2008


Wednesday 1 October

Tony asks Carla what she did the night before. She said she watched a film, but when he asks what film it was she obviously doesn't have an answer, and so she asks why he's so interested. "Because," he says, and after a pause adds, "because I'm interested in everything you do, everything you've done, everything you've seen." He then asks what she's doing at the weekend. "Just the usual," she says. He says he wanted to know if she had anything planned because he's got an idea, but won't tell her what it is, saying it's a surprise.

In the Webster household, Kevin tells Bill that Sally hasn't slept with worrying about Rosie. Kevin thinks she should take the day off work but she won't. Sophie thinks that when Rosie turns up acting like nothing's happened, they should kick her out. Bill hustles her out of the door to catch her bus to school, and when they're outside he asks if there's anything she knows that Rosie might have asked her to keep quiet about. She assures him that she knows nothing.

Across the Street, Bill sees Audrey outside the salon and asks if she had a nice holiday. She says she did, and he says he's sure it was a nice change for her going with someone cultured, so they could do the art galleries and churches, whereas with him it would have been a deck chair and potted shrimps.

Tony and Carla arrive outside the factory and he tells her there's a few ends to tie up but he should be able to tell her more about the weekend at lunchtime.

In the Platt household, Gail is in the kitchen as Ted sits dozing on the sofa. Just then David and Tina burst through the door, he's obviously upset because she's working again this evening. Gail asks David if he's checked last night's paper for jobs, he says it's always the same, the only jobs are for chefs and telesales people. Ted suggests he goes to college and gets some qualifications. Just then the phone rings, it's Sarah!

Liam is trying to talk to Tom about what they're going to order for next season, but Tom is suffering from a hangover which he says is jet-lag. Just then Maria comes in, she needs to change her top as she's got dye on it, and asks where they went last night. Tom says he doesn't know what happened to Liam, he wasn't with him. "So where was he?" asks Maria, looking suspicious. Liam tells her not to listen to Tom, he was drunk. He tells Maria to go and change her top while he makes Tom some strong coffee. When she's gone upstairs, Liam turns to Tom and tells him to say that they were together and they didn't go anywhere near Carla's.

Dan tells Leanne how he went to the bank asking to borrow ten thousand pounds so that he can buy out his father, but the interest rate is phenomenal and he'd be paying back much, much more than he borrowed.

In the factory, the girls ask Sally what the police are doing to find Rosie. She tells them they've taken photos and other details but there's not much more they can do. Fiz and Sean reckon Rosie's just gone off with the boy she met on holiday. "She'll turn up," says Carla. "Either when the money runs out or the lad runs off," says Sean. Behind him, Janice sits at a table and cringes.

Opening the door with difficulty as it's sticking, Tony goes over to Audrey's salon to see Maria about the weekend.

Tina arrives for work at the kebab shop, accompanied by Ted, only to find that Darryl hasn't opened up yet. He asks if she enjoys working there. "Well it's work isn't it? You're not supposed to enjoy it are you?" she says. He says that work can be enjoyable, but Tina reckons the only people who say that are the people who don't have to do it. Just then Darryl comes along and opens the front door of the shop. As they go in they find a pile of post on the floor and Darryl says that they often get the post for the flat upstairs. As they pick it up they notice a letter addressed to Miss R. Webster.

Gail sees Audrey coming out of the salon and trying to get the door shut. She mutters that she'll have to get someone to fix it. Gail tells her that she's heard from Sarah and she's talking about coming home. "That's just between you and me," says Gail, "she'll probably have changed her mind next time she rings."

Outside the cafe, Becky and Jason are discussing how they're going to equip their new flat, and they decide to ask Eileen and Roy if they've got anything to spare. As Becky goes inside, Audrey comes over and asks Jason if he'll take a look at the salon door.

Darryl walks past, over to the Webster's, and puts the letter addressed to Rosie through their letterbox.

Leanne stops Janice as she comes out of the factory and tells her she knows what she'd like to spend her half of the lottery money on. Janice says that she'd like to chuck the lot down a big black hole. Leanne points out that that's not really an option now, seeing as how Janice has already spent some of it on a new tv. Janice says that was before she knew that Rosie had gone missing, and now she's really worried, they'd get lynched if they got found out. Leanne tells Janice how Dan needs the money to buy his dad out of the bookie's and she's going to give it to him. Janice has objections to this plan, she doesn't think it's wise to touch the money before Rosie turns up and the police stop sniffing around, and anyway, what would happen if Leanne goes off Dan in six months time. Leanne is sure that isn't going to happen. "Oh, so this is true love, is it? Just like all the rest of them?" says Janice, sarcastically. Leanne says Janice can't stop her, but Janice says she doesn't want to end up in prison. "And neither to do you, Leanne," she says.

Maria meets up with Liam and Tom in the pub, and tells Liam about Tony's plan to take them all away for the weekend. "Why?" asks Liam. Maria says that it's because Carla has been working like mad sorting out the wedding. "So why do we have to go?" asks Liam. Maria thinks it so that Carla can't refuse, but it's a surprise and Tony hasn't yet revealed where they're going.

Janice and Leanne are now in the pub, and Leanne tells Janice not to worry because Dan just thinks the money is an inheritance, and she also makes the point that maybe they should get rid of it as soon as possible so they can close the account and then it will all be over. Janice says she doesn't agree with her, and warns her to be careful.

Tina's dad goes into the kebab shop to see his daughter. Tina tells him that David needs a job, she asks if he'll employ him. "But I'm a one man show," says Joe, "I don't employ anybody else." Tina pleads, and points out that David's mum would be pleased as well. "Let me think about it," says Joe.

As they walk across the Street to the Rovers, Tony tells Carla about his plan to take Liam and Maria away with them for the weekend. Once inside, they see Liam and Maria and go and join them. He asks Maria if she's managed to persuade Liam to go away with him and Carla. "Just about!" says Maria. Liam wants to know where they're going, but Tony says that it has to remain a secret for now.

Bill and Jason walk into the Rovers and see Ted at the bar. "Good holiday?" Bill asks him. Ted says he's sure Audrey will have already filled him in with the details. Bills replies that she said they had a good time. "She can't have!" says Ted, incredulously, and goes on to reveal that they did nothing but argue, he wanted to go and see things and it seems that all Audrey wanted to do was lie on a sun bed. "A total and absolute disaster!" says Ted.

David comes into the kebab shop, just as Joe is leaving. He tells Tina not to say anything, he's still thinking, and he leaves. Just then the phone rings and Darryl answers it. It's Jerry asking Darryl to go home and look for Kayleigh's immunization certificate, so he goes off there and then.

Dan goes into the pub and joins Leanne and Janice at the bar. Janice goes to sit at a table and Leanne tells Dan that she's going to give him the 10 grand for the business out of her inheritance. He's amazed, but thanks her profusely.

Liam goes to the bar to get some sandwiches and manages a quiet word with Carla on her way to the ladies. He asks what's going on, but Carla is as much in the dark as he is. Liam wants to know if she said anything to him about the previous night, but she assures him she didn't. "He was acting a bit peculiar when he came in, though," she says. She adds that they've said they'll go now so they'll have to see what happens. Tony watches this short conversation from his seat at the table, and when Liam returns to sit down tells him they'll have to make an early start in the morning.

Jason is just looking at Audrey's salon door when Becky rushes over, all excited, and tells him that Roy has said they can take their pick of anything they need for their new flat. When she's rushed off again, Audrey tell Jason that Sarah is talking about coming back. "For good?" asks Jason, looking stunned. Audrey shrugs and says she imagines so, but, hearing about all his plans with Becky she felt it was something he should know.

Darryl sees Sally in the Street and tells her that he's just put a letter addressed to Rosie through her front door. Sally rushes over to her house just as Kevin comes along. Picking up the letter, Sally tells Kevin it's addressed to Rosie at the flat in Victoria Street. "Why would she have her post go there?" she wonders. Kevin takes it and opens it, they're stunned to see it's a bank statement with 25,000 pounds in the account from Lodo Lottery. "It looks like she's won," says Kevin, but Sally realises it's the lottery they do at work and Rosie collects for it. "Maybe we've won and somehow she's managed to keep it for herself!" Kevin has his own opinions, too. "It explains why she's gone. Maybe she's with that lad, living off the fat of the land, while we all worry ourselves sick!"

Anne Logan


Friday 3 October

Kevin and Sally have the bank statement in front of them. Kevin's sure Rosie stole the lottery money and wants to call the police, but Sally says Rosie isn't a thief. She only stole Kevin's business information because she thought she was helping. "She thinks she's so sophisticated but a bit of flattery from a man . . ." Kevin says that if someone put Rosie up to taking the money, all the more reason to call the police.

Bill and Jason move bags of something (cement? plaster? Seem a bit small for either) around the building yard. Bill's trying to talk some sense into Jason about Sarah. He points out that Sarah only went to Italy because she thought getting one over on David and nicking his job was more important than her marriage. "I can't imagine Becky treating you like that." Jason says this isn't about Becky. "Of course it is," retorts Bill. "You're setting up home together!" Jason needs time to think. Becky comes over and kisses Jason heartily. She wants to go furniture shopping, but Jason points out they don't even have a deposit together yet. He says he's too busy to talk about furniture.

With the police present, Kevin asks Sophie whether Rosie said anything about suddenly being rich, but she says that if anything Rosie was moaning about being broke after the holiday. She can't believe they're suggesting Rosie didn't take the money. "She's got 25 grand in the bank. It's not come from the tooth fairy." Sally explains to the detective about Rosie putting on the money for the work lottery syndicate. The detective thinks it's plain that Rosie argued with Sally, threatened to leave home and then saw the opportunity with the lottery win. Sophie's appalled. She shouts that they're all worrying themselves sick while Rosie's off "wiggling and giggling as if she's queen of the world!" (which seemed to me a pretty good description of Rosie generally!) Sophie storms out and Kevin sighs. Sally tells the detective that she's sure this isn't what it looks like, but the detective tells her some money has already been withdrawn from the account since the statement was issued. "It could be enough to travel well away from Manchester," she says.

David and Tina leave the cafe with take-away coffee (David's house is only round the corner!) and David wonders when she'll dump him. "It can't be much fun going out with an ex-jailbird who can't get a job." Tina tells him she'll nip round to Old Trafford this afternoon and pick up a footballer. "You could, looking like you do," he says. "Oh, but they'd never say owt sweet like that," Tina says, "so maybe I won't bother." They find Sophie standing on the pavement texting someone and ask if there's any word on Rosie. "Yeah, she's a thieving scumbag who's done a runner with twenty-five grand from the factory's lottery winnings," she says. Rita happens to overhear this. Tina thinks this is worse than what David did. "Yeah, I'm no longer the baddest kid on the street," he says. "Respect to Rosie." They walk on and Rita asks Sophie whether this is true. "Yeah. I didn't think she was bright enough to pull it off, either," Sophie says. Rita thinks Kevin and Sally must be devastated. Sophie tells Rita that to any other parents, Rosie would be the daughter from hell, but to Kevin and Sally she's little Miss Perfect. "It's just me they don't bother about." Rita's sure they do. "Is anybody ringing to find out where I am?" she asks, holding up her mobile phone. "They don't care." Rita is annoyed. She thought Rosie was the selfish one. "And here you are playing truant just because you're not getting any attention." Sophie says she gets it at school. All people want to know is whether Rosie's been found or is back yet. Rita tells her she's so bothered about people obsessing over Rosie, and her you are doing exactly the same." Sophie says she didn't think of it like that. Rita says she always thought Sophie had "a bit more about you." Sophie playing up is the last thing her parents need. She tells Sophie to get to school before anyone notices. "Call in at the Kabin later. We'll have a competition - who can wind Norris up the quickest." (Don't get excited. We never get to see this)

In the factory, Carla hands the keys to Julie. Tony arrives to collect Carla and her weekend bag, which is huge ("Well, if you won't tell me where we're going, I'll have be prepared for anything.") and is closely followed by the police. The detective tells him there is evidence that Rosie might have disappeared of her own volition. Carla asks if Tony's in the clear, but the detective says she wouldn't make any assumptions just yet. She wants to talk to the staff. Carla says that's fine and asks if she and Tony are needed. They're not. At the machines, Fizz says if the detective's going to ask who had a grudge against Rosie, it could take all day. "You trust her enough to buy your lottery tickets, though," says the detective. Behind her, Janice turns a funny colour.

In the cafe, Becky checks with Roy that he's in favour of her moving in with Jason. He tells her she already lives with him in a way. She's worried about getting the deposit but thinks she could get a few more shifts in the Rovers. "In the light of what happened with Steve MacDonald, it might not be the best idea," Roy points out. Becky thinks maybe she could sell her "Becky" pendant. It's got more gold than the rest of her jewelry. "Why could I be called Anastasia . . ." At a table, Dan is on the phone to Harry, assuring him he'll have the money today. He ends the call and asks Leanne when she can get the money from her uncle (technical point - Why would Leanne inherit something from Janice's uncle? They're not blood relatives). Leanne says she'll have a word with Janice later. Dan says she heard the call. It's urgent. Leanne says he could at least ask politely. Dan apologises. He can't believe his own father is messing him about. She thinks she'll be a junior partner in the business if she gets him the money. Dan doesn't seem so sure.

As Tony packs the car, Liam jokes with Carla about having Rosie in her bag. Carla doesn't think it's funny when Rosie is still missing, but Liam tells her Rosie will be with her boyfriend. Tony still won't tell them where they're going.

Around the tea table in the factory, the machinists discuss Rosie with the detective. She asks Janice about Rosie giving her the lottery tickets and Janice says she checked them and they were all losers. "I think Rosie had checked them already." Sean's annoyed that Rosie's run off to spend his money on shoes and skimpy tops. Fiz asks whether they'll get their money. The detective says it's not up to her. Her job is to find Rosie. Sean asks her to tell Rosie not to bother showing her face there again. Julie is worried Rosie will spend the money. "Nobody's touching that bank account without us knowing about it," the detective assures her.

Gail, dressed nicely in a suit, waves at a man in a van and heads to towards it, but is headed off by Jason, who wants to know whether it's true that Sarah might be coming back. Gail's annoyed. She told Audrey in confidence. Gail tells Jason that Sarah's been seeing someone but it's not working out. "I really don't think she'd want me talking to you about it." Jason asks her to let Sarah know he was asking after her.

Gail gets into the van and tells Tina's dad, Joe, (for it is he!) she could strangle her mother sometimes. She kisses him. Despite the fact that they're parked either just outside the Rovers or just outside the Barlows', she tells him she doesn't want David and Tina to find out about them yet. She'd rather wait until David has a job. "Then I don't care if we dance naked down the street." They giggle together.

Roy has a proposition for Becky. He wants to lend her the money for the flat deposit. "I'd hate to see you have to sell your necklace." Janice rushes in, very distressed, and tells Leanne that the police know about the money. She explains how and tells Leanne they can't touch a penny. "You've already had hundreds," Leanne points out. Janice is sure they'll go to prison. Bill and Jason come in and Becky breaks the "good" news about Roy lending her the money. Jason says they're really busy, so he can't go furniture shopping.

The Connors and Tony arrive at a swish country spa hotel. While Tony's at the reception desk, Liam asks Carla if this is some sort of game. He wonders if Tony knows something. Carla says that if he did he wouldn't be organising a jolly weekend together. Maria's thrilled by the hotel. Tony tells them they're there to enjoy themselves.

Janice and Leanne are near Janice's flat, still arguing over the money. Janice tells Leanne she will just have to unpromise the money she promised Dan. "But he needs it!" hisses Leanne. Janice tells her to say someone's contesting the will or something.

Maria and Liam sit together in the lobby and Maria gets him to promise he won't leave her alone with Carla over the weekend. Tony brings over a bottle of champagne.

Amber goes into the kebab shop and asks Darryl if he knows where his mother is. He doesn't care. Amber tells him she's drunk in the shopping precinct. "Oh," says Darryl. Amber can't believe he's not concerned. He points out that the worst thing someone could say about her dad is that he's a bit cheesy. With his mum, the problem would be where to start listing bad things. Amber offers to stand in so he can go and see Theresa, but Darryl won't go until after the lunch hour.

Maria asks how Tony found the hotel. He tells them a story about following a former head of sales, who was having an affair with his biggest rival. They stayed at the hotel and Tony told the head of sales' husband, who went there and thumped the rival. He tells them that the divorce was very expensive, so he was able to buy out his competitor cheaply. "By that time, Lisa was working for him, so I had the pleasure of sacking her, too," he says. Maria comments that Tony doesn't mess about. "She betrayed me," Tony says simply. Carla and Liam look very thoughtful.

David confesses to Tina that he's so desperate for work he's planning to ask Darryl for a job. Gail comes in with Tina's dad, who, after a few pleasantries, offers David a job in his kitchen-fitting business. He'll give David a three-month trial. Hugs all round. "Don't know how to thank you," says Gail. "Take dancing lessons," he mutters out of the side of his mouth.

At the hotel, Tony tells Maria that she and Carla should check out the spa and put all the treatments on his room account. Maria says she hoped Liam would go with her. Tony asks if "all that nonsense" between Maria and Carla is over and Maria reluctantly says it is. Tony reassures her that with Tony not working with Carla now they hardly see each other. He wants the past left in the past. "That's what this weekend is all about," he tells Maria. She thanks him and kisses him on the cheek. They go in to see Carla and Maria and Maria suggests Carla come to check out the spa. Tony suggests he and Liam go for a walk, though Maria thinks Liam's had too much to drink. Carla wonders why Tony wants to be alone with Liam, but Tony says it's just a friendly chat between two guys. "He's in safe hands, Maria. Trust me," says Tony.

Leanne's buying a kebab when Dan comes to find her and asks about the money. He needs it today, he insists. Suddenly Leanne's lost her appetite. Amber thinks it's the end of lunchtime. There's still time for one or two more customers, Darryl points out. "A couple of doners are more important than your own mum?" asks Amber. "One would be more important," he corrects her.

Liam and Tony approach the cave complex behind the hotel. There's a big red danger sign outside. Liam stops. "Why are we here?" he asks. Tony asks if he's nervous. "You've no idea how much I've been looking forward to this," he says. And as the camera focuses on a large black hole and a "danger" sign, the episode finishes.

Coming soon to a screen near you, Friday's second episode.
Margaret Carr

Good evening. Liam and Tony are heading into the caves, Liam recalls the Flintstones but Tony reveals that he never liked them. These two have so much in common don't they - Carla and well you get the picture. As they head through the caves Tony harps on about his continuing ambition - something which Liam simply cannot see. Tony asks if he likes a bit on the side but Liam denies any interest - one woman is enough for him (providing of course that she is called Carla but he omits to say that). Tony asks how the business is going, Liam responds great guns but it appears that Tony is struggling because the flats are not selling (what in this property crunch - that is surprising). Anyway Tony takes Liam down a route which is supposedly closed to the public (well there are NO ENTRY signs). Tony ends up on a narrow ledge and Liam is loath to join him - he does not like sheer drops having recently taken a tumble. Eventually he climbs up and joins Tony, despite obviously being cared witless. Apparently Tony needs to ask him a question.

The factory girls are of course running down the thieving Rosie Webster - much to Janice's discomfort. Kelly is of the view that Rosie will have spent it all down the Trafford Centre. Anyway along the way Lloyd is bringing John up to date on Rosie's supposed exploits and the latter appears surprised at her antics. At Webster Towers Sophie has checked Rosie's Myspace page but there are no changes and Sally just moans on that now there is money missing Rosie is not just a missing person but a thief as well. Kev asserts that Rosie could have stolen the money, but that does not make him Colombo and Sal then asks him if she is a trophy wife. Never mind I never watched Colombo either - I cannot stand bald grown men sucking a lolly on a stick.

Jason is phoning Sarah but only gets an answering service. Bill reminds him that he is supposed to be getting his half of the deposit for the flat with Becky. Jason departs to get the cash. Later Sarah phones back. Apparently the Italian boyfriend has disappeared off the scene and the two seem to enjoy their conversation, Jason saying that he misses her.

Anyway Tony is not sure his brother will make the wedding - with his regular travelling and he wanted Carla to have people she knows around her. Liam agrees. So Tony asks a very surprised Liam if he will be the best man. Liam is astounded - surely Tony has many other friends far closer than he who could do the job - especially his brother. Tony claims he has had an argument with his brother over a non-existent stag might. Tony admits that Liam is not first choice, but Liam reckons plan Q not plan B. Anyway eventually Liam agrees and as they hug Tony says in Liam's ear that he is going to push him over the edge. Liam is totally alarmed - after all this was the sort of thing that Paul used to do to him - Tony claims that makes them honorary brothers and they start to descend on the return. Liam looks very relieved when the emerge from the caves into daylight.

Back at the hotel Carla and Maria are obviously being pampered and Brain of Britain Maria asks Carla if she thinks that Minnie Driver drives a Mini. {Minnie Driver, recently became a mother and is also a star in a series called the Riches, which if you have not seen comes highly recommended from your scribe}. Carla raises her eyebrows in complete disbelief.

In Weatherfield Leanne arrives at Janice's and Roger lets her in so that she can borrow a phone charger. However she is caught in the act as Janice arrives back. Leanne had not found the bank card - Janice tells her that she is not that stupid to leave it lying around, and Leanne cannot have her half share.

Darryl returns to the Street dragging an alcohol container with him - his mother Teresa who denies she is drunk. Apparently she did not get herself into a fight. Mel sees them together and cannot believe Darryl is bringing her to the house. Mel follows them into the house and goes upstairs and packs. When she returns downstairs she says she is leaving because she cannot be around her mother.

And the next amazing sight is John Stape in the front room at the Websters trying to remembers names and addresses of Rosie's friends. However Ken returns from work John is forced to depart by Kev's less than friendly stentorian query over why he was there. Sal wants to know where it went wrong for Rosie - but Kev has the answer - private education - it made Rosie seem special and that she was owed something.

Mel arrives at the cab office wanting to be taken away - solely because Teresa was at home. She is refusing to spend a night under the same roof. She wants a taxi to Stretford and John who is about to knock off agrees to take her. Apparently he has to go and feed his grandmother's cat. I wonder who else might need a good meal?

At the far distant hotel Liam tells the two girls that he was now best man - apparently Tony has fallen out with his own brother. Maria is perhaps even more surprised than Michelle. Behind them Tony is talking quietly to his brother, advising him that Liam will be best man. The brother is told that it is an attempt to cheer up Liam since he lost his baby. He calls Liam a schmuck and reckons that Liam deserves what he is going to get.

And I will be back next week.
K Richard W


Monday 6 October

Wherein two women have their eyes opened about their relationships, and not necessarily in a good way for one of them.

The weekend away is over and Liam is trying to get Tony to accept some money towards the expenses but he wont' have it. Liam makes a point to stand down as best man if Tony and his brother make up their differences. Really. Maria points out that Liam is just trying to get out of making a speech. "And you with a degree from charm school?" Tony smirks sarcastically. Liam threatens to try to get hold of his brother to get some embarrassing stories. Across the road Becky and Jason are striding along. Becky is dead excited about moving into their flat and has all kinds of plans including getting an aquarium that they can watch when there's nowt on telly. Jason's lack of excitement is very apparent to the viewer but not to the blonde bouncing along beside him. She has even memorized the postcode! (M10 5LT, which is nowhere near the Manchester area, by the way and the only M code between M1 and about M35 that isn't! probably why they use it!) Anyway, she proclaims this the happiest day of her life and in so doing utters what is often known as the Soap Opera Phrase of Doom (aka SOPOD), guaranteeing that things will go horribly wrong before long. She vaguely notices he's not as excited as she is and urges him to cheer up but it doesn't really sink in to her.

In the factory, Sally is looking much the worse for all these sleepless nights she's having, worrying over Rosie's whereabouts. Carla actually expresses some sympathy. Sally quietly just says all she wants is a call to say she's ok, even if she's away spending her possibly ill gotten gains. Carla tries to buck her up by saying Rosie has far too much about her than to skip off with lottery winnings unless someone put her up to it (and you know she's got a few doubts in her mind that it could have been Tony). Sally is nearly in tears, sobbing that she wishes Rosie *was* just a thief, rather than anything worse happen. In the background, Janice is lurking and feeling very guilty. (After the initial withdrawals she and Leanne made, though, the account won't have been touched. Surely if Rosie was spending money, the bank account would show it. Typical Weatherfield police ineptness, I suppose).

Becky and J's new flat is apparently over a barber shop which we see from the outside. They have arrived with some things as the tap drips in the foreground signifying that this really is a bit of a dump. Becky sees some post that's actually addressed to them! It's a well wishes card from a thoughtful Roy which touches Becky and even makes Jason smile. The flat seems at least partially furnished but the wallpaper is pretty awful, faded big florals, grubby looking green curtains, yellowed lampshades and faded pictures on the wall. YOu know Becky is thrilled anyway because it's hers! Eileen arrives to see it and says she likes the place, though Becky admits it needs work. Jason is back to work and gets a kiss off Becky and a command to come straight home after work.

Liam is preoccupied and quiet while Maria witters on about the weekend, hanging out with Tony and Carla and the wedding. He peruses the laptop and is not very responsive. Maria takes offence and leaves for work.

Becky has retrieved some leftover paint from Roy. Michelle asks her how the new place. Becky has three hours to paint. Roy wonders if she's prepared the walls which of course she hasn't. He sighs "Becky, failing to prepare..." "Is preparing to fail...I know!" She finishes (one of his well worn phrases, no doubt). Michelle offers to help her decorate and the offer is gratefully accepted. Michelle points to Kirk and reckons he might be of some use, too. Fiz arrives and peruses goodies under the counter glass.

Meanwhile, as Becky is gathering together the home makeover team, Jason is on the phone to Sarah, and they sound quite comfortable and cozy. He ducks out of view of Michelle, Kirk and Becky who have come out of the cafe and continues to tell Sarah all the news and gossip. (except for the news that he's moving in with Becky today!)

Fiz is ordering the cakes for the factory. Eileen rushes in to find Lloyd to tell him that John's been in an accident. Lloyd jumps up and gets ready to go over to A&E and Fiz, overhearing, is alarmed and wants to come too. Nothing like a health scare or accident to bring it home to you how you really feel about someone, eh? She leaves the cakes behind and jumps in the cab with Lloyd.

Jason is still chatting to Sarah and admits he misses her and wishes she were there.

Kirk has actually come up with a good idea and has brought over a skateboard. They balance the double mattress on it to move it round the corner to the new flat. "Sometimes you gotta think outside the box" is Kirk's enthusiastic declaration. (brilliant!)

Pam has presented a Japanese watch to Tyrone. They are going to flog them in pubs to help top up the wedding fund. Tyrone looks aghast.

Over at the flat, in one of those real gems that Corrie writers can be so good at, Becky and Kirk have wrestled the mattress up the stairs and into the flat. Michelle's already made a great start on the painting. The mattress drops to the floor and the three of them lie on it. The camera looks down on them as they catch their breath. Kirk reckons it's like a scene out of Friends. Becky wants to be Monica but Kirk figures Michelle has the lock on that, because of her hair, but she'd rather be Phoebe. He wants to be Chandler because Joey's one of them "light's on but everyone's home" types. Er... Yeah, that would be "Nobody's home" but he still prefers Chandler (even if Kirk makes Joey look like William Shakespeare at times! Aw Bless, they've both got big hearts though!) All three of them sit up, laughing. Becky admires Michelle's decorating then goes to sort out the curtain.

In hospital, Lloyd and Fiz have arrived, looking for John. Located, he's on a bed, holding his ribs. He's surprised to see her and says he's fine, or will be with painkillers. Lloyd realizes he's surplus to requirements and beats a hasty retreat. John says he thought he'd lost Fiz forever. She runs out to find a nurse to sort out his pain meds.

In the corner shop, Michelle has returned. She overhears David and Amber talking about Jason and Sarah and is shocked to discover that Sarah might be coming home, a fact which David isn't too thrilled about. It means he and Tina will probably end up being squashed in a single bed rather than the double. Michelle is thinking more about how it's going to affect Becky.

After the break, she's at the yard and gets right to the point, questioning Jason about Sarah's return. He shouldn't be stringing Becky along and shouldn't be messing Becky around. He has to tell Becky. Jason murmurs that he doesn't know how it's going to work out (with Sarah) yet and he defends his actions as just not wanting to hurt Becky when she was so excited. That is, he didn't have the bottle to tell her he wasn't ready to move in with her.

Pam arrives in a strange bar and approaches people at various tables, with her sales patter, telling them leather watchstraps will only crack over time and she opens up a case of flash and very bright and colourful (plastic, er, no, polyutherane strapped) Japanese watches. Tyrone is sat at the next table and does his job by interrupting.... Did you say Urban. Robotic? Oh, she says, I did indeed! And his "interest" spurs the others on to purchase at a mere bargain price of 10 quid each!

Jason returns to the flat. Becky is freshly out of the shower and hasn't quite got things set up the way she wanted to but no matter. He's there now. He says everything looks great. She's all over him, ready to christen the flat but he pulls away with the dreaded "We need to talk". Uh oh. He sits down nervously and admits he's been talking to Sarah. She's on guard and tries to change the subject back to decorating but it's in her eyes. She knows. Jason says Sarah might be coming back home and they might be getting back together. That would be the sound of Becky's world crumbling around her loudly cracking heart you heard.

But we shift first, to the factory office. Tony wonders if Malaria had a good time. What? He explains, like all the "supercouples" such as Brad and Angelina - Brangelina...Maria and Liam ... Malaria (*snork* that's pretty funny actually). Carla doesn't quite appreciate Tony's sense of humour. He asks if it's ok that he asked Liam to be his best man. She says he's already asked him. It's fine but no weird stuff on the stag do, ok? (I wouldn't give him any ideas if I were you!). Tony offers to pay for Liam's suit since Liam's trying to get his business off the ground. Carla, with one eye on her work, chides Tony for leaving her with Maria all weekend. Tony reckons Maria is terrified of Carla but Carla knows Maria just doesn't like her which doesn't seem to bother her. Well, he comes over to her desk, he likes her which is handy, she points out, since they're getting married. He figures he's the only one that knows that beneath that curt, stroppy exterior is a curt, stroppy cow! Ooh cheeky! She gives him her best stroppy cow look and sends him off to fetch her a coffee. Her face seems to be saying that Tony doesn't know her at all. Her phone is buzzing and it's Liam. She answers with a sharp "What." The conversation isn't really about anything, sounds like Liam just wanted to hear her voice and flirt with her a little. Sounds like he's crossed over the line and is heading towards full out infidelity. She cuts him off and makes it clear she's sticking with Tony and hangs up on him.

Back to Becky and Jason. She's barely holding it together. Jason admits he was the one that called Sarah. She loses it and realizes he's been letting her make all these plans and all the while just using her. Jason tries to excuse himself by saying he never thought she'd be able to get the deposit anyway. Yeah, like that's an excuse. Becky doesn't buy it either. He lists all the reasons he does like her a lot but.. But she's not his wife, Becky cries. Then she shuts down and the defenses rise up. She declares he was just convenient, one of many she fancies. She's hard and cold and turns her back on him as she lights a cig on a fancy new candle. She pretends he was just eye candy that she could go halves on the rent with. He apologizes again. She tells him he's a waste of paint. He leaves and she chucks the posh candle at the door after him, shaking like a leaf.

Awww... He really has treated her badly. Stay tuned, Stella will be along soon with the fallout.

Tvor

Janice and Leanne are in the street talking about whether or not Janice should let it be known that they stole the lottery syndicate money for themselves. Leanne reminds Janice that Rosie could come back tomorrow and that nobody need know it was them. She pleads with Janice, "Please, just promise me you'll say nowt, for now."

Fizz is taking coffee to John in hospital. When she gets to his bedside she sees him getting dressed. She asks him what is so important he can't spend one night in the hospital's care. He tells her he needs to go and feed the cat. When she offers to feed the cat for him he tries to tell her he doesn't like hospitals. "I watched me Grandad die in 'ospital..." he goes on to explain why he can't stay. Fizz seems to believe him.

In the Rovers, Dan asks Steve if he fancies a night in town. When Steve refuses, Dan asks Steve to come over to his table where he is sitting with Janice and Leanne and make up a story about how Dan had prior plans with his friends he'd forgotten about. Dan doesn't want to spend another evening "stuck in" with Janice and Leanne. When Dan promises the first three rounds are on him, Steve agrees to go out for a night on the tiles with him. As long as it's OK with Michelle, of course.

At the bar, Roy is talking to Michelle. He wants to go round to Becky's new place with a cactus as a present for her new flat. Michelle tells him it might not be a good time since Becky just found out about Sarah coming home and how Jason knew about it all along. Becky rushes into the bar, ready for work and pours herself a drink. Michelle tells her that she doesn't have to work tonight but Becky says, "You bet I am (working tonight). Because I don't let people down. I'm reliable and when I make a commitment, I stick to it." Roy can see Becky is very agitated and asks if she's OK. He asks her how the flat is which sends her into a flat spin, she heads out for a cigarette break to calm down. Roy is concerned but doesn't want to miss his scheduled meeting. Michelle assures him she will look after Becky.

Over at the table, Dan is waiting for Steve to come and put him out of his bored misery with his girlfriend and her mother. Steve rescues him from a night in front of the telly and takes him for a night out. "Just me and you, then?" Janice asks Leanne. "Yeah...." Leanne is thrilled. Not.

At Eileen's Jason is packing a hand-luggage-sized bag. Eileen is shocked to find out that he's going to Milan. She asks him what happened to his plans for the new flat with Becky and is upset that he's been speaking to Sarah, making plans and thinking about getting back together with her while he was making plans to move in with Becky. "Ugh! That girl (Becky) worshipped you!" she tells him. "Yeah, I know and I like 'er an' all but I didn't know Sarah was coming back, did I?" he replies. Eileen accuses Jason of kicking Becky in the teeth (metaphorically, of course). Jason looks like he hadn't even realised how Becky might feel about it all. Idiot.

In the bar, Michelle asks Kevin and Sally about Rosie. They tell her that the police have traced Saj but he hasn't seen hide nor hair of her. Kevin muses that someone else must have had a hand in Rosie stealing the lottery money. Janice comes over to ask about Rosie and is shocked to hear that the police aren't doing much to find her at all what with the new development about the money. "They seem to think she's just another teenage runaway..." says Sally. Leanne drags Janice away from the Websters but not before Janice tells them she wishes there was more she could do to help them and tells them how sorry she is. ("really sorry")

Michelle approaches Becky behind the bar. Becky is drinking another pint of cider. "I know what you're gonna say and you're right, " says Becky, "It's unprofessional to be suppin' at work. This is me last one." She takes a big sip of her pint. Michelle asks her how she and Jason are and she hopes that Becky doesn't think she was out of order telling her about Sarah. Jason comes into the bar. Becky refuses Michelle's offer of taking him through the back to talk to him and asks him with an air of most definite hostility, "What d'you want?" He tells her that he wants to explain. She warns Jason that he's lucky there's a bar between them. Becky is not interested in his explanations and asks him if he ever felt anything for her or was he just keeping the bed warm until Sarah got home? When Jason can offer no other answer except an apology, Becky leaps over the bar and lunges at him, mauling him and scrapping like a street urchin. Kevin splits them up, grabbing Becky while Michelle throws Jason out. Becky is furious and fighting Kevin while Leanne and Janice take pot shots at her while she's all riled up. Michelle calms Becky down and instructs Kevin to let her go. She tells Becky to go home. "I'd love to," shouts Becky, "if I 'ad one!" and Becky leaves.

Liam is waiting for Carla to lock up Underworld and gives her a fright as he moves in the shadows. He tells her he got her text. Carla says they have to stop their flirting. After a bit of back and forth about who started it all, Liam tells her "You know what? You're right, it's time to quite. No more fooling around, no more business meetings. You've got Tony, I've got Maria. We're happy." Carla agrees, they're happy and they part company. Pahhh! Who do they think they're kidding?

Becky is in a nightclub snogging the face off some bouncer. He leaves her to go and sort out a but of trouble and tells her she's on hold. When he's gone, she sees a good-looking man across the room. She goes over to him and asks him to buy her a drink telling him she's lost her money but isn't nearly drunk enough yet, getting all cosy up to him. The bloke's girlfriend comes over and wonders what on earth is going on. Becky covers herself by giving the poor bloke a slap and making out he propositioned her. The poor guy is set upon by his jealous girlfriend. In the ensuing kerfuffle, the girlfriend's wallet falls out of her handbag. Becky grabs it and slinks away while the crowd watches the fighting couple.

John and Fizz are delivered back to the street in a taxi. Fizz insists that John stay at her house despite John's protestations that he has stuff to do. Fizz tells him she wants them to get back together. She thinks that they can make it work and maybe if she'd listened to what was in her heart instead of everybody telling her what to do...... John is amazed that Fizz wants to give him another chance. He asks her why she couldn't have said something before. "Before what?" asks Fizz. John tells her that all he ever wanted was for the two of them to be together. She urges him to stay with her the night in case anything happens.

In a night club, Steve asks Dan what the score is with him and Leanne since it looks like Dan is out on the pull. "Ahh, she's fine," says the ever gentlemanly Dan and goes on to imply that because he's a man, his hormones don't lend themselves to his staying faithful. He asks Steve if he's always been faithful to Michelle. He can see from Steve's discomfort that his questioned has been answered. And besides, Dan is of the opinion that what goes on in town, stays in town. Steve begs to differ and points out Kelly who is coming towards them and looking gorgeous. Dan offers to buy her a drink but when Kelly and her mate refuse telling him they're off to a different place, he goes with them. Steve opts out and tells Dan he's flying solo.

Out on the street, Becky is drinking a 2L bottle of cider leaning against a skip. Her poor liver. A car of young men pulls up in front of them. Becky flashes them and then threatens to throw debris from the skip at the car. The car drives off. Becky has a crow bar in her hands and when she sees a travel agent window with a poster for an Italian holiday, she smashes it, setting off the burglar alarm. She then sets off on her spree, a la David Platt, smashing cars and windows on her walk down the street.

At Tyrone and Molly's, Tyrone has returned from an evening flogging dodgy gear to pub punters with Auntie Pam. She is giving Tyrone his cut of the evening's takings as Molly comes in and sees them. Molly reminds Tyrone she told him never to lend Auntie Pam money, "she'll only blow it on Outer-Mongolian cuckoo clocks or wet ham", but Auntie Pam puts her straight and tells Molly she is paying Tyrone back. She gives him some extra for "interest". Auntie Pam tells Molly that she had taken Tyrone out for the evening to show him her and her husband's old haunts. Tyrone tells Molly he'll do that for their children one day.

Becky has made it to Bill's builder's yard and is trying her hardest to pull off Bill's wing mirror from his van. Steve stumbles across her. She tells him if he wants to do her a favour then he could smash the windscreen for her. Steve tries to help get her steady on her feet but they end up fallen over on the ground. Poor Steve is just trying to help Becky but Becky is absolutely bladdered and very hard to handle. He manages to pick her up and is taking her somewhere safe.

Molly and Tyrone are in their front room talking with Auntie Pam. Molly goes to bed. Auntie Pam tells Tyrone that if they keep doing well with their "business", Molly will have the wedding of her dreams.

Steve has managed to get Becky to Roy's cafe. He delivers Becky to Roy, they take her inside.

At Fizz's place, John is still reeling from Fizz telling him she wants them to get back together. He thinks she just feels sorry for him but she reassures him that when she heard he'd been in a car accident, she knew she only wanted to be with him. She tells him she wants a clean slate from now. John keeps saying how he thought it would never happen. Oh dear, what has he been up to? As if we didn't know! Fizz takes him upstairs. Remember Fizz- bruised ribs!

Steve, Roy and a very inebriated Becky are in the cafe. Roy tells her that Steve did the right thing and then accuses him of helping her to get into this state. Steve denies it, telling Roy he found her like that. As Steve goes to leave, Becky starts to sob to Roy that he's the only decent man on the planet, "the only man I love who deserves it." She is distraught and hangs on for dear life to Roy who is decidedly uncomfortable. Steve looks back at them looking a bit worried and relieved at the same time with one of his trademark Steve McDonald looks. Excellent.

Stella McLoughlin


Wednesday 8 October

In the cafe Becky is (not surprisingly) suffering from a hangover. She tells Roy she can vaguely remember a cop car and he tells her that the only person to take her into custody last night was Steve Macdonald. Just then Leanne comes in and glares at Becky, who asks, "Who twanged her knicker elastic?" Roy explains that apparently last night Becky suggested that Leanne offered sexual favours for remuneration. "Ooops!" says Becky, wincing.

Dan is with Leanne and comes over and orders tea and a sarnie. Just then Kelly comes in. "Hiya, good night last night, wasn't it?" she says. He agrees and goes to sit down, where Leanne scowls at him and asks if there's anything he wants to tell her.

Fiz comes downstairs where Kirk, Julie and Chesney are having breakfast, and starts to tell Chesney that there's something she wants to tell him. Just then footsteps come downstairs and he turns round and sees John. "Oh no!" he cries, "I flaming knew it!" and rushes out of the house.

Back in the cafe Dan is telling Leanne that Kelly was just being friendly. "There's no way I'd jeopardise what we've got for someone as ordinary (?) as Kelly," he says. She tells him he reminds her of her dad, the way he looks her in the eye when he's telling a pack of lies!

Becky's outside the cafe on a fag break when Michelle comes along and tells her she really livened up the Rovers last night. Becky says she's not sure what bits she can remember are actually real, and assumes Michelle's come to sack her. "I wouldn't employ me either," she mutters. Michelle then says she's actually come to see if she can do a shift tonight, but suggests she lays off the lager and cider cocktails. Becky swears she's never going to drink again. Michelle asks what she's going to do about Jason and Becky says she's going to go round and get the last of her stuff and that's the last she's going to have to do with that gormless bush baby.

Over in the factory, Wiki tells the girls she's sure Rosie has a heart and wouldn't let her mother suffer like this. Kelly thinks she's copped off with a gigolo and is lying on a beach sipping pina coladas. She continues, adding that Rosie's selfish and grasping, not seeing Sally come out from the office. Obviously upset, Sally picks up her jacket and rushes out, and Janice gets up and runs after her.

Maria tells Liam she's just spoken to her mum. "How does two weeks in Cyprus sound?" Liam, however, is not keen and says the business is just taking off. Maria points out that this would be an ideal time, before they get really busy, and Tom agrees. Liam says he'll have to check his diary.

Sally rushes home and tells Kevin that she knows they're right about Rosie, she is selfish. Kevin points out that she's allowed to say it, she's her mother, they're not. Just then Janice arrives at the door and asks if she can talk to Sally for a minute. Then, trembling, she says there's something Sally should know about Rosie, she hasn't done anything wrong. Kevin asks how she would know that, and Janice confesses that it wasn't Rosie who stole the lottery money, it was her. At first Sally says she doesn't believe her, even she wouldn't sink that low. Janice sobs that she's sorry and then Sally explodes. "You're sorry? My daughter has been missing for 12 days, anything could have happened to her!" Kevin points out that the police aren't looking for Rosie because of her. Sally throws herself at Janice, and Kevin tells her to get out.

The girls in the factory are all chatting as Janice creeps back in, but she's hardly noticed. Just then they all look up as the police officers come in and speak to Tony who points to Janice. They then come over and arrest her, much to the other girl's surprise, and lead her out to the police car.

Outside, Wiki asks what she's done, and Sally announces that she stole their lottery winnings. "She opened up an account in Rosie's name and paid it in," she tells them. One look at Janice's face confirms that it's true. Kelly shouts at the car that she'll be waiting when Janice gets out, but the detective warns her to be careful or she'll be joining Janice.

As they drive off, Roger comes along in his van and is amazed to see Janice in the police car. "Where's she off?" he asks, and Kelly retorts, "Oh yeah! Like you don't already know!"

At the police station, Janice makes a statement and tells the police woman that she bought a television with the money that had been taken from the new account, and she assures her that she acted completely alone.

Michelle helps Becky collect the last of her belongings from the Grimshaw household, and Eileen seems sorry to see her go. As they walk off down the Street, a taxi pulls up and Jason gets out. He shouts to Becky, and when she turns says he just wanted to know that she's all right. Michelle asks what it's got to do with him. He says it's just between him and Becky. "No," says Michelle, "I'm between you and Becky!" Becky tells him she's sorry, but she's got an evening with a fella whose heart is as big as the ocean and who makes her feel special in a way he never did.

Jason goes indoors and tells his mum that before he'd even got through customs he got a call from Sarah saying she'd decided to give her boyfriend another chance, so he just took the next flight home. Eileen tells him she's off to the pub and when he says he'll come with her she tells him, "No thanks, I'd rather not be seen with you. Becky adored you and you treated her like she was nothing special. Well she is special and you've got nowt!"

Becky asks Roy if he thinks it's true there's someone for everyone, because she only seems to drive blokes away. He says that he's sure it is and says that it's his belief that those who are not right for us act as stepping stones towards the one that is. He then gives her 20 pounds telling her to consider it an advance on her wages. She hugs him but as she goes to put it in her bag she finds a strange purse inside. She stares at it, it's the purse she picked up off the floor the night before!

Maria and Liam are cuddling on the sofa when he suddenly sits up and, saying he can't breathe, rushes into the kitchen, saying he thought he was going to throw up. She says if he feels that bad he should go to bed but he says lying down will make it worse. He tells her to go up, he'll be up in a bit.

Sophie tells Kevin and Sally that she's sure Rosie is all right. "I'm her sister and if anything bad happened to her I'd know." Just then a taxi goes past and they see Janice in the back. "They've let her out!" Sally tells Kevin and they all turn round.

Janice arrives home to find Roger packing his things into his van. "What are you doing? Can't we talk about it?" she asks. He tells her not unless they got the wrong woman. She looks downcast and he says he thought not. She runs over to him crying that he doesn't understand, she wasn't just arrested, she turned herself in. Roger points out that a young girl is missing and thanks to Janice no one was looking for her. On top of that she nicked money from people who have as little as she has. He says he thought he knew her. She cries that he does know her, she's just greedy and stupid, but she loves him and needs him. But he won't be swayed and looks at her in disgust. "You've done this to yourself Janice," and gets into his van and drives away. "It couldn't happen to a nicer woman," says Sally.

From her upstairs window, Leanne pulls back the curtain and watches it all, while downstairs, in the Street, Janice sobs.

Anne Logan


Friday 10 October

Liam's sound asleep on the sofa when a grumpy Maria comes downstairs, slamming about the place very noisily. "A'right?" asks Liam. She says she is, but in that tone that means you know she'll be slamming cupboard doors soon. She points out that she slept alone and they're supposed to be trying for a baby. Liam says he crashed out while watching telly (so why isn't the telly on, then?). "Look, I'm sorry, right," he says. "Yeah, you will be - when you're fat, forty and childless!" Maria snaps.

Sally asks Kevin if it's wrong to feel murderous. She wants to kill Janice. Kevin tells her not to think about it, but she can't help it. The post comes through the door. It's another postcard. Sally bursts into tears.

In the cafe, Becky tells Steve he's her knight in shining armour for bringing her home in the middle of the night. A policewoman comes in, closely followed by a policeman. She's looking for Rebecca Grainger. Then she arrests Becky for theft, criminal damage to property... "It's quite an extensive list." Becky holds out her arms for the handcuffs but says she doesn't know what they're talking about. They have no plans to cuff her, so she goes to fetch her coat. Steve tells them Becky didn't do anything. "You there, were you?" He says nothing and eats his bacon. Roy thinks he should go with her. "I don't know what they're talking about, Roy," Becky says. Roy asks Steve to leave and takes his breakfast off him. "I need to lock up."

In the street, Leanne tells Janice she turned out to be a great partner in crime. Janice is near tears and says she feels sick. Roger's done a runner on her, she's got a court case looming and she doesn't know what she'll face when she gets into the factory. "Yeah, well, your choice," says Leanne. Dan watches from the doorway of the Kabin.

In the factory, Carla tells Tony to make himself scarce tonight because she's got a dress fitting. He says he hardly sees her these days, so she gives him a tantalising look at one thigh, right up past her stocking top . . .

Rita can't work out why the suppliers have sent her 28 hole punches. Audrey doesn't want to buy them. Rita has a wee moan about five o'clock starts and Audrey wonders if that's the scent of retirement wafting on the air. Norris assures Rita that she has Super-Norris to ease the load for her. He bustles over to one of the just-delivered cartons and lifts it with a "Ta-dah-dah-daaaah" Superhero-type flourish. Except it turns into "Ta-dah-dah-arrrrgggghhhhh!" as his back gives out! (Any Kiwi could have told him, "Don't use your back like a crane!") It turns out to be a carton full of paperweights they didn't order. As Rita exclaims over these, Audrey helps Norris to lie down on the floor.

Becky remembers when you could smoke in an interview room at the police station. "I always kept 100 fags by the front door in case I were nicked." A detective she recognises comes in and Becky sighs. He sarcastically says it's like an old friend popping in. He tells her she faces quite a list of charges, but Becky still has no idea what he's talking about. He says he's got witnesses. "And I've got an alibi," she says.

Tara, Prem and Nina's daughter, is at Dev's door. She's been sent by her Dad. He lets her into the flat and asks if he can take her jacket. "It's a top," she points out. Dev is a little flustered.

Tony wants to know what's planned for the stag night and asks Liam for an itinerary. Michelle is going off to Carla's dress fitting. Tony explains that he's been kicked out for the night. Liam is suddenly very thoughtful, and suddenly very engaged when Tony asks him to keep him company for the evening.

Becky tells the detective she's been having an affair with a married man, her boss, but not Roy, so she can't give his name. She does, anyway. "Steve McDonald."

"How many times does a girl have to say she's sorry?" Janice asks, standing in front of her workmates. "Girl?" asks Wiki. "Don't flatter yourself. You are a grown woman and as such must be responsible for your actions!" Janice asks who Kelly is giving dirty looks. She's a known thief. Kelly points out that she never took 25 grand in lottery money from her mates. And Sean points out that Kelly never messed up the search for a missing person, either. Janice thinks they're all hypocrites and points out that as soon as she realised, she handed herself in.

Dev's impressed by the publicity stuff Tara has brought to show him. She says Greg never takes her seriously as a businesswoman and generally thinks women should be seen and not heard. Dev says he's a feminist that way. "No, I like to see women a lot. And to hear them make noises." There's a knock at the door. These new flats can't be that high-class if there's no security in the lobby! It's Nina, who wants to take Tara shopping.

Maria comes home and apologises to Liam. She's been talking to Audrey, who thinks she's putting too much pressure on Liam. Liam's appalled that she's been discussing their sex life with her boss, and that she might have told Audrey he couldn't perform when needed. Maria hastens to assure him that that sort of stuff is private. She suggests they have a nice night cuddling, with no pressure. Liam agrees, but says that first he has to meet Tony to show him the itinerary for the stag night, and might even have a few drinks with him. "But then, I'm all yours." Maria tells him to be as long as he likes.

The machinists are in the pub discussing Janice. The general opinion is that Janice is vile. "She's dented the passenger door of the vehicle I call human nature," says Julie. They're interrupted by the appearance of Kelly behind the bar. She's been drafted in by Michelle. Dan asks who the others were talking about being vile. Kelly tells him the whole story and how Janice made up a story about an inheritance.

Nina asks Dev to put his tongue away when he's ogling her daughter. "You repulse me with your philandering ways," she says. "You so much as glance sideways at my precious, precious daughter and I'll be forced to spill the beans about our little liaison. Got it, sweetie?" she asks.

Michelle thinks Carla's dress is stunning. There's a knock at the door and Michelle goes to answer it. This gives Carla the chance to check with the dressmaker whether she looks better than Michelle. "I don't want her upstaging me. She spends more time looking in the mirror than Simon Cowell." It's Liam at the door. "Is Tony back yet?" he asks innocently. Michelle explains he's been told to stay away. Michelle snatches the stag-do stuff from him to put it away. Liam tells Carla she looks stunning and would look even better on his bedroom floor. He says goodbye and she shuts the door.

Roy escorts Becky back from the police station. Becky is sure that when she clocks the bird on the rampage on the CCTV tapes, she'll be able to prove it wasn't her. Leanne's also in the street and Dan wants a word with her. "I think it's sick, what you did," he tells her. He points out that he's done some dodgy things, but it's different when a kid goes missing. "Kid? She's seventeen and she's a slapper," Leanne protests. She says she did it for Dan, but he refuses to let her pass the buck. He walks away in disgust.

Liam waits outside the flats until Michelle leaves, then heads for the front door and presses the bell for Carla's place.

Becky's told Steve he's her alibi for Monday. "I can't vouch for you anyway, because I was out with Dan," he points out. He wishes she'd just told the police the truth. Becky tells him that if he doesn't back her up about Monday, she'll go and tell Becky about their previous encounter.

Carla opens the door to Liam. She's still in the dress. "What do you want?" "You," he says and kisses her.

The End of this first Friday episode.
More coming up.

Margaret Carr

Carla tells Liam to go (once they manage to disentangle themselves). Liam says he is doing it because he is sick and tired of not doing it. He tries to depart and then Carla looks at him and asks him to remove her wedding dress (a strange design which is hiding a growing bump).

Elsewhere Tara is being enthusiastic about the MABN but Dev is not with it given the warning that her mother handed out. Tara suggests a takeaway to break the work. Dev agrees.

Becky is still trying to convince Steve to back her alibi - they have been having an affair she now admits, Steve does not seem very keen on the idea knowing what Michelle will do to him if she ever finds out. Becky reckons that Michelle will never know and she will be scot free. Becky starts crying saying that she cannot face going inside again, Steve cannot face the tears and asks her what the full story is. She hugs him in relief. Later Lloyd cannot believe that he has fallen for the sob story - just as the police turn up to start asking questions. DC Hooch agrees to take Steve somewhere rather more private for the discussion.

Sally has been told that Rosie is not in Ireland but the photo was being circulated around Holyhead. No-one can work out why she has gone there - no friends. Kev says they will have to sit tight and wait. After a while Sally announces that she cannot sit around and that she is off to Holyhead to look for herself. Sophie wants to know about her swimming contest, but apparently that is not important. Bill says he will go with Sally so that Kev can stay behind in case Rosie turns up.

Darryl and Amber are getting closer until interrupted by Teresa who claims they cannot afford too employ Tina and that she should be employed instead. Darryl says no, but Teresa has other ideas. She heads to the kebab shop and starts telling Tina that she is not capable of good customer service - like a tart asks Tina - anything is better than a mardy cow retorts Teresa. Tina loses her cool, tears off her apron and storms out of the takeaway meeting Darryl and telling him to stuff his job and that "The Scream" could take her place. Rita has been listening to Tina telling Darryl that her kebab days are over and regards her as an impressive young woman. Rita and Emily seem to agree that she is a potential asset.

In the Rovers Rita is asked how she will manage without Norris now that he has personally invented back pains. Rita says she cannot manage by herself and will put an ad in the window - but she is not sure how to break the news to Doris. Rita, Emily and Betty agree to keep it secret for now.

Leanne and Danny argue over the money. He could just about handle her past but he could not handle her lying and deceit. Leanne does not take rejection well and pours a pint over Danny's head and invites him to depart in the direction of hell.

DC Hooch does not want to believe Steve's story but reluctantly accepts that it agrees with Becky's. He just does not believe that Steve would have anything to do with Becky when he had Michelle at home.

Michelle is telling Tom and Tony about the bump hiding wedding dress and lets slip that Liam had seen it, which surprises Tony - who had popped over to talk about the stag do. Tony decides almost instantly to head for home. Tom tells him to stay for another drink but Tony is insistent and heads off home, with a very long face. Outside he almost collapses against the wall looking very weak. Lloyd sees him and asks if he is OK. Heartburn Tony responds - a cab home will solve the problem. Lloyd tells him to jump in.

Carla is telling Liam to get dressed and go, Tony will be home and she cannot deal with it. Liam tells her that he loves her and does not want to go. They exchange halting sentences falling short of saying they love each other and they cling to each other.

Amber interrupts Dev and Tara apparently talking about golf - although they claim it is a business meeting (which it might have been several hours earlier). Amber does not believe him and she goes and makes herself invisible whilst Tara observes that did not go well. Dev tries to get back to work. But Tara has other things on her mind and tries to kiss him. Dev prevents it - which makes her feel idiotic. He then says that he is thinking of her father and she acidly hopes that they will be happy together. She departs. Amber emerges and wants to know if there is anything he feels he should tell her. Now he feels an idiot.

Leanne summons Janice to her front door. They say not a word, look at each other, Janice sighs, turns and leaves the door open so that Leanne can follow her into the flat.

Liam is now dressed and wants to know when he and Carla can talk. She says only when she has something to say - she needs space and does not want the night ruined. With the sound of a key in the door they jump apart. Tony walks in and reckons he knows what is going on and pretends that Liam is getting stories to use in the best man speech. Liam looks relieved. Tony suggests a drink but Liam decides to depart as Maria will be wondering where he is (hardly surprising that - missing all evening). He makes a hasty exit. Carla asks Tony if he was annoyed that Liam had come over. He asks if he should be.

Outside Liam is walking away and then turns to go back - but then the mobile rings. It is Maria - he does not answer but resumes his homeward journey.

He is being watched from on high. Tony stares at him with absolute hatred, the stag night is coming - what will happen.

Join us next week for a fun filled episode of joy and happiness with plenty of action and some great Corrie moments. See you then.

K Richard W


Monday 13 October

"Murder week" kicks off tonight. By the end of the week, Liam Connor will be dead and the worlds of several people will have come down around their ears. Coronation Street does tragedy very well, but they also mix it with lighter storylines so that you'll be laughing through your tears. Tonight, however, in part one, it's stags and hens, glaring and longing looks.

... starting with one from Liam. First thing in the morning, and he's up out of bed and staring out the kitchen window, miles away, not having had much sleep. Maria teases him gently about the long day ahead. There's a knock on the door and Liam strides over to open in. A head with Tony's face on it whips around, making him jump back but it's Tom with an eerie Tony mask on his face. It really is creepy. Tom is wearing a tartan tshirt and is full of vinegar. His face is painted blue and white and ready for a good time as he swings Maria around the room hollering the "Freedom" cry from Braveheart in an equally bad Scottish accent. Liam smirks but his mind is clearly elsewhere.

As is Carla's. Tony's starting with a big breakfast to line his stomach even though he's also planning to eat at the cafe with the lads. Sounds like his stomach needs all the lining it can take today. Carla wonders what happened to her "lovable control freak". He figures if he's going to marry her, he'd better get used to chaos but has a few plans of his own for the lads today. She turns away and his eyes go cold.

At the cafe, which has a sign on it declaring it's closed for a private party, Detective Hooch rattles the window of the door. He's there to see Becky and won't take no for an answer. The cafe is decorated with Scottish flags. He's trying to intimidate her and it's clear he's got history with her. He's found out about Steve's record and assumes she still likes the bad ones. She points out she never liked him. Touché. He wants details about her "affair" with Steve.

Sophie comes down for breakfast and asks if there's any post. She tells Kevin she sent off for information about some swimming clubs which tips him off that he's forgotten about her swim meet today. They argue about it. Sally calls Kevin's mobile (don't they have a land line?) and when Sophie here's him ask about Rosie, she turns on her heel and leaves the room.

Liam arrives at Carla and Tony's. He's frantic for her to call off the wedding and issues the classic ultimatum. Before she can answer, Tony comes in the room. Liam says he's brought Lloyd in the Merc to pick up Carla (why not Tony? he seems to be staying put for the moment).

Apparently Chesney is on the school swim team too (this is new, isn't it?) Cilla has sent him a pair of high tech swim trunks from America. He's a bit dubious, they look small and tight. John comes to the door but Chesney isn't having any of John's friendly overtures. He says he and Sophie are going to the meet on the bus. Fiz sighs and says Ches will come around.

Michelle, Leanne and Maria are waiting for Carla in the new upstairs living quarters in the Tardis... er... Rovers. (You know, sitting room, small kitchen. In addition to at least four bedrooms - Steve/Michelle, Liz, Amy, Ryan). Maria is not overly impressed with the plans for the hen do, manicures and lunch. Leanne decides to call Sean and see what they can organize as a surprise, which, Michelle sing songs, Carla's not going to liiiiike. Tough.

Oh, i guess Tony did come with Liam and Lloyd. They all get out of the car in front of the cafe. Tony kisses Carla good bye, much to Liam's discomfort. Tony actually seems to be looking forward to a lads' day and claps Liam on the back "Abandon hope all ye who enter here" and jovially rubs his hands together and practically dances into the cafe while Liam drags his heels, giving longing glances over his shoulder back at Carla who returns the look, albeit a bit cooler.

After the break, the cafe is full of Tony-faced tartan clad men holding massive buns ... burgers? bacon butties? I can't tell. The plans for the day include paintball and a lot of drinking. Liam chides them for taking the competition too seriously but is drawn in by Tony's "good hearted" threats of annihilation (which are probably not so good hearted). Liam joins in the spirit of the day and declares war. Beer showers around them and all the men hoot and holler at the challenge.

Becky has dragged Steve outside to warn him that Hooch has been round and she has had to tell him lies. She's got to let him know what she told the cop so they can get their story straight and he reluctantly goes along.

Over in the Platt house, Ted is ironing David's tshirt. David is getting ready to start worth with Joe on a bit kitchen fit. Joe arrives. He and Gail exchange loaded smiles. The young people run upstairs, leaving them to steal a quick kiss. Ted already knows about this so is not surprised.

Back to the cafe, more chiding and kidding. Liam is teased for his lightweight stag night performance but Tony interjects and says that's because he was saving himself for the main event. Maria. Becky whacks Jason across the chest and demands to know why he never said "owt nice" like that to her! More pi@@ taking from the ranks. Liam shrugs it off and looks at his mobile.

The manicurist is at the hen do. Pina coladas are passed around. Carla looks at a text on her phone which they all assume is from Tony but which is from Liam. Carla makes an excuse to leave to get something.

Tina is giving David orders to both David and her dad as they head off but wishes David good luck with a kiss too. Rita runs out to stop Tina to offer her a temporary job in the Kabin while Norris is off with a bad back. She accepts the offer.

Out in the back of the Rovers, that something Carla had gone to get was actually an excuse to see Liam who'd summoned her via that text. She admonishes him not to pressure her. He insists that they love each other and should be together. She's not quite so sure but allows him to kiss her.

In the cafe, Tony realizes Liam's absent. Tom has hold of Amy's face painting kits so they can all don war paint. Tony maneuvers so that they all realize Liam's gone somewhere, but they all think it's just more best man organizing stuff. Tony takes a call from his "accountant" and goes outside. Outside he tells "Giles" to relax. "You're supposed to be reassuring *me*" he snarls. Hmmm. Economic crisis or something else?

Carla pushes Liam away. He threatens to tell Maria right then and there but when Michelle calls for her and comes out, he doesn't get the chance to tell her the truth even though Carla challenged him to because Carla diverted the conversation. Michelle goes back inside. Liam wants to know why she's not coming to him full out. She's just uncertain about what would happen if she did. Michelle returns and drags Carla off and tells Liam to get a life. "We'll continue this later" Carla states and the women go back inside.

Fiz tries to persuade John to go to the swim competition with her but John doesn't really think Chesney wants him to go. She wears him down though he warns her he has to pop round to his Gran's later.

The post has come and when Kevin comes in, he sees it and picks it up. He leafs through the envelopes and there's a bright happy face "Have a Nice Day" postcard with cut out letters on the back saying SOPHIE'S NEXT and Kevin's heart lands in his mouth.

We're shifted back to the cafe, where the party is continuing. Lloyd is about to paint Steve's face when Hooch returns to talk to Steve. The boys wonder if it was indeed a policeman. Lloyd reckons it's Carla's entertainment for the hen party and Liam returns just as Becky hands the bill for the food over, which Tony takes and pays though suggests they all stump up a kitty for the expenses for the rest of the day and Liam, as best man, should be the keeper of the treasure. He agrees and they all cough up. Tony asks where Liam had gone and Liam uses feeding the dog as an excuse.

Over to ladies' afternoon, the champagne is being opened by Carla who's mind clearly isn't on it. She brings the bottle in and decides she's ready for a party, uncorks it and takes a long drink straight from the bottle, much to the delight of the others. (I'm still a bit confused as to why Leanne is there, really not being a mate of Carla's after the Paul fiasco but there you are. Neither Tony nor Carla really have "mates", though Liam and Maria are more or less family)

In the cafe, someone has the Tony mask on backwards and it's vacantly staring into the camera. Tony is making a speech about his life about to change, and is glad all the lads are there. He passes the baton over to Liam and urges him to "do your worst", to which Liam assures him "that could be famous last words!" Lloyd proposes a toast to the last man standing. Tony gives Liam the evil eye over the top of the wine glass, the point of which Liam clearly misses.

And we're off...

Tvor

Righto, we're in Roy's with the stags, Tony Gordon and a bunch of men he would never normally give the time of day to but today, they're his mates. There's some face painting going on- Jason is wearing an England flag on his dial, Lloyd a Jamaican flag and Kirkeh, well, he's all painted up as a tiger. He looks dead cute but the boys all take the mickey out of him. Tony watches Liam with a wicked face as Liam texts furiously on his mobile phone. Ughh! How annoying is it to be with someone who won't put their phone down? Liam puts his phone away for long enough to give the blokes a pep-talk about how much drinking they'll be doing that day. The stags are all excited about going paintballing- May the best man win!

Out in the street, Kevin is impatiently waiting for Tyrone to turn up in their breakdown recovery truck. He shows Tyrone the postcard threatening Sophie. He is worried about her, naturally and asks Tyrone to keep an eye on Sophie if she returns home before Kevin does.

The policeman investigating Becky's case, Detective Hooch, is having a word with Steve, asking him what Becky has over him. Steve backs up Becky again as they watch the stags come out of Roy's. Steve tells Ryan that he's just finishing up a bit of business and he'll join the party in a sec. Becky comes over and drapes herself over Steve in front Hooch, making a show of their "affair". When Hooch leaves, Becky thanks Steve profusely and apologises. Steve tells her, "This better be the end of it, Becky! I mean it!" before going to join the noisy stag party.

Leanne, Maria, Carla and Michelle wearing a horrible red dress made from some fabric that clings in all the wrong places, walk into a swanky restaurant. Rent-a-friend has come through for Carla as well, I see. As Carla hangs back texting on her mobile (this is a theme you'll soon get sick of) the other ladies meet their handsome waiter and wonder if they can get Carla a stripper for the hen night. Leanne has a stripper's number in her mobile phone. As you do. Joseph the handsome waiter shows them to their table as they all drool over him. He offers the table a glass of complimentary champagne which is eagerly accepted.

Sophie is back on the street, having been given a lift from John and Fizz in one of the streetcars. Kevin pulls up in his truck thing and is relieved to see Sophie. He takes her home for her dinner and thanks John, somewhat reluctantly for having given Sophie a lift.

At the paintballing, Dev, who was supposed to have an Indian flag painted on his face finds he's been given a Japanese flag instead. He has a whine but is soon given short shrift by Lloyd who tells him to "Shut up, Tenko, enjoy yourself!" Meanwhile, Liam is facing away from the party, mobile phone in hand. I don't know about you, but I'm sick of it already. There's some light comic relief from Steve and Kirkeh before the paintballing babe makes Tony and Liam team captains and tells them to pick teams. Liam's first pick is Ryan. "Always family first with you, Liam, eh?" Oh, Tony's got his number all right.

At the hen night, Carla tells Maria that she can't imagine her with Tyrone and tells her that he's practically a potato. So that's nice. Carla urges Maria to have a drink but Maria refuses citing that "someone has to stay straight-ish!" As the women sexually assault poor Joseph, Carla's phone beeps. Maria witters on about how romantic Liam is. Maria asks Carla what makes Carla think that Tony is the one for her. "He's rich!" says Carla and then adds, "ambitious, worships me. Basically, the complete opposite of every other loser I've ever been with." Michelle hopes that Carla is not counting Paul among every other loser but Carla tells her that Paul is the worst of them. They have more words and Michelle gets upset and leaves the table, Maria following her. Leanne asks Carla if everything's all right. "Marrying the man of my dreams, aren't I?" says Carla, "why shouldn't everything be all right?" Leanne asks if anything has happened. Carla mysteriously says, "If only you knew!" Leanne offers herself as someone Carla can talk to if anything is wrong. Carla's mobile phone beebs again, another message from Liam. "You know, whoever invented mobile phones wants stringing up!" she says and angrily shuts her phone. Leanne knows there's something wrong but Carla is not willing to talk about it. "Let's get 'ammered," says Carla before draining her champagne glass.

Emily comes into the Kabin where she is surprised to see Tina behind the counter. Rita tells her that it's nice to have someone young about the place. Emily is in looking for 50 blank postcards for Norris. She didn't ask why Norris would want 50 blank postcards for fear that Norris would tell her. Emily assumes that Norris doesn't know about Tina working in the Kabin yet. Rita tells her no and says, "Actually, I was hoping you might do me a favour!"

Back at the hen night, Leanne is still trying to get Carla to open up about her problems. It looks as though she is about to tell as she explains that it's complicated but Michelle and Maria come back to the table and interrupt. Carla apologises to Michelle and asks if they can blame it on the drink. Michelle says, "I know that whatever you say, you loved my brother and whatever you think right now, he adored you. He couldn't bear to be without you." Carla gets upset and goes to the toilet. Michelle tells Maria and Leanne that she thinks that with the wedding coming up, Paul's death is hitting her hard. Hah. Yeah Michelle, if you want to think that, you go ahead.

In the Kabin, Kelly and Dan Mason are flirting while Tina waits patiently behind the till. Kelly asks Tina if she's working here now. When Tina answers her in the positive, Kelly says, "Well that's good. With what I've had to drink, I thought Norris had a makeover!" Kelly and Dan have a good laugh as they leave and, speak of the devil, in comes Norris. Norris is annoyed. He asks Rita how she could make such an important, high-level, executive decision without consulting him. Tina offers to give them some privacy while they have a cuppa together and go through the new staffing situation. Rita sends her for some cakes to have with their cuppas. As she leaves, Tina tells Norris, "Look, I'm honest and I'm hardworking and I know how much this place means to you. If you don't want me working here I'll understand. No hard feelings." Norris is almost affronted by Tina's up-front approach but Rita calms him down with the promise of that cup of tea and an executive meeting.

At the paintballing (are we still there? I really don't think this 24-style format is working for me) the grown men are running about like little boys in their camouflage and shooting each others. Liam's team strategises and attempt to ambush Tony's team. As his team rush off to paintball doom, Liam pulls out his mobile phone.

In the toilets at the hen night's swanky restaurant, Carla's mobile goes off. It's Liam calling, of course. She answers it. Liam tells her that he loves her and thinks he probably always has and they can't ignore it and he wants her to go away with him and he won't take no for an answer. Carla wants to believe him, she really does but she knows what will happen, he'll take one look at Little Miss Muffet and..... she knows he's only doing this because she's marrying Tony and he's to leave her alone.

Leanne comes into the toilets to see how Carla is. Carla is crying and tells Leanne she can't marry Tony. When Leanne presses her for a reason she cries, "Because it's Liam. It's only ever been Liam......"

Meanwhile, Liam is all sad and stuff at paintball. he hears Ryan call him and stands up. Bang! bang! bang! or, really, Splat! splat! splat! Tony gets Liam with his paintgun. "Game over Sunshine!" says Tony all menacingly.

Back in the ladies at the hen night, Carla tells Leanne that Liam wants to go away with her, leaving Tony and Maria to themselves. Leanne asks her what's stopping her and tells her she has to be happy. Carla asks Leanne if she's not supposed to be talking her out of it but Leanne is adamant, Carla should do whatever makes her happy. She asks her, "If you marry Tony, where do you see yourself in five years time?" Carla sees herself rich, wanting for nowt, being looked after. "And with Liam?" she asks. Carla smiles at the thought of Liam and tells Leanne, "Happy." Leanne tells Carla she's just answered her own question. Carla knows that if she turns her back on Liam, she'll regret it for the rest of her life but she can't envisage telling everyone that she's dumping Tony and running off with her brother-in-law. But Leanne points out that when she puts it like that, it's easy. Leanne urges her to go to Liam and reminds her to ask herself, "Can I live my life without him?" Carla reckons that one thing she does know for sure.

Carla flicks her hair back and is decided, she's going to Liam. "It's show-time." she says, decidedly.

Stella McLoughlin


Wednesday 15 October

At the restaurant, Carla, urged on by Leanne, asks the waiter to call a cab for her. Leanne tells her to find Liam and tell him how she feels, and then call the wedding off.

Back at the paintballing session, it's time for the last game of the day - Hunt the Stag. The organiser sets Tony and Liam against the rest of them. "You need to be able to trust your partner," she tells Tony, "even more than you trust your woman!"

The police arrive at the Websters to see Sophie, who seems to be in high spirits.

Tyrone and Pam are checking how much is in the wedding fund. They put it away quickly as Molly comes in to collect Ty, they're off to see the vicar of St. Mark's, which is where she's set her heart on being married, because it's got a gallery and a garden which will look nice on the pictures. As they go out the door Pam urges them to tell the vicar it will be a select gathering, so less wear and tear on the pews. "You could get a discount," she says. "There is more to life than money, Auntie Pam," says Molly. "Oh," says Pam, sounding like she doesn't believe that for a minute.

Kevin shows the police officers the postcard with "Sophie's next" on it. They tell Sophie to keep her eyes and ears open and if she sees anything suspicious she's to call them.

Back in the woods, Tony urges a half-hearted Liam to put his back into it. Liam points out that there's seven of the others and only two of them. "So you only fight the battles you can win?" says Tony, "where's the fun in that?" Liam points out that this is just a game. "Organised by you, the best man," says Tony. Liam says he was the second-best man, Tony's brother was his first choice. Tony asks if he thought it was Carla who picked him, but assures him that he wanted Liam to be there. "You could have said no," he says. Liam says he did want to be there. "Then act like it," says Tony. "Is that an order?" asks Liam. "My game, my rules," says Tony, "do it for Carla." As they turn around there's a burst of machine gun fire and they both get splattered. "Brown bread!" cries Steve Macdonald.

The detective is looking at the postcard, she thinks that as it's so different from the first card, this one is a hoax. Kevin wonders if Rosie was forced to write the first card and she's in serious trouble.

Michelle takes Maria to one side and tells her that she's noticed that Maria isn't drinking alcohol, has not had any prawns or goat's cheese. "Are you pregnant?" she asks. "Yes!" says Maria, and they roar with laughter. Just then Carla and Leanne come up and ask what's up. Maria tells them her news and Carla looks shocked as Michelle calls for more champagne.

A crestfallen looking Tyrone and Maria walk back into the living room where Pam is sitting at the table. Then their expressions change, "We got it!" they say, beaming. Pam wants to know when, "November 2012?" she asks. Molly tells her they got a cancellation. "April Fools Day?" asks Pam, "2011?" They tell her it's January 2009. Her face drops and when Molly goes off to talk to her dad about cake tins, she turns to Tyrone. "You never learn do you? Have you counted the weeks until January?" She then shows him a bag full of shirts in cellophane wrappers, fire damaged in the factory. Tyrone sniffs them and comments that they smell like barbeque beef crisps. "Are you in or out?" asks Pam. Tyrone thinks for a moment and then says he's out, Molly's right, there's more to life than just money.

John is driving along with Fiz in the passenger seat. Fiz is worrying about Rosie, but John assures her that Rosie will be fine and always comes up smelling of roses.

Molly goes into the shop and tells Amber how they have a date and a church. "And you're looking for a bridesmaid!" says Amber, hopefully. Then, after seeing Molly's face, "you're not looking for a bridesmaid." Molly asks her who to put on the invitation, just Amber, Amber and Darryl or Amber and guest. Amber tells her she'll tell her after tonight. "Are you going somewhere nice?" asks Molly. "All the way!" replies Amber, going on to explain that it's what they both want and they've talked about it, but she's nervous.

The stag party has moved on to an Indian restaurant. Tony tells them he was going to pay the bill there, but decided instead that they'd prefer him to pay for admission to The Men's Room where they have 2 hours exclusive use of the VIP suite. Ryan asks, "What's The Men's Room?" and it's explained that it's a lap dancing club. Liam's phone then buzzes and Carla's name is flashing. He moves away from the table to take the call, saying, "I can't hear you, darling." However, it's not Carla but Maria ringing him, she tells him the battery on her phone was on it's way out, but she just wanted to ring him to hear his voice. She tells him not to get too hammered and rings off. Back at the table Carla (obviously trying to convince herself) tells Leanne that it's just a sticking plaster baby, it's not going to put the marriage right.

Molly is now trying to find somewhere to hold the wedding reception in January, but everywhere seems to be booked up, or very expensive. The Royal Hotel want 8 thousand pounds, and that's without wine and drinks. "There's always the Rovers," she says wistfully, adding that it's friendly and on the doorstep. Tyrone says he knows it not what she really wants. "I want it all though, don't I?" she says, "beautiful dress, lovely church, fabulous photographer." She then realises that if they have a knees-up in the Rovers they can invite who they want, they won't have to scrimp on numbers. "The Rovers?" says Tyrone, incredulous. She tells him if it's good enough for them three nights a week it should be good enough for their wedding night. "Snob!" she teases, as she leaves the room. Tyrone rushes over to Pam and says he'll come in with her with the shirts. "When do you want me to start?" he asks. She tells him there's no time like the present. When Molly comes back in he tells her he's off out in a minute, he's got a free trial down at the gym. "You?" asks Molly, now it's her turn to be incredulous. "You want me looking my best, don't you?" he says. She tells him he always looks his best to her, and kisses him.

Carla is in the back of a taxi, and starts applying her lippy.

The stag party are explaining to Ryan that he's not old enough to go with them to The Men's Room, while Liam gets a text message and rushes off to meet Carla. They embrace and then she tells him that it's all over, she's come to put a stop to it, she doesn't love him. "You could have done that by text," he says, adding that he knows that she's lying, she's scared. She says she made him love her because she knew she could, she just didn't want Maria to have him. "You've left your own hen party to come across town and tell me this?" he says, not believing her. She tells him she loves Tony and she's marrying Tony. He says she just thinks he'll let her down again, and gets up saying he's going to tell Tony. She orders him to sit down, to stop acting like a spoilt kid. She tells him it's over and says he must get back to his life and let her get back to hers. She tells him Tony makes her feel alive, but he says she'll go to bed missing him and wake up wishing he was there. She says she won't miss anything, not the lies, not the aggro, not him. "Do it!" he says, "See how long the marriage lasts, I'll haunt you!" She tells him to go back to his wife, she doesn't love him, then she turns and walks out. Liam sweeps a glass off the table and sits looking mortified.

Anne Logan


Friday 17 October

Eww, Tony Gordon in a Tony Gordon mask... It's weird, this week of the episodes running in "real time" because they're not. It's been two days since Wednesday's episode, but we begin with Tony asking Liam where he's been and telling him to hurry up with the kitty. We're still only halfway through the stag night.

Then we see Carla in a taxi, tears rolling down her face.

Back in the Rovers, obviously meant to be light relief, Sean, in sparkly pink costume, worries about where Carla is, because the stripper's due any minute. Audrey wants to know if they're allowed to touch the stripper.

Liam, meanwhile, is hitting the booze as the other plaid-clad lads play "Identify the boxer by the nickname." All except Kirk, that is, who hasn't quite understood the theme and tosses the name "Mr Showmanship" into the ring (did you see what I did there?). The answer is "Liberace"!

David and Tina are enjoying a drink with their parents and speculating whether the future will see Tina still working in the Kabin in 40 years' time, looking like Rita but with David as the Norris figure sent to try her. Her dad is there, too, and David tells her he arrived earlier and they've not been able to shake him.

Molly is over at Kevin's, inviting him and Sophie to dinner. Kevin's reluctant but Molly orders him.

At the dinner table next door but one, Gail makes an odd joke about teaching David to drive: "Left at the lights and straight on at the canal." The idea here is, I think, to show us what looks like a fairly nuclear family - two children, two adults, and one (gay) granddad - at a normal family meal. Ted suggests David could go to London to help him sort out some DIY there and Ted will pay for a one-week intensive driving course. David and Tina decide they should go over to Dev's and interrupt Amber and Darryl.

At what I still think of as the Duckworths' house, Kevin, Auntie Pam, Molly and Sophie tuck into a stew, with Pam regaling them with unlikely tales from her past. Sophie's phone dings with a message alert and Kevin jumps, but it's from Chesney, she says. Molly asks if Sally rang. "Holyhead?" asks Kevin. "It's peeing into the wind." Pam tells him that to most people that's just a metaphor, "but to me it's an awful, awful memory." Kevin isn't quite sure what to make of that!

Amber and Darryl are on Dev's sofa, making awkward conversation. They're just about to lock lips when David and Tina buzz the door thingy. David tries putting on a silly voice, but Tina takes over and tells Amber it's "D and T" and they want to have a look at the new flat.

There are pink wings and fluffy headpieces all over the Rovers. Carla is covered in streamers from party poppers.

There are no streamers where the boys are, but they're much more drunk. Tony challenges the others to nominate which of each other's partners they would choose to sleep with. Then he very pointedly points out that he's offended because no-one nominated Carla - Liam, looking very morose, had chosen Julie. Tony glares at Liam, who's not so drunk that he doesn't notice.

Carla and Leanne, now bezzie mates, apparently, are in the loos at the Rovers where Leanne can't understand why Carla didn't tell Liam she loved him. Carla thinks Liam will melt as soon as Maria reveals she's pregnant. "I wanted to grab his hand and jump in a cab and never be seen again," Carla admits. "But instead I walked away." Leanne thinks she's insane. Carla says it wasn't fair on Maria. "None of this was fair on her." She says that if Liam and she had run off, if he'd ever changed his mind, she wouldn't have been able to cope. She plans to marry Tony and live ever after. "He might not make my heart race, but you can't have everything, can you." Leanne tells her that maybe she could have.

Kevin's telling the story of how he and Sally first got together, getting the others at the dinner table laughing with his imitation of Sally's forthright manner back then.

In the Rovers, Carla, the glummest hen on record, sits in a chair while Zorro dances around her and the others whoop and holler. Deirdre's jigging away to the music and Audrey and Rita and Eileen exchange jokey comments. When Zorro flings aside his cape, Deirdre gets very excited indeed. Carla endures. When Zorro sits in her lap, the only other woman not squealing with excitement is Leanne.

The stags, meanwhile are drinking in some bar with tea lights on the tables. Despite this, there appear to have been no incidents of lit-Drambuie-induced nose burns. Clearly this is not a real stag party. Instead, Jason pours all sorts of drink into a big glass and tells the lads to say what they'd do with their last day on earth - the person who gives the worst answer will have to drink the concoction. Ryan mentions Lisa Fletcher, who's in the Lower Sixth. Do they still have the "Lower Sixth"? Isn't it all "Year 11" and "Year 12" now? "I'd visit my baby's grave," says Liam, stopping everyone. He sees the reaction and adds that he'd then spend the rest of the day in bed with Lindsay Lohan before scoring the winning goal in the champions' league final. Tony warns him to take his foot off the gas. He asks Liam why he didn't nominate Maria for either of the challenges. Then he says enthusiastically that he'd spend his last day with Carla, because "she's all mine."

Back in the loos, Carla tells Maria how lucky Maria is. "Go and tell him your news." Maria's startled but thinks it's a good idea.

Kevin's at home, drinking alone and singing along to The Cars' "Drive" ("Who's gonna take you home?")

The party is raging at the Rovers, with Zorro almost down to his Z brand. He's in Liz's face and she loves it, squirting cream into a big Z on his chest.

The boys wander through Chinatown, complete with Tony masks, and it is occasionally slightly confusing as to exactly which is who. Tony puts Ryan into a cab and sends him (reluctantly) home.

Carla, standing outside the Rovers, looks so down that Deirdre asks her if she's OK. Carla gets a cigarette from Deirdre - her first in 13 years, she says. Deirdre tells her that marriage is a good thing. She jokes that Carla doesn't look like a learner, pointing at the big L-plate hanging around her neck. This raises a smile. Then she tells Carla she recognises the look: "Have I made the right decision."

Maria's in a cab, with Petula Clark's "Downtown" playing loudly.

Liam's on the phone to her saying where the stags are. "Who interrupts a stag do?" asks Steve. Dev reckons women love a bit of discipline. Tony asks Liam for the kitty so they can pay to get into a lapdancing club. Liam suddenly realises he doesn't have it and must have left it at the bar. Tom offers to go but Tony tells him Liam should go, since he knows where he had it last. As Liam leaves them, shouting back instructions about what they should do when Maria turns up, and as Maria's almost there, listening to Petula sing that "Everything's great," a car screams out of nowhere and Liam is tossed up in the air, rolling over the back and down to the ground. The car doesn't stop. The stags are in chaos. Tony screams for them not to touch Liam, to call an ambulance and to give Liam some air. As Jason makes the emergency call, Tony bends down to Liam, looking very distressed. He strokes Liam's hair and face and lists his roles: "Son, husband, lover, . . . roadkill!" He pauses and glares at the dying or dead Liam. "Looks like the best man lost."

Margaret Carr

And Margaret left Liam lying in the street, emergency services being summoned and Tony trying to make sure that he really was dead. The camera looks up the street and in the distance we see a taxi approaching which none of the stag party see.

Pregnant Maria emerges from the taxi and she sees Liam and runs in despair towards him. Jason says Liam has been hit by a car and then Tony finds his voice - "Maria I am so sorry" - so the murderer admits his guilt. Maria cradles Liam in her arms and speaks to him but there is no answer and her voice carries fear and panic. She tells Liam that she is having a baby and behind her we see Tom, Jason and Steve turn away together and at least two of them are close to throwing up. A siren is heard and an ambulance arrives. Maria tells Liam that all will be well - the ambulance is here and everything is going to be alright. Tony stands to the side totally shocked by the news that Maria is pregnant, Kirk gently eases her away to allow the ambulance team to do their work.

In the Rovers Michelle's phone rings and the pub falls quiet as her face changes as she hears the news and tells Carla that Liam has had an accident and she is going to the accident - Carla follows her.

In Dev's flat Tina and David share some cans, much to the displeasure of Darryl and Amber who just want them to go (and now). Tina asked if David had noticed how well Gail and Joe were getting along but David says that as they are going out, their parents would not want to get it together. David appears to have suddenly gone soft in the head but there we are. Tina reckons he is right but this is a weird place and weirder things have happened in families.

Michelle and Carla arrive at the accident scene, but the police try to stop them. However they get past and Steve stops them - Michelle wants to know why he is not already in the hospital. Steve tells them they have tried everything to revive Liam but it was simply too late. Carla lets out a cry of anguish and her legs seem to give way under her. Tony rushes to her side and he confirms that Liam is dead whilst she wants to know what happened. He holds her and says that he wishes he could tell her - a car came out of nowhere. Steve asks the ambulance medic if it was quick - would Liam have suffered. The medic looks at the body and says he does not think he suffered.

We then get a great Corrie moment. Maria says that Liam is still warm and takes his hand and places it on her tummy asking if the baby can feel it - that is your daddy - remember this, remember this. If that does not bring a tear to your eye when you finally get to see it I shall be very surprised - Samia Smith played an absolute blinder. Top dollar young lady. She cries and is comforted by Kirk in her moment of complete despair.

Tyrone has been out selling shirts and has apparently moved them all - Pam cannot believe it - and then realises that Tyrone's honest face is something you cannot buy and it is priceless - it will make their fortune.

The stag party arrives at the Rovers in very low spirits and Steve has to tell Liz what happened. Leanne says that it must be a wind up but the collective broken spirits make it clear to her that there was no joke involved.

Maria, Tony, Carla, Michelle and Tom arrive at the hospital. Tom is suffering shock - the car just kept coming - the driver could have stopped but he went straight on as if Liam was not there. Tony is the only one able to speak to the desk clerk. It seems they cannot see Liam until after the post mortem - the evidence has to be uncontaminated. Tom realises that if Tony had not stopped him then he would be dead - but Tony tells him that it could have been any one of the stag party who went back - it just happened that it was Liam's time.

At Dev's flat David and Tina are looking through the DVDs to watch one but a cunning plan comes together. Darryl makes Amber's phone ring and she answers it - apparently Dev is returning early and so perhaps the visitors should go - which are a little bit of discussion is precisely what happens. Amber and Darryl smile to each other at the success they have managed! However the moment seems to have passed and getting back in the right mood appears difficult - at least for Amber and perhaps she is secretly relieved that she is not yet a woman. Darryl assures her there is no rush - he wants her to feel it is right and he is willing to wait. Amber says that she does not deserve him - and Darryl asks who does?

John has brought Michelle and Maria back and Fiz is waiting for them. Maria hardly seems to be present and Fiz helps her into the house remarking to John that Liam had everything to live for. Fiz tells John that she will be staying the night but asks John to look after Chesney once the late grandmother's cat has been fed. She notices some marks on his face - apparently the cat has scratched him {your reporter has never seen cat scratches like that - they look more like fingernail scratches to me}. Fiz reckons that the cat is more trouble than it is worth and if it was a woman she would not put up with it! (Little does she know what you and I think we know).

Michelle emerges - she needs to go and talk to Ryan. Audrey is coming round to spend the night with Maria and Fiz.

At the Rovers Ryan wants to know why he has been woken up. He can see Michelle that is distraught, Steve behind Ryan tells him that it is about Liam - Ryan asks if he has got into trouble - after all he has been caning it all evening. Steve quietly tells him that he has been in an accident. In the background Michelle is dissolving into tears as Steve says that Liam is far from alright - he is dead. Ryan says that is not possible - they have tickets for the City vs Newcastle match and they were looking forward to it - and then he collapses in tears.

Back at Connor mansions Tony asks if Carla had known that Maria was pregnant - but she admits she only heard it that evening. Tony observes that Maria was in a wretched state, the price of love perhaps, the huge loss - but then Carla knows all about that having lost Paul {how cruel to remind her of this at this particular point in time - talk about turning the knife in an open wound}. Maria does not deserve this. Carla says she will head to bed.

Tony finishes his whisky and then puts on his coat and heads quietly out the front door.

Maria is asleep on the sofa with an arm around Ozzy (the dog). Audrey observes to Fiz that she cannot believe the heartache that girl has endured, Audrey just hopes that she can survive it. Fiz says that she will see Maria through her troubles - she has helped Fiz often enough. Audrey and Fiz both agree to stay the night - Maria will need them when she wakes.

Tony has walked through the streets of Weatherfield and over the canal and is in a very dark corner under some arches, he reaches into his pocket and extracts something. It is Liam's wallet which he picked up in the bar leading to the need to go back in the first place. Tony removes the cash and tosses the wallet deep into the canal as if it was a minor piece of waste. Then not showing any emotion he walks away.

So an eventful day - which has lasted all week.

So what is on the horizon? Helen Flanagan's holiday is over, but she is not back on the Street just yet. Can the police ever solve a hit and run? Just how badly is Tony's business empire doing? And I think Sunny Jim will be back on the cobbles very shortly. Will Becky go down? What will Michelle do to Steve and Becky? And Peter Barlow is heading this way. And longer term rumour - the new producer wants Kate Ford back on board. And if they could get Suranne Jones back then there could be some real fireworks - but that seems highly unlikely. And who has Liam's mobile phone - Tony only threw away his wallet.

All this and more in the next few weeks on the Street - do yourself a favour and keep reading!

K Richard W


Monday 20 October

So Liam Connor is gone in a tragic "accident". I might not have cried as much as Maria, but I wasn't dry eyed either. This week we start off with most of the residents shocked and reeling from the news that Liam Connor is dead.

Maria is returning from walking Ozzie.It looks like he's in her pjs and slippers and she's wearing Liam's gray cardie over top. She's not really paying attention and nearly gets bumped by a car herself as she goes to cross the road. Probably been walking for hours, poor girl. Rita comes out of the Kabin, concerned and Audrey runs out the door to meet her and pull her inside to warm up.

Carla looks like 40 miles of rough road. Paved surface of course, but rough. Tony's spiffing up his suit ready to go in to work. She doesn't understand how he can but he points out they have a business to run but allows that he will get someone to cover if she needs him. She sinks onto the settee and says she'll just try to get some sleep. He declares he'll be back later to take her to see Maria. Carla can't cope with that but Tony is insisting, Maria has lost her husband and needs their support (and wants to rub Carla's face in it. I warn you now, I may be swearing by the end of this episode but I'll try to behave myself!) Tony is so smooth and slick, saying all the right things. He leaves Carla lying on the settee, tearful.

Leanne comes to the door of Dan's flat. Kelly answers it, tying up the belt on what is probably Dan's bathrobe, smugly mewing that she was "busy". Leanne snipes "it couldn't have taken that long". Kelly passes Leanne a small bag of her things. All the rest of it has gone to Emily's charity.

Kevin is going to drive Sophie to school. Sally and Bill return from Holyhead. Sophie immediately tells her mother about the other postcard, threatening her. Sally goes white, thinking the police should be involved. Kevin assures her that the police think it's probably a hoax from someone with a sick sense of humour. Bill offers to take Sophie to school with warnings from Sally that she not go anywhere alone.

Julie and Kirk arrive at Maria's. Kirk brings the news that their parents are arriving on the first flight they can get. It's hard to know what to say, isn't it? Julie murmurs that the factory is closed and there's flowers and when Kirk asks if there's owt they can do, Maria floods with tears again so he takes her in his arms as only a brother can do as Audrey passes cups of tea around. Fiz tries to tell her to be strong for the baby but that isn't much help because Liam never knew about the baby.

Outside, Sally sees John and tells him about the postcard. She asks Chesney to stick close to Sophie for a bit of protection and he agrees. John offers to pick them up from school later. What are friends for? (you might well ask that!) Down the road, Molly arrives at the shop and searches Amber's eyes for clues on how her evening went. Dev emerges so Amber pointedly tells Molly she and Darryl had a lovely evening. With David. And Tiny. Ah.

Sally brings Kevin's butties over to him while talking to the school on the phone. They commiserate about Liam while looking at all the floral tributes on the factory steps. Sally starts to weep but it's more than Liam, it's worry. Kevin tries to comfort her but it's cold comfort. John comes out of the Kabin and witnesses their pain.

Michelle is trying to make sense of what she knows about the accident. Tom tries to explain further when Ryan comes in. Steve comes too, and says that the Connor parents are coming. Ryan is upset, thinking people will blame Liam for being drunk and the driver will get away with it. He vows to get revenge if he can.

Tony and Carla are arriving on the Street, Tony insisting they should see Maria. He says he needs Carla to be strong too, pretending to feel the after effects of cradling a dying man in his arms. (!!!!!!!) After the break, Audrey is still plying cups of tea. Carla is on the couch beside Maria and Tony leans across, being concerned. Maria feels numb and keeps expecting him to come in any time. Tony asks if the police know anything more. Carla admonishes him and he apologizes, putting on near-crocodile tears and offering to make the funeral arrangements. Audrey reminds her that she wanted to speak to Liam's parents first. Tony starts playing the guilt angle. You know, "I'm responsible", "It was my stag night" *gulp* "He didn't want to be my best man", oh he's really working it. Carla is still wiping tears and Maria extols Liam's virtues as a nice genuine man. Tony elaborates. He could have had any woman in the world but he knew he had the right one. He takes Maria's hands with a side glance at Carla, sitting in her grief and misery beside her unknowing rival. (B@$t..... well you can take it from me I wasn't sitting her silent! By Crikey, I know it's only telly, but what a show! Tony is just so sublimely awful!)

In the shop, Amber and Molly are giggling about teenage boys, Amber having told Molly that Darryl was so great, assuring her he would wait until she was ready. Just then, Tara arrives to bring some papers to Dev who's out and her face falls a bit with disappointment. But it lights up again as Dev walks in though he's awkwardly short with her. She leaves and Amber and Molly tell him off for blanking her. He doesn't think he was but they put him straight so he runs out to catch Tara and apologizes, his brusqueness due to the death of a friend. Now it's her turn to apologize. Dev says he'll be ok to give the speech tonight. She takes his arm and leads him off to get a drink.

At school, John, Sophie and Chesney are walking past the school fence. John makes a point of talking about how upset Sally and Kevin are about the second postcard. He also reckons she's doing a pretty good job of pretending not to be scared (because, of course, she's not). John also questions the differences between the two postcards and how it doesn't feel right. Sophie is distinctly uncomfortable and John has made his point.

In the Kabin, Norris is back on his feet and has given Rita a porcelain tea service that Tina thinks is for her as a thank you but it's for Rita. Rita is pleased but is still a bit worried about the thought behind it. Fiz arrives, clearly exhausted. There is more commiseration about Liam and about Rosie. Outside Stape has arrived back with the teens, safe and sound. He comments to Sophie that it must make a change, being the center of attention. She seems to be barely concealing a satisfied smile, saying she'd rather not be but he sees right through that and gets in one more reference to how hard it is for her mother and father. She shuffles a bit and says goodbye, going across the street to her own house. Fiz returns home for a cuddle. He wants to make everything right for her but he protests, because he's got to go see to the 'cat'. He insists she stay home in case Maria needs her and drives off.

Back in the Kabin, Rita reckons Liam's funeral will be difficult. Tina thinks for her funeral, everyone should wear white and carry a cheerful sunflower and the music would be all her favourite bands. Norris doesn't approve, and slinks off to the back room. Rita admits she is a bit nervous that Norris' crush on her is back and Tina reckons that's why Rita likes having her around. Norris shuffles back out and informs Tina her services are no longer needed. Rita objects and tells Tina she's staying. Norris is affronted, shouldn't they discuss this? Oh? Rita says, like you did when you told her to sling her hook? Point to Rita.

Somewhere by a street of boarded up houses, Tony gets out of his car and into another one where the driver is none other than his partner in crime, Jimmy Dockerson. The plot thickens! Tony lets Jimmy know that nobody got the car registration or saw the driver. Jimmy says he took the car somewhere and burned it. He seems a bit haunted at the accident, the thump of the body going over the car echoing in his mind even yet. (could he be a chink in the armour?) Tony promises nothing will happen to expose him. He hands over an envelope full of cash while saying he went to a lot of trouble to clear the way to marry Carla so yes, the wedding is still going to happen. He leaves and Jimmy looks a bit troubled.

Stape pulls up to his gran's house. His mobile rings but he doesn't answer it. (Fiz? I couldn't see the screen).

Kevin and Bill arrive home. Sally is peeling veg, having chatted to Sophie about her day. She asks Kevin if there's any vodka. She's upset because everyone is talking about Liam while her daughter is missing and the other one threatened. Sophie takes all this in.

Back at "gran's", John is unlocking a door. What's on the other side? An extremely ticked off Rosie. "Where the HELL have you been? I'm starving!!!!" She snatches the bag of food he's brought as he closes the door behind him. John's the one that's been keeping her locked away! See, if I were her, I'd have charged at him, hoping to tip him off balance. All she's concerned about is food! He apologizes while she pulls food out and starts scarfing it down.

Did you see that coming?

Tvor

Shock horror! John Stape is holding Rosie Webster at his gran's house against her will. He seems to have been bringing her lots of sweets and snacks though so I don't know why she's so upset. She pleads with him to let her go. He tells her he can't but to soften the blow he tells her he'll try to find the biscuits she wants at the local garage. That's good of him.

Liam's parents arrive on the street. Michelle offers to take them upstairs at the Rovers to have a cup of tea although she would rather partake of something stronger. Her parents want to go and pay their respects to Liam's widow first. "Of course," says Michelle.

In Dev's shop, Dev is annoying his daughter, telling her how terrified he is to chair his first meeting of the Asian Business Network or whatever it's called. Prem drops in for a "personal" chat with Dev.

Liam's mum and dad are round at Maria's House of Misery. Liam's mum is crying along with her daughter-in-law. Maria explains that they can't see Liam's body because of the post-mortem. She reveals to her delighted in-laws that she's pregnant. Liam's mum is relieved that at least they'll still have a part of him and then she asks if Liam can have a Catholic funeral. Maria settles in to talk about Liam's funeral which she says, "has to be done sooner or later, doesn't it?"

At John's gran's house, John has brought Rosie her biccies and is wittering on about how he loved Jaffa Cakes when he was growing up. Didn't we all? Rosie is not receptive to his reminiscences. Rosie is bored where she is, despite the fact that John's room in his gran's house is filled with classic literature- she wants to read Heat magazine. She asks sarcastically if John abducted her so that he could complete her education. John asks her not to use the word "abduction". Rosie thinks "kidnap" would do the job instead then. John tells Rosie that it's all her own fault that he's kidnapped her, if she had just left when he asked her to. "You can't tell me where to live!" exclaims Rosie and tells him it's a free country. John leaves her because Fizz will be wondering where she is. "Yeah," says Rosie, "just like my Mum and Dad will be wondering where I am."

At the Websters', Kevin, Sally and Bill are talking about the mysterious postcard threatening Sophie. Sophie is listening in as her parents talk about how much extra strain is on them since it arrived. Sophie asks permission if she can go and listen to her music- like she's a toddler (?!?). She scarpers before her guilt becomes tangible.

Prem is with Dev at Dev's shop where he informs Dev that his daughter Tara is carrying a torch for Dev. That's old man talk for "She fancies you". Dev knows this and assures Prem that he wouldn't lay a finger on Prem's daughter. Prem is not there to warn him off though, Tara has asked Dev to intervene on her behalf and Prem wants to give Dev his blessing.

At Carla's flat, Carla is telling Leanne, that she can't even look Tony in the eye since "the love of her life" has died. She feels the relief that she can actually admit to someone how she felt about Liam. She needs to be able to tell someone the truth since even her last words to Liam were a lie. Leanne urges Carla to tell Tony the truth if that would make her feel better. Carla answers her, "Seeing Liam walk through that door would make me feel better..... instead I'm 'ere just 'edging me bets, seeing which side me bread's buttered." Leanne asks her if she still feels something for Tony. Carla admits she loves Tony but she just doesn't love him the way she loved Liam. Carla asks Leanne if she could ask a favour of her.

At the Websters', Sophie comes downstairs in her nightclothes and asks to speak to her mum and dad. She looks scared. Sally and Kevin assure her there's nothing to be scared of but Sophie is scared of what they will do to her once she has said what she needs to say. Sophie sobs as she tells her parents, "It was me that sent the postcard."

After the break, Sophie tells her parents that she's sorry. "Well, you will be," says Kevin, rightly angry. Sally asks her why she did it. Sophie admits that she was jealous. Kevin gets angrier but Sally is more understanding. Sophie cries that she didn't mean to frighten everybody but Kevin shouts her, "How did you expect us to feel, eh?"

Outside Carla's apartment, Tony pulls up in his lovely Mercedes and sees Carla and Leanne walking to the car. As they pull away, he follows them, discreetly.

John is with Rosie at his gran's house. He gives her a postcard to write "a few words of comfort to diffuse the situation" to her mum and Dad. When he suggests she writes, "Needed some space, will phone soon." Rosie suggests she writes, "Locked in John's gran's attic. Please rescue." No, John doesn't like that. He gives her the reason for his abducting her. He tells her that he developed an unhealthy obsession with her. He assures her he will not touch her at all; she's not in any danger and he will let her go. He goes on to explain, "My life was spiralling down the plughole and I blamed you....... the day I brought you here I was still reeling from Fizz dumping me, she said she could never forgive me for what I'd done with you." Rosie reminds him that Fizz is going to find out that he has kidnapped her and then she'll dump him again and it'll be all his fault. He tells her that her callous attitude and disregard for others is what got to him the most about her. He tells her, angrily that the definition of a psychopath is somebody without a conscience which he thinks describes her better than it describes him. That's why he abducted her, after he saw her strutting about from bloke to bloke when she came out of a club. Rosie tells him that she was terrified the first night he abducted her and John confesses that he was terrified too which is why he made himself scarce. John goes on to tell Rosie about how happy he was when Fizz wanted to get back together, "And then it struck me- I thought she won't be so keen when she knows what's in me gran's attic."

Leanne and Carla drive up to the hit and run spot. Tony has followed them and watches as Carla looks at where the love of her life was killed.

Back in the attic, Rosie tells John that he can't keep her locked up there for ever and he has to let her go. She knows he wants to let her go but doesn't know why he won't. She reminds him the longer he keeps her there, the worse it will be. John says he'll talk to Fizz tonight. He promises Rosie he tell Fizz tonight.

Dev has turned up at Prem's house for a cosy work date with Tara. Tara sits down on the lounge, practically on top of him

Meanwhile, Darryl and Amber are awkward in each other's presence at Dev's place. Amber asks Darryl if they should just go to her room and get "it" over with. Darryl is a bit shocked because he thought that Amber wanted her first time to be "special". Amber tells him that it will be because she's with him. She takes him by the hand and leads him through to the bedroom.

John pulls up in the street and is approached by Sally who thanks him for having spoken to Sophie about the postcard. John says he suspected that it was Sophie who sent it all along. "Well that must be a relief," he says, "at least you know there's no lunatic on the rampage." Sally says that they still don't know where Rosie is. Oh, yeah. John thinks Rosie could come in any day and she'll not come to any harm.

Carla and Leanne are still at the spot where Liam was killed. She wants to say her goodbyes now since she'll have to keep up an act at his funeral. Leanne seems slightly embarrassed and reminds Carla that Tony knows that she and Liam were close. Carla feels like stepping out in front of a car, "It's the only way we're going to be together now, isn't it?" Leanne takes her away as Tony watches from the shadows.

John has gone home to Fizz. She comes from upstairs where she has been having a bath. She tells John how awful a day she had with Maria. John tells her he wants to talk to her but Fizz tells him she will only listen to happy talk after the day she's had.

Carla returns home to her apartment where Tony is waiting for her. He is hostile and gives her the third degree about where she's been since he's been worried sick about her. He knows that someone was here because she left two empty glasses. When Carla wonders what's with the twenty questions, Tony tells her she seems twitchy. He goes to her and holds her, telling her he knows how hard it is for her. He reminds her that he's here for her and always will be. She gives him a hug.

At Prem's with Dev and Tara and things are getting very cosy. Tara asks Dev if he thinks it's terrible that she spoke to her Dad about Dev. Dev tells her didn't mind and moves in for the kill, telling Tara that Prem has told him that Dev is a very suitable suitor for Tara. Just as Dev comes in for a kiss, Nina walks in and ruins the moment.

Fizz is telling John about her day with Maria. How awful it must be for Liam's parents to have lost two sons now. John tells Fizz she is caring and he doesn't deserve her. He thinks he's selfish and spiteful and he's been so stupid. Fizz assures him that if he's talking about when he had his fling with Rosie, it's all in the past and she tells him that spending time with Maria today has reinforced that you have to make the most of life because it could all so easily be taken away. She tells him that what she wants most right now is for John to take her upstairs. So he does.

Stella McLoughlin


Wednesday 22 October

In the Webster household, Kevin, Sally and Sophie are discussing Rosie, and the fact that it'll be her birthday in 62 days. Sally is sure she'll put them out of her misery on her birthday, and Sophie wonders if she's banged her head and might be out there somewhere with amnesia.

Pam and Tyrone have two bags of Moroccan slippers to sell - Tyrone thinks running a marathon would be easier, but Pam tells him to stay focused.

Glancing across the road at the flowers laid outside the factory doors, Fiz comes out of Maria's front door and goes in through her own. She tells John and Julie how Maria is dead to the world at the moment, and John wistfully remarks how she'll have a nano second of thinking her life is still in one piece when she wakes up, then reality will bite. "Horribly true, John," says Julie. Fiz says that her parents haven't had one word out of her since they arrived, and Julie says she thinks Maria is probably cross with her parents because they didn't come to the wedding. Kirk points out that they were on a cruise at the time, but Julie is adamant, dancing with the captain while your daughter is plighting her troth is just not on. Fiz tries to persuade John to go out for breakfast, but he says he can't, he has to go and feed his grandma's cat. She gazes into his eyes and says it would be nice if they could get away somewhere, she loves him, even more than the first time round, if she ever stopped.

Molly and Amber are discussing her relationship with Darryl. Just then Dev comes back and they turn their thoughts to his date with Tara. Molly thinks it looks cheapskate to cook on the first date and Amber agrees that he should take her out and make a night of it. "Why? Who's having the party?" asks Dev, looking at her knowingly. She assures him she's just got a mate coming round to do homework and stuff. "Define mate," says Dev. Amber doesn't answer.

Kirk and Fiz are visiting Maria, and Kirk says he can walk Ozzy when he walks Schmeichel. Her dad comments that he's sure Ozzy is missing Liam. "I might have known you'd be worrying about the dog," says Maria. Maria's mum starts thinking about what food to give Liam's parents when they come over and Kirk and their dad go out for a tin of salmon and a crusty loaf. She wonders whether she should get a cake as well. "Oh why not some party poppers and balloons while you're at it," says Maria, bitterly.

John arrives back at Granny's attic to a disbelieving Rosie. "No way!" she says when she sees the Freshco carrier bags. He mumbles that he did try to talk to Fizz, and he knows it's disappointing. She yells that he's a psycho and a liar, and when he shows her that he's brought her Celebrity magazine she just throws it aside, telling him she's going to need a shrink till she's 70. He tells her she's tougher than she looks, she's Teflon coated. She reminds him that Mr Rochester's wife was locked away in an attic and went completely doo-lally. He says she was doo-lally long before they put her in the attic, but he's glad she's been reading Jane Eyre. "Well it was that or self-harming," says Rosie bitterly. He then tells her that it's like keeping plates in the air. Fiz is looking after Maria, Maria needs Fiz. "Why?" asks Rosie, "what's up with Maria, did she break a nail?" She's astounded when he tells her that Liam has been killed. "See, not everything in life revolves around you, Rosie," he says.

Back in Coronation Street, the Barlows are finishing lunch. Ken thinks he could live on baked potatoes. Then he notices that Blanche is writing a cheque and remarks that the One O'Clock Club is getting rather expensive. Blanche tells him it's the deposit for their upcoming trip to France.

Rosie tells John that everyone fancied Liam, even her mum. He's annoyed by her attitude and tells her that Liam is lying cold on a slab, it's not appropriate. She asks if abduction is appropriate. He tells her he hasn't abducted her, he's ring fenced her. (It seems like abduction to me!) He adds that she's the most terrifying thing he's even encountered. She snaps that he can wait until he's banged up in prison for this - that WILL be scary and he'll probably get an extra year for every day he's kept her there.

Wearing a cold, hard expression, Nina visits Dev in his shop. As she comes through the door he tells her he's not the one doing the chasing. She stares at him and says that he will be the one doing the dumping. She grabs his mobile phone and starts dialing a number. "That date you thought you had with Tara this evening? It isn't happening." She then orders him to finish with Tara before she's any further in his thrall. When he looks like he's not going to move, she adds, "Or I tell her everything." Dev sighs and takes his phone.

Maria wakes up to find her mum and dad looking at her wedding album. Her mother tells her that Kirk has been telling them who everyone is. Maria says, sarcastically, that the bloke standing beside her is the groom. Her mum says she knows she had a lot to cope with. "Yeah, well, so have you," says Maria, "them donkeys don't feed themselves." Maria snaps at them that they never met her husband, and isn't impressed when her mother soothingly says that they're there now. She says that the dogs always came before her and Kirk, and now it's donkeys. She says that her dad should have walked her down the aisle but he was too busy sailing the seven seas. Her mother says that as soon as they were on board they knew they'd made the wrong decision. Maria asks why then, didn't they cancel it, it was the most important day of her life. Her mother said that she thought Maria was being selfish when she only gave them two minutes notice. Maria cries and says that they never knew Liam, he was the best kisser ever, he was protective, funny and kind, and he was grumpy in the mornings. She was going to tell him about the baby. Her mother hugs her as she cries, "Why is it always us? Why does God hate me so much?"

Ty and Pam are counting up their takings and Ty decides that he's got enough to go and put a deposit on the wedding dress of Molly's dreams.

Up in the attic, Rosie is crying and saying that John will never let her go. John protests that he will, he just has to explain it to Fiz first. Then he promises that he'll be back first thing in the morning.

She then pleads with him to let her go. To go and tell Fiz and let her go home and she'll never even mention his name. He says he loves Fiz, and he'll talk to her. He promises to come back in the morning. Rosie tries another tack, saying that she knows she's a big part of why he's in this mess. She says she has faith in him and if anyone can make Fiz understand, he can, after all he's an English teacher, good with words. Then she adds, "You'll tell her tonight and then let me go?" He sighs, and says yes.

Maria sees that Fiz has a brochure and asks if she's going away anywhere. Fiz says that she and John would like to sometime, but not now. Maria says she should go away now, while she still can.

Ken arrives home and Blanche tells him she's trying to persuade Deirdre to come on the trip to France with her. Deirdre points out that it's hardly her age group, but Blanche knows someone else's daughter who's coming. Ken points out that a free trip is not to be sniffed at and Blanche points out that she's not going to be around for ever. Eventually Deirdre gives in and tells her mother to ring the Nancy and say that she's coming.

Maria goes into the pub where Liam's parents are sitting with Michelle and Tony. She tells them that the police have phoned to say they've found the car, burned out. Tony says that the police will still probably be able to get evidence from it. Tony says he's sure they'll find him - or her. He puts his faith in British justice. Michelle says that if they don't rot in jail they'll rot in hell. Tony says he'll drink to that.

John goes back to Fiz and finds her packing. He asks where she's going and she tells him she's booked them both a little holiday. She says he needn't worry, she's squared it with Steve and Julie's offered to feed his gran's cat. Nervously he asks where they're going and she tells him it's Whitby, to a little cottage. He asks when they're going and gulps when she says, "Tomorrow lunchtime!" He says it's a good idea, but he'll get Lloyd to feed the cat. She says that's probably a good idea as Julie only wanted to have a nose round his gran's house. He tries to tell her that just a couple of days would do, to blow away the cobwebs, but Fiz won't hear of it. "Oh no, we'd only just be getting relaxed and it would be time to come home. Relax, the world can manage without us for one solitary week," she says.

Anne Logan


Friday 24 October

It's the start of the day at the Kirk-Fiz-Julie-John-Chesney household. Julie suggests she and Kirk go away somewhere. Fiz is ironing and thinks John is very quiet. He says he's just thinking. Kirk isn't keen on travel, but Julie likes to see new places and meet new people. "That's how we met," she reminds Kirk. "Yeah, so we don't need to do it again," says Kirk. Ohhh, bless.

Tony thinks it's embarrassing having to make excuses why Carla's not going to work. She can't think just now, she tells him. She doesn't even want to think about the wedding.

Ryan wants to go to view Liam, but Michelle doesn't want him to go. Ryan insists. Michelle does that Corrie thing of shouting upstairs to Amy - even though we haven't seen her for weeks (or not that I recall). Amy is clearly taking after Sally and Kevin's gurls and will be upstairs washing her hands a lot.

Tina's on the phone in the Kabin and Rita's made tea. Norris tells her in sign language that she's been on the phone for 20 minutes. When she finishes the call, Norris asks after Stirling Moss, though Rita points out that Tina probably has no idea who Stirling Moss is. (Sidebar: His sister, Pat, who also raced, died quite recently, you know) Tina tells Norris that David's intensive driving course is going very well. Emily struggles in with a large and heavy parcel - the third Norris has had this week. He won't tell them what's in it and takes it home straight away.

Tony meets Michelle in the street. He tells her that when things settle down, he'd like to get to know Ryan a little better, though he's not trying to replace Liam. He then takes a call from the vicar. Though it seems he asked the vicar to call. He wants a favour.

Norris meets Molly and thrusts the parcel into her arms, telling her it's something she might like. "Think of it as an early wedding present," he says, and scurries away. Only Norris can scurry properly!

Sophie's come round to update John and the others on the search for Rosie. She tells John and Fiz that the police are a bit worried because Rosie's not touched her bank account. Fiz rushes upstairs to check whether Chesney is still in the bath (another missing child - like Amy!) and John tells Sophie not to worry. He's sure Rosie's all right. Sophie apologises for sending the postcard. John has to take food over for the cat. Fiz reminds him they have to leave at two.

Aunty Pam is in the corner shop, criticising the prices. She asks Molly whether Tyrone's working today. Tara comes in with some ideas for the business network. Dev suggests they go to the Rovers to talk about them.

Blanche is taking Deirdre to the cafe to meet the One O'Clock Club committee. Ken answers the phone. It's Adam, returning Ken's call. Ken says he's trying to track down Peter.

John arrives at the house (while we watch through the attic skylight) and Rosie panics when she sees the big box of food he's brought with him. He apologises and tells her about the surprise holiday. "What about me? You can't leave me here on my own!" she screams, then collapses crying on the bed. "I don't want pasta salad. I just wanna go home!" she wails as he packs perishables into the teensy fridge. She suddenly sits up and starts to simper, telling him how she used to like him more than anyone. "We could be good together again if you want." She offers to do anything. John tells her she can't flirt her way out of here.

Aunty Pam goes to the garage to suggest that Tyrone comes round this afternoon to pick up the gear. He says he doesn't like lying to Molly. "Do you want to give that lovely the girl the wedding of her dreams or not?" Pam asks. He does, yeah.

Molly's in the Kabin. "Thanks. It's great," she tells Norris. Rita asks what the thanks are for, but Norris says it's nothing. "He gave us an early wedding present," Molly says. "One of those fizzy drinks makers. Tyrone loves his pop!" (NB, those of you abroad: Tyrone loves his soft drinks and not his dad) Molly leaves and Rita glares at Norris. "I have just two questions for you," she says. "Who are you and what have you done with my Norris?"

"It's only a week. You'll be fine," John says. He's taking her cash card from her purse. She won't tell him the PIN, but John finds something in the purse with it written on. "Do you not trust yourself to remember a four-digit number?" He tells her he's going to take out some cash to stop her parents worrying. He also gives her a lecture on the amount of interest she'll be paying on her store cards. Rosie tells her again that she'll do and say anything if he'll just let her go.

Julie likes Spain and paella. Kirk likes sausage and chips. Spain's like a little bit of England in the sun, he says. (Sadly, this is often true!) Julie suggests they should go, then. "Except, I don't like the sun," Kirk points out. While Julie's trying to work out what holiday destinations have sausage and chips but no sun, Fiz arrives. She's worried that John's not back. Kirk tells her John might be talking to the cat, because animals are very sensitive and know when you're going away. Fiz thinks she'll send Schmeichel round to deal with the cat.

Rosie's distraught at the thought of being alone for seven days. "I have been doing a lot of thinking in here," she says. "I thought it was fun to flirt with you . . . but I ruined everything." she says he and Fiz make a great couple. John thinks things would have been different if he'd known how Fiz felt before locking up Rosie. Rosie suggests he leave her to make her way home while he and Fiz are away. She'll say she went away to teach her parents a lesson.

Dev is back in the shop. He has a dinner date with Tara for tonight.

Ken arrives for his shift in the cafe to find Blanche and Deirdre still waiting for the committee (who are waiting for a break-down truck). Blanche asks if there is any news from Adam. Ken says he'd better get to work. Blanche tells Deirdre that Nancy Gaskill is a terrible driver. She arrives just as Blanche is saying she's probably crashed into a tree. It appears she is a one-woman committee - president, secretary, treasurer and events organiser. "Unless you'd be interested in serving?" Deirdre declines. The committee understands. Deirdre's already doing so much for them. Many of the members wouldn't be able to go on the trips without the hard work of "our carer volunteers," she says. Uh oh. Blanche doesn't meet Deirdre's eye. "Don't worry, it won't be all hard work. Some members do need a lot of help, but I'm sure you'll get a few moments to enjoy the trip, too."

Molly answers the phone at home. Whatever they say, it makes her choke. It's someone calling about a fitting for her wedding dress.

In the Rovers, Michelle, Ryan and Liam's parents are getting ready to go to see him. Carla, looking like a wrung-out dishcloth, sits with Leanne. She asks what's going on. Leanne tells her where they're going. Carla looks suddenly bereft and goes over to them. "I know you've never liked me," she tells Liam's mum. "I'd like to come and see Liam. I'd like to come with you and say goodbye properly." His parents tell her No. Michelle pulls Carla aside and asks her not to make a scene. "This is so hard for them. Please don't make it any more difficult." She gets Leanne to look after Carla. Liam's dad takes a call. Maria's changed her mind and won't be coming.

Rosie's busy making up scenarios she can tell Kevin and Sally, as to where she's been all this time. John looks doubtful. "You went to Ireland from Holyhead," he tells her. But then he says it won't work. Rosie tells him it will. "I can't trust you," he says, adding that they'll talk about it when he gets back. Rosie stands against the door, blocking his way. When he won't relent, she asks if he can get her one of the pasta salads. He turns away to get one. Rosie shoves him hard and escapes through the door. John rushes on to the landing shouting, "Rosie! Rosie! The doors and windows are all locked, so you can't get out!" As he thunders down the stairs we see Rosie hiding in a shower cubicle.

End of Part One.
More later from Richard.

Margaret Carr

Hope last week's teasers did not cause any upset - oddly not a single comment about them - did you all read to the end?

Anyway Rosie is cowering in the shower hiding from John as he rushes around the house looking for her (does anyone else think that this story is pretty poor?). She is also pretending to be scared. I think it is called acting - badly. He repasses the bathroom and enters a bedroom. Rosie scampers out of the bathroom and downstairs closely followed by John; hearing him follow her she starts screaming. She reaches the front door but finds that it is locked and John catches up with her. He grabs her and pulls her away from the door and then starts dragging her back up the stairs. Back in the attic John tells her never to try that again. She begs not to be let again but John goes out and locks the door behind him. He seems to regret what he has done before he departs.

Back on the Street Carla is leaning against the wall of the Rovers, heartbroken and crying. Of course she can talk to no-one other than Leanne and the latter tells her that she cannot return and tell everyone the truth. Leanne sympathises and helps her home.

Deirdre is steadily realising that the trip to Lourdes will see her acting as one of the carers - including assisting with visits to the bathroom, which leads to Deirdre claiming that perhaps she could not get leave of absence from work. This is quickly solved by Blanche pointing out that Deirdre is on flexi-time at the council and Nancy saying it was the last chance for many of the members - looks like she is outflanked. Blanche announces that she is good for the next 30 years (More's the pity comments Dreary). Anyway looks like "Daphne" is going - although she is perhaps better known as Dreary. As Blanche notes Daphne's are delicate with little noses and rose bud mouths.

Helen wants Maria to go with her to see Liam in his coffin but Maria does not agree - she has already said her goodbye on the night he died. They try to persuade her but she refuses, she simply cannot do it.

John is in a strange pub we have not seen before. The somewhat hard looking clientele eye him up and then resume their conversations. He sits in a quiet corner and takes Rosie's purse from his pocket and making sure the bank card and pin number are in the purse he pushes into the corner of the sofa he is sitting on - making sure it is still visible.

Molly thinks she is losing her marbles - she tells Tyrone that she has a phone call about checking that the wedding dress is ready for a fitting - one she has not ordered and would cost as much as a decent car. Ty admits he ordered it - but Molly says they cannot afford it. Pam says it is the one she really wanted. But Molly is adamant - her father went bankrupt and she is not going to start married life in debt, that dress is out of her league - like Colin Farrell whom she admits fancying.

Dev is working his magic on Tara - they are going to a Michelin starred restaurant - Tara would prefer his flat - but there is not food available. Tara suggests a take away but Dev points out that her effort in getting ready would be wasted (effort - I have seen more clothing on a beauty queen contestant!).

In the Rovers Carla asks Michelle about the visit to the undertakers - which went as well as expected. Carla thanks Leanne for talking her out of saying anything to the family - it would have ruined everything. The family would have then seen Liam as the bad boy and he does not need his reputation damaging - he deserves to be loved. Carla says she still loves him and does not know how to stop the feeling. Leanne suggests that Carla will be distracted with the wedding and it will be nice for everyone to have something to look forward to enjoying. Carla looks deeply troubled.

Fiz notices that John has torn his shirt - he claims it happened whilst he was repairing a car (a subject on which he professed total ignorance not long ago). Fiz asks if he is keeping any secrets but John says he is just being his old boring self (this is the John remember who was buying saucy underwear for Rosie last Christmas ...).

Molly has had second thoughts - she has not yet cancelled the dress and after a discussion with Ty it is agreed she will have it after all.

Dev and Tara arrive at the flat with a takeaway and they look like they are about to kiss when we can hear Amber's bedroom door opening. Darryl emerges wearing his underwear and is more than slightly disconcerted to see them there. Anyway Dev loses it and starts manhandling the underdressed boy out of the flat as Amber announces that she is part of a proper couple and he must not keep them apart - look what happened to Romeo and Juliet. Amber rages that Dev's new girlfriend is more important than she is and storms back to her room and slams the door closed behind her. Dev hammers on the door but Amber is not moving. Tara suggests that Dev should calm down but he then yells at her for interfering. As Tara is pointing out, Amber will come out in her own time. Dev then really turns on her - he points out that she has no children so how can she know better than him. Tara says that not so long ago she was a headstrong young woman and she finally snaps, grabs her coat and storms out saying that she thought he was more sensitive than this.

At Number 1 Ken has been trying to raise Peter and finally the phone goes - the conversation is brief but apparently Lucy is dead. {For new readers back in 2003 Peter Barlow married twice - one of whom was Lucy Richards, there was a superb denouement in the Rovers and can we have a bring back Shelley campaign please?}. Peter is too upset to talk.

Rosie is screaming in her attic - but no-one can hear.

Darryl tells Teresa what has happened - the latter says Dev will have to answer to her if Darryl is not allowed to see Amber.

The vicar is with Tony who is trying to contact Carla - but her phone is not being answered. However she arrives back at the flat and she apologises not realising that a meeting had been arranged. The vicar explains that Tony asked him to call, but Carla says that it has been a wasted journey - she does not need any counseling. She snaps at Tony as well, she has done nothing but talk since the accident and it has not helped. Tony suggests that they take the opportunity to run over the wedding - but Carla says there is nothing to go over.

They sit down to talk about it but Carla is feeling under an incredible pressure, she feels railroaded and she cannot stand it, she asks Tony what he is playing at. He sighs, he just wants her to be happy. But she says she cannot be happy - she has to go to a funeral. They have to bury someone she loves - they grew up together and they were part of each other's lives over a long period. The vicar tries to make his excuses and perhaps he should leave. Tony is sure it can all be sorted out - after all everyone will want to look forward to the wedding. But Carla drops her little bombshell - she will not walk down the aisle with him next week - and dramatically she announces that the wedding is off.

See you all in two weeks - I am on holiday next week.

K Richard W


Monday 27 October

It's a sad day on Coronation Street as we say good bye to another beloved husband, brother and uncle, Liam Connor.

Maria is returning from a morning walk with Ozzie and meets Ryan returning from the shop with a bottle of milk. Ryan is managing but could do without his Granddad's well meaning efforts to try to help the lad cope with his loss.

Amber is slamming kitchen cabinet doors, much to Dev's annoyance. Even pointing out how much they cost is no deterrent as she slams another one pointedly. He hollers at her again for freezing him out over his tossing Darryl out the night before. She is in a high strop, the age of consent is 16 and she's 17 but that doesn't matter to Dev and he's not impressed with her choice of lover either calling Darryl a "thing not even on the food chain". They trade insults about each other's favoured significant other and the war continues.

Back at Maria's, her mum and dad are being comforting as she tells them she wants to do something for Ryan. They put her off as she has enough to worry about today. She cries in her mother's arms, probably for the umpteenth time, poor lass.

Blanche is having a look through a French phrase book which is completely useless, she observes. Sentences about cats being ill? I have to concur with Blanche. She's got the wrong phrase book.

Over in the Rovers, Liz is offering to top up everyone's tea and coffee with a stiff dollop of belly warming whiskey. Barry Connor accepts and even Helen has some herself. Michelle refuses for herself and for Ryan but allows he can have one after the funeral.

Carla is shirty with Tony and he's complaining about her calling off the wedding in front of the vicar. She said that it is only the wedding that's off, not the marriage but he plods on putting pressure on her about all the money he's losing with the cancellations. It seems like Carla isn't planning to go to the funeral but Tony figures she ought to for appearances sake. She doesn't care what people think and he's "mystified", or so he pretends, not understanding the depth of her feelings. It's not as if it was someone she was married to, or her father, or intimate with. (zing!) It's about bringing up the feelings from when she did lose her husband, she snaps. He pushes and pressures her until she admits she may be over sensitive.

Blanche is still on about the French phrases which would be more useful, like "Do you know where the toilet is" or "How do I know this isn't horsemeat!" "Mother!!!" is Deirdre's standard reply. Ken mentions that many people are cured by a visit to Lourdes, it all comes down to faith. Blanche is highly skeptical.

Steve steps out the front door of the Rovers, and as he's straightening his tie, Becky comes along. She's on her way to the police, confident there won't be any charges. Steve is worried, nonetheless.

Dev is trying to get hold of Tara to apologize for his over the top behaviour the night before. Nina stalks in as he's finishing the message, shooting daggers at him. "Which part of leave my daughter alone don't you understand". Dev is full of the joys and argues that it's none of Nina's business. She insists he's not marriage material though it's not something he had considered at this point. She wants him to end the relationship or she will. She leaves and he follows her, shouting across the road. She won't tell Prem or Tara because she has too much to lose. She issues the challenge "Try me" and gets in her car. Dev feels a shiver of fear and his bravado is out the window, running over, begging her not to tell. Not the big brave stud anymore, are we, Devster?

After the break, we're waiting for the funeral director with Maria and her family. There's a knock on the door. Maria is afraid it's time to go but Kirk answers the door to Audrey who says the undertaker is outside. When your ready. They all tell her to take her time. She's crying again, and her father gets up to go tell them to wait. She's brave, though, and gets up to face the inevitable. Outside there are flowers being put in the back of the hearse. Steve and the Connors come out as do the Sutherlands and Maria. The pavements are lined with respectful onlookers as Maria leans against the car and tearfully looks onto the coffin carrying her young husband. They all get in cars as Leanne walks slowly by, looking at the hearse and having her own private memories of her time with Liam.

The funeral cars move slowly forward.

Dev has come to see Prem rather than head to the funeral. Seems he's going to head Nina off at the pass. He's sober and serious. He establishes that Nina is not there because he wants to talk to him about her. Prem's quick and seems to have twigged what is coming.

Carla and Tony are getting ready to leave for the funeral. Carla is pale and silent, looking at Tony with resentful eyes, it seems to me.

The cars arrive at the church, greeted by the priest who approaches the limo carrying Maria and her family. He hopes the service will be comforting. Kirk comes around with Ozzy on a lead. Maria wants to know if it's ok if the dog comes into the church. The priest has no problem with that. "If Jesus had an ox and an ass in the manger, I think we can manage a Labrador" is his response. Everyone files into the church. Vicki has just taken a call from Sally who won't be at the funeral after all because the police have some new information.

Dev has told Prem everything about the affair and how Nina was threatening to tell Prem to get him to break it off with Tara. Prem is deeply disappointed and angry and the man he treated as a son. "After everything I've done for you!" and he is rightly indignant. He walks to Dev. He looks at him with disappointment and then slaps him hard! Whoah! I didn't expect that! He seems furious that Dev went from mother to daughter. Dev begs Prem not to tell Tara just as Nina arrives. Prem coldly orders Nina to the drawing room. She sees the wisdom in the futility of arguing with him and turns on her heel and exits. Prem pours himself another drink and hisses at Dev, he agrees not to tell Tara about the sordid affair but orders him to break it off with Tara and vows to have nothing more to do with him. He also insists Dev cut off ties to the business group. Dev, his head hanging, just nods. He can't even bring himself to say anything to Prem as Prem kicks him out. What should he tell Tara? "You're a good liar, Alahan, think of something!" He slams the door on Dev's tearful face.

Back at the church, Tony and Carla have arrived in a bit of a rush. Carla gazes at the coffin in the hearse, barely keeping it together. She walks slowly into the church.

Becky meets up with Mooch... sorry Hooch at the cop shop. She invades her personal space but she's cool. They have no evidence and she knows it. He's got a "refuse charge" form for her but it's clear he's got a bee in his bonnet about the whole affair. She snatches the paper from him and gleefully dances out the door, waving it over her head.

The funeral music, Abide With Me, starts as Barry, Tony, Tom and Ryan carry Liam inside. Carla looks like she can't quite believe she's there, she glances at Maria but Maria's too preoccupied to notice. Ozzy is snuffling and making little whining sounds as the Priest starts the service, much to Kirk's chagrin. But when the Priest welcomes everyone, and Ozzy, Ozzy settles down to listen with cocked head. Carla can't take it. She gets up and rushes out of the church. The service continues as the family (and me) are barely holding back the tears. Outside, Carla is sobbing into her hands as she collapses against the church.

Tvor

Back at the church for Liam's funeral and we're singing a hymn. Something quite familiar to me from my school days but can't put my finger on the title. Michelle is comforting Ryan. Everyone sits down. Vicky, with the Underworld gang, remarks that there's still no sign of Carla. Kelly tells Julie not to hijack the funeral with her sobbing but Sean tells Kelly just to let her. "It's not like Carla held back," he says.

Liam's Dad stands up to read from the book of Matthew. Tony looks around for Carla. Leanne gets up and leaves. Sean says, "Another drama queen, exit stage left." Tony sits with a face like thunder through the reading as Audrey watches him from the other side of the aisle.

Leanne finds Carla outside and tells her she just needs to get through today. Carla asks her if tomorrow or the day after that will be better. Liam is dead and Carla feels like she wants to march into the chapel and tell everyone that Liam loved her. Leanne asks her what good that would do. Carla is adamant she doesn't care.

At the Websters', the police detective handling Rosie's case comes to tell Sally and Kevin that some money has been drawn from Rosie's bank account using a valid PIN from an ATM in Crumpsall. She asks Sally and Kevin if Rosie was diligent about her PINs and cards. Sally tells her that Rosie wouldn't have put her money at risk but the police tells her that there was no CCTV footage of whoever it was that withdrew the cash. The police detective leaves. Sally and Kevin get their coats and head out to Crumpsall.

Back at the funeral, a rendition of Ave Maria is just finishing up. Ryan gets up for a reading but is unable to read through the tears. Michelle gives him some support and tells him to abandon the bible reading and tell everyone what Liam said to him in the car once, when Ryan was upset about Paul. Apparently, when Ryan asked how he was to know that Liam wouldn't leave him like his dad and Uncle Paul did, Liam told him that he could never know that for sure but, "The trick is to make the most of the people that matter to you every day." It was something he said quite often to Ryan after that. Maria looks on with a tear in her eye. Tony has a stony face. Ryan gets a bit upset and sits down.

Dev pulls up in his car outside his shop. His mobile phone rings; it's Tara giving him a chance to grovel. She will come over later. Dev is decidedly down.

Outside the church, Carla is remembering and telling Leanne that she looked Liam right in the eye and told him she didn't love him before he died. Tony comes out, perhaps having heard the tail end of Carla's tale of woe and asks, "Having a wee social?" Leanne scarpers. Audrey comes out looking for Tony who is needed as a pallbearer. Kelly tells Audrey that Tony is no longer required since the tall bloke that is with Maria's mum will carry the coffin. "Maria's dad?" asks Audrey. Kelly appears shocked that Maria's parents are still together. Audrey snaps at Kelly, wondering what the world is coming to but Kelly snaps back, "How long were you with Gail's dad for?"

The coffin comes out of the chapel and heads off to the cemetery which is in view of the church (really, are people still buried in cemeteries in church grounds?) It's all very sad with lots of sobbing from Maria who initially refuses to throw a handful of soil on his coffin. Carla is hesitant to do the same but does so eventually under the steely gaze of her fiancee.

At Roy's Rolls, Blanche comes in for a cuppa with milk and a no-sugar discount, if they have it, which she knows full well they haven't. Becky says, "It's funny how you're called Blanche, in't it?" and then goes on to elaborate when Blanche questions her, "Well, don't people blanche? have you 'eard that Roy? Like, when someone says summat rude, 'she blanched'?..... Yeah.... and then you what says owt what comes into yer 'ead gets called Blanche, it's brilliant!" Roy doesn't think that character can be accurately judged in the earliest days of its life. "And if it could," interrupts our Blanche, pointing at Becky, "she'd 'ave been christened "Common" and you'd have had, "Odd"" Becky cackles away and then gives Blanche her cuppa for free, paying it for herself telling Blanche her "charges are dropped!" Blanche thinks she'll have a bakewell tart as well in that case but when she finds out she has to pay for it, gives it straight back. Becky muses, "I'm not so sure Blanche suits 'er. She should have one of them double-barrelled names like, 'Ungrateful-Cow'."

In the Rovers, Tom and the priest are trying to get Liam's dad to sing them a song (Nooooo!). While Liam's mum indulges them in a tune, Maria sits with her loved ones in a booth by the window. She thinks how much she still had to learn about Liam. (Please, stop the singing!) Liz asks Michelle, at the bar, how she and Liam are doing. Carla, also at the bar, asks for a large red wine. Liam's mum snipes at Carla, telling Carla that she's making sure everyone's looking at her. Liam's dad sings some more to relieve the tension.

Roy is on the phone to lovely Hayley in the cafe. It seems she's coming home- hurrah!

Becky comes into the car and signals to Steve that she needs to see him. She tells him that she needs to give him her good news without seeming inappropriate in front of the mourners. She tells him all her charges have been dropped and smooshes up his face to stop him from smiling in the face of the funeral-goers. She's dead pleased. Steve looks like a stunned mullet.

Kelly asks the pub to be quiet as she has a few words to say. She tells the bar that Liam was the best boss by miles and toasts him with some champagne. Julie sobs and runs to the ladies, all melodramatic. Carla mentions to Leanne that she thinks she's stayed an acceptable length of time and goes to leave. Helen, Liam's mum goes to make trouble, accusing Carla of hogging the limelight. Carla tells Helen that she knows she's always despised her but Helen insists she didn't until today when a stranger (Maria's dad) had to step in and carry Liam's coffin; "a man who's never met him". Carla and Tony try to apologise and Maria and Audrey try to keep the peace.

Deirdre comes home to Ken in a foul mood. Blanche made a show of herself and got kicked out of the meeting about Lourdes by insisting that one of the other ladies remove their shoe to show her cloven hoofs, accusing her of being the devil. Good old Blanche. And all because the offending party had allocated the coach seats and stuck Blanche next to the portaloo. Frankly, I'm with Blanche on this one!

Carla is in the office at Underworld. She goes into her filing cabinet and pulls out a mug Liam gave her with the words, "Queen Bitch" written on it. Tony follows her in. He asks her who bought her the mug. Carla doesn't answer, instead she tells him she needs to go away as soon as possible. Tony tells her that what she needs is a good long rest away from people which she can get right there, with him. He reminds her that he's her fiance, the man who is going to spend the rest of his life with her. He goes to call them a cab so they can talk about it at home.

At Dev's Amber is talking to Tara, telling her all about how wonderful Darryl is. Dev comes in, in a very bad mood seemingly, and sends Amber out so he and Tara can have some privacy. Once Amber is gone, Dev gets straight to it and tells Amber that he needs to be honest with her. "We aren't going to work," he says, "I can't see a way of making it.... eh.... us work." Tara is confused and possibly a bit angry. She thought that he was worth finding a way of cutting through all of Dev's mixed signals, interested one minute, cool the next etc. She thought he might have been decent. Dev tells her that he didn't want to hurt her but Tara is upset. She tells him he's just a game-player and leaves.

Still at Underworld, Tony tells Carla that he wants to look after her but Carla insists she wants to go away. The cab beeps outside. Tony asks Carla to please let him take care of her. Carla doesn't speak, she merely goes out to the cab. When she's gone, Tony picks up the Queen Bitch mugs and smashes it against the floor. He then picks up something from his desk and smashes it through the office window. Tut tut, Tony. Now you have to go to Ikea and replace those aluminium venetian blinds. See what a temper'll get you?

Stella McLoughlin


Wednesday 29 October

It's morning. Carla's pouring coffee and Tony asks if she's going to be there when he gets back from work. She tells him she's actually planning to go into work to sort things out first, before she goes away. She goes off to her bedroom, leaving him sitting in the chair looking rather fed up.

Ken has tried again to phone Peter, but got no reply. Blanche points out that as Lucy, who has died, wanted nothing to do with Peter when she was alive, which, Deirdre says, was hardly surprising, then he might not be as upset as they all seem to think. Ken points out that this was the woman that he married and she had his child, he can't be indifferent.

Tony and Carla pull up outside the factory where the girls are waiting on the steps. "Before we go in there's something I have to tell you," he says, and tells her that he broke the window in the office, deliberately. He did it because he felt that they were on the edge of something good and then a stupid drunk of a driver came round the corner and now it's all gone. He felt he had to smash something.

Becky is outside the cafe on a fag break when she spots Steve walking on the other side of the Street. She shouts to him and starts singing "Bonnie and Clyde" - referring to themselves. "Yes, and what happened to Bonnie and Clyde?" asks Steve, "they got shot!" Becky is full of herself, "No one's going to shoot us, lover!" she calls; Steve tells her to stop saying that and hurries away. "Bonnie and Clyde got to be public enemy number one!" shouts Becky, laughing.

Tony and Carla let everyone into the factory where the broken internal window is soon discovered. Janice wonders if there's been a break in but Tony tells them that whatever it was it doesn't concern them and they should get to work. He then tells Carla that he knows it wasn't a mature, considered reaction, but it was how he felt and he's glad she came in or she might have missed it.

Sally runs across to Kevin who's outside the garage, and tells him that the police have rung to say that it wasn't Rosie who used her credit card. They arrested someone who had Rosie's purse on him, he said he found it in a pub. Sally cries, and Kevin hugs her.

Liam's parents go into the factory to see Carla. His mother apologises to Carla for the things she said. "Don't worry," says Carla, "I've had a lot more important things to think about." "Oh have you?" retorts Liam's mum, bristling, "well perhaps when you've finished thinking about them you'll let me know whether you've accepted my apology or not." Liam's dad tries to get her to leave with him, but she shrugs him off. Carla wonders what she was expecting, was she supposed to be grateful that she's not standing there slagging her off. "Well, I am," she says, "happy now?" Liam's mother turns to her. "Happy? How can I be happy after the loss I've had?" "Loss YOU'VE had?" Carla snaps. "What does that mean?" she asks. Carla starts to talk about losing someone you love, but before it can get really nasty Liam's dad points out they have a plane to catch and hustles her out. Tony, meanwhile has sat through all this with a grim expression on his face.

Kevin and Bill are in the pub discussing the discovery of Rosie's purse. Kevin is of the opinion that the pub is not the sort of place Rosie would go and thinks the purse was left by someone who wanted it to be found.

Liam's parents are outside the Rovers, taking their leave of Michelle and Steve and Amy.

A car pulls up and Peter Barlow gets out. He gets a small boy out of the back seat and tells him they'll go and give Grandma and Grandad the shock of their lives. He walks over and knocks on Ken's front door.

Ken lets them in and takes them into the living where he introduces Deirdre and Blanche to Simon, Lucy's (and his) son. "What's he doing with you?" asks Blanche, but Ken says that they won't talk about that right now.

Back at Underworld, Carla tells Tony that her friend Susie has said it's ok for her to go and stay with her in Los Angeles. Tony asks her not to go, but she says that, just as he felt the need to break the window, she feels the need to get away. He asks if they'll get married when she comes back. She tells him that if he keeps going on and on at her it will force her to say something she doesn't want to.

Out in the back yard, Peter is telling Ken how he got a call from Lucy saying how she was dying. He went to see her and she asked him to care for his son. Ken asks how much Simon seems to understand, but Peter isn't sure. He took him back to Portsmouth and then realised he needed help - and his dad was all he could think of.

DC Hooch goes into the pub and asks Michelle if he can speak to Steve. She goes off to find him.

The factory girls are at the bar, talking about the broken window. Julie says it's obvious that Tony and Carla are not getting married this week.

Out in the back hall, Steve tells Michelle that the policeman wants him for taxi business. He goes out to the bar to speak to him and takes him to a table, after getting him a Scotch.

Dev is upset, and Amber is trying to find out what's wrong, but he won't tell her. She starts asking if he's going to see Tara again, but he tells her she's starting to annoy him. "Leave it, please," he says.

Hooch tells Steve he knows he's lying about his relationship with Becky. "That's ok, you can lie to me," he says, "but if you lie in court you're going to get done for perjury." Steve says he thought all the charges had been dropped. "Sometimes I lie as well," says Hooch, "it's only fair." Then he asks Steve, "Were you with Becky Grainger on the night in question?" Steve hesitates and then says that he was. Hooch tells him he didn't think he's be this stupid, and looks over to Michelle, saying she won't know what's hit her when all this comes out. "See you in court," he says, getting up from the table.

Over at the Barlow's, Simon is in his dressing gown and Peter goes to put him to bed. As they leave the room, Blanche says, "Well, she's lumbered him there!" "Mother!" cries Deirdre, shocked. "Or," says Ken, "she's given him the greatest gift possible - a son." They then decide that it's going to be a big change for Peter, but Simon is a lovely little lad. Ken says he's going to take Peter next door for a drink. "Oh, I'll come with you," says Blanche. "No you won't," says Ken, "I've had enough of your opinions for one day."

Becky goes into the pub, still cheerfully singing Bonnie and Clyde.

Ken and Peter arrive, and are served by Michelle. Peter confesses to his dad that he hasn't seen Simon for five years, so he must feel like he's been handed over to a complete stranger.

Amber is still trying to find out what happened to Tara and Dev, until he loses his temper and shouts that they will never again talk about Tara and that family!

Steve goes out the back to see Becky who's in the smoking area. He tells her how Hooch came to see him to see if he would change his story. He tells her that they don't seem to have dropped the charges. He tells her that if it does go to court she's on her own, he can't risk everything he has with Michelle.

Back in the pub, Peter, having had a drink or two, has loosened his tongue and tells his dad that the situation is a right mess. He feels it's Lucy getting her own back on him. His business is in a mess and he's in a mess. He then starts asking people round him in the pub if they want a five year old to bring up. "I've got one to give away!" he says, "I don't want my own son, so anyone who does want him is very welcome to him!"

Anne Logan



Friday 31 October

Hello, I'm back from my travels (Birmingham, to fall in love with the Fleet Foxes, and Edinburgh, to watch the All Blacks beat Scotland) so here we go with two Friday episodes for the price of one.

It's breakfast time at the Barlows'. Peter apologises for what he said the previous evening. He says everything just got on top of him. Ken says that's understandable. "It's only just beginning to sink in," says Peter.

Sally is also at the breakfast table, but she's crying over the photo album. "She might never come home," she weeps. She's feeling to upset to go to work and says that if she'd known Rosie would vanish she never would have shouted at her. Sophie comes down and suggests she make missing-person posters which they can then distribute around the place. Sally brightens immediately. She says they can take them into town and put them around pubs and other places. Kevin kisses Sophie and asks, "What would I do without you?"

Meanwhile, in an attic not all that far away, Rosie is trying to pick the door lock. The handle falls off and she manages to look both distraught and horrified.

In Emily's backyard, Norris is struggling to push a bag into the rubbish bin. Emily comes out and asks what it is. She recognises it as a bag of stuff she was taking to the charity shop. Norris tells her the shop doesn't want her old tat. They struggle over the bag, with Norris offering to sell the stuff for her. Emily gets hold of the bag.

Outside Carla's flat, she tells Tony she needs to get away. "Will you be all right?" she asks. "I'm not going to smash anything else up, if that's what you mean," he tells her. "I do love you, you know." Carla looks at him. "Bye, then," she says, and gets into a taxi without kissing him goodbye. Why she's not driving to wherever she's going, I have no idea. As she leaves, Tony gets a phone call from Jimmy.

Back at the Barlows', they're going through the dressing-up box looking for something halloweeny. "Aaarrrggghhhhh!!" It's Blanche in a scary gorilla mask. "Is that a mask you're wearing, Blanche, or have you just not shaved this morning?" asks Peter. They discuss what character Simon can dress as, thinking maybe a ghost, because all it takes is a sheet with some holes in. Deirdre suggests Peter go over to the Kabin, because she's sure she saw some scythes there, and Simon can go as the Grim Reaper. Oops, perhaps not the most appropriate character for a boy whose mother just died, but Peter says he's sure Simon won't make that connection.

Out in the street, on his way to the Kabin, Peter meets Emily and offers to carry the bundle for the charity shop. As it takes it from her, it comes open and a basque and other lacy things fall to the ground. Emily blushes scarlet as Steve MacDonald bends to help and comments on the underwear. "They must be Norris's," she says, flustered. As she heads back indoors, Peter decides to join Steve in the pub.

Still in the street, Maria and Kirk's parents are leaving. Kirk tells them Maria will be fine. He'll look after her. When the goodbyes are done and the taxi is on its way to the airport, Kirk suggests he and Maria get some lunch. But Maria says she's going to have a long, hot bath. She sighs and goes back inside her house.

Inside, she looks around at the empty house. Liam's outdoor stuff is still hanging by the door. Maria takes down his jacket and holds it to her face, breathing in Liam's scent. She sits on the stairs and cries piteously. (I'm sorry, but this is now being overdone)

In the cafe, Blanche tells everyone who will listen that the pumpkin soup is disgusting. "Yes," says Roy, "But it's very good for you." Becky is busy making treats to be handed out to trick-or-treaters. Detective Constable Hooch comes in with a woman detective. Becky is told she's under arrest for theft, criminal damage, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Hooch tells her the victim is pressing charges. Becky refuses to go. "Cuff her," says Hooch. Becky says she didn't assault anyone. Roy thinks her human rights are being breached. As she's led away, Roy calls, "Don't worry, Becky! I shall sort this out! Take over, Blanche," and he throws down his apron and follows.

At the police station, Becky is interviewed. She's told that on October 6, it's alleged she was in Shakers' nightclub getting stroppy with someone called Dave Simpson. When he wouldn't buy her a drink, she hit him. Becky says she wasn't there. Hooch warns her she's not helping her case. "It's assault. You could go down!" Becky tells him he knows she wasn't there. Hooch demands to know whether she's accusing him of something, because if she is, then he wants her to say it for the tape. He says the bouncer backs up Dave Simpson's story and remembers Becky taking the purse. "And we have a positive ID for the smashed window." He ends the interview and orders that Becky be taken back to her cell.

At the Barlows', Simon now has a very impressive ghost costume. Peter comes in, grabs him and swings him around, scaring the boy. Deirdre tells him to stop, but Peter says Simon shouldn't be frightened of his dad. It doesn't help that he's reeking of whisky, Deirdre says. And Peter doesn't have a scythe, his parents note.

In a pub which is not the Rovers, Tony tells Jimmy there's nothing wrong; he's just having a drink with a mate. "Is that so strange?" Jimmy (remember him? He took Kevin's garage business and also ran down Liam) replies that it is if the friend is Tony. Tony tells him the hotel they're in was to be the venue for his wedding to Carla, and today was the day it was supposed to happen. Jimmy asks what happened and Tony tells him Liam happened. "How could we forget somebody so perfect, so saintly?" Tony sneers. He says Liam is the role model to which all men should aspire. "Even dead, he's still managing to get his leg over."

At the police station, the desk sergeant tells Roy he can't see Becky. He doesn't have visiting rights.

Meanwhile, Rosie is maneuvering a wardrobe across the attic.

In the cafe, Emily comes in the door. She stops and stares at Norris. "What?" he asks. "Nothing," she says. "You know, I can't remember what I came in here for." She turns and leaves again. Blanche says: "That poor girl. She gets more doo-lally every time I see her."

At the police station, Becky is being officially charged.

At Number 1, Peter shows Simon how to crack eggs for an omelette. Ken and Deirdre ask Peter for a word. Out of Simon's hearing, they say they were thinking of asking Peter to stay for a bit longer to help him get used to being a dad. "It doesn't mean we're going to be babysitters, though." They tell him that Simon is his son and Peter has to take some responsibility.

Becky and her solicitor come into the police station foyer. Becky tells Roy she's been charged with everything, including assault. "That means I'll go down, Roy." Roy tells her they'll prove her innocence. The solicitor says she would not advise that, "not unless you can prove you weren't there." Becky spies Hooch and rushes over, demanding to know whether he's paid someone to lie. "This is what it's about - you want to pay me back for what I did." Hooch tells her: "Just plead guilty. You're never going to be able to prove it - just like last time." Becky tells him he's still paying for that. "You're still a DC after all these years. See you in court!"

Rosie stacks more furniture.

At the Websters' house, Sally and Sophie get back from distributing their posters, only to find a postcard has arrived. "Please don't worry about me. Having a great time," it says.

Back in the attic, Rosie uses the stacked furniture to climb up on to the wardrobe and hammer on the skylight, shouting for help.

Will anyone hear her?
We won't find out until the next episode.

Luckily, here it is!
Richard's away, so here we go straight away with episode two.

No matter how hard she bashes, Rosie can't break the skylight.

In the cafe, Roy agrees to put up a poster and Kevin and Sally tell him about the postcard. Roy says the card suggests that Rosie is having a great time. But Sally points out that Rosie's purse was found in Crumpsall the day before the postcard was posted in Dewsbury. The handwriting is too perfect, she thinks.

In the street, Amber is with Darryl. She sends a text to Dev, saying she's out with Darryl. "Oh, no you're not!" comes the reply. Nearby, Kirk calls Maria to ask her to come out for five minutes. We see Maria talking to him on her phone at an upstairs window. She says she just wants to go through Liam's stuff.

In the Rovers' yard, Becky tells Steve she's been charged with assault. Steve tells her he can't confess to having some fake affair with her. "I'm going to have to retract my statement." Becky breaks it to him that she's not been 100 per cent completely honest with him. "I were so bladdered I could've done owt," she says. She admits she might have done the other things, "but I defo, defo did not assault someone. I never forget a punch." She tells Steve she needs help. Though she says prison might not be too bad. Her mate's mum did six months, "and when she came out her nails were immaculate!" Steve just says, "Sorry."

At the Barlows', Deirdre is on the telephone trying to resign from the Lourdes trip. Peter doesn't want her changing her plans, but Blanche points out that Deirdre's been looking for any excuse not to go. "Those poor cripples." Ken tells her off for using that sort of language. It seems Blanche has been booted off the trip for being a heathen. Deirdre comes in. "She's a piece of work, that Nancy," she says. Not only wouldn't she let Deirdre back out, she's managed to talk her into going and spending the night at her place before the trip! Blanche nods. "She'll be pulling that old ‘I'm scared of sleeping on my own. Can I hop in with you?'." A horrified Deirdre says Nancy can't do that. "She's an Akela!" Blanche says: "She's got a cat called Navratilova." Deirdre points out that Nancy was married to someone called Phil, who died last year. Blanche points out that Phil is not just short for Phillip.

Next door, in the pub, Hooch, who says he's off duty, asks Steve for a Scotch on the house. He tells him there is new evidence against Becky. If it turns out that Steve's been telling porkies, Becky won't be the only one facing serious charges.

In the attic, Rosie has managed to knock the towel rail off the wall of the en suite bathroom. At last, she manages to break the Perspex skylight.

The Kabin isn't usually the place to display knickers, but Emily's holding up a thong (no, you Australians - that's underwear, not beach footwear!) and some lacy panties. Rita asks why on earth Norris would have such underwear. Tina suggests maybe Norris is seeing "some bird". Rita scoffs. "Who would have him?" "Well," says Tina. "It's obvious then. He's a tranny. A transvestite."

In the Rovers, Hooch tells Steve that if he changes his story now, Hooch will have him. When he leaves, Becky tells Steve that if they stick to the story they'll be OK. She says Hooch is trying to stitch her up. "Why are you doing this?" asks Steve. He grabs her and backs her up against the wall. "What the hell are you doing, doing my head in?" He tells her to get out of his pub. Becky tells him she'll go, but first there's something else she hasn't told him. "Please, will you just hear me out?"

Rosie sticks her head out of the skylight. "Hello! Can anyone hear me?" She stares into the darkened street below. "Please! Can anyone help me? Please?"

Rosie's parents are still confused by the postcard. Kev wonders whether she's been kidnapped. "What if it's some fella and he's got her?" he asks in desperation. Sally points out there's been no ransom demanded. He says the cards might be to put them off the scent. "What if she's been forced to write it?" Kevin asks. "What if it's a set-up? What if all this time she's been dead?" A distraught Sally rushes from the room.

Becky tells Steve that Hooch nicked her for shoplifting when she was 16. "He got me in his car and asked me to do something I didn't want to do . . . use your imagination," she says. She gave him a black eye instead. She reported him, but his colleagues closed ranks and nothing came of it. "I think it's gone against him, though." He's never been promoted, she says. She thinks this is pay-back time. Steve's horrified. "So you let me lie to a bent copper?" he shouts. He thinks that if he lies in court he'll get done for perverting the course of justice. "You're not the only one with previous, you know! In his eyes I'm your sidekick. If he's got a vendetta it's about me now, not just you."

In the kebab shop, Theresa teases Darryl about Amber in front of Jason. She calls Dev a snob until Jason lets her know just how well off Dev is. "I've always found him a very decent chap," she says. If you squint, Dev's got a look of George Clooney, she says.

In their conservatory (I'm beginning to think the Peacocks have been abducted, to tell you the truth!) Kevin apologises to Sally but says they have to talk about it. He says she hasn't phoned. Sally thinks a kidnapper is preventing Rosie from phoning. Kevin says the kidnapper could have forced Rosie to write the cards before killing her. He wants to phone the police. "Be strong, Sal," Kevin says. "You've just told me some madman has killed our daughter weeks ago and you tell me to be strong?" she cries. He starts to call the police. Sally goes inside in tears.

Deirdre and Ken are ready for Ken to drive her to Nancy's. "Ask her to show you her Billie-Jean King memorabilia," Blanche says. "She gave a talk on it at the One o'Clock Club." In an aside to Peter, Blanche says Nancy did no such thing, "but our Deirdre will be on edge all night."

In the Rovers, Norris sits with Emily and Rita, telling a pointless story about an upset magazine customer. Emily tells him: "There is something Rita and I want to know." Norris seems confused. Rita tries to stop her asking but Emily is determined to go on. "You know that you can tell us anything," she continues. "Are you a transsexual?" "Transvestite," Rita corrects her. Emily says it's the ladies' underthings in the charity bag. "I've always thought there was something odd about you, but couldn't put my finger on it." Norris says rather too loudly that he's not a transvestite. Rita tries to defuse the tense situation by asking who's singing the song we can hear in the background. "Amy Winehouse?" answers Emily. (I'm far too old to know whether she was right or not) Norris splutters that the lingerie was a competition prize. He entered the competition because he couldn't help himself. "Yes, I do have a bit of a problem, but it's a competition problem." He says he won the lingerie by writing about his dream date with Pierce Brosnan. "I said my name was Noretta Cole." The dream date, by the way, was a dozen oysters in a seafood bar, followed by salsa dancing till dawn, and then a hot-air balloon trip across the East Lancs Road.

Maria is on the sofa at home. She's going through Liam's stuff and finds his phone. She starts going through it and finds all the calls from Carla the night he died. She sits up straighter.

Out in the street, Ryan and Michelle are walking home from the pictures, eating chips. A police car comes past the Rovers and Becky grabs Steve in a passionate kiss outside the Rovers' door. It was Hooch in the car. She doesn't realise that Dan has seen the kiss. Michelle and Ryan arrive seconds later. They must have been to a chippie a bit further away than the one over the road, then. They go inside with Steve and Dan comes across the road. Becky doesn't seem him and is startled when she almost bumps into him. "What are you? Some kind of peeping Tom?" she asks. He smiles knowingly.

Rosie sees a jogger coming past the fairly isolated house. She shouts and shouts, but the woman is listening to music as she jogs and appears not to hear her. However, the frantic waving has made Rosie lose her balance and she falls to the floor and lies still.

The end of the Friday episodes.

Margaret Carr



Updates written by K Richard Whitbread, Martin Rosen, Ann Logan, Margaret Carr, Stella McLoughlin, Tvor, Erica Houston.