they both need time to think. She then says she's going to go home and leave him time on his own. After she's gone, Liam sits back on the sofa, sighs deeply and still looks shocked.

Anne Logan.



Friday 30 November

So, it's Friday again and as we open we wonder (again), who on earth is this director just called "Illy"? (no, imdb.com is no help, either) Maria meets Liam in the street and he has a moan about the misbehaving puppy. He describes the puppy as a big hassle. Maria, obviously making parallels between looking after a puppy and a baby, makes an excuse and goes off to work.

In the pub, Ryan is still trying to convince his mum that if he practices enough on the computer games, he can make a lot of money one day. She sends him off to get ready for school. Michelle asks Steve what time he's picking up his dad. He tells her in an hour and a half, but says "Quick, change the subject," just as Liz walks in. She heard that, but Steve won't tell her why he said it. Michelle says Steve should just tell Liz. Steve says he knows how to handle them and wants to give his dad the bad news about Liz's engagement.

In the Kabin, Doreen arrives to be asked by Rita whether she's had any more proposals. Rita thought maybe the gas man had gone down on one knee, but Doreen tells her, "No, just the three." She thinks Rita and Emily, who's also there, are just jealous. Emily says they're just concerned. Doreen thinks Emily's concerned about losing Norris's rent. Rita thinks they should organise a jousting contest to sort out the victor, and Emily thinks she'd quite like to see Norris on a horse. Once she's gone, Rita tells Emily that this has gone far enough and they need to up their game. She thinks if they can make Norris believe Doreen is going to turn him down, he'll withdraw his proposal to save face.

In the pub, Liz is standing with her hands on hips, demanding to know where Steve is. Michelle tells Liz she's imagining that Steve is acting "shifty." Liz thinks maybe Steve is upset because she's asked Andy to give her away.

Mr Stape hands back the essays. Rosie has a C. She's furious. She stomps to the front of the room and hisses at John: "See me after the class!"

Tony's showing some designs to Liam and Carla.

In the classroom, Rosie waits until everyone else has gone, then goes and asks John why he's given her a C when she thinks it was worth a B at least. He tells her that it's a big step up to A levels and she's obviously struggling. He says he's beginning to be a bit worried about her work. She suggests maybe she should spend less time in the back of his car and more in the library. She demands an A. He's worried about the teacher next door hearing, and changes it to an A.

Steve is outside the prison when his Da' gets out. Jim's been inside for six years, 11 months and 25 days. Jim surprises Steve by saying he wants to spend his discharge money on a nice strong coffee.

At the factory, Liam is being awkward. He tells Tony the delivery date will have to be pushed back at least a week. They try to top each other with their mobile phones and when Tony goes out to take a call, Carla says Liam is being childish. When she leaves the room, Liam takes an envelope from Tony's briefcase and starts to type details from it into his phone.

Jim and Steve haven't gone to the local close-to-the-prison caff! No, they're sitting on some poncey terrace overlooking what's either a river or the biggest canal I've ever seen. I'm sure someone will know exactly what it is. Steve shows some pictures of Amy to Jim, who can't wait to meet her. Steve tells him he doesn't think it a good idea for Jim to come to the pub. Liz has another bloke, "a bit of a plonker, actually," he tells his father. "I can't believe they're getting married." Jim is startled and then looks depressed at the thought of Liz marrying someone else.

Sally interrupts Rosie, who is trying to work on her laptop at the dining table. Sally recognises the essay – she did an essay on the same subject. "Great," says Rosie. "Then we can compare notes on the contribution that Ariel and Taliban make to the dramatic themes of The Tempest." "It's Caliban," Sally points out. Sally says she spent weeks on it and only got a C. She wants to read what is obviously a model answer.

Ryan walks home from school and realises a blue car is driving slowly beside him. It revs up and drives off when he looks carefully at it.

Jim and Steve now walk down a line of ...er... pleached limes? topiary yews? I know they're not palm trees, because they're on the bank of that really big canal. Jim reminisces on how he and Liz always had a dream of running a pub together. He asks when Steve and Michelle will wed. Steve tells him it will be after Liz and Vernon move out. Steve thinks Jim won't let go, but Jim tells him he's sorry things worked out the way they have, but he didn't expect Steve to tell him Liz wanted him back. "Burned me bridges, haven't I? I had my chance and I blew it." Jim says he's going to try to build a new life for himself, starting from observing the curfew at the bail hostel.

Maria and Liam talk, but Liam says he's no closer to working out his opinion. For a minute Maria thinks he's accusing her of planning to get pregnant. She tells him it's completely unplanned. "Does that mean it's unwanted?" he asks. "It is by you!" she snaps. He tells her that's not necessarily true

.

In the pub, John fronts up at the bar and Sally joins him. "I'm not in your bad books am I?" he asks. "That depends whether my suspicions are right or not," she tells him. He suggests they go and sit down. Nearby, Norris is drinking with Emily and Rita. Rita tells him Doreen called in while he was out. Norris thanks her not to interfere. Rita then says she will keep out of it, and refuses to tell him what Doreen said. Norris decided Doreen has told Rita who she's going to choose. "I'm sorry, Norris, I'm sworn to secrecy," says Rita. She tells him she's in a difficult position. "But what did she say?" urges Norris.

Liam talks about the puppy waking him in the middle of the night by chewing the furniture. "At least you wouldn't get that with a baby," jokes Maria. Liam talks about the problems of having a baby at his age, but also the problems of being an older parent. Maria doesn't want him to feel trapped and blame him. He says they need to work out what the future holds for them, as well as for the baby.

Liz is on the phone when Steve returns, claiming to have been playing golf. In the bar, Sally says she hates to question John's integrity. He's worried what she's going to say, but she produces Rosie's essay. She says she's not qualified, but she thinks hers was better. "So you're either bumping hers up or you're marking mine down." John tells her that he sometimes gives "encouragement grades". If Rosie thinks she's doing well, then she's more likely to stay. He says Sally has a lot more insight than a 16-year-old and he has high expectations of her. Norris tells Rita that if he had valuable information he'd tell her. Emily tells Rita she should say something. Rita confesses that Doreen has told her she's going to marry George. Norris came a very close second, though. "You only missed out by one or two minor points!" Norris looks fed up. "You make it sound like a job interview!" Rita hints that George's big house was a draw. Norris says it looks like he's had a lucky escape. Rita smiles smugly.

Michelle goes to the back room to see Steve and tells him what Liz thinks about Steve being jealous of Andy. Steve explains that his father's changed. He doesn't really believe it. He says Jim is kind of pathetic – a shadow of the man he used to be. Michelle thinks he should stop lying. "She deserves to know that he's out, and you've got to tell her." Steve looks worried.

The End
Margaret Carr




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