Written by Mark Wadlow and directed by David Kester and Ian Bevitt.

Robbie is buying some sweets in Dev's shop - and then asks for some gaffer tape.

At Anna's Hayley opens Roy's present - the red salsa dress. There are a lot of police on the Street. They are looking for Tony and Carla is sure he will not turn up. Robbie approaches Carla to look at the stock. He pops along to Roy's Rolls and convinces Roy to go early to see the steam engines. Although Robbie wants a full English (breakfast) first.

David is trying to convince Anka to get on the train to give evidence. Nick and David are in suits in readiness for the court. At the court Nick tries to reassure David that Gail will be proud of all he has done.

Carla is told the police have a report of Tony at the airport and she sends them on their way. Carla and Robbie enter the factory and she locks them in for safety purposes.

Hayley returns to the cafe and suggests Roy carries her case upstairs - but not before he gives her a huge hug. Anna decides to depart and Hayley takes over - but she tells Roy to head off to the railway show.

Carla shows the underwear to Robbie who goes to get his calculator - which actually looks like a real gun - a rebored replica, it works and he is willing to use it.

Carla is on a chair. Robbie starts issuing instructions - he wants the builders gone, so using Carla's phone she calls Bill and she tells him to stop work - the policy is not up to date so there will be no payout and the job is on hold. Bill starts banging on the front door - Carla unlocks it and tells him there is no payment.

At the Court Mary tells another person that a seat is taken - which Norris takes. She has been queuing. The council for the defense - Mr Hughes addresses the jury and points out the lack of eyewitnesses and any weapon. The prosecution has offered theories but few facts. The defense submit that a witness will be put forward saying that Gail could not be responsible for the death.

Carla is now bound to a chair and has gaffer tape across her mouth. Robbie departs.

In court Gail swears to tell the truth and so the story is told again. She admits to an argument and a fight over Joe's plan to disappear. She says she tried to stop him - but he was too strong for her and she denies hitting him - she did not want to hurt him - after all she loved him. He sailed away, saying he loved her. She stood on the jetty watching as he disappeared - still alive and well.

Robbie is on the mobile. Victim number 1 is secured and he is about to collect victim number 2. Robbie ensures that Roy departs and he heads into the cafe. Carla is failing to loosen her bindings. Robbie comes in and tells Hayley there has been an accident and that Carla is asking for her. She sets off at a run after Robbie.

Anka arrives at the court and meets David. Inside Gail is asked about Tracy, who has a very vivid imagination. Tracy's lies concerning domestic violence are regurgitated. The prosecution now starts tearing holes in Gail's story. She called David and they took the boat home. She lies to the police saying that Joe was working. She also lied to Tina - she lied and deceived to cover her tracks. Gail is challenged that she hit Joe with the rolling pin. She denies it. She admits to his other injuries.

Robbie unlocks the factory and lets Hayley in - and then holds the gun to her head and puts his hand over her mouth.

David is talking to Anka - but overdoes it and she says she cannot do this and walks away.

Robbie has tied up Hayley as well - and then Tony arrives. Tony is certain they will not be disturbed.

And indeed on that cliffhanger the audience were left for nearly a week. Instead of the next episode being Wednesday it did not appear until the following Monday.

See you all again soon.

K Richard W

Written by Stephen Russell Directed by David Kester and Ian Bevitt

After that brief interruption last week, we're back in the saddle and ready to finish the trial and watch Tony Gordon's last stand. Are you sitting comfortably? Seatbelts fastened? Good! Let's begin...

Tony has just entered the factory to very little reaction. He paces the factory floor, disappointed that Carla didn't seem surprised. (Would you be?) Carla starts right in, needling Tony, how ugly he is inside and out and calls him an under endowed Scotch Psycho. Tony is sarcastic right back at her but admits he married her precisely because she is feisty. Robbie hands over a handgun. Hayley asks why she's there? He insults her quiet life with Roy, "it's not... like... my destiny??" (doing a very good Rosie Webster impression). Seems it's not going to be Hayley's destiny to have a "wretched" tiny life, either.

Over to the courthouse now. Anke has legged it and David is ticked off. The court will be informed about the missing witness and then it's David's turn to testify.

Robbie gathers his things to leave. Carla realizes Robbie is helping Tony for money. She starts in on Robbie, insulting him, too. Robbie wants his money but Tony reminds him he still has to get something for him. He's annoyed but they both laugh when Carla says he can still call the police.

Tina and Eileen think the Plattilsley group look smug. Jason shows up but we don't know why yet. Mary and Norris ruminate about why there's a delay (when they get to be bezzy mates all of a sudden?). The tannoy announces the trial is about to get underway again and they all file out towards the courtroom.

Carla tells Tony she knew he'd go "doo lally", all the signs were there, the control freak, the stress. She continues to needle him, pushing the envelope. He stays calm and cool but she manages to touch a sensitive spot referring to how "proud" his mam and dad would have been. Shut up, he hisses. Hayley asks again why she's there. He admits he grabbed Hayley to pay Roy back for messing with his head.

Kirk is badgering Tyrone when a taxi pulls up and Maria and baby Liam emerge. Kirk is delighted to see them both. Maria is there to tie up the Ladrags loose ends but Kirk convinces her and Tyrone both to come to the pub for their dinner. Inside the factory, Hayley says her bonds are working loose. Tony returns and picks up the guns. Robbie returns and Tony gets him to retie Hayley's hands back. Tony orders Robbie to help him unload. Robbie is annoyed that Tony is taking liberties. Tony confirms that he is going to kill them and enjoy doing it.

At the courtroom David is summoned. He takes a deep breath and goes into the dock where he is sworn in. Gail smiles a motherly smile at her youngest who promises to tell the whole truth.

Tony opens the safe but is shocked to discover there's no cash in it. Carla is just as surprised that it's missing (Nick!) and Tony knows she's telling the truth. Tony goes to make a phone call to round up some money. Robbie is even more annoyed and Carla starts pushing all his buttons. Hayley starts babbling on about Robbie's Blackpool accent, seems to be making an attempt at befriending him.

In the courtroom, David recalls that Gail thought Joe's plan was stupid. He admits he thought Joe was an idiot but his death was an accident and it was his own fault. Tina seethes in the gallery. David says he didn't like Joe but Gail loved him and would never harm him. The judge is trying to stem the extra opinion in the testimony. The prosecutor makes David admit that he doesn't in fact know what actually happened at the Lake. Audrey murmurs "Don't show off, David"

Maria has found out that Tony has escaped and was seen locally. She's shocked and rattled. Let's change the subject. She asks where Kirk is living. He thinks another change of subject is needed.

Back to court, David tells how they borrowed the boat and they found the mobile on the boat. He admits it was him that texted Tina on her birthday, not Gail. He's telling the truth but the prosecutor reminds him that Gail had said she did it. He's telling the truth now and the prosecutor rakes him over the coals, portraying him as a liar and discrediting him. David is upset and Gail's face falls. The defense doesn't ask anything more. The hole he's dug himself is too deep.

Hayley gets Robbie to talk about his son, a son he doesn't have any contact with now. Tony returns and tells Robbie he has to see his accountant. Robbie has now decided he wants more money, up from the two grand. Carla tells Robbie that Tony isn't really going to pay him. Hayley admonishes Carla, saying Robbie is as much a victim of Tony as they are. All this has got inside Robbie's head and he doesn't believe Tony will pay him.

The trial is basically done. The prosecutor outlines the lies and illogic actions of the defendant. They believe Gail killed Joe in a fit of desperate rage.

Robbie is pointing the gun at Tony now. Tony tries to talk sense and Carla keeps throwing more and more subversive remarks. Hayley and Carla start hollering and screaming for help, further rattling Robbie's nerves. He gets more agitated, Tony keeps trying to placate him. Tony gives him the choice, give him the gun or shoot him. Think of his son. He tries to convince Robbie that if he gives him the gun, he'll be able to get away. Robbie gives the gun to Tony who says he lied. There's no money, and he points the gun at Robbie.

The defense barrister suggests to the jury that the boat's boom is what caused the blow to the head. There was no murder. He's very believable. The jury rise and are sent to deliberate but the Platts all think things have gone badly and aren't optimistic.

Robbie is hollering at Tony for lying to him. Tony says the money isn't here but he'll get it. Robbie doesn't think Tony is going to shoot him. Tony calls Robbie a pathetic loser and Carla adds that Tony can't kill anyone, he always gets someone else to do the dirty work. It looks like Tony might not do it but he squeezes the trigger and the gun goes off, straight into Robbie's chest at close range, stunning Tony. Robbie drops to the floor.

Maria decides to go over to the factory to talk to Carla and Michelle agrees to mind the baby. In the factory, Tony is eerily calm. He tells the women it wasn't as hard as he thought it would be. Maria approaches the factory door as the ending credits roll. Oooh, hang on for the next part!!!

Tvor

Tony has Hayley and Carla hostage in Underworld. Robbie is lying dead on the floor. He tells the ladies the world is better off without Robbie and is cruel to Hayley, telling her to stop sniveling and be a man about it all, "it should come easily enough." There's a banging at the front door. Tony warns Carla and Hayley to keep quiet or he'll kill them. It's Maria looking to talk to Carla. Carla tells Tony that Maria is bound to have heard the gunshot and has probably called the cops but Tony doesn't think that Maria sounds like someone who's heard a shot being fired. Meanwhile, Hayley pleads for their lives and for Tony to give himself up. Hah! Like that's going to happen. He places duct tape over Hayley's mouth and escorts Carla at gunpoint to the door to talk to Maria.

Michelle is in the back room at the Rovers, trying to keep wee Liam quiet. Ciaran comes in and is able to quieten the baby down immediately. Ciaran thinks it's his accent reminds Liam of home.?

Maria is trying to engage Carla in a discussion about ownership of Glad Rags at the door of Underworld. She's unaware that Tony has Carla at gunpoint until Carla blurts out that Maria should run, Tony is there and he has a gun. Before Maria can react, Tony has delivered a blow to Carla, sending her flying to the ground and grabbed Maria, dragging her inside. She sees Hayley being held hostage an Robbie's body on the floor and screams. Tony apologises for traumatising her, as much good as that will do.

Outside, Nick and David are walking along the street and actually hear the scream. David wonders if it was the sound of his mother screaming in her cell. Nick thinks David shouldn't be thinking so negatively. David tells Nick to get back to his precious little knicker factory.

Tony asks Maria what she's doing at Underworld. Maria tells Tony that it's her should be asking that question. Maria goes to leave but Tony points the gun at her and tells her not to do anything stupid. Michelle calls on Maria's mobile. Under Tony's instruction, Maria doesn't bother answering.

In the Rovers, Janice, Sean. Fizz and Julie are talking about Tony Gordon being on the loose. Janice and Sean laugh at Julie's fears of Tony. Janice thinks Julie should be more worried about unemployment. Julie mentions that at least the building work is being done. They are interrupted by Tyrone and Kirk who tell that Jason and Bill have been sent away from the job on the Underworld roof.

Gail is moping in her cell. Her cellmate gives her a tissue to mop her tears and Gail retells the woes of her witness not turning up and how David's cross examining went so dreadfully. Gail thinks she's definitely going to be sent down. She can't understand why Tracey would have turned on her like that. Sadly, there's no gaol time for gross stupidity.

Maria warns Tony that Michelle will come looking for her soon. Carla reminds Maria that Tony is a deranged lunatic. Tony tells Carla to shut up and rips the duct tape off Hayley to ask her what she thinks of Carla. While Hayley tells Tony how much she loves working for Carla, Tony makes it known how much he hates Carla now and it looks as though he is about to kill her. Maria quickly pleads for Carla's life and asks Tony to think of her and baby Liam. Tony tells Maria how Carla brings out the worst in him and how she was everything Carla wasn't to him. All the while holding the gun, he asks Maria how wee Liam is and how life in Ireland is for her. Maria shows Tony some pictures of Liam from his phone. Tony is astonished to see how Liam has grown. Maria's phone rings. Maria pleads to be allowed to answer it.

At the Platt/Tilsley/McIntyre Household, Natasha is trying to rally Nick & David, telling them maybe the trial went better than they thought. David doesn't think so. David leaves the table after a silly story from Graeme. After he's left, Nick tells Natasha honestly just how dreadful the trial went for Gail. He apologises to Natasha for being such a rubbish boyfriend lately. Natasha laps it up and Nick tells her to get dressed, he's taking her into town.

Anna and Eddie are talking in the pub about their application to adopt. Anna thinks that because Eddie spilled his dinner over the application, the adoption people will think badly of them. Gary surprises them with a visit home. Anna & Eddie are very happy to see him home and buy him a drink.

Tina is sniping at Jason in a corner in the bar. Jason tries to tell Tina to stop torturing herself about Gail. Tina refuses to accept that Gail might be innocent.

Roy has made it home but is surprised to find Hayley is not home. That's because Hayley is being at gunpoint in the factory while Tony glowers menacingly at Maria talking on the phone to Michelle. Maria hangs up. Tony compares Carla again with Maria, finding Carla's unwillingness to keep Hayley safe by not telling anyone severely lacking.

David is talking to Graeme in the street. He feels so sorry for himself, poor wee David being picked on by the barrister. David sees Tina and barges over to her to shout at her. Tina refuses to talk to him at first but comes around after a while. David asks her to sit down so they can talk properly.

The Underworld gang are talking about what they're going to do with their time off. Julie thinks she's going to move her apartment around a bit while Sean will go to London.

Trev, Ashley and Kirk are talking about South Africa. The stupid plan to fly off without telling any of their wives/girlfriends is still on. But Trev has plans to tell Carla about it tonight.

David and Tina are on the bench of tears in the street. He tries to make Tina see sense that Gail is innocent. He pleads with her to see that when he was sending her texts from Joe's phone after Joe had died, he was trying to protect both her and Joe. Tina just shouts that all she wants is her dad back. She wants to be able to turn the clock back so that they never met. She knows she just has to get over it now and so does David.

Maria is pleading with Tony to be let free from the factory. She asks that he lets them all go. Tony is still in love with Maria but his hate for Carla is too great to let them go. He also wants to get back at Roy for having scuppered all his plans. Tony tells Maria that after they've all died tonight, Liam will be the heir to some assets he has willed to Liam in the event of his death. Maria goes to walk out of the factory but Tony threatens to blow Carla's head off. "No, you won't," Maria calls his bluff and simply leaves. She is stunned as she walks out of the factory and onto the cobbles.

Carla is struggling with the ropes tying her hands together. Carla reminds Tony that he should just let them go, since Maria will have the police there any minute now. But Tony hasn't played his full hand yet. He pulls out a can of petrol and tells Carla that they'll be getting acclimatized, "it's going to be awfully hot where we're going.".....

Stella McLoughlin

Hello. Catching up after the unexpected week off, there were two episodes on Wednesday, June 9, so here they are - two episodes in which your reviewer is once again annoyed by lazy writing and a lack of research into how things are in the real world!

Episode One

Maria races into the street and runs smack bang into Roy. She gabbles and grabs at him, trying to get him to understand that Tony's in the factory with Carla and Hayley and there's a man dead on the floor. Roy says almost nothing but pulls away towards the factory. Maria runs the other way, towards the Rovers.

Inside, Hayley pleads for their lives.

Maria wanders into the Rovers and stands stunned until Becky approaches her. As soon as Becky hears what's happened she puts her arm around Maria and leads her out the back. Maria grabs her baby from Michelle as Steve calls the police. Maria's suddenly completely lucid as she tells the police exactly what's happened.

Roy bangs on the factory door. "Hello!" he shouts.

Carla pleads and Tony screams at her: "Who cast the first stone?" Carla admits she slept with Liam. They're interrupted by Roy calling out. Hayley screams to him to call the police. Tony heads towards the door and Hayley pleads with him to let Roy alone. Tony goes to the door and Roy asks him to open it. He says he's on his own. "Oh, no," says Tony. "I've had time to think. I know exactly how to hurt you." Roy tells him to let him in. "It's me you want, not Hayley." Tony tells Roy he'd found redemption and a woman who loved him and Roy took all that away. "Let me in," says Roy. "I never thought you were a coward. If you want me to suffer, here I am. Do you want me to beg? I can beg. I'll do anything, just don't harm Hayley." Tony tells him that would be too easy. Roy tells Tony has the power. He pushed Roy in the canal and saved his life. "I think you're a good man." Tony corrects him. He says he's a bad man. And if Roy wants to see how bad, then he should stand back and watch them burn.

Maria can't shut up now. Steve tells her the police told them to keep a lid on it so everyone doesn't panic. Hayley heads towards the bar, saying that will let people think everything's normal. But she heads out the door, determined to try to help Hayley, even though Steve tries to hold her back. When Ashley asks what's wrong, Steve tells him nothing but Becky turns back and tells him everything. Those who've heard it head out the door with Becky. Ashley, Gary Windass and Tyrone watch as Becky picks up a piece of scaffolding pipe and starts to lay into the factory door.

Inside, Tony says the Lord's Prayer, Hayley weeps and Carla tries to persuade Tony to stop. It's chaos as the door glass breaks and police cars, sirens blaring, turn up outside. Carla pleads for Tony to let Hayley go. As the noise outside stops and he finishes the prayer, the phone goes. Tony suddenly turns and propels Hayley's chair backwards and puts tape over her mouth. He cuts her bonds and marches her towards the door as Carla struggles with the ropes binding her to the chair.

Becky's struggling with a constable as the police try to get Roy and Becky away from the door.

"Tony!" screams Carla as Tony opens the door and shoves Hayley outside. She sprawls on the cobbles as Roy races to her.

Inside, Tony sits opposite Carla. "Just you and me now!" he tells her. "Like it was in the beginning, this is how it ends."

The police roll out tape and Hayley is cared for by ambulance staff as the police talk to Tony by phone. He tells them to move everyone away from the building. "And don't call back - do you understand?" He flicks a cigarette lighter on [note to Corrie writers: It's the petrol fumes which explode, not the petrol itself, so this is a silly thing to have him do] and off. Carla tells him there's some whisky in the desk drawer (he gets it out) and some chocolate Hobnobs in the tin. Tony asks if she's happy now that she's saved Hayley's life. Carla insists that he did it. Tony wonders if this means they're not both bound for Hell. "Maybe saving the life of a Cropper gives you an upgrade to Purgatory." Carla keeps him talking while she works away, sawing the rope against a protruding screw thread.

In the pub, two policemen are in the back room with Michelle, Ryan, Ciaran, Kirk, Maria and baby Liam.

In the street, Hayley sits on the step of an ambulance and tells a police officer what went on inside and about the petrol.

Carla suggests Tony have another drink. "People are waiting," he says. He wants to know if her plan is to keep him talking. He's amazed that she thinks she's going to wake up in the morning. She's already dead, he says. "You destroyed us!" He tells her he was happy and Carla asks if it's too late to say she's sorry. Tony's expression is one of pure hate.

Becky hugs Hayley so hard Roy has to ask her to give Hayley a bit of air. The Croppers step aside and Roy tells her that though he might struggle with words, he loves her more than anything else in the world and he promises "to spend the rest of my life finding ways to say it." Awwwww....sniff. "And to prove it. Every single day." They hug. A van pulls up and out jump the armed response unit. Despite the number of times Maria and Hayley have told people that Tony poured petrol through the factory, there is no sign of the fire brigade.

Tony's face is hard against Carla's, as is the gun. She weeps and tries to talk him out of killing her. She offers to give him a baby. That's the last straw. "No babies," he says, kicking the gun away and telling her to say goodnight as he flings the lighter to the floor and the flames roar up. Carla is free, though, and she rises up, grabs the chair and smacks him over the head with it. She knocks him to the ground and moves towards the door but he grabs her by the ankle. "You're going nowhere!" He lies on the floor, grasping her to him, and tells her to look at the flames.

In the street, Janice notices the smoke as she also notices Trevor. She breaks the news to him that Carla's in the factory.

Inside, Carla breaks away and she and Tony struggle. "Fight me till death do us part," he challenges her. Carla spots the gun (this isn't a real fire, so they can still see what they're doing. In real life it's impossible to see anything inside a burning building) and makes a dive for it. She shoots at Tony and he goes down to the floor, clutching his shoulder. Hayley hears the shot and she and Trevor try to break through the cordon. The fire brigade arrives.

Tony's up again and tells Carla she won't shoot him because she doesn't have the killer instinct. He manages to knock the gun into the flames and Carla races upstairs but can't open the fire escape door. Tony follows her, suggesting he strangle the life out of her and then hold her dead body in his arms while the flames consume him. Carla refuses to die by his hands. Tony's annoyed. He says he let Hayley go on the understanding that Carla was ready to die. Carla grabs a bolt of burning fabric and shoves it at him, then leaps over the railing and down to the factory floor, landing on packed cartons as the armed police break into the building. She races out and into Trevor's arms. Tony follows her to the door, sees her with Trevor and turns and walks back into the flames just as the building explodes.

The end of episode one. Now read on...

Episode Two

We begin viewing the scene from near the Kabin. The factory, very surprisingly, is still standing. The garage wasn't damaged at all and the police are rolling out crime scene tape, forgetting they already did that in the last episode. Firefighters damp down the charred interior.

Trevor sits by Carla's hospital bed.

Roy puts a comforting hand on Hayley at their dining table.

Maria cuddles Liam.

Julie, Izzy, Janice and Kirk look at their smoking workplace. Izzy's gutted that her new job is gone. "I know how you feel," says Kirk. "I had a packet of Wagon Wheels in my locker, unopened. Do you reckon they might have survived in the fire?" Fiz asks Michelle how Maria is. Fiz worries that Maria will never believe it's over and Michelle thinks Maria will have trouble believing Tony is really gone this time. After Michelle moves away, Fiz turns to John and says: "Lucky Colin Fishwick's got work!" Chesney and Schmeichel come out. The dog has a new collar but Fiz warns Chesney that money will be tight now. Janice comes and says they're thinking of calling Nick.

Roy fusses over Hayley. He wishes there was more he could do but Hayley says he's helping just by chuntering on about other things. She'd far rather talk about the Flying Scotsman than the Lying Scotsman, she says.

Gail's cellmate has run out of toothpaste. Gail lets her have some. "I'd say 'Keep it' but I might be coming back." The cellmate tells her juries do get it right more often than not and Gail just has to hold on to the thought that she's innocent.

Nick's arrived and Julie flings herself against him, asking in a weepy voice whether they've found Mr Gordon's body yet. Janice mutters to Fiz that if they find anything they'll have to sweep it up with a Dustbuster. Nick says there were human remains inside. Julie asks if there were one or two and at that two body bags are brought out as they watch. Nick's off to court but he tells the staff they're on two weeks' holiday to start with.

Audrey's on the phone to Maria, telling her to have a safe journey. She and Natasha are in Gail's house. David comes downstairs demanding to know where Nick is. The taxi's due any minute. The door slams and Nick says the taxi's here. He tells them two bodies have been found.

Tina and Jason are off to the court, too. Tina glares at the Roberts-Tilsley-Platts as they leave.

Carla wakes up and Trev gives her some water. He's snuck her in a bacon butty. Carla refuses it. He tells her she breathed in some smoke, has a sprained ankle and some bruised ribs. He says it's nothing serious, but says nothing that explains why she's apparently been unconscious. Unless she's just slept through her examinations and treatment? He tells he's not heard about Tony but the police want to interview her soon. He promises there is nothing to worry about. "Nobody's ever going to hurt you again." Carla's phone goes. It's Nick. She asks why he didn't cancel something but gives up and tells him to get stuffed and ends the call. A nurse comes to say the police have arrived.

Gail's talking to her barrister. He thinks she's being overly pessimistic. "In the worst case scenario we certainly have plenty of grounds for appeal." Gail says that won't change the evidence. "Let's face it, if I get sent down today I won't be coming out for a very long time."

Carla tells the police she shot Tony. One detective says it's been established the gunshot didn't kill Tony. The post mortem examination has confirmed that. Apparently they have the fastest pathologists in the known universe in Weatherfield. The other detective tells Carla that a weapon was discharged and they are obliged to treat that as assault. Trevor is ropable. If Carla's situation wasn't one of self defense he doesn't know what would be. "We're following procedure," one says. "We'll be in touch once we've taken a view."

Fiz can't believe how much Chesney's concentrating on his swot. Ches tells her that business studies is interesting and of practical use, "not like history or English." John defends English. Fiz plans to fetch Chesney's dirty laundry but Chesney won't let her. He says it's time he started doing stuff for himself. Once he's gone, Fiz comments that he's growing up fast. John doesn't think that's it. "Oh, just cause he doesn't like English literature!" says Fiz. John thinks it's got more to do with the kind of literature teenage boys DO like! "Oh. . . perhaps I will steer clear of his room after all."

Carla, complete with crutch, leaves hospital with Trevor. He tells her not to worry about the police. Carla wants to see Maria but Trev thinks she needs rest more.

Nick rings but is sent to voicemail. He leaves a message urging Carla to make the meeting if she cares anything for the business. Near him in the court foyer, Audrey and David discuss how long the jury is taking. Tina talks to Jason about the same thing. She hopes they haven't fallen for Gail's whimpering little mouse act.

Kirk's playing "Boo!" with baby Liam as Maria talks to Michelle's dad, who will pick her up from the airport. Michelle tells her she's welcome to stay on but Maria says she's done what she came to do - she's finally got rid of the house and LadRags (How? When she went to see Carla about it, Tony was there). Kirk says he's going to miss them. Maria tells him she's spoken to Audrey and rented the salon flat for him, paying Audrey three months rent in advance. "I'll need somewhere to stay when I come visiting." Michelle says she's glad to hear that she'll be coming back sometimes because she thought Maria might leave Weatherfield for good. Maria says that would be letting Tony win.

In the pub, Gary offers to buy Izzy a drink. She snaps that she might be jobless but she's not a charity case. They talk about him going to Afghanistan and he admits he's scared, but says every squaddie is. He asks about Izzy and Kirk and seems to be making a move on her. They're interrupted by another man who comes and stands at the bar. "I was beginning to think you'd left the country," he says. Izzy seems annoyed to see him.

Norris and Mary talk about the jury. Mary puts the delay down to Henry Fonda - the jury member in the white linen suit who will be wringing his hands and trying to persuade them to acquit. She doesn't think it'll do any good and Gail will be found guilty. Norris disagrees and Mary bets him five pounds. Deirdre and Ken approach Gail's family and wish them luck. "I hope Gail comes home tonight," says Deirdre. Audrey snaps but they're interrupted by an announcement that the jury is coming back.

Against all health and safety regulations, the factory hasn't been boarded up or made safe and Maria's inside. So's Carla. Maria says they apparently found Tony by the clocking-in machine. Carla thinks it's more like he was clocking out. She asks if there's anything Maria wants to ask but Maria says there's nothing. Carla apologises for everything. Maria says they have to start again. She's not sure whether she'll stay in Ireland and Carla asks if it would be easier if she moved away. "I'm not going to forgive you, Carla, but you've paid so I won't be bearing a grudge either." A horn beeps and Maria says it's her taxi. Carla wishes her a safe trip and Maria puts her hand on Carla's arm then leaves.

In the courtroom the jury returns. "Even Henry Fonda looks inscrutable," says Mary. The clerk asks whether they've reached a verdict. The foreperson says they have. "Do you find the aforementioned Gail McIntyre guilty or not guilty?"

The End (sorry, you'll have to wait)
Margaret Carr*

(*hanging out for the day when police and other emergency services and their procedures are depicted accurately)

The foreman of the jury stands and announces ................ "not guilty".

That is what we have all been waiting for, what else could be interesting tonight ?!! So that is the end of the report !!!!

No - don't go away there is more ..... !

Gail is shocked and relieved and sits herself down. Gail's barrister asks the Judge for her to be released. The Judge confirms that she can. One police officer turns to the other to say "you win some, you loose some", the other replies "the idea is to win them all" !

Tina yells out in disbelief of the verdict that she is guilty. The Judge tells her that the jury has unanimously decided she is not guilty.

In the Rovers Gary turns to Izzy and her father, Owen and asks if everything is okay. She says it is unless someone goes blabbing. Dad says there is nothing wrong with working in Frescos. Dad goes up to Gary and said he is entitled to hassle her to get her to pick up the phone, once in a while.

Trevor opens Carla's front door. It is the police who want to arrest Carla for assault and possession of a firearm. Trevor says that she is the victim, but the police officers say it is "procedure".

At the courtroom, Ken thinks everybody will sleep better. Deirdre disagrees and says that she won't nor will Tracy once word gets round.

Mary offers to pay Norris the bet on the verdict. Norris says it is not necessary. As she is about to put the money away, Norris grabs it back and suggests they use the money to buy some celebratory drinks in Gail's honour ! She thinks there is nothing to celebrate. She is with Tina. Norris tells her she may have lost the bet but has a winning way with words. She tells Norris that he has given her her 'mojo' back !

Owen says that he saw Mr Benson that morning. She asks whether he went in to get her job back. He says he didn't go in specifically for that. Gary turns round to have an argument with Owen, but stops himself mid-sentence. Owen says he will get her sister to giver her a bell (phone call !). She turns away as her dad tries to peck her on the cheek, and he walks out of the door. Gary then sits down with Izzy and she asks whether he has got anything better to talk about. She suggests the lineup at Glastonbury. He doesn't look interested, so she suggests "where now for Gordon Brown ?" She then tells Gary that she could take that her father, talking to the headmaster and the Manager. But he is now messing up her love life. Spoiling the best relationship she ever had. She complains he can't let go. Gary says it is because he cares, and then she asks if he has had a word with him as well. She compares herself to Doctor Who, slowly degenerating.

The barrister tells Gail, to breathe the fresh air, listen to the birds and take a holiday. She says she is satisfied that she is taking a taxi home. She thanks him and his team. As Gail and her family walk out of court they are surrounded by the media, all trying to get a quote and a photo of her. Gail is obviously unsettled, as she is helped into the car by David and Nick. Jason pulls Tina away from a confrontation.

Tracy is taken to the interview room to see the police officers she made a 'deal' with. She is surprised when they tell her that the verdict was not guilty. . She thinks the jury must have been brain dead. She wants to know what is going to happen next. She claims it was never "no win - no fee". They remind her that she came to them as a concerned citizen. She says she was concerned about a transfer to an open jail. She claims she had a deal with them. They tell her that lawyers do deals, police investigate the facts. They tell her that they just came to thank her for her help. As they show her the door. She throws a chair across the room, and is restrained by an Officer. She is warned to watch her back in there.

Back in the Street, Graeme is changing the sign on the rooftop from "Free Gail" to "Freed Gail" As she is being driven by,Gail sees the burnt out factory. She asks Nick what happened, and why he didn't tell her. He says he thought she had enough to worry about. As Graeme calls out "welcome back Mrs Mac", she asks him to take it down as her husband, Tina's dad is still dead there is nothing to celebrate.

A couple of fellow prisoners are washing the floor in the prison as Tracy comes by. As she does one of them chucks a bucket of water over her. She is bundled into a cell and we are left to believe that she is beaten up.

John Stape comes into the house, and Chesney is watching the tv. He asks how his business studies exam went, and Chesney says okay. Chesney asks John if he can borrow £150 because his friend's Mum has a timeshare in Turkey. She will take him, all he needs is his fare over. Chesney offers to pay interest. John asks him what rate, and then he will think about it !

Ken receives a phone call from Tracy's probation officer. She 'slipped in the shower' and is being transferred to Weatherfield General Hospital. Deirdre is concerned that it must be serious as the prison have their own medical centre. Ken assures her it is not serious.

Having returned from the police station Trevor tells Carla that she should be given a medal not confiscating her passport. Trevor comforts and kisses her.

Audrey thinks the house is full. Eileen comes in 'in peace'. She says she and all the neighbours are glad that she is back home. Gail says, all but Tina. She asks Eileen to try and make her see sense. Eileen says she has tried, but it is probably best to give her space and she will come round in her own time.

Trevor comes into the Rovers to tell Ashley and Steve that he is going to have to pull out of the World Cup trip. He can't leave Carla.

Ken and Deirdre arrive at the hospital. Tracy is covered in bruises. She shows them that she is handcuffed to the bed.

Tyrone and Peter join the others in the pub. They discuss Trevor's situation. All of them now have excuses why they cannot go. Eileen comes in for a drink, but Steve finds the discussions more important !

Tracy tells her parents that she has three smashed fingers, suspected fractured cheek bone, bruised ribs and she thinks she has chipped a tooth ! She thinks even if Gail had been found guilty the coppers would have hung her out to dry. Ken says they can't do anything if she won't tell them who attacked her. Tracy says she was talking about the transfer. Deirdre asks why should Gail suffer. Tracy says Gail brought up three kids badly. A few years in the wilderness wouldn't have mattered. She admits to Ken and Deirdre that she was lying and would do it again "in a heartbeat" if it meant she could get back with her daughter again. She begs her mother to bring Amy to see her. Ken and Deirdre walk out in disgust, with Tracy shouting from her bed.

Audrey, Graeme, David, Natasha and Lewis are having a celebratory drink with Gail. Lewis feels a bit guilty having never previously met Gail and he is crashing in on the celebrations. Suddenly Gail rushes out of the door. Tina and Jason are walking by. Gail tries to reason with Tina but to no avail. David comes out and asks his mum to stop. Audrey tells her to forget Tina.

At Carla's, Trevor picks up a call on his mobile (cell) phone. At the same time the doorbell rings. Carla limps with crutches to the door, it is Nick. Carla is not really interested that his mother was discharged today. She says she was discharged from hospital today and taken to the police station this afternoon, and released only on bail. She really doesn't want to have anything to do with Underworld at present. He tells her that he wants to continue, but Trevor comes over and pushes him out.

Ken and Deirdre see Gail and family in the street. Deirdre says she can't ignore Gail and rushes over to her. She tells Gail that what Tracy did was unforgivable. The women on her wing have turned on her. Gail accuses Deirdre of knowing that Tracy was lying, although Deirdre denies it. She seems amazed that she couldn't persuade her daughter to tell the truth. Peter comes over to find out what is going on, and he and Ken take Deirdre home.

Martin Rosen

Written by Jayne Hollinson Directed by Tim Dowd

What do women do when they can't sleep and have something on their mind? Clean! And that's just what Gail has been doing. Nick and David found her up and scrubbing walls and windows when they came down for breakfast. Seems Gail is not finding life on the outside easy to adjust to. Audrey arrives, sends the lads off, rousts Graeme off the sofa and takes Gail away from the sparkling windows for a quiet word.

Trevor takes Carla's mobile away from her. She's preoccupied by the police charges but Trevor assures her she won't be charged. Seems they have taken her passport away or she could have just run away but she tells Trevor she'd take him with her. That gives him pause for thought.

Gail and Audrey sit at the table with a cup of tea. Gail says she feels numb. Audrey understands. She hasn't had time to grieve Joe while in prison and now it's hit her full force. Gail doesn't feel "free" because she's the object of gossip and even Tina can't stand to be around her.

Izzy's dad comes into the pub. He introduces himself to Liz and wants to leave a package for Izzy. He needs a go between as he and his daughter aren't seeing eye to eye at the moment. Liz says she'll do it if he buys a drink. I think she's already caught a spark! He (his name is Owen) tells Liz about his troubles with his daughter who thinks he worries too much. The two of them commiserate over kids. He asks her name and when she says "Liz" he muses "Elizabeth" and then tells her he has another daughter called Katie. Now that can't be a coincidence that he referred to her by the same name Jim uses and he's got a daughter the same name as the baby Liz lost. There is definitely going to be something here, mark my words. Anyway, Owen has to get going and puts a few coins on the bar to pay for the drink he only took one sip out of. Liz peers into the bag he'd left for Izzy and smiles.

Eileen sees Tina and Jason on the street and tells her that Tracy lied on the stand and Deirdre was the one that told the news. Tina is surprised.

Natasha arrives at Platt towers as Gail is searching the kitchen for something. Mustard. Natasha remarks that it's in the fridge where Gail subsequently finds it. Oh dear, rearranging someone's kitchen isn't the way to your (potential, at least in Natasha's mind) mother-in-law's heart. Natasha looks suitably abashed. David tells that Natasha stayed over while Gail was away. She stammers that she stayed in Nick's bed not hers. Nick comes down while on the phone and it's clear he's going to have to cancel their date tonight. They make arrangements to meet at lunch in the Rovers instead. They go off and David answers the phone. Police for Gail.

It must be lunchtime as Natasha and Nick are next seen in the Rovers and ordering cheese sandwiches. Peter and Deirdre come in. Deirdre tells Liz that Tracy's doing ok and is still in hospital. Nick overhears and throws some insults their way about Tracy and the unfair trial. Peter takes umbrage. There's no need to take out frustrations on Deirdre. The two men end up nose to nose with Liz trying to pull them apart. Nick insults Peter's past as an alcoholic, hitting below the belt a little further. It could come to blows but Lewis has just come in and steps between them and diffuses the tension. Nick and Natasha leave (what about the sandwiches they ordered?)

In the cafe, Ken talks to Hayley about her ordeal. Off she goes to the shops and Roy remarks that Hayley doesn't like to talk about the incident. Ken apologizes for bringing it up. Tina and Jason arrive and Tina confronts Ken about Tracy's lies. He confirms that Tracy was lying but they didn't know before the trial. Tina doesn't seem to know what to think. She still thinks Gail probably did it but you can tell she's getting more confused.

Lewis arrives in the salon. Nick and Natasha are cleaning up and he tells Audrey what happened in the pub. Natasha hadn't told Audrey who thinks Nick was right to call out the Barlows on Tracy's lies. Lewis arrived to tell Audrey he has to cancel a date because he has to work. They arrange to meet in the Rovers after he's done. David looks out the window and is shocked. What does he see?

Joe's boat, Gail Force, being towed down the street and plonked in front of Gail's house. She doesn't want it but the police say they have no choice. They have to return all Joe's effects. So there's the boat, the instrument of Joe's death and the cause of all Gail's legal troubles as a constant reminder. Tina's kind of glad. She reckons it won't do Gail's guilty conscience any harm to see it every day as a reminder. The Platts go inside, Eileen tries to get Tina away but Graeme takes her by the arm. He gently tells Tina that Gail really is innocent. He's lived with them and has seen the state Gail's in. He tells Tina that he understands that she needs "an ending, even if there isn't one". She flounces off in a strop.

Back to the cafe, Anna and Roy are getting ready to close up. Hayley comes in and admits she's spent the day in the park instead of a crowded shop. She shuts the door on Roy and goes upstairs, reluctant to be fussed over. Anna tells Roy that a bit of romance is just what Hayley needs.

In the pub, Liz gives Izzy the package. She brings it over to the table where Gary is sitting. There's a pastry, a cd of her favourite band and some perfume, also her favourite. She's not impressed but he points out her dad has gone to a lot of effort and deserves a second chance. He then leaves as he has got to get ready to go back. Izzy thinks for a minute then picks up her mobile while Liz watches with a smile.

Trevor and Carla are having a dinner of red wine and pasta. He invites her to go to South Africa with him when she gets her passport back. Coincidence that the World Cup is on? He admits he was going to go with the lads but dropped out and now that they have dropped out as well, he's still got the tickets and can get the name changed on one of them. She's impressed that he gave up the World Cup for her, though, and she says she'll go if she can.

Back to the pub, Owen has arrived. Seems Izzy has called him. He and Liz smile at each other as he passes and he joins his daughter in a booth. She reminds him that it's her life and her choices and wants him to stay clear. He agrees. Seems there's peace between them again. He buys Izzy a drink which Liz gives him on the house. Meanwhile Audrey is sitting on her own waiting for Lewis who is late. She calls him and tells him she's going home. He can meet her there after.

Nick is meeting with Paul Stokes who tells him that he's been let down on his order that he'd given to someone else. Nick says they can do it but is a bit reticent when he finds out the order is needed by next week. No matter, he promises it will be done and they shake hands. How's he going to pull that off?

David tells Gail he'll get the boat towed away tomorrow. He tells Gail she should have an early night. He goes up for a bath and she gets up and puts on her jacket to go outside. She has a look at the boat but hears someone sobbing. There is now mysteriously stairs on the cobbles beside the boat (in addition to the ladder on the back that looks like it actually belongs to the boat). Gail climbs up and gets in, putting a hand on Tina's arm to stop her getting off. Tina wanted to feel closer to her dad, wondering if she could figure out what was going on in his head. Gail says that's the hardest part, not knowing if Joe was going to go through with it all or come back to shore. Not knowing is the worst and she understands that Tina doubts her innocence. She knows she didn't but Tina doesn't and there doesn't seem to be a way she can convince Tina. Tina cries that she wants to believe her. Trust me, Gail says. Tina isn't quite ready and gets off the boat as the music sounds for the end of the episode.

Tvor

It's morning at Gail's and Nick is up and having breakfast standing up. Gail comes down. She's not been sleeping. Nor has Nick. He's worried about the factory. When Nick leaves the room, Gail looks at the box of Joe's things.

Natasha arrives late at the salon.

Trevor has made breakfast by the time Carla gets out of the shower. Then the police arrive - DS Carr and Detective Constable Glynn. Leanne and Janice look at the burnt-out factory. Nick arrives and tells Janice he hopes it won't come to either of them going on the dole. He's landed a contract and is looking for premises. Janice reluctantly admits she's impressed by this.

Fiz asks Chesney not to get Schmeichel any more food with liver in it. Ick! She asks if Ches is nervous about his maths exam and he admits he is, before trudging off to the school.

The DS tells Carla they won't be pursuing the assault charge any further. They return her passport. To Trevor's delight she agrees to go to South Africa.

David comes downstairs. He's got a day off. Gail hasn't decided what to do with Joe's things. David looks at the watch. Gail tells him it stopped at 12 minutes past 9. She can't help wondering whether that's the time he died. David offers to get rid of the stuff for her but Gail says it's not junk and that Tina might want something to remember him by.

In the cafe, Janice tells Julie and Hayley what Nick said. Julie hopes the new premises are nearby. She thinks Sean did the right thing by going off to London. Hayley offers to talk to Nick and they agree to meet in the Rovers later. At the counter, Roy tells Anna he's planning a special meal for Hayley tonight but it's a secret.

David and Graeme try to move Gail Force on their own. David asks Eddie to help them push but he says he can't take the risk with his back. David offers him a fiver. "Call it a tenner and you're on," says Eddie and they manage to push the boat out away from the house. Tina watches from the flat window.

Nick talks to Leanne in the bookies' and isn't put off by glares from Peter. Nick apologises for the other night and then says he's interested in renting the bar under the arches. Peter tells him he's not the owner and they won't put Nick in touch with the owner because they want nothing to do with him. After Nick goes, Leanne points out that if Nick doesn't find anywhere, Janice will be out of a job. Peter says there are plenty of other places.

Outside, Nick leans against a wall and doesn't look so optimistic.

The blokes have managed to push the boat around the corner and stop outside the taxi office. David pays Eddie, who doesn't think Steve will be happy to have the boat there.

Lewis comes into the salon to see Audrey. Natasha diplomatically makes herself scarce. Lewis says he planned to call her last night to tell her his plans had changed but it got too late. "It's my job, Audrey. It's what I do." He says he's free tonight. Audrey suggests they meet in the Rovers when she finishes work.

Trevor arrives home with tickets for South Africa. He asks Carla why she had the chain on the door. She says she'll be fine in a couple of days. Trevor's bought her a knitted England pompon hat. To her credit, Carla puts it on!

Nick's in the cafe phoning about another premises. Anna asks Roy whether he's decided on a pudding for tonight. They're interrupted by Hayley coming downstairs. Roy asks what time she'll be home from the Rovers but before she can give him a proper answer she sees Nick and skips over to talk to him. He's very abrupt and waves her away with "You'll know when I know!"

Roy follows her out and she tells him she'll be out for about an hour.

Gail arrives at Tina's with the box of Joe's things.

Graeme is with David, wondering if they should go and make sure Tina's okay. David pulled his shoulder pushing the boat and Graeme says he can massage it. Natasha comes in and comments that she forgets they used to share a cell. She's got her own set of keys to the house. She's come to fetch something she left in Nick's room. David gets up and says he's going into town to get totally bladdered. Graeme decides to go with him.

Chesney arrives home and says he's no good at maths. Fiz says he was good at Business Studies. "You only have to be good at one thing in life to get on," she reassures him. She goes off to the meeting in the Rovers leaving Chesney looking very thoughtful.

Gail talks to Tina and says she wasn't sure whether Tina would want anything. "I've kept his wedding ring and some of his clothes," Gail says. "This is everything else." Tina doesn't think it's much to show for a person's life. Gail tells her these are just things. "Your dad left a lot more behind."

Nick's getting the brush-off over premises. Paul Stokes arrives and says he's just been to the factory. "You and me need to talk."

Lewis chats to Deirdre while he waits for Audrey. Julie's at the bar, drooling over Ciaran's accent. Hayley tells the machinists what Nick said. Janice is thirsty and shouts at Julie that she's wasting her time because Ciaran's out of her league.

Lewis asks Audrey if she's still angry at him. "I'm not angry. I'm hurt," she says. She says that no matter how he dresses it up, he still spent the night with another woman. She can't promise Lewis that she'll see him again. "Why don't you give me a call when you're not working?

Peter and Leanne come in. Leanne seems quite offhand and Janice tells her there's no news from Nick.

Nick's at home with Paul Stokes, who can't understand why he would sign a contract without a factory. "I'm on a deadline," Paul says. Nick tells him he needs the order but Paul says it's too risky. The deal is off.

Deirdre comes back to the bar and Lewis tells her about his row with Audrey.

Nick arrives to see the machinists. He says there are no new premises and the new order has just been cancelled. "There's nothing I can do. It's over. Underworld is over." At the bar, Leanne looks thoughtful.

The end of episode one.
Margaret Carr

The factory girls (or ex factory girls as they are now) are up in arms over Nick's news. They shout that Carla would have fought for the future of the factory but he reitorates that there is nothing he can do before storming out. Cue a lot of bitter ramblings between the upset staff. Leanne looks worried as Janice wonders what she is going to do now.

Roy is planning a romantic meal for Hayley and Anna is on hand to help. But all she manages to do is to turn our stomachs as she says Eddie gives her a biscuit when he wants 'some' A lovely image, I'm sure you'll agree.

Gail and Tina are still going through the stuff. Tina wonders where the dinosaur watch is that Joe bought her as a child. Gail agrees to look for it.

Nick confronts Carla over her laid back attitude concerning the factory but she makes it clear to him…she's had enough and wants nothing more to do with the place.

Anna changes the music Roy has chosen to some more appropriate salsa music. Oh Hayley's in for a treat tonight!

Natasha walks in to see Graeme offering a massage to a groaning David. Natasha wonders if this is what they got up to in their prison cell together and asks if they want her to pretend to be a prison officer.

Leanne catches up with Nick. He is in some distress and tells her that he has poured his heart and soul into the factory. Leanne agrees to put him in touch with George to sort out some premises but she is only doing it for Janice's sake. (Sure…) Nick is grateful and apologises for everything he ever put Leanne through, but she doesn't want to talk about that.

The factory girls want some answers from Nick. Hayley volunteers to track him down.

Trev is looking after Carla. As Janice comes home, she is hurt to discover Carla is going to South Africa with trev when she was promised the next available opening.

Chesney tells John that he no longer needs to borrow the money he asked for as he has it sorted. John wonders how Chesney has got his hands on so much cash.

Gail finds the watch in a cupboard and smiles to herself.

Hayley sees smoke piling out of the window and thinks Roy is in danger. But as she arrives she is relieved to discover that he has just burnt the pie meant for their dessert.

Lewis tells Audrey that he has given up escort work...for good. As she embraces him, is she being too quick to believe her man?

Gail presents Tina with the watch and she is very grateful. Gail tells her she had thought it was one of David's and hidden it away. Tina tells Gail that she realises she must have had nothing to do with Joe's death and tells her she knows she loved her dad.

Hayley and Roy are enjoying their evening and after a very successful meal, Roy proves that he is an old romantic after all and gets down on one knee. Naturally, Hayley gives a delighted yes to the proposal and the couple embrace.

Until next time!

Duncan Lindsay

Written by Damon Rochefort Directed by Duncan Foster

Roy's busy sweeping off the pavement when Hayley comes out, having told Becky the news about Roy's proposal on the mobile. Janice comes across the road snarling and Anna dashes past, late. Nothing can bring Hayley's mood down! Over yonder, Peter and Leanne are leading Simon along. Leanne has an appointment and Deirdre is going to mind Simon. Peter's mobile rings and it's George. Peter doesn't answer it and is surprised George is ringing. Leanne makes a feeble excuse while Peter hops off to the bank, reminding Simon how to remember the colours of the rainbow (Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain - Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet).

Gail's still in her dressing gown and looks up as Natasha just walks in to see Nick. Gail is still talking to Nick about Leanne's involvement with the factory. Gail still doesn't trust Leanne and warns Nick. Gail decides she's going to try to get her job back. Natasha looks a bit surprised that Nick and Leanne were once married.

John is going to a meeting with the exam board tomorrow. Chesney comes down but doesn't get out of the house before he's stopped. He has a kit bag full of something that he says is just stuff from his bedroom and scoots out the house before anyone can get too close, grabbing a piece of toast off the kitchen table. He's supposed to be sitting his French exam. His attitude seems to be saying otherwise.

In the Kabin, Mary, who's hair is bizarrely done up like Princess Leia from Star Wars, tries to sympathise with Rita who must have been terrified the night the factory exploded. Rita apparently slept right through it, having taken a sleeping pill and gone to bed early. Gail comes in, much to Rita's delight. Rita offers all her support for Gail. Mary twitters and makes a total twit of herself, babbling about the court case and admits she has never been so glad to lose a fiver in her life. She makes out she was delighted at the verdict but i seem to recall she thought it was a travesty of justice!

Outside, a van is outside Turners and people are shifting machines in while Nick is trying to do business on the phone, organizing the new factory. Natasha comes over and expresses her dismay that Nick never told her about his ex-wife. (I wonder if he told her about Maria, too?) Nick just dismisses it as ancient history and thought someone else would have already told her. Natasha suggests they get their own flat together but Nick is distracted by a car that comes round the corner and makes a date for lunch at the Rovers with her. Ken comes out of his house down the street and noticed the activity at the other end of the street where Nick is meeting with Paul Stokes.

Fiz, Janice, Julie and Anna are gathered at the factory along with Ken. They've been summoned by Hayley and Anna can tell something's up. Hayley brings over a tray of hot drinks and pastries and makes the announcement, they're getting married!! Once it was clarified that they weren't actually legally married, there are congratulations all around. Julie makes a twit out of herself by asking if Hayley really is allowed to after all the "tooing and fro-ing" she's had "downstairs". Hayley is graceful in the face of idiocy. Fiz takes a call from Chesney's school to say he's missed his exam. Uh oh.

Nick is trying to persuade Stokes that he is ready and able to take on Paul's order. Paul isn't sure Nick is up to it but Nick promises to give him the best deal. Stokes says Nick has never let him down before (must be a contact from a previous life in ... Nottingham?) When Stokes asks about Carla, Nick says Carla is not involved. "Who's Carla?" are his words. Uh oh. Gonna be trouble there.

Fiz is pacing, worried about Chesney. He finally arrives and lies about the exam when Fiz asks about it. She confronts him about all the missed exams. Chesney says he did the exam for Business Studies at least. Fiz tries to convince him he needs his education and qualifications to have a better job than she's got (they seem to have forgotten that Fiz had loads of qualifications. I remember that being mentioned years ago distinctly. Mind you, she is still working in a factory which Chesney could have used as a reason why he could skip his exams as well, but they've retconned that little fact and brushed it under the rug.) Anyway. Chesney gets stroppy and walks out with his kit bag, with Fiz hollering at his rebellious back. Fiz then stomps up the steps to find out what's going on.

In the pub, Michelle, Natasha and Ciaran are sampling Mammy Connor's famous Lemon Drizzle Slab (cake) and apparently it *is* famous, for being awful! They all giggle over it. Tina comes in and Ciaran smiles his charming smile at her. She borrows Natasha's newspaper as Nick arrives but Nick has to put off their lunch date. Natasha suggests they rent Dev's flat in Victoria Street. He brushes that off as Paul Stokes arrives behind him and Natasha is forgotten. Her face falls and she leaves, feeling humiliated. (Why she doesn't just run away from that idiot, I don't know! Honey, He's just not that into you!)

Ken arrives at the betting shop. Deirdre is cleaning television screens and Ken imparts Roy and Hayley's news. Deirdre is delighted. Ken also tells Deirdre about all the activity at Turner's and they wonder if George is starting a business, right on their doorstep.

Fiz finds a Dog Lover's Weekly under Chesney's bed. That's all right then. But then she finds an envelope of cash. Quite a lot it seems. Uh oh.

Ciaran flirts shamelessly with Tina and asks her what her sign is! "What sign are you" he ventures. "Keep Out" she says tonelessly, wanting to get back to her newspaper. Mary has come in. Michelle asks her if she's a Star Wars fan. In order to get Ciaran away from Tina, he brings Ciaran over to the bar and tells him that Mary is a Star Wars fan like him! Mary babbles that her mother wouldn't let her watch films like that when she was a child. That was a rule. No sex, violence, or robots. Or talking animals. Or avalanches, beach scenes, Olivia Newton John, haunted vehicles..... (Is it me or is this woman losing the plot more and more every day?) Tina thanks Michelle for rescuing her. Rita arrives to see that Tina was looking at job ads. Rita offers her her job back and she'll deal with Norris. Mary is boring the wits off Ciaran and she says she went Speed Dating dressed as Princess Leia all in white with a light saber strapped to her leg. But the idea of Speed Dating has caught his attention.

Chesney returns and Fiz confronts him with the money. She thinks he might be dealing drugs, begging him to tell her it isn't. He accuses her of thinking the worst of him and leaves again. They're going to need a revolving door!

Gail comes out of the medical centre and meets Tina on the road. Gail is looking pleased with herself and Tina says she's got hers back too. Tina notices the boat over behind on Victoria Street and then tries to apologize to Gail for making things worse. Gail is forgiving and they agree that they're friends again. Gail takes her arm and walks her to the Kabin.

Peter arrives back at the shop and Deirdre tells him about Turner's. Peter freaks out and thinks George is trying to get back in Simon's life.

Janice, Hayley and Julie have come to the empty Joinery. Nick tells them he's got an order and they'll have work for at least two weeks. Julie is delighted, as is Hayley. Janice looks a bit skeptical. Nick tells them they're back in business just as Peter comes in shouting the odds. Nick takes him outside where he tells Peter that Leanne gave him George's number so he could rent the premises. Peter is more concerned with George. Nick says he's renting it from George, George is not involved. Nick winds up Peter about Leanne, if he's got trust issues with her, don't bother him about it.

Tvor

At the ersatz factory, Fizz is confiding in Hayley about Ches. She is worried sick for him and wondering what he could have got himself into.

It's all very quiet at the Rovers. Lloyd is at the bar doing a crossword, Ciaran behind it, drinking a cup of tea. Peter has an orange juice. He takes the opportunity to slag off Nick a bit. He has a moan about Leanne having set up Nick with George. Lloyd advises Peter to try and talk to Leanne about it. Meanwhile, Ciaran approaches Liz with his latest, greatest idea- a speed dating evening.

Leanne is walking Simon home from school. Peter tries to call Leanne but Leanne ignores the call while Simon prattles on endearingly about school. Leanne tells Simon she will take him out for tea.

At the factory, Fizz is trying to get a hold of Chesney on his mobile. No luck though. The machinists look around them and think how they could turn the bar into a smoothie bar. Hayley tries to rally them round to get working.

In the Kabin, Mary is bitter that Tina has taken her place back in the Kabin and ousted her from her spot. She has some advice for Tina to, "turn her frown upside down." Norris arrives back and is stunned to find Rita has reinstated Tina. He makes a show of being annoyed but you can see he is pleased Tina is back. Tina goes to make a cuppa while Norris maxes lyrical about the trade show he has just returned from. Mary encourages Norris to go through the back for a little "private time" with his new, fancy envelopes. She shoves Tina out of the way from behind the till, insisting she can hold the fort.

Peter leaves the Rovers and calls Leanne. He hears her phone ringing; she is across the street. He sees her reject his call and challenges her on it.

In the cafe, Anna asks Roy, "Right, Roy, what's you favourite Beatle?" Of course, Roy thinks she means beetle. Anna tells that her favourite was George and how she thinks, if you squint your eyes right, her Eddie can look just like him. Nick comes into the cafe where Natasha has dropped in to have a hot chocolate, made by Roy the hot choc maestro. Nick is there to grab some cream cakes for his machinists. Natasha probes him about Leanne. Nick tells her that the marriage quickly fell apart and that Janice didn't like him at all. In a quick bit of discussion about the factory, Natasha hears that Nick has to rustle up £3000 quick smart to give to George.

Hayley is at the market. She happens upon Chesney who is flogging dog collars and appears to be born to the profession. She calls Fizz. I might add, Chesney is looking very grown up these days; it feels a little like watching my own boys grow up.

Peter and Leanne are discussing their private affairs out on the street, as you do. Leanne tells Peter he is totally overreacting about Nick. She justifies her actions quite well but Peter thinks that Leanne had no right to get involved. He is still jealous. Nick comes across them and gives them a sarcastic, "Lovely day for it!" Peter threatens to smack Nick but Leanne reminds him of his son and how he's not much of a role model.

In the Rovers, Ciaran brings Liz ideas for fliers for the speed dating evening. He thinks Rosie can hand them out while she's out doing the vodka promotions. Liz thinks that might be a good idea and yes, maybe a speed dating evening would work. It would bring in some new faces. Norris is at the bar and tells them it might also serve to alienate some of the regulars. IE. him. They ignore him. Ciaran and Michelle indulge in some flirting. Norris carries on, "Speed dating is like fast food- instant gratification with a greasy aftertaste and a sense of deep regret." Liz tells Norris that she's only doing it to bring in new punters and agrees with Ciaran that they can go ahead. Speed Dating evening on Sunday.

At the market, Hayley confronts Chesney gently and tells him that he really seems to be good at selling in the market. Just as he asks Hayley not to tell anyone, Fizz barges in and packs him straight up and home, no arguments.

In the factory, Janice can't believe that she's actually happy to be working. Natasha comes in to talk to Nick. She tells Nick that with the £1000 she has saved so that they can get a flat together and £2000 she has borrowed off her parents, she can give him the £3000 he needs to pay George to rent the bar space. Nick does appear genuinely touched but doesn't know when he'll be able to pay her back. Natasha tells him not to worry about that and that she is investing in their future.

Back at Fizz's, Chesney explains that he made a mistake when he was ordering a dog collar for Schmeichel. He manage to order a bulk lot, charging £150 to Fizz's credit card. He took them to the market to sell them so he could make the money back to pay Fizz. Fizz thinks that he was very enterprising but he has to stop and go back to school.

At Peter & Leanne's place, Peter is still fuming about Nick. He is so jealous. Leanne points out that Nick isn't a great catch with his womanising, etc and tells Peter that he's talking rubbish. Peter walks out on Leanne anyway. Fool.

Fizz has told John about the Chesney and the market. John thinks Chesney needs to go back to school but Chesney wants to leave school and make some money down the market. When Fizz points out that money isn't everything, he reminds them that he made £100 in just a few hours today which is more than either of them make. It seems his mind is made up and I don't know what John and Fizz can do about it.

In the Rovers, Ciaran asks Graeme if he'll be attending the speed dating. Graeme is keen. Tina looks at him askance. Graeme thinks it's OK for Tina, she's practically a smug married but Tina doesn't seem too keen on that idea. Ciaran thinks that if he plays it right, there should be about 10 gorgeous girls for every boy in the pub on speed dating night. Michelle realises that Ciaran is putting on the speed dating night so he can meet women himself!

The factory workers are in the bar and raise a glass to Roy & Hayley's upcoming nuptials.Mary tells Hayley that she's been dreaming about her wedding day since she was six years old. She was obsessed with Cliff Richard for nigh on 17 years but it all went pie-shaped when he started seeing Sue Barker. She offers Hayley her wedding dossier, which she has been compiling since forever. She dashes to the motor home to grab it, despite Hayley's protestations.

Fizz goes to see Chesney in his room. She tries to urge him to go to school and get himself a proper career. Chesney is stubborn, he wants to be out earning money and he has told his college to give his place to someone else. He reminds Fizz that he will be 16 soon and she won't be able to stop him doing what he likes.

In the Rovers, Nick is having a drink with his workers. He listens in as Julie fishes in her top for her good luck amulet. She wants to wear it to ward off the bad luck which seems to have plagued the factory.

Mary returns and presents Hayley with her wedding dossier. It's huge. Mary asks Hayley to please look after it, it means the world to her.

Peter comes into the bar and sees Nick. He marches over to Nick and threatens to hit him before telling Nick that he thinks Nick is trying to come between him and Leanne. But it won't work, he warns him, because he and Leanne are solid. Nick asks him if they're so solid, why is charging around like a caged animal and how much longer does he think Leanne will put up with him showing her up in public, etc. Peter lunges for Nick. grabs him by the lapels and warns Nick, "You leave Leanne alone!"

Stella McLoughlin

John 'Pointless' Stape is excited for the teacher conference he is going to. Fiz warns him, yet again, that if he doesn't keep a low profile he's going to get caught. He takes little notice and Fiz turns her mind to her other main worry of the moment, Chesney's future (or lack of, as she believes)

Peter is still agitated about Nick and Leanne demands to know what went on but Peter is very shady over the details.

Tina and Jason are back onto selling their flat and Tina tells him that it should be his responsibility to show people around.

Peter is speaking to Deirdre about Nick. She wanrs him that he should just drop it and learn to trust Leanne. After all, how can they get married if there's no trust?

John enters the teacher's conference and immediately catches a familiar eye. His flirty former colleague, Charlotte (the woman he met at Colin Fishwick's party a while ago)

Eileen and Lloyd are wondering about the speed dating night that's coming up at the Rovers. Eileen asks him what's going on with Cheryl and he tells her there's nothing between them anymore.

Charlotte has tagged herself to John and wonders how he managed to get in as he was banned from the profession. He lies that he is working for the exam board and this means he doesn't come into contact with children. He tries to shake Charlotte off but is unsuccessful. She is looking through the list of people attending and is surprised to notice Colin's name there.

Leanne asks Nick what was going on with Peter. He says it was a misunderstanding. Jealous Natasha intervenes between the pair and plants a big kiss on Nick. Leanne asks Nick if Peter had been drinking and is relieved when he says he wasn't

Colin tries to stop Charlotte telling the moderator about the Colin error and is forced to admit that he has stolen his identity.

Ciaran is on the phone to somebody and Michelle gets annoyed when she hears him say he works with an insufferable woman. When he comes off the phone he tells her it was her mum and she phones all the time. The things she's said about Michelle…

Jason is getting in the drinks while Tina sits with Graeme. It becomes clear that she isn't looking forward to her date with Jason

Peter is still being tetchy about Nick and Leanne tells him to stop being so possessive. She will speak to who she wants, when she wants.

Charlotte, rather than being horrified by John's scam, is delighted. She makes it clear that she finds it all very exciting and she promises mischeviously that she will keep his secret. John looks uncomfortable…it's clear that she is going to want something in return…

That's all for now!

Duncan Lindsay

Fiz is at work, but she makes a quick call to John, who is walking down Coronation Street, asking him to meet her in Roy's later, she wants to talk to him about Chesney.

Jason and Tina come out of the Kabin. He apologises for falling asleep in the film they went to see. She seems preoccupied and quiet, and tells him it doesn't matter. They discuss what to have for tea and she says she'll go round to the butchers later and see if Graeme has any end-of-day offers on.

As they go their separate ways, round the corner comes John's teacher friend, Charlotte. She spots Rosie wandering by. "Why if it isn't Do…er…Rosie Webster!" she says. Rosie wants to know what she was about to call her, but Charlotte just remarks on the tightness of her top. "I don't think you're in any position to start giving fashion advice," snaps Rosie, looking her up and down. Just then Charlotte sees John and hails him. "Oh, I might have known you were coming to see him," says Rosie. "Jealous?" enquires Charlotte. Rosie tells them they're welcome to each other, they're both a pair of freaks. "I was going to call you Dozy Plebster before," says Charlotte as Rosie walks away, "well, you did ask." John wants to know what Charlotte is doing there. She tells him she's got some news, quite big, and suggests they go to the Rovers.

The factory workers are now installed in the new premises that used to be Peter and Leanne's wine bar, and Hayley is showing Nick how well they're all doing. "I'm impressed, you're doing really well girls!" he tells them. Izzy turns round. "We're not girls," she says. "What are you then?" asks Nick. Izzy says they were women last time they looked. Nick rephrases his comment, calling them women. "Yes, I think we're dovetailing into the setup quite nicely, aren't we girls?" witters Hayley. "Hayley!" says Janice. "Sorry!" says Hayley. Nick tells them that Paul Stokes is coming in later for a look-see, so they have to show him they rock!

Tina goes round to the butchers' and finds Graeme standing outside with a cuppa. They get into conversation about films and it's obvious that she's very taken with our Graeme. She laughs a little too loudly and keeps giving him playful pats on the arm. Suddenly she's hailed by Jason from his yard balcony across the street. She looks round, smiles, and then carries on flirting with Graeme.

Michelle is incensed to find Ciaran sitting on the stairs talking on her phone. "Are you on my phone again?" she demands to know. "It's your mam, she called, I answered," he tells her, and then to Helen: "It's Michelle, do you want a word? Oh ok." He hangs up after asking Helen to send more of the lemon drizzle slab. "Oh,did she not want to talk to me then?" asks Michelle. Ciaran says that The Weakest Link was about to start. "You hated her lemon drizzle slab," says Michelle. "She has a sexy voice," says Ciaran. "You repluse me!" snaps Michelle and walks off.

In the pub, a rather impatient John asks Charlotte what's so important that she had to take three buses to see him. "Two, and a brisk walk," she corrects him, but then goes on to tell him that Colin Fishwick is coming home. A horrified John gets his phone out and sends Fiz a text message.

In the cafe Fiz tells Roys that Nick has let her go early, she's supposed to be meeting John but now he's texted to say he's been delayed at work. Roy pulls a rather tattered history book out of his apron pocket and asks if she'd like to read it while she's waiting.

Leanne and Peter run into each other in the street. He says he's been trying to text her to say sorry but his predictive text kept writing the wrong word. "So you should be apologising," she says, adding that he'd be a wazzock if he could think she would be interested in Nick. "Stick that in your predictive text," she says, walking off.

Just then Ken passes and sees Peter leaning on the wall. He comes over. "OK?" he asks. Peter tells him that he's a wazzock, apparently. Ken smiles and says he hasn't heard that word for years. Peter is in a self-pitying frame of mind and says he wouldn't blame Leanne if she did fancy her ex, what has he got that Nick hasn't? Oh yes, a suspicious nature, soap for brains and a drink problem! Ken doesn't think he has any reason to be so pessimistic, he can see that Leanne loves Peter and wants to make a family with him and Simon, she's perfect for him. "What do you mean by that?" snaps Peter, "she keeps me off the booze?" "Yes!" says Ken, and tells him not to mess this up. He also tells him that he knows that Peter asked Deirdre to do some muck raking at the council over Underworld's use of the wine bar. "Tread carefully, son," he warns, "tread carefully."

Steve and Lloyd are outside the taxi office talking about the requirements for adoption, when Lloyd sees Cheryl approaching. He dives down behind the taxi, whispering to Steve to get rid of her. When she reaches him, Cheryl asks Steve if Lloyd is about. Steve lies, badly, and tells her he thinks he's in the pub. "Is everything all right?" asks Cheryl as she turns to walk over to the Rovers. "Er..yeah," mutters Steve. When she's gone, Steve walks behind the car to find Lloyd gone.

Meanwhile, in the pub, a very agitated John is trying to get more information out of Charlotte, who is being very blasé about the whole thing. "What did he say?" John demands to know. "I wonder what would happen if you two met?" she replies, "two Colin Fishwicks in a face-off! Would you have to go to prison - again?" Through gritted teeth, John asks her again what he said. Eventually she admits that Colin just posted on Facebook that he was missing his friends and finding Canada quite austere. "Is that it?" says John, "he didn't actually say he's coming home?" Charlotte reckons it's a slippery slope.

Cheryl wanders into the pub, can't see Lloyd and walks out again.

In the Kabin, Tina is leaning on the counter, head in hand, looking morose. Rita wants to know what's wrong. Just then Ken comes in looking for a magazine to cheer Deirdre up. Rita whispers to Tina that when he's gone she's going to shut up shop and Tina can talk to her.

Fiz in still in the café waiting for John when Rosie comes in and tells her that she just saw John going into the Rovers with her old teacher, Charlotte.

Tina and Rita are now on their own, and Rita, astutely, tells Tina that she thinks she's miserable over a fella. "So how are things with you and Jason?" she asks her. "Fine," says Tina, "but is fine enough?" and breaks down sobbing in Rita's arms. She says that Jason is nice, he's solid and safe, but there are too many memories connected with her dad and she doesn't think she wants that any more.

Outside, the factory girls are walking down the street with Nick. It seems that Paul Stokes liked what he saw and is planning on placing more orders after this one.

Cheryl is with Leanne in the flat, having a glass of wine. She tells Leanne that Lloyd tried to kiss her but she wouldn't let him. Leanne wants to know why she wasn't up for it. Cheryl finally admits that she's back with Chris. Leanne looks horrified. "You are joking?" she says. Cheryl tells her that Chris keeps saying he's going to change. "I've made such a mess," she says. Leanne agrees. "And now you've dragged me into it!" Cheryl asks if they can go to the pub, she's feeling claustrophobic. "You just want to bump into Lloyd!" grins Leanne.

Tina gets home to an empty flat. She puts down her shopping and sits down, looking miserable.

Fiz walks into the Rovers to see if Rosie's story is true. "What's going on?" she demands to know. John tells her it's not how it looks and Charlotte tells her to calm down. "I am calm," says Fiz. Charlotte tells her it was so lovely to see Johnny-boy yesterday she couldn't wait to get her claws into him again. "She has an unfortunate turn of phrase," mutters John. "Yes," says Fiz, "and an unfortunate dress sense!" Fiz is astounded to hear that they saw each other yesterday. "Didn't you tell her?" asks Charlotte, "what am I? Your guilty secret?" John goes off to get Fiz a drink and as she sits down, Charlotte tells her she won't be spilling their little secret to anyone.

Leanne and Cheryl arrive in the pub, followed closely by Peter who asks Cheryl to give them a bit of space so that he can talk to Leanne. Chery obliges and goes off to the loo. Peter tells Leanne that he's acted like an idiot and he hates that they've fallen out. Leanne apologises for going behind his back to George, she says she won't do that again. He tells her he's glad Janice still has a job and Leanne points out that she's also made sure that Carla will have a business to come back to. Peter adds that he knows it was nothing to do with Nick and he feels a fool for being jealous.

Jason arrives home to find Tina sitting in the dark. He asks if she's all right and she starts to cry. "I can't do this any more," she says. Misunderstanding he offers to give her space. She cries some more and tells him to stop being nice. "Tina, I love you," he says. "Don't you see, Jason, I don't love you," she says, "I'm sorry, it's over."

Back in the Rovers, a horrified Fiz wants to know when John was going to tell her that Charlotte knew his secret. Charlotte says she thinks it's hilarious and John assures Fiz they can trust Charlotte. Fiz stands up, "I can't believe you've shared this with her," she says. "She just found out!" says John. Fiz hisses at him to keep his voice down. "If she blows this secret our whole lives are going to be in smithereens. Nice one John, back of the net!" She storms out of the pub.

Anne Logan

Well hello and good evening. I hope some of my older readers will be able to welcome me back into the hot update seat. I took a few months off and will be regularly covering part of Monday evenings. At the moment Corrie is appearing irregularly and this has totally confused the itv.com website where this episode (which was broadcast on a Sunday evening, 20 June appears to be have been broadcast on 21 June. Clearly whoever runs the ITV website has no knowledge of what is actually transmitted - and I can only hope that the new ITV management get their act together).

Corrie has a new producer (Kin Crowther) and we already know that some well known characters are leaving, with the aim of introducing some new faces. Early warning here - Izzy and Becky have sisters.

Anyway down to events on the Street and we can first appreciate the new HD titles (well you might - I am not HD yet and not likely to be for some considerable time and the ITV.com website does not yet appear to have found out how to send out HD versions of our popular programmes unlike the BBC, of course without a HD screen it does not make any difference here anyway!!). Written by Joe Turner and directed by Duncan Foster.

We open with Eileen hanging out washing and Jason hanging around drinking his morning tea - he has been dumped and is therefore fed up.

In the Rovers they are preparing for the Speed Dating night. Ciaran wants Michelle to help organise the speed dating but she is not keen. Ciaran once again makes it clear that he is interested only in Michelle - will he eventually catch her?

At the Stape's Fiz is telling John that she never wants to hear the name Colin Fishwick again. He reassures her that he can handle Charlotte - something else she never wants to hear again she grumpily tells Chesney that if he wants breakfast he can cook it himself and in a response to a query John confirms he cooked it himself as Fiz stomps off upstairs.

Tina is sorry for messing Jason about and asks if she can stay put for now if she keeps it clean and tidy. Surprisingly Jason is not answering her questions.

Outside on the Street at what was once Turners Joinery and briefly a bar Nick is giving contractors instructions to increase the amount of light so that the staff can see what they are doing. Also there is a gurgling noise in the ladies. Kirk wants a ticket for the speed dating. Kirk wants to meet a PE teacher.

Jason accuses Nick of chasing Tina, which surprises Nick. Jason grabs him but Ciaran clams them down before any serious fighting starts. Neither buy tickets for the speed dating leaving more girls for Kirk.

There is a knock at Fiz's front door - it is Charlotte - and her head is spinning. She wants a woman to woman talk. She then recognises "little" Chesney - and tells him she is here to see Fiz as friends. Fiz tells Chesney to have a good time as he goes out. Charlotte asks for a peppermint tea to solve her headache. Charlotte will not betray the secret - but Fiz has little choice but to believe. If John needs help with his identity she will do whatever she can to help. She reassures him that everything will be fine. Fiz calls her totally insane and their lives are entirely in her hands.

Tina walks along the Street and sees Ciaran, Graeme and Ashley laughing and joking in the Butchers, she does not feel like laughing and walks on even more disheartened. Inside Graeme is talking about Blind Date as just a bit of fun, Graeme ensures him that love will blossom and agrees to buy a ticket - having borrowed the fiver from Ashley! Later they are sitting on the floor and Graeme is talking about the things he enjoys - he is preparing for his sessions in the speed dating - a bit of romance will make him memorable. Tina wanders in and she and Graeme wander out on to the Street. He says they are not open - stocktaking, doing a deep clean and so on, but he could slip her some brisket if she was interested (! read into that what you like). Tina wants to see him and wants a chat - but she admits she has finished with Jason. It is her fault and she asks him to come round this evening, whilst she is talking her face brightens and is far more animated, touching him. Graeme reluctantly agrees for an hour - suggesting 8; they eventually agree on 7. [Hard luck about the speed dating fiver Graeme].

After the break we are in the Rovers with Liz adding lippy and Ciaran sensing the pheromones of physical attraction. Liz says to Michelle that he fancies her and if she does not want him then Liz will be happy to ... Michelle has not said that and is clearly making him wait.

The Stapes are eating (again), this time beans on toast. Fiz tells him the Colin must disappear and cease to exist, dump the mobile and John must re-appear - the risks of Charlotte knowing are simply too great. John tries to calm her down. Another two weeks to the end of term, exam marker over the holidays and then a rational decision before next term. He reckons she will get bored. Fiz doubts it.

Graeme is all dressed up for the speed dating and passes Lloyd going in the opposite direction - he will be there shortly. Tina's flat door bell goes and she buzzes in the caller - who reaches the top of the stairs very quickly as Tina touches up her makeup - and it is not Graeme, it is Eileen who has just popped round to give Tina a piece of her mind! Tina tries to apologise, but Eileen does not want to know - but Tina has broken Jason's heart twice so the sooner she moves out of the flat so it can be sold the better.

At the Rovers Michelle is labelling the female participants and Ciaran the female ones. Ciaran opens the proceedings and Michelle demonstrates the change-over whistle. Michelle and Ciaran high five and perhaps she is close to giving way to his persistence.

Lloyd gets to meet a tall blonde called Ruth and the session starts.

Graeme arrives at the flat to find a completely dispirited Tina who is ruing the way she treated Jason. As Graeme points out mothers can be very protective. Tina admits that she has been wrong. He offers to put the kettle but they agree a beer would be preferable.

Liz has sent Ciaran out the back as they were running short of glasses and she tells Michelle that this is her chance to get him alone. She walks through the pub into the (now enormous back yard and smoking area. She is confronted by Ciaran with his hands all over the back of [and his face closely attached] the blonde we saw with Lloyd earlier in the evening.

In the Rovers Kirk gets him face slapped. Cheryl and Leanne arrive and at the next changeover Leanne slips into the seat opposite Lloyd. She is not participating but she wanted to see him to apologise. She admits she led him on and she is sorry. Lloyd accepts. She then asks if he can still get the "Oklahoma" tickets they had talked about and Lloyd says that he will try. She will call him.

Ciaran returns to the bar with a lot of empty glasses. Lloyd tells Michelle he has had enough and Michelle says she knows the feeling.

Tina and Graeme are talking and he keeps looking at his watch - he lies and she wants to know why she was lying. She threatens violence and he tells her about the speed dating. Tina gets annoyed that Graeme did not tell her that she has not only ruined her life but now was ruining his as well - and that is the reason he is dressed up. She calls him selfish despite having a better offer. They argue shouting at each other. Graeme says she has tested his patience to the limit and he points at the door "lady", this is him leaving. Before you go says Tina and grabs him and smothers him with kisses. This stops him going speed dating and they kiss again, fade in the music.

Well we all knew it was coming - but Graeme managed a wonderful look of surprise as she grabbed him - and she was not quite tall enough!! So speed dating it wasn't but Graeme seems to have pulled.

Just what is Cheryl playing at? She has Lloyd on a chain and keeps yanking it. And when will John start listening to Fiz before it all goes wrong? And what will Carla make of the new factory?

Right - I will be back sometime soon, it rather depends on the football.

K Richard W

It's morning and Graeme wakes up beside Tina looking like he can't believe his eyes. She opens hers and smiles at him. He smiles back, a little nervously. "Fancy a cuppa?" she murmurs, and leaves the bed. Graeme sinks back down under the duvet looking stunned.

Over at Fiz's, John chides her gently for worrying. Chesney comes in looking for his trainers and John remarks that he thinks Sir Alan Sugar started off on the markets. "He sold car aerials and electrical goods from the back of a car," Chesney corrects him, "and he's now worth £830 million."

Tina is back in bed and snuggled up to Graeme. He's wondering why it all happened. Was it a thank you for being there ion her darkest hour? Tina tells him if she wanted to thank him she would have sent him a card. She says she likes him, she likes being with him and she wants to see him more. Beyond that she doesn't know. He kisses her. "David is gonna kill us," he says.

Ciaran is full of himself. He tells Michelle that he's in Liz's good books. The takings for the Speed Dating were through the roof and she wants him to come up with more ideas. Michelle says she thought the whole thing was very tacky and any new ideas will probably involve him, slappers and booze.

Tina kisses Graeme goodbye on the doorstep. She reminds him that they haven't done anything wrong and no one can say they have. They arrange that he will tell David and she will tell Jason. Graeme agrees and walks off round the corner, where he raises both arms to heaven and mouths "Thank you!" Just then Norris comes out of the Kabin, Graeme is in high spirits and lifts poor Norris clean off his feet. "Mornin' Nozza, me old mate!" he says, adding that he's spreading a little joy. As he walks on he calls "Morning," to both Ken and Audrey, much to their amazement.

Lewis goes into the bookies and places a bet. He and Deirdre talk about Audrey and he assures her that Audrey doesn't hold her or Ken responsible for what Tracy did. Deirdre can't believe she's behind bars and still bringing shame on them. "But you don't want to hear me mithering on," says Deirdre. Lewis looks earnestly at her and tells her he's an extremely good listener.

Round at the butcher's, Ashley wants to know why Graeme is in such a good mood. "Are you on drugs?" he asks. Just then David comes in and wants to know why Graeme didn't come home. "Did you get lucky at the speed dating?" he asks. Ashley laughs and says now it all makes sense. "Who is it?" asks David, "have you finally snared Rosie Webcam?" Graeme tries to shrug it off. "No," he says. David can't understand why Graeme is being so coy. "You're my best mate, we tell each other everything," he says. Graeme tells him if he's not buying anything to go and make room for those that are. (The shop's empty!) David goes off in a huff. Ashley then asks what that was all about, and Graeme explains that the girl he did spend the night with is David's ex-girlfriend. Ashley laughs. "Tina?" he says, "no way!" Graeme assures him that it's true, adding that he wants to choose his moment to tell him. Then he throws off his apron and leaps over the counter. "I've had a brainwave," he says, rushing out of the shop.

In the bookies, Lewis is still with Deirdre. She asks if he's got children but he tells her he never met the person he would like to start a family with. "I've just told you the story of my life, you are a good listener," says Deirdre. He tells her it's a occupational hazard. She asks what he does. He says he's between at the moment. "What did you do before?" she asks. "International man of mystery," he smiles, and leaves, saying he'll be back later to collect his winnings.

Graeme has arrived at the Platt household and is hiding and waiting. David walks in and Graeme pounces, throwing him to the floor and then handcuffing him to the radiator. When David realises who has done this to him he's incredulous. Graeme apologises for freaking him out but tells him the element of surprise was essential. He goes on to say that he needed David to be restrained when he tells him who it is he's started seeing. "What are you on about?" says David, "I don't care who you've been seeing." Graeme takes a few steps backwards. "It's Tina," he says. David suddenly obviously does care who Graeme's seeing, and struggles to lunge at him, yelling, "I'll kill you! Come here!" Graeme stands by the door and screams in terror!

After the break we see David still tethered to the radiator as Graeme sidles past him carrying a dining chair. He places it just out of David's reach and sits down. He tells him that neither of them wanted it to happen. "Actually, that's not true - I've fancied her for yonks. I told you as much," he says. David says he thought he was just winding him up. "She wouldn't look twice at you," scoffs David. Graeme says he found it hard to believe it himself, but this morning she seemed quite keen. "This morning?" David is astounded and starts rattling the part of the handcuffs that's attached to the radiator. Graeme assures his friend that he's not a predator, Tina did all the running. He says he thought about rebuffing her for the sake of their friendship for about a nanosecond, but he does like her and it's not like he's had a lot of success with the ladies. David assures him that he's no friend of his. Graeme says he knows it's a shock but he hopes that in time David will come to accept them. There's then a lot more rattling of the chain and David crying out in anguish. "I haven't had a girlfriend since Year 6," says Graeme. "But why Tina? My Tina?" wails David. "Er….she's my Tina now, technically," says Graeme.

Lewis is in the Rovers when Deirdre comes in. He's there to meet Audrey, she's meeting Ken. He buys her a drink and she tries to pump him for information about his past. "What sort of job needs you to be a good listener?" she says, telling him it's been bugging her all morning. Just then Ken comes in, followed a few moments later by Audrey. "Hello there," says Ken. Audrey gives a tight little smile and goes to stand with Lewis. He observes that there seems to be an atmosphere. Audrey remarks that it's understandable, but Lewis doesn't agree. He can't see that she has any axe to grind with Ken and Deirdre, two of her oldest friends. Ken says they have been at pains to apologise for what Tracey did, in fact he was thinking about inviting Audrey and Lewis round for dinner to clear the air. Lewis thinks that's a capital idea and offers to buy them all drinks, telling them to go and sit down. As she walks past, Deirdre asks if he used to work for the United Nations!

Back at David's house, Graeme gets a couple of cans out of the fridge and offers one to David. He kicks it out of Graeme's hand, saying he'd rather die of thirst. Graeme sits down. David asks if he's sure it's not all in his head. "Her bed, not my head," says Graeme. David reminds him they had a solemn vow, a covenant. "I know, and usually I would uphold it to the highest standards of loyalty," says Graeme. David reckons Tina is using him. "Let her," laughs Graeme. David urges him to dump her, and free him. "Me and you can never be mates if you don't," he says. Graeme doesn't want to dump her. He tells David not to make him choose because he would choose her every time. He goes on to say that he thinks that in time this could make them stronger. David says she's destroyed them, like she destroys everything she comes into contact with. Graeme then gets up and walks out of the front door, leaving David shouting beside the radiator.

In the pub, Audrey has to go and so does Ken, leaving Deirdre and Lewis at the table. She tells him with glee that she doesn't have to be back at work for another half hour. He's sure he's in for a grilling, so he eventually confesses that he was a male escort. "Does Audrey know about this?" asks Deirdre. Lewis tells her that's how they met, but when they started to spend time together he decided to hang up his boots. He adds that her discretion would be appreciated. She says it's a pity he threw in the towel, it's her birthday soon she could have booked him.

Graeme arrives back at Tina's flat. She tells him Jason wasn't in so she'll go back and see him later. He tells her he saw David, it went pretty well, but he just needs a little bit of time to let it all sink in. Just then their window breaks and they look outside. There is David, with radiator still attached, outside, shouting. "Traitor!" and "Whore!" "I thought you said it went pretty well," says Tina. Graeme admits it went pretty badly. "Why has he got a radiator dragging behind him?" asks Tina. Graeme winces, and then admits he handcuffed him to it.

Ciaran tells Michelle he thinks she was bang out of order before. He was just trying to inject a bit of life into things. "What next?" asks Michelle, "a stripper? Pole dancing?" Ciaran says he maintains the highest standards of decency and decorum. "Huh - even when you've got your tongue down some lasses throat?" snaps Michelle. Ciaran realises that's what it's all about - she's jealous! He tells her he'd change his ways if she'd go on a date with him, but he knows she won't. "Save me, show me the light," he says. She turns to him. "You do know this is borderline harassment?" "And you love it!" he grins.

Tina and Graeme come out into the street to talk to David, who is still furious and still chained to the radiator. Jason comes out of the corner shop and wants to know why David is attached to the aforementioned heating appliance. David explains that Graeme didn't have the nerve to tell him about himself and Tina without chaining him up first. "No!" says Jason, astounded. "No way! Him and T?" David asks if he's got a hacksaw as a car pulls up behind him, hooting.

Chesney is talking to Fiz, full of enthusiasm for the world of markets and selling. He tells her he knows she thinks he's mad, but he loves it. "It's your life," says Fiz. "To ruin?" says Chesney. Fiz says she didn't say that. She then asks how much money he made today. He tells her about a hundred quid. "A lot more than I made," she reflects, "so, if you're making that much money don't you think you should start paying rent?"

Jason has taken David to the builder's yard and is sawing through the chain with a hacksaw. They discuss how long Graeme and Tina's relationship has been going on, and whether they believe them. "All those times he was nipping round there, cheering her up!" says Jason, adding that they've made a fool out of him. David says they're probably round there now having a good laugh. "In your flat, in your bed!" Jason throws the hacksaw down. "I feel like smacking him one!" he says, marching towards the gate. David tells him to get the thing off his arm, he's got a better idea.

Fiz is telling Chesney a few home truths, and outlining just what needs to be paid for. Food, rent, bills, etc. "Now you're earning it's only fair that you pay your way." Chesney thinks she's just trying to get back at him because he wouldn't do what she wanted. She tells him she wants a hundred pounds a week, and he can help with the shopping, cooking and cleaning. "Welcome to the real world Ches."

Tina and Graeme are walking down the street arm in arm when they meet Jason. He tells them he's now looking after number one, or rather, number twelve. "Find somewhere else for your love nest, eh?" He walks on. Tina rushes round the corner to find that he's changed the locks on the flat. They turn around and see David watching them. "Looks like we're both homeless then," says Graeme, putting his arms around her.

Anne Logan

Hello, and welcome to an episode confusingly broadcast on a Wednesday. I wonder whether FIFA considered the effect on your updaters when they decided to stage yet another World Cup competition? Sheesh! Surely every four years is too often!

We open with Tina and Graeme walking down the street after a night with Graeme’s Uncle Derek. Tina feels grubby and Graeme admits hygiene has never been one of Uncle Derek’s priorities. Tina looks up at the flat and tells him everything she owns is in the flat. They have a quiet moment and hug, but suddenly the street is full of people shouting at them – David making sarky comments, Norris hurrying Tina to work, Mary . .er. . . well, she’s just there.

Fiz rushes downstairs - she’s got four minutes to get to work and turns down John’s offer of a cooked brekkie. A deliveryman arrives with boxes for Chesney, who left for the market hours ago. It’s another consignment of dog collars.

Liz stares into her make-up mirror and asks it who is the fairest of them all. Before it can reply, Steve interrupts and Liz leaps to her feet. When she’s left the room, Steve whips an Action Man-type figure out of a shoebox, puts a pipe in his mouth and starts to talk to it in a clipped, wartime-officer-type accent.

Jason

s slumped in the cafe when Eileen breezes in. That doesn’t cheer him up and nor does Tina coming in and asking if she can have her stuff or the keys to the flat for an hour. No, she can’t. "No you can’t have the keys. No you can’t have your stuff. No way. Never!" Jason tells her. His phone goes. It’s Gail and he leaves the cafe.

Liz tells the bar staff about the competition for the fairest barmaid in Weatherfield. Ciaran says Michelle will win. Steve says only his wife will represent the pub. "Is no-one going to stick up for me?" Liz asks. No. She thinks she’s the face of the Rovers. "And more than that, I am your mother. I gave you life. And I can take it away."

David stomps into the butchers’ and says he’s brought back Graeme’s baseball caps. Except he’s cut the peaks off all of them. He says he’s using Graeme’s clothes, though he doesn’t say what for. Graeme says he had to follow his heart and tries to shake David’s hand. He wants to stay mates but David refuses. "You used to make me laugh. Now you make me sick."

Steve’s still playing with his dolly and tells Becky he’s liberating the Falklands with Buster Toughguts. He says they’re supposed to take an object that means something to them when they go to tomorrow’s adoption meeting. He’s taking Buster Toughguts, which he shared with Andy after Andy’s action figure went missing. Becky hasn’t decided what to take.

Jason’s at Gail’s to fix the radiator. He tells her it’s on the house. She’s very annoyed with David and he reminds her that he stood by her these last few months. Now he needs someone on his side.

John talks to Chesney, telling him Fiz has a lot on her mind. He wants Chesney to cut her some slack. Chesney asks what John thinks and he says he doesn’t think he’s seen Chesney so excited and passionate about something for ages.

Graeme tells Tina she needs to be patient with Jason. She says she worked just as hard as Jason on that flat and the only things that remind her of her dad are in that hat. Graeme tells her to leave things to him. He’s not quite sure what he’ll do, but he promises he’ll get her stuff back.

In the Rovers, Becky and Michelle try to convince Liz that a competition to find the fairest barmaid is not the same as the fairest landlady. Liz isn’t convinced because the landlady of the Flying Horse has entered. In one of the booths, Graeme and Tina tell Rita their tale of woe. In another, Anna tells Eddie she’s taking her grandmother’s wedding ring to the adoption meeting. As she tells him about it linking her to the mother of her mother, Steve eavesdrops. Eddie’s not taking anything. Anna has a go at him about not taking it seriously but he assures her he knows what he’s doing.

In the taxi office, Jason tells Eileen that David won’t let things go and will make Tina and Graeme suffer. He thinks it’s a great thing. "Oh, well, maybe you and David Platt can form a revenge squad," Eileen suggests. She tells him not to spend too much time with David, who is a bad influence. Jason leaves and a sulky Lloyd comes in. He’s grumpy because he told Cheryl he could get her two tickets to a show and to be polite offered to drive her. And to be polite she said Yes. So now he’ll have to drive Cheryl and Mr Cheryl to the show.

In the cafe, Anna and Hayley are excited about going to check out bridal boutiques tomorrow and when Mary comes in they tell her. "Oh, no, you can’t!" says Mary. She tells Hayley she’s got something to show her first and asks if Hayley can come to her motorhome at six o’clock. Anna’s not invited but Mary says if Hayley still wants to go shopping after that, that’s her decision. Hayley looks intrigued.

Chesney discovers his boxes have been opened. He asks Fiz what’s going on. "If you cared about me, you’d support me, stand by me, help me." Fiz apologises. Chesney tells her John’s on his side but is worried that Fiz will bite his head off if he says anything.

Cheryl comes into the office and Lloyd’s very glad to see the second ticket was for her son, not her husband.

David’s glaring out the windows. Nick tells him she’s not worth it. Gail warns Nick that David is upset and needs their support. "I mean it."

David sees the window-cleaning tri-shaw go past, Graeme pedalling and Tina in the back next to a large ladder. He calls Jason and tells him to get to the flat.

Fiz and Chesney make peace over lunch. John suggests he and Fiz go on holiday and leave Chesney to look after the house.

Becky’s in the back room of the pub. She tells Steve she doesn’t know what to take. Steve says Eddie’s not bothering to take anything and this is their chance to impress the social workers. Becky points out it’s not a competition but Steve believes it is. Becky promises to think of something special and deep and meaningful.

Graeme’s up a ladder but can’t open the flat window. He asks Tina’s permission to smash it and does so just as Jason and then David arrive down below. David advises Jason to call the police. While David’s shouting at Tina, Jason goes inside and slams the door behind him. "Hello," calls Graeme . . . "feeling a little bit vulnerable up here!"

Mary blindfolds Hayley then reveals a satin wedding gown. It was Mary’s but now it’s Hayley’s she says. She says Hayley would be doing her the greatest honour by wearing it. "You have knocked my socks off!" Hayley says. She tells Mary she’s a truly good person and will be guest of honour at the wedding. It’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for her, she says (conveniently forgetting about Roy chasing her all the way to Amsterdam).

Jason opens a window and tells everyone to stay where they are. David opens a bin bag and drops Graeme’s clothes in the street. They’re soaking. He used them to mop up the mess when he pulled the radiator off the wall. Oh, and he’s cut the hoods of Graeme’s hoodies . . . Whack! They’re hit by another bin bag chucked with great force by Jason. He throws more of Tina’s stuff down. There’s a little crowd gathered now. Well, Gail, Nick, Rita and Norris. At this stage I hoped a pack of schoolkids would creep into the Kabin behind them and carry off sweeties by the carton, but no. Nick makes jokes. "Have a good laugh!" screams Graeme. "We’ve done nothing wrong!" The crowd disperses as he hugs Tina tightly. Nick follows David away and tells him he’s just pushed the other two closer. He says there’s no point in David standing on the sidelines. "You need to get on the pitch." As Graeme pedals the tri-shaw past again, David looks very thoughtful.

The End
Margaret Carr

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

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