2009

Monday 1 June

Wow, it's June 1 already!

Michelle can't get out of Peter's flat fast enough. (Where's Simon?) Peter wants her to stay and have breakfast at least but she's got a million things to do before she leaves today. She assures him she's not sorry she stayed over but she really does have to go in spite of Peter's best efforts to charm, seduce or whine her into staying. She tells him to look after himself and keep in touch (doesn't sound like a romantic morning after to me!) She breaks out of his embrace and skips down the stairs, followed hastily by Peter who tries again to get her to go to Roy's for breakfast. He grabs her by the hand and starts to pull her along. She's not objecting too much but stops him and tries to reason with him. She doesn't want to leave with an argument to remember him by so she leaves him with a lovely kiss. Which is seen by Luke who's just come out of Victoria Courts across the way behind them.

Chesney is in his school uniform and packing his stuff to go back to school. Fiz is fussing around making sure he's got everything. She insists he ring her at dinnertime so she knows he's ok, and if he doesn't, she promises to come to school to see for herself. He sighs and agrees just as Sophie and Ben come to the door. He tells his friends he can't wait to get back to school after Fiz teaching him how to lie. Tsk! Ben and Sophie promise to see Kenzie Judd off if he gives Chesney any bother. Ben teases Sophie that she'd be better at it than him! Fiz says if she's anything like her mother, she believes it! Sophie hands Fiz the newly arrived post as they leave. There's a letter for Fiz... well it's her letter to John that's been returned unopened.

Gail and Audrey are making plans to visit Sarah in Italy. David offers to open up the salon and leaves. Joe's busy in the kitchen and is ready for the off as well, reminding Gail he needs his prescription picking up.

Michelle is back home having had a shower and Maria is gobsmacked that her friend has been with Peter, not long after she's been with Luke (Ok, does anyone here see a "Who's the Daddy?" story coming up? Not a spoiler, a prediction gleaned from many, many years of watching soaps. Mark my words!) Maria tells Michelle she's got to make her mind up. Michelle has, and she's picking neither of them. There's a knock on the door and it's a tearful Fiz. Michelle takes Ryan upstairs to give him money for his mate Phil's mom for his keep while she's gone. Fiz sits down and tells Maria about the letter being returned. She's heartbroken that he obviously doesn't want to hear from her anymore.

Luke comes into the Betting shop to get the lowdown. He reveals he saw the "happy" couple that morning and wonders if Michelle and Peter are playing games. Peter admits it was the only time it happened. Luke is disappointed, Peter did the dirty on a mate and he's not to be trusted anymore. Peter doesn't blame him.

In the cafe, Eddie is scoffing down food, Anna is sighing over Gary's unemployed status. Eddie reckons Gary just needs to find himself, just like him at that age. Yep, Anna agrees, which is the problem. She doesn't think Eddie's managed to find himself either, yet. She goes to get the phone and while her back is turned Eddie steals a pie but shoves it down under his vest when Anna returns. She sighs some more and he uncomfortably fidgets with the hot pie peeling off his skin!

Michelle has clothes all over the room and is on the phone to Peter who's still trying to persuade her to see him. There's someone at the door but Peter doesn't believe her excuse. It's Luke. She rings off and reluctantly lets him in when he says he saw her leave Peter's this morning. She stammers that she's sorry he saw it. It's not what it looks like. (yeah it is!) Luke wants her to know that in spite of their promises that they wouldn't get serious, he realizes he has fallen for her and he doesn't want her to go. Oh dear.

After the break, Ryan has returned and gives Luke the evil eye. Michelle isn't happy with Luke's confession. Luke says he's not going to change his mind but she isn't either and she's still going. Ryan pops his head and asks if she's making them some dinner. She tells her son that she will make a proper meal for them. Luke takes the hint and leaves her to sigh, why do they always fall for you?

Audrey warns David not to cause any trouble while they're gone. "When have I ever caused anybody any trouble" he says. And I think he's serious! Audrey throws up her hands and declines to answer. He smirks. His ear perk up when Audrey says she's not got her burglar alarm fixed and is a bit worried leaving the house empty. David reckons just the sight of the alarm box on the wall will deter anyone and tells her it'll be ok. (What was that you were saying about never causing anybody any trouble?)

Chesney has called Fiz but it wasn't much more than two words, probably "I'm ok" and then hung up. Anna notices that Fiz is writing on prison issued stationery and witters on about how prison can change people, make them hard, which is why she was so glad Gary didn't get convicted over the upset with David. Hayley trundles in from the flat with a cheery smile, as always. She tells Anna she's off to the wholesaler to get some provisions for Emily's church do. Anna tries to reassure Fiz about her friend. Didn't really work, I don't think.

Joe nips in to see if Gail's got his prescription but she hasn't. She was going to do that this afternoon unless he's out. No, he fidgets anxiously, but nearly. He extracts a promise that she'll have them tonight and snaps that if he needs some in the meantime, he'll just have to suffer! Outside, he encounters Gary who politely apologizes for letting Joe down and wonders if he can get his job back. Joe, in the throes of another pain, gets snarky back and tells Gary there's no chance and warns him away from Tina while necking the last couple of pain pills.

In the salon, David gets a text from Gary to meet him outside. He asks Audrey if he can go on his lunch and walks out before she can say yes or no once he's checked there are no immediate appointments. Outside, Gary asks about The Job. David plays on that he doesn't know if he can trust Gary. He teases that it's a contract killing but then agrees to Gary helping on The Job. Sit tight and he'll work out the details.

Now it's Peter's turn to knock on Michelle's door. She's at the table about to eat dinner with her son but Peter sits himself down and puts himself to the task of convincing Michelle. He asks Ryan if he'd leave them alone but Michelle insists Ryan have his meal.

Hayley is in the cash and carry and as she comes to the end of an aisle, she looks up and is astonished to see a full sized cutout of Eddie Windass with the banner "Roy Cropper, Our Millionth Customer" blazoned across his chest. She turns around and sees a dozen mirror images at the fronts of all the other aisles!!! Eek!!! There's more of them down the aisles. She looks horrified, like she's trapped in her worst nightmare!

Ryan finally leaves and Peter moves in for the kill. So to speak. He doesn't get far. She rolls her eyes and wonders if he's going to Do a Luke on her, profess his feelings and beg her not to go. He looks sheepish. Ah. Well, can they not talk about Luke, he asks. He nervously tries to tell her he's liked her for quite awhile, crazy about her and not just because of last night. Surely she's noticed? She reluctantly says she has but that's why she's got to go. Peter tries, he gets his feelings out there and gets her to admit she's got feelings for him so he then tries to get her to call off the tour.

Will she? Wait and see!

Tvor

We're back with Peter and Michelle. Peter tells Michelle that he could fall in love with her at the click of his fingers. Michelle wonders why Peter is trying to make more out of their one night stand than it actually was. Peter claims to know that they could make each other happy but Michelle, somewhat melodramatically, claims, "I don't do happy any more. I've had it beaten out of me." Oh Michelle, I wish I could feel as sorry for you as you do yourself.

Hayley has brought back a life-size cut out of Eddie Windass posing as Roy Cropper from the Cash 'n' Carry. Anna comes out to tell Roy that the Cash 'n' Carry are on the blower for Roy and sees her husband, large as life in Hayley's hands. "Oh, come off it.... you don't think I had anything...." she claims, "On our Gary's eyes, this is nothing to do with me!" Roy points out that it is her husband.

David is in the Windass kitchen telling Gary about this house he knows that needs a good robbing. He tells them that he fitted them a kitchen and that he knows the family are going off on a ten day cruise. Gary seems to be falling for evil David's plans. Fool child. Len Windass comes in and is immediately suspicious of David. He tells Gary of the consequences he would face if Gary got in trouble with the law again. When none of it seems to sink in, he tells Gary, "You're your own worst enemy. You've got your Dad's hair and your Dad's IQ." Harsh but fair, I think.

In the Cab Office, Eddie is sitting with his feet up. He is shocked to see his life-sized cardboard cutout at the hatch all of a sudden. "Flamin' Nora!" Anna is furious with him. Lloyd wonders why it says Roy Cropper on it. Anna is angry because Eddie has broken the trust that Roy and Hayley had in her. Eddie tries to apologise but Anna is having none of it and she goes to leave. Lloyd insists that she take Cardboard Eddie with her, "The real one is bad enough."

Julie and Sean are walking along the street, eating chips. Sean is moaning about his love-life. Julie decides he needs a big sis/mentor/life coach to sort out his life for him. Sean asks her when she can start. "Oh, one minute ago, I love a project!"

Michelle is still feeling sorry for herself. Peter is snuggled up on the lounge next to her telling her what he thinks she wants to hear. Michelle is adamant that she and Peter are a bad mix, "You don't want me, Peter! You're as lost as I am." She drags up Leanne and tells Peter that he doesn't look at her the way he looked at Leanne. What?!? She thinks that they will just be settling for each other and that's not good. She tries to give back the Eurostar ticket he bought for her but he insists that she keep it and give it to Ryan for a trip. Peter leaves and tries to tell Michelle something, "You know, if I had a pound for....... what's the point?" Had a pound for what? I don't know where he was going with that.

In the cafe, Eddie is with Anna, facing Roy and Hayley and confessing to them that him stealing from their cash 'n' carry account had nothing to do with Anna. Anna apologises for not keeping Roy's password safe. "You're the one who should be sorry!" Hayley shouts at Eddie. Eddie fails to endear himself by pointing out that he is falling on his sword here. "Are they meant to be grateful?" asks Anna and she realises she should have known something was up the minute he mentioned Paris. Roy tells Eddie that with his actions he brought Anna's good character into question. "I'm Spartacus!" say Eddie. Hayley reminds him that Spartacus was a hero and Anna chimes in with, "And you're a big fat zero." Eddie adds that he knows he is weak-minded and refers to his hair, perhaps he is Sampson in reverse. Anna leaves Roy and Hayley to come to a decision about her employment. Anna, Roy and Hayley all seem regretful.

At Gail's, Gail is showing Joe all the things she has bought for Bethany and Sarah to spoil them with when she goes to Milan. Joe is preoccupied by his painkillers and whether or not Gail got his prescription renewed. Gail seems to think that perhaps Joe should up his dose to put him in a better mood. She wonders if Joe should go back to the docs but Joe tells her he's doing all right and she should stop worrying. As soon as Gail's back is turned, Joe pops another pill.

Michelle is leaving in a taxi and has a bit of a hug and chat with Ryan who will be staying with Phil. Is that his hospital-swap father? She gives Ryan the Eurostar voucher from Peter. She tells Ryan that Peter is a nice fella so he should be sure to thank him for it. When they hug, Maria has a tear in her eye. Michelle sees Peter across the street and he waves, looking pathetic. Michelle gets in the cab and drives off. Horror of horror- all this time she is wearing a sloppy brown velour tracksuit that really, is only fit for pyjamas.

Sean is in the hairdressers, talking about how he will start to change his life. Changing his name by deed poll is first since he reckons that people with initials further down the alphabet never get anywhere, "Blair, Brown, Bassey, Blakeman (Natasha the hairdresser)- all life's achievers!" They go on with more and more examples until Natasha mentions the name Caroline Quentin. "Ohhh," says Julie, annoyed, "you can't move for Caroline Quentin." "Zoe Wannamaker? Terry Wogan?" Julie urges Sean to own the name Tully and be proud of it. Sean adds, "Eileen insists on calling her, Carolynn Quintin. And I don't know what it is but summat about that makes me want to smack her in the face....." Julie tries to calm Seany down, "Our first challenge, anger management. Does that sound like a plan? And, breathe......"

Eddie comes to see Anna who is sitting in the street, brooding. Because that's where we all want to sit and brood, rather than in the privacy of our own homes. Eddie tries to apologise but it falls on deaf ears. Hayley clipclops over to them and has good news for Anna. Anna can keep her job and she has a repayment schedule for Eddie which he must pay out of his own money. They don't want Anna to pay any of it for him or they will go to the police. Hayley is very kind. Anna tells her husband that from now on, he is going legit, "And seeing as I've still got my job, you're barred from the cafe and you're sleeping in the spare room."

At Peter's, Ken is entertaining Simon a little while Peter clears up. Simon goes to bed and Ken offers to put the kettle on. Peter expresses the wish for a drink- Ken doesn't take the bait and Peter goes on to tell Ken how he made a fool out of himself with Michelle.

In the Rovers, Roy and Hayley are going over the events of the day. "One bottle of Peach Schnapps, poor Anna," says Hayley. She is still keen though, to go to Paris on the trip the Eddie won in the name of Roy Cropper. Predictably, Roy is very uncomfortable with the idea.

Back at Peter's, Peter is opening his heart to Ken about Michelle and is most hurt that he couldn't get Michelle to take him seriously. He goes on to tell Ken about how every bone in his body aches for a drink and how Simon is the only one who keeps him away from it. Ken thinks that Michelle did him a favour and that Peter is not up to having a relationship. Peter knows that Ken speaks the truth and tells Ken he will probably have an early night. Ken tells his soon he is proud of him and of how he is handling his alcoholism before he goes.

Gail, Joe and David are at Gail's house, talking about Tina. David very sneakily pinches the bottle of Joe's painkillers while Joe is not looking.

Peter is at home. Simon is asleep. Peter has an overwhelming longing for a drink. He finds a bottle of something in one of Blanche's boxes to be taken back to Ken & Deirdre's. He opens the bottle, takes a sniff and just as we think he is going to have a sip, he smashes the bottle angrily against the splashback in the kitchen. Poor sod.

Stella McLoughlin


Wednesday 3 June

Gail and Audrey are off to Italy to see Sarah, and David helps them put their luggage in the taxi. Joe asks if she's seen his painkillers and she tells him she last saw them in the kitchen.

Peter is busy clearing up the fragments of the sherry bottle that he smashed, when Simon comes in with bare feet. Peter ushers him away when the doorbell rings. Simon goes off to answer the door just as Peter cuts himself on the glass. It's Ken at the door, saying he's come to see if he can take Simon to school, and to pick up the box of Blanche's things. Peter thinks he's actually come to check up on him so won't let him in, and says he'll bring Simon and the box over to Ken's in a few minutes.

Outside the salon, David meets Gary, and they discuss the forthcoming burglary. They eventually agree to split the proceeds of the burglary 50/50 - with David putting up a fake show of reluctance initially. David goes back into the salon smirking!

Back at Gail's house, Joe is searching the kitchen for his painkillers without success. Eventually he gets a phone call and has to rush off to work.

In the corner shop, Tyrone tells Kevin that he's got no chance running against Jason, (who does look very toned and fit!) Molly tells them that he's going to the gym as well as training. Kevin however, thinks Jason's more of a lover than a fighter. Jason grins. "Who wouldn't be, given the chance?" he says.

Pam turns up at Bill's yard and asks if she can interest him in lunch. No - she's not offering a date, she's selling rolls and sarnies! She tells him they're cheap, tasty and a cut above what he's used to. He says he usually goes to Roy's, but she's got him with ‘cheap'. She tells him tomorrow there'll be grooming tips - but then says she's joking, a builder should look like a builder. He says she should tell that to Jason!

Steve's having his ear bent by Poppy who's complaining because Betty always seems to be late these days - and then when she does turn up she makes herself a cup of tea! Steve knows that Betty's going to be late today, she rang earlier, and he points out to Poppy that they sell more of Betty's hotpot than anything else. Just then Betty turns up - and promptly goes out the back! Noticing the large whisky bottle full of coins for charity on the bar, Sean urges Steve to get a giant sized cheque made up and get the local paper round to take a picture of it being donated. Steve says they could get Betty to do it - the world's oldest barmaid! Sean is put out because he thinks he should be the one in the photo - he thinks he's great eye candy. Steve disagrees and says in that case Becky should do it, and also, as he's the landlord he should be involved. Just then Betty appears, and asks Steve if it's all right if she makes a cup of tea!

In the salon, David spots Audrey's keys which have been entrusted to Natasha. He's about to pick them up when she calls out and asks him to put them in the till. He picks them up, and opens and shuts the till, putting the keys in his pocket. He then asks for an early break and heads off out of the door.

Joe is trying to unload kitchen units from his van, and then cries out in agony, clutching his back.

Jason, Kevin and Tyrone are chatting about the forthcoming race. Kev reckons if there's a pretty girl about Jason will be too busy trying to impress her than to worry about what Kevin is doing. Tyrone says that when he was single no girl was safe. "You? You've only had two girlfriends, Molly and Maria," says Jason.

David has arrived at Audrey's house and let himself in. In the living room he starts to put away all the family photographs that are on display. Of course, the one thing he can't remove is the painting of Alf, but he's confident that Gary will never know who he is.

Joe arrives home in a big hurry, nearly knocking Luke over as he screeches to a halt outside Gail's house.

Just then Peter comes over to Luke and tries to tell him he feels bad about what happened with Michelle. However, Luke isn't in a very forgiving mood as he tells him he's no mate of his, and he's pathetic!

Julie is in the Grimshaw house talking about her forthcoming visit to the psychic. Jason tells her that if she gets to speak to her dad could she ask for next week's lottery numbers!

In the Rovers, Betty seems to be hovering around. Poppy reminds her that there are customers who need serving, (Peter is waiting) but Betty says she wants a quiet word with Steve. It seems she wants to go early in order to feed her neighbour's cat. Steve says it's ok, as they're not that busy. "Well she certainly isn't," snaps Poppy. Just then Blanche comes in and stands next to Peter, who then tells Poppy he's changed his mind. "Were you just about to have a drink?" asks Blanche. Peter says he doesn't know, but confesses that he owes her a bottle of sherry. "You drank a bottle of sherry?" asks Blanche, horrified. He assures her that he didn't, but he smashed it. She gently urges him to come and have a cup of tea with his dad and her.

Joe has gone inside the house and starts to pull the kitchen apart, literally, sweeping things off worktops and pulling doors from cupboards, searching for his missing pills.

Blanche and Peter arrive at Ken's, and Peter confesses that he was about to buy a drink. Ken says it's good that he didn't, and Peter tells him how he wanted the sherry the night before and ended up smashing the bottle. He confesses that he nearly sucked the sherry soaked dishcloth. Blanche asks what stopped him. "Simon," he replies. Ken tells him it's all right, they'll help him.

Back at Gail's, Joe is trying desperately to get the lid off a bottle of aspirins when David walks in. "What the hell's happened here?" he asks. Joe leaps on him and flings him against the wall, demented. "Where are they? You've hidden them haven't you? You found them last time," he shouts. David pushes him away, saying he hasn't seen them, and shows his empty pockets. Distressed, Joe cries that he needs his tablets. "Please, David," he sobs. David says he'll help look for them, but then, looking round the wrecked kitchen, says it looks like he's already looked everywhere. "David, I need my painkillers," cries Joe, but David says he can't help him. He then turns and walks upstairs with an evil smirk on his face!

Anne Logan


Friday 5 June

Welcome to another Friday night episode, wherein you will find as fine an example of passive-aggressive behaviour as you're ever likely to see!

Joe's in the kitchen putting it back together. David suggests the distressed look is trendy, but Joe tells him Gail prefers shiny and new. Joe's cheerful because he's got some more painkillers. David asks where he found them, and Joe says: "Not the ones you swiped." David leaves just enough of a gap before answering for us to be quite sure he's lying. He says he didn't swipe them. Joe's in a pretty cheerful mood. Drugs can do that to a person. He says he went to Casualty and got some more. Very strange. Casualty's on the BBC. David thinks Joe's just being nice so he won't tell his mum what's happened. A text arrives from Gary Windass, saying he'd like a word.

In the Rovers' back room, sexy barman Sean Tully (his words) is keen to be pictured in the Gazette handing over the cheque for £500 from the charity jar money. Poppy wants a word with Steve about the rotas - more specifically about Betty and the rota. Betty refuses to follow orders, apparently (She's 89, she probably can't hear them!).

David meets Gary outside what used to be Darryl's shed. Gary wants to case the joint before they do the burglary, though David points out it's a sign Gary doesn't trust him. But he agrees to take him for a drive past it.

Blanche still doesn't believe Peter's sincere. She tells Ken and Deirdre that alcoholics will say anything to cover their tracks. Ken says Peter's been man enough to ask for help, so he's going to give it. He's going to look for support groups.

Parked outside Audrey's house, David tells Gary the "bling" is in the bedroom upstairs and that there's an unlocked window around the back. The alarm is broken. Gary's interested in electrical goods but David tells him they'll be on foot, so they're just taking the small stuff.

In the Rovers, Becky's also keen on being in the cheque photo. She wants to bump Sean out of the pic. Steve agrees. Watch for the lovely way Becky gets his attention when he's reading his newspaper. Poppy comes in. She's just had an egg-timer thrown at her for asking Betty when the hotpot will be ready.

David's in the butchers' shop talking to Graeme about Gary. He tells Graeme the house is really Audrey's but when Gary keeps the rendezvous, David will be at home, eating chops ("Leg or loin?" asks Graeme). Gary won't be able to resist going ahead with the job and will be caught there by the police. Graeme asks who is going to call them and David dumps some mobile phones on the counter. "That's where you come in," he says.

In the back room, Steve is caught in the middle of a game of She-said-she-said with Poppy and Betty. "There is clearly a clash of personalities here," he tells them, using one of Amy's dolls to emphasize his points, and making it look like a Diddy-stick. He's going to have to report the egg timer chucking in the incident book. "In the meantime, kiss and make up!"

David's bought secondhand phones so Graeme can watch Audrey's house, call the police, call David and then throw the phone away. Graeme's reluctant. He doesn't want Gary Windass as an enemy. He finally agrees on condition he gets a codename.

Sean's back from the bank, all gussied up and carrying a big cheque [On behalf of newspapers everywhere, let me enter a heartfelt plea for big cheques to be banned! If there's ever a raid on a bank and all that's taken is their stock of 4ftx2ft cheques, you'll know I was that robber!). Steve and Becky discuss who should tell him he's not going to be in the picture. Becky tells Steve it's his pub. Steve mumbles to Sean that for the image of the pub he thinks it might be better if a female does it. Sean looks puzzled, so Steve snatches the cheque from his grasp and says curtly: "Becky's doing it!" Becky tells an annoyed Sean that he only works there part-time. Poppy comes out with another complaint about Betty and Steve, concentrating on Sean struggling with Becky over the cheque, tells her she's the manager so she should deal with it.

Ken calls to see Peter. He offers him a leaflet about a support group.

Gary leaves the house carrying a backpack and a gleeful David watches him from behind the net curtains. Joe's on the phone to Gail. David has a quick chat with her. David (Pork pie) gets a call from Graeme (Mr Saveloy) saying he's on his way.

Peter's not sure about the group. Ken says they've got a meeting tonight. Peter doesn't like the idea of touchy feely group therapy. He'd rather take a tablet that makes him vomit if he touches alcohol.

Graeme, wearing camouflage gear, arrives at the park opposite the house and calls David. He says Gary's arrived at the top of the road.

Simon's bored with his books, he says. His Dad's on the phone to Ken, asking if he can bring Simon over.

Poppy's redone the rota and hands a copy to Betty. She's not on it!

Becky saunters into the bar and snogs Steve just as Alan from the Gazette arrives. Becky greets him to a chorus of snarky comments from Sean. Steve shouts at them that the pair of them should do the photograph. They agree. "Mwah," says Steve, giving Becky a big kiss on the cheek. "Mwah," says Steve, giving Sean a big kiss on the cheek. They ready to pose as Betty arrives from the back room, telling Steve he could have had the decency to sack her himself! Steve's startled by the word "sack".

David phones Gary and tells him Joe's back has gone and so he'll be late.

Peter arrives at the community centre.

David phones Gary and tells him the job's off because he has to take Joe to the hospital. Then he phones Graeme, who tells him Gary's walking towards the house.

Peter is introduced to the support group. The leader asks someone called Ross to tell his story. It's a tragic one of child abuse, with Ross drinking alcohol from the age of eight. Peter ups and leaves.

Graeme phones David and tells him Gary's in the house. "Right, call the cops," says David. But before Graeme can do this, we see Ted walking towards the house.

Inside, Gary's tipped all the jewellery into his bag when he hears someone come in. Downstairs, Ted puts the kettle on. Gary's trapped upstairs.

The End of part one.
More coming soon. Very soon.

Margaret Carr

Back to two episodes for this Friday evening and David is up to his tricks again and observation man Graeme is on the phone advising David that Ted is in Audrey's house, as is (just in case you had forgotten Gary Windass) who is doing it over with David's help - only David has conveniently arranged an alibi. Anyway has Graeme called the police - yes - well the sooner they arrive the better for Ted. Although in this neck of the woods a police car is rarer than hen's teeth. David is can see his carefully laid plan falling apart with Ted in residence. Later Mr Saveloy refuses to provide an update until properly identified. Anyway he can see nothing from the park and will need to go into deep cover.

At the Barlows Blanche who is back in residence looks up from her book with the astounding news that Randolph Scott was a gay. Ken said he already knew and many theatrical people were homosexual and it was nothing unusual (although Ken has known at least one who was not gay). Ken of course regrets that he had to conceal his preferences. Blanche silences him by saying that she does not need patronising - she spotted Liberace after all - but Scott was her heart throb. She queued outside cinemas in all weathers for him. Biographies ruin illusions, Tommy Cooper a miser, Bing Crosby a dope fiend scaring his children, and Errol Flynn. No more biographies for her. Peter comes in and Blanche is surprised how soon he has returned but Peter makes light of it - you just say your name, admit your affliction and that's that. He takes Simon and departs.

Inside Audrey's Ted has made some tea, put on some music and gets a book from his briefcase. Gary is watching from the top of the stairs and of course instantly recognizes Ted and realises that he has been stitched up. He returns to the bedroom and empties his bag and then starts thinking about how he might make his exit.

In the Rovers Betty is recalling past landlords and how they administered sackings. All of them were better at it than Poppy. Betty seems to spend very little time on her feet at the moment - I think age is taking its toll. Poppy appears and asks if she is the manager or not of Steve. The Weatherfield Gazette photographer wants his picture of the cheque plus Becky and Sean. After all it is 500 quid for Weatherfield General. Anyway Poppy feels totally undermined.

Elsewhere Bill is at the singles night where he encounters a very inebriated but well spoken lady by the name of Ness but as she says she is no monster. [Indeed not because it is the very wonderful Gabrielle Drake making a return visit to the cobbles of Weatherfield after being loaned out to Crossroads and much other entertainment over the years, I fear it is only a fleeting visit however]. Bill makes out that he is called "Newt" and is a military man.

David calls Mr Saveloy again - we see Graeme perched up a tree with his face smeared with dirt commando style to assist in his disguise. And he still cannot see very much as he tells Pork Pie. Apparently it is quiet - too quiet, like in the films. And he goes on about it being quiet for a good ten minutes. Heaven alone knows if this was scripted or if he was just allowed to ramble on, I say was he just allowed to ramble on?

Inside Ted has a tray and comes upstairs to his room. At which point the anti-hero, G Windass decides to rush past him and down the stairs. Clearly little between the ears. He almost knocks Ted down the stairs and the latter follows him and gives chase, although age is on Gary's side Ted has identified the intruder and tells him so as he follows him out onto the street.

At his flat Peter is having great trouble getting Simon to bed - the latter is playing a great game of delaying the inevitable. Peter gets wound up and starts shouting at Simon who gets very upset and Peter immediately apologises - he did not mean to frighten his son.

Ted phones Plattland and David answers and is astounded to hear about the attempted burglary. He and Joe head over to Audrey's immediately, especially when they hear that Gary Windass is involved.

Bill is trying to escape the Ness monster when he encounters Pam - who has also pulled an unlikely looking cove (probably better suited to Ness anyway). Apparently she is a concert pianist this evening. Ness suggests a foursome for tea the following week and before Bill and Pam escape to a waiting taxi, it is a done deal!

Joe and David arrive to find an ambulance in attendance checking on Ted. He assures them he is alright and then it turns out that he is house sitting because the alarm is broken, although so far he has done no sitting. He reckons that Gary was more scared than he was and Joe says he should be - with his existing record he will go down. It would be good to have the scumbag off the street. Ted is convinced by them to return to Gail's house - he has had a nasty shock and needs looking after. They arrive on the Street and run into Eddie and Anna and they apprise them of the events involving Gary just before a police car arrives looking for their son.

At the Rovers Poppy is still going off on one. Says that Betty is well past it, which Betty hears. Steve just wants a bit of peace and quiet and wants everyone to pretend it never happened and they all need to get on together. He asks Betty if she will turn up for her next shift and she says with her usual positive nature that she would think about it. And then with some normality restored the photographer gets his shot - with Steve's sour face mid shot between Becky and Sean.

Peter takes Simon back to Number One and asks for him to be looked after as he has something to do and he departs in a hurry. Peter returns to the AA session and takes his place and this time Peter admits that he is alcoholic. He then says that he thought you were supposed to feel better having made the admission. The leader of the group says that it is different for each person. Peter says he feels no better indeed he does not think he has ever felt worse.

Gary is prowling around in the dark and sees a police car outside his house. He decides not to go home just at the moment and disappears into the darkness.

At Plattville Ted is saying it has made him feel old and impotent. A few years ago he would have given chase and caught the kid - but not these days. David asks if he is OK and as he asks Ted grasps his chest and his legs give way - Joe just about manages to catch him. He is lowered onto a chair and says he is feeling light headed and he is gasping for air. Joe calls and ambulance and David gets Ted some water. We can see David's face - he can see Ted getting worse by the second and all caused by his plan to cause trouble for Windass - and it looks like Ted is having a heart attack. Will Ted die?

All will be revealed next week.

K Richard W


Monday 8 June

David is keeping watch over Ted who is asleep and hooked up to machines. Joe arrives and lets David know that he's been in touch with Gail and they're trying to get an earlier plane. Joe is a bit suspicious as to why Gary picked Audrey's house. David has an explanation for that, Gary probably thought he could get one over on "us" and Joe buys it, saying Gary obviously didn't think what would happen if he got caught. They speculate what Gary could get charged with and Joe figures it'll be something that will put him inside for years. David, looking tired, cracks a small smile at that prospect.

Deirdre is sorting out Simon for school. Simon is intent on talking to his father but since the adults don't know where Peter is, they try to fob off the boy by saying he'll see Daddy after school but Simon won't be fobbed off. Ken suggests they try to ring him on the way to school. Simon agrees to that. They leave and Deirdre and Blanche discuss the situation. Blanche thinks Peter disappeared to go boozing.

Anna is distraught, worried about Gary and what the police said he did. Gary doesn't seem too bothered and offers to make her some toast. Or maybe he's just trying to keep busy, himself.

Down the road, Ashley greets Graeme who's waiting outside the shop and asks him what he did last night, as you do with coworkers. Graeme seems a bit defensive, insisting he was home watching telly. Ashley sees Peter go by just then and asks how he is. Peter is on his way to the doctor's which has Ashley narrowing his eyes with concern. Across the road, Pam comes to see Bill. They discuss their afternoon dates with their new acquaintances. They wonder what their prospective dates will expect from them. They wonder if they should just not show up.

Meanwhile, Len has brought Gary home and they agree to stick by their stories. His parents confront him with the accusations made and they are given the story of the day, Gary went out drinking with Len and decided to stay over. Len finds out that the Platts started the accusations so tells them the family will stick together!

In the hospital, Ted's doctor has confirmed that he's had a heart attack. He's being kept in for more tests and monitoring. He asks David and Joe if Gary has been caught. Ted says Gary was alone. Joe is in pain and says he's got to go home. Ted directs David home but he wants to stay and make sure his granddad is ok. Ted thanks him, breathlessly.

Steve and Becky are sucking up to Betty, passing her cups of tea and biscuits. Becky asks Betty how long she's been working there. Close on forty years it is and she hopes she's doing something right to have kept her job. Poppy comes in and regards the triumvirate suspiciously and makes a crack about them talking about her behind her back. Poppy goes into the bar, Steve hopes everyone can just get along. Betty doesn't look to sure it's going to happen.

Two detectives have come to talk to Ted about the incident. He asks if David can stay and permission is granted. The police tell Ted that they could be looking at more serious charges might be in order. They want to go over what happened. Ted describes the incident in great detail, saying that he did recognize Gary Windass.

Joe looks at the Windass door balefully and storms up and pounds on it. Anna goes to the door, not sure who's there. Joe starts in shouting at her and making it sound like Gary actually attacked Ted on purpose. Gary didn't know about Ted falling ill and Len is not best pleased to hear those charges, which Joe says could lead to murder charges. After the break, there's a Windass family conference. They are frightened that there's an accusation against Gary that he attacked Ted, causing a heart attack. Len says they know it wasn't Gary and they just need to keep their mouths shut.

In hospital, David tells Ted that he did a good job of nailing Gary. Not his intention, Ted assures, it was just the truth. Ted scolds David for sounding too triumphant about Gary's downfall but says he needs to have another sleep and sends David home for a rest.

In the butcher's shop, Graeme is scrubbing the counter but Ashley thinks Graeme's got troubles on his mind. Not so, Graeme exclaims but you know he's just bricking it. Ashley has Peter on his mind.

Meanwhile, Pam has arrived back to see Bill. They both admit that neither of them could call off the dates. Pam suggests they both go on the dates as a double date and keep their eyes out for each other. They promise not to leave the other alone with Gilbert/Vanessa. Deal.

Ashley runs over to see Peter. Peter hesitatingly tells Ash that he went to a meeting for alcoholics and had gone to the doctor to get his liver checked out. He's still not faced his family yet. Ashley looks er.. ashen faced, making excuses "We all like a drink, don't we?" Peter patiently says there's liking and then there's needing to the point of doing anything to get it. Ashley is speechless but Peter just jokes You can say anything you like as long as it isn't "it's my round"

Anna peers out the window to the back where Len is jumping all over Gary for how serious the situation is. Gary defends himself, he only bumped into Ted and Ted went running out after him. He didn't put Ted in hospital. End of. Len, you see, gave Gary an alibi but considering the situation, all that stand together business is going out the window. Len promises that if Gary's up on murder charges, he's long gone and leaving his nephew to fend for himself. Nice.

Back in the bar, Poppy confirms to Sean that she's still the manager and does Betty agree? Betty snarls that she can call herself whatever she wants. Poppy is putting Sean firmly in the middle, defending her position as Queen Bee with Betty pulling faces at the back of the bar. In the back, Becky and Steve hear them all bickering. Steve comes in to see what's up. Poppy accuses Betty of using her long standing so that she can do whatever she wants. Steve, spineless as ever, declines to get involved and leaves them to it. Too many chiefs and not enough Indians, is Becky's assessment. The screaming gets louder and Steve does what he does best...go to ring his mum!

Peter arrives home to face the inquisition. They all beat up on him and tell him he's a disgrace. They won't let him get a word in edgewise. He finally gets it out and tells them that he went to the meeting, no... he actually went back to the meeting and faced up to it. He says those words again, to his family. "My name's Peter Barlow. And I'm an alcoholic". Ken hugs him but Blanche (rightly) snipes "Saying is one thing. Doing is another".

Betty has decamped and Sean has informed Becky and Steve. She left like a galleon under sail! (And i can just picture it too, can't you?) Steve hasn't been able to get in touch with Liz. Becky castigates Steve for being unable to make a decision. Sack somebody! (meaning Poppy). He says he has to think about it because you can't sack someone without a warning. Finally he sighs that he'll do ...something.

David tells Graeme that Ted's had a heart attack. Graeme is very upset and figures they'll question everyone including him. David assures Graeme that he's in the clear because nobody knew he was even there. Graeme did throw away the mobile phone he was using and David thinks there's nothing to connect them to Gary as several police cars go by, sirens blasting. They run out to watch. The two detectives from earlier come to Number 6. Inside they arrest Gary on suspicion of burglary. (not aggravated assault, mind you). Graeme, watching, figures Gary will tell the police that David was involved. David will deny it and gleefully takes a picture of Gary being led away. Graeme is sure they'll all be in the doo doo before long.

Tvor

Blimey, that week went fast! Please, can this be the week in which David gets his comeuppance? Please, pretty please?

Anna and Eddie are waiting in the police station for Gary to come out from making a statement. Anna is wringing a hanky as she worries about Len's influence on Gary over the years, in the absence of Eddie as a father figure. Gary makes his appearance. He looks confident. He has denied being in Audrey's house and if Ted, an old man, can only say he saw someone who he thought was Gary in Audrey's house, how can the police prove any different?

In the bar, Steve is talking to Sean, trying to find reasons to sack Poppy. Oh, I know one- because there's no point to her! Sean knows his game though and they talk about Poppy and Betty not getting along for a bit. Sean is looking forward to his picture coming out in the paper this week. Becky comes in with the paper. She tries to tell Sean that the picture isn't in but Sean finds it. Becky was trying to spare his feelings, The photo is there but Sean has been cut out- all but his hands. "Your nails look nice," she says by way of consolation.

At the posh tea house, Aunty Pam and Bill are waiting for their dates. They moan about being press ganged into the date in the first place. Bill's stuck up date arrives.

Joe is leaving Gail's house. He reaches into his jacket pocket where his pills have miraculously reappeared. Tina comes over and asks how her dad is. Joe tells Tina about Ted.

In the tea house, Bill's date corrects Pam who calls their meal "High Tea". "Strictly speaking, Stella, this is afternoon tea. High tea is something quite different and, er, rather less refined," she says. Pam feels the put-down. Bill tries to engage Gilbert, Pam's date in conversation but Gilbert turns conversation to Pam's fake career as a concert pianist. He makes a loaded remark about Pam's pianist fingers. Bill's date asks Pam about classical music, trying to trip her up but Pam manages to eventually avoid the conversation by asking Bill what it was like to jump out of an aeroplane.

Joe sees the doctor. The doctor reduces Joe pain-killer dose which Joe is not happy about. She mentions that Joe could become addicted to the meds. "It's medicine, not heroin!" exclaims Joe. He protests her professional opinion but the doctor says that if his pain doesn't improve with a lower dose medication, then she will have to refer him to an orthopaedic surgeon.

The Windasses arrive home in Eddie's taxi. Gary heads off to have a "word with David, see how Ted is." Anna is not happy about this but they go inside for a cuppa. Across the street, David hops off the bus on the way home from seeing Ted in hospital. She tells David she has heard about Ted and adds, "I wish we'd never heard the name Windass." She gives David a hug. David is beside himself with joy. Tina offers David a burger, on the kebab shop, before he runs over to Audrey's to tidy the house up before Audrey gets home. Gary has been sneakily watching them from behind the phone box.

In the Rovers, Becky tells Steve that he needs to re-employ Betty as soon as possible and he needs to sack Poppy. "If I 'ad a pound for everyone who wanted an 'otpot today..." Poppy, in the meantime, is at the front of the bar trying to soothe Sean's ego about the photo. It goes a bit wrong though, with Poppy managing to tell Sean that he needs to lose a few pounds and he's thinning out on top. "Right," says Sean angrily,"well I've got some breaking news for you, lady. A bonafide exclusive..." Steve tries to interrupt but Sean continues. "Gobby bar manageress- sacked! And I've got it from an impeccable source," and he points at Steve and Becky. Poppy is taken aback. "What? Steve?" she asks.

At Afternoon Tea, Bill is telling tall tales about being a paratrooper and is nearly caught out in his lies about foxholes and the like. His date is not put off though and asks him, "Perhaps you'd like to finish your story back in my foxhole, eh?" The pianist in the tea room finishes and Pam is urged to play in the meantime. Pam tries to wriggle out of it but she is pushed closer and closer to the piano by Gilbert.

Steve is trying to break the news to Poppy that he has to let her go but Poppy is not taking it lying down and threatens Steve if he actually is sacking her. "Liz hired me, she can fire me," says Poppy. Becky gives it her straight though, "You're a bossy two-faced cow and nobody wants you here... So, you know, if you don't want that as your reference, I suggest you sling your hook right now." Poppy takes her handbag from Becky and wonders what ever possessed her to take a job in a spit and sawdust dive like the Rovers in the first place. She goes to leave via the bar. Steve asks her if she could say what she has to say in the back room but Poppy has more to say. She tells Becky that it would just be a matter of time before she would have to start fending off Steve's advances, with his history. Becky doesn't take it very well- she grabs Poppy by the hair and slings her out the back door. Poppy's hairpiece comes off in Becky's hand which is possibly the most humiliating thing to happen to Poppy today.

At the tea room, Pam is just about to start playing the piano, Rachmaninoff's 3rd concerto, when all of a sudden she is struck down by "Pianist's Knuckle" which she is a martyr to, apparently. Gilbert rushes off to grab Pam some ice. Bill's date tells Pam that she is not fooled at all by Pam and asks Bill to leave with her. Bill tells his date he would rather stay with Pam, but it was nice meeting her.

Eddie and Anna go to see Ted in the hospital. They are stunned to find out what Ted has told the police- that Gary didn't attack him at all and that he only tried to rush past him out of the house trying to get away. Ted thought Gary was more scared than he was. Ted reminds Eddie and Anna that Gary still should not have been there in the first place. Anna bursts into tears from the stress of it all and Ted very kindly comforts her.

In the Rovers, Bill and Pam are talking about their date. They talk about how the whole singles scene is a jungle. Pam adds that they should just have gone for a meal somewhere together and had a good time. Bill looks excited by the idea but then Pam dashes his hopes by telling him that she is happier single, "You'd think four bust marriages would have taught me that." Poor Bill is left disappointed.

Graham and David are talking about how David will be in deep trouble if he gets caught out in his lie. David pops into the hairdressers to grab Audrey's keys from Natasha. Graham tries a little bit of futile flirting with Natasha while David looks for Audrey's keys. Turns out Natasha has taken the keys off the shop bundle and she'll bring them tomorrow. Outside the shop, Graham asks David what he will do if he can't get the keys. David's plan is simply not to panic. David and Graham say goodbye. As David opens the door to his house, Gary, who has been waiting for him, grabs him from behind and confronts David about fitting him up for the burglary. Gary demands to know why. David tells him it was all about Tina and keeping Gary away from her. He confesses that he had no idea that Ted was going to be there. Gary leaves but not before he tells David "Enjoy it while you can, Pratt (sic), because if I go to prison, it won't be for long. I'll be out in a few months and when I am, I show you what crossing the line really means."

Stella McLoughlin


Wednesday 10 June

Fiz is upset to get another of her letters to John returned, with a curt note not to contact him any more.

In the Windass residence, Gary finally confesses to his mum and dad that he did actually do the dreadful deed, but insists that he hadn't known it was Audrey's house, David set him up. Anna is distraught and Eddie angrily asks him how he could upset his mother like that.

Chesney asks Kevin if there are any jobs going. Kevin says there are, but none for him, he's not allowed to employ one so young, Health and Safety and all that. He asks if Ches is saving up for something. "Yeah," says Chesney, "for when I'm 16 and can leave home!"

David and Natasha are opening up the salon. He asks her if she's got his gran's keys and she says she has, but she can't let him go over there just yet, they've got too many booked in. David says it's ok, although Graeme is worried. David tells him his mum and gran aren't due back till later on anyway, and by that time all the family photos will be back in place. Across the road Len Windass makes a threatening gesture. Graeme is worried but David says everything will be fine.

Round at Anna and Eddie's house, they're not happy to learn that Gary had already confessed to Len. Anna says he should have told them, after all they are his parents. When he says he was trying to protect Gary, Anna says he doesn't need protecting, he's going to go to the police station and confess.

Claire tells Ashley that she thinks Josh's football team need a proper strip, and she has plans to get a local business to pay for it, and get some advertising at the same time. As it dawns on Ashley that she actually means his business he tells her they're struggling as it is. She tells him crossly that she'll find another business that'll be more generous.

Len is of the opinion that Gary should stick to his story but Anna furiously tells him Gary's not telling any more lies. They are trying to bring their son up properly and thanks to him they never get anywhere. Len says that if it weren't for him, Gary would be in prison by now. "Tell her, Eddie," he says. But Eddie is in agreement with Anna. "No, it stops now, he's my son, not yours," he says, "I'm not having you wreck his life." They have a row, which ends up with Eddie telling Len he's not welcome in his house any more. "Fine," says Len, "the next time you need help don't come crawling to me."

Maria is lounging around watching tv when she suddenly winces and holds her bump.

Over in the factory, Kelly shrieks and claims she's just been electrocuted by her machine. Rosie scoffs that it's probably just static and touches it herself - and gets a shock too! Luke rushes over to check that Rosie's ok, much to Kelly's annoyance as she got the first shock. "Yes, but she's office staff," says Sean. Tony comes out of his office to see what's going on, and Luke asks him when the place was last rewired. He admits it hasn't been done since he took over and now they can't afford it. (It would cost a lot more if a worker got seriously electrocuted, or if all the machines went down!) He tells them to quit the amateur dramatics and get back to work. At that moment Claire walks in and asks Tony about the football strip. "No!" says Tony and walks off into his office. Luke is a little more polite and tells her, "Sorry, bad timing!"

In the salon, David is still trying to get away to go to Audrey's, but with the place full of clients, Natasha says he must be joking, there's far too much to do and he'll have to wait till later.

Maria rushes to Kirk and asks him to take her to hospital - she's in labour. In a panic, Kirk bundles her and her case into the car and then sets off - in reverse! "Flippin' ‘eck, Kirk, what are you trying to do?" cries Maria. Sally happens to be passing just then and asks if everything's all right. "No," says Kirk, "Maria's in labour and I've forgotten how to drive!" Sally offers to drive them and Kirk leaps into the back with his sister.

Luke tells Tony that the workers are talking about striking and suggests that they at least get the wiring checked. Tony can't see the point, they can't afford to do anything. Luke thinks they can't afford not to, someone might get hurt. "Fine," says Tony, "you come up with the money, until then stop bleating!" As he goes out, Rosie tells that Tony could do with electric shock treatment it might improve his personality. He grins and says it's a good idea, she could hold him down and he'd apply the electrodes. She sidles over to him and bats her eyelashes, and then suggests they discuss this further, over a drink. He tells her it's probably not a good idea, mixing business with pleasure. "Pity," says Rosie.

Claire next port of call is Kevin's garage, urging him to think of all the parents at the matches who all need their cars fixing. He tells her that times are hard at present, so she then goes and asks Joe, who's still knocking back the painkillers, but he can't help her either.

At the hospital, Maria has been checked over and the nurse tells her everything is fine but she could be in for a long wait. When Kirk starts to relate something about childbirth that he read in a book, Sally suggests they go for coffee and leave Maria to rest.

David has finally got away from the salon and he's waiting for the bus with Graeme. Just then Joe pulls up and tells him he found his missing painkillers - in his pocket. "How weird is that?" he says. David remarks that it's a pity they don't do pills for Alzheimers. "Good move," mutters Graeme, "alienate your alibi!" As he goes to drive away Joe tells David that his mum and Gran are on their way back - from Manchester airport. They got an early flight! David decides to get a cab.

Gary has arrived at the police station with his parents. He's sorry he's let them down again. The policeman who arrested him comes in and he tells him he wants to change his statement and confess to the attempted burglary.

Chesney is kicking a ball around outside Kevin's garage. Kev tells him he should be doing that with his mates, but Chesney says he hasn't got any. So Kevin throws him a sponge and tells him there's a bucket inside, and he can start washing the cars.

David is just opening Audrey's front door when a taxi pulls up, and Gail and Audrey get out. He stammers that he's just come round to tidy up. They walk in and Audrey says that everything seems fine. David tells her that Ted said something about Gary going through her jewelry upstairs and asks if she'd like to go up and check. Gail offers to go with her but Audrey says she'll be fine. David then manages to get his mum to go off and check the other rooms, but before he can get the photos out of the drawer she comes back in and asks him to make a cup of tea.

Gloomily, Claire goes back to the butchers and tells Ashley that no one is interested in sponsoring the football strip. Ashley then tells her that Elliot's Butchers would be proud to sponsor them, and she hugs him.

Drinking her tea, Audrey says that something seems different but she can't put her finger on it. David tries to change the subject. "How was Milan?" he asks. However, it doesn't work because Audrey finally realises that her photos are missing. Gail asks if the frames are valuable and Audrey says that one is silver.

Back at the hospital, the nurse tells Kirk and Sally that it all appears to have been a false alarm, but they'll keep Maria in overnight just to be on the safe side.

Looking for her household insurance policy, Audrey opens the drawer and finds her photos. "Why on earth did he put them in the drawer?" she wonders. David says that perhaps he didn't like them staring at him, but Audrey doesn't believe that. "What else could it be?" asks Gail. "I don't know," says Audrey, "but that lad has got a lot of answering to do when I see him!" Watch out David!

Anne Logan


Friday 12 June

Let's get going straight away with episode one from Friday.

The factory workers are heading to work, past the Kabin - even those who don't live in that direction. Sean tells Janice, Fiz and Julie that Kelly's not coming to work today because of what happened yesterday. Janice is needling Julie about being prepared to front up to management. Kevin stops Fiz and asks if she minds that Chesney's been given a job washing cars. It's the first Fiz has heard of it. Kevin tells her he went through a phase just like Chesney's when he was the same age.

Anna and Eddie Windass are at home talking about Gary. Anna can't work out how they managed to raise a thug, liar and thief. But she says they have to be strong for him.

Maria arrives home after her false alarm. Sally reassures her that it won't be long before the real thing.

Anna and Eddie meet Graeme in the street and exchange some words. Graeme says David told him Gary was going to confess. "Yeah and, unlike your mate, he's a man of his word," Anna tells him.

Sean wants a complete revamp of the factory or he's downing tools. Julie's in the office. Luke's trying to fob her off but she wants definite answers about when he's going to look into it. I don't know how he can concentrate with Rosie's chest all but pressed to his shoulder. Tony asks Julie to leave so management can discuss the issue. She does, reluctantly. Rosie then looks most put out when she's asked to leave too. Luke tells Tony the workers are right - they do need refurb. Tony shows him the VAT projection. They need to pay £31,000. Tony has enough reserves to pay for his share but Luke doesn't. Tony tells him he must think of some way of getting it.

On the factory floor the workers are still agitating when Sally comes in. She tells Tony and the other machinists about Maria's false alarm. Tony tells them to get back to work.

Tina meets David in the street and gives him a card for Ted. She suggests they have a drink in the Rovers later. Graeme meets David and tells him Gary gave up. He finds out David didn't get time to put back the pictures. He can't believe Audrey fell for the story about Gary hiding them.

Tony goes to see Maria. He's appalled to hear she was at the hospital all night on her own. "You can't go through that alone," he says. He tells her he's going to be on call round the clock until the baby's born. "The slightest twinge, you ring me," he says.

Aunty Pam is on a sandwich delivery run to the builders' yard and discovers Bill's told Jason about their little adventure on the singles circuit. "He needed cheering up," Bill says. After Jason's gone, she agrees to cup of tea with Ted.

In the hospital Ted's in the bosom of his family. They start discussing the photos and Gail says you do hear of burglars doing strange things. David says the most important thing is that Ted's safe and well. Whew! Successful diversion.

Roy thinks that if Chesney feels more in control of his own destiny, he might feel better about Fiz. She takes a phone call and heads away. While Roy bores Tina with his philosophy on greeting cards, Hayley sees Fiz is upset as she finished the call. It was John's personal officer telling her John's got clinical depression. Fiz can't bear to think of not seeing him.

As David and his family arrive home, they meet the Windasses. Gary tells Audrey that David set him up. He says the first he knew it was Audrey's place was when Ted walked in. David tries to walk away but Audrey stops him. "I want to hear more about this!"

In the corner shop, Kevin's doing flour-lifting exercises as he talks to Tyrone on the phone. Molly and Jason tease him about it. Molly's going running and Jason and Kevin agree to join her.

Gary's still spilling everything. He says he wouldn't have done the burglary if he'd known it was Audrey's house. "You don't mess on your own doorstep, do you?" Audrey says he must have known because he saw the photos. It's clear this is the first Gary's heard of any photos. "Any you didn't shove them in the drawers?" she asks. "Now why would I do that?" His mother drags him away. Eddie tells Audrey that David's the one behind all this. "Our Gary's not smart enough."

In the Kabin, Roy and Hayley tell Fiz she has their support in seeing John. Roy says you hear a lot about forgiveness but it is rare to see it. They reassure her that John knows she loves him. Fiz feels much better. Roy suggests lending her some books to send to John. She thinks she'll ask Lloyd to do that, because John will recognise her handwriting.

Only Rosie could bring tea and offer to get a biscuit in a way that suggests she's saying "Would you like to take me on the office floor, Mr Strong?" Tony warns him to stay well clear. They talk about the need for cash. Luke suggests they could get the workers to pay for it. Tony thinks he's talking rubbish.

In the salon, Audrey cross-examines David. He says he was home all night with Joe when the burglary took place. David looks worried.

Molly teases Kevin about leaving him for dead on their run. Jason comes past and says he won't be able to make it. Molly still wants to go for a run with Kev, but he looks as if he doesn't really believe her.

In the factory Luke is making a speech. He tells them about the lack of cash and puts a plan to them: they could invest in the company. He's going to sell 9 per cent of Underworld's shares to sell for £25,000. If they can raise that it will pay for new machines and rewiring. For some reason nobody from packing or anywhere else in the factory (there must be more - there another whole floor now, remember) in there to hear this offer. Luke points out they'd get a share of the profits and access to the accounts. If they left, they'd sell the shares back to the company. He says they've pointed out some serious health and safety issues. If they don't get sorted out, the factory might have to close. Tony looks on with a wry smile.

Ted's back home, having tea and cake. Audrey and David arrive. Audrey says they've got something important to talk about.

Natasha calls on Maria to see whether there's anything she can do. She goes off just as Tony arrives. Maria asks if he really wants to be woken up at 3am. She's terrified about going through things on her own. Tony says he'll cancel all appointments from now until the baby's born. And he'll come and sleep on the sofa so he's right there if needed.

Audrey's told the others what Gary alleged. David says Gary's a good liar. She thinks it makes more sense if David moved the pictures. Gail is also suspicious. She demands a straight answer. "Come on. The truth!"

The End.
Episode Two will be along shortly.
Margaret Carr

Written by Lucy Gannon, directed by Kay Patrick and David Kester (most unusual and I can only think parts were shot our of sequence due to cast (unavailability.

David is claiming that he had nothing to do with Gary Windass - after all Joe knows he was sat right there when Gary was doing over Audrey's and for once Gail refuses to believe him. David goes on and on but methinks he doth protest too much when the police turned up. They go over the same ground - but he does not remember telling Gary that his grandmother was away. Gail explains that there have been family disputes and that Gary may even have phoned the police and got himself arrested to get David into trouble. David alleges Gary wants to drag David down with him. The policeman leaves it at that. David has a very silly smile on his face - and Gail continues to probe - she remembers that David was there when they returned - and David is clearly unnerved - even his grandfather wants the truth - he feels out numbered and storms upstairs refusing to answer the question - then Gail realises that he had gone round to put the photos out so that they did not miss them.

At Maria Tony is again checking that she is ready to go to the hospital - food in fridge for return, bag packed, all prepared. Maria wants to know if Tony meant what he said about looking after her - being there. He confirms it - even at 3 o'clock in the morning he will be there every night until the baby joins them. Maria seems a lot happier (and now I have put new batteries in the keyboard I might even manage to keep up!). She finds it comforting - and Tony will even walk the dog.

In the Kabin Ramsay arrives and offers a bottle of whisky as a peace offering to Norris. Norris initially denies liking it, but it turns out that it is his favourite single malt. Norris keeps on that he shares nothing with his brother. No reconciliation yet. Fiz is buying a card but will not say for whom and hurries out. Emily offers to make some tea all round and share out the cakes. Rita calls Norris to run the shop and they all hurry out.

In the Street Gail sees Fiz writing a card for John and gives Fiz a piece of her mind. She gets Lloyd to write on the card, so that John does not send it back when he sees her handwriting.

Graeme is buying a kebab from Tina who admits she is talking to David again - and Lloyd wanders in and brings the tidings that David was visited by the police. She closes up and dashes off to find out what is going on.

At the factory I have to say that I am very worried about Julie who is wearing her hair up in beehive fashion and looks more like Bet Gilroy / Lynch every day. Fiz turns up and rashly leaves her parcel where Sally spots it and once Fiz has turned her back heads off to the ladies with it.

Gail, Joe, Audrey and Ted discuss the events when Tina arrives - Joe says that he was on the phone all night when they were watching television. They all want him to tell the truth. David is wasting huge amounts of breath abusing Joe and still no-one believes him. David eventually admits he set it up and that he was responsible - because he wanted to set Gary up - getting caught before he even left the house. Ted simply shakes his head. David claims he as trying to protect them from the Windasses. Tina tells David that he is a mean sly scheming ... but Joe stops her and she goes, never wanting to be in the same room. David rushes after her and she calls him twisted and tells him to stay away from her - he is barred from the kebab shop. Graeme approaches David and wants to know if he is in the clear - David confirms he is.

Tony is telling Luke that he will be absent over the next few weeks. Luke is not amused - especially when they need new machines and so on. Luke says that there is some overtime available - take a break and they can work through to 8. All seem to volunteer but Fiz has to get to the post office.

Tony arrives at Maria's and she says that she has stopped being nervous over going into labour - for the first time in weeks.

Kev is trying out a new tracksuit - his family are not impressed - and he departs for a run.

Ted looks gray and old and Gail has no solution to David. They cannot kick him out on to the street.

At Emily's the tea party continues when Norris comes in and he is quite rude to all of them and calls Ramsay a cuckoo (in Latin). Both Rita and Emily hope to see him again soon. They both are deeply disappointed in Norris.

The girls are working overtime when Fiz sees pages which have been torn out of some books. She has ripped the final pages out the books she has posted to John. Fiz tries to grab Sally and she shouts at Sally. Fiz tells Sally that John will have nothing to do with her and that he is ill. Fiz picks up the pages and goes home - the rest of the girls seem to have little sympathy for Sally's viewpoint.

David returns as Audrey departs. David stands in front of Gail and asks if he is being thrown out - David gets to keep his bedroom but they want nothing else to do with him. Ted completely ignores him when David speaks to him and both Joe and Gail more or less ignore him as they also climb the stairs. He is left staring up the stairs. I doubt if he has yet realised what he has done.

K Richard W


Monday 15 June

Kevin is skeptical of the factory share plan. Sally figures even with the recession, folk will always need underwear. She points out he gave the same chance to Tyrone. Er. that's different. Kevin playfully teases Sally and says he doesn't mind if she went au naturale! She's embarrassed that Sophie is sitting right there but just laughs it off and Rosie comes downstairs and picks up the post that's just dropped through the door. There's a handwritten letter to her which gives her pause for thought.

Kirk has taped all the book pages back together but makes sure Fiz knows he's not done it for John and thinks Sally shouldn't have ruined all those books. Fiz is desperate to see John to explain and see him before the books get there. (Why? just get Lloyd to send them off to the prison along with a note!). She's going to go to the prison to try to get in anyway.

Rosie is begging off sick to her mum but Sophie thinks it's skivey-itis which it is but her parents are taken in completely. When they leave, she takes the letter back out of its hiding place and makes a phone call.

Gail invites Ted to go with she and Joe on a walk later. David comes in, he's been to the shop for milk. Ted is the only one that answers him when he says Good Morning. David apparently thought that being considerate and buying the milk when he saw they were low was step one into Gail's good books and she quickly and very firmly puts him straight on that. She avers that the only reason she hasn't thrown him out is because she's just too tired to be bothered but he's not going to worm his way back in again this time. He stays there, he pays rent and that's it. Understood? David nods silently. Good!

Tony has spent the night at Maria's on the sofa. He's having a bit of a tumble with the dog, shirtless (Tony, not Ozzy) when Maria comes downstairs. She's surprised that Ozzy has taken so well to Tony. Tony irons his shirt and seems to be a bit embarrassed but accepts the compliments. Maria takes Ozzy into the kitchen to let Tony finish dressing. There's a knock on the door and when Tony opens it, she's gobsmacked to see Tony stood there and even more surprised when Maria says he's staying over ... on Baby Alert, Tony intercedes. Fiz can't get away fast enough.

Norris is still in a snit about the others eating his fruit loaf. Rita knows better, she knows it's got more to do with Ramsay being entertained and fed on the loaf by Emily. and Norris rants on about it until Rita turns round to answer the phone. It's one of the paper boys and Norris takes the phone from her, ordering the lad to come in to work or be fired. He gives the lad an earful and the lad ups and quits. Rita piles the papers and magazines on the counter under Norris' nose meaningfully.

David arrives for work at the salon, wondering if he still has a job. Audrey gives him an earful but doesn't fire him so that he doesn't leech off Gail. Even so, she tells him she can't stand to look at him today and tells him he's having an unpaid day off. The outcast leaves just as Natasha arrives. Natasha starts to ask for the gossip about David until she spies Tony signing for a delivery at Maria's and she forgets all about young laddo.

Tony has made porridge for Maria with his Aunt Muriel's spurtle making for a very good bowl of porridge indeed. She is amused and laughs as he makes more jokes until she tells him he is cute!!! Oh god, she's completely sucked in by his plan to divert her from her former suspicions, isn't she? Fair dues to him, though, he quickly backs off and says he's got some errands to run and she's to call him on his mobile if she has any twinges. She thanks him sincerely and he thanks her for giving him the chance. If I didn't suspect this was all in his master plan, it would be totally gagworthy.

After the break, Rosie is getting ready to go out. She pouts into the mirror nervously and rushes out.

Luke jokes to Sally that Rosie threw a sickie but Sally defends her chick. Julie and Fiz exchange skeptical glances and Sally and Fiz get into a screaming match yet again. Luke orders them both into his office. He tells them they have to keep it all out of the factory. They understand. Sally returns to work but Fiz lingers and cheekily asks for the afternoon off. He isn't so sure he can let her go what with the arguing, Rosie off sick and Tony gone AWOL. Fiz tells him that Tony's taking the time off to look after Maria, which raises an eyebrow or two on Luke's part. She promises to make up the time and in his confusion over what she's just told him, he lets her go.

Tyrone is talking to Jack on the phone and assures him that they're eating healthily. Of course, he thinks Jack is in Blackpool so it's weird that Jack says Buenos Dias when he signs off. He doesn't seem to keen to dig into the salad that Molly's made him, instead, remarks on how much he misses Jack around the house, much to her consternation.

Ramsay is in the Kabin chatting to Rita and sussing out if there's been any thaw whatsoever on Norris' part. No dice, Rita tells him. Norris returns from the paper round and declares he'll never do it again. Growling and complaining, he relates his adventures with every difficult person and dog he's encountered. He admits to being a bit over zealous and could he grovel an apology do you think? Don't think it'll work. Ramsay, who had his back turned, offers to take over the round for the exercise and something to do while he waits out Norris' grudge. Rita is unsure but Ramsay says he will do a week's trial. Norris catches her trying the paper bag over Ramsay's shoulder and she won't brook any opinions from Norris.

Audrey and Natasha come out just as Maria comes back and they gush all over her in their enthusiasm to find out the gossip. She tells them how it is, he's staying until the baby's born and she defends him. They shake their head at the poor girl's illusions!

David strides into the kebab shop. Tina orders him back out. He wants a drink and she reluctantly slams one on the counter. He tries to apologize and she' blanks him. She's bought his apologies before and she's done with him. Jason comes in as David swings out, seeing if there was any problems.

Fiz arrives at the prison with Kirk to see John but since she doesn't have a visiting order, he isn't letting her in. She begs, trying to make the guard feel guilty because ooh John's books are missing pages and she loves him! He takes pity and goes to see if he can do anything.

Jason and Molly have a competitive conversation on the pavement about going for a run. She thinks they should still invite Kevin for their workout. Jason tries to get out of it, seems like he thinks Kevin is just a bit past it but Molly chides him. Kevin kicked his butt last time but Jason defends his tweaked hamstring. Oh, ok, Jason sighs, he'll ask Kevin, too.

Back to the prison, the guard returns to the front desk and knocks on the window. I think the answer is no.

David gets back to the house and asks if he could make a sandwich. No problem, Gail says, but we're out of bread. Ted isn't going out with Gail and Joe and calls him over to say he knows David is sorry. He forgives David and tells him time will probably heal his rift with his mother. Ted reckons they've both been given a second chance. What will David do with his?

John is in the visiting room when a very short red skirt and a top that is opened down to a navel with a huge amount of cleavage bobbling around under the barely there blouse come strutting across the room. It's Rosie! She's changed her lippy from clear gloss to blazing red, too, I notice. She leans over, manages to keep it all in her shirt. Just. And hisses "You've had your cheap little thrill (that would be the view, I take it?, now what do you want, you sicko!"

We find out next half.

Tvor

In which Dozy Wobster learns that acting like a spoiled brat and perfecting the art of manipulation is sometimes very rewarding.

Rosie has come to see John. She parks herself on the chair opposite him and asks, "Are you just gonna sit there perving at me or what? You said in your letter that you wanted to see me." John looks uncomfortable. He tells her that he doesn't think she would have turned up. "You didn't think I'd have the nerve?" she snaps, "Guess what? I stopped being scared of you a long time ago." John wants to tell her how sorry he is. Rosie wants to know if he is sorry for kidnapping her or for having to take a shower with all the other weirdos in prison. John asks her to keep her voice down but Rosie is obnoxious, "You do not tell me what to do any more. Now, are you gonna tell me what all this is about?" Otherwise, she's outta there. John tries to talk to Rosie who is thoroughly unpleasant. He tries to apologise to Rosie and explain how he wants to make it up to her by making her life better. Rosie is ungracious the entire way through until she finds out that John wants to give her money. £150,000 which is the proceeds of the sale of his grandmother's house after he has paid off the debt. (I have melded two scenes into one here)

Norris is in the Kabin complaining to Emily about Ramsay being everywhere. "I would just like him to go away!" he says. Emily tells Norris that she would like to make her own mind up about who she can see and not see. Maria comes in and Norris asks her when "that", nodding towards her baby bump, will be ready. "It's a baby, Norris. Not a meat and potato pie," Maria tells him. She is due any day now and she's pleased to have friends and family supporting her at this time.

Sean sees Tony Gordon in the factory looking less than formal in a t-shirt type of thing. Luke Strong also comments on Tony's attire much to Tony's chagrin. Luke jokes about how Tony is staying with "The Merry Widow". Tony justifies his actions again and snaps about how Luke should be more worried about his half of the VAT.

Molly & Jason are in the street after a workout. Kevin watches them chatting and laughing from the garage where he is talking to Bill. Kevin looks suspiciously at them. Molly comes over and asks Kevin why he wasn't at the gym with her and Jason. Kevin tells her he didn't know about it. Molly thinks Jason must have forgotten to ask him. Kevin is even more suspicious of Jason and Molly now.

Fiz is at her house with Kirk. She is crying about John and is inconsolable. She just wants to be able to talk to him and let him know she is there for him. Chesney comes home and wonders what is going on. He knows it's to do with John Stape. "Because he's the only thing you care about anymore." Chesney leaves.

Out in the street, Kevin sees Chesney and shouts to him that Ches could earn a few quid by washing a car for him (a few quid!!! I used to get two bob for washing my dad's car!). Ches says he'll go and get a bucket but Kevin tells him he has to change first. Chesney tells Kevin he has fallen out with Fiz again. Kevin is kind. "Tell us all about it while you're putting these overalls on," he says.

Ted leaves Gail's house for a bit of Doctor-recommended exercise. David trails behind him telling him he thinks it might not be a good idea. David offers to come with him but Ted has no patience with him. "David, you're my grandson and for that reason I won't turn my back on you. But I'm not ready for a Werthers Original moment just yet." Ted walks off.

Chesney is talking to Kevin at the garage. He can't understand why Fiz can't see that John Stape is a scumbag who should be locked up. Kevin tells him that whatever happens, Chesney will always be the most important person in Fiz's life. Sophie comes over and joke about Ches being the Karate Kid, "Wax on, wax off." She is with Ben and Sian and she wants to know if they can go back to their place and watch a DVD. Kevin says yes.

At the prison, John tells Rosie that the money will be in her account in the next few days if she wants it. Of course she wants it but she wants to know what she has to do for it. John tells her he doesn't want her to do anything for it but would like her to use it to better herself. "Get over yourself!" exclaims Rosie, "You're not Santa or the Secret Millionaire! This is compensation and I deserve that money! You're only giving it me to make yourself feel better." To John's credit he doesn't reach over the table and pull Rosie's hair out before smacking her smart mouth. She says she's going to spend it on shoes, designer gear and a holiday- how she wants. "Cheer up," she sneers as she stands up, "maybe this time I'll send you a postcard!" She teeters out of the prison on her high heels giggling all the way to the bank.

Fiz is at home, pathetically trying to make an audio tape for John. She tells him she is really worried about him and she knows he doesn't want to see her but she is hurting not knowing what is going on with him or if he is OK. She stops, crying as Chesney comes home. She tries to talk to him about John but he doesn't want to hear about it. She sits him down and starts asking him about school and Kenzie Judd. They have a bit of a bonding session over Judge Judy.

Sally is in the street, apologising to Luke Strong that she is unable to invest in Underworld. Rosie sees them and comes over, all smiley and happy. Luke asks her if she's feeling better then because Sally had told him she was ill. After a pathetic excuse about a "24 hour thing", Luke leaves them. Rosie is nearly run over by Minnie in her mini (hah!) who shouts, "You dozy trollop!" Rosie is shocked at what Minnie called her. Sally is shocked that she just saved her daughter's life as she pulled her out of the way of the car and all Rosie can think about is what Minnie called her.

Sally and Rosie go home and interrupts Sophie and Ben snogging on the sofa. Rosie asks Sophie if she shouldn't be at bible class. Sally asks Rosie where she has been all day. Rosie gets a call on her mobile.

In the pub, Molly is talking to Pam about her race on the weekend. Molly is looking forward to it. Molly leaves. Pam stays there since she has seen Bill come into the pub. Ramsay asks Emily is she cares for some company and buys her a drink.

Tony wants to leave Maria for a while to go and do his laundry. Maria tells him he can do his laundry at her place. They're playing more and more at Mummies and Daddies round at Maria's!

Norris gets home and calls out to Emily, unaware that she is having a drink with Ramsay.

Out in the street, Gary sees Ted out for a walk and follows him. Rosie sees Minnie and makes a smart remark about how Minnie nearly ran her over before. Minnie apologises for shouting at Rosie earlier. They are instantly best mates. Minnie complains about her job. Rosie tells her to quit and alludes to perhaps quitting her own job. Minnie asks her if she has something else lined up. "Yeah, well you could say that," answers Rosie, cryptically.

Gary has caught up with Ted outside Gail's house who asks him, "Come to finish the job, have you?" But Gary tells Ted that he has told the police that he did the break in and he just wants to talk to Ted for five minutes.

At the Websters' Sally tells Kevin how Sophie and her mates have left a mess and that Rosie has gone to get a takeaway for their tea- Rosie's treat. They talk a bit about training with Molly and Jason and Sally remarks how Jason is good looking. She then barks at Kevin for drying his hands on a tea-towel. Kevin leaves, telling her that he has something he needs to do.

Outside Gail's house, Gary apologises to Ted for hurting him and hopes that Ted won't think badly of Anna and Eddie for it. Ted is very gracious and accepts the apology and tells Gary he just wants the stupid feud to be over. Just as they are about to shake hands, David storms over and tells Gary to get away from Ted and tells Ted he will handle Gary. "Like you did before?" Ted asks angrily and then takes David away with a semi-friendly parting glance at Gary.

In the pub, Jason, Kirk, Bill and Pam are all drinking together. Jason and Kirk are moaning about men. Pam thinks it sad that the two young blokes are so cynical. "Yeah," says Bill, trying to win favour with Pam, "what happened to romance?" Jason reminds them what romance did for him when he tried it with Becky. Kevin comes into the pub, looking like he's looking for trouble and he sees Jason get a text message on his phone as Bill jokes that it's from Jason's latest conquest.

Ramsay and Emily are doing a cryptic crossword in on of the booths. Sean sees them and makes a patronising remark about old folks keeping the brains ticking over. Ramsay soon makes him regret it by asking him a question about King John or King Henry. "I'm better wi' Queens, me," says Sean before scurrying off. Norris comes in and sees Emily and Ramsay laughing together and looks put out.

Kevin goes into the gents where he knows Jason is. He accuses Jason of not forgetting to ask him to the gym. Jason confesses he thought it would be more fun of it was just him and Molly. Kevin tells Jason he thinks Jason is going off to meet Molly behind Tyrone's back and he thinks the text message was from Molly. Jason shows Kevin the text is from Eileen. Jason is furious with Kevin and tells him, "Tyrone's a mate. I don't know about you but I don't sleep with me mate's wife."

On the street, Fiz is walking with Ches while Rosie follows them. Rosie tells Fiz that she has been to see John and he didn't look good. Fiz is devastated and asks her "Why did he want to see you?" Rosie won't tell her. Fiz is left wondering and upset.

Stella McLoughlin


Wednesday 17 June

On her way to work, looking ashen, Fizz meets Janice and explains that she looks peaky because she hasn't had much sleep. Janice offers Pro Plus but Fizz asks if she's got anything that makes slutty teenage nymphos vanish. Janice immediately cottons on. "What's Rosie Webster done now?" she asks. Fizz says she wouldn't believe her if she told her.

Chez Webster, and Rosie obviously has no intention of going in to work. Sally is horrified, knowing that Luke saw her daughter yesterday, looking ‘as healthy as a horse'. Rosie just smirks that she's had a relapse. Kevin says she'll be losing her job if she's not careful, and reminds her about the recession. "Well some of us are recession-proof!" chirps Rosie.

Out in the street, Ted and Gail run into Eddie and Anna. Anna asks Ted how he's feeling. Gail immediately snaps, "How do you think he's feeling?" but Ted, always the gentleman, calmly replies, "Much better thank you, Anna, how are you?" Anna replies that she's good, and Eddie says that it's good to see him up and about. Ted thanks him as Gail ushers him away.

Tony goes into the factory and collects some paperwork, telling Luke he'll be at Maria's house, and also at the end of the phone. "Chill out, Lukey-boy!" he says. Lukey-boy isn't too pleased, but Tony swans off through the workers telling them to work hard and give Mr Strong the respect he deserves.

Sally tells Luke that Rosie won't be in again, claiming a dicky tummy. Luke remarks that she seemed fine when he saw her last night, and Fizz agrees. Sally, obviously embarrassed, says she's up and down. "Yeah, like her drawers!" quips Janice. Kelly offers to be Rosie's stand in. "I could wear some unsuitable heels and ask daft questions and flick my hair a lot!" she says, as all the others, except Sally, laugh. Janice then announces that it's her birthday and they're all going for a drink or 15 after work, everyone's invited, even Luke. Luke says he loves a booze up, especially with a load of lovely ladies. As he walks off, Janice says she wants him as her birthday present! Fizz asks Sally what's really up with Rosie, and then Kelly points out that she's not in and neither is Tony. "Is there a hotel room with those two in it playing trains and tunnels?" Sally just snaps that Rosie's ill, and can they just leave it.

Over at Maria's, Tony checks the fridge and finds very little in it. He says he's going to go and get her some decent food. "You know, green things that grow in the ground?" She says she'll come too, she's going mad being stuck indoors, even a trip to Freshcos will be a treat.

Molly sees Jason and invites him to the gym later, and then goes over to the garage. She tells Kevin that she'd to look at the books when she has some spare time. As she picks them up, she asks why they're not all computerised, but Kevin reckons books are safer. They talk about her 10k run coming up tomorrow, and she then asks if he'll come to the gym later. She tells him that Jason is, and she needs all the support she can get for tomorrow. "Yeah, sure!" he says.

In the factory kitchen, Fizz has been trying unsuccessfully to speak to John on the phone. She tells Janice that she's going to go and try to see him. Sean comes in and asks what's wrong, and Sally comments that she's had a face like a yard of gravy all morning. Fizz yells that it's because her Rosie has been seeing John in prison. A shocked Sally tells her not to be ridiculous, but Fizz says that Rosie has told her. "And where's she been all week? She wasn't ill when I saw her, and it's obvious you were lying this morning," she cries. Sally asks why Rosie would want to go and see that looney. "What would little Miss Social Climber want with an unhinged, middle-aged, banged-up loser?" says Kelly, adding, "no offence."

Meanwhile, back at home, Rosie is on the phone. "So you can definitely confirm the money will be in my bank account tomorrow?" Then hangs up, screams and jumps up and down.

After the break, outside in the street, she bumps into Minnie who comments on her big grin and asks if she's won the lottery or something. "Something like that," smiles Rosie and invites her to town. Minnie groans that she has to go to work, but Rosie persuades her not to go, offering to buy her in drinks twice what she'd have earned. Minnie asks what they're celebrating and so Rosie tells her about being kidnapped and how the guy that did it has just given her a load of money as his way of saying sorry.

At Maria's house, Tony is preparing food and tells Maria he enjoys looking after her.

In the pub, Janice's birthday celebrations are under way, but Fizz is standing alone at the bar. "Looks like Looney Tunes has decided to drink on her own," snipes Sally. Sean asks if it's any wonder, the way she treats her. Julie reminds them that they're supposed to be a team. Janice asks her to go and get Fizz and then turns to Sally. "Right then, Webster, where's me pressie?" Embarrassed, Sally mutters that she meant to go and get her something but something came up. She rummages in her bag and comes up with a half used deodorant! (Yukk!)

At the gym, things are a bit awkward between Kevin and Jason and Molly demands to know what's wrong. Kevin confesses that he made a daft comment, and Jason explains that Kevin thought the two of them were ‘at it'. Kevin apologies and says he got the wrong end of the stick. Molly says she doesn't know whether to be insulted or flattered. Jason says he was insulted. "Oh thanks," says Molly, "Big hunky Jason with dowdy little Molly? Must have been shattering for you!" Jason tells her not to be daft, if she wasn't with Tyrone things might be different. She laughs and tells them to put all the testosterone down and get on with the run.

Anna and Eddie take a blackberry and apple pie round to Gail's house and Ted lets them in. Gail isn't happy and says she has nothing to say to them, but Ted takes the pie saying it's very kind. Anna asks if Joe is at work, but Gail snaps that he's lying down, his back is very bad. Eddie says he can understand that, but Gail retorts that the difference is Joe's is genuine. "Enough!" snaps Ted, and Gail stops. Then as she opens her mouth to say something else, he snaps again. "I said enough! Haven't we all had enough?" Anna says how sorry they all are, and that what Gary did was unforgivable. Ted says they need to put it all behind them. "Gail?" he asks. Eventually Gail concedes that David is no angel. Ted says that Gary and David are still kids, but they are adults and it's time they drew a line under all of this. Then maybe he can have five minutes peace before he goes to the great hereafter. Gail doesn't like him talking like that, but he says that the one thing the heart attack has taught him is that life is precious and how much of it is wasted. Then he suggests they all sit down have a piece of pie. Gail tells him she wants him around for a very long time (I hope so too, I like Ted!)

In the pub, Luke arrives to join in the birthday celebrations, and Becky realises that they have their own bottle of Sambuca, and comments that Liz would have her guts for garters if she knew. Janice asks if she'd like a shot, and Becky grins and says she read her mind! Just then the door opens and in comes Rosie, loaded with shopping bags, and accompanied by Minnie. Luke wants to know what she's playing at, but Fizz demands to know what she meant about seeing John. "Have you heard what this one has been saying?" scoffs Sally, "that you've been seeing John Stape in prison!" Luke repeats his question, and Fizz loses her temper. "Have you been seeing John?" she shouts. Rosie just giggles and orders champagne. Fizz tries again. "I want an answer, are you in love with John?" Rosie sneers, "In love with that weirdo? Are you joking?" Then she reveals that John has actually given her compensation for what he put her through. "One hundred and fifty grand!" she squeals. "Well," remarks Janice, "that's knocked my roll on deodorant into a cocked hat!"

Tony has cooked dinner and is now giving Maria a massage. She asks if he was that nice to Carla. Avoiding the question he says he'll put the kettle on and they can finish the Desperate Housewives boxed set.

Back in the pub, Sally is finding it hard to get her head around it all. Rosie just says that he felt bad and now he's done the right thing. She explains he told her the money came from the sale of his gran's house, and she hopes it'll be in her account tomorrow because today she's maxed out her credit cards.

Hearing all this, Luke reckons that he's now down one PA and asks Janice if she'd step in temporarily. (Why?) Julie wails that she's supervisor, and he tactfully tells her she's far too good in that job to move her. Kelly says she bets he'd never consider her, and he tells her she's his best knicker stitcher.

Fizz is by now distraught that John never told her he was going to give the money to Rosie and goes outside to try again to phone him. Sean finds her telling someone she'll call again tomorrow. She hangs up and bursts into tears, and, falling into Sean's arms tells him they've put John on suicide watch!

Anne Logan


Friday 19 June

As summer catches the UK by surprise, we're off with another episode one from a Friday night.

We start at breakfast with Tyrone and Molly. When she mentions it being the Big Day, he thinks she means because Jack's coming back today. She means it's her 10km run. Oops. It turns out Tyrone's agreed to pick up Jack at the station and won't be able to take Molly to the race. But he assures her he'll be able to fit in everything.

Over at the Websters', Kevin and Rosie are arguing over John Stape's money. Rosie thinks she deserves it. Kevin calls it blood money. Kevin and Sally both tell Rosie she earns a decent wage for her age, but she's not convinced. "If making me rich makes John Stape feel good about himself, then bring it on!" Sally starts to point out that criminal compensation is usual in some places. Sophie just wants fifty quid – Rosie says she can have 100. "Well, I still think it all stinks!" Kevin insists. Sally suggests Rosie might pay a chunk off their mortgage, or pay for a nice holiday in Barbados. "Er . . . I'm not just going to fritter the money away," Rosie tells them. "I'm going to spend it wisely." A car horn sounds outside. "That'll be my cab," she says. Kevin wants to know where she's going at nine in the morning. "Shopping!"

Julie's trying to make Fiz feel better about John. A tearful Fiz says something must have happened if he's giving away his money. She can't believe he still has feelings for Rosie.

In the corner shop, Kevin wonders whether Molly's cutting it a bit fine to get to the race, but she says she's plenty of time. He reminds her to make sure she warms up properly. "Yeah, I thought I might go and give Jason a good seeing to. That'd warm me up," she says. She's winding up Kevin. He feels as if he's offended her honour. Jason's not her type, she says. "Give me a dopey mechanic with a hairy back any day." She thinks it's sweet that Kevin was looking out for a mate.

There are squeals in the street as Rosie and Minnie get into a black cab. Fiz comes over and tells Rosie she's worried about John and wants to know why she went to the prison. Rosie arrogantly tells her she has to go, winds up the window and the taxi drives off. Sally comes out and tells Fiz she's a nice girl and should find herself a nice boy. Fiz tells her John's on suicide watch. Sally's sorry to hear that. "Well done," Fiz tells her, pointing out that Sally doesn't think it ‘s enough to John to serve his sentence but wants to see him suffer more. Sally denies it, but Fiz reminds her that she tore pages out of books. "It's stupid, nasty little tricks like that that have pushed him over the edge."

In the pub, Steve tells Becky that on the phone Liz just mentioned Becky and said "She's not that bad once you get used to her," and even asked about the wedding. Becky flings down the floor mop and throws herself at Steve at this magnificent news! Steve says Becky had better get her thinking cap on about the wedding.

At the garage, Kevin breaks it to Molly that Jack's train is late and Tyrone's not back yet. Molly asks Kevin about Rosie and the money and they bond over a cup of water. Kevin tells Molly about the gray hairs Rosie's caused him and Molly compliments him on being in good nick with a nice bod. She had a peek at his body when he changed his shirt on a run. She says he was right about her eyeing up fellas. He just got the wrong one.

Fiz is in tears, telling Julie and Chesney about Sally and Rosie. Ches says Fiz is the real victim in this and she's the one who should be given money.

Molly's feeling nervous about the run. She says there'll be loads of fit people there. "And a lot of old codgers dressed as cartoon characters," Kevin points out. Her phone goes. It's Tyrone. He's still delayed. Kevin offers to take her to the run. She happily accepts.

Sally doesn't think Kevin should give Molly moral support when she needs moral support at Freshco's. Kevin gathers all the rubbish from the car, puts it in the boot and ushers Molly into the passenger seat.

As they drive away, another car pulls up. It's Tyrone with Jack. As Tyrone lifts out Jack's bag we can see there's an airline luggage tag attached. Jack falls into the tangled web by saying he's missed a proper cup of tea (dunno why – I expect he went to the part of Spain where you can't get anything BUT English food). He recovers by saying Doreen and XXXXX only have herbal tea. Jack wants Tyrone to get off to see Molly but Tyrone says it doesn't matter because it's only a fun run.

Claire and Ashley tell Eileen and Steve they're off to the community centre to see a children's entertainer, General Custard. This brings Steve upright. This is the same entertainer who did Amy's birthday party, where Eileen helped out. As the Peacocks leave, Steve gives Eileen a Significant Look.

At the park where the run takes place, Molly's surprised there aren't more people. She compliments Kevin on being attentive. Then she's taken aback to see a former neighbour, Natalie Newgate, is also taking part. The woman used to bully her about being over weight and unfit. "People like Natalie Newgate don't change and I'm not running in the same race as her." Kevin tries to tell her she's stronger than that. He gives her a friendly hug.

Rosie's back home and on a real high. She just spent three thousand pounds in one shop! "Where's all your bags?" asks Sally. Rosie's just spent three grand on one handbag, though she tells Sally it's by the hottest designer in LA. "You said you weren't going to fritter your money away," Sally says. Rosie says she didn't. All the A-list celebs want these handbags.

Kevin thinks Natalie looks podgy. Molly realises he's right, though Natalie used to call her Doughgirl every time they met. Kevin convinces her to have a go at the run.

In the pub. Jack's glad to get a proper beer. . . oops. He says he means there's nothing like having one in your local. Then he hands Becky ten Euros. He tells her someone must have slipped it into his change in Blackpool. He says there were a lot of Spanish and French tourists in Blackpool. Tyrone's glad to hear it. "What's France and Spain got that Blackpool hasn't?" Tyrone suggests they go out for tea but Jack's arranged to see Connie. Ty is most put out to hear this.

The race starts, with Kevin taking a picture on his phone. As it starts, Molly leans over to Natalie and says "Hi, Doughgirl."

Tyrone tells Jack he thought some time away would have brought Jack to his senses. Jack asks him to join them for a drink, but Tyrone says he doesn't want to play gooseberry and flounces out. Yes, flounces!

Another customer comes in. "Hi, Slug," says Becky, for yes, it's him. Though he's in a suit and tie. "Neil," he corrects her. She says she thought he was someone else. "No, it's me. I just don't use Slug any more," he says. He's got a job, a studio flat, a moped, and he's clean, he says. "Orange juice, please."

The race finishes with Molly quite near the front. She came tenth, Kevin tells her. Natalie didn't even finish. "She's throwing up in the duck pond," he says. "You were amazing. You are amazing!"

The End for now.
Wait for episode two.
Margaret Carr

There is good news and bad news. Yes here is the update. However I refuse to report on the nonsense going on between Molly and Kevin.

Leaving aside Molly coming tenth in her first competitive run, kissing Kev on the cheek and thanking him we can move onto something more serious. When they get back to the Street Molly wants Ken to turn out for a training run the next day. He appears reluctant but half agrees to go on Monday. She thanks him again and gives him another kiss. Talk about leading the poor man up the garden path

Moving onto something more serious we come across Slug turning up in the Rovers and spotting that Becky has landed on her feet (when she is not on her back with Steve). He saw the picture in the Gazette and he is dead chuffed for her. He had to change or die and he claims to have changed and it is lovely to see her. Becky is not so sure. Anyway he is apparently called Neil and sells mobile phones and needless to say he is young, free and desperate.

Next nonsense storyline is Connie arriving and asking how jack got on in Blackpool - rather wasted as Ty is not in the pub. Connie does not want to push it but Jack insists on a drink.

Across at StreetCars Steve has spotted that Eileen is pining for her cowboy and suggests that she borrows Amy so she can legitimately attend the show.

When Molly does return home her achievements in beating Natalie Newgate and coming tenth are ignored in favour of rant about how Ty has had words with Jack and cannot even bring himself to say Connie's name. Someone take the lad out and shoot him. The rant carries on in yet another scene would you believe - she wants to see Jack the minute he is back, wants to get her claws in deep - she does not want friendship, she wants more - indeed she wants all Jack has got and on and on. Molly is unamused and tells Ty to move Jack's case on which Jack has left the airline tag! Flight Espana, dated today - he has been to Spain! Well spotted dunderhead. Ty opens the case as Jack returns with Connie and he knows he has been rumbled. Jack protests over the case being opened - which is full of souvenirs! Molly asks after Jack's clothes. Connie said she was washing them and so the facts are out - but Ty of course wants to know the important point - did they share a room? (Most kids do not want to know about older people having sex - I can only assume Ty is very confused). Ty gets ruder and insults Connie saying she is twisting Jack's arm. Ty refuses to apologise. Connie is very upset and Jack apologises but she insists on leaving to catch a bus. Molly insists on leaving with them and Connie tells Tyrone that she is sorry he thinks ill of her and she hopes he will change his mind.

Rosie has invested in some designer clothes, handbags and generally has started wasting her money. Sally tells her that John is on suicide watch and Rosie knows that Fiz will be blaming her so she storms out of the house to find the red-headed one. The latter confirms the suicide watch story and Rosie immediately launches into a tirade about she is so not to blame and if he tops himself she did nothing to encourage it - he wanted to see her and she went and got the groveling apologies and that he wanted to make it up to her and then he offered her the money and well with Rosie materialism is everything. And by the way he did not seem suicidal when she saw him.

General Custard is providing great entertainment at the Community Centre to young and old alike, with the exception of Amy who is in dire need of the toilet facilities. Oddly I seem to have a daughter related to Amy! After the show Amy and Eileen go over to Jesse and asks for his autograph and then rather more usefully asks for his phone number and to prove that it is her lucky day he wants to get her numbers as well. Amy just wants to go home!

With Rosie gone Fiz tells Julie that she is now more convinced than ever that John intends to harm himself - or else he would not give away his money. She phones the prison to demand to see him - she is going to insist that they make an exception for her.

Rosie arrives in the Rovers with Minnie Mouse and asks for a glass of champagne but as that cannot be served she decides to buy a bottle. Luke arrives and asks for an ice bucket and a third glass. Apparently the designer handbag is a real Penny Chue (no me neither).

Molly and Ty argue about Jack and Connie. No I don't think I can be bothered. She tries to tell him what a mistake he is making but there is little enough between the ears and what there is does not work, so she is wasting her breath. Anyway Molly has invited Connie to tea on Monday and Ty will be there, on his best behaviour and he will get to know her and by the way she was having a very good day until he ruined it and he was not there to share it with her. He claims to have other things on his mind - but as Molly points out they all know that! Anyway Luke pays for the champagne and he has decided that she can buy into the factory. However Rosie decides to head off into town with Minnie - after all she does not want Luke with them - someone might decide he was her father! She has almost let when she walks back and tells Luke she might be interested in investing and he should call her - but not today.

At Webster land Sal is going on and on about Rosie and Kev sneaks a peek at his phobile moan. A picture of a pneumatic Molly taken earlier (she has lost a lot of weight (as has Kev come to that)). Then the phone beeps as a text message arrives; "Kevin thanks again for today. It was really nice of you." Headed "From Molly".

Fiz has managed to reach the Principal Officer but had made no progress - no visiting order, no visit. Julie suggests writing a letter but Fiz knows that he will not even read it. She has tried the proper channels and the problem now calls for drastic action.

Which will be revealed on Monday.

Bye.

K Richard W


Monday 22 June

I'm doing this by storyline because doing it scene by scene is just too tedious tonight, what with all Fiz's wailing and subservient groveling.

So yes, let's get that over with at the start. Fiz is determined to break some rules and make a stand and that she does. She goes to the prison and when she can't argue, whine or demand her way into the prison, she chains herself to the fence outside, waving a big sign 'Marry Me John Stape' for the CCTV to see and gathers a crowd of sympathetic people who do have proper visiting orders. She even threatens to strip though how she's going to do that chained to the railing, I don't know. The governor is terrified the press will get hold of the story. Meanwhile Stape is feeling very sorry for himself in his cell with the other boys calling him names (sticks and stones, my lad). Make them stop, Mr. Guard. Hrumph, says Mr. Guard, all the while thinking 'You wuss'. Later, the governor orders Stape to his office and shows him the CCTV. He sees her sign (coincidental, that!) and his smile looks somewhat triumphant.

Molly didn't stop running just because she finished a race, oh no, there's miles to go before she sleeps. And she's made tea for Jack's new friend, Connie. Tyrone tries to avoid being there but he's been told. Aunty Pam tries to see Tyrone's side of things though Tyrone doesn't know that. Even so he goes to the pub after work, stalling for time. Kevin stays neutral with regards to Tyrone's moaning about Jack, Connie and Molly not taking his side.

Rosie is still skiving off work and spending her dosh happily. She's going to meet with Luke to discuss investing in Underworld so of course she wears her most serious business outfit, a dress that cost a bomb that also has to be sprayed on her. Luke isn't complaining. Julie spreads the word in the factory about John supposedly being on suicide watch but Sally doesn't seem very sympathetic. She sucks up to Luke hoping to get the PA job away from Janice, threatening to advise Rosie not to invest (as if anyone could talk Rosie out of doing anything she wanted to)

Ramsay is happily delivering newspapers and magazines with his little red cart. Sean is on a diet. Kevin and Tyrone laugh at Sean's nightmares about elasticated waist trousers. Slug..er.. Neil pops in again right at opening time. I don't trust him or his story about turning his life around, no I don't. Eileen and Jason take the mickey out of Bill for taking a fake name to find a woman at a single's bar. Jason and Bill take it out of Eileen for fancying a man called Jesse who entertains kids. Bill and Pam help each other write a singles ad.

Molly, Tina and Minnie have a laugh in the corner shop until Gary comes in which wipes the smile off Tina's face. Later when he tries to apologize to her in the kebab shop, Jason chases him away and he and Tina share a few sparks though Minnie is not backward in coming forward and he decides to take her up on her offer of a drink later.

Tvor

John is brought from his cell to see the governor where he sees Fiz on CCTV holding up her sign which says, "John Stape marry me?" He looks delighted to see her. The governor is concerned that the whole silly charade will turn up on the news or on the internet. He asks John if he is prepared to see Fiz.

Sally and Kevin are at home where Rosie is wearing a new frock. They are both horrified to discover that Rosie has spent the equivalent amount of money as Sally and Kevin earn in a month on the dress. Although, it is a very nice dress. Rosie claims that she earned that money and it's up to her how she spends it. Kevin thinks Rosie will have it all spent by Christmas but Sally thinks it will be good if Rosie invests in Underworld. Kevin is still skeptical.

The prison guard Fiz has been torturing all day comes to tell her the governor agreed to see her. She is delighted and produces the key to unlock the chains that she had pretended to swallow earlier. Oh, Fiz- you're as cunning as a weasel!

Minnie comes into the kebab shop to show Tina what she is wearing for her "date" with Jason later. Tina is jealous but pretends not to.

In the prison, Fiz explains how desperate she was to see John, knowing he was depressed and not being able to see him. The Governor explains that John is being monitored and was quite safe. Fiz pleads with the governor to be allowed to see John since she is frantic with worry. The governor says he will ask John but reminds her not to get her hopes up.

Molly and Tyrone are having a spot to eat with Jack and Connie. Tyrone is being obnoxious and making horrible remarks about a piece of jewellery Connie is wearing. Connie doesn't let it bother her though. Jack warns Tyrone off.

Rosie meets Luke in the bar while Bill and Pam are having a drink together before they embark on their personal ad writing. Minnie is with Jason; they're all over each other. Sean asks Steve if he will swap shifts with him this Friday but Steve mentions it's his birthday on Friday. Sean also lets slip that Becky has been seeing Slug in the bar. He can see that this is the first time Steve has heard about it. "Hush my mouth!" he says.

Fiz is happy to finally see John at the prison. "I can't believe you did that," says John. They embrace for a few seconds before being dragged off one another by the guards.

Tyrone is still being obnoxious at the dinner table. A photo of Vera falls off the shelf behind Jack. Tyrone is convinced that it's Vera trying to contact them from beyond the grave, and she's not happy. Jack tells Tyrone, "You are puddled, lad! Puddled!"

Fiz is telling John how worried she was about him. John confesses that he felt suicidal but that was as far as it went. He knew he wouldn't have the courage to see it through. He is amazed that he has hurt Fiz so many times but that she has still come back to him.

Bill and Pam are in Bill's office at the yard writing their personals ad. Pam tries to tell Bill that he needs to be honest in his ad. When Bill mentions that people have said he has the look of David Niven, Pam asks, "What? David Niven's brother who's gone to seed?" Harsh. Bill reminds Pam that she's not much to write home about herself. For two people who fancy each other they need better communication.

In the pub, Jason tries to flirt with Tina but Tina tells him to save it for Minnie. Steve tries to talk to Becky about Slug but Becky is not very forthcoming. Tina goes to sit with Joe who urges her to go out looking for a bloke elsewhere. He tells her to try one of the posh pubs in Cheshire, "See if you can bag yourself a footballer." Tina can't see herself as a WAG. Sally and Kevin come in and overhear Luke telling Rosie she could be a silent partner. "Oh no, if I'm going to come into this, I want 10% and I'm going to be totally hands on," says Rosie. Kevin is shocked how Luke is practically drooling over his daughter. Tina watches as a drunk Jason puts the moves on Minnie. Minnie kisses Jason goodnight and tells him she is not going to be Jason's latest bunk-up and leaves without him. Sally goes over to Rosie and Luke and asks if they can buy them a drink. Rosie is mortified and reminds her mother she is in a business meeting. Sally embarrasses herself further before going back to Kevin to tell him to come and sit with Rosie and Luke. As her back is turned, Rosie and Luke do a runner. They are out of the door as Sally turns back round.

At the prison, Fiz tells John that she felt that John giving that money to Rosie meant that he was getting his affairs in order. John tries to explain why he did that, pleading for more time from the guard who all the while is trying to end their meeting.

Bill and Pam have written personal ads for each other. Bills for Pam reads: "Bargain basement Cherie Blair lookalike seeks Del-Boy type bloke for ducking & diving, wheeling & dealing." She is not happy but Bill protests that making the men laugh with her ad is halfway there to meeting someone. Bill thinks he's hilarious but Pam storms off.

At Molly & Tyrone's, Molly & Tyrone are doing the washing up. Connie asks if she can help but Molly tells her no. Tyrone mumbles that doing the washing up is the least Connie could do and calls her a Freeloader. Jack hears him and let's Tyrone know. Molly telly Tyrone that he has been "absolutely vile tonight, you're acting like a teenager." Meanwhile, Connie is reminiscing about her childhood and how they never seemed to have much money. Tyrone turns around and basically accuses her of being a gold-digger. Connie takes offence and makes to leave but not before confronting Tyrone, "I like Jack because he's good company, he's kind and he's funny. Why do you find that so hard to believe." Jack walks Connie to the bus stop and tells Tyrone that he wants to have a word with Tyrone when he gets back. Molly is furious with Tyrone.

In the Rovers, Tina has been watching Jason get more drunk while she sits with Joe. When Joe leaves, Jason comes over and starts slurring his words with Tina. Becky tells Steve that she didn't mention that she saw Slug because he only nipped in to say hello. She tells him that they were close but it was years ago and Slug knows that she is marrying Steve now. Jason is as drunk as a skunk. He tells Tina that he thinks they have a vibe between them. He tries to kiss Tina who rejects him and tells him that if he likes her then this is not the best way of showing it.

Jack comes home to have a word with Tyrone. Tyrone tells Jack that he is worried that Connie is going to try and fleece him of the money he has stashed away. Jack is upset with Tyrone, "I don't need this at my time of life, he says. "Come tomorrow I'm looking for new lodgings." Oh, Tyrone wasn't expecting that.

Fiz and John's meeting has come to an end, the guards take John away, prising Fiz off him. As he is dragged away, Fiz asks him if he will marry him or not. He says of course he will and shouts, "I love you, Fiz Brown!" as he is dragged to his cell.

Stella McLoughlin


Wednesday 24 June

Sophie tells her parents that Rosie didn't come home last night. Sally's quite pleased at the thought that she probably spent the night with Luke, whereas Kevin is not at all happy. Sally wonders why – Luke is a good catch. Kevin points out that Martin Platt got called a paedo for the same thing, in his opinion having an affair with the boss is wrong.

Meanwhile, Miss Webster is waking up in her boss's bed as he hands her a cup of tea. He asks if she's all right and she says she is. "Are you?" she asks. He says he's just going to jump in the shower.

Julie asks Fiz if she's seen John. She says she has, and he seems a bit better, but she doesn't mention her marriage proposal.

Jason meets Minnie in the street and apologises for the evening before. "What for? Getting splattered and throwing yourself at me?" she laughs, adding that she's just a girl who can't say yes. "But if you did fancy going……" she begins, only to have him interrupt and say that he's never going out again. She's furious and claims that all lads are the same. "If a girl doesn't put out on the first date you don't want to know!" She then storms off to the kebab shop.

Molly comes back from a run and waves to Kevin who's standing outside the garage. But Kevin doesn't respond, he just turns round and goes back inside. Molly goes into her house where she finds Jack. She tells him that Tyrone is behaving like an idiot. Jack wonders why Tyrone won't trust his judgement. Molly says she knows Ty would be devastated if Jack moved out. "He's not the only one love," Jack replies.

Outside, Jason sees Tina and asks if he owes her an apology. She tells him she likes it when a bloke throws himself at every woman in the area. He says he'll never live it down and asks if they're still mates. She says she supposes so, and adds that her life is so empty she needs some sweaty bloke to brighten it up. Jason says he'll see her later.

Rosie then arrives home from last night, and on seeing her Kevin runs over. "What time do you call this?" he asks. "What are you, my stalker?" snaps Rosie. Kevin wants to know if she's been with Luke but Sally calls down that it's none of his business. Rosie then tells her mother she'll be in to work later to discuss buying some shares. Kevin says that Luke is using her for her money. "Well, it wasn't my money he wanted last night, was it?" says Rosie. As she goes off upstairs, Kevin turns to Sally and asks if she's buying shares in the factory or a place in Luke's bed. He then goes off back to work, slamming the door as he goes. Sally stands and smiles to herself.

Tina gets to work and finds Eddie and Gary Windass in the kebab shop. She reminds them that they're barred. Eddie asks if she knows that Gary told the truth about robbing Audrey's and he just wants something decent to eat before he gets sent down. "Well if you think that's decent you need your taste buds testing," retorts Tina. Gary then tells his dad to leave it, they'll get some sarnies.

Becky is off somewhere on a bus and she won't tell Steve where she's going. He says he's sure she's going off to meet Slug. She asks if he honestly believes that. He admits that he doesn't, but points out that she is being very shady. As she gets on the bus she tells him that all will be revealed in due course.

Just then Hayley comes along and asks Steve if Becky's going anywhere nice. "What do you know about Slug?" asks Steve. Hayley's face drops a mile. "Slug?" she says, "I didn't know they were in contact!" Steve gets even more worried then and Hayley tells him that Slug is Trouble with a capital T. She asks if Steve would like her to have a word with Becky and Steve says he would. "I don't want her to go anywhere near him," says Hayley, "and neither should you."

Molly arrives at the garage wanting to know why Kevin didn't show up at the gym. He tells her his back is playing him up but he'll be there tomorrow. She says he'd better be, or she'll start thinking it's a age thing.

Sally comes along then and asks Molly if she's finished with the books, she wants to have a look as soon as poss. "Poss?" queries Kevin, and Sally tells him it's short for possible. Molly says she'll get the books to Sally asap, and then turns to explain that one to Kevin. He tells them he's not totally stupid. "Unlike this one," says Molly, turning to Tyrone. She then tells him he's behaving like a div and if he doesn't sort it out soon he might never see Jack again.

In the middle of the factory of all places, Sally asks Luke if he's just using Rosie. He asks her if this is the best time and place, and she tells him she went to his office but he wasn't there. He admits that he didn't plan for the evening to end the way it did and when she asks if he was pleased that it did, before he can reply Rosie swans in. Ignoring the catty remarks, she tells them that the only way she'll be setting foot in there again in any kind of working capacity will be as their boss. Then she asks Luke for a word and waltzes into his office. With pride written all over her face, Sally sits down at her machine. The girls and Sean immediately want to know what's going on but Sally just replies that she's sworn to secrecy.

Tyrone goes home to lunch to find Jack watching the tv. As he sits down Jack tells him he's not trying to replace Vera, Connie is just a mate. Tyrone then decides to ignore what Molly told him and cries that Jack doesn't know anything about her, she could be using him. "What for? Me body? Grow up lad," says Jack.

Tony is with Maria when she winces. He immediately assumes the baby is coming, but it's just kicking. She puts his hand on her stomach to feel the kicks.

In the kebab shop, Minnie tells Tina that Jason's not her type and asks what Tina's type is. "Anyone who isn't David Platt," says Tina, but assures her she's not interested in Jason. "He tried it on with both of us and I was sloppy seconds," she says.

Hayley is waiting to see Becky when she arrives back with shopping bags. Hayley asks where she's been and Becky points out that with bags and bunions she would say she's been shopping. "With Slug?" asks Hayley. Becky's furious with Steve for sharing his concerns with Hayley, although Hayley points out that he's just worried about her. Becky flings a carrier bag at Steve, "I was getting your birthday present, plonker!" she says, "you need to trust me if we're getting wed."

Kevin squares up to Luke out in the street and warns him not to mess Rosie about. Luke asks if that's a threat. "You bet it is," growls Kevin. Luke protests that he's one of the good guys and points out that he could find richer girls than Rosie if he was a gold-digger, and tells Kevin to get out of his face.

Molly sees this confrontation and when Luke's walked off, she goes over and asks if Kevin's all right. "Not now, Molly," he tells her. She asks what's wrong, but he won't say and turns away. She wants to know why he's avoiding her – one minute he's telling her how fantastic she is, the next minute she's banished to Siberia. He tells her she's doing his head in and she retorts that he's doing the same to her. He tells her if she doesn't like it to find herself another training partner, and storms back into the garage. But then he calms down and apologises, saying he's having a lousy time at home at the moment. She tells him he should try living her life, just married, and her husband tells her she's no oil painting and Jason Grimshaw is out of her league, and is at loggerheads with Jack all the time. He says he doesn't care about that, all he cares about is…….her!

Janice, Sean and Kelly are talking about Tony living in Maria's house. Sean reckons you couldn't make it up even if you were writing a play.

Eddie and Gary are talking about tomorrow's court case. Eddie offers his son a swig of whisky to calm his nerves. Gary says it will just give him a headache for the big day, and Eddie wonders if he's been a bad parent. Gary says he's been wicked and says that if he gets sent down he'll just have to deal with it. Eddie says he might just get community service, and tells him not to be scared. Just then along come Janice, Sean and Kelly and Janice gives Gary a lot of abuse and then tells him to shuffle back to his ginger refuge.

Kevin takes Molly into the garage and pulls the sliding door shut. She asks what he's doing and he says he doesn't really know but he can't stop thinking about her. She says he needs to get back to work and she needs to get back to the shop. "You think I can work?" he cries, and confesses that he fancies her like mad and when they're out running all he wants to do is jump on her. Molly is shocked and slaps his face. "Keep away from me!" she says, and marches out of the garage.

Anne Logan


Friday 26 June

Mind the sweat stains on this, the first episode for Friday. It's been scorching ‘ere.

It's morning in Gail's house. Ted is lamenting the baying for blood which so often accompanies court hearings these days. He can't see how it sits with grief. Gail disagrees. How would Ted feel if he'd fallen backwards, banged his head and been killed when he met Gary Windass in Audrey's house? "Pretty groggy, I imagine," he says. He thinks the court case will be sad. "We are far, far from innocent in all this," says Joe, as David comes downstairs. "We?" he asks. Ted tells him they're a family and they stick by their mistakes.

Next door, there's ironing and shoe polishing going on and Gary looks very glum. Nobody is talking.

Sally wishes Kevin wouldn't sit up drinking alone all night. "It's uncouth." She says he stank when he came to bed and he was up and down to the bathroom all night. Kevin just looks fed up. Sally thinks he's worrying about Rosie. He doesn't think that in these economic times it's a good idea to throw your money at a knicker factory because the boss has taken a shine to you. "How else is the market going to recover," asks Sal, "if forward-thinking people like Rosie don't show a little faith?" Kevin tells her he had words with Luke Strong yesterday. This really annoys Sally, who wishes he wouldn't go shrieking at the bosses. She goes off to work in a huff, pausing only to tell him to get Molly to give back the books. "They live at our house, not hers!"

Over the road, Molly is also in a snappy mood, demanding to know why Tyrone always has to open another margarine when there's already one on the go. He tries to say he didn't see it, then confesses that the open one had toast crumbs in the margarine. Jack comes in and says he's seeing Connie today. Tyrone tells him to be careful but refuses to elaborate on what he means. He's appalled to find that Jack plans to go all the way to Middleton to have breakfast in cafe near Connie's sister's house. "You should go," he tells Tyrone. "They have the butter in little packets so you'd have nowt to moan about." Tyrone asks what Jack's doing this afternoon and Jack sarcastically tells him every last detail about Connie's brother whom he's going to see. "Any further questions?" Jack leaves and Tyrone rants to Molly about how Jack's attitude to him has changed. "Can you see what's happening here?" he asks. Molly tells him straight that she can see. "You're acting like a moron and you're pushing him away!" Tyrone tries a sideways attack, telling Molly her tossing and turning kept him awake all night. Molly says perhaps he and Jack are stressing her out. Ty insists he won't back down. Connie isn't fit to lace Vera's boots. "Vera's dead!" Molly shouts at him, adding that Jack's allowed a friend. Tyrone slams out of the room.

At the door, he meets Kevin, who says he's come for the books. Ty says he'll go and open up. He warns Kevin not to go opening any margarine tubs or Molly might just take his head off! "Eh?" asks Kevin.

Kevin goes inside and Molly calls out, thinking it's Tyrone. He goes through to the kitchen and says he's come for the books. He apologises for what he said to her yesterday and she asks him not to mention it ever again. "I just wanted you to know that I'm really, really sorry," he says. Molly can't seem to take her eyes off him.

The Windasses wait in the taxi office. Eileen offers biscuits and irrelevant chatter.

Outside the salon, Fiz teases Maria about sharing her house with Tony. Maria asks what's new in Fizland and Fiz tells her nothing.

Jack crosses the road from the bookies to the bus stop, where David is waiting. David asks how his new "bird" is. "She's not me bird. So just watch your neck and shove up," says Jack, a good bum-thrust almost shoving David off the seat. David starts to ask questions about Connie but Jack, not in the mood, turns and asks: "How's your bird, David. Don't think we haven't heard." This knocks the smile off David's face. He says he'll get Tina back. "By tonight, everything will be different." Darryl arrives and asks where David's off to. David just says "town" but Darryl realises the truth. "You're not off to watch, are you?" "No, he isn't," says Ted, appearing on the scene. David insists he's off to get some headphones but Ted demands that David go with him.

In the garage, Tyrone's moaning about Molly and Connie. Kevin takes a phone call. It's a breakdown in Wishaw. Tyrone's going and asks Kevin to put in a good word for him with Molly. But Kevin says he's got his own iceberg to melt.

The street is busy as Tony and Ozzie return home, Tony talking to the dog all the way. "Hello, boys," says Maria at the door. "Woof woof!" says Tony.

Molly watches Kevin manoeuvre a car. She tries to say something to him but he doesn't look in her direction at all.

Ted and David are in the cafe. He wants to know if David's thought about how Anna will feel if Gary gets banged up. "How do you think your mother felt?" All David can say is "They started it." Ted tells him to try behaving with some dignity. "Leave the gawping to Blanche."

At the counter, Fiz is getting the factory cake order. Hayley asks how she is and Fiz tells her she's tip-top.

In the pub, Jason's trying to persuade Sean to go to the gym with him. Eileen sees Colonel Custard come in. He spots her. "Ah. I was nowhere near the area so I thought I'd drop by," he says. Eileen introduces him to Sean and Jason. "Ah," says Jason, "THE Jesse!"

In the cafe, Fiz has confessed about John's proposal. Hayley doesn't think it's good news. Fiz wants to live a normal life with John, she says, even if she has to live somewhere else to do it. Hayley tells her there are plenty of people who care about her and who would hate to see her move away for someone like John Stape. "He's a good man!" Fiz insists. "He's in prison!" counters Hayley. "So were you," mutters Fiz. She asks Hayley to keep the news to herself, apart from telling Roy.

David's been trying to listen in but Ted refuses to be drawn.

Kevin goes into the corner shop. He tells Molly that Tyrone's having trouble with an exhaust in Wishaw. He buys some water and leaves, Molly watching him all the way.

In the pub, Jesse's telling the lads about his ex-wife's role in his show. He says the glory days of children's entertainment are over. He rails against political correctness which has banned Punch and Judy as being too violent. "It's a crisis," I tell you, "a crisis!"

Maria's reading through a list of things supposed to help to bring on labour. She's tried the long walk, the raspberry-leaf tea, bouncing on a birthing ball and all the others. She chokes a little over something in the list and Tony pushes her to say what it is. She refuses to say, so he grabs the book and reads the list out loud. He can't say the last one either.

Molly goes to the garage. She says she wanted to check some numbers in the accounts. She'd also like to talk about what Kevin said. He asks if she wants him to shut the garage shutter for some privacy. "As long as you don't get any ideas and throw yourself at me," she says. They agree that she won't say anything to Tyrone about Kevin. He asks what she wanted to say but she won't tell him until the shutters are closed. He closes them.

Ted, Joe and Gail are in the cafe. Has Gail's kettle broken? Sal's at the counter scowling. She tells Gail it's not Rosie making her scowl, it's Kevin. Ted advises her to make it up and persuades her this is a good idea. She determines to go and make it up now.

In a darkened garage office, Kevin admits he was completely out of order. He's glad Molly's been so good about it. She admits she was flattered. They agree it's over. Molly agrees she should look at the books while she's there. "What else am I going to do?" "Exactly," says Kevin, but there's tension between them.

The end of episode one.
Episode two will be along later.
Margaret Carr

I was surprised that no-one emailed me to object to last week's update so before I plunge in this week can I make it clear that:
a) I am sorry Kev has his midlife crisis some years ago with the woman who is now Steph Haydock in the BBC series about a school and then married the madwoman who got mown down by a truck. I just do not see that he would go mad over Molly (although I might steal someone else's comment really about him getting in some mollycuddling!)
b) and I am not sure about either parent taking kindly to Rosie splashing the cash - and she is not 18 yet is she?
c) And frankly I do not understand Ty getting upset with Jack in the way he has over Connie (although I have an awful feeling that Ty will be proven right at some point).
d) And can someone shoot Uncle Umed?

If the powers that be keep this rubbish going much longer then there may well be a need for someone new to write updates on Friday nights. Do you know there is less shouting going on in Stenders at the moment and I am managing to watch it regularly and they have got Samantha Janus (well from time to time) and even now she remains ... well need I say more - but a few steps up from Tina. The Street lacks crumpet and decent stories - a real drawback in this competitive world.

We open at the garage where Kevin and Molly are behind closed shutters. It turns out they are friends and there is no awkwardness between them. Then Sally knocks at the shutters. This might take some explaining so Molly hops into the boot of the car which Kev closes down and opens the shutters to Sal who wants to know why it was closed up - apparently so he could work done in peace. Sal wants the books - has Moll dropped them off - and she stomps into the office. Molly starts to climb out of the car boot but Ty returns from the breakdown and she hides again. Sal is complaining about Molly's blue ink and tippex - slapped everywhere like her make up. Ty wants to know what is going on. Kev claims that Sal is allergic to tippex. Ty has had no dinner so to get rid of him Kev sends him to Roy's Rolls for some bacon butties. They also make plans to meet in the Rovers and for a curry and Ty loudly expresses the view that he can make such decisions without consulting his wife - although she can hear every word. Kev gets rid of Sal with a sloppy kiss and then gets Molly out of the boot and look at each other rather shaken.

Tina watches Eddie and Anna return in a taxi and guess that Gary has been locked away. Tina is lost deep in thought. David also notices the absence of Gary and asks how long he is away for but gets no answer from the Windass parents. Inside Anna and Eddie look around - no Gary and a quiet home. Eddie goes to make some tea but not a word is spoken.

Jack has spent the day with Connie, playing bowls and having a drink in the Dying Swan. Ty arrives and tells Molly they are going out with Kev and Sal and is not too off hand with Jack either. Molly looks a little surprised at the news and it seems things are better. The landlord of the Dying Swan is apparently the pitting image of one Samuel Baxter McIlroy, who spent about 11 years playing with Manchester United, also playing for Northern Ireland and subsequently managing his national team but is now managing Morecambe. Later once Molly and Ty go out Connie observes to Jack as she winds wool that Ty seemed a bit easier and Jack reckons he will grow out of it eventually - but that he is a lummox.

In the Rovers Jason tries to chat up Tina and almost immediately puts her back up. However he manages to turn it into a compliment and she starts smiling and says she was teasing him. Later when they leave the Rovers Tina assumes he is going into town but he reckons it is tiring being on the pull and she suggests a cuppa but Jason offers some left over wine that he and Sean opened the previous evening but she is not sure - after all if she gets tipsy she might get frisky and Jason replies that they might as well have the cuppa after all - much to her surprise.

Kevin has smartened himself up to go out - even Sal notices he is wearing aftershave. She goes over to him wraps her arms around him and tells him he might get lucky later. Over her shoulder we can see from his grimace that Kev is not happy about the prospect - he would prefer the company of another in bed.

Tony and Maria are consuming a curry and still laughing at the thought that vigorous sex could induce childbirth. Anyway she thanks him very nicely for the curry.

In the Rovers the Websters and the Dobbs families all seem very cheerful taking the mickey out of Steve's new jumper - it turns out that Steve was given the shirt by Becky! A little later Sally announces that Kev is being cocky because he is on a promise tonight - news which for somer reason Molly tends to take badly. Ty asks why Kev has stopped his running and he says because Jason stopped. Ty points out that he likes his new slimline Moll (Ty apparently you are not alone in that). Molly suggests that Kev can run with her and Sally agrees as it will do Kev good in the morning to get rid of his hangover. Kev has to agree and Molly cheers up.

Graeme is trying out his comedy routine on Minnie when David comes in and asks if they have heard about Gary - Minnie tells him off for gloating. Graeme backs her up - they only went to little boy's prison, Gary is in the real thing and that can be bad. David also still believes that Tina will return to his side shortly. Minnie points out that at the moment she really hates him.

And in fact Tina has a glass of wine in one hand and a hunk close at hand. She grabs her chance and asks Jason if he is being deliberately stupid in ignoring her chat up lines and signals. She asks if he fancies her. Yes he does. Does he realise that she fancies him? No he had not. She takes the wine out of his hand wraps her arms around and asks if there is a clue before kissing him. Oh dear David, I think your boat just sailed.

Elsewhere in the Rovers Jesse and Eileen are getting on well - it would appear that he is not attached and is living at home with his parents. She asks if he would like a cuppa and agrees. Tea in the Grimshaw household must be powerful stuff. So they walk home and find two half naked bodies - Jason and Tina who are somewhat embarrassed. Eileen closes the door and retreats to the hallway. Jesse however is overcome and runs away like a startled rabbit. Eileen returns to the living room and asks how long has this been going on - about 3 and a half minutes according to Tina.

Jack and Connie are looking at pictures of Jack and Vera and Jack is telling Connie about Vera and they are both thinking about their lost partners who have died before them.

In the Rovers Kev and Molly get a few seconds together at the bar. Molly wants to know if Kev will go for a run and after thinking about he will go - just the two of them. Yes he does. Molly smiles back - "Good" she says, "I cannot wait."

Oh dear. Much more of this and I really will need replacing.

K Richard W


Monday 29 June

Two out of three Webster women are using the breakfast table for non-breakfast activities. Sally is putting on her makeup and Rosie is lounging, flipping through the pages of Cosmo. Only Sophie is eating and she's taking every opportunity to insult her sister. It has no effect. Kevin brings porridge over to Sally who extols the virtues of it as being very good for you. But by the end of the scene, she's heaping sugar and golden syrup on it. Kevin says he doesn't know if he's running with Molly at dinnertime because Dev keeps messing her dinner hour around. The doorbell rings and Rosie jumps up and races to the door. We hear an excited scream from outside and the whole family goes out to see what's going on. Seems Rosie has taken delivery of a shiny new two seater roadster that cost her 25 grand, much to Kevin's horror and Sally's delight. She hasn't got a license, but she does have a learner's provisional one. She and Sally sit in the car, which is all they can do. Tyrone and Molly come by and have a look as well. Sally offers to give Rosie lessons (in that?! Yes, that's an accident waiting to happen for a brand new driver). Sally feels like one of the rich and famous and common sense isn't part of the bargain this morning. Kevin goes off in disgust with Ty and Molly accompanying him. Molly cajoles him into a mid day run. After she crosses the road to the shop, Tyrone nudges Kev and brags that Molly has been a "different woman" since she's started running. Wink, wink! Shurrup, growls Kevin petulantly. Obviously Sally's been exactly the same woman for the last 15 years.

Eileen is finishing up a phone call to her father's solicitor's about some shares that need transferring or something. She reckons they'll probably turn out to be shares in Guinness and William Hill (the betting shop chain). Sean is perusing a celeb gossip mag when Jason (shirtless) comes downstairs. It's his birthday and his mother starts singing The Song and teasing him with a card. Sean and Eileen look expectantly over his shoulder, thinking Tina would be following him down. Don't see how since Eileen and "Coco the Clown" interrupted them and Tina then left but there you are. Continuity Fairy still in bed, I guess. They tease him about Tina but he admits that there seems to be something between them. Eileen is dubious about him getting involved with David Platt's ex, ruing the ramping up of the Platt Grimshaw feud again. Jason reminds them that David and Tina have been split up for months but Eileen doesn't see that as being a barrier to David's nutter personality. Jason isn't scared of "that little runt". Sean decides he better get to work and will do presents for Jason later, having a quick perve before he leaves. Jason rightly guesses that Sean had forgotten and didn't get him anything.

Maria is well fed up with being fat and awkward and wants the baby out yesterday. Late, just like his father she moans. The mention of Liam makes Tony pause awkwardly for a second but he reassures her that the baby will come in it's own time. Tony says he's going to pop over to the factory for a bit but will take her and Ozzy out later.

Tina arrives for work at the Kabin, encountering Sean who's emerged with a card for Jason. He lets Tina know it's J's birthday just as Jason comes jogging over. Sean gives him the card but even though he's opening the card he can't take his eyes off Tina and she can't look away from him. Ah love! Sean cracks that Jason is wearing "Frustration" by Calvin Klein but our thick builder boy corrects him. He's not wearing aftershave. Sean sighs, his humour obviously wasted. Jason apologizes for the interruption the night before. Sean giggles that he'd heard they were both "deshabille" to which Jason comments that yeah, they'd both had a few to drink. *snort* Sean finally gets the hint and goes in to the factory so that J can invite T to the Rovers for birthday drinks tonight. She calls back, Happy Birthday as he heads down the road.

Where Rosie is still sat in the new car showing off, this time for Luke who's sycophantically sucking up. Jason comes by and Rosie asks him for his opinion. He just shakes his head with a laugh when she admits she can't drive yet. Luke assures her everyone is just Green with envy. Tony meanders over as well but he's not complimentary at all. Luke assures Tony he has the VAT in hand.

In the shop, Molly is stretching in preparation for her run later. Ty comes in and admires the back view as she's bent over. Ty has "helpfully" brought her a bacon butty and has a strip torn off for his effort. Subtle sabotage of her diet and exercise regime but Tyrone, being even thicker than Jason, was clueless really. Molly thanks him for the thought and he is repentant, offering the butty to Umed. Apparently, Umed is not Muslim and as we know, leaves no free offer untaken and snaps it up and proceeds to ram it into his face.

Pam and Eileen are discussing her new romance. "I hear he's a clown" Pam offers. "Children's Entertainer" Eileen corrects (everyone keeps asking that!) Pam admits she had a soft spot for one of the Chuckle Brother's. Eileen notices that the sandwich varieties are a bit more exotic than usual. Jesse arrives, Pam leaves and Eileen apologizes for the fiasco the night before. Jesse asks her to the Rovers for lunch.

At the garage, the lads are having a tea break with Bill who is moaning about Pam's version of his personal ad that made him sound dull and dishwater. That's why they fell out.Tyrone reckons Pam and Bill would make a great couple on their own! Kevin is miles away but Bill thinks he's musing about Rosie and the new car. Bill reminds Kevin that he gave his father plenty of reason to worry when he was that age and recalls an incident of streaking down Deansgate. Ty figures if Bill and Pam ever get married, he and Kev will be related, one big happy family! Kevin, having probably just been picturing Tyrone's wife naked, is distinctly uncomfortable with that idea.

After the break, Sean, Kirk and Pam are checking out Rosie's car, now parked there with the top up. Pam wonders what Rosie did to get that but Sean tells her where the money came from (Prisoner 666 as a post-kidnapping guilt payment). Kirk buys two chocolate muffins from Pam's Tardis basket just as Hayley comes along, tight lipped when she sees the transaction. She hollers at Pam for taking trade away (finally!!!!) Pam is unrepentant, it's just a few sandwiches. Hayley assures Pam firmly that she's Not Happy and stalks away.

In the pub. Rosie is draped around a glass of wine at the bar and wondering why people are just so jealous of her and why would that be? Becky, matter of factly points out "They don't like you." but she's not being insulting. Explaining, she says that people that don't like her are going to be nasty about her good luck and those that do like her will be chuffed for her (or those that want some of her money like Luke!). It's just the way people are. Rosie seems thoughtful.

Over in a booth, Jesse is telling Eileen, Kirk, and Sean about why his ex wife didn't like to play the sidekick, considering how some of the kids behave. Kirk thinks it sounds like a brilliant job. It's Show business! The birthday boy arrives. Sean gives him a hug and goes to buy him a pint. Tina arrives as well and accepts a drink and an invite to table from Sean. Everyone shifts down so Tina can sit beside Jason, the two of them smiling shyly.

Pam is selling sandwiches in the salon now, where Maria is also stood moaning. They all assure her it'll be fine and Tony will be there to help along with everyone else. They peruse the lunch basket (honestly, it really must have elastic sides with all the sandwiches, cakes and muffins she's got in there and carrying it like it's empty!) Pam offers a barter for Audrey, free butties all week for a haircut. Tony soon pokes his head in, wondering how much longer Maria will be. Maria goes off giggling. Natasha makes a bitter comment.

Tyrone is working under a car as Kevin is stretching. Molly runs across and the two of them jog off, looking a bit uncomfortable to be away on their own.

In the corner shop, Umed tells Pam that her drive and ambition remind him of himself, when he used to do similar on the streets of Mumbai. Bill comes in and they exchange an awkward hello. They admit they haven't done their own ads yet. Umed is intrigued and Pam and Bill soon make up and are friends again.

Molly and Kevin stop on the middle of a bridge. Molly wonders why Kevin has been so quiet. Kev.... but won't let her say it. They race off again.

Hayley is moaning to Becky in the pub about Pam. She's going to do something about it. Sally and Rosie are sitting with Luke who is anxious to find out if Rosie has decided to invest. Sally thinks investing is a good idea, a good thought for her future. Luke dangles a carrot off a stick, implying that Rosie could even design her own line of lingerie. That, of course, appeals to her. Elsewhere, Tina is leaving to go back to the Kabin and Jason invites her to the drinks do that night. The rest of them tease him. Kirk has a bright idea, he can be Jesse's sidekick, Hiya Lowa. Jesse isn't sure but Kirk's enthusiasm knows no bounds and Jesse soon agrees. (wait for the second part, for an absolutely hysterical little scene when they return from the children's gig!) Luke is buying another round of drinks. Becky laughs that she's not having a go at Rosie, she figures Rosie will have all the money spent by Christmas. Luke looks as if he would prefer to have a hand in helping Rosie spend some of it, seeing the truth in what Becky is saying. Sally is trying to get Rosie to buy her a new kitchen or a Jacuzzi in the garden. Luke offers an exotic meal in town for the two of them. Tony has come in and lets Luke know that he's sorted some figures. Luke says he's off to sort out a business issue (with Rosie). Business before pleasure, my friend.

In the park, Kev and Molly have collapsed on a park bench. Kevin keeps gazing at her and admits he can't stop looking at her. She bats her eyelashes and he starts to lean in. She mirrors his movements and as the episode ends, they're snogging on the bench! Ewwwww!

Tvor

My eyes! My eyes! I can never un-see Molly and Kevin snogging. Molly asks Kevin what it is about her being hot and sweaty from running that has Kevin all hot under the collar. Kevin thinks they should go home. They pull apart and run home.

On the street, in the garage courtyard, Kirkeh is talking to Tyrone, they're both eating some of Aunty Pam's food. Hayley clip-clops over and demands to know where Tyrone got his sandwich- she is most upset with them but won't go into details as to why. Bill comes over and tells Kirk and Tyrone that he thinks he knows why Hayley is upset.

In Underworld, Janice is in trouble with Tony for having sent out the wrong figures in an invoice. (How did I manage to miss Janice's promotion to PA?) Janice tries to apologise but Tony is having none of it and storms off.

Kevin and Molly are walking along the street. Molly asks if they're going to meet up again tomorrow. She thinks it will look strange if they don't. Kevin is not sure if they could. As they walk past the Rovers, Rosie & Luke (I mean, really? Rosie & Luke?) and Sally come out. Rosie is still crowing about her car. Kevin makes a remark behind them about Rosie traumatising others on the road if she manages to get behind the wheel of that car. Sally tells Kevin that they can teach Rosie between them and Sally asks Molly if she Molly can spare Kevin. Sally, Luke and Rosie head off in another direction as Kevin and Molly run into Tyrone outside Molly & Ty's place. Moll goes inside for a shower. Tyrone makes Kevin think when he says, "She's just a daft lass with a head full of dreams." Kevin thinks Tyrone is talking about Molly but in fact he is talking about Rosie and tells Kevin, "You'd have bought a flash car, you know!" Tyrone reminds Kevin that if he is the one teaching Rosie to drive he can engineer it so that Rosie never passes her test. Kevin tells him that's good thinking. "Oh aye. Not totally daft, me, you know," says Tyrone blissfully unaware of just how daft Kevin is making him look.

Maria runs into Eileen in the hospital/doctor's. She tells Eileen that the midwife has told her that if something doesn't happen soon then they will induce her. Eileen knows Maria wouldn't want that and suggests that she goes for a long walk which worked when she was expecting the arrival of one of her boys. She also extends an invitation to Maria to join them for a get together for Jason's birthday to take her mind off the overdue baby. Maria seems keen.

In Underworld, Luke has been on the phone to his solicitor and the paperwork for Rosie to sign and becoming a high powered knicker executive is in the post; she should have it by morning. Rosie celebrates by asking Janice to get her a coffee. Tony comes in. Rosie announces to Tony that she is becoming a partner. Tony hopes that she won't be after any of his stake in the company. Rosie also mentions that since Carla has been absent, the company has been lacking a feminine touch and she intends to do a bit of designing as well. (Oh, for crying out loud!)

Bill is on the phone in Kevin & Sally's place, ringing in his personals ad. "Internationally respected property developer seeks friendship with a warm feminine lady. Must have a GSOH." Kevin comes in and asks Sally to go through the garage books with him. Sally questions Bill on his reputation as a property developer and mentions that a woman would need a good sense of humour to be with Bill. Kevin asks Sally again to go through the books but Sally tells Kevin that Molly should do it. Sally has far too much to do; pumicing the dry skin on her feet has to be done as soon as possible. She insists that Molly be allowed to find out what being a business partner's wife is all about.

Rosie is throwing her weight around at Underworld, insisting that Janice be sacked for her "serious incompetence". Tony asks Rosie if she is going to be a sleeping partner and suggests a new title for her position, "Executive in charge of Administration". She would be "the front line for Underworld, the first voice people hear, responsible for correspondence, invoicing, that sort of thing..." It soon sinks into Rosie's pretty little head that she will be doing much the same as she was before she sunk a tonne of cash into the business. But, she will have her design remit, she can have business cards made up and Janice will go back to being a machinist- Rosie is satisfied with her role in the company. Idiot. After Rosie has left, Tony waits for his thanks from Luke for getting Underworld back on an even keel after Luke's disastrous decisions of late. Luke reminds Tony of his bizarre made-up life he has with Maria and tells Tony he is becoming a laughing stock. Tony in turn, tells Luke that he hopes Luke's decision to jump into bed with Rosie bot personally and professionally doesn't come back to bite them both on the backside later.

Kevin heads over to Molly & Ty's. Molly is pleased to see him.

In the pub, Jason is opening some birthday pressies. Bill heads over to Pam in a booth and is just about to warn her... but Hayley comes over shouting the odds about Pam stealing trade from Roy's cafe. Bill offers both ladies a drink so they can talk about it calmly. Back at the bar, Sean has given Jason a new shirt for his birthday and Tina urges Jason to try it on. Just as Jason is bare chested, the three stooges come into the bar. David watches Jason and Tina and wants to know, "What's with the floor show?" Graham and Darryl grunt. David watches Tina and Jason some more and thinks they're only canoodling to wind him up (Because it's always all about David!) and threatens to head over there and wind Tina up a little. Darryl persuades him not to. Darryl asks if the police have been around asking about the Gary Windass break-in at Audreh's. Graham thinks the police are just satisfied that they got a result. "I didn't," says David jealously, "With Windbag out the way, Tina's supposed to be 'ere with me. Not giggling over Boob the Builder." Darryl, the voice of reason tries to point out the error of his ways. Meanwhile, Jason and Tina know that David is watching them but Tina is determined to ignore him.

Over at Tyrone & Molly's, Tyrone is watching TV. Molly engineers it so that Kevin and she can go over to the garage where it will be just the two of them "working on the books". Tyrone, completely oblivious to the fact that his best mate and his new wife would betray them, is happy to see the back of them.

Tony returns home to an empty house. Maria has gone out for a drink but he doesn't know that. In a panic, he leaves a message on Maria's voicemail.

In the pub, Hayley is almost hysterical about Pam stealing her business but then she realises that Pam has no intention of stopping what she's doing and suggests that they start working together. Pam seems amenable to talking that idea through.

Tony comes into the pub and starts acting like an old fish-wife with Maria. He complains that he has been making her tea while she's at the pub. He leaves in a huff. "Are you sure you're not married," Eileen asks Maria.

General Custard comes in with Kirk. The party, with Kirk as Higha Lowa, has been a disaster. Kirk told the kids that he wasn't a real squaw, he was a "resting" stuntman which threw the party into chaos. "What did I tell you?" asks General Custard, "Seven-year-olds are very dangerous." He addresses Eileen, "They took the birthday candles and set fire to 'is 'eaddress to see stuntboy 'ere in action!" Jason asks Kirk what he did. Apparently he plunged headfirst into a pond full of koi carp and landed on £200 worth of fish. Then, when he climbed out of the pond the kids pelted him with puddings. "Kids said it were the best birthday party ever," says General Custard but he is dismayed by the sting of the £200 for the fish he had to shell out, the fact that his reputation will be in ruins and his competitors will revel in his misfortune, "Magic Derek will have a field day!"

Over at a table, the three stooges sip their beers. Graham wonders, "Is is me, or does Kirk look quite good in a dress?... I don't bat for the other side but I tell you what, I've 'ad worse looking girlfriends." Darryl concurs that he too has had worse looking girlfriends. David listens to his friends' moronic ramblings and wonders if this is what it's come to, "Me girlfriend's in the pub with Jason "Two Pint" Grimshaw and I'm stuck wi' you two losers?" Darryl reminds him that Tina is not his girlfriend. "No," says Graham, "but we are losers." David gets up and walks out. Over the other side of the bar, Tina is glad as she sees him leave. Jason mentions that the next time they go out then they should go somewhere else. Tina seems pleased that there will be a next time. She and Jason start to snog. Darryl and Graham watch. "I think she's over David," muses Graham. He goes on, "This is just a stab in the dark but... I don't think he's going to take it very well."

Molly and Kevin are at the garage alone. Molly realises that Kevin really actually wants Molly to help her with the tax. Molly plays the temptress while Kevin reminds her that he has had an affair before and he knows how much people get hurt. Molly doesn't seem put off by Kevin's protestations.

Maria returns home and is confronted by Tony who immediately apologises for acting like a plonker in the pub. Maria asks him what Luke has done now since she knows that only Luke Strong could have wound him up so tightly that he's make a fool of himself like he did. Tony tells her about his day. Maria forgives him and strokes his shoulder as she walks past him into the kitchen. It's all very happy families round their bit.

Jason's party leaves the Rovers. Tina and Jason snog their way back to Jason's with Sean tagging along behind them. General Custard asks Eileen to come back to his place where he can get changed out of his party gear. His parents are out for the night and Eileen goes along all too willingly. "Yeee haw!" whoops General Custard.

Molly and Kevin are still in the garage. Molly is still trying to get Kevin to kiss her again as they are interrupted by Rosie who wants her dad to take her out for a drive. The two lovers know their romantic moment has been thwarted. Molly tells Kevin she will see him tomorrow for a run and leans in for a kiss. Kevin deftly avoids kissing Molly and leaves. "See you tomorrow," he says.

Stella McLoughlin



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